Theological Views Research Articles

Sensorial and Sonic Aspects in the Writings of the “English-American” Thomas Gage (c. 1603–1656) on Mexico and Guatemala

Objective/Context: This article examines dimensions of sensoriality within the writings of Thomas Gage (c. 1603–1656) regarding his experiences as a Dominican friar in Mexico and Guatemala between 1625 and 1637. His 1648 travelogue, The English-American His Travail by Sea and Land, is the first detailed eyewitness report of daily life in the Spanish colonies by an English writer. Yet this work and his other writings were published after he converted to Protestantism and formed an explicit part of anti-Catholic discourse in England. Methodology: Written from a historical-musicological perspective, this study is informed by the approaches of sensory history to identify and critique the sonic episodes and metaphors in Gage’s texts. It critically analyzes his travelogue and investigates how his accounts of musical, gastronomic, and religious experiences underpinned and influenced his political and theological views. To draw out his unique perspectives on music, it also considers soundscapes and the material and cultural dimensions in his descriptions. Originality: Recent scholarship has shown how Gage’s transnational and transconfessional identities did not fit traditional frameworks of analysis and limited scholarly attention to him. Lately, however, researchers have highlighted his mention of the senses. This article focuses specifically on hearing to show that his writings contain unique viewpoints and data on music and sound. Conclusions: Assessment of Thomas Gage within the frameworks of musicology and sensory history demonstrates that he invoked the senses in seemingly unique ways, especially by conflating their physical and metaphysical dimensions when critiquing Catholic practices in colonial contexts.

Chalcedonian Bishops in the ‘Pagan Affair’ of 580

Abstract This paper offers an analysis of the dynamics at play in an under-studied episode of religious violence in Late Antiquity, the so-called ‘pagan affair’ which took place in 580 during the reign of Tiberios. It provides a novel explanation for why the Chalcedonian patriarchs Gregory of Antioch and Eutychios of Constantinople were targeted as pagans or sympathisers of pagans during the riots which erupted after the discovery of pagan circles among the Roman elite. The position of both of them was challenged: Eutychios held controversial theological views; moreover, he had previously been deposed and replaced by John Scholastikos, and many clerics considered his return to the episcopal throne uncanonical. Gregory was confronted with a similar difficulty, since his predecessor Anastasios had been sent into exile, but still had many supporters. In addition, both patriarchs were persecutors of the anti-Chalcedonians, who were therefore interested in slandering their persecutors in order to avenge themselves. The paper argues that charges in the form of anti-pagan polemic, such as those brought forth against the two patriarchs, were a useful weapon to deploy against political or religious opponents. It also sets the pagan affair in the context of Tiberios’ religious policy and analyses the strategies the emperor used to end the riots. Finally, it establishes a connection between the affair and an instance of pagan persecution which was triggered some years later, at the beginning of the reign of Maurice, by the successor of Eutychios, patriarch John the Faster.

A Critical Analysis of Cremation Burials Within Some of the South African Tribes: A Contextual Practical Theological View

The colonial erosion of African traditional and cultural practices continues to dislocate the African identity in different ways. The changes and shifts made to burial practices have simply paved a way for the colonial agenda to bring about more Western ways of doing things, burial rites included. It is important to note that cremation, as another way of burying the dead, is slowly becoming a norm for black people. This paper intends to not only unveil the causes and contestations around cremation burials, but to also seek an African theological response as a way to guide black African culture moving forward.

Perceptions of Self-Love Among Orthodox Christians: Clinical and Pastoral Implications

AbstractUsing an interdisciplinary, empirical perspective, the study explored Orthodox Christians’ perceptions of self-love and its relationship to love of neighbour, love of God and self-sacrifice. Three scales with good reliability were designed and used with 153 Orthodox Christian adults. The main results obtained are as follows: Orthodox Christians have positive perceptions of self-love – they do not see it as a passion or sin as it is described in Christian ascetic literature; they appreciate the importance and benefits of self-love when they perceive it as a separate reality from the love of neighbour and the love of God; some of them have negative or unclear perceptions on the relationship between self-love, love of neighbour and love of God. In this last respect the empirical results of the study contradict important philosophical and theological views. In the study, less than one-quarter of the Orthodox Christians scored high in practising healthy self-love and agreed that self-love can coexist with self-sacrifice in a certain dose or balance. The clinical and pastoral implications of the findings are discussed, and practical suggestions for intervention are proposed.

Theological reflection of the perception of the person of Jesus Christ in the light of the historical development of christological models

The person of Jesus Christ has remained a religious phenomenon for many centuries of mankind. The appearance of Jesus Christ in the history of mankind two thousand years ago and his special religious activities remain a relevant issue today. Traditionally, the relationship to the person of Jesus Christ is divided into two positions: those who believe and recognize His divine origin and those who do not believe and try to deny the Divinity of Jesus. From the point of view of fundamental theology and religious studies, the study of those two antinomian positions, in particular their debatable interrelationship, the permanence and deepening of the religious views of the believing side and the relativity and modification of the views about Jesus of the non-believing side, is an incompletely resolved scientific question. As a result, during many epochs of the development of human thought, we received two planes of Christological models: the plane of additions and deepening of faith in Jesus Christ and the plane of oppositions and denials of this faith. This study focuses precisely on this second plane: highlighting the opposing positions of faith and unbelief in Jesus Christ.

Ulasan Teologis dari Kalimat “Bumi Belum Berbentuk dan Kosong, Gelap Gulita Menutupi Samudera Raya” dalam Kejadian 1:1-2

This journal discusses the meaning and implications of Genesis 1:1-2 in the context of the creation narrative. The main focus is on the primitive condition of the earth before God’s act of creation. Analysis was carried out on the biblical text and various theologians. The findings show that Genesis 1:1-2 describes an unstructured and empety initial state, which later became the foundation for the creation process. The creation narrative in Genesis 1:1-2 is one of the main foundations of Cristian theology. This research aims to dig deeper into the theological meaning of the phrase “the earth was formless and empty” in Genesis 1:1-2. The main focus is on the primitive condition of the earth before creation, and its implications for understanding God’s power and creativity. This research seeks to clarify various existing interpretations, especially regarding the concept of “tohu wabohu” and its relationship with other creation theories. A close analysis of Genesis 1:1-2 shows that the phrase “the earth was formless and empty” describes an intial state that was unstructured and without form. This condition is not the result of previous destruction, but is a “blank canvas” for God’s creative work. Thorugh His words, God transforms chaos into order, brings light into darkness, and creates everything from nothing. This research provides new contributions, namely: presenting a comprehensive review of various theological views regarding Genesis 1:1-2 including comparisons with other creation theories such as the gap theory, providing a deeper interpretation of the concept of “tohu wabohu” and clarifyng misunderstandings that often occur, highlights the implications of understanding the early conditions of the earth for our understanding of God’s power and creativity and the relationship between creator and creation.

Возможна ли теологическая аксиология: pro et contra

Axiology experienced a period of rapid development at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. But until now there have been no attempts to comprehend the concept of value from the theological point of view. Within the framework of classical theology, God was contemplated to be the source of any good. Anything has value only in relation to the Divine Good. In this sense, we can talk about the “theological reduction” of axiology in theology. Axiology is the result of modern awareness by man of his right to free choice among various goods. Nevertheless academic theology of the New Age may have its own insight into the phenomenon of values. It is able to fulfill the role of critical research in relation to what someone perceives as value, in order to indicate the presence or absence of soteriological potential in such a phenomenon. Theology can also study the process of how one or another value has been recognized as soteriological and how this perception influenced the life of an individual, community or Church. The article also shows some features that distinguish the theological view of values from other ways of thinking and raises the question of the development of a theology of culture.

PASTORAL KONSELING SEBAGAI SARANA KOMUNIKASI EFEKTIF DALAM PELAYANAN JEMAAT

This journal discusses the role of pastoral counseling in facilitating effective communication in congregational ministry. Pastoral counseling is an important tool in helping individuals or groups overcome spiritual, emotional, and social problems. Effective communication in pastoral counseling is the main key in creating a trusting relationship between pastoral and congregation. Various communication techniques such as the client-centric approach, the use of the case study method, confidentiality, and the use of social media are important elements in the counseling process. Challenges faced in implementing pastoral counseling as effective communication include cultural differences, social stigma, counselor qualifications, theological views, ethics and confidentiality, as well as limited resources and time. To overcome these challenges, proposed solutions include training and professional development for counselors, efforts to reduce social stigma, balancing between theological and scientific approaches, a deep understanding of counseling ethics, effective time management, provision of adequate facilities and support, and collaboration with mental health services. A holistic and multifaceted approach to counseling is also emphasized, including the training of counselors, building strong relationships with congregants, use of appropriate communication techniques, utilization of technology, evaluation and feedback, and support from the organization. It is hoped that the implementation of these solutions will improve the quality of pastoral counseling services, provide greater benefits to congregants, and strengthen the relationship between pastoral care and congregants in supporting their spiritual growth and emotional well-being.

Women in the Australian Baptist Denomination in Peace and War, 1920–1945

Exploring the roles and activities of Australian Baptist women is essential to present a complete history of the Australian Baptist denomination. Many historical narratives do not include women’s work in the denomination despite their numerical dominance. This article provides a brief overview of women’s work in their congregations and the broader denomination from 1920 to 1945. Women’s organisations were important as a vehicle for women’s ministries and fundraising, and they enabled talented individuals to be involved in leading and managing organisations, as well as demonstrating their theological views through speeches.

HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAMIC THEOLOGY

This study aims to trace the historical development of theology in Islam and identify the factors that influence the emergence of various theological schools in Islam. This research also aims to understand how different theological views affect the way of thinking and lifestyle of Muslims. The research method used is the historical method which includes four stages: heuristics, verification, interpretation, and historiography. The results show that the development of Islamic theology can be divided into three main periods: classical, medieval, and modern. In the classical period, the rational and scientific Sunnatullah theology flourished, resulting in high productivity in various fields. However, in the medieval period, the fatalistic theology of Jabariyah dominated, causing a decline in theological thought. In the modern period, Islamic thinkers such as Sayyid Ahmad Khan, Ismail Raji Al-Faruqi, Muhammad Abduh, and Hasan Hanafi tried to adapt Islamic teachings to the changing times through a rational and contextual approach. They emphasized the importance of ijtihad and reassessment of the language and historical context of classical theology to answer the challenges of modernity. This research contributes to enriching contemporary Islamic studies with in-depth insights into the evolution of theological thought in Islam.

Hermeneutika Sebagai Jalan Teologi Pembebasan Farid Esack

Liberation theology is a theological view that was born and developed as a self-liberation movement or group from oppression. Liberation theology is also a phenomenological discourse with plural social conditions and experiencing oppression and inequality that restrain religious adherents. Farid Esack, a South African intellectual who was in the Apartheid regime, held the view that believers should not submit to political authority and discriminatory social conditions of society. In this social condition, Farid Esack saw the need to reinterpret the Qur'an using hermeneutics as an approach. Through the concept of hermeneutics, he is able to give rise to new ideas about theology or what he calls liberation theology. This is an effort to answer existing social problems, especially in South Africa. The writing of this article uses the library research method with a literature study approach, which is carried out by collecting and analyzing information from written sources such as books, journals, articles, and documents related to the topic discussed. According to Farid Esack, the concept of hermeneutics is very necessary considering that the books in religion are not only a teaching concept that only contains rituals but also contains universal human liberation from social inequality and oppression.

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.

Harun Nasution's Theological View

This research delves into Harun Nasution's theological perspectives and the reforms he advocated, particularly within the framework of Rational Islam. It explores the historical context surrounding the concept of destiny, encompassing interpretations from the Jabariyah and Qadariyah theological schools. Employing a descriptive analysis methodology, the study elucidates Nasution's rational and scientific theological framework, emphasizing the pivotal role of reason in human actions while maintaining a symbiotic relationship with revelation. Drawing from Nasution's intellectual lineage, notably influenced by the Mu'tazilites and Muhammad Abduh, the research uncovers Nasution's paradigm shift from Traditionalist to Rationalist theology, a significant development in the Indonesian context. Nasution's reforms, detailed within, represent a departure from dogmatic interpretations, advocating instead for a nuanced understanding that reconciles intellect with revelation. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Nasution's legacy as a modern reformer and offers insights into the evolving landscape of Islamic theology, particularly in Indonesia, by comprehensively examining his theological views and reforms and their implications for the interplay between reason and revelation in Islamic thought.

The Impact of Theology on Disaffiliation, Disengagement, and Disbelief

Abstract While the reasons for the differences in the growth rates of conservative and liberal churches are well studied, one important potential reason for this difference has received little attention. The argument that liberal theology undermines the basis of belief implies that those with liberal theological views may be more likely to lose faith and disaffiliate than those holding conservative theologies that reinforce adherents’ religious faith and practice. Using a nationally representative panel survey of the American public, the analysis performed here shows that those with liberal theologies were significantly more likely to disaffiliate from Christianity, attend church less often, and cease believing in God between the two waves of the survey than those with more conservative theologies. On the basis of these findings, more attention should be given to the role that theology may play in understanding patterns of secularization.

Religious confusion and emptiness: Evaluating the impact of online Islamic learning among Indonesian Muslim adolescents

Internet-based religious learning has presented a new face to the diversity of Muslim youth. This article aims to analyse and evaluate Muslim youth’s understanding, attitudes, and religious practices and demonstrate the impact of internet-based Islamic learning. As many as 23 Muslim youths in Jepara, Central Java, aged 17–20 years, became the informants of this study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations. Further research data were analysed descriptively and interpretatively. This study found that most Muslim youths who studied Islam online experienced confusion and emptiness in religion caused by an incomplete learning process. Most Muslim youths do not have solid theological views, pseudo-worship practices and weak religious ideologies. This study suggests that teenagers acquire essential Islamic knowledge from credible sources such as kyai with clear scientific credentials. This foundation enables them to discern reliable Islamic content in cyberspace, safeguarding against distortions in their understanding of Islam and spirituality.Contribution: This research provides a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the impact of internet-based learning on the diverse experiences of Muslim youth. Although the internet has the potential to be an invaluable source of knowledge, the challenges of integrating information with traditional understanding require serious attention.

Augustine on music as the harmonious language of spirituality: An apophatic theological study

This article arose from the study of apophatic theology also known as the via-negativa. Apophatic theology, by definition, refrains from stating what and who God is instead of focusing on what God is not. It renders religious language as a sign-system inadequate in describing God, his nature, and human numinous experiences. Yet, language is the fundamental modelling system that stimulates our everyday phenomenological, spiritual, and religious developments. This article is demonstrating how the apophatic theological view attempted to solve or investigate the inadequacy of religious language or the lack of God’s language. The research drew from contemporary scholarship on Augustine’s use of apophatic theology in developing its hypothesis of the importance of music as a transcendental language. Moreover, through music and prayer, language becomes an intermediary beyond the physical to the metaphysical. In this instance, Augustine of Hippo, coming to terms with the inadequacy of religious language, considered music a succinct communicative tool in his theology and divine pedagogy. So, due to the challenges of language, the purpose of this article is using Augustine and his view of music within the Sitz im Leben of his spiritual development to solve a theological problem. In this article, the following will be discussed: (1) Augustine’s Confessions as a dialogue where he speaks to God through Scriptures and hymns; (2) Augustine’s earlier philosophical theory of music; (3) and Augustine’s use of apophatic theology in our spiritual development. The importance of this research will help us understand God’s immanence (over his ineffable) through our use and understanding of music as a harmonious language consisting of unchanging mathematical properties. Furthermore, the truthfulness of music as a harmonious language about God’s mystery can be better understood.Contribution: Through Augustine’s apophatic theology, this study contributes to our understanding and revitalisation of spirituality using music as an alternative form of harmonious language of the spirit. Moreover, it considers music a universal language that transcends all senses and other modes of cognitive activities. By establishing a basic principle of what makes us spiritual, we can transform our cognitive abilities and become better spiritual beings. Furthermore, this study examined the harmonic nature of music in the seven liberal arts as a significant mathematical aspect of the cosmos.

Dinamika Kemurtadan: Kajian Psikologis Terhadap Faktor-Faktor Individu dan Lingkungan dalam Masyarakat Kontemporer

This research aims to explore theological views on apostasy in the context of Christianity. Apostasy is defined as an act of rejection of one's faith and religious teachings, with a focus on serious spiritual consequences. The main source of insight is the Bible, which provides strong warnings against apostasy, highlighting specific passages such as Hebrews 6:4-6. This verse reflects the theological view that for those who consciously abandon the Christian faith, repentance may no longer be possible. This view reflects the serious spiritual consequences that can separate an individual from the presence of God. Although the Bible provides a strong warning against apostasy, the theological perspective also highlights God's grace and forgiveness. The Bible shows that repentance is always open to those who sincerely desire to return to God. In Luke 15:7, Jesus emphasizes the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, providing hope that despite the seriousness of the apostasy, God always provides a way for repentance and restoration of a spiritual relationship with Him. Overall, the theological view of apostasy reflects a balance between stern warnings about the spiritual consequences and God's gracious mercy that is always open to those who return to Him.

Transcendence, faith and poetry: towards an ontology of the Spirit

Our current understanding of the evolution of the cosmos and the place in it of Homo sapiens requires a reassessment of transcendence and in particular of the Christian faith and the importance of the Spirit of God, leading to a revised view of theology as being primarily a form of poetry about human experience of transcendence, open to ambiguity, contradiction and imagination, rather than credal certainty.

Pandangan Teologi Terhadap LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Biseksual Dan Transgender)

The background of this research problem is to find out (a) what factors influence the occurrence of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender); (b) the role of the family and church in dealing with LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender); (c) Christian theological views on LGBT. The research was conducted using qualitative research methods, namely interviews and internet sites. Data results obtained through interviews. The research results show: LGBT is a sexual deviation, which cannot be denied, Christians also fall into it. LGBT behavior is an abominable act in the eyes of God. This creates negative things in people's lives and health. Parents play a very important role in educating children, providing correct sex education that is in accordance with God's Word. This LGBT group has the right to repentance in Jesus. Because that is why Jesus came into the world to save humans from sin. The church also has a very important role in providing assistance to LGBT groups.

Ecocosmism: Finitude Unbound

Western modernity was born with a revolution of limits. Western man, who has become the creator of his own destiny, has identified freedom with a conscious and systematic violation of the given conditions, with a future that constantly transcends the present. This modern condition is thus characterised by the fact that it is limited by boundaries that are mobile and can change. From this observation arises the paradoxical situation that growth today is inconceivable if it is not linked to a scenario of scarcity, in contrast to premodern theological views based instead on the abundance of creation, the original richness of the world. Inspired by this vision of a sustainable world, ecological thinking today is immediately associated with a language of finitude. Degrowth, self-limitation, and resource efficiency, these are all terms associated with a universalist model of progress that seems to know no limits. This article argues that the world is doomed to its own inevitable end if sustainability is understood from the perspective of an economically sustainable future defined by the limits of capitalist management. If, on the other hand, we step out of this impoverished and economic perspective of the concept of limit and the condition of finitude, then we open ourselves to an ecocosmic perspective that understands the world as part of a cosmic diversity that cannot be contained within a more or less extended totality of resources. In this article, being finite is understood ecologically as being a non-self-sufficient part of the interrelated possibilities of worldmaking, not as an element of a set of individuals or things.