Integration Of Theology Research Articles

Listening a Synodal Church into Being: Learning Points from the Methodology of the Synod 2021-2024 and the Asian Experience

This article examines the multiple dimensions of listening entailed in the Synod on Synodality and highlights some challenges posed by the context of Asia. It then examines the outcomes of the synod consultation on the Asian continent and identifies key elements which enabled fruitful listening experience despite the anticipated barriers. These elements include a concerted stance of radical welcome in word and deed, the building of relationships along with structures, the integration of theology “from above” and “from below” through a pilgrim hermeneutic, and the use of consultation methods that embodied a spirituality of communion. The article discusses these elements alongside theological scholarship and church teachings on synodal processes, sensus fidei, and theological method. As such, its elucidation of these elements could help encourage synodal listening in practically effective and theologically relevant ways. It is hoped that this might in turn support future efforts to harness the sensus fidei and promote a more synodal way of being church and doing theology.

Wolfhart Pannenberg’s Theological Method and Metaphysics

After the rise of logical positivism, even in the realm of theology, there was a trend to give up on accepting the actions of God in history as objective acts and to create an atmosphere of separating faith and reason. Wolfhart Pannenberg’s work presents a compelling integration of theology with the rational and empirical rigors of the scientific age. Through a comprehensive theological method, he aimed to establish a dialogue between faith and scientific inquiry, challenging the exclusivity of logical positivism by proposing a theological metaphysics grounded in the concept of retroactive ontology. Pannenberg’s approach is distinguished by its systematic application of hermeneutics, considering the totality of history as the context for divine revelation, and positioning the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a pivotal event that embodies God’s influence on the world. His innovative ontology, which enables one to consider divine action as objective, seeks to validate theology as a science, engaging with natural sciences to foster a mutual enrichment between faith and reason. Pannenberg’s methodological rigor and metaphysical framework offer a robust foundation for a theology that is both intellectually defensible and deeply rooted in Christian faith, advocating for a theology of nature that reconciles the divine with the empirical world.

Integrating Theology into Migration Studies for Ethical Perspectives and Collaborative Solutions

This study explores the intersection of theology and migration studies and provides a comprehensive framework for theologians and researchers to engage with the ethical dimensions of global migration. It addresses the need for an integrated perspective that goes beyond socio-political and economic analyses. The study identifies a gap in the literature in the integration of theology into migration studies and proposes specific tasks for theologians and researchers. Theologians should integrate theology into migration studies, engage in critical theological reflection, understand ethical imperatives, and reinterpret religious texts. Researchers should develop frameworks that challenge conventional discourses and translate theological principles into actionable guidelines. Key tasks for researchers include interdisciplinary collaboration, analysing language and perceptions, political advocacy and social engagement. The study's unique contribution is a roadmap that integrates theology into migration studies and provides scholars with a guide to navigate the complex challenges of migration.

The Transfigurations/Twists of the Religious: An Introduction to the Theological Epistemology of Marcella Althaus-Reid

Latin American cuir/questioning theology is a recent field of critical studies that not only draws on queer/questioning thought and activism but also contributes to contemporary sex-gendered dissident proposals. This article presents some epistemic contributions from the transfigurations, twists, “indecencies,” and resignifications of the religious. It is presented as an example of this theological integration to the program of the Doctorate in Critical Gender Studies of the Universidad Iberoamericana. In particular, the proposal of this article aims to analyze the intersection body–gender–religion from a hermeneutic approach of the book Dios cuir, by the Argentinean theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid.

Reactualization Islamic Theology in Education: Designing Curriculum, Method Learning, and Technology Integration for Transformation Educative

The development of Islamic education has become the main focus of the effort to formulate return religious teachings to be more in accordance with the demands of the times and achieve transformation in system education. This article aims To explore How Islamic theology is actualized in the aspect of education, considering design curriculum, methods of learning, and integration technology. The method research used is qualitative analysis with studies of comprehensive library. Through a review of in-depth literature and articles, this identifies draft reactualization of Islamic theology in context education and explains the goals and approaches required to achieve it. Research results highlight the importance of the integration of values of Islamic theology in curriculum-relevant education with the demands of the times. Besides that, This review is about using interactive methods of learning, like discussion groups and technology, to facilitate a deep understanding of Islamic teachings. With the integration of Islamic theology in the curriculum, implementing method learning interactive, and utilising technology in a way that is wise and transformational, more educational , extensive and sustainable can achieved in Islamic education.

Influence of the Enochic tradition on Qumran: reception and adaptation of the Watchers and Giants as a case study

The confluence of different Jewish traditions in the Qumran library is evident. The Enochic traditions are not only counted as the oldest influences in Qumran, they also give it a certain theological unity. This is even more true in the case of demonology. Belial’s figure brings together a rich lexicographic heritage in which different traditions are integrated under the characteristics of the Watchers and Giants of the Enochic tradition (1 En 6—8). This study analyzes the theological characterization of the demonological figures found in Qumran to specify the Enochic influence on it.

A Proposition of Integral Protological Narrative: Modern Interpretation of the Fall of Man and the Original Sin

The Catholic doctrine of the fall of man and the original sin seems to pose serious difficulties when confronted with the results of empirical sciences concerning the antropogenesis. To answer those issues, the author of this work undertakes an attempt at their contemporary interpretation from the perspective of fundamental theology, basing on the findings of his previous publication, in which he covered the problem of anthropogenesis in the light of Christian faith and empirical discoveries. (M. Witała, A Proposition of Integral Protological Narrative: the Theological Criteria of Humanity and Anthropogenesis according to Empirical Sciences, “Poznańskie Studia Teologiczne” 41 (2022) 1, pp. 71–93). The interpretation of the fall of man and original sin proposed in this work is based on the analysis of biblical data and the review of the doctrinal statements of the Magisterium of the Church during the ages and leads to an integral protological narrative taking into account the research of empirical sciences on anthropogenesis, according to the concept of integration of theology and science.

Tren Penelitian Integrasi Teologi dan Psikologi di Indonesia: Systematic Literature Review

Integration of theology and psychology is needed for more efficient services for the congregation. However, is this kind of integration familiar in Indonesia? This article seeks to examine the development of research on the integration of theology and psychology in Indonesia from 2003-2023. The approach used is Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method. As a result, 17 articles were found that met the requirements for review and discussed the integration of theology and psychology. The authors come from 15 educational and service institutions, both ecumenical and evangelical. The branch of theology that is most studied is biblical theology, while the branch of psychology that is most studied is developmental psychology. The most dominant research synthesis is the integration of practical theology and developmental psychology. The amount of research on the integration of theology and psychology in Indonesia in the last two decades is still relatively low.

Hobbes’s Medeas

This article explores Thomas Hobbes’s political translations of Euripides’s Medea and, particularly, his representation of the Dionysian ritual of killing and dismembering a sacrificial victim (sparagmos). To answer the question of what forms political theology may take in modernity, I contend that Hobbes seeks to reverse the political theological meaning of ancient Greek sparagmos—which was originally depicted in Euripides as a legitimate religious sacrifice whose objective was to reunify the polis—by turning it into a senseless act of political violence that will dissolve the civil state into competing interest groups or body parts. If Hobbes seeks to expel religious sacrifice from his political state into archaic pre-history, however, the article goes on to argue—via Bramhall, Schmitt, and Cavarero’s revisionary readings of his work—that the philosopher’s critique of Medea ends up bestowing a legitimacy upon the tragic heroine that disarticulates the political theological unity upon which his Commonwealth is founded. In the tragic figure of Medea, Dionysian sparagmos returns to dismember and even potentially consume the body parts of the Leviathan.

The Theological Integration of Contemporary Praise and Worship Music in Philippine Liturgical Celebrations: an Examination of “Still” and “Goodness of God” and their Use in Catholic Liturgical Celebrations.

The Theological Integration of Contemporary Praise and Worship Music in Philippine Liturgical Celebrations: an Examination of “Still” and “Goodness of God” and their Use in Catholic Liturgical Celebrations.

Menghadirkan Kebahagiaan Melalui Kesejahteraan

The article discusses the concept of true happiness and well-being, emphasizing the importance of bringing happiness through well-being in various aspects of life. It highlights three key elements: the heart, mind, and actions. Individuals are encouraged to keep their hearts clean from negative emotions, maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, and engage in actions that benefit others. The document also introduces the Program Pelatihan Intensif (Progsif) conducted by Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Studi Alkitab untuk Pengembangan Pedesaan Indonesia, which aims to provide holistic knowledge and skills to church activists, ministers, and theology students. The program includes spiritual mentoring sessions focusing on the sermon on the mount from Matthew 5-7. The participants' feedback indicates the effectiveness of the program in achieving its goals. Overall, the document emphasizes the integration of theology and technology in promoting well-being and happiness within individuals and communities. In conclusion, the document highlights the significance of bringing happiness through well-being and provides insights into the Progsif program's objectives, activities, and evaluation. The program aims to equip church activists, ministers, and theology students with holistic knowledge and skills, focusing on the sermon on the mount as a key teaching for bringing about happiness and well-being. The feedback from participants indicates the success of the program in achieving its goals. Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of integrating theology and technology in promoting well-being and happiness within individuals and communities.

The Dialogical Paths with Islam in the East: Homage to Arabic Christian Theology

This is an opinion article, based on a lifelong syncretic study of the dialogical paths taken by Eastern theologians, Greeks and Arabs. At the crossroads of three continents, in direct relation with the Byzantine and Syriac traditions, with the Mediterranean and its Greco-Roman culture, but also with the Asian and African hinterland, Arab and Arabic-speaking Christian theologians have formed a culture of dialogue. They managed to engage with Islam in shapes and forms that are of very great interest and could point the way to a different approach to Islam today. The article, written by a Greek author, proposes a better integration of Arabic Orthodox theology as an enrichment to Orthodox theology as a whole, serving at the same time a broader connection between the Greek and Arab worlds. The article also proposes that discovering the heritage of the Orthodox East is interesting for Christian theology on a global scale. In primarily Christian/Western academia, one should be open to a genuine encounter with the Islamic world beyond geopolitics and other concerns extrinsic to religion; this is an encounter that would open up paths beyond the “clash of civilisations” impasse and allow for the rediscovery of the humanizing factor of religion. This is of interest to Christian and Muslim theologians as well as serving humanity and creation as a whole.

Eschatology in Islamic Philosophy from the Perspective of Al-Ghazali

This research aims to analyze Al-Ghazali's perspective on eschatology in Islamic teachings and the implications of his thoughts on the understanding and beliefs of Muslim individuals. The research methodology employed is literature analysis, examining Al-Ghazali's works related to eschatology and interpreting his views within the context of Islamic philosophy. The findings indicate that Al-Ghazali regards eschatology as an integral part of Islamic teachings that is crucial for preparing oneself to face the afterlife. Al-Ghazali emphasizes the importance of developing good morals, abstaining from sins, and maintaining a connection with God and fellow human beings. The implications of Al-Ghazali's perspective on the understanding and beliefs of Muslims are that the focus should primarily be on the hereafter while living in this world. Al-Ghazali's contribution in enriching the insights and understanding of eschatology from the perspective of Islamic philosophy includes the reinterpretation of eschatological concepts, the integration of philosophy and theology, and the development of profound philosophical reflections. This research demonstrates that Al-Ghazali's perspective on eschatology in Islamic teachings has significant implications for the understanding and beliefs of Muslims. Al-Ghazali's thoughts provide a valuable contribution in expanding the understanding of the afterlife and prioritizing the preparation for the hereafter. It offers a deeper comprehension of Al-Ghazali's views on eschatology and motivates Muslims to lead their lives in this world with a broader and responsible perspective.

Teaching anti‐racist counseling theories: Black liberation narrative therapy

AbstractCounseling theories created by White theorists have traditionally failed to consider the religious or spiritual experiences of Black clients. Integration of Black liberation theology and narrative therapy provides a novel approach to support counseling trainees in meeting the needs of Black clients. Decolonizing therapeutic strategies are presented along with counselor educator recommendations.

Looking into the mirror: the Bible, normativity and reflexivity

ABSTRACT British and Irish practical theology has been exercised in its recent history about the apparent elusiveness of the Bible within practical theology. In this essay, I want to address how we might now move beyond the pathology of Bible and practical theology, to thinking about the ways in which the Bible may function normatively in practical theology. This was prompted by teaching reflexivity in a professional doctorate programme and noting the almost complete absence of the Bible from the literature on this topic. How is it that a book of mirrors and examinations, vigilance and virtue, powers and unveilings has been excluded from our reflexivity curriculum? As a case study of the Bible’s normativity, and inspired by using M. C. Escher mirrors in the classroom, this essay looks into five biblical mirrors to engage in a practical theological reading of Scripture that speaks to reflexivity and its conundrums. Through a variety of normative moves, I argue that the mirrors offer epistemological and ontological insights that show reflexivity to be a practice with its own theological integrity. This theological reflexivity is then worked out in a number of actions for the classroom and beyond.

Modeling Jesus Beyond the Black Square: Perspectives on Allyship, False Hope, and Amplifying Silenced Voices

The Triune God has always championed the cause of those who are oppressed. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension display the perfect embodiment of social justice. #BlackOutTuesday was one of the largest online social justice demonstrations to date. The proceeds of #BlackoutTuesday and the overwhelming lack of follow-up action after the event provide a window into current activism and the ways in which historic patterns are still prevalent despite the veneer of increased awareness. While current patterns of activism may commonly stop at a black square, the call of Christ invites his followers to move beyond such performative actions into true anti-racist action. This article aims to apply the integration of psychology and theology to modern-day social justice issues using three perspectives that center allyship, false hope, and amplifying silenced voices through the lens of the impetus for #BlackoutTuesday, its misrepresentation in the media, and its actual impact and fallout.

INSTITUTIONAL AND CHARISMATIC ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH

This article discusses the institutional and charismatic aspects of the Church. The existence of the institutional and charismatic aspects of the Church, based on the principle of the unity of Christology and Pneumatology. This is some kind of theological unity, which is necessary for their coexistence. An institution is always born in time and space and therefore is a subject of these dimensions. On the contrary, charism does not depend on time or space. There is a tight interconnection between these two aspects; In the Eastern Church there was never any kind of sharp disagreement between them. Therefore, both institution and charism coexist in the Church and there is a balance between them. The representatives of the institution are clerics who have institutionalized charism, but at the same time, there are charismatic people with their own, non-institutionalized charism. Both aspects have ecclesiological significance, which directly affects the life of believers. The purpose of both institutional and charismatic manifestations (mysteries, Church services, dogmas or definitions) is one – the protection the unity of the Church.

Black gods: The major assertions of the black Jewish movement in America

The black Jewish movement in the United States is an African American new religious movement often linked to black gods. This religious thought raises concerns and questions. Firstly, if the assertions of black Jews are factual, what happens to biblical Israelites and their historicity? Secondly, what is the background of black Jews, and how does that relate to biblical Israel? Thirdly, what are the primary religious claims of black Jews? This article is a critical evaluation of the religious-historical, biblical and theological assertions of the black Jews in America. The article argues that the religious-historical antecedents, theological and biblical claims of the black Jews in America are untrue and cannot replace scriptural assertions about biblical Hebrews or Israelites. The claims of black Jews are eisegetical, not exegetical. The hermeneutics of the black Jews is incoherent with biblical tenets and theological integrity. Therefore, the black Jewish movement cannot substitute or reconstruct the biblical historicity of Israelites.Contribution: The article contributes to the subject of new religious movements in the US. It reveals the discourse of black gods within the African American communities, focusing on the ongoing discourse on the black Jewish movement. It explains and evaluates the claims of black Jews in America, refuting their religious-historical antecedents, theological and biblical claims.

The Soul of Desire: Discovering the Neuroscience of Longing, Beauty, and Community

The Soul of Desire: Discovering the Neuroscience of Longing, Beauty, and Community

The Nature and Limits of Theology: A Response to Rowan Williams

AbstractTheology is both a human endeavor and something of Divine origin, insofar as it is a human attempt to make sense of certain Divinely revealed propositions. How does one reconcile these two elements? One attempt to do so was on the part of the Anglican theologian Rowan Williams. In sections I and II of chapter 1 of his work ‘On Christian Theology’, Williams speaks of the nature of authentic theological discourse, that is, theological discourse that has integrity. In his work on theological integrity, Williams explores how human intentions or hidden agendas can potentially warp our attempt to make sense of the truths contained within Divine Revelation. He then goes on to speak of how to avoid such pitfalls. In this article, I will respond to the epistemological implications of William's thoughts on this topic. I will use various ideas from Catholic theology, including the development of doctrines and the notion that faith has both a subjective and objective element, to explore both the strengths and weaknesses of Williams's thought.