Theological Reflection Research Articles

John R. Mott amidst the students: Historical and missiological gleanings for today

A century ago, John R. Mott (1865-1955) was the most recognizable name among Christian student movement leaders on six continents. Working together with other leaders from around the world, Mott was instrumental in ministry of the YMCA, the World’s Student Christian Federation, and the Student Volunteer Movement. This article first discusses Mott’s contributions as a strategist and analyzes the nature of his expansive network. It concludes with an examination of some theological themes that appear most prominently in his writings and correspondence. The article also interrogates what the American Society of Missiology and related organizations might learn from a similar examination of our network and Mott’s theological reflections on the ‘larger Christ’.

PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN DALAM ERA AI: MENGGUNAKAN KECERDASAN BUATAN UNTUK PERSONALISASI PEMBELAJARAN SPIRITUAL

The digital era and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have presented a significant shift in teaching methods, including in the realm of Christian Religious Education (PAK). This article explores the integration of AI in PAK, with a focus on personalizing spiritual learning. Using a qualitative method with a literature study approach, this study analyzes current sources to understand the potential and challenges of using AI in the context of spiritual education. The results of the study show that AI offers significant opportunities to improve the quality and effectiveness of PAK through personalized learning, deeper analysis of religious texts, and wider access to educational resources. However, the application of AI also presents ethical challenges, including concerns about data privacy, the potential erosion of relational aspects in education, and the risk of widening the digital divide. The study emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to integrating AI, which involves training educators, developing ethical frameworks, and ongoing theological reflection. In conclusion, while AI has transformative potential in PAKs, its application must be done carefully to ensure that technology supports, not replaces, important aspects of Christian religious education, including authentic character building and spiritual growth.

Theological Reflections on Female Strength and Faith: An Analysis of Women in Lynn Austin’s Hidden Places

Theological Reflections on Female Strength and Faith: An Analysis of Women in Lynn Austin’s Hidden Places

Menjadi Sahabat Sejati Teladan Kemartiran dari Santo Maximiliam Kolbe

Modern human life is characterized by the centrality of the individual. The negative effect is that human attitudes tend to be individualistic or egoistic, which can erode the solidarity and altruist spirit of people who want to be friends for others. Thus, the challenge to become a true friend is self-sacrifice. This paper aims to show as an example that there are still people who dare to sacrifice for others. From his spirit people can learn and take inspiration. This research intends to answer the question of whether there are still people in this modern world who can be used as examples of true friends. The author uses a historical approach and theological reflection, as well as a qualitative method of literature study. The results of this study show that being a friend is not a gift from birth, but a natural ability that can be cultivated and learned, as well as a supernatural power that can be invoked in commitment and spiritual fervor.

Ulwaluko: A critical site for black theological reflection

Ulwaluko is an essential rite of passage for men in the Xhosa community in South Africa. This particular initiation rite of passage is a critical part of the transition from boyhood to manhood. In a post-apartheid South Africa, this African practice has received criticism for promoting gender and sexual exclusion with some calling for a halt to the practice. Using Simon Maimela’s theological anthropology and Jackson’s concept of modern slavery as human plasticity, I attempt to expose how post-apartheid constitutionalism has epistemically distorted the theological anthropology of this rite of passage. This is done acknowledging Ulwaluko theologically within the context of African holism. This, I argue, has had significant ethical implications for society. Recognising it as a site of black theological reflection using Maimela’s theological anthropology, I argue that this particular practice can positively influence discourses on morality in South Africa.Contribution: This article makes a theological contribution by situating African and black theology of liberation discourse within the epistemic framework of Ulwaluko as an initiation rite of passage. Recognising the prevalence of initiation rites of passage in South Africa, this discourse attempts to contribute towards thinking about the creation of humanity from these spaces of formation. This I do in the very challenging contexts within which Ulwaluko is practised.

Camping with Jesus: Theologically Reflecting on Evangelical Christian Festivals

Attending a Christian summer camp or festival is a regular feature of many evangelical church calendars within the UK. This article uses a practical theology approach to explore definitions and distinctives of evangelical camping, both within the literature on evangelical camping and through examining the websites and publicity materials of three specific camps—New Wine, Big Church Festival and Newday Generation. The analysis highlights the significance placed upon the location, size, rhythms and purposes of gathering in the festivals’ self-understandings. This leads into a theological reflection upon the biblical festival of Sukkot to examine the ways in which God’s work might be disclosed through the practice of evangelical camping. Three pairs of themes emerge from the comparison: located and temporal, secular and religious, and rejoicing and re-examining. These themes are drawn upon to propose ways in which God might be at work in the social world disrupting a sense of permanence, blurring the boundaries between faith and the world, and calling people into radical solidarity with creation and with the marginalized. Finally, suggested actions are proposed as to how evangelical festivals may better respond to God’s disclosure.

MENEMUKAN IMAN DALAM KETIDAKPASTIAN: REFLEKSI TEOLOGIS BERDASARKAN KITAB HABAKUK

This paper is organized to find faith in uncertainty through theological reflection based on the book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk is a prophet of God in the Old Testament who experienced a difficult time amid King Jehoiakim's reign. The difficulties of life and injustice that occurred during the time of King Jehoiakim made the prophet Habakkuk constantly pray and put his faith in God. This steadfastness of faith needs to be emulated by believers. The modern age in which believers live often brings various challenges, such as the relativism of absolute truth and identity crisis. As a believer living in modern times, I believe that imitating Habakkuk can be done to achieve faith resilience. By having faith resilience as a result of imitating Habakkuk, believers can get through difficult times through their faith. Believers' faith will be trained amid life's uncertainties. Through descriptive qualitative research methods, the author tries to narrate the discovery of faith amid uncertain conditions through theological reflection based on the book of Habakkuk. The author states that the theological reflection of the book of Habakkuk brings believers to have faith that even amid uncertainty, God still answers prayer.

The Harm of Nature and the Light of Man: Philosophical and Theological Reflections on Gratitude and Growth from Disaster

This article explores in depth the multiple implications of natural disasters, especially in the context of scientific progress, human solidarity, and theology. Firstly, this paper reviews the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and discusses the multi-dimensional effect of natural disasters on human society and its profound philosophical and theological significance. Despite the devastation and suffering caused by the disaster, Americans have shown a strong sense of gratitude. Then, from the dialectical point of view, the author analyzes the cosmological view of the coexistence of good and evil and emphasizes the positive role of natural disasters in promoting scientific and technological progress, promoting human unity, stimulating learning motivation, and demonstrating free will.Further, from the perspective of philosophy and theology, the paper expounds on the intrinsic value of pursuing knowledge and exercising natural disasters on free will. The learning process of natural laws deepens human understanding of the world. It strengthens human free will, making people more autonomous and independent in the face of good and evil choices.At the same time, from the theology perspective, this paper compares the different understandings of natural disasters and human suffering between atheism and theism. It reveals the respect for human autonomy and the essence of faith behind God’s non-intervention. In the end, the article concludes that natural disasters, while a source of suffering, are also catalysts for human growth and gratitude, encouraging us to look at disasters from a broader perspective and draw strength and wisdom from them.

Is God a Woman? Female Faces of God in Contemporary Cinema

Film, as a medium, serves not only as a significant source of entertainment but also as a powerful instrument in shaping attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, social norms, and identities. Since its inception, cinematic art has been closely intertwined with religious themes, with many film narratives drawing implicitly or explicitly from biblical texts and religious traditions. Consequently, theologians and ecclesiastical authorities were quick to identify film as a potential locus theologicus. Given film’s ability to spark debates on deeply ingrained views and beliefs, feminist theology, which critically reflects on gender power relations within religious communities and theological texts, finds it intriguing to explore how cinematic narratives can challenge the millennia-old depiction of God as a man. This article aims to examine how the art of cinema contributes to theological reflections on the female metaphors of God, particularly through female Christ-figures and God-figures, which occasionally appear in films such as Chocolat, All That Jazz, Always, Dogma, and The Shack. These characters defy traditional religious language, which often employs masculine imagery and metaphors for God, portraying female God as an independent chocolatier, a single mother, an elegant hairdresser, a beautiful young seductress, a curvaceous African American bread maker, and a witty, clownish girl. In these cinematic depictions, female God is compassionate, empathetic, kind, witty, forgiving, and profoundly in love with her human creations. At the same time, all of these female characters are powerful, assertive, strong, and self-confident.

Laudato Si’: Articulation of its Message and the SVD’s Response

“Laudato Si, mi’ Signore” is a papal encyclical written by Pope Francis and published on May 24, 2015. Intended for all the people, the Holy Father discussed the state of the planet Earth, our common home, and his concern for our future and the future of the coming generations. The document dealt with environmental concerns grounded on theological and spiritual principles. The aim of this paper is to articulate the message of the document and propose how the encyclical can be of use in mitigating global concerns about environmental degradation. This research paper used the “see-judge-act” method to do a theological reflection. For the “see” part, researchers brought to light the nation's current state of the environment of Laudato Si’ in the Philippines. For the “judge” part, researchers discussed pieces of literature that articulated the encyclical, particularly focusing on the “Gospel of Creation.” Finally, for the “act” part, the researchers featured the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm of the SVD (Societas Verbi Divini) priests, brothers, and missionaries in Tagaytay City as a concrete expression of their response to the challenges of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. The research paper concluded with recommendations for urgent actions, that is, ecological conversion – an encounter with Jesus that leads to meaningful communion with God, other people, and nature. It confronts us to live Laudato Si’ and embrace it as life’s spirituality.

The Relationship between the Gospel and Culture: A Theological Analysis and Social Perspective in a Contemporary Context

In today's era of globalization and cultural pluralism, the relationship between the Gospel and culture has become an increasingly complex issue. Various theological perspectives have developed to understand how the message of the Gospel interacts with diverse cultural values and practices. The debate surrounding accommodation or resistance to local and global cultures requires a deeper examination within the context of Christian theology. This study aims to explore the relationship between the Gospel and culture from theological and social perspectives, as well as how this relationship influences the practice of Christian faith in contemporary multicultural and dynamic societies. The approach used in this research is qualitative theological analysis, with a literature review of contextual theology texts and cultural studies. The collected data were critically analyzed to identify patterns of interaction between the Gospel and culture in the modern social context. The research finds that the Gospel can interact with culture through a dialectical process involving acceptance, adaptation, and transformation of cultural values. In some cases, culture enriches religious practices, but in other situations, there are tensions that require deep theological reflection to ensure that Gospel values are not compromised by certain cultural practices. The relationship between the Gospel and culture is dynamic and contextual. It is important for Christian theology to develop a flexible approach while adhering to the core teachings of the Gospel in the face of cultural changes. In this way, the Gospel can remain relevant and significant in the lives of contemporary societies without losing its integrity.

Theological Reflections on the Temptation of Christ based on a comparative study between the Accounts of Matthew and Luke

Theological Reflections on the Temptation of Christ based on a comparative study between the Accounts of Matthew and Luke

The Dignity of Creation

In cognizance of the effect of the influence of a dualistic view, that has influenced a simultaneous oppression of both nature and women, this research article suggests a turning of the gaze to an African women eco-theology. It constructs a methodology from the theological reflections of a social Trinitarian understanding of God, as seen in Jürgen Moltmann’s works, and incorporates animism to it as a way of reconciling all creation in unity with God. It appraises a recognition of the hierarchical nature of dualism in western thought forms, which contributes to an intertwined oppression of nature. It critiques a transcendental apathetic God, in response to ecological crisis; and affirms the African religious view of animism as a way of retrieving nature, to an active voice. In view of this, it offers a shift from dualist view of creation to an interconnected sacredness in order to accord dignity to the creation. The significance of the article will be to shift the attitudes of African Christians, from a dualistic worldview, towards creation

Wilberforce, Nightingale and King Jr: The Wesleyan Tradition as a Basis for Social Justice and Ethical Living

Abstract This article probes the Wesleyan tradition’s contribution to ethical living and social justice in contemporary discussions. It provides a brief overview of the Wesleyan tradition, connects it to personal faith and social duty, emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role in transforming people and groups, as well as the importance of communal holiness. Through critical analysis and theological reflections, this article demonstrates that key principles in the Wesleyan tradition can inform broader Christian engagement in ethical living and social activism in various contexts, with reference to the lives and examples of William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King Jr, and Florence Nightingale. Accordingly, it is demonstrated that Christians today can work towards a just, diverse, equitable, and inclusive society through an application of the key principles of the Wesleyan tradition.

The Christocentrism of Marian Homilies

The aim of this article is to show the Christocentrism of Marian homilies. The starting point is to recall the fundamental function of the homily, which is to introduce the mystery of Christ, “always present and at work in us, especially in liturgical rites” (SC 35,2). This definition was applied to Marian homilies, revealing their three content areas: the proclamation of the mystery of Christ and Mary attested in the Word of God; the leading to participation in the grace of the mystery manifested in Mary and available in the liturgy; the call to conform oneself to Christ in imitation of Mary, his most faithful disciple. Those issues are explained and justified on the basis of Marian teaching of the Church and theological reflection. The analyses were also illustrated with the example of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The analysis carried out in the study showed that the main axes around which the content of Marian homilies should be organised are the Christological, soteriological, liturgical and ecclesiological perspectives. The emphasis should be placed on ecclesiotypical rather than Christotypical Mariology. Such an approach to the Marian homily allows an organic view of Mary’s presence and modality in the history of salvation. It is at the same time an example of a liturgy-mystery-life synthesis integrating what is believed with what is celebrated and what is lived.

Gathered: A Theology for Institutions in a Changing Church

Practical theology has historically engaged in sustained theological reflection on the practices of the Church that intersect with the practices of the world. As field of study, it engages in interdisciplinary engagement that combines social and theological forms of reasoning and analysis. As a broader field of praxis, it seeks to support the conditions where people of faith are formed, and communities of faith may flourish. In both expressions, practical theology exists in a dynamic relationship to institutions (e.g., congregations, denominations, universities) and contributes research and praxis that supports the future of institutions and the faith they mediate. While institutions are often the source and site of practical theology, “institutions” are taken for granted as a clearly-identifiable social form and a fixed expression. However, transnational changes in congregations and related faith-based institutions require an account of the nature and role of institutions within practical theology. In this gap, this paper advances a two-part argument: first, institutions are sites of multimodal gathering, creating containers for various forms of encounter where individuals and communities gather around a shared context, shared stories, shared practices, shared resources, and a shared journey. Second, theology for institutions can be sustained by attending to five modes of institutional engagement and analysis that are marked by attention to shared context, narratives, practices, resources, and a journey. Three sections advance this argument. The first part introduces three different situations of institutional encounter to question the relationship between theology and institutions amid a changing organizational landscape. The second part engages Alasdair MacIntyre as an interpretive framework to identify the gap of institutions in the field of practical theology. The third part concludes by detailing the structure of a theological account that resolves this gap in the field and may attend to the forms of gathering institutions provide.

Growing a Healthy Church: A Theological Reflection on Disability Inclusivity in Ghana

The interplay of medical, social, cultural and religious factors has led to stigma and marginalization of people with disabilities (PWDs) in the Ghanaian context. Observable church beliefs and practices render the relations between so-called abled-bodied people and people with disabilities (PWDs) as an ‘us and them’ relationship. Ironically, the church is supposed to be a place of welcome, restoration and integration. However, with its emphasis on ‘healing before integration,’ the church space has become a place of exclusion for many PWDs. The study argues that the various ways of modelling disability, and the contemporary Ghanaian Christian response to disability are inadequate and lead to the exclusion of PWDs. The study being a qualitative one used both primary and secondary sources. Observations were made at traditional healing centres and healing and revival church services of some churches in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area (KMA) where PWDs were present. Also, journal articles, books, unpublished dissertations, and church documents on the subject matter were consulted. The study points to the fact that a disability-friendly theology must be constructed in order to guide the church to be disability inclusive and hence engender full participation of PWDs in the various ministries of the church in Ghana. The study recommends ways of constructing a disability-inclusive theology in view of the intersection between Akan traditional religion and contemporary Christian response to disability. This article seeks to contribute to the debate on disability inclusivity in the contemporary Ghanaian church, focusing on its importance in promoting comprehensive healing and inclusion for PWDs. Keywords: PWDs (Persons With Disability), Pentecostalism/neo-Pentecostalism, Exclusivity, Inclusivity, Theology of Disabilty.

Verso una rinnovata mistagogia L’impostazione della mistagogia basata sulla tipologia biblica

Biblical typology is the basis of any mystagogy because, through it, the Christian sees the entire plan of God unfolded, fulfilled in Christ, along with the persons, realities, and events that prophetically prefigured His coming. In various fields of theological reflection, the term „mystagogy”, so dear to the liturgical and spiritual tradition of Christian antiquity, has emerged with renewed vigour. In the great patristic mystagogies, the biblical passage takes center stage and shapes the very method of mystagogy: for the Fathers, mystagogy is nothing other than biblical typology applied to the liturgy. Therefore, in order to fully participate in the mysteries of Christ and his message, it is necessary to appropriate and adopt biblical typology. Only this enables us to move toward a renewed mystagogy.

Theological reflection of the perception of the person of Jesus Christ in the light of the historical development of christological models

The person of Jesus Christ has remained a religious phenomenon for many centuries of mankind. The appearance of Jesus Christ in the history of mankind two thousand years ago and his special religious activities remain a relevant issue today. Traditionally, the relationship to the person of Jesus Christ is divided into two positions: those who believe and recognize His divine origin and those who do not believe and try to deny the Divinity of Jesus. From the point of view of fundamental theology and religious studies, the study of those two antinomian positions, in particular their debatable interrelationship, the permanence and deepening of the religious views of the believing side and the relativity and modification of the views about Jesus of the non-believing side, is an incompletely resolved scientific question. As a result, during many epochs of the development of human thought, we received two planes of Christological models: the plane of additions and deepening of faith in Jesus Christ and the plane of oppositions and denials of this faith. This study focuses precisely on this second plane: highlighting the opposing positions of faith and unbelief in Jesus Christ.

The role of catholic faith on health - post-pandemic: theological reflection

Health is one of the main elements in human life. Everyone always gives ample space for their health. However, sometimes people forget this when their life goals are not well understood or are limited to certain achievements. This scientific work examines the reinterpretation of the Catholic faith as a search for human nature and how the Catholic faith and health are actually an inseparable unity because humans are complete creatures. Apart from that, this scientific work also reflects the ideal human attitude in facing crises, especially health crises in the new post-pandemic era, namely "Being human also means being a healthy human being" because humans who are able to find faith can understand it. the importance of health in their lives. For those who understand the integral relationship between the Catholic faith and health, this provides confirmation of the true dignity of human beings, including their relationship to "the Divine."