Theological Work Research Articles

Rules of Islamic creed ''Aqidah'' Between Theory and Practical (A Study of creed Issues According to Ash'arites)

The attention to the deductive method began with Imam Al-Ash’ari and the establishment of the rules of theorizing from the first moment of the emergence of the Ash’ari school of thought at the hands of the founder of the school of thought, Abu Al-Hasan Al-Ash’ari, and the scholars who followed after him who wrote theological works. This reflects the great care of the Ash’arism in rooting and theorizing the methods of theory, and setting the methodological rules of reasoning, so he dealt with The research examines the most important comprehensive theological rules through which the Ash’ari reasoned in the doctrinal issues on which Ash’ari theological thought was founded, taking into account the extent of stability or change that occurred in some of these rules along the path of the Ash’ari doctrine. The aim of this study was to answer an important methodological question in formulating the verbal thinking curriculum: It is: What is the impact of comprehensive verbal rules in achieving intellectual consistency and methodological consistency in the theory of verbal reasoning according to the Ash’arism between theory and application? The answer to the nature of this research required delving into the journey of exploring the idea of comprehensive verbal grammar in the theological heritage. It was appropriate for this task to adopt the historical approach in collecting the material and searching for comprehensive grammar in its context from the verbal works approved in the Ash’arite school. It was necessary to study the origins of the theory of verbal grammar. Comprehensive and anticipating the methodological features governing inference, adopting the analytical approach; The approach adopted in this study was a combined approach of the two approaches: historical and analytical, in order to reach the impact of comprehensive verbal rules in both theoretical and applied studies.

Georg Lorenz Bauer’s Biblische Moral des Alten Testaments : The First »Old Testament Ethics«?

Abstract Georg Lorenz Bauer (1755–1806) is known for coining the term »historical-critical« and writing one of the first works of Old Testament theology, but he is hardly remembered for publishing what is arguably the first independent work of Old Testament ethics. His two-volume Biblische Moral des Alten Testaments (1803) still ranks among the most extensive publications on the subject. This article situates Bauer’s work within the history of OT ethics research, arguing that it was the first of its kind, while providing an overview of its contents, methodology, and reception.

From Black Magician to Proto-Feminist: The Reception of Cornelius Agrippa's Oeuvre Through the Centuries

The Renaissance humanist Cornelius Agrippa von Netesheim (1486–1533) left a rich body of works in philosophy, theology, biblical exegesis and occultism. The disparity and internal contradictions of this opus, as well as the ambivalent position of Agrippa on the intellectual map of the epoch, caused the reception of his work to branch out in the most diverse directions. Contemporaries from clerical and Protestant circles branded him as a heretic, whereas humanists recognized his great erudition and devotion to faith. While he considered himself a reformer of Christianity, his followers regarded him as an authority in Neoplatonic, Hermetic, and Esoteric studies. On the basis of tendentious interpretations of his writings, as well as the entire tradition of apocryphal stories that developed around his personality, the church and folk tradition of the 16th and 17th centuries constructed a representation of Agrippa as a servant of the devil. Therefore, he served as a model for the character of Faust, first to Christopher Marlowe and later to Goethe. With the strong development of science and its foundations being linked with occult teachings, in the 18th and 19th centuries the image of Agrippa as a proto-scientist appeared, e.g. in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. However, for the positivist science of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Agrippa was, at best, a representative of a barren branch of Western philosophical thought, and at worst, a mere charlatan or mentally disturbed person. Such a perception prevailed until the mid-20th century, when scholars from Warburg Institute in London developed new interpretations of Renaissance humanism, including Agrippa's role in it. Today's science views Agrippa as a representative of the vital religious component of humanism and as a link between ancient, medieval and Renaissance currents of thought. At the same time, in certain segments of New Age, his writings acquire the status of the "bible" of the occultism, and Agrippa himself the status of a kind of New Age guru. Therefore, the literary legacy of Cornelius Agrippa is of significance for the history of ideas, reception studies, imagology, and anthropology of religion as an exceptionally rich case study, and in this paper, we aim to trace the intricate paths of his reception in different epochs and cultural contexts.

Pathfinders. István Török (1903–1996) in the Church – Against the Church – For the Church

The life and theological work of István Török (1903–1996) clearly illustrate the alternations of Protestantism in the 20th century and at the same time reflect the changes in the circumstances of the Hungarian Reformed Church. From the beginning of his career, first as a teacher at the Papal Reformed Theological Academy and then as a professor at Tisza István University of Debrecen, he participated in the theological debates. These reflections helped the orientations of the Church. During the years of communism, his publishing activities were limited, and after 1956 he was suspended from his teaching position. Nevertheless, he delivered many lectures to his former students at the so-called “black conferences”. In the period around the regime change (1989–1991), he rejoined the public life of the Church with several writings. Significant theological turns require freedom, when the Church paves the way for the eternal, even at the cost of conflict or self-restraint. Keywords: Protestantism in the 20th century, dialectical theology, ethical dimensions of Christian life, freedom of the church

The creed “al-‘Aqaid al-nasafiyyah” as a standard of Sunni doctrine

The subject of the article is the medieval manuscript “аl-‘Aqaid an-nasafiyya” and aspects related to its compilation. The article contains the data about the earliest version of the manuscript and its textual features. Some discrepancies with modern editions of the treatise text are revealed, the historical motive for compiling the work, as well as its connection with the main theological works of major scholars of the Hanafi madhhab are considered. The colophon of the manuscript, which provides valuable information about the date and place of composition of this theological treatise, is examined separately.

Theology as embodied: How tangible theology offers a new invitation to embodied people

AbstractFar from being a purely cerebral activity, meaningful theological work seeks the transformation of people; intellectual assent is necessary, but humans are embodied, and theology can be multi‐modal in its action and delivery. This essay draws on the traditions of visual and sensory theological practices to make an argument for theology as a rigorous process enacted in embodied—mind, hand, and heart—ways. The interwoven relationship between orthodoxy and orthopraxy is too often tenuous, practitioners on one side and thinkers on the other. In exploring lives of biblical characters, specifically women, and expressing these across modalities of spoken word, stitch, and poetry, the writer makes a case for the essential embodiment of a sensuous theological expression—the kind of expression that one frequently experiences in sacrament and frequently ignores in formal theological discourse. In drawing from her own research practices the writer presents a case for the importance of personal theological work moving from thinking as the sole location, arguing that embodiment is always the outcome of good theological commitment. This essay builds on a foundation of theologians who make a case for the arts and for the sensory in pointing toward the Divine, and it unapologetically draws on textile practice as “women's work” and a location of shared human experience. The essay also explores responses to theology in physical stitched form and poetry. It includes responses which take theological interactions beyond consumption into production; it considers the value of embodied, holistic theological work as a potential gift to the community.

A Worldly Kingdom of Heaven in T. C. Chao’s Early Theology

Abstract This paper discusses the conception of an ideal world present in T.C. Chao’s (Tsu Chen Chao) (1888–1979) early theological works, based mainly on the text Jesus’ Philosophy of Life (or, A New Interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, written in late 1925). It concludes by pointing out that Chao’s view of a kingdom of heaven that ultimately eradicates the otherworld and does not transcend this world unconsciously echoes the Anti-Christian Μovement within Chinese churches during the same period. This is, indeed, a tragedy in the development of T. C. Chao’s personal theological thought in the 1920s and 1930s.

Metaphors and allusions to ancient writers and the Bible in Ioannis Apocaukos’ epistles relevant to medical and paramedical issues

Ioannis Apocaukos (1153/60 - 1235) was a famous Metropolitan of Naupactus, today a minor town in Southwestern Greece, but then one of the strongest Seats of the Orthodox Church in the Balkans. He was a prolific writer, and apart from many theological works he wrote extensively on political, social and medical matters. In the fashion of Byzantine epistolographers, he excelled in correspondence with numerous illustrious personalities of his area and era. A frequently recurring topic was his illness, described in a flamboyant language. In his letters, he used direct or indirect metaphors and allusions to passages from prominent religious or secular authors of antiquity. In this paper, we tried to trace the obscure threads joining his references to medical and paramedical issues with poets, historians, orators, philosophers and clergymen of the past. We identified nineteen and commented extensively upon them.

Fraught with Tension: The Question of the Unity of the Corpus Dionysiacum

Abstract: There is debate about whether the Corpus Dionysiacum consists of two parts or offers a coherent position. One group of scholars presents a divisionist position, distinguishing one group of treatises dominated by the idea of hierarchical mediation from a second concentrating on the idea of individual and mystical knowledge of God. The second scholarly interpretation supports a holistic view and underlines the unity of the Corpus . I argue that the Corpus is a unity fraught with tension. Dionysius presents, I argue, a comprehensive view of human beings and their place in the world that offers different—and maybe at times competing—paths to understanding and to the ascent to the divine. The mystical, metaphysical, and meditative path and the sacramental path are not merely parallel ways, one for monks and the other for the bishops and laity. They are connected through the communal theological work presented in the fiction of a theological correspondence between the author and various members of the hierarchy.

Teologi Sebagai Landasan Bagi Gereja Dalam Mengembangkan Pendidikan Agama Kristen

The church is a fellowship of saints, called by God to fulfill His mission of teaching sound doctrine to believers in accordance with the Bible. Christian education (PAK) is one of the teaching tasks in the church. This must be done continuously to meet the needs of the faithful. To remain relevant, the church must develop by considering the influence of modern developments that befall the church. In addition, the congregation has shown changes in behavior and lifestyle that are always up-to-date. In addition, the church also encounters teachings that deviate from the Bible and the correct theological foundation. In the development of PAK, the church cannot be separated from theology which is the content of PAK itself. The teaching practiced in the church focuses on God and His work. To understand this, a theology is needed that makes it easy to explain what God's will is for His people. By making theology the basis for the development of biblical PAK, the church grows into a productive congregation that produces more mature congregations who can live out their faith in their daily lives. This article is written using a qualitative descriptive method through literature research. The conclusion of this article is that the church must understand that PAK is a very important mission of the church and needs to be further developed. PAK is part of the church's theological work, so the church must develop PAK based on theology, and theology becomes the basis for the development of PAK in the church.

Inhabiting Adamancy: Contributions Toward a Queer Feminist Theology

This article seeks to demonstrate that the myth of creation, written in Genesis, originates in the history of the different technologies of power. Judaism, in the myth of origin, established a hermeneutic with ontological status on the creation of man. This has severely affected the theological work of sex–gender diversity groups, including feminist and queer theology. Since the myth of origin has been one of the foundational narratives of the history of Christianity, it is the theological matrix where the binary oppositions are constructed: man-woman in which a cis-heteropatriarchal theology of the texts is articulated.

Imam Abu Ja‘far al-Tahawi and his creed in the writings of Tatar theologian Sh. Marjani

The article is devoted to the study of texts from the manuscript and printed works of Shihab al-Din al-Marjani (d. 1889), in which this Tatar historian and theologian speaks of the great Hanafiimam Abu Ja‘far al-Tahawi (d. 933) and his work “al-‘Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah” also known as “Bayan al-Sunna wa-l-Jama‘ah” Historical and theological works of al-Marjani were studied, such as “Wafiyyat al-aslaf”, “Muqaddimat kitab Wafiyyat al-aslaf”, “al-‘Azb al-furat”, “Nazurat al-haqq” and others. As a result, it turned out that Shihab al-Din al-Marjani highly appreciates the knowledge and works of this Egyptian medieval scholar of Islam. Al-Marjani considers him to be the Mujtahid of the Hanafi Madhhab and the third-century rejuvenator of faith (Mujaddid) in Hijra. And his work “Bayan al-Sunna” recognizes as the very first Sunni source in which the dogmas of the righteous predecessors (al-Salaf al-Salih) of Islam are collected and recorded.

“Time for God’s Peace.” Approaching a Centennial in Dialogue with Pioneers in Ecumenical History

Abstract This article explores how the pursuit of peace can inspire ecumenical theological discourses. Discussing the theme of the approaching Swedish Ecumenical Centennial in 2025, “Time for God’s Peace,” the article calls attention to voices of ecumenists who gathered in Sweden in the interwar and postwar periods, in the context of the Life and Work and the Faith and Order movements. By means of taking the endeavours of pioneers in ecumenical history into regard, the investigation focuses on how theology can be constructed with a peacebuilding purpose. Considering that the churches have not only played a peaceful role in face of conflict and war, the article entails exploring the role of self-critical introspection in such ecumenical theological work. Moreover, with regard to the future oriented nature of this work, the article pays particular attention to how it has engaged young ecumenists.

Evil Re-Examined: Barthian Insights Post-Covid Pandemic

This paper delves into Karl Barth's unique interpretation of evil within the context of the 2019-2022 global COVID-19 pandemic, guided by Kenneth Surin's concept of 'practical theodicy.' Employing a critical analysis of Barth's theological works, with a particular focus on 'das Nichtige' (nothingness), it uncovers a fresh understanding of Barth's theological intentions concerning the problem of evil. Barth's theology highlights the inherent malevolence of evil and its ultimate defeat through Christ, providing a theological framework for addressing post-pandemic suffering challenges. This reinterpretation holds specific relevance for Indonesia's and global Christian community, offering a practical theological foundation for navigating the pandemic's aftermath. The research's implications extend to theology and ethics, offering a new perspective on how Christians can comprehend and respond to suffering in a post-pandemic world. Informed by 'practical theodicy,' Barth's theological insights prompt a reconsideration of our approach to evil and its implications for human existence. This paper reevaluates Karl Barth's theology of evil through a contemporary lens, presenting a novel interpretation that is particularly valuable to scholars and theologians seeking fresh viewpoints on the enduring issue of suffering. Moreover, it offers practical guidance for Indonesia's Christian community in addressing the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

Problems of Islamic doctrine in the works of R. Fakhreddin (Ridha’ al-Din ibn Fakhr al-Din)

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the theological views of the prominent scientist, theologian and religious figure Rizaeddin Fakhreddin (1859–1936) on Islamic doctrine, which are set out in his main theological works. The relevance of this study is due to the lack of knowledge of the scientist’s theological heritage and its analysis from the theological side. The research briefly covers the main sources on the Islamic faith, which were distributed at that time among the Muslim peoples of the Volga region. In particular, the work investigates the statements and comments of R. Fakhreddin on the definition of Islamic doctrine and creed. The authors also display his attitude to the problem of declaring a person as an infidel (who left Islam).

Ecumenical framework in Mbiti’s African theology

This study discusses the theological framework of John Mbiti’s African theology. It has identified Konrad Raiser’s “Ecumenical paradigm” as a framework within which to conceptualize and understand Mbiti’s theological works, approach, and perspectives. The study argues that Mbiti works with an ecumenical paradigm and framework of African religion(s) and culture. Raiser’s metaphor of “One Household of Life”, is an important theological conceptual tool to try to grasp Mbiti’s approach and methodology. Taking an ecumenical approach, Raiser argues the importance of religions and faith confessions of engaging in dialogue and communication. Behind dialogue, lies the more critical question of the authority of the local context and religions, in relations to Western Christianity. Mbiti wrestles with the question: what authority does African Tradition Religion (ATR) have in relation to Western Christianity, and other religions? Further the study, highlights that there are two principles that are at work in Mbiti’s theological framework and approach, namely, the local in relation to the universal, and the normative in relation to the relative, which can also be understood as the absolutizing in relation to the relativizing.

Am I Kenough? (Barbie and) Ken’s masculinity in process

ABSTRACT Whilst the Barbie movie (2023) has been recognized as a feminist success especially for women, it has important – yet often overlooked – insights for masculinities and men. What might a movie about ‘becoming' have to say to the Kens of today and their masculinities, often considered ‘fragile' and ‘in crisis’? In this essay, I argue that Barbie is a work of Kellerian process theology. This is particularly enlightening for understanding gender and masculinities. In asserting that, in this movie, masculinities are in-process, or in-becoming, I show how Ken’s masculinity is actually part of a co-creative discernment process with the Other (Barbie), in which gender is negotiated and explored. Using beginnings as my framework, I will show how masculinities ought not be yet another aspiration of an idealistic incarnation of a hegemonic Ken but be recognized as already in an ongoing creational process, relationally and yet uniquely performed.

Giovanni Moioli's Theological Portrait. The 40th Anniversary of the Milanese Theologian's Deat

Father Giovanni Moioli, who died prematurely on 6 October 1984, is one of the outstanding theologians of the 20th century and a representative of the so-called Milan School of Theology. He left behind many theological works, especially on the theology of spirituality, Christology, sacramentology and eschatology. The vast majority of them were published in Opera Omnia, while minor unpublished ones have been deposited in an archival collection dedicated to him. Undoubtedly, at the center of his theology is the revelation of Jesus the Son of God in history an exceptional and one-of-a-kind individual. The acceptance in faith of this particular Jesus determines not only the shape of theology as a science, but also the experience of spiritual life. The article presents a synthetic look at the history of his life, scientific legacy, wishing to encourage the reader to learn more about him and his scientific achievements, which is further provoked by the 40th anniversary of his unexpected death.

Ecotheology In Promoting Environmental Sustainability: Conserving The Eco-Friendly Islamic Doctrine In Jambi Province

Ecotheology is an important part of the modern century in the study of theology, the development of theological work is motivated by changes in human life in seeing things, such as the environment or nature. This paper seeks to sharpen eco-theological potential for environmental sustainability in Jambi province. Thus he encourages the preservation of eco-friendly Islamic doctrines through normative messages in addressing the position of nature for humans. This is emphasized in maintaining the environment as human attachment to nature, created in a balanced way, and the creation of nature for human life. This value is in line with the practice of the Jambi Malay Muslim community which has customary rules in maintaining the environment, land and forests. This spirit in customary law is a representation in the preservation of environmentally friendly Islamic teachings for the Jambi Malay Muslim community.

Authenticity of the “Interrogatio” Iohannis in the Light of Contemporary Deconstructionist Source Criticism

Scholars of Catharism representing the deconstructionist current in the recent years continue their struggle with the traditional interpretation of this heresy which underlines its dualistic character and strong connections with Eastern dualisms – especially with Bogomilism. Their tactics is focused primarily on questioning the authenticity of the sources confirming Cathar dualism and its Eastern roots. Such sources are presented as forgeries invented by the Catholics trying to discredit the “dissidents”. This tactic is directed primarily against the sources of heretical provenience, which are the strongest arguments against the deconstructionist interpretation. Previously, the deconstructionist scholars questioned the acts of the Cathar council in Saint-Felix-De-Caraman, and the so-called “Manichaean treatise” – a Cathar theological work aimed at proving ontological dualism based on the specific interpretation of numerous biblical passages. Currently the deconstructionists speak about the need for verification of another Cathar dualistic treatise – Liber De Duobus pricipiis. Considering this we may expect that soon also the Interrogatio Iohannis will be questioned, as it is a crucial source confirming both the dualism of the Cathars and their dependence on the Bogomils. Before it happens I decided to take a closer look at this apocryphal text. Through the analysis of its doctrine in the light of the Eastern sources concerning the Bogomils I am going to answer the question of whether this work, known only from the Latin manuscripts, indeed could have been created by the Bogomils and if it is possible to question its authenticity using the patterns used by the deconstructionist scholars.