Theological Theory Research Articles

After the Sermon and Beyond the Pulpit: Transformative, Power-Sensitive Homiletics of Polyphony and Hope

This article considers the connection between preaching and power in search of a more inclusive understanding of preaching and more expansive modes of sermonic expression. As feminist and postcolonial theologians repeatedly emphasize, the pulpit, in both a concrete and symbolic sense, remains oriented toward white male preachers. German-language education also continues to be dominated by this perspective. Drawing on interdisciplinary theories of power and postcolonial theology, the concluding section of this paper introduces five dimensions of homiletical practice aimed at making preaching more sensitive to power dynamics: sharing interpretive power, starting from religious experience and lived theology; taking the body seriously (embodiment); daring polyphony; and imagining and acting together on the kingdom of God.

Distributed Normativity in Theology: On the Relevance of Empirical Research Approaches to Systematic Theology

Abstract Empirical research methods have traditionally been absent from and are still foreigners to systematic theology. However, the turn toward practices in academic studies of religion and theology implies that empirical research methodologies cannot be deemed irrelevant to systematic theology. This article explores Hanna Reichel’s theory of theology as design, focusing on the understanding of theology as practice and the potential implications regarding the relevance of empirical methods to systematic theology. Bringing Reichel’s concept of theology as design into dialogue with Geir Afdal’s concept of distributed normativity, this article makes the case that the question of the affordances of a theological interpretation is not only an imperative theological one but also an empirical one, calling for empirical research methods.

Youth Ministry as a Third Ecclesial Logic?

Abstract This article presents the main findings of a three-year-long research project (2020–2023) on post-confirmation leadership training in the Church of Norway. One of the project’s key findings was that the practice of leadership training is characterized by experiences of ambiguity. Interestingly, the interactive and relational learning and development of faith within the practice are both challenged and promoted by these complex traits of ambiguity. For those who participate in leadership training, their faith and relationship with the church seem to be strengthened by the richness of the practice. Drawing on the findings from this research project and engaging other relevant research and theory on youth ministry, the article explores how experiences and patterns of ambiguity may be negotiated in a youth ministry context. With the help of pedagogical and theological theory, it further discusses dilemmas and possibilities pertaining to youth ministry`s situatedness between intentionality and institutionality, suggesting that youth ministry may operate as a sort of strategic, third ecclesial logic.

Re-Framing (South) African Youth Ministry

Abstract Youth ministry, as understood in an African context, is predominantly informed, and guided by a Western/European philosophy and hegemony. African youth ministry, it seems, is struggling to break away from the hegemony of the developed world, a hegemony that is not always compatible with the developing world (Africa, in this instance) and that also fails to deal with its problems. There has been renewed energy shown by the youth on the African continent, calling for a decolonial conversation, which, ideally, should also include theology and youth ministry. The #feesmustfall and #rhodesmustfall campaigns in South Africa have proven that the youth in the developing world remain a dominant voice for justice and transformation in spheres controlled by the adult community, those who are traditionally in power and who hold a philosophy that is often vastly different from the youth and the world that they inhabit. In a sense, one can argue that the actions in the calling for justice and transformation of the youth are indeed prophetic. This article will argue that the youth from emerging nations, such as those in Africa, have the agency to make a profound difference in (public) areas where there is injustice, thus offering a message of hope. This means of agency amongst the youth in the public domain is an expression of how youth ministry should not restrict itself to the clerical and ecclesial domains, but also how they ought to act in the public domain in applying public practical theology. Furthermore, this article argues, as a public practical theology, there is a need to build a theological theory, which is local and distinct from the Western/European context, to further the prophetic actions of the youth. The twofold aim of this article will be achieved through a theoretical approach with reflections on contemporary actions of, particularly, South African youth.

Bűn és büntetés a középkori egyházban

The medieval Latin Church had a very clear and elaborate theory of human sin and the punishment that was necessarily associated with it. This complex thought can be summarised in two main theories: theological theory and canon law, which can be particularly well illustrated by means of case law, i.e. the activity of the ecclesiastical courts. In the following overview, I will present the legal basis and purpose of punishment, as well as the types of punishment, based on the theological views of Thomas Aquinas on the one hand, and on the sources of medieval canon law on the other, illustrated with examples from canonical jurisdiction.

Menjelajahi Fenomena Sosial Dalam Pendididkan dan Teologi: Tantangan dan Peluang

Social phenomena and contextual issues in education and theology will discuss various contemporary social phenomena that influence the education and theology system, giving rise to contextual issues that arise in current educational and theological practices, the impact of social phenomena and contextual issues in education and theology on the development of society and religion. As well as things that can respond effectively to existing social challenges and contextual issues. In compiling this article, the author used descriptive qualitative methods. The descriptive qualitative method is a research method that creates systematic, factual and accurate descriptions (words) and images regarding the facts being investigated. The author looks for supporting facts through previous research from journals or books in accordance with the problems raised based on the findings. findings, facts and literature that support finding solutions to existing problems. This concerns cultural and religious diversity, issues of morality in the digital era. And not only that, the impact of social phenomena and contextual issues will be discussed, including the contextual meaning and purpose of education and theology, the context that shapes educational and theological theories, how do we do education and theology in a context like this? That is, being a witness to society , building dialogue between religious communities, creating harmony. The social phenomena and contextual issues in education and theology are such that the challenges in these two fields are often interrelated. Education must be responsive to social change and consider contextual issues, while theology also needs to understand social dynamics to provide views that are relevant in the context of life. The synergy between education and theology can help shape a more inclusive society and a deeper understanding of human values.

Guillaume Houppelande’s Small Treatise on the Immortality of the Soul

This article focuses on the treatise De immortalitate animae (Paris, 1491) written by Guillaume Houppelande, one of the most famous members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Paris in the fifteenth century. Houppelande’s treatise, which refers to ancient, patristic, and medieval sources, contains several arguments on the immortality of the soul. Special attention is first given to Houppelande’s attitude towards those philosophical and theological theories that supported his own arguments before focus is turned towards an analysis of Houppelande’s relationship to medieval philosophy.

조선후기 제왕학의 발달과 정조의 황극론

This study examines the significance of Jeongjo's theory on Hwangguk in the development of kingly-study in the late Joseon dynasty. After the Middle Joseon period, as the factional politics was realized, kingly-study developed in the direction of requiring the king to study for sainthood at the initiative of his retainers, and the ideology of co-governance by king and retainer(君臣共治) was emphasized. During the factional politics, the existence of Sallin(山林) that could counter the political authority of the king based on their academic authority was emphasized, based on the theological theory of Dotong(道統), which states that Dotong belongs to scholars. Based on the fact that they were located outside the political system represented by the king, they acted as representatives of public opinion through their academic authority. As the conflict between the factions reached a crescendo, the king was seen as the one who could end it and bring about the idealized politics of Tangpyong(蕩平). King Jeongjo followed in the footsteps of Yeongjo, but his thoughts on the role of the king was different from that of Yeongjo. From the beginning of his reign, Jeongjo expected all his retainers to play an active role in the affairs of state, regardless of factions’ legitimacy. Jeongjo positively evaluated Yeongjo's Gungeuk(建極) for ending the blood feuds between the factions, and demanded that his retainers respond in kind to establish the true way of the Hwanggeuk. The king's act of establishing the Hwanggeuk served to ensure that his retainers could participate equally in the affairs of state. In his later years, Jeongjo described his ideal form of government. “The writing of the Master of Ten Thousand Rivers and the Moon” outlines a new ideology of co-governance by king and retainer in which the conflicts between the factions were put to rest under a king-led order, and various talents were brought to the table to contribute to the state by using their talents appropriately. Through this, it can be said that Jeongjo did not completely change the nature and structure of existing kingly-study through the concept of the Hwangguk, but rather actively established the existence of the king through the concept of the Hwangguk while maintaining the framework of co-governance by king and retainer emphasized through kingly-study.

Kajian Hukum Otonomi Daerah Terhadap Pemekaran Empat Provinsi Baru Di Papua

The expansion of new provinces in Papua has been carried out, signed, and stipulated by the Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs.as many as four provinces have been added to the order administrative division of provinces in Indonesia, including: Mountainous Papua Provines, Southwest Papua, South Papua, and Central Papua. With the implementation of four new provinces in Indonesia to balance economic equality in the Papua region and provide regional autonomy freedom which is respected for Papuans who wish to form new provinces on the Papua Island where the Papua region is still so very large that it is sufficient to meet the welfare and living needs of all Papuans what is in it. Therefore the Indonesian government has established a regional autonomy policy within the Papua region to expand the island of Papua from previous two provinces to six provinces. The research method used by author is normative juridical research which includes four main theories, namely region autonomy theory, legal sovereignty theory, state sovereignty theory, theological theory. The purpose of this research is to find out the impact obtained by residents and the causes of Papuan’s desire on the expansion of new provinces in its territory and to find out the implementation of regional autonomy legal for the four new provinces in Papua. In the future, we hope that expansion of new provinces in Papua can produce a sense of justice and realize share properity in Papua.

Theological Aspects of the Formation of the Theory of the Artistic Image in Byzantium IV—XIV Centuries.

The subject of the research is the formation of the theological theory of the image in the church-artistic tradition of Christian art. The aim is to identify the main aspects of the formation of the theory of the image in the pre-Iconoclastic period based on the works of representatives of the Cappadocian school, Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, Maxim the Confessor, John of Damascus, as well as after the approval of icon veneration, reflected in the works of Patriarch Gregory of Constantinople, Theodore the Studite, Simeon the New Theologian, Gregory Palamas and Patriarch Nikephoros. To trace how the influence of theological thought was reflected in Byzantine church art. To determine the specific features of the phenomenon of the iconographic image and to highlight the significance of its dogmatic foundations in religious art. In the study of the works of Byzantine theologians, historical and cultural analysis was used, which allowed a more holistic view of the worldview of the era in which they created, and the ideas they defended. The study allows us to conclude that for the defenders of icon worship, the "soil" was prepared by the great theologians of the Cappadocian school, who in turn converted and reinterpreted the Neoplatonic teachings of Plotinus, Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, who transformed their ideas into a christocentric doctrine of salvation. The dogmatic ideas of the theologians influenced the change of the ancient art form, giving it a new content, which, in turn, can become an important criterion that helps to identify and evaluate genuine spirituality in the works of church art. The study of the theological theory of the image is an important element in determining the fidelity of the artistic transmission of the essence of the creed and understanding of the sacred content of medieval temple painting, as well as a necessary reference point for modern icon painters, allowing them to choose in their work a system of expressive means corresponding to theological dogmas.

The Folk Belief and Cultural Heritage in the Syncretic Theravada Buddhism : The Cases of Human-Spirits Relationship in Indonesia, Cambodia and Myanmar

This sociological study of religion attempts to explain the relationship between humans and spirits in the syncretism of Theravada Buddhism tradition with case studies in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. In these countries, before the influence of the Indian Dharmic Religion, people practiced Theravada Buddhism side by side with folk beliefs. This study uses the theory of correlational theology from Paul Tillich as the search for common ground in reflection of the syncretic folk belief of worshipping Danghyang among Javanese people in Indonesia, Neak Ta among Khmer people in Cambodia, and Nat among Burmese people in Myanmar. The method used literature research and field observations in three countries in 2020. The results of this study are in the exploration of doctrinal concepts from religious texts and the acculturation practices on cultural heritage between the folk belief with the view of wholeness theology in Theravada Buddhism cosmology. Humans live in harmony with other creatures in this world according to the law of attachment and reciprocity, or Paticcasamuppada, consisting of 31 realms of existence. In the context of the three countries, these spirits articulate three relations: the relationship between guardian spirits and the people, the relationship between the deceased spirits and the living, and the relationship between spirits and the social environment, as in line with spiritual ecology (215 words)

Optics and Visio Dei: Interpretations of Female Mystic Art

Religious visions are personal experiences in which individuals have a sensory experience that is in some way supernatural or divine. In the context of medieval Christianity, true visionaries were understood to have received revelations directly from God, without mediation from priests. In the tradition of the medieval Church and society, women were relegated to a subordinate role; thus, when the mystic who experienced a vision from God was a woman, the situation required careful interpretation, for in bypassing the intermediary authority of the priest, the woman was potentially subverting a hierarchy which itself was considered to have been established by God. This paper will analyze one of the most important medieval mystics, Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179), and examine her writings and her images produced in Scivias. It is hypothesized that the medieval ideas of optics and biblical exegesis worked in harmony to structure Hildegard’s experiences and to legitimize those experiences to others at the time. In this paper, key images created by Hildegard were analyzed to interpret the descriptions of her experiences and their rendering in visual form in relation to the medieval theories of vision and theology itself.

Theological Theory of Law in Modern Legal Understanding

Theological Theory of Law in Modern Legal Understanding

Religion, Culture, and Politics: Analyzing the Influence of Religious Beliefs on Sociopolitical Dynamics

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of religious beliefs on sociopolitical dynamics in Sub Saharan countries.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the influence of religious beliefs on sociopolitical dynamics in Sub Saharan countries. The empirical review revealed that the influence of religious beliefs on sociopolitical dynamics is a significant and complex phenomenon, as evidenced by the empirical studies reviewed. Religious beliefs have been found to shape political participation, attitudes toward gender roles, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, social activism, and environmental attitudes. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between religion and sociopolitical dynamics and provide valuable insights for policymakers, religious leaders, and society as a whole.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Keywords: The Secularization theory, Resource Mobilization theory and the Political Theology theory may be used to anchor future studies relating to the influence of religious beliefs on sociopolitical dynamics. This study recommends that by fostering interreligious dialogue, promoting human rights and equality, encouraging critical thinking and education, enhancing collaboration between religious and secular institutions, and supporting grassroots initiatives, societies can navigate the complexities of religious beliefs and create sociopolitical dynamics that embrace diversity and foster social progress.

Gerakan Sedekah Sampah dan Minyak Jelantah Sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Kesadaran Lingkungan Masyarakat Desa Tembok Luwung Kecamatan Adiwerna Kabupaten Tegal

The Sedekah Garbage and Used Cooking Oil movement is a campaign effort carried out to instill changes in people's behavior to process waste with a religious approach. This study aims to determine the implementation of the Garbage Alms Movement and used cooking oil as an effort to build cultural awareness of the environment. In this study the method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Data analysis techniques use the Miles and Huberman models. Data collection was carried out by means of observation, interviews and documentation. The theoretical foundation in this study is the environmental theology theory of Seyyed Hossein Nasr. The results of the research are the implementation of the Garbage Alms Movement and used cooking oil including outreach, collection of waste from the community, sorting, weighing and reporting. Through the implementation of the Alms Movement and Waste Used Oil Movement, there are types of environmental awareness, namely mechanical awareness and organic awareness. Movement Implementation. Garbage Alms can build environmental awareness in the form of benefits received by people in need, namely the provision of social assistance, and economic empowerment.

The Neglected Place of “Totems” in Contemporary Art

The religious nature of Joseph Beuys’ works was ignored or intentionally avoided by mainstream criticism since his artistic practice was ridiculed for its potential spirituality. It is argued that Beuys’ works are work meditations on the issues of potential ego in totemic art, which are frequent topics of theological concern. For example, what is the nature of our consciousness after death, and how does it relate to the consciousness of others? Beuys’ conceptual artworks reveal his engagement with the “witchcraft etiquette” of totemic art and his exploration of theological questions such as the relation between human consciousness and divinity, the role of sacrifice and resurrection, and the meaning of self-awareness. In other words, we can draw inspiration from the theological theories of Alfred North Whitehead and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel to examine Beuys’ choice of conceptual art through the lens of his deep self-consciousness of totem worship. In general, Beuys’ works pose an important question: how can we awaken our chaotic consciousness to new or forgotten sprouts which may rejuvenate our existence in the world?

Teologi Corona (Studi Pandangan Mubalig Kota Tanjungpinang Terhadap Covid-19)

This study is about the theological views of mubalig on Covid-19 in the City of Tanjupinang, this research is a field research using theological theory related to the theological schools that developed in Islam, namely Qadariyah, Jabariyah and Ahlussunah and also the theory of the relationship between religion and science from Ian Barbour . This research resulted in the conclusion that: First; The view of the mubalig in responding to the theological views of the community on Covid-19, they have the theological view of Ahlussunah or Asy'ariyah, namely being trusting in Allah but also making efforts in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak by following health protocols. Second; most of their views individually/personally when they see this Covid-19 as a punishment or a trial/test from God, they view more of a trial/test from Allah even though in detail the meaning is different. So in general, in their view, the Corona pandemic is seen as a warning as well as a punishment for humans depending on the context of its meaning.

Adapting the Structural Perspectives of the Westminster Larger Catechism for Biblical Counselor Training

Abstract Biblical counseling resources lack structural coherence with the doctrine and Christian life model of the Westminster Standards. This article proposes reorienting counselor-trainers and counselors with these perspectives as a contribution to David Powlison’s vision to formulate a unified theory of systematic theology for soul care. The twofold structure of the Larger Catechism, called the symphonic-pedogogical perspective —building up the saints to know our Triune God and his work—is paired with teaching disciples to do everything that Jesus commanded. We observe five substructural patterns to integrate its instructional method. This essay explains the significance of each perspective for counseling cases. KEYWORDS: Westminster Confession of Faith, Westminster Larger Catechism, Grand Unified Theory, perspectivalism, descriptive and prescriptive presuppositions, God’s attributes, lex Christi, man’s derivative reflections

On Deification: Euhemerus’ Work and His Theological Theory

Hellenistik Dönem yazarlarından Euhemeros (İÖ c. 340–260), Makedonya Kralı Kassandros’un edebi koruması altında bulunmuş ve günümüze dolaylı aktarımları ulaşmış olan Hiera Anagraphē (Ἱερὰ Ἀναγραφή) adlı kurgu bir eser ortaya koymuştur. Bu eserinde Euhemeros, Hint Okyanusu üzerinde bulunduğunu iddia ettiği Pankhaia Adası’na yolculuğunu ve burada gördüklerini konu etmiştir. Anlatısı içinde, adanın en önemli tapınağında bulunan altın bir stel üzerindeki yazıtlara dayanarak mitolojik tanrıların vaktiyle dünya üzerinde hüküm sürmüş gerçek kişiler olduklarına değinmiş ve onun bu yazdıkları, euhemerizm olarak adlandırılan, mitolojik anlatıların gerçek kişi ya da olaylar üzerine kurulduğu yönündeki teoriye kaynak olmuştur. Bu çalışmada, Euhemeros’un eserine özetle değinilecek ve yazarın ortaya sürdüğü teolojik görüşün tarihi bağlamda kısa bir değerlendirmesi yapılacaktır.

The concept of Nusyūz in the Qur'an

This research is an attempt to find out how At-Tabari and Ibnu Katsir view nusyūz. Starting from the many circulating understandings about nusyūz which are only shown and questioned only to women (wives). Understanding that tends to be textual in surah An-Nisa verse 34 is often used as an excuse for committing acts of violence against his wife both physically and psychologically. Even though in fact in Surah An-Nisa verse 128 it is proof that husbands can also do nusyūz. and in the settlement between the two, there is still discrimination against women. This type of research is library research, namely research that is based on data processing obtained from written library materials. Using a comparative approach (muqarin), namely comparing the opinions of At-Tabari in the book jami' Al-Bayan and Ibn Kathir in Tafsir Al-Qur'an Al-Azhim. This study uses the theory of gender equality and liberation theology put forward by Ali Engineer. From this research, it shows that At-Tabari and Ibnu Katsir found that nusyūz of a wife or husband is a form of hatred for a partner and leaves obligations that have been set in household life, and in solving the nusyūz of a wife, there are three stages, namely advising, separating and hitting According to the theology, beatings are only permitted when a wife is proven to have committed adultery. Meanwhile, the settlement of the husband's nusyūz is by peace, and from the liberation theology, a wife is free to file for divorce. Then equality in the settlement of nusyūz which is carried out by the wife can also be carried out in the settlement of the husband's nusyūz.