Theological Schools Research Articles

Новые типы епархиальных духовно-учебных заведений в Российской империи в начале ХХ века

The article is devoted to the topic of additional diocesan educational institutions in the system of spiritual educational institutions of the Russian Empire. The crisis of spiritual education, which appeared at the turn of the XIX–XX centuries, intensified by the revolutionary events of 1905-1907, caused a heated debate in the public and church environment about the upcoming reform. The paper examines the causes and patterns of the emergence of new schools and courses at the local level, which preceded the legislative formalization of innovations, their integration into the existing state system of spiritual education. A special place in the article is given to trends in women's spiritual education: the creation of local theological schools alternative to diocesan women's schools, which preceded the reorganization of educational institutions for girls under the management of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. The article attempts to study the emergence of local diocesan educational institutions not only as separate events in the life of the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. The article attempts to study the emergence of local di-ocesan educational institutions not only as separate events in the life of the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. A generalized view of new educational institutions in the context of social and social phenomena makes it possible to see the relationship of additional schools with the transformations of the theological school after 1917.

What Hath New Haven to Do with Chicago? A Reappraisal

One of the most significant theological debates of the late twentieth century was between the postliberal theology associated with Yale Divinity School and the revisionist theology associated with the University of Chicago Divinity School, led by Lutheran historical theologian and ecumenist George Lindbeck, and theologian Hans Frei at Yale and Roman Catholic theologian David Tracy at Chicago. Given that the fortieth anniversary of The Nature of Doctrine is in 2024, it is time to reappraise the terms of the debate, as well as note the commonalities of these two theological schools, by focusing upon the possible role of correlation in theology, the public nature of theology, and the plain sense of Scripture.

Teaching truths, twists, and takeaways: insights from public theological education for times of transition

ABSTRACT Theological education finds itself in the midst of transition. In this article, I probe the primary causes of this transition and the possible responses that scholars and practitioners of theological education identify. I then turn to a case study analysis of a public theological education initiative, The Candler Foundry, and argue that community-based theological education has insights to offer theological schools today. By centering attention to truth, twists, and takeaways, public theological education as practiced by my case site models one way of responding to the urgent tasks facing theological education: rethinking the relationship between theological schools and the church, reckoning with the ongoing legacies of slavery and systemic oppression, and reimagining formation. Learning from public theological initiatives like The Candler Foundry can support theological schools and educators in the challenging yet necessary work of shifting away from a posture of crisis management and towards one of discernment, care, and imagination.

Summer School of Theology 2024

Summer School of Theology 2024

Summer School of Theology 2024

Summer School of Theology 2024

HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAMIC THEOLOGY

This study aims to trace the historical development of theology in Islam and identify the factors that influence the emergence of various theological schools in Islam. This research also aims to understand how different theological views affect the way of thinking and lifestyle of Muslims. The research method used is the historical method which includes four stages: heuristics, verification, interpretation, and historiography. The results show that the development of Islamic theology can be divided into three main periods: classical, medieval, and modern. In the classical period, the rational and scientific Sunnatullah theology flourished, resulting in high productivity in various fields. However, in the medieval period, the fatalistic theology of Jabariyah dominated, causing a decline in theological thought. In the modern period, Islamic thinkers such as Sayyid Ahmad Khan, Ismail Raji Al-Faruqi, Muhammad Abduh, and Hasan Hanafi tried to adapt Islamic teachings to the changing times through a rational and contextual approach. They emphasized the importance of ijtihad and reassessment of the language and historical context of classical theology to answer the challenges of modernity. This research contributes to enriching contemporary Islamic studies with in-depth insights into the evolution of theological thought in Islam.

Perdebatan Aspek-Aspek Ketuhanan dalam Teologi Islam dan Kaitannya dengan Kalimat Tauhid (Analisis Terhadap Tiga Mazhab Besar Teologi Klasik: Mu’tazilah, Asyariyah dan Al-Maturidiyah)

This article aims to discuss the debate on the aspects of divinity in Islamic theology and its relation to the sentence of monotheism based on the madhhab Mu'tazilah, Asyariyah and Al-Maturidiyah. This study is a literature study with a qualitative approach that uses descriptive analysis. The data is taken from articles published on Google Scholar. Furthermore, a strict selection is carried out for these articles by evaluating the abstract, methodology, results, and relevance of each article. Conclusions were drawn from the findings, and the practical and theoretical implications of the study were identified. The results of the analysis show that Islamic theological schools such as Mu'tazilah, Ash'ariyah, and Maturidiyah debate various aspects of divinity in the context of monotheistic sentences. Mu'tazilah emphasizes the intellect and justice of Allah, while Ash'ariyah balances reason and revelation, rejects anthropomorphism in understanding God's attributes, and affirms God's decree and destiny. Maturidiyah, on the other hand, has a more moderate approach and emphasizes the importance of faith, and views the attributes of Allah as something that can be understood in a limited way by human reason. Despite their different approaches, these schools seek to understand and explain aspects of divinity within the framework of monotheism which is a fundamental principle in Islamic teachings

The Millennium Doctrine and The Different Schools of Interpretation and Theology in It

The Millennial Kingdom is a Christian doctrine that some believe in and others reject. This belief is summarized among those who believe in it that the Messiah (peace be upon him) after his second return will come as a king and establish hisThe Millennial Kingdom (a thousand years) and rule the world literally and be Ushlim the capital of his king. This period peace and righteousness prevail, but there is a group calling for the craftsmanship of the thousand years and they believe this thousand year is a period in which righteousness and peace prevail on earth. Also, it precedes the second coming of Christ, and another group believes that the idea of the reign of Christ refers to the spiritual reign of Christ over the hearts of those who believe in Him.

Опыт решения проблем духовно-нравственного развития и воспитания личности в Печорском крае в период его пребывания в Эстонии в 20–40-е гг. XX века

This article is devoted to the experience of solving the problems of spiritual and moral education of the individual, which were formulated by representatives of the clergy and the teaching community during the Congress of teachers of the secondary theological school of the Pskov province, held in Pskov on May 2, 1917. The participants of the congress agreed that the important task of teaching the Law of God is not set at the proper level, but is built mainly on formal grounds that cannot serve the development of religious feeling in children. At the same time, despite these shortcomings, the participants of the congress rightly noted that there is no alternative to religious and moral education and upbringing in secondary schools, but at the same time it will be necessary to build a fundamentally new school, and in exceptional conditions of distrust of religion. Expressing the hope that a whole system of new schools would arise in the renewed Russia – from the lowest to the highest, the participants of the congress believed that the new school would contribute to the most complete culture

Obstacles of Instructors in Writing and Publishing International Journal Articles: A Study of Theological Schools in Indonesia

Obstacles of Instructors in Writing and Publishing International Journal Articles: A Study of Theological Schools in Indonesia

Іоаникіївська богадільня в Богуславі (за матеріалами «Київських єпархіальних відомостей»)

The objective of the article is to investigate the history of the establishment and activities of the Ioanykiivskyi Almshouse based on materials from the journal «Kyiv Diocesan News». The methodological framework of the study is based on general scientific principles of scientific validity, objectivity, systematicity, structuralism, historicism, and methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization, and application aimed at comprehensive coverage of facts and phenomena, the use of reliable, verified information, and presenting the material in a clear sequence. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the study and systematization of reports from the Ioanykiivskyi Almshouse, which were submitted for consideration at diocesan congresses and published in the journal «Kyiv Diocesan News», helping to form an understanding of the establishment and functioning of the shelter as an important component of the social protection system for lonely, disadvantaged representatives of the clergy and the charitable activities of the Orthodox Church as a whole. Conclusions. Within the social welfare system of the Orthodox Church, particular support was needed for lonely and disadvantaged members of the clergy, especially widows and orphans. Thanks to a donation of 50,000 rubles from Metropolitan Ioanykii, who transferred it to the Kyiv Diocesan Guardianship, the idea of establishing an almshouse named after the benefactor became feasible. The shelter was located in the premises of a former theological school in the town of Bohuslav, Kaniv County. Admission to the shelter was upon request to the diocesan guardianship with mandatory certification by the local charitable council. When vacancies were available, individuals from the clergy were admitted to the almshouse for a fee, which was used for the needs of the shelter. Several dozen individuals, mostly women, were constantly residing in the institution. The funding for the shelter was provided from the interest on the Ioanykiivskyi capital. The rules for staying in the almshouse and the work schedule were regulated by the provisions. Over time, the living conditions in the shelter improved, funds were allocated for repairs, and medical assistance. The question of opening a school for children was constantly raised, as envisaged by the provisions, but due to a lack of funds, this was never realized.

Ruling on Theology through the Shari‘a: Modern Approaches of Qur’an Interpretation and the Classical Universal Law of God’s Transcendence

The purpose of this article is to evaluate fatwa on the Wahhabite interpretation of the ambiguous verses in the Qur’an given in 2014. Classical Muslim scholars respected the intellectual freedom of the other theological schools as long as their interpretations did not attribute human characteristics to God. However, this intellectual tolerance is not demonstrated by the Ulama Council in Aceh, Indonesia today, which only accepts their interpretation of the Qur’an. Rival interpretations propagated by other ideological groups, such as the Wahhabites, are ruled as blasphemous and deserve public outcries of condemnation. It seems that the Ulama Council in Aceh has instrumentalized the Shari‘a to suppress any ideas that are not in line with the Ash‘arite creed, even though there are other legitimate schools and approaches. Any group that promotes a different view is now liable to public condemnation.

Abortion as an ethical-religious problem in Islam

The relevance of this article lies in the increasingly active public discussion among Muslims, the challenge posed by the induced termination of pregnancy by Muslims and the problems stemming from it. The increasing calls from Muslims to the spiritual authorities for clarification of this issue in various countries confirm this trend. However, a comprehensive understanding of Islamic attitudes towards induced abortion remains poorly understood. Islamic discourse permeates the entire socio- cultural facet of Muslim society. It is transforming and developing among the communities of modern Muslim countries, matching the dynamics of changes in attitudes on the issue of induced termination of pregnancy from the early Middle Ages to the beginning of the ХХI century inclusive. In this regard, the purpose of this work is to describe and reveal the question about the use of abortion in the Islamic world. In the study specific “introductory” examples from the Muslim world are presented for disclosure given by those. In the course of this study, the topic of abortion as a social and medical phenomenon was briefly studied and covered through the lens of terminology, social, medical, religious and legislative factors. The process of transforming Islamic religious ethics with regard to abortion is briefly outlined. In the sequence since the beginning of Islam and the development of this religious speech in the ХХI century, the prism of the views of the Sunni and Shiitic directions, as well as the 4 Sunni theological schools, in the context of solving the problem of abortion. Examples were provided of legislative solutions to the problem of induced termination of pregnancy in some Muslim countries, Asia Minor, the Middle East, North Africa and Australia. The materials of this article contribute to the study of ethical and religious problems in Islam.

The Correlation between Body Composition and Physical Fitness Parameters in High Theological School Students

Previous research findings support the claim that physical activity (PA) and maturation result in changes in physical fitness (PF) and body composition (BC) parameters. Fitness assessment tests are especially important for monitoring the health of adolescents. The purpose of this study was to find the correlation between BC and PF parameters in studnts enrolled in High Theological School in Niš. Thirty-seven male students living in boarding schools were included in the participant sample. The average age of the participants was 17.48±1.48 years. The body composition analyser Omron BF 511 (Omron, Tokyo, Japan), was used to measure the BC values. A modified Eufitmos testing protocol was determined to evaluate PF parameters such as: Progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (Pacer), 1-Mile run (1MR), Push-ups (PU), Handgrip (HG), Standing broad jump (SBJ), 20-Meter run (20mR), Back-saver sit and reach (BSR), and Body mass index (BMI). The results showed that the weight status parameters were highly correlated with each other. Regarding PF parameters, they correlated moderately with each other. The correlation analysis between BC and PF parameters showed that BMI, Fat%, and Muscle% achieved moderate correlations with PACER, VO2max, PU, SBJ, and 20mR, while BW had a significant correlation only with HG and PU. Also, BH had a moderate correlation with VO2max, PACER, SBJ, and HG. The findings indicate a correlation between body composition and physical fitness parameters among theology students. However, a suggestion for further research is to conduct multiple regression analysis, which would reveal the relationship between the overall body composition composite and the fitness of the students, rather than just individually determined parameters.

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.

“I Thought It Was Beautiful; I Just Wish I Could Understand It”: The Awkward Dance of Multilingual Worship

This article explores strategies for planning and leading multilingual worship. It offers an overview of translation and multilingualism for readers unfamiliar with the growing body of scholarship in these fields and connects them to the role of translation and multilingualism in Christian worship, leveraging decolonial perspectives to critique its history. This article draws from a data set of approximately 40 liturgies designed for the Course of Study School of the United Methodist Church at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. It uses selections from these liturgies to demonstrate how issues of translation and multilingualism might be dealt with in worship planning and leadership. Finally, the article points to possibilities for further exploration at the intersection between Christian worship and multilingualism.

His Holiness Patriarch Sergius, Metropolitan Gregory and the Theological Schools of the Moscow Patriarchy from 1944 to 2024

The article commemorates two significant events marking the 80th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church in 2024: the passing of His Holiness Patriarch Sergius and the establishment of the first theological schools in Moscow during the Soviet era. The question of establishing theological schools was raised by Patriarch Sergius following the Council of Bishops in 1943 and his subsequent election as patriarch. These schools were inaugurated just a month after his passing. It’s emphasized that the swift preparation for the opening of the Theological Institute and Theological and Pastoral courses was facilitated by the quarter-century journey of the patriarch’s long-time faithful colleague, Archpriest Nikolay Chukov (Archbishop Gregory of Saratov and Stalingrad), who authored the project for spiritual educational institutions of the Moscow Patriarchate. He had substantial experience in establishing and overseeing higher theological institutions in Petrograd-Leningrad from 1920 to 1925. For the first time, a diary detailing the activities of Archpriest Nikolay Chukov is published in the appendix. His endeavors, undertaken with the support of Metropolitan Sergius and the Synod from 1928 to 1930, aimed to establish a Theological Institute in Leningrad. Unfortunately, his plans were thwarted by his arrest in 1930. The entries in the published diary confirm Olga Vasilyeva’s assertion that Metropolitan Sergius’ interview, which sparked widespread protests due to its denial of Church persecution in the USSR, was a quid pro quo for allowing him to submit a memo to Pyotr Smidovich. One of the memo’s points emphasized the necessity of opening a theological school. This memo played a pivotal role in obtaining permission, which, in turn, significantly hastened the process of opening theological schools in Moscow in 1943–1944. The article concludes with excerpts from books and articles by a professor from the Department of Church History at Saint Petersburg Theological Academy. This academic offers a negative and ironic assessment of both the ascetic work of Metropolitan Gregory of Leningrad and Novgorod, and the martyrdom of Patriarch Sergius, who endured humiliation primarily to preserve a legalized church organization, which was essential for the establishment of theological schools within the Patriarchate. This aspect became particularly significant when considering the pivotal choice by the authorities between the patriarchal Church and the Renovationists in 1943.

Toronto School of Theology: Theses Completed, Academic Year 2023–2024

Toronto School of Theology: Theses Completed, Academic Year 2023–2024

Theology in the University: What's Next?

Drawing on my leadership experiences in the academy, particularly as Dean of a theological faculty in a secular, public university (Université Laval), and my recent participation in the Synod on Synodality, I continue my reflections on the future of academic theology that I began in a Toronto Journal of Theology article on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Toronto School of Theology. I argue that drawing on the historical impetus of the creation of two Roman Catholic universities in 1852 (one in Quebec, the other in Ontario), theological institutions must think about social context and pertinence beyond the university. We cannot think abstractly about the development of our theological institutions. It would also be bad advice to consider it only by comparing them to other institutions around the world or by taking as a reference the criteria and strategies common to the development of university institutions. We should not exclude these approaches, but in this article I highlight the obligation to reflect in context; our institutions must never become detached from their social and ecclesial environment. After discussing the reasons that led to the creation of Catholic universities in Canada in the nineteenth century, the article highlights two challenges: the social progress of marginalized communities through access to university education, and the training of workers to the vineyard of the Lord, in particular the formation in synodality.

Becoming the intellectual: Pavlo Popov’s education at Rylsk Theological School and Kursk Theological Seminary (based on materials from personal fond)

Becoming the intellectual: Pavlo Popov’s education at Rylsk Theological School and Kursk Theological Seminary (based on materials from personal fond)