Theological Sources Research Articles

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.

The Body as a Battlefield: A Feminist Interpretation of Mulan as a Source of Theology in the Face of Gender-Based Violence

This study delves into the intricate interplay between cinema, theology, and gender-based violence through a feminist lens. It centers on the film Mulan as a unique source of theological reflection in addressing cases of gender-based violence. The title, “The Body as a Battlefield,” encapsulates the core theme of this research, emphasizing the body as a contested terrain where power dynamics and societal norms converge. Through a meticulous feminist interpretation of the film, we explore how Mulan’s narrative challenges traditional gender roles, illuminates the resilience of the female body, and offers a fresh perspective on theological discourse. By bridging the realms of film analysis, feminist theology, and social justice, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how popular culture can serve as a resource for theological engagement in the pursuit of gender equality and the eradication of gender-based violence.

Penitencia cuaresmal como medicina del alma. Nueva edición de un sermón de Cuaresma de San Vicente Ferrer

Abstract The sermons preached in Valencia by Saint Vincent Ferrer during Lent in the year 1413 are an excellent model of the type of preaching carried out by the Valencian Dominican. This article offers a critical edition of one of these sermons (number XXVI, with the theme “Erat praedicans in synagogis Galilaeae”) accompanied by explanatory notes on its structure and content, as well as the identification of the theological sources used by the preacher. Thus, a model is offered for a complete reissue of the sermonary, the need for which is evident in the modifications introduced with respect to previous editions.

Durand of Saint Pourçain and the actual infinite. A reflection on divine omnipotence (Super Sent., I, 43, 2)

In his Commentary on the first Book of Sentences (d. 43, q. 2, red. B), Durand of Saint Pourçain (1270-­1334) poses the question regarding the divine possibility of producing infinite actual things, contributing to the debate about the divine power of creating what is considered to be contradictory (actual infinity). Taking into account the philosophical and theological sources of Durand's Commentary on the issue, the article focuses on his accurate solution to the problem of God's production of actual infinites by analysing some arguments such as that of the production of the individuals of a species, like the souls, as well as the argument of the divisibility of the continuum and the original assumption of the commensurability of infinite quantities. The article shows that for Durand God cannot create an actual infinite, but only a potential one.

Violence in the Religious Language of Christianity: Historical Analysis of Christian Religious Language Containing Violence as a Source of Critical Theology

Historical fact indicates that the religious language of Christianity is rife with violence. The spiritual language is echoed in such bloody tragedies as war, murder, and punishment. This study aimed to encourage Christianity to understand violent religious language by viewing it in a reflective frame. The study uses qualitative methods to analyze history, so the literature that records the incidents of Christianity's involvement in violence is used. Analysis of the various literature produced two essential things as critical reflections on Christian theology. Based on historical facts of Christianity's involvement in violence, Christianity was at one time in a phase creating its doctrine (violence is not God's will), and Christianity played God (God did not engage in violence). That discovery is supposed to be part of a critical vehement from a violent point of view.

The theological sources and poetic priorities of Milton's narrative theodicy

Abstract This study of Paradise Lost, interpreted through the lens of John Milton's treatise De doctrina Christiana, argues that the poet seeks to breathe new life into the tropes of orthodox Christian theodicy by radicalising concepts chosen eclectically from both Reformed and Arminian schools of thought, integrating them within the patchwork of his own idiosyncratic heterodoxies and thus catalysing a fundamentally new theology propelled by his narrative priorities. This approach makes the drama that Milton intuits itself the driver of dogma, which drama allows him to bring God and reader into the same story, under the spell of his own theodical narration.

The Effect of the View That ‘Diversion of Faith-Act’ on Prayers

The most important religious and social consequence of the integrity of faith-act view of the Kharijites and Mutazila is takfir. Although Allah Taala strictly forbids the unjust killing of a Muslim, takfir has many times caused serious conflicts among Muslims. This violent and wrong practice initiated by the Kharijites continues today as ISIS etc. is continued by organizations. The result of this situation is the blood that flows non-stop in the Muslim geography. However, the principle that ahl al-qibla cannot be declared as heretics has led Ahl as-Sunnah to firmly defend that prays are not a part of faith. It is obvious that it is necessary to accept the idea that prays are not part of faith. Otherwise, as the verse "We created the soul and inspired it with wickedness and righteousness" indicates, one would have to pay the price of making a mistake by being judged and perhaps killed. In addition, the principle of diversion of faith-act is based on solid foundations not only politically but also religiously. Many nass/verses-hadiths support this principle. Especially Hanafis have emphasized this meticulously. For example, Imam Azam Abu Hanifah drew attention to the importance of the issue in the treatises he wrote, especially in the treatises he wrote, and especially in al-Alim ve al-mutaallim, and repeatedly emphasized that a believer can never be declared a heretic. However, especially today, surveys on religious life have been conducted by institutions such as DIB and IIIT. In these surveys, percentage data on faith and performance of prayer such as praying and fasting were published. According to surveys, the rate of belief is very high at 98%, while praying is very low compared to belief at 40%. Considering the results of the surveys, we have come to the conclusion that some people who believe in Ahl as-sunnah, knowingly or unknowingly, do not care or are not aware of the value of prayers, like some sects that have been criticized by the Ahl as-sunnah with their attitude towards prayers in the history of Muslim thought. Because when some people are told about their deeds, obedience or disobedience, they say that they are good-hearted and talk about honesty, fairness, etc. they say they have these traits. This article will try to explain what the distinction between faith and deed means, what value the deed carries, and what the Ahl as-sunnah actually mean by this idea, and to put each concept in its place. The meaning given to faith will be revealed by starting from the oldest theological sources and especially by referring to Hanafi sources. Then, the position of deeds relative to faith and its connection with faith will be examined. As a result, efforts will be made to reveal what the role of prayers is in the religious life of the believer. Such a study is important in showing that religion is not built on independent facts, but that all of them together form religious unity. “And they were not commanded except to prayer Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion" as the verse clearly states, although faith and deeds are different phenomena, when all of these come together, the true religious life emerges. By taking this verse as a principle, the article tries to determine, in a sort of tentative manner, how deeds should be viewed in terms of theology, and specifically according to the Hanafis.

Religious pedagogical conceptualization of the qur'anic description of slander

From the perspective of Islamic theological thought, every sin, in addition to otherworldly consequences, produces some damage in this world. Sins the effect of which is limited to an individual have the potential to affect negatively one’s spiritual and physical constitution, while sins in the sphere of interpersonal relationships destroy the social fabric. Considering the consequences for the vitality of social structures, a particularly destructive sin is the sin of slander. In the theological sources of Islam, the most well-known case of slander is the Hadisetu-l-Ifk or the slander against Aisha, RA. The honorable Qur'an and hadith sources give a detailed description of this event. Based on the Qur'anic and hadith sources, this paper aims at conceptualizing categories and processes essential for the revitalization of interpersonal relationships after the state of disturbed social dynamics due to slander. In addition to the aforementioned sources, the aim was achieved by relevant insights into certain disciplinary areas of contemporary science. A discourse analysis and case study methods were applied in the paper (Popadić, Pavlović & Žeželj, 2018) as well as the methodological approach of combining traditional and rational interpretation, as the best approach for analyzing the Holy Qur'an (Halilović, 2015). The obtained results contribute to the revitalization and development of healthy interpersonal relationships and positive dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Keywords: Qur'an, family, interpersonal relations, social ties, forgiveness, religious pedagogy

Ecological Theology of Creation in The Perspective of The Theology of The Trinity

The action of God is always the action of the Trinity. Therefore, in properly interpreting theological issues, taking this truth into account is necessary. This is the reason for attempting to interpret the ecological theology of creation from a Trinitarian aspect. The analysis of biblical and theological sources provides the basis for this. The analyses carried out reconstruct the traditional issue model of the theology of creation. They develop an understanding of the relationship between God and creation. For the triune God is the model and deepest source of relationality. The essential love between the persons of the Trinity and the profound relationship of love between the Triune God and creation carries an inspiring message for the construction of man's relationship to the world according to God's design. This should constitute the essential foundation of an ecotheological praxeology.

Women's Experiences in Interreligious Leadership

AbstractWomen are providing significant leadership across the interfaith movement in the US context. While their leadership is increasingly acknowledged, this article will explore how women experience interreligious leadership. What are the challenges and opportunities they face? How do they view and engage their work and their networks? What is the vision they hold for transformed and transformative interreligious relations? How is women's interreligious leadership both an indicator of and a means for contributing to gender justice? This article will feature primary sources – leaders living in the United States and serving in local, national, and global positions with impact in all spheres – along with analysis from secondary sociological and theological sources. Thus, this article will contribute a rare first‐person assessment of women's interreligious leadership to a growing, much‐needed body of research on this topic.

Sefer Yeṣirah’s Dating, Geographic Provenance and the Open Question of Its Composer’s Religious Affiliation and Identity

Abstract In 2018, Weiss has ended centuries of speculation about the enigmatic Hebrew Sefer Yeṣirah’s dating and geographical provenance, demonstrating with a high level of confidence (specifically on the basis of Sefer Yeṣirah’s Syriac grammarian loanwords) a seventh-century C.E. Syrian origin. Weiss and others have also shown that Sefer Yeṣirah’s closest parallels are in Syriac Christian grammarian and theological sources. Given that abundant evidence points to a Rabbinic form of Judaism present in ancient Syria, the theory of a Jewish composer is odd because of the text’s non-Rabbinic character. Similarly, the theory of a Syriac Christian or “Jewish-Christian” author is odd in view of the text’s composition in Hebrew instead of Syriac. It remains for future research to solve this final enigma of the religious identity of Sefer Yeṣirah’s composer.

CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE DURING FAMILY LIFE. A CATHOLIC-DOGMATIC PERSPECTIVE

This paper presents the question of the dynamics of the sacrament of marriage arising from the wedding vows according to the rite celebrated in the Catholic liturgy. The aim of the paper is to explain what it means to celebrate the sacrament of marriage every day, not only on the wedding day. The theme is developed based on the concept of ritual as a phenomenon involving the activities of introducing a person to a new state of life in society. According to researchers, ritual perpetuates certain values in culture and human consciousness. In the light of theological sources, in Christian rituals, marriage is a theological reality. This means that the sacrament of marriage involves the rite of a man and a woman making four promises concerning their future life together and including their relationship with God. These pledges are a promise of fidelity, love, honesty and accompanying the other person for the rest of their lives, which means ‘dialogue of life’. Sacramentality, on the other hand, signifies a guarantee of access to God’s grace, which is necessary to build a family community according to the Gospel. The sacrament of marriage appears here as a Christian ritual celebrated that commemorates every moment of life together, with references to the grace given by God. Looking at the sacrament of marriage as a ritual makes it possible to see two dimensions of the dynamics of the marital relationship: a horizontal relationship, involving the dialogue between the spouses, and a vertical relationship, involving the dialogue of the spouses with God. Viewed in this way, Christian marriage is a reality unfolding in the individual lives of persons, as well as socially and ecclesiastically.

Who We Are and Where We Came from: Divergent Views on Human Origins

ABSTRACT In this article, I respond to Malik’s analysis of positions on common descent (“Creationism, Human exceptionalism, Adamic exceptionalism, and No exceptions”), regarding their metaphysical and hermeneutic compatibility with al-Ghazali’s approach. As a “no exceptions” proponent, I offer a number of Jewish theological sources that support this position, and argue with Malik’s assessment of this stance as scientistic. Due to my divergence from Malik on this fundamental issue, I then go on in the article to explore possible conceptualizations of disagreement, dialogue and the interaction of diverse views regarding fundamental matters.

Epifanische dialogen. De epifanische dimensie in literatuur, het missionaire gesprek en prediking

Salvific experiences with God among contemporaries are an important source for theology, missiology, preaching and the assessment of spiritual life in our culture. My Bright Abyss of Christian Wiman is an interesting example of such a source. In this article the book is assessed as a biographical and poetic description of epiphanic moments. Inspired by Wiman, I explore the concepts of epiphany and dialogue in the context of mission and preaching. To be able to discern epiphanic fragments in the interior life of contemporaries we do not only need mystagogic qualities and dialogical competences in missionary encounters, but also practical theological methodologies. In the previous article, M.J. Kater mentioned four salvific fragments in My Bright Abyss (the fragmentary, human life, despair and atonement). My article is a homiletical-communicative elaboration of these four themes.

Images of Pain, Images of Hope: African Films as Narrative Theologies of Gender and Sexuality

Abstract Cinema is one of the great media of storytelling that, with its images and sounds, draws viewers into a different world and addresses their bodies, minds, and hearts. In this contribution, I will develop an argument for African cinema as a source of narrative theology that is contextual and liberative in its critical and constructive functions. In conversation with African women’s and queer theologies, I will then reconstruct the narrative theologies emerging from films produced in Africa that address women’s issues and diverse sexualities. I argue that they develop, through images of the pain of sexism and homophobia, a theology of hope of flourishing life. Thus, they contribute to the life of a church that is able to overcome prejudice, recognizes the gifts of its diverse communities, and is a space for all to flourish in love.

Nûreddin es-Sâbûnî’nin Peygamberlerin İsmeti Konusuna Yaklaşımı

The region of Maverānannehir is a geography inhabited by scholars who made significant contributions to shaping the Islamic thought system. Māturīdīism originated in this region, one of the two theological schools accepted among Muslims today. One of the essential representatives of the Hanafī-Māturīdī understanding of theology in the area in the 6th century Hijri was Nūr al-dīn al-Sābūnī, who was a respected scholar in his time. Al-Sābūnī was a well-equipped theologian whose views were respected by the people of the region on matters of theology and who debated with Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī, one of the most influential theologians of the period. He endeavored to solve the theological problems of his time, wrote works to facilitate the public understanding of the principles of Islamic belief, and especially emphasized the issue of the infallibility of Prophets (ismat al-anbiya). This study investigated the reasons for al-Sabūnī's emphasis on the view of the Infallibility (ismat) and his opinion on the infallibility of Prophets. How al-Sābūnī understood the issue of infallibility of Prophets provided essential data on the constants and changes (if any) in the understanding of ismat in the Māturīdī theological system. On the other hand, it provided us with reference sources for the historical origins of the belief that prophets are sinless. By revealing al-Sabūnī's opinions on the prophets' ismat, the point of view in ismat in the Hanafī-Māturīdī theological system as of the 6th century has been revealed, and some clues about the historical background of the current situation have been obtained. In the study, the sources were accessed through literature review, one of the leading social sciences research methods; a critical perspective was maintained while evaluating his views, and descriptive language was used while composing the text. At the end of the study, it was seen that al-Sābūnī was a respected Hanafī-Māturīdī theologian of his time and took Māturīdī's views as his primary reference. It was observed that al-Māturīdī's meticulousness in referencing the theological sources and his mastery of rational deductions were sometimes lost in al-Sābūnī due to the Sufi sources he was fed by. Although he had the same opinion as the Hanafī-Māturīdī school on issues such as belief in prophets, the necessity of prophethood, and the attributes of prophets, he differed from the tradition he belonged to in terms of his understanding of ismat and accepted that some prophets committed "mistakes". * This study is based on our ongoing doctoral dissertation titled "The Comparison of Abū Mansūr al-Māturīdī and Nūr al-Dīn al-Sābūnī's Understanding of Prophethood" (Ph.D. Dissertation, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 2023).

Правовая охрана традиционных семейных ценностей российским законодательством: поиск основополагающей парадигмы

Introduction. The paper examines the issue of forming the legal definition of “traditional family values” and notes the unacceptable, in the author’s opinion, excessive clericalization of this process. The author believes that the traditional value recognized as the basis of the institution of the family protected by law is formulated not only in the theological sources, but, first of all, developed by law and philosophical views prevailing in society. Purpose. To prove the groundlessness of handing over the formation of conceptual approaches to the principles of family law to exclusively the spiritual institutions of society. Their role should be considered as important, but not the only one, but rather optional. Methods. The prevailing research methods used in the paper are the historical and logical methods that ensure the reproduction in the mental sphere of the complex process of formation and development of the principles of family law. Results. The author has investigated the problem of becoming and forming the concept of “traditional family values”, a new concept for Russian family law; at the same time the author argues the point of view about the secular nature of this concept. Conclusions. As a result of the study, a point of view is developed on the need for a multidimensional approach to the content analysis of the ethical and legal concept of “traditional family values”, while respecting the equal importance of all sources of humanitarian knowledge: spiritual dogmas, cultural traditions, and philosophical ideas and views.

Towards Unity in Baptism: Exploring the Current State and Future Possibilities of Ecumenical Recognition

This study discusses the current state of ecumenical discussions on the mutual recognition of baptism and the possibilities for progress. Baptism is considered the basic sacrament of unity in Christianity, yet mutual baptismal confession is still not a reality among all Christian Churches and communities. This research also tries to answer questions about the lack of faith in infant baptism and the differences in understanding of the sacrament, especially in the relationship between Orthodox and Protestants. The method used in this study is a systematic analysis of the most relevant ecumenical theological sources of baptism. Understanding the relationship between baptism and faith is the main focus of this study, including an understanding of the ontological and epistemological dimensions of faith and being a Christian from a theological perspective. The results of the analysis are also integrated into the framework of Christian life in general and ecclesiology. One of the important findings in this study is the seventh canon of the second ecumenical council in Constantinople in 381 which states that any baptism performed with water and in the name of the Trinity should be considered a valid Christian baptism. Although the recognition of baptism does not directly entail full ecclesiastical union or eucharistic intercommunion, it does provide hope and encouragement to work harder in promoting common Christian witness and ministry. This research is also relevant in resolving the dilemma between infant baptism and the baptism of believers. In conclusion, the study proposes possible paths to take this discussion forward, in the hope of achieving a wider mutual recognition of baptism among different Churches and Christian communities.

Is a Theological Synthesis Still Possible? The Paradigm of Objective Mariology

As a “doctrinal synthesis of the Christian faith” (St. John Paul II), the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God could serve as a focal point that brings together various theological concepts and approaches pertaining to salvation history. For that to happen, however, it is necessary to delve into and discover the richness of Mariology. Often regarded as a secondary discipline, as a context for other disciplines or even as a source of difficulties in ecumenical dialogue, Mariology nowadays needs a revival of its own. The call for constructing an “objective Mariology” presumes that the autonomy of theology as an academic discipline will be preserved and that theological reflection on the Virgin Mary will be objectivized in terms of both form and content. To meet these demands, one must strive to respect the supernatural purpose and sources of theology as such, and strengthen and develop biblical Mariology as well as the reflection of the Church Fathers. Furthermore, there is a need to draw from the rich legacy of the Franciscan school when reflecting on the unity of God’s plan of creation and Redemption in His eternal reasons. Finally, one must not accept a departure from the “hermeneutic of continuity” in the Catholic doctrine on the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Immaculate and Assumed. The article sets out to describe the essence of the above assumptions and proposes specific conditions that would foster the development of an “objective Mariology”. In that respect, it is important to establish the First Person of the Holy Trinity as the starting point for any reflection on the plan of salvation—of which the Immaculate Conception is the ultimate origin and ultimate goal.

ХРИСТИЯНСЬКА ЕНВАЙРОНМЕНТОЛОГІЯ ТА ЇЇ КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНІ ОСНОВИ

The author of the scientific article offers an overview of contemporary discourse on the interrelation between religious tradition and approaches to environmental issues. Focusing on Christianity as a key religious system, the author analyzes the conceptual foundations reflected in ideas, beliefs, and practices related to attitudes towards nature and environmental responsibility. An analysis of biblical and theological sources that form the basis of Christian faith is carried out, attention is paid to such concepts as creation, piety, care, and cooperation with God in caring for nature as a result of creation. The role of man as a curator of nature entrusted by God is considered, and the necessity of preservation and respect for everything created by God is pointed out. The author also notes the concept of environmental sin, which arises from the realization of human violations of the harmony of the natural environment. An analysis of theological arguments affirming the importance of caring for nature as a part of the Christian calling to mercy and love for one's neighbor is conducted. The article discusses the role of the church and religious communities in promoting environmental values and preserving natural resources, highlights practical actions that the Church and Christian organizations take to support, implement conservation, and educational measures. Accordingly, in the article, the author reveals the key principles of Christian environmentalism and religious-ethical aspects of attitudes towards nature. The obtained results can stimulate a discussion on the impact of religious beliefs on environmental consciousness and emphasize the importance of revising mankind's relations with nature in the context of the spiritual dimension. The article is an important addition to scientific research on ecology and religiosity, opening up new possibilities for understanding and solving environmental problems in the context of a Christian worldview.