Theological Studies Research Articles

What Is Christendom to Us? Making Better Sense of Christianity in Global Politics

Abstract What is Christendom in international relations? We argue that Christendom does not equate to a long-lost historical empire but an enduring imaginary of a political order where government secures the church and the church ministers to government. Such imaginaries have taken a diverse range of historical and geographical forms, which have barely been explored in International Relations (IR). They may be state-centric or decentered. As intellectual historians of the discipline have demonstrated, international relations was founded on a Christendom ontology and theology, and then rapidly forgot that fact. One major feature of this forgetting is a narrow historical conception of Christendom—its equation with Latin Christendom—in contrast with the wealth of scholarship in the humanities, which has revealed various conceptual forms and discursive practices of Christendom from at least the fourth century CE to the present. The effect of this narrowness has been to confirm IR’s historical Eurocentrism and prevent it from exploring the international politics of Eurasian, Eastern Orthodox forms of Christendom, and signs of new imaginaries of Christendom emerging in the Global South. But such neo-Christendoms—which imagine government as re-centered on the church—raise the possibility of the emergence of modern variations of the legitimized violence associated with Latin Christendom. Alternative theologies of post-Christendom—imagining the church as politically active but decentered from government—indicate that such an imaginary is contested not just beyond but within Christian theology. The paper provides a new definition of Christendom and re-evaluation of its afterlives for the study of religion and theology in international relations.

Kajian Teologis Antropologis Terhadap Pemali Dalam Ritual Rampanan kapa' di Toraja

This paper analyzes the Anthropological Theological Study of The Pemali in The Rituals of rampanan kapa’ in Tandung La’bo”, Sanggalangi District, North Toraja . This study uses a qualitative method, where data and facts are obtained directly by using interview techniques, observation, and library studies. The result found five cultures of the pemali in the rituals of rampanan kapa’;1). Pemali sounds a drum where there is a family above the house/family who died; 2). Pemali determines the day either or sees the moon (cannot get married in february/month of sipi’; 3). Pemali unteka’ palanduannatau (no one servant marriied to nobles); 4). Pemali ma’pangngan buni (have affair) and; 5). Pemali urromok busian dirangkan (commit adultery). Through the anthropological study the existence of the pemali in the rituals of rampanan kapa’ is a result of wise thoughts that are lowered by God to the human being to bring a good for the lives of society. Pemali in the rituals of the rampanan kapa’ doesn’t affect the beliefs of the community (Christians)because they are interpreted according to the word of God.

Naples, China and the Cosmos: The Theology of an Eighteenth-Century Chinese Priest

This paper examines the correspondence of Li Zibiao (1760–1826), a Chinese Catholic priest trained in Naples who worked as a missionary in North China. Whereas existing studies of Chinese theology mainly focus on contextualisation, Li responded to persecution by thinking in global terms and de-emphasising differences between Europe and China. Using developments in casuistry and the moral theology associated with Alphonso de Liguori he was able to avoid the strictures of the Chinese Rites Controversy. His story enriches the history of indigenous clergy in China and suggests some of the roots of China's resilient rural Catholicism.

„V otázce ‚fenoménu Hromádka‘ je třeba se rozhodnout“: Vztah Josefa Smolíka k J. L. Hromádkovi v soudobém evangelickém kontextu

Josef L. Hromádka represented for Josef Smolík from the beginning of his study of theology and his active engagement in the Evangelical Church of the Bohemian Brethren as pastor and teacher of practical theology a dominant figure for his theological orientation. His view on the Czech systematic theologian saw a development from a more critical view in the time after the Second World War to a strong appreciation in the 1970s and 1980s. This study examines the evolution of Smolík’s view on Hromádka in the context of the stages of the communist rule in Czechoslovakia and compares it to the views of his contemporaries in both the Protestant establishment as well as in dissident circles of the time.

Mystical Implicature of Javanese Mantras: From Lingual to Transcendental?

Up to this point, no research has been conducted on the mysticism found in the mantra of Kidung Rumeksa ing Wengi (referred to as KRW). This study focuses primarily on Javanese Mysticism, employing qualitative research methods as guidelines. The primary data utilized in this study is the spell text, while hermeneutic techniques are employed for analysis. The findings reveal that KRW, through the symbolism of its mantra language, embodies the implicit aspects of Islamic Mysticism within Javanese philosophy. The structure of KRW demonstrates influences from Javanese poetry, specifically tembang macapat, while mystical symbolism draws upon the analogy of birds. The essence of mysticism pertains to sufiyah inclinations such as desire, anger, mutmainah, and lawwamah. The most profound aspect of controlling desire revolves around the perspective on the life of the Kiblat Papat Lima Pancer. The content of KRW holds relevance as it serves as an Islamic religious mantra for conversion. A subtle strategy that combines language symbolism and cultural convention is deemed more acceptable than proselytizing through violence. A significant implication of this research is that mantra literature stands as an essential medium for embracing transcendental values. KRW is an inclusive and collaborative platform that unites linguistics, mysticism, sociology, culture, and philosophy, all converging toward the enhancement of theological studies.

Biblical and Canonical Grounds for assuming the fulfilment of Man in the Ecclesial Ministry

This text explores the path towards human fulfilment in ecclesial ministry. It sees man's call to growth as a path to realizing one's God-given potential. Although sin obscures this call, God gently guides man toward renewal, culminating in Christ's restorative work. Seeking the kingdom reorients one's priorities toward eternity and aligns personal gifts with God's will. The Church nurtures these gifts, making each believer a vital, responsible member of Christ's Body. Through partaking of grace, one becomes a witness to the world. However, authentic Christian living requires continual purification. The calling to priesthood represents the pinnacle of service through total dedication. Chosen for their maturity and theological grounding, priests devote themselves completely to equipping believers for ministry. Necessary qualities include blamelessness, prudence, and virtuous living. Pastoral ministry starts from an inner call later confirmed by the Church. One who feels drawn to service and theological study discovers through this process a crystallization of vocation, assuming responsibility for living out God's gifts.

Forgiveness and Social Hierarchy in the New Testament: Revisiting the Keene Thesis

Abstract In a small number of publications, Frederick (‘Fred’) W. Keene has proposed a new understanding of how forgiveness works in the New Testament; his work is currently being received in both New Testament studies and related disciplines, in particular also in practical and systematic theological studies, in which it is often referred to as a standard (or at least eminently viable) opinion. His work and his thesis concerning forgiveness have, therefore, a considerable impact and should accordingly be taken seriously as an exegetical conversation partner, which, so far, has hardly been done. The core of his thesis is that forgiveness is only possible in a hierarchical relationship. This contribution introduces Keene’s central thesis, considers its substantiation and then analyses it in the sense of a critical evaluation, focusing on aspects, which have to do with (a) grammar and linguistics; (b) the linguistic creation of egalitarian relationships; (c) the intersectionality of intra-human hierarchies; (d) the role of martyrs in relation to forgiveness. In discussing these, incidental alternatives to Keene’s exegetical choices will be offered. This approach also means that this contribution cannot do justice to the full scope of topics and themes associated with ‘forgiveness’ in the New Testament, but will remain focused on Keene’s work, although the conclusions move beyond it as they also present the insights gained with regard to forgiveness in early Christianity through a critical interaction with Keene’s work and the texts that he appeals to.

MEANING OF RAMBU SOLO RITE SYMBOLS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE TORAJA CHURCH PALAWA CONGREGATION: " AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH WITH SOCIO-DISCOURSE ANALYSIS STUDIES”

Aluk is a system of life that occurs in all areas of human life that includes customs and culture. The aluk that was already in the sky, and Puang Matua and the gods were brought the provisions of the aluk. So that the relationship between in heaven and on earth is bound together. So it appears in Aluk Rambu Solo'. One of them that is still being done today is the installation of Rambu Solo rite symbols. In making and installing the Rambu Solo' symbol, there are certain conditions that must be met. The symbols of Rambu Solo' rites are rituals to remember and honor ancestors who have died and can bless and protect the family. So this is the background so that the author wants to explore the meaning of the symbols of Rambu Solo' Rite and theological studies. In this study, the author uses “socio-discourse analysis" which is an interdisciplinary approach that combines elements of social analysis and discourse analysis. This method aims to understand how language is used in a particular social context and how it reflects, creates, or reproduces social structures, powers, identities, and social relations. Here are the general steps in conducting research using the socio-discourse analysis method.The results showed that the making and installation of Rambu Solo' rite symbols is still within the understanding of Aluk Todolo and is seen as a legacy from ancestors. In the making and installation of the symbols of the Rambu Solo rite , the Gospel Crystal has actually been seen, but it is still in the understanding of Aluk Todolo. Therefore, through the creation and installation of Rambu Solo rite symbols, it is necessary to accompany and direct the Torajan people in understanding the meaning of Rambu Solo rite symbols so that they can enjoy the gospel of Christ through culture

Factors Influencing the Conversion of Ngiturkana People in Turkana County to Islam

This study investigated factors that contributed to Christian conversion to Islam among Ngiturkana people. Islam has been on record as the religion that is spreading at a faster rate in the world and attracting a lot of people from other religious backgrounds and cultures. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the conversion of Ngiturkana people. The question this research intended to answer was what reason Ngiturkana Christians give for their conversion to Islam? The findings of this research reveal that there exists no single cohesive pattern that describes converts of Islam from Christianity. The study also reveals that there is denominational pluralism where some are from Catholic Church and others were Protestants. This appears to create a huge dissonance among young people due to different practices such as the place of Mary and the additional Books of the Bible. This research gives credence to Wayne Gruden’s conclusion that religious conversion involves adopting a new sort of belief. It is critical to notice that the converts recounted adopted a new set of beliefs and abandoned the religious beliefs they previously clung to. All the converts in this study neglected their fidelity Christianity and its related practices and chose to adopt Islam. The findings of this research also conclude that the experiences of converts are not specific to Christianity. The experiences are not the exclusive sphere of Christian conversion. Christians should have awareness and come up with alternative explanations of conversion. Also, Christians converting to Islam reported felt needs as leading to their conversion. This is also not a preserve of Christianity since it goes both ways. The converts in this study reveal an individualistic mindset even though they came from a collectivist society. Collectivist and individualistic personalities or cultures play a role in religious motives. In view of these findings there is a need for the church to develop the knowledge and skills of pastors. From the interviews, it is evident that pastors could not convince those who attended debates between Christians and Muslims. Pastors and church leaders therefore need training through introducing theological studies to teach them on church doctrines. Churches should conduct workshops and seminars to sensitize members on the significance of spreading the gospel to the Muslims and defend their faith. There is need for return and revival of biblical theology through Bible studies in the church and the Sunday schools for discipleship.

KeithClements. Appointments with Bonhoeffer: Personal Faith and Public Responsibility in a Fragmenting World, T&T Clark New Studies in Bonhoeffer's Theology and Ethics. London: T&T Clark, 2022. xiii+203 pp.

KeithClements. <i>Appointments with Bonhoeffer: Personal Faith and Public Responsibility in a Fragmenting World</i>, T&amp;T Clark New Studies in Bonhoeffer's Theology and Ethics. London: T&amp;T Clark, 2022. xiii+203 pp.

A Theological Study of Julian of Norwich’s Hopeful Words “All Shall Be Well”

This article analyzes the perspective in Julian Norwich's words, “All Shall Be Well” through the lens of the Korean Presbyterian Church, specifically its focus on sin and repentance as a practical interest. Examining the concept of sin that is emphasized in practice, I compare John Calvin’s theology of sin with Julian’s to reconsider a comprehensive understanding of sin for helping Korean Christians on their spiritual journey.

The role of education in the church to equip Generation Z in maintaining the faith for the implementation of the great mandate

Generation Z lives in a digital age, which is selfish and forgets the great task that God has given to believers. The Church is responsible and has an important role to play in preparing Generation Z for the implementation of this great mandate. The purpose of this research is to find out the needs of youth in carrying out the great mandate. This article was written using qualitative research methods with a literature study approach, by describing the concept of theological studies of the role of the church in equipping Generation Z in defending the faith for the implementation of the great mandate. it was found that teenagers in this era need the role of the church to form them into disciples who can make disciples, the church must equip Generation Z to carry out Jesus' commands to non-believers.

Kajian Teologis Tentang Cara Orang Tua Mendidik Anak Dalam Keluarga Kristen

The family is an institution formed by God on this earth, but often believers do not involve God in their household when problems arise in the family. Parents should educate their children gently, but there are parents who educate their children in a harsh tone. Christian parents educate their children based on the word of God, but there are parents who educate their children not based on the word of God. Parents should educate their children with love, but there are parents who educate not based on love, and often even embarrass their children in public. Educating children in the family has a target to glorify God, but there are parents who don't understand that. The purpose of this research is to find out the theological studies on how parents educate their children in Christian families. The methodology used in this research is qualitative with a library research approach to find articles that are relevant to the topic of discussion. The results of this research are educating with good examples, educating with faith, educating with love, educating patiently, educating meekly, educating humbly, educating by not being angry and educating by forgiving. As a conclusion from this research, parents need to set a good example, through faith, love, patience and gentleness.

Smart Theology and Social Competency: Navigating Youth Engagement in the Digital Age

Abstract Based on an interdisciplinary study of practical theology, pedagogy, and business education, this article elaborates on aspects of social competence, digitality, engagement, and lived theology. The article further describes in which areas and how often young adults completing vocational training are involved in society and the church and how they use their smartphones. In addition, the young people’s assessment of the opportunities and risks of digital possibilities is discussed as aspects of etiquette regarding manners with the smartphone. Furthermore, it is worked out how young adults perceive themselves as socially competent and what implications this has for social learning. Finally, the authors describe the significance of these findings for hybrid-liquid church life and the extent to which practical action promotes the theological productivity of young adults and supports their development.

Bibliometrics and Pentecostal Scholarship

Abstract The Society for Pentecostal Studies celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2020. To commemorate the half-century mark, the editors of Pneuma assembled a special issue that included a history of the Society. While the fiftieth-anniversary commemorative volume captured the growth of the Society, absent was a consideration of the impact of Pneuma. As such, the fifty-year anniversary deserves a more quantifiable discussion of the journal’s impact on scholarship. By using a combination of information science and theological reflection, this article offers fresh insights on the journal’s impact in the realm of scholarly publishing. It fleshes out significant theological trends in Pentecostalism covered in its fifty-year history using bibliometrics. An index of all 710 peer-reviewed research articles published from 1978 to 2022 was created. Bibliometrics were used to assess that scholarship’s impact, understand where pentecostal studies flourished, and uncover possible gaps in pentecostal research where further study may be needed. Bibliometric research in theological studies acts as a mirror for researchers by quantifiably reflecting trends in pentecostal research that may have been anecdotally assumed or overlooked altogether. It places possible bias into sharp focus and offers new tools for discussing sensitive research and publication issues such as gender politics, diversity, and inclusivity.

Hebrew as a Subject of Research and Teaching in Poland from the Early 16th Century to the 20th Century. A Contribution to Further Reflections

The paper explores the history of Hebrew studies in Poland from the early 16th century to the 20th century. The beginnings of academic studies and thorough research into biblical Hebrew can be traced back to the 16th century as the first lecturers of classical languages appeared at the Kraków University. They were also the first to write textbooks for learning this language, and some of tchem translated biblical books from their original languages. Jewish printing houses had a significant impact on the growing interest in Hebrew studies, both in the Jewish and Christian communities. Passion for Hebrew was still observed in Poland in the 17th and 18th centuries. In turn, the late 18th century and the 19th century were the times of the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah) and disputes about the shape of Hebrew. At universities theological studies included biblical Hebrew courses. The 20th century saw the emergence of numerous centres for Hebrew studies at leading Polish universities, offering full-time Bachelor and Master’s programmes, conducting interdisciplinary research, developing scholarly publications in the field and establishing organizations aiming to promote research on Jewish history, culture and language.

Anglican–Methodist Ecumenism: The Search for Church Unity, 1920–2020. By Jane Platt, Martin Wellings

Journal Article Anglican–Methodist Ecumenism: The Search for Church Unity, 1920–2020. Edited by Jane Platt and Martin Wellings Get access Anglican–Methodist Ecumenism: The Search for Church Unity, 1920–2020. Edited by Jane Platt and Martin Wellings. Pp. xiv + 264. (Routledge Methodist Studies Series.) London and New York: Routledge (Taylor and Francis Group), 2022. isbn978 0 367 62815 4, 0 367 63447 6, and 1 003 11921 0. Hardback £130; paper n.p.; e-book £35.09. Colin Buchanan Colin Buchanan Leeds, UK cobdleeds@btinternet.com Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Journal of Theological Studies, flad019, https://doi.org/10.1093/jts/flad019 Published: 07 June 2023

TIRTHA PENGENTAS SEBAGAI TEOLOGI PEMBEBASAN

Religion has a goal to achieve moksha. In achieving moksha, it is carried out in various ways which are commonly referred to as chess marga yoga. However, the interesting thing is that apart from the yoga aspect, the means of the ceremony are the most important thing in achieving moksha, one of which is tirtha pengantas. The alleviating tirta has the function of purifying the spirit. Departing from this, this paper raises the topic of tirtha pengantas as a theology of liberation. The data in this paper is qualitative data. The purpose of this paper is to describe the tirtha of endorsing as a theology of liberation. Where it is also explained the meaning of tirtha penenttas, theology of liberation, and tirtha terpentas in the study of liberation theology. From this, it can be concluded that tirtha pengantas is the most important suggestion in Hinduism as a theology of liberation, namely freeing the atman from all attachments. Keywords: Tirtha Pengatas, Ngaben Ceremony, Liberation Theology

History and Salvation in Medieval Ireland. By Elizabeth Boyle

Journal Article History and Salvation in Medieval Ireland. By Elizabeth Boyle Get access History and Salvation in Medieval Ireland. By Elizabeth Boyle. Pp. 218. (Studies in Early Medieval Britain and Ireland.) London and New York: Routledge, 2021. isbn978 1 1386 1048 4, 0 3676 8429 7, and 0 4294 6576 5. Hardback £130; paper £38.99; e-book £29.24. Clare Stancliffe Clare Stancliffe Durham University, UK c.e.stancliffe@durham.ac.uk https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7533-7971 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Journal of Theological Studies, flad018, https://doi.org/10.1093/jts/flad018 Published: 05 June 2023

The Cambridge History of Atheism. By Stephen Bullivant, Michael Ruse

Journal Article The Cambridge History of Atheism. Edited by Stephen Bullivant and Michael Ruse Get access The Cambridge History of Atheism. Edited by Stephen Bullivant and Michael Ruse. 2 vols. Pp. xviii + 1163. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021. isbn1 108 68899 4. Hardback £230. John Henry John Henry Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia john.henry@monash.edu Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Journal of Theological Studies, flad033, https://doi.org/10.1093/jts/flad033 Published: 05 June 2023