Theological Questions Research Articles

Wielbłąd w teologii arabsko-muzułmańskiej

In the paper, some cultural and theological aspects of the camel in the Arab and Islamic world are discussed. Important role of this animal in the nomadic life and survival in the desert was emphasized, as well as its value and impact on some historical events. Moreover, Qur‘ānic passages concerning a camel were discussed, as well as quotations from Muhammed’s speeches found in Hadith. Unlike the cultural positive attitude, theological questions appear to be contradictory: on the one hand, camel is presented as a perfect creature, but on the other hand, it is a source of ritual impurity and even a demonic habitat.

Jana Kalwina zarys nauki o Kościele w świetle Institutio Religionis Christianae z 1543r.

One of the main postulates of the reformation movement, apart from the theological questions, was a proposal of the internal reform of the church institution. The Father of the Reformation,as Rev. Martin Luther is called in the source literature, raised the questions concerning the mission of the Church, its role in the magisterium, and also and perhaps above all its hierarchical structure and about the role of the clergy in the process of the eternal salvation. As a result of his reflections and probably his observations and his own experiences Luther undermined in succession different dogmatic, theological questions as well as those regarding the organization of the Roman Catholic Church. Slogans of renewal and reforms of the church structure spread very rapidly through the territory of German Reich, gaining numerous supporters among European nations. One of those for whom the Reformation ideas became the main field of activity was French man John Calvin. That well-rounded, well educated and well-read lawyer, knowing the main works of the German monk, acquired his principal theses postulating the changes in the functioning of the Church. Additionally, Calvin made a division of the Church between the earthly – the visible and the heavenly – the invisible one, and the person who bonds it, guarantees its unity and permanency, the indivisibility is the only and the highest Priest – Jesus Christ. In the work of his life Institucio Religionis Christianae Calvin embodied a full picture of the Christian Church as, in his opinion, it should be. Analysing particular issues regarding the function of the clergymen, the pope, celebrating the sacraments, penance and conversion, and also the eternal salvation, we are given the basic compendium of knowledge concerning the ecclesiology by John Calvin. His teaching about the Church, although in some points different in from the preaching of Rev. Martin Luther, however oscillates within the principal slogans of Reformation: Sola Fides –the man is saved solely by faith, Sola Gratia – God’s grace is necessary for salvation, Sola Scriptura – the only source of faith is the Holy Bible. He also added the idea: Solus Christus – only Christ saves, He is in the centre of The Church, we can observe Calvin’s Christ centred attitude in his preaching and in building ideological basics of the reformed denomination.

„... wir sind ständig unterwegs ...“: Reformierte Flüchtlinge des 16. Jahrhunderts als Exulanten?

This article discusses the question of a specific refugee theology among the Reformed which was first introduced by Heiko A. Oberman. In particular, the author analyzes John Calvin’s writings and John Utenhove’s tract Fidelis Narratio in order to throw light on two questions: Which terms did Calvinist refugees use to describe themselves and did they develop a specific identity as exiles? The author argues that the Reformed experience of exile cannot be subsumed under one label, and that there was a wide variety of terms and identities involved.

Love, Life and Politics: Comparing Lutheran and Orthodox Political Theologies

Abstract In this essay, I want to engage Luther’s political theology by engaging Michael Laffin’s recent book, The Promise of Martin Luther’s Political Theology. I am fully aware of the debates around Luther’s political theology and realize that Laffin’s is only one interpretation, but it is a very nuanced interpretation that offers compelling arguments. I then want to illustrate affinities between Laffin’s interpretation of Luther and my own Orthodox political theology based on the realism of divinehuman communion, or theosis. I then want to end by relating this comparison to what is arguably one of the most pressing questions of Christian political theology – the Christian’s relation to political liberalism.

Digital Humanities and the Future of Theology

What potential does digital humanities have to shape the practice of theology? Are there theological questions at stake? This essay is exploratory, aspiring to identify points of contact between the digital humanities and theology.

Power Evangelism in a Protestant Context? Reflections after a Workshop in Samosir/Indonesia

AbstractThis article discusses how the neo‐Pentecostal concept of power evangelism, read from a liberation perspective, might be useful to contextualize evangelism in the Toba Batak region of Samosir. In a situation where evangelistic preaching follows an evangelical forensic paradigm but Christians turn to traditional religious rituals for blessing, healing, and protection, a new approach is needed. Preaching and liturgies informed by a power paradigm might resolve the problem of syncretism, but important theological questions need to be clarified.

Can We Take the Religion out of Religious Decision-Making? The Case of Quaker Business Method

In this paper, we explore the philosophical and theological issues that arise when a ‘religious’ process of decision-making, which is normally taken to require specific theological commitments both for its successful use and for its coherent explanation, is transferred into ‘secular’ contexts in which such theological commitments are not shared. Using the example of Quaker Business Method, we show how such a move provokes new theological questions, as well as questions for management studies.

Between context and conflict: the ‘boom’ of Latin American Protestantism in the ecumenical movement (1955–75)

AbstractThe article looks at the entanglement of the international ecumenical movement and Latin American Protestantism in the ‘long 1960s’. It investigates the influence and significance of Latin American liberation theology for the churches and theology around the world. During this period, it was particularly the World Council of Churches (WCC), a worldwide fellowship of Christian churches, which strengthened the efforts of churches from the ‘Third World’ to identify their own theological issues and questions. In this way, the WCC strongly supported Latin American Protestant church leaders and theologians in giving specific attention to their own context. The article argues that the ‘boom’ of Latin American Protestantism within the WCC in the 1960s and early 1970s brought into the global ecumenical movement both new theological concepts, such as revolution and liberation, and individuals exiled from Latin America. Yet this contextual and emancipatory approach revealed at the same time fundamental differences and conflicts between churches of the North and South.

The Holy Spirit and the Son’s Glorification

ABSTRACT In John 7:37–39, Jesus promises “rivers of living water” to those who believe in him. John explains that such reference is to “the Spirit,” which “had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (RSV). The text has puzzled interpreters through the centuries. First, who does the “rivers of living water” (v. 38) flow from—Jesus or the believer? Second, was not the Spirit around before the Son’s glorification, which for John begins with his being lifted up on the cross? If so, then in what sense is the Spirit yet to be given (v. 39)? We will argue that a Spirit Christology, which speaks of Jesus as the receiver, bearer, and giver of God’s Spirit, is a most promising theological framework to make sense of Jesus’ words in John 7, unlock the pneumatic dynamic and trajectory of the Gospel as a whole, and more broadly, to ask important theological questions of the text in dialogue with interpreters past and present.

Dissenting Church: New Models for Conflict and Diversity in the Roman Catholic Tradition

The concept of “dissent” is of recent coinage and narrow use in Catholic theology. However, since rereadings of Catholic tradition through the lens of cultural studies have revealed its constitutive plurality, we are faced with a profound tension between a critical description of ecclesial polyphony and the normative ideals of unity and consensus. This interdisciplinary reappraisal of tradition raises far-reaching theological questions: Do we necessarily have to refer to inner-ecclesial polyphony as “dissent”? Does “dissent” silently rely on (and thus reinforce) established hierarchies of authority in the church? What could be counterhegemonic frameworks that resist entrenched power/knowledge regimes in the church? In which ways could “dissent” be reconceived to allow for a constructive approach to inner-ecclesial plurality? Once we raise questions such as these, we begin to see that Catholic theology lacks adequate models for a reflection of ecclesial polyphony in its full complexity. This roundtable addresses this lacuna: it offers critical case studies of historical and contemporary forms of “dissent” within the church, and it engages the theological and ecclesiological issues at stake.

Robo-Theisms and Robot Theists

When considering posthuman figures such as robots, artificial intelligences, or even dramatically enhanced human beings, it is not uncommon to regard them as godlike, owing to their superhuman strength, power, and abilities that may transcend the human condition in pursuit of ‘perfection’ with traits such as immortality or omnipotence. Equally, though, there is a celebration of the human creators of this posthuman progeny, as it is human interests that such robots are made to serve. Thus, there appears to be also an elevation of humans: in religious language and motifs this corresponds to hubris or idolatry; in non-religious terms this raises concerns about the future evolution of the species. Both discussions prompt reflection on our powers and abilities, thereby raising the question of playing God, which this article attends to. The question of posthuman theology, though, is rarely asked or is shunned, which may reveal something about our own sense of religiosity and conceptions of divinity that are transposed onto our creations and our relationships with them. What does it mean to consider a posthuman theology – as affirmative but also disruptive of our own theologically-rooted ideas; and as concealing but also revealing of notions of God?

THE CHURCH AND MENTAL HEALTH: THEOLOGICAL AND PRACTICAL RESPONSES

AbstractOver the past few years, the number of Christian projects and charities working in the mental health sector in the United Kingdom has increased dramatically. At the same time, scientific and medical understandings of mental health have been advancing rapidly. These parallel trends beg a serious question: is the Christian Church's response to mental health authentically engaging with a changing scientific picture? Are theological questions like responsibility, sin, redemption, and reconciliation taking account of a changing landscape? This is not a theoretical question, but has major practical consequences for developing practical pastoral responses.

Traditionalist Spirits and Rationalist Bodies

AbstractDifferent attempts to address the question of the definition of the human being (insān) reveal the tensions between various scholarly disciplines and intellectual trends in classical Islam. This article investigates the various definitions of the human being proposed by classical Muslim theologians, particularly Imāmīs who were influenced by Muʿtazilism. It focuses primarily on the works of al-Shaykh al-Ṣadūq (d. 381/991-2), al-Shaykh al-Mufīd (d. 413/1022) and al-Sharīf al-Murtaḍā (d. 436/1044). Though seemingly a question of subtle theology (laṭīf al-kalām; daqīq al-kalām), the essence of the human being is in fact intimately related to the main premise of grand theology (jalīl al-kalām), that is, the question of moral obligation (taklīf). For the concern of theologians in the discussion is to identify the subject of moral obligation, themukallaf, in every human being, to which they refer as the living and/or active being (al-ḥayy al-faʿʿāl; al-dhāt al-faʿʿāla). In their attempts to produce a satisfying answer, theologians relied on the contributions of thephilosophers, jurists, mystics and traditionalists, thus arriving at different answers that betray the extent of the influence of other scholarly disciplines on various theological schools at different points in time.

Incorporating theology and philosophy of science into the physics classroom

This article is a small empirical study based on two assignments, both involving reading and writing, in two physics courses at a Christian college. Students read theological, philosophical, and scientific arguments and produced research papers. By performing interdisciplinary intellectual work, students considered the compatibility of science and Christian faith through a specific issue: the age of the earth and universe. Students indicated that they both changed and formed beliefs through their completion of the assignments. Furthermore, students became more amenable to the possibility that the principles of Christianity and science are compatible. The authors argue that incorporating theological questions into science classes fosters students' faith as well as their learning and moral development.

Aquinas in the Conceptual Border

Aquinas in the Conceptual Border

CRITICISM OF RADICAL DIRECTIONS OF ISLAM BY REPRESENTATIVES OF ITS MODERATE STREAMS

The study discovers the problem of criticism and claims of representatives of moderate streams of Islam, manifestations and essence of radical forms of Salafism, especially, radical Jihadism. The new term “radical Jihadism” in developed Western countries is conditioned by its destructive and dangerous results for the society. Many European and American scientists study the question of appearance and essence of extremist streams of Islam for preventing terrorist attacks. But a position of representatives of other Islam streams is yet little-known and very important in the aspect of the deep view and study of causal connections of Jihadists’ behavior. The effective fight against manifestations of radical Jihadism is possible only if its preconditions and essence will be studied in detail. The methodology of the study is in the system analysis of results of studying the problematics by scientists, who are representatives of moderate Islam streams. Among them a sheikh Mohammad Said Ramadan al-Buti – the author of more than thirty books on questions of Muslim theology, philosophy, law and a mufti sheikh Ravil Gainutdin – a professor of Moscow Islamic university, the author of many works on Muslim theology, dogmatics and law. The result of the study is a conclusion about the exceptional censure of Islam radical streams by Muslim scientists – theologians, based on citing the Koran, historical analysis of the rise of Salafism and its followers, etymology of the word “Islam”, and also the modern interpretation of Islam for economic and geopolitical aims. Also the main conclusion is a thought that the best background of an idea of representatives of moderate streams in Islam that “Islam” is “peace” would be calming of extremists, who organize terrorist attacks in behalf of Muslims, by their own efforts.

El Verbo Encarnado, principio normativo de la indigenización

This study touches on the intimate connection between two theological questions of undoubted interest -Jesus Christ and the evangelization of cultures- which form a double area for consideration, especially in these times. Taking into consideration the missionary drive of the Church -as can be appreciated in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii nuntiandi-, the author makes a through study of Christology, situating the question of evangelization in its correct framework. After analyzing contemporary terminology (especially the word "indigenization"), and referring to the essential elements of theological reflection on the mystery of Christ, the study analyzes the Church's view of its mission seen from the point of view of its Christological essence. Lastly the author establishes some doctrinal principies which are a the basis of his thesis on indigenization, for example: 1) Indigenization can only be understood and carried out in the light of the authentic mystery of Christ, 2) it is the end of the evangelization process and should not be treated as the means, 3) Christianity should fit into the native culture but before that can happen it should become part of the lives of individuals, 4) The central point of all evangelization is identification with Christ through means of grace and imitation of the mysteries of his life, 5) Authentic indigenization depends on catechesis treating the sanctifying value of human realities redeemed by Christ.

Divination and Human Nature. A Cognitive History of Intuition in Classical Antiquity

Divination and Human Nature. A Cognitive History of Intuition in Classical Antiquity

Doing Theology after the TRC

Many Canadians, including the leadership of the mainline churches, are still trying to come to grips with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and its Calls to Action as they rethink the colonial foundation of both the Canadian state and the churches. Given the role of Canadian mainline Christianity and the churches in this history, the work of unmasking the colonial theology that sustained the “evangelizing and civilizing” foundational projects of the state and the violence they produced becomes an urgent theological task that is yet to be tackled seriously. With a primary focus on the Catholic context, after a brief historical survey this article considers some of the key theological questions inspired by Indigenous voices and proposals that theology after the TRC can no longer ignore.

Un relato de traslación de reliquias en la Castilla del siglo XV: la obra de Alonso de Cartagena

El relato de traslación de reliquias es un género de literatura religiosa que no tuvo amplio desarrollo en la Castilla medieval. Pero Alonso de Cartagena contribuyó a éste notablemente. En 1453, durante una visita pastoral, decidió trasladar las reliquias de santa Juliana a un lugar más honorable. Compuso un relato de los hechos que se ajusta con rigor a los rasgos del género. Escrito en castellano, contiene una exposición sobre la conveniencia del culto a los santos y sus reliquias de intensa inspiración tomista, que expone con rigor y claridad cuestiones teológicas. Las disposiciones sobre la decoración de la capilla de las reliquias ofrecen por su posición equidistante un interesante testimonio del debate sobre la imagen religiosa que se desarrollaba entonces en Castilla.