Theological Perspective Research Articles

Menghadapi Stres Akademik: Solusi dari Perspektif Teologi Kristen untuk Mahasiswa

The academic world is an important focus in doing assignments, which is a process that is full of obstacles because there are many challenges that students must go through while working on it. In Indonesia, there has been a threat to the well-being of students in the form of academic stress and there are various cases of the consequences of this pressure. This article aims to outline the importance of overcoming student stress in the academic field, as well as efforts to overcome the problem based on a biblical perspective on stress. Qualitative method with analytic descriptive approach, which explains the situation under study in detail through descriptive presentation. Qualitative research methods through literature studies related to "Theological Review of Academic Stress" can be accessed by reviewing journal articles and studying theories from the literature that support this research. This research can produce relevant data through analyzing various sources of information found by the researcher through explanations based on the researcher's observations of existing data. In the next stage, the research will explore the biblical or theological perspective on stress, relating it to academic stress. The research shows the results of the complexity of academic stress with implications for mental, emotional, and physical well-being as well as the quality of academic achievement. The theological perspective highlights how important it is to manage everyone's worries and stress based on a correct understanding of theology.

Early Muslim Scholars’ Conceptions of Character Development and Contemporary Applications in Mental Health and Well-being

Well-being, as a comprehensive phenomenon related to an individual’s emotional response and life satisfaction, has a vital importance for human beings today. Contemporary perspectives, such as the domain of positive psychology, have shifted from a pathology-oriented perception of well-being and have made efforts to include psychological and spiritual aspects in the picture. The aim of these modern approaches is to activate mechanisms of change and build positive qualities within a person. Similarly, the Islamic tradition has long emphasized the importance of physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being, with the spiritual dimension at the center of the purpose of personal development. Both modern psychological and Islamic theological perspectives consider character development as essential for increasing well-being. While modern psychology uses character development only as a tool to achieve self-actualization, an Islamic perspective includes, within the concept of self-actualization, the notions and objectives of purification from the evils of the world and the self and attaining the pleasure of God. Islamic scholars in the classical period emphasized the importance of keeping a balance between good and bad character traits within the conception of human well-being. This chapter will discuss the mechanisms and approaches to character development suggested by early Muslim scholars, such as Abu Zayd al-Balkhi (9th century), Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (112th1th century), Al-Razi (13th9th century), and Birgivi (16th16th century), as well as discuss possible contemporary applications in the light of modern psychological studies. It will put forth strategies for Islamically informed character development and their potential for implementation within Islamically-integrated psychotherapy and well-being counseling within contemporary contexts.

Toward a holistic hermeneutic and preaching in a divided world

Preachers’ finding a hermeneutical and practical bridge in preaching could bring evangelicals and progressives together for productive discussion. After a brief survey on the history of biblical interpretation, highlighting trends that have led to today’s divisions in interpretive approaches among Christians, I engage with the writings of contemporary scholars and principles of Aristotelian rhetoric. Then, a reflection on Luke 18:35–43 facilitates a theological and hermeneutical dialogue using the insights of both theological spectrums and leads to two practical hermeneutical suggestions for holistic preaching: using literary criticism to read and interpret the focal text with an eye to the “bigger” picture and applying reader-response interpretation to bring in the theological perspectives of those in the community.

The ethical debate about the use of autonomous weapon systems from a theological perspective

The ethical debate about the use of autonomous weapon systems from a theological perspective

A Christian Perspective on Islamic Concepts of Jihad, Iman And Islam in the Context of Mindanao Peace Process

This paper is an excerpt of a full-blown study that the author did on the role of religion in the peace process in Mindanao of Southern Philippines. It attempts to understand and analyze Islamic concepts of Jihad, Iman and Islam and their significance to the problem of armed conflict in Mindanao. Analyses of these concepts is based mainly from the perspective of Islamic liberation theology specifically on the works of Farid Esack, Asghar Ali Engineer, and Fazlur Rahman, whose thoughts on the subject are seen to have more relevance towards development of a contextual Islamic theology of peace and liberation that is reflective of the historical, socio-political, cultural, and economic conditions in Mindanao of Southern Philippines. The study attempts to understand the meanings of Jihad, Iman and Islam and draw out essential and significant theological, ethical, and political principles and values which are relevant to the issues of conflict in Mindanao of Southern Philippines, and the role of religion in the peace process. Based on the principles and values derived from the study of the said Islamic concepts, the study attempts to construct a theological and political agenda that is informed by the historical, social, and political context in Mindanao of Southern Philippines.

From gadgets towards community

South Africa is a divided racially, religiously, economically, politically and digitally country. Gadgets become personal and humans gravitate towards them instead of towards each other where botho can be experienced. Technology has negative and positive impacts on the community. This article provides some practical steps from theological perspective for citizens to cross the digital divides. It is here recommended that botho be interpreted through communion ecclesiology lenses. To do this communion ecclesiology and botho will be elaborated, compared, and contrasted. Through the literature review and social media, these two tools are presented as a solution towards divided communities of faith. The findings are that the digital divides can be overcome through theological reflections, self-offering, and robust engagement with communities. The contribution made by this article is that communality cannot be bought. Becoming a spiritual community comes through self-denial and crossing the digital divides – being incarnationally present on the cutting edges of communities.

Laughter in the Courts of Heaven? Chesterton and the Theology of Humor

AbstractThis article relates Chesterton’s theology, and that of other theologians, to existing theories of humor. It asks: With regard to the understanding of humor, what is offered by a theological perspective—especially by Chesterton’s theology—that cannot be supplied by philosophical and psychological theories? The article situates Chesterton’s work in relation to three theories of humor: the superiority theory, the release theory, and the incongruity theory. It then examines two important relationships: first, that between humor, worship, and joy; then, that between humor, cognition, and theology. While focusing on Chesterton’s writing, it also considers relevant aspects of the work of other thinkers, including Ian Ker, Duncan Reyburn, Thomas Aquinas, Søren Kierkegaard, Reinhold Niebuhr, Karl Rahner, Peter Berger, Ingvild Sælid Gilhus, Terry Lindvall, and Brian Edgar. The article concludes by suggesting the beginnings of an outline of a theology of humor.

PARTICIPATORY ECOLOGICAL THEOLOGY

John B. Cobb Jr., a well-known theologian, philosopher, and environmentalist in the United States, has developed his participatory ecological theology from process philosophy to process theology. Some scholars believe it belongs to a distorted form of anthropocentrism, while others suggest it belongs to biocentrism. This study seeks to explore how participatory ecological theology from the perspective of John B. Cobb, Jr. based on a participatory ecological approach to the discourse of environmental ethical methods, especially from a theological perspective. However, through Cobb’s attention to and exploration of environmental crises and interactions with other environmentalists, his ecological theology is shown to be a new form of participatory ecological theology that recognizes the intrinsic value of all existence and affirms the participatory ecological order of nature. He challenges the traditional Christian doctrine of “dominion”. He points to a more responsible concept for humanity, that is, to serve all parts of the natural world as responsible creations, just as serving God.

Engaging Karl Barth's Theology with Nurcholis Madjid and Ibn Taymiyya

This study presents a pioneering dialogue between Karl Barth’s Christian theology and Islamic theological perspectives in the Indonesian context, focusing specifically on the concept of universal salvation. The primary interlocutors are Nurcholish Madjid, interpreting Ibn Taymiyya, and Karl Barth’s theology. Barth’s universalism envisions an inclusive future for humanity, elaborated in Barth’s exposition of the theme “Jesus is Victor,” suggesting a universal reprieve from divine eschatological judgment. Correspondingly, Madjid’s interpretation of Islamic theology proposes a universally hopeful future, recognizing the broad spectrum of divine revelation across various religious traditions, thereby fostering a sense of shared hope among diverse religious followers. Ibn Taymiyya, often misconceived as a figurehead for radical elements, is depicted in this essay as advocating a form of universalism where divine mercy ultimately triumphs over retribution. This article contends that this mutual anticipation of universal salvation can pave the way for meaningful Christian-Islamic interactions in the Indonesian milieu, contributing significantly to interfaith dialogue and understanding.

OCMS as Third Space

This article analyse the work of the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS) through the lens of Bhabha's ‘third space’, highlighting its role in the global mission debate and its influence on the integration of non-Western theological perspectives within Western academia. The OCMS, founded with a vision to decolonise theology and create a space for voices from the majority world, has evolved as a hybrid institution bridging various divides–between evangelical and ecumenical missions, majority world and Western academia as well as mission theologians and practitioners. This ‘third space’ serves as a unique platform where global South scholars can engage in rigorous mission research while remaining contextually grounded. By facilitating this dynamic exchange, OCMS contributes to the decolonisation of theological education and the production of knowledge that resonates globally.

Between Mathematics, Theology,And The City

These days, urban expansion and its associated social and ecological challenges are unavoidable. The clever yet morally upright people who create changes in this circumstance are one of the answers. I argued that a K–12 education can aid in the formation of morally upright and competent individuals. My argument is that, in order for students to eventually transform the city, a theological foundation for mathematics instruction can help them improve their character and cognitive abilities. Because of this, a theological perspective on mathematics education can help students grow as individuals and advance society by enhancing their knowledge. In line with the assertion, I think that the definition of mathematics and theology, their shared goal, and the ways in which they might help students become more morally upright constitute the intersection of these two fields. Trust, direction, and articulation are the end results. Trust is an invitation to consider and devise solutions for ecological and social issues. Direction is an invitation to map out the answer based on completed reflection. Finally, articulation is the attempt to carry out a decision in light of reflection.

The Negative Impact of Modern Western Science from The Perspective of Islamic Theology

The Negative Impact of Modern Western Science from The Perspective of Islamic Theology

Between Tradition and Religious Doctrine: Questioning Kiai’s Status as Zakāt Recipient

Commonly, people pay their zakāt to aṣnāf groups based on their preferences and considerations. However, in Madura, the distribution of zakāt continues to adhere to the traditional notion, wherein it is mainly allocated and prioritized to kiai. This faces a debatable phenomenon whether Kiai could be zakāt recipients or not. Therefore, this research aims to explore the diversification role of Kiai in zakāt payment and describe the theological and social construction among zakāt payment in Madura. The present study employed qualitative research methodologies, specifically utilizing interviews as the primary data collection technique. The participants in this study included kiai, community members, and leaders from Madurese community. This research study indicates that the Madurese Muslim community designates kiai as mustahīqq zakāt under masākīn, fī sabīlillāh, and amīl categories. The diversification of the Kiai’s role is predicated upon the theological perspective held by Madurese Muslim community which posits that the kiai is a rightful recipient of zakāt. Additionally, Madurese Muslim community keeps a social perception that kiai is a revered individual deserving of compensation. Consequently, even though Madurese people understand the existence of religious doctrine to whom they have to spend zakāt, they still prioritize giving zakāt to kiai as the result of their typical social construction.

The Work Ethic of The Coastal Community of Java Island in The Perspective of Islamic Theology

The Work Ethic of The Coastal Community of Java Island in The Perspective of Islamic Theology

Ideologi dalam Pesan Natal 2023: Pendekatan Analisis Wacana Kritis dalam Perspektif Fairclough

A different wave of uniqueness characterizes Christmas celebrations after the Covid-19 era compared to pre-pandemic celebrations. Every year, Christmas is accompanied by a consistent message theme. The Christmas message of 2023 from the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and the Indonesian Church Guardian Conference (KWI) is closely related to the challenges faced by the nation, becoming the basis for the people in honoring God. This research explores the socio-cultural nuances contained in these Christmas messages. With a descriptive qualitative approach, this research uses Fairclough's critical discourse analysis framework and a theological perspective. Data obtained from internet downloads was reduced to identify key analysis elements. The analysis was conducted through three stages of Fairclough's model: text analysis, including description, interpretation, and explanation; discursive practices; and socio-cultural contextualized experience. Findings indicate the presence of eleven keywords in the Easter message, featuring linguistic diversity, including repetition, imperative language, persuasion, and causation. In addition, the socio-cultural insights highlighted caution towards election preparation, identity politics, environmental preservation, the impact of globalization, vigilance in using social media, and technological advancement. These Christmas messages are hoped to appropriately shape people's attitudes to create inner peace and prosperity in honoring God.

Role of fashion-consciousness, health-awareness and environmental concerns on millennials’ usage of smartwatches

PurposeThis paper aims to understand the underlying motivations and factors that drive millennials to embrace smartwatches as fashionable accessories, health monitoring tools and eco-friendly alternatives.Design/methodology/approachIn June–July 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted, gathering 285 complete responses through an online survey using convenience sampling. These responses were then analyzed to obtain valuable insights using structural equation modeling.FindingsThis study’s findings confirm the mediation effect of fashion innovativeness on the relationship between subjective norms and attitudes toward smartwatch usage (b = 0.034, lower limit confidence interval (LLCI) = 0.007, upper limit confidence interval (ULCI) = 0.086, p = 0.015). In addition, it highlights the mediating role of healthology in the association between subjective norms and attitudes toward using smartwatches (b = 0.062, LLCI = 0.006, ULCI = 0.151, p = 0.029).Research limitations/implicationsThis research has limitations in terms of sample representativeness, self-reported data, cultural and regional factors and technological advancement.Practical implicationsUnderstanding millennials’ motivations behind smartwatch usage has implications for marketers, designers and manufacturers in targeting this generation effectively. By highlighting smartwatches’ fashion-forward and health-conscious aspects, companies can appeal to millennials’ preferences and develop innovative features that align with their values.Social implicationsThis study provides validation for the increased level of environmental concerns among millennials, emphasizing its substantial influence on their purchasing decisions when it comes to smartwatches. Furthermore, it highlights that health-consciousness holds greater significance than fashion-forwardness as a determining factor for consumers of smartwatches.Originality/valueThis pioneering study explores the adoption intentions of smartwatch usage, examining it from the unique perspectives of health theology and environmental concerns. By delving into these novel dimensions, the research fills a significant gap in the existing literature. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing millennials’ decision-making processes when embracing smartwatches.

Holistic Holiness: An Examination of Human Flourishing from the Intersecting Perspectives of Catholic Theology and Psychology

Holistic Holiness: An Examination of Human Flourishing from the Intersecting Perspectives of Catholic Theology and Psychology

Melito of Sardis on Tyranny and the Reign of Marcus Aurelius

The article examines perceptions of tyranny in Melito’s On Pascha and Apology, both written under Marcus Aurelius (161–180). This is the first systematic treatment of a key theme in Melito, approached not only from a theological perspective but also in the context of the Second Sophistic and Roman political developments. By proposing a more precise dating for On Pascha, we trace the development and consistency of Melito’s thought and arguments in regard to the relationship between Roman Empire and Christian communities in Asia Minor during the second half of the second century CE.

Membangun Relasi Dengan Ilahi: Proses Pencarian Dan Penemuan Kehadiran Tuhan

Building a relationship with God requires a balance between reason and faith. Although often perceived as contradictory, they complement each other. Humans, with their limited reasoning, can acknowledge the presence of God through the experience of faith. This process is not merely intellectual, but also involves the light of faith that enables one to feel God's presence in daily life. Spiritual quality is key in fostering an intimate relationship with God. Prayer, meditation, and adoration serve as means to enhance spiritual quality. The research methodology of this article employs the literature review method, presenting insights from various relevant sources on building a relationship with God. In conclusion, seeking and finding God necessitates a balance between reason and faith. Spiritual quality, theological perspectives, and embracing faith in Christ aid individuals in experiencing God's presence in their lives.

Harun Nasution's Theological View

This research delves into Harun Nasution's theological perspectives and the reforms he advocated, particularly within the framework of Rational Islam. It explores the historical context surrounding the concept of destiny, encompassing interpretations from the Jabariyah and Qadariyah theological schools. Employing a descriptive analysis methodology, the study elucidates Nasution's rational and scientific theological framework, emphasizing the pivotal role of reason in human actions while maintaining a symbiotic relationship with revelation. Drawing from Nasution's intellectual lineage, notably influenced by the Mu'tazilites and Muhammad Abduh, the research uncovers Nasution's paradigm shift from Traditionalist to Rationalist theology, a significant development in the Indonesian context. Nasution's reforms, detailed within, represent a departure from dogmatic interpretations, advocating instead for a nuanced understanding that reconciles intellect with revelation. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Nasution's legacy as a modern reformer and offers insights into the evolving landscape of Islamic theology, particularly in Indonesia, by comprehensively examining his theological views and reforms and their implications for the interplay between reason and revelation in Islamic thought.