Theological Understanding Research Articles

Towards an ‘Eco-Theo-Logy’

Abstract The paper seeks to draw the contours of an “Eco-Theo-Logy” in the context of the unprecedented crisis of our Common Home and with special reference to Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on creation care. An “eco” theology would begin with the sense of awe and gratitude for Earth, our unique common planetary home blessed with the gift of life, and listen attentively to the growing “cry of the Earth and of the poor” (Laudato Si’, 49). Secondly, it seeks to articulate anew the theological understanding of an ‘in-carnate’ God, a God who enters human and cosmic vicissitudes and manifests in the pangs of creation. It also strives to a religious vision of the natural world as the “Gospel of creation”. Thirdly, it’s time to re-imagine the logos component of an eco-theo-logy, embracing an integral and relational approach, raising a prophetic theological voice in the face of profound inequalities and injustices that exist in our one common household, and adopting a decisively practice/action orientation.

Konsep Akhir Zaman dalam Perspektif Agama, Dan Sains Serta Bagaimana Iman Kristen Menanggapinya Berdasarkan Kitab Wahyu

This study explains the concept of the end times from the perspective of religion, science, and how the Christian faith responds to it by focusing on the contents of the Book of Revelation in the Bible. The concept of the end times is a relevant topic in Christian theology and has been the focus of debate throughout church history. From a religious perspective, the concept of the end times reflects views regarding the end of the world, resurrection, final judgment, and eternal life. Meanwhile, in the context of science, rational and scientific approaches often try to explain natural phenomena related to the end times, such as climate change, natural disasters and technological developments.This article also explores how the Christian faith describes the concept of the end times based on the Book of Revelation. The Book of Revelation is the passage in the New Testament known for the prophet John's vision of the end times, featuring rich symbolism. Priesthood, judgment, and restoration are all found in this text, and followers of Christ often look to it as a source of guidance regarding what will happen in the future. In discussing the Christian faith's response to the concept of the end times, this article details the various views and theologies that exist in the Christian tradition, such as premillennial, amillennial, and postmillennial eschatology. In addition, it also highlights some contemporary approaches that integrate theological understanding with scientific thinking about the future of the planet. This research provides a holistic view of how the concept of the end times is understood from the perspective of religion, science and Christian faith with a focus on the Book of Revelation in the Bible, as well as how these various understandings coexist in modern Christian theology. As a result, this article can help promote a deeper understanding of the meaning and implications of the concept of the end times in the context of religion, science, and the Christian faith.
 

U.S. CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ VOTING GUIDELINES: FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP AS A RESOURCE FOR POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

Beyond offering guidelines for voting, Faithful Citizenship represents an attempt by the U.S. Catholic bishops to articulate a theological vision of political engagement. One may examine the theological vision of Faithful Citizenship according to three textual viewpoints: what it says (content); theological understandings (problematics); and possibilities for conceptual development (implications). Addressing the dynamics of political engagement in contemporary society is a complex task. While this analysis maintains that Faithful Citizenship constitutes a useful conceptual resource insofar as signaling the basic theological terms of Catholic political engagement, there are areas of conceptual underdevelopment. Accordingly, the analysis suggests paths toward a deeper conceptual engagement with political philosophy, especially understandings of constitutional democracy.

METODE BERTEOLOGI PAULUS MENURUT 1 KORINTUS 9:1-23 DALAM KONTEKS MASA KINI

The method of theology used by a person in providing theological understanding has a uniqueness or distinctiveness that can be judged and even imitated by other theological learners. What the Apostle Paul had and did became an example for believers in his time and today, amid the demands of a society that is increasingly moderate and increasingly sensitive to the gospel message, not only in terms of setting an example of life but also setting an example in terms of theology. The author uses qualitative research methods in discussing and studying specifically 1 Corinthians 9:1-23 in order to examine and discover Paul's theological method. In the study, the author found three theological methods used by the Apostle Paul in this context: the rhetoric method, the apologetics method, and the contextual method. In today's context, the rhetorical method enables effective speech by choosing words, terms, expressions, and sentences that can attract the attention and sympathy of the listener. The apologetic method pays attention to the substance of the true truth of the Christian faith without getting bogged down in the demands of the perspective of the average society. The contextual method pays attention to the condition of society, culture, and all its characteristics, with the aim that the gospel is preached and people in that context can accept and know Christ.

Guns, Construction of Threat, and Lived Ecclesiologies

Recent shootings in houses of worship have led people of faith to interrogate theological understandings of safety and security and implement new practices and policies, including armed protection. These responses to perceived threats and a sense of vulnerability to varying degrees come out of the “lived ecclesiologies” of faith communities. After exploring the meaning of ecclesiology, I argue that lived ecclesiologies are socially constructed; they draw on theological traditions and faith commitments, but also take shape in response to felt threats. I show how Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s own evolving ecclesiology developed out of changing threats, both internal and external, and how this illuminates emergent lived ecclesiologies with respect to the threat of gun violence. Finally, lived ecclesiologies of “fortress” and “hospitality” are explored through sociological research and theological critique.

Theological Understanding of Conversion from Luke 13:7-14 and Acts 2:14-38 and its Missiological Imperatives for African Christian Missions

The thrust of this paper is a theological understanding of conversion which comes from text-driven biblical preaching and its missiological imperative for Christian missions in Africa. The study adopted a descriptive approach to discuss conversion as it relates to missions from Lukan perspective in two passages; Luke 13:7-14 and Acts 2:14-38 noting that conversion and fulfillment of the Great Commission is central and critical to these texts. Inferences drawn from brief expositions of the two texts revealed that conversion is the need of everyone and authentic proclamation of the Gospel is important for true conversion to take place. It is also inferred that true conversion coming from repentance and having faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour should reflect in a new way of life or transformation evident in simplicity and care for others. The study submitted that it is imperative for contemporary church in Africa to understand conversion as necessary to rid the nations of different menace including corruption, ungodly leadership and poverty. It is also imperative for the church in Africa to proclaim the gospel capable of resulting into conversion and transformation by engaging in expository text-driven biblical preaching, lifestyle evangelism, and demonstrating the power of God through signs and wonders. The delivery of the word of God must be accompanied with effective exposition of the biblical text through preaching to stir the heart of the hearer to true conversion.

METODOLOGI TEOLOGI AL ASY’ARY DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP PENDIDIKAN ISLAM DI INDONESIA

The Indonesian understanding of Ahlus Sunnah Islam rests on the understanding of Asyariyah theology which is the basis for building the religious beliefs of the majority of Indonesian Muslims. This understanding of kalam or theology that was taught by Imam Ash'ari has given birth to a methodology of thinking that has a strong influence on various fields of Islamic religion, especially in the field of education. Al Asy'ari's moderate thinking style in translating the core teachings of Islam has influenced how traditional Islamic education in Indonesia takes an elastic and moderate form in responding to various social religious religious issues that are developing in Indonesia. Al Asyari's moderate style of thinking in time will also influence the development of educational institutions in Indonesia, especially madrasas which seek to eclecticly combine the Islamic scientific approach which is "turats al qadim" or old scientific traditions with western scientific approaches which are "turats al hadith" or a new scientific tradition. This study is intended to discuss the influence of the methodology of Islamic thought or Asyari theology in the field of education, especially its effect on traditional Islamic education in Indonesia, both in terms of teaching materials on aqeedah which are the subject matter of religious teachings and in terms of its institutional development in adapting to changing times in the present.

Now Is All We Have

Abstract Since the world wars, the pandemic, Covid-19, may be the first crisis to engulf us globally, but others, particularly climate change, threaten. What is the role of faith communities and the potential for ethical action for each of us as individuals? How might our theological understanding affect our decisions? This article, which is partly autobiographical, raises issues of time, truth and understanding.

Laudato Si’ and Spatial Turn: A Theological Approach

This article analyses the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ against the backdrop of the contemporary and theological “spatial turn”. It asks if and how Laudato Si’ incorporates the main elements of this movement that pushes for a reappraisal of space and/or place in theological reasoning. This inquiry is motivated by a public and constructive understanding of theology, with the conviction that it too should bring its specific contribution to the challenges of the “Common Home”. The article starts by characterizing this theological “spatial turn”, and by putting it into the context of similar trends in other human and social sciences. Secondly, it focuses on the analysis of Laudato Si’, namely by considering the role played in it by spatiality. Thirdly, and in a brief systematic way, it presents some concluding remarks that describe how Laudato Si’ may be interpreted in the “spatial turn” framework. Following these remarks, the article concludes that there is a moderate incorporation in Laudato Si’ of the concerns that promote and sustain a theological “spatial turn”.

Sumbangsih Pemikiran John Hick: Teologi Misi Dalam Pluralisme Agama Di Indonesia

This article wrote about the attitude of Christianity in relation to other religions. The attitude in question is an act or act of acceptance or rejection of those who are of a different religion with Christians. Based on the thoughts of John Hick, through the experience of interreligious relations, the author describes his theological understanding in a settings of God’s mission which is applied through interactive dialogue. Because John Hick tends to direct Christians to build religious pluralism, not to be exclusive or inclusive. The literature approach through several books written by John Hick, the author finds as a valuable contribution to be preservation of religious tolerance in Indonesia. John Hick directs our way of thinking and relating as an attitude of tolerance that is opened and free to every religion without any intervention and the interests of certain groups.

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).

Spiritual Gifts and ‘Communal Competence’: Charismata in Conversation with Self-Determination Theory

Deci and Ryan’s Basic Human Needs Theory (BHNT) claims that thriving is contingent upon the satisfaction of our fundamental psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This article considers how BHNT might complement a theological understanding of flourishing with particular reference to competence, and vice versa. By perceiving charismata as spiritual competencies with a mix of natural and supernatural qualities, it is possible to utilise insights from BHNT to identify circumstances that can support or thwart their cultivation. Whilst spiritual gifts are uniquely and diversely manifest in the individuals comprising the church community, they operate collectively since the Spirit instigates and enables them for a common purpose. Thus, as the sum of its interdependent parts, the church has a Spirit gifted ‘communal competence’ that is maximised in submission to, and unity with, others and God.

Implikasi Standar dan Jenis Penilaian dalam Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Kristen di Gereja

Christian religious education is a vital aspect of church teachings, as it shapes an individual's character and spiritual attitude. However, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of religious education requires appropriate standards and types of assessments in the learning process. This study aimed to analyze the implications of standards and types of assessments in Christian religious education in churches. The research employed a document analysis approach, collecting data from various sources such as textbooks, journal articles, and official documents from churches. The analysis identified the standards that should be met in Christian religious education, including theological understanding, prayer practice, participation in worship, moral and ethical understanding, and personal development activities. The research also evaluated appropriate types of assessments to evaluate students' achievements in meeting these standards, such as formative and summative assessments, project assessments, portfolio assessments, and direct observation. Educators should understand the standards that must be met in religious education and choose the appropriate types of assessments to evaluate students' achievements. The study's findings can serve as a reference for churches in developing quality learning programs and ensuring effective implementation of religious education. In conclusion, Christian religious education in churches plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's character and spiritual attitude. The study highlights the importance of using appropriate standards and types of assessments to ensure the quality and effectiveness of learning. Educators and churches should work together to provide adequate support and resources to facilitate effective learning implementation.

Understanding the Relationship between Science and Religion Using Bayes’ Theorem

This article examines the benefits of incorporating religious reflection into the psychology of religion and vice versa. By applying Bayes’ theorem, we discover that scientists and theologians can collaborate without sharing prior beliefs. Instead, rationality requires updating our beliefs before data collection in response to the degree of surprise generated by the data. Moreover, although people who start with different beliefs may become more aligned after data collection, rationality does not entail a convergence to identical beliefs. To illustrate the potential for growth in understanding from greater collaboration between theologians and scientists, I examine a longitudinal investigation of religion after a natural disaster. This case study illustrates how conversations between theological and psychological perspectives on religion can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of virtue cultivation, benefiting both science and theology.

Rereading Isaiah's Vision (Isa 6) through the Lens of Generational Imprinted Trauma and Resilience

In this contribution, the focus will be on the text of Isa 6:1-13 from the perspective of a generational imprinted trauma1 and resilience. This interdisciplinary approach renders a new conversation on Isaiah's vision, not only giving scope to the ensuing traumatic events but also ascertaining hope and resilience that are embedded within the corpus of the chapter. These traumatic events and the possibility of hope expose the vulnerability2 of the prophet and the people of Judah within the complexity of the text. The aim of the contribution is to give an understanding of trauma, collective trauma and the possibility of hope as experienced within the prophet's commission and vision as well as to investigate the impact that collective trauma has on the people. Thus, this article belongs in the domain of the literary and theological interpretation of the book of Isaiah and contributes towards the history of development of the book. The contribution will further aim to give an exegetical explanation of the structure of Isa 6 thereby giving a greater theological understanding of the text when using a lens of trauma and resilience.

Toronto Outreach & The Dehumanization of Black People: Exploring Barth-Cone Theologies in a Canadian Urban Context

ABSTRACT The pastor of a church hosting a food bank, reflects on how context affects the similarities and dissimilarities of Karl Barth's and James H. Cone's theologies. This is done in order to gain a theological understanding of the propensity of dehumanization in Toronto, Canada. Both Barth and Cone expected theology to be the work of the Church; although in divergent ways, they both considered God's self-revelation in Christ to be the sign of God claiming humans as beloved. This comparative analysis requires theological and critical thinking on racism. While juxtaposing the Barth-Cone contexts and resulting theologies with the challenges of Black Canadians, one can appoint theological understanding to any church's mission and outreach that serves the marginalized.

Challenges of Halal Standards and Halal Certification for Islamic Marketing

Halal standards and certification continue to pose challenges for Islamic marketing. Resolving this is critical for the sector. This study uses the critical literature review (CLR) and systematic literature review (SLR) approaches by reviewing 76 published articles from Scopus-indexed journals between the years 2012 and 2023. Further, it analyses qualitative Quranic verses and content through the use of Stakeholder Theory (ST) and the ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software. Findings show that challenges facing halal standards and certification comprise heterogeneity, questionable raw materials, unethical practices, poor understanding of Islamic theology, communication gaps, acceptance variability, human resource management problems, supply chain obstacles, and improper Islamic marketing orientation. In addition to these common challenges, marketing problems, and poor brand positioning decisively hinder the growth potential of the halal industry. Importantly, the qualitative Quranic verses must satisfy Islamic scholars, certification boards, producers, halal marketers, and researchers to resolve the halal standards and certification-based challenges. All stakeholders must comprehend the insights arising from the general and special challenges facing the halal industry to synthesize the relevant and prescriptive Quranic verses as strategic tools. Stakeholders must further ponder future challenges regarding standards and certification on halal price, place, and promotion since current certification only focuses on products.

What (if Anything) Should Christian Theology Learn from the Cognitive Science of Religion?

ABSTRACT This article asks what, if anything, Christian theology should learn from the cognitive science of religion (CSR). Two possible answers are explored. The first is that Christian theology has nothing to learn from CSR. This is rejected in favour of the second: theology can learn from CSR by appropriating CSR insights carefully and critically to a theological understanding formed first and foremost by Scripture. Karl Barth’s theological critique of religion and his engagement with Ludwig Feuerbach are used as a model for this approach. The article concludes with specific proposals about how, and how not, to engage theologically with CSR.

A Historical Significance of Ancient Migration in Psalms

I apply Gadamer’s view of historicity to undergo a theological understanding of the historical significance of ancient migration in Psalms, which narrates Israelites’ history, including creation, the patriarchs, Egyptian bondage, Sinai, the wilderness, conquest, life in the land, and the exile and return. Gadamer’s concept of history composed of universal history, the concept of power, and the concept of Spirit are applied to explain the historical significance of Psalms. In terms of Christianity, which appears to be the centerpiece of the historical view of the Western tradition, human history moves towards unity and freedom under the supreme sovereignty of the Spirit, Who makes history. As compared to today’s global issue of immigration, based on this historical understanding, we can get a better understanding of the migratory trend of our contemporary world.

The Church and techno-theology: a paradigm shift of theology and theological practice to overcome technological disruptions

Purpose First, this paper aims to identify and discuss the paradoxical relationship between theology and technology. Second, it also demonstrates the urgency of the digitalization of the Church ministry. Third, this paper offers an understanding of technology and theology through the missional perspective of the Church. Fourth, this paper asks the following questions: (1) Can the Church innovate ways of using technology while maintaining the social aspect of the organism? (2) Can organizations migrate to digital technology with adequate technology/human interface to engage innovations? (3) How can organizations renew their products via technological platforms? (4) From a socio-technical perspective on the digital era, can the Church keep abreast of its workforce in a way that provides adequate participative opportunities? and finally, this paper further interacts with views on the paradigm shift of practical theology and techno-theological practice and possible inclusion in the theology vocabularies of the Church. Design/methodology/approach A thorough search on the subject of techno-theology (TTheo) reveals that there are no scholarly works that offer a conceptual understanding of TTheo. However, TTheo derives an interdisciplinary definition from innovative leadership, socio-religious transformation, transformational leadership, anthropological studies, strategic leadership (and authentic leader AL), scenario thinking/planning, technological disruptions, digital transformation and Church sustainability. There are multiple inferences in the literature on the advantages and disadvantages of technology in human relations (Banks et al., 2016; Dyer, 2011). Findings Innovation is open-ended. It can take place anywhere and anytime. All it requires are human entities who are creative enough to respond appropriately. The author agrees with Goldsmith that innovation is not limited to a single aspect of any system (Goldsmith et al., 2010, p. xxiv). Innovation can occur anywhere, and there is no limit to it. The only hindrance to innovation is the lack of creative leaders, creative agents of change and an enabling environment to foster change (Teece, 2018, 2010; Bounfour, 2016; Hanna, 2016). While technological innovation is a good development, other factors drive innovation. Technological innovation is not an end by itself. It is a means to an end. And it cannot stand in isolation from other factors that support it. It competes with some external factors which can sustain it or obstruct it. Research limitations/implications This paper used the traditional (or narrative), meta-analysis and meta-synthesis methods of literature reviews to study scenario thinking, system thinking, planning and TTheo principles to find a suitable space to redefine and reconstruct the Church’s ministry engagement in a technologically avowed age. This paper is not a technology text, nor does it pose to answer technology questions. Instead, it focuses on the role of technology in Christian ministry. Practical implications This paper recommended that the Church redefines its digital transformation perspective by adopting a TTheo that embraces digital materials and hybrid technology in its ministry engagement across the board. This paper further interacts with views on the paradigm shift of practical theology and techno-theological practice and possible inclusion in the theology vocabularies of the Church. Social implications Technology shapes human interactions in a sociopolitical, socioreligious and sociocultural environment (Dyer, 2011; Postman, 2021; McLauhan, 1994, p. 7). As a community of faith, the Church is a segment of the broader cultural environment with a cross-section of people from various works of life and opinions. Language, customs and practice differ significantly from others in every environment. Hence, each setting is unique in multiple ways (Teece, 2018, 2010). The world continues to experience developments in many areas. Due to the symbiotic nature of humans and the environment, cross-breeding and cross-fertilization of ideas are inevitable. As one organization reacts to its unique existence, it indirectly or directly affects another. Hence, while growth may be relative, its impacts are overtly universal. Originality/value The term “Techno-theology” is a newcomer in the theological circle. Hence, there are practically little or minimal literature on this subject area. In this paper, the author has written the original concept of the subject matter (TTheo). This paper is part of the ground-breaking research the author is conducting on “Techno-theology.” The author’s PhD research proposal was approved in December 2022. The author’s research focuses on the subject matter of this paper (TTheo). The author also looks forward to leading a deeper conversation among scholars.