Theological Theory Research Articles

Dialogue between Minjung Theology and System Theory: A Perspective on System Theory from the Definition of Life in Minjung Theology

Dialogue between Minjung Theology and System Theory: A Perspective on System Theory from the Definition of Life in Minjung Theology

The theological uses of sociology

This article examines the way in which theological concept has been both utilized and criticized within the discipline of theology. It considers recent attempts to “end the dialogue between theology and social theory” and the flaws of that approach, while arguing that sociology can make a significant contribution to the ongoing work of theological analysis. It ends by asking whether this is a one-way relationship, or whether there is a way that theological concepts can be useful in the ongoing constructive work of sociology.

The Place of Intuition in Education: A Metapractical Interpretation of Thomas Aquinas’ Theological Theory

The Place of Intuition in Education: A Metapractical Interpretation of Thomas Aquinas’ Theological Theory

What now of the Vashti character in the Hebrew Bible? Ruminating on the future of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians among emerging scholars in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Concerned about the relative absence of activities (including the writings) by members of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians within the Democratic Republic of the Congo Circle, Francophone context in general and her Mongolese context in particular, the author uses the marginalised character of Vashti in the Hebrew Bible to see which light the character might shed within the preceding contexts. Can Vashti�s identity in terms of boldness, courage and independence serve as a model for Congolese women in their efforts to make a positive impact on their contexts which remain glaringly patriarchal even today after many years of political independence? In this article, it is argued that the character of Vashti, especially her sense of independence and courage, can serve as a motivation for Congolese female theologians in their search for new identities.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: In this article, the disciplines of African studies, political science, gender studies and biblical studies are made to interact with each other in the author�s quest to see how a biblical character such as Vashti can contribute positively to the theory and praxis of theology among emerging Francophone female scholars.Keywords: Circle; Francophone; Vashti; Hebrew Bible; patriarchy

Ibn Fūrak’s Methodology in Transforming the Ash’arite School into a Dialectical-Theological School

This study aims at studying the methodology of Ibn Fūrak in transforming the school of Abū al-Ḥasan al-Ashʿarī into a dialecticaltheological school through his book, ‘al-Mujarrad.’ To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, no theoretical study has examined Ibn Fūrak’s methodology particularly in what concerns the transformation of the Ash’arite School. This adopts the analytical inductive method to analyze the data. It begins by providing a brief introduction to Ibn Fūrak and Ash’arite School. This is followed by a discussion of his methodology in transforming the Ash’arite School into one that is dialectical-theological. This discussion is divided into three components modelled after Ibn Fūrak’s approach, namely establishing a scholarly method to compile alAshʿarī’s opinions and theological theories, applying al-Ashʿarī’s methodology and school of thought in his school in Nishabur, and educating his students on Ash’arite theology.

Bukan Jalan Buntu, Melainkan Setapak Terjal: Sebuah Apresiasi Kritis terhadap Sumbangsih Teori Kultural-Linguistik Lindbeck bagi Penumbuhkembangan Dialog Antaragama yang Autentik

Advancing from his criticism against two principal theological theories of religion, namely (1) cognitive-propositional theory and (2) experiential-expressive theory, George A. Lindbeck proposes his cultural-linguistic theory as an alternative theory which is deemed more adequate in comprehending plurality of religions. Regrettably, for some, Lindbeck�s theory is considered rather as a closure to any interreligious dialogue, as a consequence of its superfluous emphasis on the incommensurability and untranslability amongst different religions. Therefore, within this modest article, taking into account several insights from postcolonial studies, I try to venture a critical appreciation on how Lindbeck�s cultural-linguistic theory might contribute to the endeavour of fostering constructive, authentic, and profound interreligious dialogue. I attempt to argue that Lindbeck�s cultural-linguistic theory, instead of imparting a cul-de-sac to any interreligious dialogue, actually lay bare a path for the dialogue. A path which is, whilst hard and steep, viable.

Mr Paul: Masculinity and Paul’s self-presentation (1 Cor 11–13)

Notwithstanding all the corporeal and gendered language in the Pauline letters, the apostle’s bodiliness and masculinity so far has received little attention. In the 1st-century context masculinity reigned by default and provides the contemporary context for teasing out the corporeal and gendered overtones in the Pauline letters, especially in Paul’s self-presentation. Recent and intersecting masculinity studies, body theology and queer theory provide useful tools for engaging Paul as man and his bodily-focussed, gendered approach in his letters. A focus on both Paul as embodied man and his corporeal, gendered approach enable alternative readings of his letters’ concern with corporeality and the related relationships between bodies, power and life in the communities he addressed.

HAUGHT, GOLSHANI AND THE SCIENTIFIC VIEWPOINT OF STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY IN INDONESIA

This article aims to examine the scientific view of the State Islamic University in Indonesia, namely, the concept of 'integration of science and religion'. The theory used is based on 'theology theory of evolution' of John F. Haught and theory of Islamic Science of Mehdi Golshani. State Islamic University such as UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Jakarta, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and other UIN, authorized open course, both of science humanities, social, technical and religious faculty. Referring to the Haught and Golshani‟s views, there are three approaches in the development of Islamic science in UIN; First, science aims to find the meaning of Allah (ontological); second, dismantle and re-test the findings of the medieval Islamic scientists (epistemological); Third, utilizing science to build a better civilization (axiological). Thus, UIN‟s existence in the future is largely determined by the success or failure of these institutions to develop the three areas of science Islam.

I turbamenti del giovane Gender = The Confusions of Young Gender

In Italy, since the early 2010s, the English word “gender” was twisted into a code-word for a purported “teoria gender” (“gender-theory”) or “ideologia gender” (“gender-ideology”) also simply referred to as “il gender” (“the gender”). Such a “theory” purportedly aims to destroy any differences between males and females, preaching that sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender roles can and should be “chosen” at will, and that children ought be indoctrinated in schools with such a “knowledge”. This paper examines the roots of the concept, originating within “Opus Dei”, but further evolved in France and the movement against equal rights for same-sex couples. Such a “no-gender” ideology cannot be understood either as a philosophical or as a theological theory, being a mere political tool. The utterly confused theories by the “no-gender” movement are not, in fact, a coherent rebuttal of “gender studies” or “queer theories”, but rather a concocted mishmash of “conspiracy theories” held true by far-right groups

Spirituality and Virtue in Christian Formation: A Conversation between Thomistic and Ignatian Traditions

AbstractThis paper reflects on Christian formation, the growth of the disciple into the image of Christ, from two traditions, the Thomistic and Ignatian. The Thomistic tradition offers a rich theological theory of virtue, but seems to require a more convincing narrative of how ‘infused’ virtue develops in the Christian life. The Ignatian tradition offers a more experiential spirituality, but today needs to explain how spiritual experience can be lived out. It is argued that the two traditions can be seen as mutually complementary, and that, by understanding the relation of virtue to the practice of spiritual discernment, a fuller account of Christian formation is possible.

Nationhood, Providence, and Witness: Israel in Modern Theology and Social Theory, written by Carys Moseley

Nationhood, Providence, and Witness: Israel in Modern Theology and Social Theory, written by Carys Moseley

The Anatomy of a Whale: Transatlantic Audiences and “the Good Bishop” Jebb in Moby-Dick

In Chapter 83 of Moby-Dick, “Jonah Historically Regarded,” Melville refers to “the Good Bishop” John Jebb, a popular Anglo-Irish religious scholar well known in both Britain and America. This essay traces the rise of Bishop Jebb’s transatlantic reputation and recovers the cultural significance of his scholarly contributions to biblical apologetics, specifically with regard to the historical authenticity of the story of Jonah and the Whale. Within Melville’s chapter, Bishop Jebb’s name performs a metonymic function evoking a complex matrix of key theological and scientific theories that reveal the tension among the epistemologies of philosophy, scientific rationalism, and religious apologetics. Thus, from this fleeting, unexplained reference to “the Good Bishop,” Melville appears to suggest an interpretive key for his massive narrative: that experiential knowledge trumps both scientific reasoning and religious faith.

К ИСТОРИИ ВОЗНИКНОВЕНИЯ ТЕОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ТЕОРИИ ПРОИСХОЖДЕНИЯ ПРАВА И ГОСУДАРСТВА

К ИСТОРИИ ВОЗНИКНОВЕНИЯ ТЕОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ТЕОРИИ ПРОИСХОЖДЕНИЯ ПРАВА И ГОСУДАРСТВА

Consideramus in speculo – fragments of a Hegelian mirror in dialectical theology

AbstractThe article re-examines Karl Barth's claim that his 1931 book on Anselm of Canterbury's proof of the existence of God from Proslogion 2–4, the Fides Quaerens Intellectum, provides a ‘vital key’ for understanding the rationality of his later theology. The article takes up the question of what ‘dialectics’ denotes in Barth's theology. Re-engaging the issue of dialectics in Karl Barth's theology, particularly in light of the developments of his thought, leads to a critical revision of Bruce McCormack's influential interpretation of Barth's dialectical theology.Through a close reading of the section, ‘The manner of theology’, from the first of the two parts of Fides Quaerens Intellectum the article sheds light on how Barth envisions the construction of the theoretical concepts of theology in light of his concrete exegetical praxis. By focusing on the relationship between theory and praxis, an understanding of Barth's dialectical theology as a form of ‘speculative reading’ emerges. This notion of dialectics as developing in light of a practice of speculative reading allows us to compare certain aspects of concept-formation in the theology of Karl Barth and the dialectical philosophy of the German Idealist, G. W. F. Hegel. Drawing explicitly on Hegel's analysis of infinite judgement from the second volume of his 1812 Science of Logic, Barth's use of the tautology ‘God is God’ in his second commentary on Romans from 1922 is shown to provide important insight into the structure of Barth's dialectical thinking. This explicitly relates to the important issue of the relationship between faith and reason in Karl Barth's theology, which sheds a new light on how his understanding of the rational basis of the theory and praxis of theology developed from his second Romans commentary onwards.Finally, Barth's use of dialectics and his account of the rationality of theology as a form of ‘speculative reading’ permits some final reflections on the significance of pneumatology for constructive theology by underscoring how Barth insists on the priority of praxis over theory. To understand Barth's theology and the way it changes over the years is to understand the rationality of its concrete praxis.

Book Review: Carys Moseley, Nationhood, Providence, and Witness: Israel in Protestant Theology and Social Theory

Book Review: Carys Moseley, <i>Nationhood, Providence, and Witness: Israel in Protestant Theology and Social Theory</i>

After God: Practical theology as public Christology from the margins of the market

This article is part of a research project, Conversations after God. The focus of this article is to reflect on the theory and methodology of practical theology in a post-metaphysical (After God) context. It will be suggested that practical theology can redefine itself as public theology, but specifically as Christology by engaging the public texts within their contexts, but from a Christ-science hermeneutical approach. The proposed approach is a hermeneutical approach where the Christ-Ereignis guides the inner- and inter-textual reading of texts within contexts. This Christ-Ereignis cannot be translated into a science or even a definable philosophy and therefore the logos is crossed out. Christology, as public theology is done from the margins of the dominant discourses and therefore it could be seen as a Christology from the margins of the market to create spaces of kingdom life: life in fullness.

Carys Moseley, Nationhood, Providence, and Witness: Israel in Protestant Theology and Social Theory

Carys Moseley, <i>Nationhood, Providence, and Witness: Israel in Protestant Theology and Social Theory</i>

Human nature in orthodox tradition with reference to irfan tradition in Islam

In Christian theology, like in all religious sciences, the question of human nature is unavoidable. In this article, we shall consider the problem with a special overview of its place in ascetic practices. As a necessary part of the orthodox Christian life - purification, enlightenment and theosis - we shall dedicate special attention to the question of conscience, which has a lot of significance for determining the meaning of spiritual life in terms of theological theory. As a consequence of neglecting of personal spiritual life, a vast majority of theologians develop a false understanding that ascetic practice of the struggle with bodily passions is similar to neoplatonic negative relationship to the body itself. Because of that in this article we try to consider explanations of the terms passion and world in the works of Isaac the Syrian. In irfan we also find a number of parallels in terms of the already mentioned questions.

Between Justice and Tradition: Oliver O’Donovan’s Political Theory and the Challenge of Multiculturalism

This article brings the theological political theory of Oliver O’Donovan to bear on the issue of multiculturalism. O’Donovan’s work provides resources for understanding the dynamics involved in debates over multiculturalism more deeply, and this discussion in turn highlights the central features of O’Donovan’s political theory. O’Donovan’s understanding of government as involving a necessary tension between the requirements of justice and the possibilities afforded by a community’s tradition allows us to properly appreciate the challenge raised by the demand to recognise minority cultures, without abandoning the obligation to do so. This further highlights that the challenge of multiculturalism is first and foremost a social challenge, which can only meaningfully be met through communication.

La nozione di autorità. Suggestioni da Alexandre Kojève

Muovendo da un’analisi fenomenologica, l’articolo intende porre una riflessione critica sull’elaborazione giusfilosofica della nozione d’autorità prendendo spunto dal volumetto La nozione d’Autorità di A. Kojève (di cui prima si conosceva l’esistenza solo grazie a una nota presente nell’Esquisse d’une phénoménologie du droit), recentemente rinvenuto. L’autore inizia col fare un’analisi concettuale delle teorie dell’autorità, distinguendo così quattro tipi “semplici” o “puri” (analoghi agli idealtipi weberiani): la teoria teologica o teocratica, secondo la quale l’Autorità primaria e assoluta appartiene a Dio, e tutte le altre ne derivano; la teoria platonica, secondo cui l’Autorità si fonda sulla Giustizia; quella aristotelica, secondo cui appartiene a chi ha il sapere e la capacità di prevedere; infine quella di Hegel che la riduce al rapporto tra Signore e servo (vincitore e vinto), basato sulla lotta, il rischio e il riconoscimento del vincitore come autorità. Di queste, solo l’ultima – scrive Kojève – “ha avuto un’elaborazione filosofica completa, che si sviluppa sia sul piano della descrizione fenomenologica sia su quello dell’analisi metafisica e ontologica, le altre non hanno oltrepassato il livello della fenomenologia”. La radicale finitudine dell’uomo, sulla quale Kojève in definitiva fonda la sua pretesa ateistica e cerca conseguentemente di svincolare dalla trascendenza ogni fondazione dell'autorità, non esclude, però, a parere di chi scrive, la traccia di un ‟antropologia in cui torna ad affacciarsi l’infinito”.&#x0D;