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Sample records for creation salvation Trinitarian theology Robert Jenson eschatology

  1. The relation between creation and salvation in the Trinitarian theology of Robert Jenson

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    Anné H. Verhoef

    2013-02-01

    Full Text Available This article explored the relation between creation and salvation as acts of God in the theology of Robert Jenson, an American Lutheran theologian. This is important due to Jenson’s growing importance as theologian and because of the current importance of ecotheology (and related themes that were implicated by the relation between creation and salvation. Jenson’s theology is an effort to tell God’s particular story and it can be described as a Trinitarian, narrative and eschatological theology. His starting point is that God’s eternity must not be understood as timeless (this is unbiblical and incompatible with the story of creation and redemption and that creation (space and time takes place somehow within the being of God. Jenson qualified this ‘withinness’, but also emphasised that creation is an intelligible whole, a history with an intended end. It is important for him that God’s story – a story of dramatic coherence – is not separated from our own and creation’s story. Within this understanding of God’s story (as dramatic coherence, creation found its own dramatic teleology because salvation also includes creation. Creation is therefore not subjected to pointlessness any longer, but will find its final place within God. The implication of this is that we must value creation much more and act with more responsibility towards it. According to Jenson we must enjoy creation in an aesthetic fashion and delight in creation as a whole because of its dramatic teleology.

  2. Postmodernism and the need for story and promise: How Robert ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    If this is true, it poses great challenges for the Christian faith to be communicated and accepted within this context. This article assesses how Jenson's theology attempts to address postmodernism's need for a new story and promise. It concludes that Jenson's theology, as a Trinitarian theology, forms a coherent answer to ...

  3. Political theology and eschatological war

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    Griško Miroslav

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available The intent of this paper is to describe the antagonism that constitutes the eschatological position, i.e., the inseparability of eschatology from a concept of eschatological war, through 1 the political theology of Carl Schmitt, 2 Orthodox Christological anthropology and 3 the nomadology of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari. Schmitt's political theology can be understood as a theory of eschatological war. The theological character of Schimtt's work entails that 'the secularisation of theological concepts' is constitutive of the eschatological concept of cosmological finitude. Moreover, Schmitt's distinction between friend and enemy, which informs his concept of politics as the 'political', aims to identify the primary antagonism of eschatological history. For Schmitt, the liberal end of history is the absolutisation of the enemy, as liberalism denies the fundamental distinction of the political, namely, liberalism maintains that war is over on the basis of its claim to immanent historical truth. From the position of Orthodox Christological anthropology, liberalism also contains a clear eschatological element. The anthropology of liberalism is consistent with the gnomic will, which, according to St. Maximus the Confessor, is the fallen definition of human freedom, i.e., freedom as choice. Freedom as the natural will, in contrast, determines the ethical mission of man as the soteriological deification of cosmos. The lines of eschatological war can be further illustrated through the work of Deleuze and Guattari as well as Heinz Von Foerster, whose concepts of diagram/ abstract machine and trivial/non-trivial machine may contribute to an understanding of how a concept of war informs the transformative cosmology which belongs to the eschatological logic of cosmic finitude and deification, theosis.

  4. Eschatological Perspective of the Sukkot Biblical Festival

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    Sylwester Jędrzejewski

    2008-09-01

    Full Text Available Sukkot is a festival that occurs in autumn and finishes the agricultural cycle of holidays in the Old Testament. It  reflects divine care of his own people. In the eschatological texts of the Old Testament, the term “Sukkot” refers to a new, changed reality. Prophet Ezekiel recognizes only two holidays in eschatological times: Pesach and Sukkot. Zechariah leaves only one term “Sukkot” and connects it with a general concept of the conversion of all nations to God in Jerusalem. Jesus gives the eschatological significance to the meaning of Sukkot when he refers to himself in the texts of the New Testament (Mt 17: 1–8; 21: 1–9; 33–34; Mk 9: 2–8. In theological sense Jesus becomes “sukka” – “the shelter.” Eschatological meaning of Sukkot fulfills itself in a gift of salvation in Jesus and through Jesus. He becomes the climax of salvation. Jesus is the eschatological, ritual and theological meaning of shelter, water and light.

  5. Polydox Eschatology

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Johannessen-Henry, Christine Tind

    2012-01-01

    Individuals who have lived through a serious disease like cancer often have a variety of ideas about life after death. These “polydox” eschatologies often seem far from systematic theology. On the basis of quantitative and qualitative data collected among Danish cancer survivors, this article pro...... not debase the matrix of the Christian tradition, but allows different theological interpretations thereof to appear......Individuals who have lived through a serious disease like cancer often have a variety of ideas about life after death. These “polydox” eschatologies often seem far from systematic theology. On the basis of quantitative and qualitative data collected among Danish cancer survivors, this article...... theological understanding of eschatology. In the eschatological practice among cancer survivors, the issue of place appears central, thus complementing the focus on time in traditional systematic theology. I conclude that taking the polydoxy of everyday life into systematic-theological consideration does...

  6. The Relevance of Reformed Scholasticism for Contemporary Systematic Theology

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    te Velde Dolf

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available This article examines how Reformed scholasticism can be relevant for systematic theology today. ‘Reformed Scholasticism’ denotes the academic practice in which the doctrines of the Reformation are expounded, explained, and defended. It is primarily a method and attitude in search of the truth, based on a careful reading of Scripture, drawing on patristic and medieval traditions, and interacting with philosophy and other academic disciplines. In addition to these methodological features, important contributions on various doctrinal topics can be discovered. The doctrine of God has a foundational role in the sense that God is the primary subject of the other topics (creation, salvation, etc.. Reformed scholastic theology not only examines God’s inner essence, but also the concrete relation and operation of God toward his world. In a Trinitarian understanding of God’s essence, a distinction is maintained between God’s immanent relatedness as three divine Persons, and his outward relation to created reality. The doctrines of creation and providence gave occasion for Reformed scholastics to engage in debates with the emerging natural sciences, and also articulated important theological insights concerning the involvement of God in creaturely affairs. In Christology, the Reformed orthodox maintained the classic doctrine of the two natures of Jesus Christ, against Socinians and other opponents. These ontological statements are the necessary conditions for a proper understanding of the salvation by Christ. While the doctrinal positions of Reformed scholastic theology cannot be automatically transmitted to contemporary discussions, we can profit from this tradition on several levels of method and content.

  7. A Diasporic Christian Theology: Towards an Eschatological Understanding of Theological Education in Post-Communist Societies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Garrett, Stephen M.

    2018-01-01

    Christian theology amidst post-communist societies finds itself in a precarious situation as it seeks to emerge from the competing social imaginaries of its totalitarian Soviet past and the democratic capitalism of its future. To do so, eschatological hope will need to spring eternal as it seeks understanding by faith in love of the triune God and…

  8. Dalit humanization: A Quest based on M.M. Thomas' theology of salvation and humanization

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    Rajaiah, J.

    2016-01-01

    Chapter one states the central quest of this thesis: to develop a Dalit theology on the basis of the concepts salvation and humanization of M.M. Thomas. Chapter two elucidates the socio- political and religious milieu which influenced his theology. Thomas’ theology has evolved and developed in

  9. Historical-systematic fundaments of the Trinitarian theory of the liturgical event

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    Robert Woźniak

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available The object of present research is to develop some fundamental traces of the Trinitarian understanding of the Christian liturgy. The article attempts to point out to the fundamental coordinates of Trinitarian comprehension of the liturgy from the historical perspective. In order to do this, it traces the links between first formulations of Trinitarian faith and early development of the Christian liturgy. The argument starts with consideration of some new biblical approaches to the phenomena of early Christian cult seen in its theological (Christological and Trinitarian constellation (Bauckham, Hurtado. After this preliminary biblical-theological inquiry, some fundamental patristic texts are taken into account. The last stage of investigation is presentation of Second Vatican Council’s account of the theology of liturgy which proofs itself to be openly Trinitarian.

  10. A Trinitarian approach to spirituality: Exploring the possibilities

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    2015-07-30

    Jul 30, 2015 ... Attention is paid to the relationship between doctrinal theology and ... Would an explicit Trinitarian understanding of the spiritual life differ .... theology are divided as to how to map the subsequent history: Has the confession ...

  11. Ho eschatos: The eschatological Christ and the future of reformed theology

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    Callie F.C. Coetzee

    2013-06-01

    Full Text Available The doctrine on Christ brings us to the heart of our Christian faith and also that of dogmatics and theology in general. It is therefore not strange that theological research throughout history, and even more so today, focuses to a great extent on Christology. The problem statement of this article is that the traditional reformed doctrine on Christ, and in close connection to that the traditional doctrine on eschatology, is threatened. The aim of the article is to investigate a certain aspect of the current debate from a South African point of view in order to determine what the road ahead should be for reformed theology. This is done from within the paradigm of the Calvinistic-reformed tradition. Apart from a short historical overview, the article deals with the viewpoint of four South African theologians, namely Spangenberg, Van Aarde, Müller and Bosch, whose viewpoints clearly illustrate the difference between a more confessional, Scriptural approach and a more critical approach, especially with regard to the divine nature and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One’s view on the resurrection of Christ has implications for one’s view on eschatology. It is the task of the reformed theology, in the interim period between the ascension and the second coming of Christ, to proclaim and glorify the risen, eschatological Christ. Die leer aangaande Christus bring ons by die hart van ons Christelike geloof en so ook by die hart van dogmatiek en teologie in die algemeen. Dit is daarom nie vreemd dat teologiese navorsing dwarsdeur die geskiedenis, en ook vandag, op die Christologie fokus nie. Die probleemstelling van hierdie artikel is dat die tradisionele reformatoriese leer aangaande Christus, en in noue verband daarmee ook die tradisionele leer oor die eskatologie, bedreig word. Die doel van die artikel is om ’n bepaalde aspek van die huidige debat te ondersoek vanuit die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks ten einde te bepaal wat die toekomstaak van

  12. The Reception of Origen's Ideas about Universal Salvation in Danish Theology and Literature in the 19th Century

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    Jacobsen, Anders-Christian

    2016-01-01

    The article deals with the question of a possible reception of Origen's ideas about universal salvation in Danish theology and literature in the 19th century. The focus is on H.L. Martensen, B.S. Ingemann and H.C. Andersen who were positive towards the idea about universal salvation and P...

  13. Christ-centred ethical behaviour and ecological crisis: What resources do the concepts of order in creation and eschatological hope offer?

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    Martinus P. de Wit

    2013-04-01

    Full Text Available The ecological crisis, as well as a limited ethical response, forces a reflection on the transformative potential of Christian ethics on an idolatrous society largely shaped by a dominant economic culture. The aim of the article was to explore how the concepts of creation order and eschatological hope may be helpful in the understanding and formulation of a Christ-centred ethical response to the ecological crisis. A review of the relevant literature was presented, limited to insights from Reformational philosophy and eco-theology into the concepts of creation order and eschatology. The main internal tensions of using the concepts of creation order and eschatological hope as resources in Christ-centred eco-ethics were highlighted and discussed. Some implications for the further explanation and development of Christ-centred eco-ethics are outlined.Christosentriese etiese gedrag en ekologiese krisis: Watter hulpbronne bied die konsepte van orde in die skepping en eskatologiese hoop? Die ekologiese krisis, asook ’n beperkte etiese antwoord hierop, dwing ’n besinning oor die vernuwende potensiaal van Christelike etiek vir ’n afgodiese samelewing wat grootliks gevorm is deur ’n dominante ekonomiese kultuur. Die doel van hierdie artikel was om te ondersoek hoe die konsepte van orde in die skepping en eskatologiese hoop nuttig kan wees in die verstaan en die formulering van ’n Christus- gesentreerde etiese antwoord op die ekologiese krisis. ’n Oorsig van die relevante literatuur, beperk tot insigte uit die Reformatoriese filosofie en ekoteologie oor die konsepte van orde in die skepping en eskatologie, is aangebied. Die belangrikste interne spanningsvelde in die gebruik van die konsepte skeppingsorde en eskatologiese hoop in ’n Christus-gesentreerde eko-etiek is uitgelig en bespreek. Sekere implikasies vir die verdere verduideliking en die ontwikkeling van ’n Christus-gesentreerde eko-etiek is beskryf.

  14. Ecology: Its relative importance and absolute irrelevance for a Christian: A Kierkegaardian transversal space for the controversy on eco-theology

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    Hermen Kroesbergen

    2014-11-01

    Full Text Available The controversy about the importance of eco-theology or creation spirituality seems to be in a deadlock. Those who support it and those who oppose it do not even seem to be able to communicate with one another. On the one hand, Celia Deane-Drummond, for example, writes in her Eco-theology (2008:x: ‘I find it astonishing that courses on eco-theology do not exist in many university departments of theology and religious studies.’ Matthew Fox desperately asks in his Creation spirituality (1991:xii: ‘Need I list the [environmental] issues of our day that go virtually unattended to in our culture?’ On the other hand, evangelical Christians are known for their ecological ‘blind spot’ (Davis 2000, until recently at least. Pentecostal proponents of the prosperity gospel preach a consumer-lifestyle for all Christians, which is not very eco-friendly (cf. Kroesbergen 2013. Even in more mainline Christianity we find, for example, the well-known theologian Robert Jenson who writes in his Systematic theology: Volume 2 (1999:113, n. 2: ‘Recent waves of “creation spirituality” are simply apostasy to paganism. And it is such unguarded, even unargued judgement that is required of the church.’ We find eco-theologians, who do not understand that not everyone agrees with them on the one hand, and opposing theologians, who do not even feel the need to argue against them on the other hand. What would be needed to re-open communication between those in favour of eco-theology or creation spirituality, and those opposed to it?

  15. Applying theological developments to bioethical issues such as genetic screening.

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    Mallia, P.; Have, H.A.M.J. ten

    2005-01-01

    Catholic movements within the centre of Roman Catholic doctrine recently have discussed Trinitarian theology as applied to sciences, arts, economics, health and other social areas. We explore the possibilities Trinitarian theology offers to bioethical debate, concentrating particularly on genetic

  16. Theology and psychology – the interdisciplinary work of Fraser Watts

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    Willem J. Smith

    2005-10-01

    Full Text Available In the preface to his book, Theology and Psychology, Fraser Watts, a lecturer in Theology and Natural Science at the University of Cambridge, states that he approaches “… the interface between theology and psychology by looking at each discipline from the perspective of the other. This includes a religious perspective on several current hot topics in psychology, such as evolution, neuroscience, and computer intelligence. I also consider theological topics like divine action, salvation history and eschatology, in each case using the psychological perspective in a different way”. By taking an interdisciplinary approach, Watts aims at proposing a psychology of religious experience. He considers theology to be the rational reflection on the Christian tradition. When exponents of this tradition are in dialogue with exponents of psychology, the focus falls on human nature. Watts admits that a certain lack of competence in one of the two disciplines can be a problem when working in an interdisciplinary way. However, he is willing to take the risk. Watts worked in psychology for 25 years and was also involved with a medical research council, before taking up a position at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge.

  17. Applying theological developments to bioethical issues such as genetic screening.

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    Mallia, Pierre; ten Have, Henk

    2005-01-01

    Catholic movements within the centre of Roman Catholic doctrine recently have discussed Trinitarian theology as applied to sciences, arts, economics, health and other social areas. We explore the possibilities Trinitarian theology offers to bioethical debate, concentrating particularly on genetic screening and testing. It is important therefore to analyse the philosophical implications of this approach onto the bioethical world, where much disagreement occurs on fundamental issues. It is Catholic basic teaching to recognize and see God's hand in plurality, not merely as a cliche and then doing what we feel is right, but to recognize how to live in a pluralistic world. We recognize, in agreement with these theologians, that in order for a Trinitarian mode of understanding to be used by those doing bioethical debate, there is a need to depart from fundamentalism.

  18. Theological and Dogmatic Definition of the God-Man Jesus Christ Person

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    Bugiulescu Marian

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available The present paper presents the Theological and Dogmatic definition of the Person of the God-man Jesus Christ, as it has been formulated by the Orthodox Church in the course of time. In the Ecumenical and local synods, the Church proclaimed against the heresies various definitions of faith or dogmas. Dogma, in its essence, is a truth of faith revealed by God, unchangeable, formulated and transmitted by the Church, for man’s salvation. The central dogma of Christianity is the Trinitarian one. Regarding the Person and the Work of Christ, against the heresies promoted by Arius, Nestorius, Eutychius and Macedonius, at the Ecumenical Synods III (Ephesus 431, IV (Chalcedon 451, VI (Constantinople 680-681, the Church officially stated that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly Man, and His Person includes the divine nature, from eternity, yet united in time with the human nature, each nature having its own will, and the human will follows the divine will. This union of the divinity with the humanity in Christ is actually the basis of man’s salvation realized objectively in Christ and actualized personally by all the Christians in the Church, by means of which evil and death are defeated by the resurrection leading to eternal life.

  19. Political theology: Possibility of comparison of the usage of death in theology and politics

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    Kuljić Todor

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper considers the epistemological value of the concept of political theology in thanatopolitics. The concept can be useful if one wants to interpret political usage of death. In addition to blurred boundaries between politics and theology, there is a more general and deeper socially integrative affinity between the two. In addition, there have been various politicizations of salvation in the past and in the present. Every political theology accentuates obedience as an immanent condition of salvation, although interpretation of death in political theology has a different function than in secular ideologies. In the centre of politically theological ideas one can find crosscutting of the divisions between public friend and public enemy from political world with similar divisions from religious world. Finally, beside the theological influence on politics, this paper considers some analogies between theology and the secular judiciary. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 149005: Društveni akteri i društvene promene u Srbiji 1990-2010

  20. What hope is there for South Africa? A public theological reflection ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    A public theological reflection on the role of the church as a bearer of hope for the future. ... HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies ... Next, a nuanced understanding of hope is presented by adopting a public theological methodology that brings dominant theological perspectives on eschatological hope into dialogue ...

  1. Developing theological tools for a strategic engagement with Human Enhancement.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tomkins, Justin

    2014-01-01

    The literature on Human Enhancement may indeed have reached a critical mass yet theological engagement with the subject is still thin. Human Enhancement has already been established as a key topic within research and captivating visions of the future have been allied with a depth of philosophical analysis. Some Transhumanists have pointed to a theological dimension to their position and some who have warned against enhancement might be seen as having done so from a perspective shaped by a Judeo-Christian worldview. Nonetheless, in neither of these cases has theology been central to engagement with the enhancement quest.Christian theologians who have begun to open up such an engagement with Human Enhancement include Brent Waters, Robert Song and Celia Deane-Drummond. The work they have already carried out is insightful and important yet due to the scale of the possible engagement, the wealth of Christian theology which might be applied to Human Enhancement remains largely untapped. This paper explores how three key aspects of Christian theology, eschatology, love of God and love of neighbour, provide valuable tools for a theological engagement with Human Enhancement. It is proposed that such theological tools need to be applied to Human Enhancement if the debate is to be resourced with the Christian theological perspective of what it means to be human in our contemporary technological context and if society is to have the choice of maintaining its Christian foundations.

  2. Ecological ethics and creation faith

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    Ulrich Körtner

    2016-08-01

    Full Text Available Over past decades a concept of ecological ethics has taken root, which is often equated with environmental ethics. Church and theology have also responded to the environmental crisis. In the last third of the past century an intense discourse about the concerns and extent of a so called creation ethics was conducted. In connection with the question of a creation ethics, and the global responsibility of humans for the biosphere of our planet, the topic of creation has also gained new attention in dogmatics. In this way, ecology has also become a topic of systematic theology. The article focuses on the debate in the German speaking context. Occasionally, a quasi-religious elevation of ecology to the status of a doctrine of salvation is observable. Because theology always also has a function of critique of religion, it must also critically engage the sometimes open and sometimes hidden religious contents and claims of eco-ethical concepts. For this purpose, the first step of the present contribution is to more precisely determine the concepts of creation and nature. Thereafter, the problem of anthropocentrism is analysed. In a further step, the concept of sustainability is analysed. In conclusion, the main features of a responsibility-ethics model of ecological ethics are outlined.

  3. Political theology: Possibility of comparison of the usage of death in theology and politics

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    Kuljić Todor

    2014-01-01

    This paper considers the epistemological value of the concept of political theology in thanatopolitics. The concept can be useful if one wants to interpret political usage of death. In addition to blurred boundaries between politics and theology, there is a more general and deeper socially integrative affinity between the two. In addition, there have been various politicizations of salvation in the past and in the present. Every political theology accentuat...

  4. As below, so above: A perspective on African Theology

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    Arno Meiring

    2007-05-01

    Full Text Available African theology can be understood as a theology from below – or rather, “as below, so above”. This phrase not only reflects the concept of ubuntu and the African partiality towards horizontal relationships, but may help explain African perspectives on shame and guilt, sin and reconciliation, liberation, the ancestors and eschatology. Subsequently, there seems to be some concurrence between African theology and Western postmodern theology. Although these theologies challenge traditional theology, and should in turn be scrutinized, they may offer useful and valid ways of thinking and speaking about God.

  5. Scripture, Sin and Salvation: Theological Conservatism Reconsidered

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    Hempel, Lynn M.; Bartkowski, John P.

    2008-01-01

    Using insights from ethnographic studies of conservative Protestant congregations, the authors propose and test a refined conceptual model of theological conservatism that accounts for three key components of a theologically conservative worldview: (1. epistemology, a belief in the Bible as the inspired word of God, (2. ontology, assumptions about…

  6. ‘To what end? Eschatology in art historiography’

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    Jeanne-Marie Musto

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available To study eschatology in art historical texts is to study the revelations or the resolution that mark their explicit or implied goals. It is, in this respect, to investigate a feature inherent to any story. With regard to art historiography, analysis of the goals of art might be framed in narratological terms as analysis of the fate of the protagonist. To integrate this conceptualization of the theme with the broader cultural or spiritual significance commonly attributed to art and its ends, I have borrowed the essentially theological term ‘eschatology’. More than the study of goals and resolutions internal to given texts, this term invokes their aspiration to wider cultural, or even quasi-religious, import. Considering eschatology as a structural aspect of art historical texts opens a window onto the temporal difficulty and moral weight inherent in the seemingly straightforward effort to express what art has been and where it is going.

  7. Defense of a fragment: The theological pertinence of the advanced symphony of Christian Duquoc

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    Paulo Sérgio Carrara

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The article is situated in the area of inter-religious dialogue, one of the great paradigms of actual theology. After Vatican Council II, which treated about the salvation of non Christians and of the members of other religions, theology deepened this theme and appeared several proposals for an inter-religious dialogue. For theologians it imposed the challenge of joining the constructive necessity of Jesus Christ for the salvation of all and the place of other religious traditions in God’s salvation plan. The proposal of the French Catholic theologian, Christian Duquoc, which he called postponed symphony, arouses attention to its singularity in affirming the positive side of the divisions and fragments. His approach is situated within the Catholic Theology that emerged after Vatican II, in which there are several prospects for interreligious dialogue. His theology emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in building the possible unity in diversity of fragments. The present article evaluates the theological importance of the French theologian’s proposal in favor of inter-religious dialogue. 

  8. The eschatological content of the images of Kalki and Buddha Maitreya: the comparative analysis.

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    Anastasia Ivanova

    2017-12-01

    Proceeding from the earlier origin of the myth about Maitreya, it should be noted that the image of Kalki in the literature of the Puranas was formed by the influence of the inclusivist strategies of the Vishnu tradition.Despite the unity of mythological functions and active interaction, the images of Kalki and Maitreya are contrasted in relation to each other, since they show two different scenarios of cyclic eschatology : the Kalki court and his cruel retribution, and the preaching of Maitreya, that bring salvation for all beings.

  9. Falling into Salvation in Cioran

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    Joseph Acquisto

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available While, at first glance, there seems to be very little room in the thought of E.M. Cioran for the notion of salvation, a closer look reveals that Cioran returns constantly to the vocabulary and the concept of redemption. This article teases out Cioran’s complex use of the topos of salvation throughout his works, with special emphasis on his middle period. I begin by tracing Cioran’s notion of humanity’s fall into time and language, from which he claims there can be no salvation in the traditional Christian sense. Nonetheless, he retains the concept, claiming at various points that there is a kind of salvation to be found in suicide, music, silence, and skepticism. Ultimately, however, each of these provides only false salvation, since the only permanent solution to the problem of existence for Cioran would be either to cease to exist or to lose our human nature in exchange for a plant-like life. Since this is impossible, we are left with our human means of seeking deliverance. While Cioran generally condemns human attempts at creation or procreation, he takes a different approach to the act of writing. In his reflections on writing we see that salvation for Cioran is always temporary, provisional, and threatened by our next bout of lucidity, but at the same time, eternally renewable with each new act of writing.

  10. Review article: The mountain motif in the plot of Matthew

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    Gert J. Volschenk

    2010-09-01

    Full Text Available This article reviewed T.L. Donaldson’s book, Jesus on the mountain: A study in Matthean theology, published in 1985 by JSOT Press, Sheffield, and focused on the mountain motif in the structure and plot of the Gospel of Matthew, in addition to the work of Donaldson on the mountain motif as a literary motif and as theological symbol. The mountain is a primary theological setting for Jesus’ ministry and thus is an important setting, serving as one of the literary devices by which Matthew structured and progressed his narrative. The Zion theological and eschatological significance and Second Temple Judaism serve as the historical and theological background for the mountain motif. The last mountain setting (Mt 28:16–20 is the culmination of the three theological themes in the plot of Matthew, namely Christology, ecclesiology and salvation history.

  11. Comparative Theology as Liberal and Confessional Theology

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    Klaus von Stosch

    2012-10-01

    Full Text Available For most European scholars, the scope of Comparative Theology is not very clear. They see big differences between the notion of Comparative Theology among its protagonists, e.g., between Keith Ward or Robert Neville and Francis Clooney or James Fredericks. That is why I will try to define a certain understanding of Comparative Theology which can be defended in accordance with strong European theological traditions. I want to show that Comparative Theology can be understood as one of the best fruits of liberal theology and of a Wittgensteinian interpretation of transcendental philosophy—and that it opens new perspectives for confessional theology. The current development of Islamic theology in Germany is especially challenging for Comparative Theology and the best opportunity to develop it into a project undertaken by scholars of different religions and different intellectual traditions. I will argue that Comparative Theology is not a new discipline within the old disciplines of theology, but that it can give new perspectives to all theological disciplines and thoroughly change their character.

  12. Um outro mundo já começou: questões para a escatologia cristã (Another World has already started: issues for the Christian eschatology

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    Orivaldo Pimentel Lopes Junior

    2012-07-01

    Full Text Available A juventude evangélica brasileira se viu, durante os anos 1970, bombardeada por uma carga considerável de versões fundamentalistas da escatologia e, com isso, essa questão veio a ocupar um lugar secundário dentre os temas teológicos dos evangélicos brasileiros. A introdução de uma perspectiva não disjuntada da escatologia, como a do teólogo George Eldon Ladd, foi o que possibilitou a difusão da Teologia da Missão Integral, indicando o quanto a missiologia é inseparável de escatologia. Posteriormente, as versões fundamentalistas mantiveram um espaço menos popular, mas constante, nas igrejas. O quadro foi acrescido da Teologia da Prosperidade, que trouxe a noção de uma escatologia individualista. Portanto, de um lado temos uma escatologia construída numa perspectiva não disjuntada do tempo, e do outro uma visão escatológica fundamentalista e privatizada. O enfrentamento dessas duas tendências expressa a contínua tensão entre o dualismo e a integralidade na história do cristianismo. No Novo Testamento, as imagens da barraca (João 1.14, Atos 18.1-3 e da cortina (Mateus 27.45-52 servem para compreender a dinâmica do “habitar entre” em contraste com a do fechamento do sagrado no espaço do haram. Esses dois modos de habitar, na linha de pensamento do filósofo Peter Sloterdijk, ilustram essas duas tendências. Palavras-chave: Juventude Evangélica. Escatologia. Fundamentalismo. Teologia da Missão Integral.   Abstract: Brazilian evangelical youth was, in 1970’s overflowed with a big variety of fundamentalistic versions of eschatology. That’s why this theme came to occupy a secondary place between the others theological themes in Brazilian evangelical Theology. The introduction of a non disjointed version of eschatology, as Georg Eldon Ladd’s, for instance, make possible the diffusion of IMT (Integral Mission Theology, demonstrating how Missiology is inseparable from eschatology. After that, fundamentalistic

  13. Transcendental Trinitarian: James Marsh, the Free Will Problem, and the American Intellectual Context of Coleridge’s Aids to Reflection

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    Jonathan Koefoed

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available Historians of American religion and Transcendentalism have long known of James Marsh as a catalyst for the Concord Transcendentalist movement. The standard narrative suggests that the Congregationalist Marsh naively imported Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Aids to Reflection (Am. ed. 1829 hoping to revivify orthodoxy in America. By providing a “Preliminary Essay” to explain Coleridge’s abstruse theology, Marsh injected Coleridge’s hijacked Kantian epistemology—with its distinction between Reason and Understanding—into American discourse. This epistemology inspired Transcendentalists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Bronson Alcott, and it helped spark the Transcendentalists’ largely post-Christian religious convictions. This article provides a re-evaluation of Marsh’s philosophical theology by attending to the precise historical moment that Marsh chose to publish the Aids to Reflection and his “Preliminary Essay.” By the late 1820s, the philosophical problem of free will lurked in American religious discourse—Unitarian as well as Trinitarian—and Marsh sought to exploit the problem as a way to explain how aspects of Trinitarian Christianity might be rational and yet unexplainable. Attending carefully to the numerous philosophical and religious discourses of the moment—including Unitarianism, Trinitarianism, Kant, Coleridge, and Scottish Common Sense—and providing close readings of the historical philosophers Marsh engaged, this article shows how James Marsh laid the epistemological groundwork for a new romanticized Christianity that was distinct from the Concord Transcendentalists, but nonetheless part of its historical lineage.

  14. Pneumatology and discipleship: Trinity and church in the theology of Stanley Grenz

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    Roland Spjuth

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available In today’s ecclesiology, the notion of the Spirit and the church has been heavily influenced by a recent and broad retrieval of Trinitarian theology. In this article, I discuss this in relationship to baptist and evangelical traditions as it is represented by Stanley Grenz. His “theology for the community of God” demonstrates the fruitfulness of the Trinitarian retrieval for such traditions. However, the main argument in the article is that it also implies certain risks. According to the Baptist tradition, the central message of the New Testament is the invitation to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. As Kathryn Tanner and Karen Kilby have argued elsewhere, when the biblical challenge to be like Jesus Christ is turned into a more general exhortation to become an image of the Trinity, it often results in abstract ethics and an ecclesiology that focuses mainly on general exhortations to love and to live in community. In contrast, this article claims that the biblical notion of discipleship has greater possibilities to allow for a more substantial and more holistic account of the Church, one that reunites ecclesiology, ethics and the Spirit’s transformative work within liturgy, charismatic service and mission.

  15. The theology of creation in Vito Mancuso's radical theology | Simut ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Thus, matter is the mother of all existing realities which include the universe, nature and even the soul. In other words, Mancuso proposes a theology from below which seeks to re-interpret the basic teachings of Christianity in a way which sheds light on the experience of today's world. This theological program includes the ...

  16. Theology of religions: Models for interreligious dialogue in South ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Test

    be segregated in terms of their traditions, places of worship and cultures, they .... Theology of Religions that by its very nature the concept of interreligious dialogue is .... religions lead to salvation, one is faced with the issue of relativism, meaning that if all .... 'Towards a Global Ethic articulated several of the moral and ethical ...

  17. De betekenis van Johan Buitendags stellingname in theologie der natuur

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    Luco J. van den Brom

    2016-07-01

    Full Text Available This article presents the importance of Buitendag’s stance in the so-called ‘theology of nature’. His theological statements endeavour to understand reality in conversation with other academic disciplines to see things in a wider and holistic perspective. Following a suggestion of Moltmann, theology must not restrict itself to internal ecclesiastical and personal faith topics but search for ‘the truth of the whole’. It is argued that Buitendag’s concept of holism is different from Moltmann’s ‘the truth of the whole’. Moltmann’s holism is eschatologically directed after history, but is meaningless in a contemporary debate. His concept of history seems to be problematic too. Buitendag’s holism is more Quinean as a comprehensive relative approach, bottom-up from contemporary insights within different academic disciplines. His theological approach looks like an ellipsis, involving both an ontological and epistemological focus. He defends (Trinitarian communion as the primary concept, ontologically, which biologists may recognise in their observations of animal communities too. His theology shows a panentheistic perspective for the discourse on divine immanent agency by using as analogy the mind-body relationship in a sophisticated way. Buitendag shows the importance of this perspective for theological hermeneutics. This article presents some logical and theological problems in a panentheistic view which some prominent supporters defend as ‘reality depicting’. Buitendag avoids this because of a relational ontology.

  18. Certainties, Uncertainties and Expectations Regarding the Salvation of the Soul. Eschatological beliefs in New Spain, 16th-18th centuries

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    Gisela von Wobeser

    2012-04-01

    Full Text Available This paper deals with the prevailing collective imaginary in New Spain regarding the place and life of the dead in the afterlife, as well as the beliefs and expectations about the salvation or damnation of the souls, between the 16th and 18th centuries. The essay analyzes issues such as the idea of life’s frailty and the fear of death, and refers to the road of salvation offered by the Church, as well as to a number of practices leading to it, such as indulgences, good deeds and the donation of pious works. It also discusses the influence of these religious beliefs and practices on the customs, social relations, education, culture and economy of the people of New Spain.

  19. Trinitární perspektivy teologie náboženství. Nástin přístupu k nekřesťanským náboženstvím v myšlení Gavina D'Costy.

    OpenAIRE

    Kočí, Martin

    2011-01-01

    The Trinitarian Perspectives of the Theology of Religions. The Outline of the Approache to the Non-christian Religions in Gavin D'Costa. This thesis presents an analysis of the theological work of British Catholic theologian Gavin D'Costa in the field of theology of religions. The goal of this study is the presentation of D'Costa's huge contribution to the theology of religions and critical examination of his constructive theological concept of Trinitarian Theology of Religions. In the first ...

  20. Book in three volumes of dr. John Puricha: Theology and pedagogy of St. John Chrysostom

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    Parlić-Božović Jasna Lj.

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available Before the is latest work of Bishop Dr John Puric, by its importance, analytically decorated works, an impressive and voluminous number of facts happy including pedagogical Serbian public. Specifically, our pedagogical public is missing in this way displayed the Orthodox point of view of observation pedagogical crown and top categories. Episkom John was the there / volume work attempted to provide the interested reader the personality profile of any precise data from the conception of St. John Crisostom by looking at the same time as its pedagogy, and theology. Moreover these two concepts and bringing them to their assence, John episcope them actually connects into one inseparable unity. Therefore, this work has a multiple value and importance esportance especially for educators, who have not tried or had the oppotunality to see and understand the pedagogy of Orthodox theology in general, decorated with the ideas of Saint John Chrysostom special. Mindfullpeace as heir and successor creative Cappadocia 'novonikejske' trijadologije, St. John Chrystom recognizes the statut of Divine pedagogy educational philanthropy and philanthropic saving of pedagogy in each of the three Divine Persons. God the Father is this part, written by Bishop John, and from the perspective of John Chrysostom, is uncreated and unborn educationak philanthropy source of grace of the Holy Trinity. God the Son, and of the Father, uncreated etrinilly born, only begotten Son of God, newborn Logos, Jesus Christ the God/ man, BewAdam is alive and saving, hypostatic Ikonomija God, great mystery of the faith- God is reported in the body, the Divine Krishna- resurrect pedagogy, in which the comic-eschatologiocal Body, Church of Heaven and Earth, The Secret New Substances contain - the salvation of all creation, all creatures animate and inanimate. The salvation of man and the world, in the Divine dispensation and the pedagogy of salvation invation involve all there persons of the Holy

  1. The Hinge of Salvation: Body, Liturgy, and Bioethics

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    John Christopher Sikorski

    2013-04-01

    Full Text Available Dominant trends within the philosophical debate over personhood and identity tend to discount the significance and meaning of the human body and often slip into dualistic conceptions. I will argue that a Catholic theology of the body challenges many of the prevalent understandings in bioethics today. Such a notion takes Christ’s Incarnation as its foundation and seeks to develop an account of the human body in the context of the call to communion imprinted on humanity as made in the image of the Trinitarian communion of love. Such a conception counteracts forms of utilitarian or technological reductionism of the person. While Catholic bioethicists will need to consider how such an account will have practical applicability to cases, the call to communion ought to be fostered through the liturgical life of the Church, which enables Catholic bioethicists to develop a liturgical worldview that guards against devaluations of the dignity of the human person.

  2. The theological-Christian dimension of the human person

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    Renato Alves de Oliveira

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available The objective of this article is to demonstrate that the human person is an ontological greatness that has a divine foundation. The essence of the person is built in the being of God. The concept of the origin of person took place in theological-Christian ground, in the context of the Christological and Trinitarian discussions in the fourth century. In the West, its historical trajectory has a philosophical-theological bias, wavering between substantialism unrelated to rationalism without substantiality. The theological dimension of the person is in its image condition of God and creature called into existence by God, according to Jewish and Christian tradition. Like creature receiving his existence as a gift, the person is oriented toward God. Between God and the person there is an interpersonal relationship, one “tu-a-tu”. Because of their transcendent foundation, the person has an onto-axiological primacy over other creatures. The person holds an absolute value and cannot be manipulated by the state, the market and nor religion. This person is an indefinable and a mystery magnitude, just as God its Creator. The person is a reflection of the mystery of God. All love, respect and veneration rendered to God must also be devoted to his image, the human person.

  3. Theology: Still a queen of science in the post-modern era

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    Erna Oliver

    2016-08-01

    Full Text Available Theology is just as relevant today as it was in the time of Aquinas who called theology ‘the queen of science’ although the knowledge-driven network society does not seem to be in agreement. By using the tools provided by the fourth revolution in the development of society, theology can, as part of the academic world of higher education that is supposed to lead society, strengthen ties with the past, seek explanations and solutions to current problems and produce guidelines for future investigation through multi- and interdisciplinary discourse. Theology can and should influence people to become positive change agents, re-shape the way in which the message of salvation is brought to the world in order to stay relevant in changing circumstances and be on the forefront of progressive transformation in society. This should be achieved through constant dialogue with other academic disciplines, the Church as institution and with society in general.

  4. KENOSIS Towards A New Theology Of Science

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    Javier Monserrat

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available The «theology of science» which, in our opinion, brings us the image of the universe, life and man in contemporary science has its fundamental axis on the concept of «epistemological kenosis». This means that God, in the event that he is real and exists, has created an autonomous world, whose ultimate truth is enigmatic. The world can be explained without God in «atheism»; but it is also possible to construct a «theist» explanation. In other words, the «possible God» has created a world with an ambivalent, enigmatic structure, which does not «impose» His own divine presence on rational human knowledge. Therefore, God has not «imposed» His presence on human reason, that is to say, He has chosen to conceal Himself in creation, an «emptiness» or «nothingness» (kenosis of His divine presence. The divine kenosis (emptiness, nothingness or divine impotence as regards the world is epistemological. In our opinion, the idea of God from science does not permit us to speak of an «ontological kenosis». The God that science can speak of must be an omnipotent creator and the foundation of being. He is transcendent and always maintains control of the ontology of the universe. This kenosis of God in creation is the basis of human freedom (man must be religious freely, rationally but not necessarily imposed. The drama of freedom also explains the drama of suffering in the plan of salvation of God. The two grand metaphysical questions of human life in this enigmatic world are the question on the «concealed God» (a real God who has not wanted to impose Himself and the question on the «Liberating God» (due to the liberating will of this concealed God in relation to the meta-historical future of humanity. From these two metaphysical and existential questions, man makes his hermeneutics of Christianity. At this point the significance of the Mystery of Christ appears and this responds to the question on divine concealment

  5. Eschatology as a manifestation of human uniqueness: Human vision, biblical revelation and divine agency

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    Klaus B. Nürnberger

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available This essay extends my previous research on eschatology to cover the question of human uniqueness. Using the approach of ‘experiential realism’, I begin with a few findings of modern science that are relevant to the topic: big bang cosmology, entropy, regularity and contingency, and emergence theory. On this basis, I discuss human uniqueness at the physical, biological and consciousness levels. There is indeed continuity between humans and other living beings, yet humans are far ahead of other creatures on an exponentially accelerating trajectory. Part of human consciousness is the capacity to envision the future. It can confine itself to what is possible and probable, or overshoot these limitations. I discuss three ways human beings experience time: physical, experiential and existential. The latter projects a vision of what ought to become as a response to the experience of what ought not to have become. A vision of what ought to become implies criteria and an ultimate authority setting such criteria. Against this background, I analyse the evolution of biblical future expectations. Apocalyptic eschatology and resurrection of the dead are the most radical among many other, and more mundane future expectations. They emerged late in post-exilic Judaism, were never generally accepted and began to lose their plausibility and relevance in New Testament times already. While projections that overshoot the given are immensely important for human life in general and the Christian faith in particular, apocalyptic eschatology envisages the replacement of the existing world with a perfect world, rather than its transformation. This can lead to pious fatalism and despondency and thus become counterproductive. The theological defence of apocalyptic eschatology rests on various untested assumptions. I briefly discuss and critique the concepts of divine agency, omnipotence, eternity and contingency. Finally, I propose a reconceptualisation of Christian

  6. Eschatological hope in Haggai: A homiletic reading

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    Bob Wielenga

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available In this article historical research into Haggai’s eschatological sayings (Hg 2:6–9, 20–23 is combined with a homiletic approach to these two sayings, employing a canon-historical methodology. First, Haggai’s silence about the past of the, in 539 bcreturned, exiles is investigated. His evaluation of this period will be compared with the one by Ezra-Nehemiah. His emphasis on the present time as decision time with a view to the eschatological future, will be examined. Attention will be given to the role the rebuilt temple played in his prophecies, and the kind of contribution he made to prophetic eschatology. Secondly, the homiletic approach to Haggai’s eschatological sayings requires a canonical reflection on their relationship with the New Testament eschatology with a view to strengthen the community of faith’s eschatological prospects in the present time. In hierdie artikel word ’n historiese ondersoek na Haggai se eskatologiese uitsprake (Hag 2:6–9, 20–23 met ’n homiletiese benadering tot albei uitsprake gekombineer met behulp van ’n kanon-historiese metodologie. Eerstens word Haggai se stilswye oor die verlede van die teruggekeerde ballinge van voor 522 v.C. ondersoek en met die beoordeling van dieselfde tydperk deur Esra-Nehemia vergelyk. Sy nadruk op die huidige tyd as beslissingstyd met die oog op die eskatologiese toekoms word bestudeer. Aandag word ook aan die rol geskenk wat die tempel in sy profesieë gespeel het en watter bydrae hy tot die profetiese eskatologie gemaak het. Tweedens vereis die homiletiese benadering van die eskatologiese uitsprake in Haggai om vanuit ’n kanonieke oogpunt op die verhouding met die Nuwe-Testamentiese eskatologie te reflekteer, met die doel om die geloofsgemeenskap se eskatologiese verwagtings in die huidige tyd te versterk.

  7. Some Particularities in the Doctrine of the Trinity as Found in the Works of Christian Arabic Authors

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    Oleg Davydenkov

    2012-04-01

    Full Text Available This articles examines the Trinitarian theology of Christian Arab-speaking medieval theologians. The author explains that there are differences in the way the doctrine of the Trinity is presented by these theologians and by the way it is handled by their Greek and Latin counterparts. He devotes special attention to the question regarding the influence of Islamic philosophy and theology on the Trinitarian theology of these Arabic speaking Christians

  8. Cura animarum as hope care: Towards a theology of the resurrection within the human quest for meaning and hope

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Daniel J. Louw

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available The following critical questions are posed: is hope the antidote of dread and despair or a kind of escapism from the harsh realities of anguish and suffering? What is meant by hope in Christian spirituality and how is hope connected to a theology of the resurrection? Is resurrection hope merely a kind of cheap triumphantalism and variant of a theologia gloriae? The basic assumption is that the notion of the resurrection can contribute to ‘the thickening of alternative stories of faith’. A theologia resurrectionis is about the reframing of life by means of a radical paradox: ‘Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?’ If pastoral caregiving is indeed about change and hope, the resurrection describes an ontology of hope by which human beings are transformed into a total new being. Beyond the discriminating and stigmatising categories of many social and cultural discourses on our being human, resurrection theology defines hope as a new state of mind and being. The identity of human beings is therefore not determined by descent, gender, race or social status, but by eschatology (new creation. Hope care is primarily about a new courage to be. It opens up different frameworks for meaningful living within the realm of human suffering.

  9. Theological Reflection on Tourism and Leisure

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maciej Ostrowski

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available Tourism is one of the most popular leisure activities. In this article we intend to point out a few elements that may constitute the founding blocks of a theology of leisure and a theology of tourism: a theology of time, a theology of freedom, a theology of creation, a theology of leisure, a theology of joy, a theology of the journey ( homo viator , homo peregrinus . There are many points both in the Bible and in the teachings of the Church that leave room for the development of this notion. According to the Second Vatican Council, tourism is classified as one of the contemporary phenomena which can be described as one of the signs of time. The Council recommends individuals and groups to study them carefully and incorporate them in the general context of pastoral work.

  10. "Creación y Salvación": La creación como fundamento de la salvación cristiana. La salvación como plenificación de la creación de Dios

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andrés Arteaga M.

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available RESUMEN El artículo intenta profundizar, de manera inicial, en el carácter de las relaciones entre la creación y la salvación. Una vez planteada la pregunta por el lugar de la creación en el misterio cristiano, en el contexto de la teología actual, se muestra en algunos ejemplos la complejidad de la relación entre creación y salvación. Se analiza el origen de la doctrina de la creación en el Antiguo Testamento, su evolución en la teología paulina, su perspectiva en algunos escritos de Rahner, y finalmente, en los textos del Concilio Vaticano II. Termina proponiendo algunas observaciones conclusivas acerca de la luz que trae el misterio de la creación sobre las mediaciones de la salvación. La salvación es un "aspecto de la totalidad" del plan divino. Soteriología y protología se implican mutuamente. De tal manera que la salvación desde la óptica de la creación, es "de Dios", pero también "de la persona humana en el mundo y en la historia". "Mundanidad", "historicidad" y "humanidad" de la salvación son características inextirpables y coordenadas fundamentales para cualquier reflexión teológica acerca de las mediaciones de la salvación. La salvación cristiana es toda de Dios y a la vez toda mediada.ABSTRACT The article attempts to look in depth, the character of the relations between creation and salvation. It first poses the question of the role of creation on salvation, in the context of the current theology, and then shows some examples of the complexity of the relation between creation and salvation. It analyses the origin of the doctrine of creation in the Old Testament, its evolution in Paul’s doctrine, its perspective in some of Ranner’s works, and finally, in the Vatican Council II texts. It finishes offering some conclusive observation on the light that the mystery of creation brings over the mediations of salvation. Salvation is "an aspect of the fullness" of the divine plan. Soteriology and protology imply

  11. Transparent Theological Dialogue—“Moseka Phofu Ya Gaabo Ga a Tshabe Go Swa Lentswe” (A Setswana Proverb

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    Kelebogile Thomas Resane

    2018-02-01

    Full Text Available This paper looks into the definition of Setswana proverb: Moseka phofu ya gaabo ga a tshabe go swa lentswe (One must fight impatiently for what rightly belongs to him or her. The proverb is used to express the African thought of transparent dialogue that can be applied in theological deliberations; leading to sound theological conclusions adequate to address the corruption in the socio-political landscape. Transparency is explained from the African concept of addressing socio-political struggles. Theology calls for robust dialogue for the alternative society. This calls for understanding of African thought of fighting impatiently for the marginalized and the poor—a mandate that is similar to the church’s calling for liberating the oppressed masses through dialogue with others and communities in context. A special exploration is made through the symbiosis of dogma and kerygma for the incessant intervention of theology on behalf of the silent masses. An appeal is made for liberation theology and mainstream theology to dialogue in order for communities to experience salvation authentically.

  12. Eschatological Expression In The Holy Text (A Preliminary Hermeneutical Exploration on Selected Eschatological Narratives in the Qur’an and the Bible

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Asep Nahrul Musadad

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available One of the key concept that lies in almost every religions, as asserted in each holy texts, is eschatological doctrine. The apocalyptic belief in the last day has been existed throughout the history of civilizations with the various expression. Eschatological narrative in the holy texts ought to deemed as a historical text that revealed within its space and time. Accordingly, it is a historizing thing, which contains plenty of stories besides it’s sacred messages. This sense of historical awareness is pointed out – for example – by the eschatological narratives in the Qur’an which strongly influenced by socio-religious circumstances and topographical conditions in Arabian Peninsula at the time of revelation, as the Bible that has cased up its eschatological narratives based on a certain historical event: the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by Roman soldiers. The central purpose of this paper is to explore the connection and influence of the certain historical moments on the style and construction of both, the Qur’an and the Bible eschatological narratives, through a simple hermeneutical analysis.                    Abstrak: Salah satu konsep kunci yang melandasi hampir seluruh agama, sebagaimana tertera dalam kitab-kitab sucinya adalah persoalan eskatologis. Kepercayaan apokaliptik akan adanya hari akhir terdapat hampir di setiap sejarah peradaban dalam beberapa ekspresi yang berbeda. Narasi eskatologis dalam beberapa teks suci hendaknya tidak hanya dilihat sebagai teks suci yang turun di ruang yang kosong. Dalam hal ini, ia menyejarah dan memberikan suatu kisah lain di samping pesan sakralnya. Hal ini terlihat jelas bagaimana narasi eskatologis dalam Al-Qur’an sangat dipengaruhi oleh kondisi sosio-religius dan keadaan topografis semenanjung Arab ketika itu. Begitu juga dengan Bibel yang mengemas narasi eskatologisnya berdasarkan suatu even sejarah tertentu, dalam hal ini penghancuran Yerusalem oleh bangsa Romawi

  13. The problem of theodicy and the theology of the cross

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    N. Vorster

    2007-07-01

    Full Text Available Theodicy is the attempt to justify God’s righteousness and goodness amidst the experience of evil and suffering in the world. This article discusses Karl Barth’s Christological and Jürgen Moltmann’s eschatological approach to the problem of theodicy. The central theoretical argument is that the problem of theodicy poses a major hermeneutical challenge to Christianity that needs to be addressed, since it has implications for the way in which theology defines itself. Questions that arise are: What are the boundaries of theology? What are the grounds on which the question of theodicy must be asked? Is the Christian understanding of God’s omnipotence truly Scriptural? The modern formulation of theodicy finds its origin in the Enlighten- ment that approaches the problem from a theoretical framework based on human experience. This theoretical approach leads, however, to further logical inconsistencies. Theology must rather approach the problem in the same way as Scripture does, by taking the cross, resurrection and parousia of Christ as point of departure. The cross and resurrection are a sign that suffering is not part of God’s plan and at the same time an affirmation of God’s victory over suffering and evil.

  14. ["Pharmaco-theology"].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Krafft, F

    1996-06-01

    Physico-theology is a way of thinking and argumentation, especially of the protestantism during enlightenment, which, facing the new, namely causal-mechanical natural science, emphasizes the anthropocentrical expediency of creation (of the "liber naturae'), traces it in nature and therefrom derives God's omnipotence, grace and wisdom. Although physico-theological writings of the 18th century are treating all kinds of natural objects under this aspect, the herbs and natural remedies never have been mentioned in the historical research of physico-theology until now. Here, this gap is closed. The relevant writings by Friedrich Hoffmann, Johann Julius Hecker und Julius Bernhard von Rohr are briefly presented and thereby attention is drawn to an important zeitströmung which added substantially to a broad acceptance of medicaments which then formed the practical basis as one of the preconditions for the developing of pharmacy into science in the late 18th century.

  15. The lived theology of the Harry Potter series

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    Anastasia Apostolides

    2014-11-01

    Full Text Available This article will argue that the recent turn towards lived theology or religion in practical theology can offer a useful hermeneutic to interpret the impact of the Harry Potter series on the spiritual formation and identity creation of adolescents. In practical theology there has been a turn towards lived theology or religion as lived religion has moved out of institutions into social–cultural phenomena as people seek to find meaning and purpose for their lives in alternative places to institutionalised religion.

  16. On Earth as It is in Heaven : New Creation in Matthew's Gospel

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Holmgaard, Christian

    2018-01-01

    The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the presence and meaning of the motif of new creation in Matthew's Gospel. New creation in this study is generally defined as an eschatological expectation which refers to protology and involves divine agency. In other terms it may also be called an

  17. Salvator Rosa e Napoli / Salvator Rosa and Naples

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    Daniela De Liso

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Salvator Rosa (Napoli, 1615- Roma 1673 fu pittore e poeta tra i più interessanti del secolo diciassettesimo. Il saggio intende indagare il complesso rapporto artistico e personale che Rosa ebbe con la città di Napoli, in cui era nato e dalla quale era quasi fuggito quando era poco più che un ragazzo. Attraverso una lettura delle principali fonti biobibliografiche a lui contemporanee, di alcune delle sue tele, dei versi delle Satire e di stralci delle lettere che a Napoli dedicherà, s’intende sottolineare che della capitale del Meridione la scrittura e l’arte di Salvator Rosa sono in grado di restituirci un’immagine altra rispetto a quella topica di Napoli gentile, perla luminosa di quella Campania felix che proprio nel Seicento attrae pittori e poeti da ogni parte d’Europa. Nei versi di Rosa, come nella scrittura in prosa, Napoli è, infatti, croce e delizia, prigione da cui fuggire e porto di quell’agognato ritorno che, al di là delle leggendarie asserzioni di alcuni biografi romantici, mai avverrà.   Salvator Rosa (Naples, 1615- Rome, 1673 was a painter and poet among the most interesting of the seventeenth century. The essay intends to investigate the complex artistic and personal relationship that Rosa had with the city of Naples, where she was born and from which she had fled when she was little more than a boy. Through a reading of the main biobibliographic sources to him contemporary, some of his canvases, the verses of the Satire and the excerpts of the letters that Naples will dedicate, it is meant to point out that in the capital of the South the writing and art of Salvator Rosa are Able to give us an image other than the topical one of Napoli's kind, bright pearl of the Campania felix that in the seventeenth century attracts painters and poets from all over Europe. In the lines of Rosa, as in prose writing, Naples is, in fact, a cross and delight, a prison from which to flee and bring about that auspicious return that

  18. Onderweg na �n teologie van interkulturaliteit: �n Trinitariese perspektief

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    R Venter

    2008-05-01

    Full Text Available Towards a theology of interculturality: A trinitarian perspectiveThe greater interaction of people from diverse cultural orientation in a globalised era and the growth of the christian faith as a truly worldwide phenomenon, and the consequent complications have highlighted the need for a theological response. This paper explores such a proposal for intercultural encounter, especially among people of the same religious orientation. The emphasis is on transcendence, community and identity, or on trinity, church and spirituality. The fundamental assumption is that the trinitarian identification of God, with its concomitant stress on otherness, relationality and love, provides resources to guide intercultural challenges in the church. A consistent trinitarian approach values community; hence the imperative of a communio-ecclesiology, which embraces unity, creativity and social resistance. Identity-formation and spirituality are closely linked. A trinitarian approach advocates transformation which increasingly reflects the virtues of the triune God in the relationship with the culturally Other.

  19. Good grief: Lord of the Flies as a post-war rewriting of salvation history

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    M. van Vuuren

    2004-07-01

    Full Text Available Golding’s Lord of the Flies, first published in 1954, reflects a bleak sense of post-war pessimism. But with undue attention focused on its portrayal of original sin and the problem of evil, readings have often remained reductive. In this article it is argued that the novel’s symbolic narrative is polysemic and, when it is read as anagogic myth, may be seen to span Judaeo-Christian Heilsgeschichte or salvation history, rewriting its chapters of creation, Fall, the problem of evil, the failure of law, the hope of salvation, the mission of a messianic figure, and – in the clearest departure from the Biblical narrative – an ambiguous representation of his return. This study examines the novel’s often paradoxical symbolism using Frye’s phases of anagogic myth, with its poles of apocalyptic and demonic imagery. It traces the relation of symbols to their counterparts in Biblical narratives, drawn in particular from the symbolic writings of the origin and end of humanity, to elucidate Golding’s bleak but certainly not hopeless rewriting of the salvation story for a post-faith readership.

  20. «Del Dios omnipotente a “la humildad de Dios”». Una reflexión sobre la evolución en perspectiva kenótica

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    Olga Consuelo Vélez Caro

    2012-05-01

    Full Text Available In front of the modern understanding of the universe like process in evolution, Christians wonder about how to articulate the image of almighty God with the scientific developments. This article intents to answer it by proposing the divine kenosis as a starting point to talk about a humble, self-limited God; a God supportive with the suffering inherent to the evolution; so that his creator-action becomes compatible with the evolutionary process of the cosmos with respect to its own autonomy and making possible an experience of faith, by considering the scientific advances to discover the theological aspects involved within them. The last part of this article is about kenosis and gender perspective because it is important to recover the meaning of kenosis as donation and love but that it is not synonymous of a destructive self-sacrifice, especially from women. The Christological and Trinitarian kenosis are ways to approximate to the divine plan of salvation of recapitulating all things in Christ.

  1. Argument from Design in Richard Baxter's Natural Theology

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    Igor Koshelev

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available The article deals with the teleological argument, or argument from design, as expounded by a famous English Protestant theologian Richard Baxter, one of the leading 17-th century English Puritans, in his work “The Reasons of the Christian Religion”. Natural theology, providing arguments for the existence of God based on reason and without appeal to the Revelation, has always played a vital role throughout the entire history of theological thought. The most popular was the so called teleological argument, or the argument from design, which stands out among all rational arguments for the existence of the Creator. It is mostly known from the “Fifth Way” of the medieval Scholastic philosopher Thomas Aquinas and a famous work “Natural Theology” by an English 19-th century theologian William Paley. The foundation for the modern research in the area was laid during the age of the Scientific Revolution of the 17th century English nature philosophers and theologians, especially Robert Boyle, who believed the teleological argument to be the key element of Natural Theology. His friend and confessor, Richard Baxter, a prominent representative of the Puritan Natural Theology, mostly known by his theological works, paved the way for Natural Theology both in his own time and the following centuries. His work was thought to be the best collection of the evidences for Christianity.

  2. The Theology of CReaTion in ViTo ManCuSo'S RadiCal Theology

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Christianity, Mancuso postulates the impossibility of an intelligent plan which ... the origin of the human being and it must contain the fundamental awareness ..... the quality of truth delivery in myth is much stronger than the interpretation of a ..... Reduction and emergence in artificial life: a Theological appropriation. in: n.

  3. Theological Concept of the Fourth Gospel in the Context of Jesus’ Glorification Prayer (Jn 17:1-5

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    Mirosław S. Wróbel

    2017-04-01

    Full Text Available The analysis of Jn 17:1-5 in its textual, literary, exegetical and theological dimensions shows the importance of Jesus’ prayer to His Father. The prayer of glorification includes a deep theological perspective expressed by the connection between the Son and the Father, earth and Heaven, the believers and God. The glorification of the Father in the prayer of the Son obtains its dynamism in the glorification of the Son in the realization of the Hour. The concept of the Johannine Hour reveals its eschatological character which can be fulfilled in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Son. The prayer of Jesus opens the Heaven for every person who together with Him can fulfill the will of God. In the glorification of the Father by the Son (earthly glorification and the Son by the Father (heavenly glorification the believers obtain eternal life in the Heavenly Love of God.

  4. Theological Responses to the Challenges of European Utopian Tradition: Some Teological Programmes of the First Half of the 20th Century

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    Mikhailov Petr

    2016-10-01

    Full Text Available Author supposes that the major social-politic events in European history of the fi rst half of the 20th century have as their root an eschatological utopian tradition that subdues the fact of world Redemption to progressive logic of history. The circle of theologians from Dominican and Jesuit’s Orders associated with Saulchoir (Tournai, Belgium and Fourvière (Lyon, France has proposed some theological responses for such kind of opposition to the Christian testimony in the world. They have evident correlation with each other in their general principals and common convictions in the inner structure of theology (cf. M. Blondel and M.-D. Chenu. The theological system has an experience of faith and obedience to the Church as its root, historical research (cf. «théologie de ressourcement», «positive théologie» or historical theology as its foundation. Two great representatives of Catholic theology — Yves Congar and Henri de Lubac — followed that direction in their scientific works. Congar succeeded in his project of theology of unity that had to resolve two great schisms: 1 between faith and life, 2 between the Church and the world. He developed his ideas in two vectors of ecclesiology: historical ecclesiology (nature and theology of the Church and practical ecclesiology (position of the Church in dialogue with the other confessions and external world. Henri de Lubac saw the beginning of the crisis of the world Christianity in the actual condition of contemporary theology as a result of inner opposition between reason and faith. His activity was directed at its overcoming. He edifies the structure of theology from the phenomenon of faith understood as a supernatural gift of God. Further lines were identified as a unity in social, historical and transcendent dimensions.

  5. Analytic Theology as Systematic Theology

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    Crisp Oliver D.

    2017-01-01

    It is often said that analytic theology is not really systematic theology; it is something else entirely. However, specifying what this “something else” amounts to has proven a little more difficult. In this article I argue that analytic theology may be a species of systematic theology. I show that there is no agreed view on the nature of systematic theology amongst several leading practitioners of systematic theology by comparing the work of John Webster, Brian Gerrish, and Gordon Kaufman. I...

  6. A theological view of nuclear energy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pollard, W.G.

    1982-01-01

    The author presents a theological perspective on nuclear power based on Israel's history, as revealed in the Hebrew Bible and the Alexandrian Greek Septuagint. Nuclear energy is described as God's energy choice for the whole of creation, which can be made as safe as traditional sources

  7. El universalismo cristiano en Hans Urs von Balthasar a propósito de su encuentro con Karl Barth

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    Rolle, Carlos Ignacio Casale

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available The idea of the Christian universalism is a key-subject of Balthasar’s theology. The proprium of this autor appears more clearly analysing the distance in the subject of analogia entis and the natural theology which Barth maintains. A basic element of Bathasar’s reflection about the Christian universalism has its roots in the origin of the assertion that the creation in Christ is united with the contemplation of the cosmic Christ and with the will to emphasize the universal character of the salvation happened in Christ (the concretum universale. Thus the approach is a profound comprehension of the salvation “in Christ”. The Chalcedonic formula enlarged since the fourth Lateran Council becomes a “law” for the interpretation of the (metaphysical reality. Balthasar propounds in this way an ontology in those center the personal reality is situated. At the end the reader finds a prospective critique to Balthasar’s position

  8. Die Freizeittheologie mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Ruhetheologie

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    Maciej Ostrowski

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available The author performs an analysis of „theological places” („loci theologici”, as the basis on which leisure theology can be developed. These are: time theology (a linear concept of time, which means that time is a gift to man, if properly used, freedom theology (freedom not as a discharge from obligations but as the possibility to do good, new creation theology (renewal made by the redemptive work of Christ, joy theology (joy of gifts of nature, community with other person, being granted God’s grace, feast theology (time given to a man in order that he could turn to supernatural matters. The author develops ‘rest theology’ extensively as one of the fundamental forms of spending free time. He searches for sources in numerous biblical texts, where this term has been used. Furthermore, he interprets, among others, how to understand God’s rest after he created the world, and how his repose becomes an example to follow for a human being. Moreover, the author explains what the final repose is to be for a person, and how man, living on earth, anticipates an eschatological rest.

  9. Some Remarks on the Theological Interpretation of the Theory of Evolution

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    Tadeusz Pabjan

    2013-04-01

    Full Text Available This paper deals with the problem of alleged conflict between the theological idea of the creation of man by God and the scientific theories that explain the origin of the human body referring to the process of evolution. It is argued that there is no contradiction between these two domains and that there is no real conflict between the idea of creation and the theory of evolution. At first, the conception of evolution is introduced. Afterwards, the evolutionary creationism is presented as the theological doctrine which claims that God created man, using for this purpose mechanisms of evolution. It is argued that the Biblical account of creation must not be understood literally and that during the lecture of this account one should respect the interpretative principle of St. Augustine concerning metaphorical sense of some Biblical texts. Finally, a “method” of explaining of the emergence of the human body by a direct action of God (“God of the gaps” is criticized.

  10. Translational Eschatology, Death, and the Absence of God in Rajiv Joseph’s Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

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    Stefano Muneroni

    2013-07-01

    Full Text Available This essay considers Rajiv Joseph’s play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo and investigates how it features the complex processes of translation by portraying a translator working in war-torn Iraq during the American occupation of the country. Through an analysis of Jacques Derrida’s theories of mourning and translation, it illustrates how the playwright connects translation both to eschatological thinking and to the capacity to speak to/for the dead; the play emphasizes death and translation as in-between states where characters explore aspects of their lives they could not access when alive, and develop skills that allow them to ‘translate’ themselves in different linguistic and cultural contexts. Through an analysis of the translator as cultural hero and ‘stand-in’ for God, this essay equates translation with post-secular theological inquiry, and looks at linguistic and cultural translations as acts of faith in which the emergence of the new text is both always in the process of manifesting itself and always predicated on the ashes of the original.

  11. The Six Swans and the Girl Some considerations about the salvation in Simone Weil

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    Maria Clara Lucchetti Bingemer

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available This paper aims to show the connection that Simone Weil´s thought has always had with the literature, specially with the fables and tales. Fables and tales have true insights of the Truth coming from the depths of humanity unconscious and after that become true believed and appropriate by the cultures and civilizations. Among these fables and tales, there is one that has fascinated since childhood Simone: The six swans by Grimm.  In it,Simone, an agnostic and still knowing nothing of Christianity,describes the role of the girl who has saved his brothers from a spell. This tale, certainly has prepared the meeting of Simone with Christianity, as well as reading she did the Christian narrative of salvation wich she has lived herself.Keywords: Simone Weil; Grimm Tales; Theology and Literature.

  12. There is Nothing New Under the Sun?: “New Librarianship” and the Theological Library

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    Keegan Osinski

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available The entirety of R. David Lankes’s model of “New Librarianship” rests on his expression of its mission: “The mission of librarians is to improve society through facilitating knowledge creation in their communities.” The present essay defines and expand upon the facets of “facilitating,” “knowledge creation,” and “communities,” and explores the shapes these may take in theological libraries in particular. Regarding “community”, the essay considers the challenge of serving both academics and ministers and how it might be possible to foster a less disjointed community. The question of what “knowledge creation” looks like in the fields of religious studies and pastoral training, and what this uniqueness means for the library are also considered. Finally, the author offers some preliminary ideas of what facilitating this knowledge creation might look like in the context of a theological library. Current shifts within academe and its libraries require a shift in the way librarians (particularly theological librarians think about service, resources, and their role in the education process as a whole.

  13. Robert Boyle and the representation of imperceptible entities.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wragge-Morley, Alexander

    2018-03-01

    In this essay, I examine Robert Boyle's strategies for making imperceptible entities accessible to the senses. It is well known that, in his natural philosophy, Boyle confronted the challenge of making imperceptible particles of matter into objects of sensory experience. It has never been noted, however, that Boyle confronted a strikingly similar challenge in his natural theology - he needed to make an equally imperceptible God accessible to the senses. Taking this symmetrical difficulty as my starting point, I propose a new approach to thinking about the interconnections between Boyle's natural philosophy and natural theology. For the most part, studies of science and religion in the early modern period work by seeking out the influence of explicitly stated religious beliefs on scientific ideas. I argue, by contrast, that we need to focus on Boyle's representational practices, using his attempts to represent imperceptible entities as a means of uncovering metaphysical and theological presuppositions that he did not always articulate when stating his religious beliefs. With new interpretations of both A Discourse of Things Above Reason (1681) and Some Physico-Theological Considerations about the Possibility of the Resurrection (1675), I show that there were crucial similarities between Boyle's practices for representing both God and atoms. I go on to show, moreover, that Boyle used these practices to enact an ontological stance at odds with one of his most important professed beliefs.

  14. Political Theology as critical theology

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    Tanya van Wyk

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available This article attempts to draw the scope and content of contemporary Political Theology, based on a review of the 2013 publication titled, Political Theology: Contemporary challenges and future directions, edited by Francis Schüssler Fiorenza, Klaus Tanner and Michael Welker. The book is a collection of contributions which explore the contemporary content and potential future of the subject discipline. ‘Political Theology’ as critical theology and as a ‘theology with its face towards the world’ is committed to ‘justice, peace and the integrity of creation’ and is multifaceted. It represents a discipline with which theologians reflect on political-theological objectives across continents and paradigms. The article concludes with a brief investigation of the implications of insights offered in the book for the South African context (as part of the African continent.

  15. Trinitizing the Universe: Teilhard’s Theogenesis and the Dynamism of Love

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    Delio Ilia

    2018-02-01

    Full Text Available The God-world relationship bears an ambiguous relationship between God’s immanent life and God’s life in history. The development of the doctrine of the Trinity in the early Church gave rise to a distinction between theologia and oikonomia. Bonaventure’s theology sought to express an economic trinitarianism without compromising the integrity of God’s life, thus maintaining divine immutability and divine impassibility. Twentieth century trinitarian theologies challenge the notion of divine immutability in light of modern science and radical suffering. This paper develops on the heels of twentieth century theology by focusing in particular on the philosophical shifts rendered by modern science and technology. In particular, the insights of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin are explored with regard to Trinity and evolution, precisely because Teilhard intuited that evolution and the new physics evoke a radically new understanding of God. Building on Teilhard’s insights, I suggest that divine creative love is expressed in a fourth mystery which Teilhard called ‟pleromization.” Pleromization is the outflow of divine creative union or, literally, God filling the universe with divine life. Teilhard recapitulates this idea in the evolution of Christ so that theologia and oikonomia are one movement of divine love. My principal thesis is that the Trinity is integrally related to the world; the fullness of divine love includes the personalization of created reality, symbolized by the Christ. To explore this thesis I draw upon the cyborg as the symbol of hybridization and permeable boundaries and interpret Trinitarian life in evolution as cyborg Christogensis. Using the Law of Three, I indicate why a new understanding of Trinitarian life involves complexification and thus a new understanding of Trinity in which the fullness of divine life includes created reality.

  16. Is it possible to do theology without philosophical presuppositions ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    The distinction between concept and idea is also elucidated with reference to conceptual and idea-usages of the term constancy (inertia). All in all our argumentation fits within the context of a new account to address in a meaningful way (also in scientific theological parlance) the possibility to employ creational terms in ...

  17. Aquinas and Contemporary Cosmology: Creation and Beginnings

    Science.gov (United States)

    Carroll, William E.

    Discussions in the Middle Ages about creation and the temporal beginning of the world involved sophisticated analyses in theology, metaphysics, and natural philosophy. Mediaeval insights on this subject, especially Thomas Aquinas' defense of the intelligibility of an eternal, created universe, can help to clarify reflections about the philosophical and theological implications of contemporary cosmological theories: from the "singularity" of the Big Bang, to "quantum tunneling from nothing," to multiverse scenarios. Thomas' insights help us to see the value of Georges Lemaître's insistence that his cosmological reflections must be kept separate from an analysis of creation. This essay will look at different senses of "beginning" and examine the claim that creation, in its fundamental meaning, tells us nothing about whether there is a temporal beginning to the universe. Multiverse models, like that recently proposed by Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow, may challenge certain views of a Grand Designer, but not of a Creator.

  18. Narrative theology: An adequate paradigm for theological reflection ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    As reflection on the religious claims embedded in stories, narrative theology touches the nerve of theology: what is the epistemological status of theological theories if they are based on discourse which is fundamentally narrative and metaphorical? This paper analyzes this question, along with the important differences ...

  19. The theological responses to the socio-economic activities that undermine water as a resource

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    Thomas Resane

    2010-06-01

    Full Text Available This article focuses, from a theological perspective, on both the ecological crisis and the politico-economic dealings in relation to water – especially with regard to the unsound ways in which governments deal with this resource. Texts are read from an anthropogenic perspective, as opposed to an anthropocentric one. Such a reading scenario calls for responses from theology with regard to the human position in creation. Humans are not a grand master plan of creation, but the completion and fulfilment of it, given an enormous sense of responsibility for the earth. The article argues that the human–earth relation should be understood from the point of responsibility based on solidarity, interdependency and stewardship. Theologians are challenged to embrace eco-ethics.

  20. Comparative Theology: An Alternative to Religious Studies or Theology of Religions?

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    Betül AVCI

    2018-03-01

    Full Text Available This paper examines the relationship between Comparative Theology, Religious Studies and Theology of Religions and questions whether Comparative Theology is an alternative to the last two. Comparative Theology, a faith seeking understanding practice, may be viewed as an alternative to the Enlightenment ideal of Religious Studies, which seeks “impartiality” and “scientific objectivity” in contrast to Comparative Theology’s enquiry into “truth” and “meaning.” I suggest, however, that the comparative method employed by both Religious Studies and Comparative Theology is not a neutral space. Hence, the new comparativism in Religious Studies reinstates its search for understanding and its political stand, which blurs the boundaries between Comparative Theology and Religious Studies. Likewise, while Comparative Theology is distinct from the Theology of Religions, it does not pose an alternative to it because Comparative Theology, too, often embodies either a pluralist or an inclusivist approach.

  1. Of Eden and Nazareth: Stories to capture the imagination

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yolande Steenkamp

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available In pursuit of counter-traditions that have read the Eden narrative without subscribing to the Christian fall�redemption paradigm, this article engages Richard Kearney�s hermeneutical� phenomenological reading of the imagination to explore new avenues for imagining sin and salvation along post-metaphysical lines. The first section provides insights proceeding from an intratextual reading of the Eden narrative. The second section proceeds to incorporate the biblical and rabbinical concept of the yetser to elaborate the reading described above. The section follows Kearney�s reading of the Eden narrative to elicit the imagination along ethical lines as humanity�s passion for the possible. The third section reads the annunciation narrative along these same lines, illustrating how a divine kingdom of justice and love is possibilised by an imagination captured by divine promise and hospitality. By reading these two narratives together through the lense of the imagination, novel ways of rethinking sin and salvation along post-metaphysical lines emerge that portray salvation as human participation in God�s ongoing creation of justice and love, thus enabling the God Who May Be.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is relevant to the fields of philosophy, philosophy of religion and theology. The narratives of fall and promise, previously read by philosopher Richard Kearney in different contexts and not in relation to one another, are read here from a decidedly theological point of view.

  2. Old Scandinavian and Christian eschatology

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    Anders Hultgård

    1990-01-01

    Full Text Available The eschatological beliefs current in Scandinavia during the Viking and early Medieval periods can be grouped into two main traditions, denoted by the concepts of Ragnarok and Doomsday. The former has its roots in the pre-Christian religion of Scandinavia, the latter was brought to the north in the process of christianization. Although different in origin the two traditions did not, in the age with which we are concerned, necessarily reflect a strict division between adherents of the old faith and Christians. Syncretic versions of the Ragnarok concept were in circulation, one of which was presented by Snorri in his Edda. The common people, although officially christianized, apparently continued to transmit beliefs connected with the Ragnarok tradition. Scholarly research has tended to treat the two traditions separately. In fact they coexisted for centuries, leaving room for confrontation and mutual influences.

  3. The contribution of deontological Christian ethics to the contemporary human rights discourse

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    J. M. Vorster

    2009-07-01

    Full Text Available This article examines the possible role of a Christian deonto- logical ethics in the contemporary human rights debate. It concludes that a Christian deontological ethics in the Reformed tradition can be positively engaged in the human rights debate when Biblical theological topics are transposed into moral directives applicable to the current human rights concerns, such as religious extremism, femicide, ideologies of intolerance and ecocide. As an example of the applicability of a Christian deon- tological ethics from a reformed perspective, the following Bibli- cal topics are investigated: human dignity on the basis of the “imago dei”, creation and creational integrity, the kingdom of God and forgiveness. Furthermore, the article proposes that other concepts can be added to this list such as the Biblical idea of life, eschatology, covenant and holiness.

  4. De betekenis van Johan Buitendags stellingname in theologie der ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Buitendag's holism is more Quinean as a comprehensive relative approach, bottom-up from contemporary insights within different academic disciplines. His theological approach looks like an ellipsis, involving both an ontological and epistemological focus. He defends (Trinitarian) communion as the primary concept, ...

  5. Download this PDF file

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    mr tomir

    secondary sources in which consultations were made through published ... eschatology is essential to salvation and that without the completion or ... As a result, we may fail to .... be separated from the goats and brought safely into the fold (Mt.25:32). ... living with a view to future service in the Lord's millennial kingdom. The.

  6. A Case Against Scientific Creationism: A Look at Content Issues.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kenkel, Father Leonard A.

    1985-01-01

    Discusses: (1) the theology of creation (religion); (2) evolution (science); and (3) scientific creationism (religious doctrine and pseudoscience). Points out that contrary to its claim, the latter is a sectarian religious doctrine in the guise of science demanding to be taught in the classroom "as a science." (JN)

  7. What is "theology" in "public theology" and what is "public" about "public theology"?

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    Andries van Aarde

    2008-03-01

    Full Text Available This article sets out to argue that institutional Christianity does not have the exclusive rights to “doing theology”. Since Plato theology has assumed systematization of ideas on the transcendent divine. The practice of theology is to be found in both the professional academy and in the public square. Spirituality is not to be reserved for people longing for God within the context of today’s mass consumerist populist culture. Spirituality and religion overlap and, therefore, today’s postmodern spirituality need not result in the end of religion. However, institutional religion is indeed dying and ”public theology” is not about theologians or pastors “doing theology” in the public square. Public theologicans are the film directors, artists, novelists, poets, and philosophers. The article argues that “public theology” could facilitate a dialogue between the theological discourse of academics and the public theological discourse. The article shows that “public theology” does to an extent overlap with ecclesial and contextual theology. In its core “public theology” is seen as the inarticulate longing of believers who do not want to belong.

  8. Theological Science Theology is the discipline wh

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    It is on this basis that theology understands itself to be an objective science. ... courses in history, philology, ethics and philosophy, each with its own proper method. .... of theological study depends on its openness to current discussions in art, ...

  9. Together towards Life and Evangelii Gaudium: Implications for African Child Theology today

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    Knoetze, Hannes

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available This article contributes to the development of an African ChildTheology and will attend to the implications of Together towards Life (TTLand Evangelii Gaudium (EGfor an African Child Theology. The article wants to answer the following question: What theological understanding is needed to indicate the distinct contribution of the African childto the understanding of the revelation history of God? The history of Christian mission, especially in Africa, has been characterised by conceptions of geographical expansion from a Christian centre, namely Europe, to the unreached territories (cf TTL 5. In the new understanding and new generation of mission, the church must focus on marginalised children as unreached territories, an essential group through which God conveys his love to the world. In developing an African Child Theology, consideration must be given to applicable and relevant statements in TTL and EG. We live in a world with many spirits (TTL 25, where people are looking for joy, not as a relationship from within, but in the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience (EG 2. Within African Theologies, we concur with TTL (23 on our spiritual connection with creation. These three statements imply some specific African contextual considerations for a child theology. A classic understanding defines theology as a faith seeking understanding. In the African church, Father Augustines understanding takes the form, I believe in order that I may understand (Migliore 2014:2. It is in this regard that the article will look at African Child Theology as seeking a deeper understanding of Gods revelation through the hermeneutical lens of the African child.

  10. Invited commentary on 'Robert G Edwards and the Roman Catholic Church'.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Head, Ivan Francis

    2011-06-01

    In this issue of Reproductive BioMedicine Online, Benagiano, Carrara and Filippi have produced a clearly written and comprehensive account of why the Roman Catholic Church has not welcomed the award of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine to Dr Robert G Edwards for the development of human IVF. I commend the article for its clarity and lucidity but attempt to point out some areas where disagreement even with its nuanced opposition to IVF may be legitimate. I try to make some simple comments that explain why this is so and I suggest some areas to which contemporary theology and philosophy can commit itself. But it is good to see even a nuanced response to the work of Robert G Edwards rather than a blanket condemnation. Copyright © 2011 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Nature as creation from an eco-hermeneutical perspective: From a ‘natural theology’ to a ‘theology of nature’

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Johan Buitendag

    2009-11-01

    Full Text Available For researchers who are interested in the relationship between theology and the natural sciences, 2009 is of special importance. It is now 500 years since Calvin was born and 450 years since his Institution of the Christian Religion was finally published. It is also 200 years since Darwin’s birth and 150 years since his On the Origin of Species appeared in print for the first time. Calvin and Darwin are representative of two separate lines which converge in a particular ‘transversal space’. Such insights are regenerating light on our search for scientific truth today. Neither the absolutisation of transcendent revelation, nor that of immanent knowledge of nature, provides an accountable understanding of reality. Against this background, the challenge for Systematic Theology today is to conceive of a ‘theology of nature’, which can be offered as a dialectical third option. An ‘ecohermeneutics’ offers a possibility of establishing such an option for theology. However, such an option will, on the one hand, have to deconstruct the reformed criticism of a natural theology and will, on the other hand, have to make serious work of an evolutionary epistemology.

  12. Integrating Suum-ngi Theology of Peace in Gindiri Theological Seminary Curriculum in Nigeria. An African Theological Perspective

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pokol, Benjamin J

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available This article argues that Gindiri theological seminary in Nigeria has done little or nothing to include issues of peace in theological education for the pastors in Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN of Nigeria. Consequently the Church of Christ in Nations seems to have failed to engage adequately in promoting peace among their members in the national search for peace and religious tolerance in Nigeria. The article further argues that the theological seminary which produces pastors and lay church leaders for pastoral ministry has a responsibility to equip pastors with necessary tools for responding to peace challenges facing the country. Therefore, the article advocates for the mainstreaming of Suum-ngi theology of peace in the curriculum of Gindiri Theological Seminary.

  13. Die implikasies van enkele pneumatologlese insigte van Rudolf Bohren vir die Praktiese Teologie

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    F. W. de Wet

    1998-06-01

    Full Text Available This article attempts to outline an approach to Practical Theology which will provide a new vision on the fullness and magnificence of the field of study. Possibilities in obtaining a new vision are illustrated by expounding three pneumatological perpectives on Practical Theology by the German theologian, Rudolf Bohren. By means of the analysis of and a conclusion drawn from Bohren’s vision on a trinitarian-pneumatological approach, his application of the term teonomical reciprocity and his application of the aesthetical term, Wahrnehmung (perception, a unique and rich starting point for a vivid, spiritual approach to Practical Theology can be provided.

  14. Analytic Theology as Sapiential Theology: A Response to Jordan Wessling

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    Vanhoozer Kevin J.

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available This article responds to Jordan Wessling’s paper that engages a concern I expressed about analytic theology not doing justice to the sapiential requirements of theology. I examine Wessling’s summary of my paper, conclude that his description is accurate and fair, appreciate his proposed solution, then go on to restate why I think he may not have fully allayed my concern. I suggest that analytic theology is a vital tool in the theologian’s toolkit, but that ultimately more is needed in order to interpret Scripture theologically.

  15. Robert Nemiroff: Communicating Astronomy 365 Days a Year

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pullen, L.; Russo, P.

    2010-06-01

    Few astronomy communication projects are as well known or as widely disseminated as the Astronomy Picture of the Day (or APOD for short). Since its creation in 1995, it has popularised thousands of images and helped to explain the cosmos through informative captions. Impressively, the site shows no signs of slowing down and has amassed many loyal supporters. This success can be attributed to the two astronomers behind the project: Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell. CAPjournal has interviewed Robert to discover his view of APOD, and the lesser known issues that surround it.

  16. Ensouling the Beatific Vision. Motivating the Reformed Impulse

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    Farris Joshua R.

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available The beatific vision is a subject of considerable importance both in the Christian Scriptures and in the history of Christian dogmatics. In it, humans experience and see the perfect immaterial God, which represents the final end for the saints. However, this doctrine has received less attention in the contemporary theological literature, arguably, due in part to the growing trend toward materialism and the sole emphasis on bodily resurrection in Reformed eschatology. As a piece of retrieval by drawing from the Scriptures, Medieval Christianity, and Reformed Christianity, we motivate a case for the Reformed emphasis on the immaterial and intellectual aspects of human personal eschatology and offer some constructive thoughts on how to link it to the contemporary emphasis of the body. We draw a link between the soul and the body in the vision with the help of Christology as reflected in the theology of John Calvin, and, to a greater extent, the theology of both John Owen and Jonathan Edwards.

  17. Comparative Theology: An Alternative to Religious Studies or Theology of Religions?

    OpenAIRE

    Betül AVCI

    2018-01-01

    This paper examines the relationship between Comparative Theology, Religious Studies and Theology of Religions and questions whether Comparative Theology is an alternative to the last two. Comparative Theology, a faith seeking understanding practice, may be viewed as an alternative to the Enlightenment ideal of Religious Studies, which seeks “impartiality” and “scientific objectivity” in contrast to Comparative Theology’s enquiry into “truth” and “meaning.” I suggest, however, that the compar...

  18. Comparative theology: an alternative to religious studies or theology of religions?

    OpenAIRE

    Avcı, Betül

    2018-01-01

    Avcı, Betül (IHU Author) This paper examines the relationship between Comparative Theology, Religious Studies and Theology of Religions and questions whether Comparative Theology is an alternative to the last two. Comparative Theology, a faith seeking understanding practice, may be viewed as an alternative to the Enlightenment ideal of Religious Studies, which seeks “impartiality” and “scientific objectivity” in contrast to Comparative Theology’s enquiry into “truth” and “meaning.” I sugge...

  19. Theology and Organization

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Meier Sørensen, Bent; Spoelstra, Sverre; Höpfl, Heather

    2012-01-01

    of religious practices in organizations. Instead, theology of organization recognizes that the way we think about and act in organizations is profoundly structured by theological concepts. In this editorial to the special issue we have three aims: to outline what theology of organization is, to show how...

  20. Prophetic Theology in Black Theology, with special reference to the Kairos document

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vuyani S. Vellem

    2010-10-01

    Full Text Available The ‘Protest’ and ‘Confessing’ Models in the streams of Black Theology of liberation provide a creative link between the Prophetic Theology in the Kairos document (KD and the Black Theology of liberation. Launched in a distinct moment of history – an ‘opportune moment’ – the KD propagated the best responses among some and the worst among others as a rapturous critique of State and Church theologies. In this article, I argued that the KD, which remains a version of liberation theology par excellence, offers a methodology that is still appropriate to our democratisation processes in South Africa. The KD is the product of a theology that did not only expand the contours of traditional theology, but also understood confession as a political praxis. Thus, the interest of the poor should still mitigate forth-telling in our democratic vision in dialogue inspired by the alluring prophetic vision of an alternative community based on the principles of the reign of God.

  1. What does it mean that God «acts» in creation?

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    Pedro Castelao

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available There are some assumptions that make difficult to understand what the believers wants to say when they say that God acts in the Creation. Those assumptions and their theological consequences are studied in this article. The naturalistics, supranaturalistics and panenteistics conceptions are also studied considering the interaction between God and Creation.

  2. A/theology: Emphasizing on Inevitability of Theology

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    Hassan Fathzade

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available The age of the sign is essentially theological. The system that is based on a basic concept, a concept that shapes the circulation of signs, is essentially theological. This central concept has named in each thought differently: the reality, essence, existence, truth, God, Logos, Nous, End etc. In This logocentric system(s, there is a transcendental signified that means and proves the chain of signification. Deconstructive reading of Derrida showed that there is no signified outside of the chain of signification that makes language to have bound. This revolutionary idea collapses hierarchical significative oppositions, and thus makes signifiers to be rank and homologous. By erasing the oppositions of signifiers, it is nonsense to talk about death of God; there is no death, and no life. We're always in the middle of an eternal play. Word (Logos, yet constantly erased and written and rewritten. A/theology is the absurdity of this claims that theology has terminated; a new a/system for those who lives in borders.

  3. Black theology in South Africa – A theology of human dignity and black identity

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Timothy van Aarde

    2016-08-01

    Full Text Available Black theology in South Africa is still relevant 20 years after the apartheid regime ended. It is a theology that gave to Black South Africans human dignity and a black identity. Black theology in South Africa confronted the imbalances of power and abusive power structures through an affirmation of human dignity and the uniqueness of the identity of black people. The biblical narrative of the Exodus is a definitive narrative in American black theology and liberation theology in overcoming oppression understood as political victimisation. Black theology in South Africa is not primarily about power and economics but also about the rediscovery of human dignity and black identity and to a lesser extent about victimisation. A third generation of black theology in South Africa will gain impetus through a rediscovery of human dignity and identity as its core values instead of a Black American liberation theology of victimisation or a Marxist liberation theology of the eradication of all power or economic imbalances.

  4. A Theology of Resistance in Conversation with Religious Education in Unmaking Violence

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim-Cragg, HyeRan

    2015-01-01

    This article attempts to develop a practical theology of resistance for religious education. It is inspired by the struggle of indigenous people in Guatemala in their memorialization of the Rio Negro Massacre in Guatemala, celebrations of International Women's Day, and the creation of a school for survivors of the violence surrounding Rio Negro.…

  5. Christ - the Teacher of Salvation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jacobsen, Anders-Christian

    Christ, his nature, and his works are the most central elements of Christian theology. Origen of Alexandria (185-254) plays an important role in the history of Christology and soteriology. He wrote his many biblical commentaries, theological treatises, and homilies before the Councils of Nicaea...... (325) and Chalcedon (451) issued their Christological doctrines, which were to set the agenda for Christological thinking for many centuries. In many respects Origen’s work paved the way for the decisions made in Nicaea and Chalcedon, yet Origen’s Christology is much more multifaceted than these creeds...

  6. Creatio in musica - Creation in Music

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Schwab, Heinrich Wilhelm

    2007-01-01

    Book abstract  The meaning of the noun 'creation', and the verb 'to create', range from the traditional theological idea of God creating ex nihilo to a more recent sense of the process of artistic conception. This collection of thirteen essays, written by scholars of music, literature, the visual...... includes some twentieth-century musicians. Each essay is dedicated to a particular topic concerned with ritual or artistic beginnings, inventions, harmony and disharmony, as well as representations or celebrations of creation. Central themes include the interplay of the ideas of God as creator, of God...

  7. Salvator Rosa's Democritus and Diogenes in Copenhagen

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Pedersen, Eva de la Fuente

    2017-01-01

    the aesthetic and the ethical in the artist and the work of art, to the melancholic temperament and to the concept of genius as is appeared within the art theoretical context of the day. The article shows that the two philosopher-paintings may have been included amongst what Salvator Rosa himself regarded...

  8. Knowing, being and doing: the spiritual life development of Salvation Army officers

    OpenAIRE

    Shakespeare, Karen

    2011-01-01

    This research is rooted in my professional practice at the newly established\\ud international Centre for Spiritual Life Development (CSLD) of The Salvation Army. It\\ud is designed to develop a foundation which can shape and enhance the policy and provision of the CSLD. It seeks to answer two questions: How do Salvation Army officers sustain and develop their personal spiritual life in the context of an activist, missional organisation? In what ways can the Centre for Spiritual life Developmen...

  9. Verlossing: van Pelagius tot Joseph Smith

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    H.F. van Wyk

    2010-07-01

      During this time Joseph Smith started to seek the true church and founded the Mormon Church. Although his theology differs quite strongly from the Methodist Church in which he grew up, the core of the way of salvation is the same: man has free will in choosing his salvation.

  10. Near-death experiences : A theological interpretation

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Goris, Harm

    2014-01-01

    Stories about near-death experiences (NDEs) draw much attention from the general public and are extensively discussed by medical doctors and neuroscientists. However, though eschatology belongs to their core business, only few theologians participate in the debate. This article proposes a

  11. Theology for Life: Doing Public Theology in Romania

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    Corneliu Constantineanu

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available This paper builds on my previous work, “God in Public: A Prolegomena to Public Theology in the Romanian Context,” where I made an argument for the need of public theology in the Romanian context and offered a brief introduction to the nature of this new field. Now I present several issues that would need attention in a public theology in our context. One such issue, to begin with, is the atrophy of the capacity for dreaming, for envisioning a better world, of the capacity for imagination and hope. Most of people living through the difficult period of a long transition period, with such a high rate of corruption, poverty and uncertainty, have lost any hope for a positive social change. There are no solid institutions and structures in these young democracies and people are really struggling to live a normal life. Similarly, other crucial dimensions of life have been downplayed and so in need to be recovered, such as work, family, civil society, justice, to name just a few. It is argued that a public theology for Romania and for the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe would need to address exactly these kinds of issues: a vision for a better world, Christianity and nation-building, faith and work, faith and society. The paper concludes by pointing to several example of platforms that are very promising for public theology.

  12. Issue of Salvation in Christianity: A Study in the Perspective of Islamic Ethics

    OpenAIRE

    Syed Mohammad Hilmi, S. A. R.; Masitoh, A.; Jamil, H.; Abdulnaser, S.

    2015-01-01

    The doctrine of salvation is considered as a central pillar in Christian’s belief, in which underlying most of the fundamental teachings in Christianity such as the doctrines of original sin, redemption and Crucifixion. The notion of salvation – in Christianity and other religions that have faith in it - is stemmed from the belief that evil is a vital issue in this universe, whence it develops view and perception towards man and universe, and the belief that religion came to safe and fr...

  13. Theology in the flesh – a model for theological anthropology as embodied sensing

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    Jacob Meiring

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available The author proposes a model for theological anthropology as embodied sensing that is based on an interdisciplinary exploration of the corporeal turn from a southern African perspective. The work of James B. Nelson is acknowledged, stating that body theology starts with the concrete, the bodily expressions of life and not with doctrines about God and humanity. The theological anthropology of David H. Kelsey is evaluated as a theological anthropology with a sentiment of the flesh. Based on clearings in the work of David Kelsey and an interdisciplinary research, the author proposes a model for theological anthropology as embodied sensing which functions within the intricate and complex connection of the living body, language and experiencing in a concrete lifeworld with an openness to the ‘more than’. The author considers the use of bodymapping within narrative therapy as a way in which to uncover the intimate and intricate connection between the living body, experience and language, and implementing insights from theological anthropology as embodied sensing.

  14. Living Joyfully after Losing Social Hope: Kierkegaard and Chrétien on Selfhood and Eschatological Expectation

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    J. Aaron Simmons

    2017-02-01

    Full Text Available In this essay, I offer an existential-phenomenological consideration of what it might look like to live joyfully after losing social hope. Using the example of the widespread hopelessness that many are feeling in light of the election of Donald Trump, I suggest that the danger of losing hope is that we can also lose our selfhood in the process. In order to develop a conception of “eschatological hope” that would be resistant to the loss of such social and political expectations, I draw specifically on Søren Kierkegaard’s notion that “the expectancy of faith is victory,” and Jean-Louis Chrétien’s idea of “the unhoped for,” in order to develop a model of hope that remains when it seems like all other hope has been lost. Rather than being overcome by anxiety about the future, eschatological hope fosters joy in the present.

  15. Pre- and Postcopulatory Traits of Salvator Male Lizards in Allopatry and Sympatry

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    Sergio Naretto

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available The reproductive traits of males are under influence of sexual pressures before and after copulation. The strength of sexual selection varies across populations because they undergo varying competition for mating opportunities. Besides intraspecific pressures, individuals seem to be subjected to pressures driven by interspecific interactions in sympatry. Lizards may vary their reproductive strategies through varying sexual characters, body size, gonadal investment, and sperm traits. We evaluated the reproductive traits, involved in pre- and postcopulatory competition, in allopatric and sympatric populations of Salvator lizards. We observed a spatial gradient of male competition among populations, with the following order: allopatric zone of S. rufescens; sympatric zone; and allopatric zone of S. merianae. Accordingly, variation in secondary sexual character, the relative testis mass, and the length of sperm component was observed between allopatry and sympatry in each species, suggesting differences in the investment of reproductive traits. However, we found that these two Salvator species did not differ in secondary sexual characters in sympatry. Interestingly, the trade-off between testes and muscle varied differently from allopatry to sympatry between these Salvator species, suggesting that the influence of social context on reproductive traits investment would affect lizard species differently.

  16. Religion, theology and cosmology

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    John T. Fitzgerald

    2013-10-01

    Full Text Available Cosmology is one of the predominant research areas of the contemporary world. Advances in modern cosmology have prompted renewed interest in the intersections between religion, theology and cosmology. This article, which is intended as a brief introduction to the series of studies on theological cosmology in this journal, identifies three general areas of theological interest stemming from the modern scientific study of cosmology: contemporary theology and ethics; cosmology and world religions; and ancient cosmologies. These intersections raise important questions about the relationship of religion and cosmology, which has recently been addressed by William Scott Green and is the focus of the final portion of the article.

  17. Theology and Literature

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    A collection of essays published in the journal Literature and Theology based on selected papers from the 2012 international conference of the International Society of Religion, Literature and Culture: Cultures of Transition: Presence, Absence, Memory, held at the Faculty of Theology in Copenhagen...

  18. As concepções evolutivas no Vestiges of the natural history of creation (1844) de Robert Chambers e a proposta de Lamarck: um estudo comparativo

    OpenAIRE

    Hueda, Marcelo Akira

    2009-01-01

    Publicado anonimamente em 1844, o livro Vestiges of the natural history of creation desencadeou uma das maiores discussões públicas que ocorreram durante o século XIX. Seu autor, Robert Chambers, defendeu a transmutação dos seres vivos e a origem de novas espécies através de causas naturais. O primeiro objetivo desta dissertação é descrever algumas concepções evolutivas apresentadas neste livro e o segundo é compará-las à versão final da teoria da progressão dos animais de La...

  19. English for Bible and Theology: Understanding and Communicating Theology across Cultural and Linguistic Barriers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pierson, Cheri; Bankston, Will

    2013-01-01

    This article introduces English for Bible and Theology (EBT), an inherently interdisciplinary field that merges English language learning with the content of biblical and theological studies in a context that is, by nature, cross-cultural. Within this collaboration there exists the possibility not only to enable theological study, but also to…

  20. The impact of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians: French zone on church and African theology issues

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    Anastasie M. Maponda

    2016-07-01

    Full Text Available We can understand that the Circle must work on two dimensions to provide a future for new woman theology in Africa. The first dimension is based on the intuitive fundamental and innovative sense of a woman from Ghana, Mercy Amba Oduyoye, that leads to the creation of the Circle: she impulsed the idea that women should make their own theology from their dailylife experiences and their subjectivity as women, in order to think on faith and Gospel in a different way. It is necessary to question that intuitive sense. The second dimension aims to revisit the great personalities of African woman theologians of the Circle. What are the essential points of their research? How has the research changed African theology? I particularly think of Musimbi Kanyoro, Nyambura Njoroge and Musa Dub� in the Africa English zone and Helene Yinda, Liz Vuadi, Kasa Dovi and Bernadette Mbuyi Beya in Africa French zone. The essence of their thinking is still actual and that is why they are good enough to project in to the future.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article presents the history of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians from creation to now. Issues related to traditional culture, gender and sexual-based violence, gender-based injustice, and HIV and AIDS are discussed under different approaches such as the biblical approach, hermeneutical approach, ethical approach, historical approach and practical approach. The impact of African Women Theologians speaking French will be particularly highlighted.Keywords: theology; women theologians; women empowerment; HIV/AIDS; gender

  1. Transformations in Luther's Theology

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    New research on Luther focuses on his exciting potential to be a dialogue partner for religion and theology today. This edited collection considers how Luther’s most important reformation-theological insights have been interpreted and understood throughout the past century and how his key theolog...... Rolf), in Francia-Recensio 2013/1 | Frühe Neuzeit - Revolution - Empire (1500-1815), May 08, 2013 (Marc Lienhard), and in Lutheran Forum 49 (2015), 27-32 (Stephen Pietsch)....

  2. Pious works as a Path to Salvation: the Bishopric of Albarracín (XVII century

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    José Manuel LATORRE CIRIA

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available  This article intends to show the role that various pious works play as instruments of salvation and as an expression of certain forms of religiousness that had deep social repercussions. We highlight the case of the bishopric of Albarracín during the XVII century. The study is mainly concerned with the information furnished by pastoral visits, the book of chaplaincy institutions and two reports on the bishopric written toward the start and the end of the XVII century respectively. The founding of chaplaincies and benefices was effected as an answer to the search for spiritual graces; however these institutions which were offered to the faithful by the Church as paths to salvation provided clear social advantages. Through these institutions the future of a family member could be secured. The memory and name of the founder perpetuated and the vanity of the linages was satisfied. Pious works were instruments of salvation, but also of solidarity, and family support.

  3. Detecting God in practices: Theology in an empirical–theological research project

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    Rein Brouwer

    2010-11-01

    Full Text Available What is the nature of reality in theological research and how can this ‘theological’ reality be known? Can we empirically research God’s performance in reality? This article tries to find some common ground on this contested issue by presenting a debate between three Dutch practical theologians: Van der Ven, Immink, and Ganzevoort. Their positions on the theological dimension of empirical reality are traced, followed by some thoughts on critical realism and on a ‘cataphysic’ approach to empirical theological research, inspired by the theologian Alister McGrath and the philosopher of science Roy Bhaskar. This results in three concluding remarks. Firstly, realisme and social constructionism are not excluding options. Social constructions presuppose the existence of reality. Secondly, a stratified model of reality, perceiving the nature of reality as emergent, layered, and complex, points in the direction of multidisciplinary discourses and helps to avoid forms of reductionism. Thirdly, prioritizing the ontology of a stratified reality that reflects revelation, creates a common ground for the debate on the nature of theological reality.

  4. For coming out of the closets: HIV and AIDS and Theology in Brazil

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    Musskopf, André

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The HIV and AIDS epidemic arrived in Brazil as a gay cancer, a narrative created mostly through the media before actual cases were diagnosed. This narrative has remained strong and powerful maintaining the stigma and discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS. Any truthful and honest theological or church response to the epidemic will have to deal with this ghost even when the focus is moved from the LGBT community to speak of other vulnerable subjects and groups. The first part of this article shows how the gay cancer narrative was constructed in the context of an emerging homosexual movement and major political changes in the country. The second part of the article presents some of the responses in the field of religion in the Brazilian context, how they reinforced the gay cancer narrative, but also how more positive answers were given, especially in the early years of the epidemic. It also makes explicit the virtual absence of a systematic theological reflection, even in the context of Latin American Liberation Theology, mostly because of the difficulty in dealing with structural issues that deepen and make more complex class and economic poverty. The third part of the article reports the creation and reactions to the HIV and AIDS prevention campaign Not even the Saint protects you Use condom in the context of the 15th S Paulo GLBT Pride Parade in 2011. The fourth and final part makes some theological remarks emerging from the narrative of the advertising campaign in the search for an out of the closet theology in the context of the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

  5. Historical Theology at public universities matter

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    Jerry Pillay

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available South African universities are in the process of serious transformation and restructuring. The place of faculties of theology at universities has come under the spotlight resulting in the closure of several theological faculties or in the moving of theology to other faculties, mainly humanities or arts. Theology is under pressure and in the current academic environment, Church History, in its traditional form, has all but disappeared from South African universities.  This article is an attempt to address the current situation. Whilst this article looks at the issue of theology at public universities, its main focus is to explore the future study of church history in the context of universities and, in particular, a Faculty of Theology. Understanding church history in the broad framework as Historical Theology, this article asserts the significance of church history at public universities, but points out the need to restructure the Department giving due consideration to community engagement, internationalisation, transformation, africanisation and interreligious collaboration. All of these would have a serious impact on teaching, learning and research.

  6. Descartes, Cartesianism, and Theology

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Goudriaan, A.; Lehner, Ulrich; Muller, Richard A.; Roeber, Gregory

    2015-01-01

    While insisting on the need to separate theology from philosophy, Descartes developed a philosophical theology that was intensely debated in the early modern period. This article asks the question how the receptions of Cartesian philosophy were related to different confessional profiles.

  7. European dimensions in Romanian Theological Discourse | Chirila ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    This article underlines particularly those aspects of Romanian theology that distinguish it from other theological refl ections. By making use of liturgical discourse, Romanian theology refl ects the ecumenical dimension of the prayers of the Divine Liturgy. It is this specifi city that provides Romanian theology's missionary ...

  8. Theological Metaphors in Mathematics

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    Krajewski Stanisław

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available Examples of possible theological influences upon the development of mathematics are indicated. The best known connection can be found in the realm of infinite sets treated by us as known or graspable, which constitutes a divine-like approach. Also the move to treat infinite processes as if they were one finished object that can be identified with its limits is routine in mathematicians, but refers to seemingly super-human power. For centuries this was seen as wrong and even today some philosophers, for example Brian Rotman, talk critically about “theological mathematics”. Theological metaphors, like “God’s view”, are used even by contemporary mathematicians. While rarely appearing in official texts they are rather easily invoked in “the kitchen of mathematics”. There exist theories developing without the assumption of actual infinity the tools of classical mathematics needed for applications (For instance, Mycielski’s approach. Conclusion: mathematics could have developed in another way. Finally, several specific examples of historical situations are mentioned where, according to some authors, direct theological input into mathematics appeared: the possibility of the ritual genesis of arithmetic and geometry, the importance of the Indian religious background for the emergence of zero, the genesis of the theories of Cantor and Brouwer, the role of Name-worshipping for the research of the Moscow school of topology. Neither these examples nor the previous illustrations of theological metaphors provide a certain proof that religion or theology was directly influencing the development of mathematical ideas. They do suggest, however, common points and connections that merit further exploration.

  9. Doing public theology in the anthropocene towards life-creating theology

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    Johann-Albrecht Meylahn

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available If one presumes that we are today living in the anthropocene, how does this challenge the doing of public theology? What is the calling of a public theologian in the anthropocene? To be able to answer these questions, this article shortly described the anthropocene and then sought to unpack a possible doing of theology in a particular local context, within the time of the anthropocene, creating (poiesis a deconstructive space for possible resurrection life to emerge.

  10. PERJUMPAAN ISLAM DAN KATOLIK (Upaya Mencari Akar Epistemologi Tentang Konsep Keselamatan

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Abdullah Muthalib

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available Every religion has a concept of salvation based on transcendent values of the religion. Islam as a religion of revelation has the concept of salvation based on the messages contained Allah in the Qur’an and Hadith of the Prophet are valid. With reference to the ethical principles of Islam, the doctrine of salvation is the main point ranging in religion, with this principle, people feel the need to claim to believe and submit to the values of the revealed God. A person of faith is essentially aims to achieve safety, both in his life on earth and in the Hereafter. In the Catholic Christian religion also found a number of principles are the same theology that is taught about the importance of safety. In the book of the old covenant and new covenant be emphasized that the safety ranging point in the theology. In Islam and Catholicism, the concept of divinity is the same both believe in Almighty God (monotheism. Both believe that Isa (Jesus and Muhammad. As the bearer of divine revelation. Although Islam to explain the concept of the deity in various contexts and meanings, while the Catholic meaning of salvation is placed in a variety of different verses, but the meaning remains the same.

  11. "Doing Theology" in Conversation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ehrensperger, Kathy

    2011-01-01

    This article presents the author's review of "Revisiting Christianity: theological reflections," by Marius C. Felderhof. This volume by a dedicated teacher and theologian is rooted in, and emerged from, the context of teaching Christian theology to young students of very diverse backgrounds and contexts of life. The commitment to engage in…

  12. The Functions of Theology to Christian Tradition

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ghasem Kakaie

    2013-03-01

    Full Text Available The term Theology has various definitions and meanings in the Christian tradition. In this article, after discussing these definitions and meanings we have tried to illuminate the extended functions of theology in Christianity and we have also explained the meaning of this term which has been entered to our literature by means of translation from European languages into Persian. In this connection, the history of the term, "theology", is discussed rapidly and then some main branches of theology explained according to its functions. Finally, we have concentrated on some equivalents of "theology" in Persian language.

  13. The Orthodox Doctrine of Salvation» by Archimandrite Sergius (Stragorodsky and its criticism by Confessor of the Faith Victor (Ostrovidov and Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    P. KHONDSINSKIY

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available «The Orthodox Doctrine of Salvation», a well-known work by Archimandrite Sergius (Stragorodsky that was defended by him as a master’s thesis at the Moscow Theological Academy in 1895, is still considered an etalon in Orthodox theology. Meanwhile, in the first half of the 20th century, it was heavily criticized by at least two prominent members of the Church hierarchy of that time: Confessor of the Faith Victor (Ostrovidov and Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev. This article does not only examine their arguments, but also provides the researcher’s personal understanding of the main theses of the work by Archimandrite Sergius. The researcher’s work in this case is complicated by a large number of patristic texts, which are given by Archimandrite Sergius and the abundance of which hampers the identification of his own original ideas. Nevertheless, the carried out analysis reveals that the dissertation doesn’t contain not only patristic, but any kind of a clear doctrine of the Fall, or of man’s state after the Fall, or of redemption, or of man’s assimilation of redemption fruits. Besides, the theses illustrated in the dissertation by the texts of the Holy Fathers belong not so much to them as to the first Slavophiles, Archimandrite Anthony (Khrapovitsky, the teacher and the senior friend of Archimandrite Sergius, and finally to Immanuel Kant. Consequently, in his doctrine of freedom anticipating grace, Archimandrite Sergius comes dangerously close to Pelagianism. These findings recognize the truth of complaints against the work of Archimandrite Sergius by Confessor of the Faith Viktor (Ostrovidov and Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev.

  14. The rediscovery of the Common Water Monitor Lizard Varanus salvator (Squamata: Varanidae in northern Myanmar

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    Sai Sein Lin Oo

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available On 09 June 2015, a Common Water Monitor Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768 was observed and photographed (Image 1 on the campus of Banmaw University, Banmaw (Bhamo, Kachin State, Myanmar (24018’15”N & 97015’52”E.  Subsequently, a second individual was observed 140km to the west at Banmauk, Sagaing Division (24024’N & 95051’E. These two observations are the first records of Varanus salvator from Upper Myanmar since Anderson (1878. It would be interesting to conduct follow-up studies to determine whether this is indeed a relict northern population. 

  15. Teaching Environmental Ethics from a Theological Perspective.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bratton, Susan P.

    1990-01-01

    Proposes teaching students skills for integrating theological inquiry with scientific, economic, and political issues concerning the environment. Suggests classroom exercises designed to bridge the gap between theology and environmental science. Discusses classroom texts drawn from theological, philosophical, and biological sources. Elucidates…

  16. Transformasie, partisipasie en pluraliteit – die Kappadosiese erfenis vir die Sistematiese Teologie in die derde millennium

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    Tanya van Wyk

    2013-09-01

    Full Text Available Transformation, participation and plurality: The Cappadocian heritage for Systematic Theology in the third millennium. The aim of this article is to demonstrate how Systematic Theology in the third millennium utilises facets from the legacy of the Cappadocian fathers. The focal point is the influence on present-day Trinitarian theology. Aspects which are discussed include matters of metaphysics, philosophy, morality and spirituality. The influence of the legacy of the Cappadocian fathers concerns the challenge which diversity and plurality create in systematic theology. This legacy is explored by means of the ‘lived experiences’ of the life stories of the Cappadocians. These narratives illustrate a shift from the ‘impersonal’ to the ‘personal’, from ‘disengaged abstraction’ to ‘relational participation’. The latter is referred to as ‘a pastoral doctrine of the Trinity’ by Paul S. Fiddes. The emphasis on ‘economical ontology’ confirms the Cappadocians’ relevance for a present-day ethical discourse and the ‘aesthetics of a feeling for the Other’.

  17. HIV/AIDS, narrative practical theology, and postfoundationalism: The emergence of a new story

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    Julian Müller

    2004-10-01

    Full Text Available The practical theology that emerges from this article is one that develops out of a very specific context – in this case, HIV/AIDS. The philosophical framework is found in an integration of two paradigms, namely social-constructionism and postfoundation-alism. The article concludes with a research case study from the HIV/AIDS context. Practical theological research is not only about description and interpretation of experiences, but it is also about deconstruction and emancipation. The bold move should be made to allow all the different stories of the research to develop into a new story of understanding that transcends the local community. According to the narrative approach, this will not happen on the basis of structured and rigid methods, through which stories are analysed and interpreted. It rather happens on the basis of a holistic understanding and as a social-constructionist process to which all the co-researchers are invited and in which they are engaged in the creation of new meaning.

  18. An integral investigation into the phenomenology and neurophysiology of Christian Trinity meditation

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    Stephen D. Edwards

    2012-03-01

    Full Text Available This integral investigation explored phenomenological and neurophysiologic, individual and collective dimensions of Christian Trinitarian meditation experiences in a volunteer, convenience sample of 10 practicing Christians, 6 men and 4 women, with a mean age of 48 years and an age range from 21 to 85 years. Participants meditated for a minimum period of 15 minutes, during which neurophysiologic data in the form of electroencephalographic (EEG, electromyographic (EMG, blood volume pulse (BVP and respiratory activity were recorded. A phenomenological analysis indicated that the meditation process generally involved a movement from body to mind to spirit as evident in reports of an increasingly relaxed, contented and focused state of consciousness characterised by Christian Trinitarian imagery, wonder, surrender, peace, bliss, openness and formlessness. The neuropsychological findings indicated significant increases, from baseline to meditation recordings, in the alpha and beta range, accompanied by increasing mean trends in the theta and gamma range, and decreasing mean trends in the delta range, EMG, BVP and respiration. Integrative findings indicated the practical theological value of small doses of Christian Trinity meditation to enhance spiritual life for those forms of waking, thinking, conscious behaviour needed in everyday world involvement and healing. Findings were discussed in relation to further integrative investigations and interventions with practical theological implications.

  19. Theology and bioethics in the film: Mar adentro, Spain, 2004

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    Paulo Franco Taitson

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available The article reflects on euthanasia and its consequences for which seeks to shorten the life of a patient known to be incurable. Film and Literature are equivalent here, being arts narratives that convey a story, and it is natural that the first has appropriated the second to boost its development. Through its own strategy, the two arts narratives met, making a discussion of the privilege of one over the other, which yields fruit until today. This practice can be seen in the Spanish film The Sea Inside, with theological reflections front the valuation of life issues, death, suffering and moral action. In the days of the time today is very rich, due to infinite horizons data by science and technology, which enable the creation and implementation of projects related to the protection and care of the reading of the death. But we know, at the same time that the pathway for degradation and even the establishment of a culture of death is also set. This is exactly why we cannot do without when we talk about death, to make a bioethical exercise and dialogue. Thus, theology, film and literature converge the light of the bioethical studies.

  20. �Nie waar nie?� Opmerkinge oor geloofservaring, dogma en die (eskatologiese aard van teologiese besinning

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    D P Veldsman

    2008-05-01

    Full Text Available �Not true?� Remarks on the experience of faith, dogma and the (eschatological nature of theological reflection�Not true?� is a characteristic saying of Conrad Wethmar. In this article of appreciation for his academic contribution, this saying as a �polite questioning and affirmation� (as I understand it, is explored within the context of viewpoints on the experience of faith and in reference to his understanding of dogma in order to highlight the way in which this saying actually gives expression to his understanding of the nature of theological reflection.

  1. Eco-theological Responses to Climate Change in Oceania

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Rubow, Cecilie; Bird, Cliff

    2016-01-01

    to reform classical theologies and church practices. Secondly, we identify challenges facing the contextual theologies, among them recent claims about climate-change-denying responses by Biblicist Christians in the Pacific region. These challenges apart, we suggest, thirdly, that the churches are important......This paper explores eco-theological responses to climate change in Oceania. First, we review central texts in the contextual theological tradition in Oceania, focusing on recent responses to climate change. This points to a body of theological texts integrating climate change into a broader effort...

  2. Two criticisms of natural theology

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    Błażej Gębura

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available The article aims at considering two general criticisms often formulated against the natural theology. First criticism is based on the thesis that the conclusions of the natural theology are not adequate with the religious beliefs of non-philosophers. It is widely known as opposition between God of Religion and God of Philosophers. One can find that argument in the writings of Blaise Pascal. I’m arguing for the thesis, that the natural theologian cannot fulfill the criteria given by the proponents of this argument. This is because the argument of the natural theology cannot contains the premises taken from the Revelation. If the argument of the natural theology would contain the premises taken from the Revelation, then it would be the argument of religion. But philosopher of religion (natural theologian can’t do this, if he wants to formulate an philosophical argument. The second criticism is based on the notion of a rational person. In the light of this argument, the natural theology is successful only, if every rational person will accept the conclusion “God exist”. I’m trying to show that there is no philosophical argument that can guarantee it’s acceptance by some rational persons. The acceptance of the conclusion of the argument of the natural theology is a matter of personal decision. There is no logical argument, which can “force” rational persons (rational subjects to accept it’s conclusion. But if this is true, the arguments for the existence of God are no worse than other philosophical arguments.

  3. Transcendence and Transcending in the Theology of Father Dumitru Stăniloae

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    Grigore Dinu Mοș

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available From the perspective of man’s relation to the transcendent God, a central concept in the thought of father Dumitru Stăniloae is that of “transcending”, of self-transcendence, of man going beyond himself towards his neighbours and towards his deeper self, towards the mystery of the world and of existence in general, culminating with the fundamental act of transcending towards the divine Absolute. He uses this concept in almost all areas of theology: gnoseology, anthropology, cosmology, ecclesiology, mysteriology, eschatology, spirituality, as well as when discussing ideas of important existentialist and personalist philosophers of the 20th century. According to Stăniloae, God’s transcendence reveals itself as holiness, while Christ, the God-Man, who makes possible man’s convergent and unitary act of transcending, is the “true transcendence”. The real correspondence between transcendent and transcendental emphasizes the Christological foundation of Christian anthropology. For father Stăniloae, man’s self-transcendence is determined by his attraction towards the divine Absolute, as well as by his lack of fulfilment in this world. Monotony is defined as the absence of transcendence, hell – as the impossibility of transcending, and pride as a negative and delusive transcendence. The mystery is a sign of the Transcendent, while man is characterised by an endless act of transcending towards his own mystery, enlightened by the mystery of God. Words and logoi are means of transcending which urge us to purify our mind and to act immediately. The necessity and meaning of the act of transcending are emphasized by the image of the Cross, which makes the world transparent, revealing its Creator. According to Stăniloae, man is a being which transcends time through repentance and hope, while the Church is the immanent which incorporates the transcendent. Moreover, he sees the Holy Sacraments as steps in the act of transcending from the

  4. The dynamics of God's reign as a hermeneutic key to Jesus ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    With this study, we seek to contribute to the theological discussion regarding the nature and the meaning of the Christian eschaton. We will argue that the dynamics of God's reign provide a hermeneutic key to Jesus' 'eschatological expectation'. It is not possible to grasp the full meaning of Jesus' urgent expectation of the ...

  5. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies is an acclaimed Open Access journal with broad coverage that promotes multidisciplinary, religious, and biblical aspects of studies in the international theological arena. The journal's publication criteria are based on high ethical standards and the rigor of the methodology and ...

  6. 'Who is wise and understanding among you' (James 3: 13? An analysis of wisdom, eschatology and apocalypticism in the epistle of James

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    Patrick J. Hartin

    1997-12-01

    Full Text Available Three questions form the basis of this analysis of the relationship of the Epistle of James to the traditions of wisdom, eschatology and apocalypticism. What kind of traditions are involved in James? What is the world view of James? What audience or community is presupposed by this writing? Foremost is the connection that James demonstrates to the wisdom tradition evident in the Old Testament and extratestamental literature. In particular two types of wisdom tradition are noted in James: practical wisdom advice as expressed in short sayings, wisdom instructions and admonitions and reflection on the nature of wisdom (1:5-8; 2:1-7; and 3:13-18 as coming from God. Finally, the question of how much apocalyptic symbolism is evident in the eschatological world view of the epistle is addressed.

  7. Post-Foundational Practical Theology as Correlational Hermeneutic ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    The article argues that Practical Theology has moved from the uncertainty of simply being applied theology to a point where its methodology, described as the pastoral cycle in this instance, has gained such confidence that it is viewed as the natural way of doing theology. This shift in confidence occurred because the ...

  8. God as Intellect in the philosophical Theology of Plato, Aristotle and Plotinus.

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    Nadezhda Volkova

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available The article gives an overview of the main stages in the development of philosophical theology in Plato, Aristotle and Plotinus, as well as its central concept - Active Intellect or God. It is shown, firstly, that Plato was the first who formulated the concept of a One omnibenevolent God. Plato opposed this doctrine to the gods of traditional mythology. In the "Timaeus" talking about the creation of the world, Plato represents God as an artisan, i. e. Demiurge, who arranges the World soul and matter with the help of the numbers. Therefore, God is introduced as an Intellect, because looking at an intelligible paradigm, he created the cosmos as its likeness. Secondly, it was shown that Aristotle made theology demonstrative theoretical knowledge. God as a subject of such knowledge is the pure actuality of thinking. Third, it is shown that Plotinus, continuing the line of Plato and Aristotle, gave philosophical theology a new, much more personal character. Theology for Plotinus is not only an demonstrative knowledge of the omnibenevolent God, but also a personal experience of reunion with him. A special attention in the article is paid for Plotinus' interpretation of the Platonic Demiurge. It is shown that Plotinus first connected the two aspects of the divine, namely the Demiurge-creator and the intelligible paradigm that are described in the "Timaeus," into the single hypostasis of Intellect. The main reason for this assertion was the necessity to postulate the unity of the intellect and the intelligible object as a necessary condition for the possibility of all cognitions. As a result, instead of the traditional idea of the two gods, Plotinus elaborates the doctrine of a single divine Intellect, combining both these aspects.

  9. transformation, theology and the public university in south africa

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    theological task of theology at a public university – the articulation of transcendence ..... position of theology at the university and its relationship to the humanities; ..... preference; energy foci; international networking, and spatial arrangement. ... geographic location, denominational involvement, personality and theology of ...

  10. Theological Higher Education in Liberia: A Case Study of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary

    Science.gov (United States)

    Manyango, Wilfred M.

    2012-01-01

    The Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS), opened on March 4, 1976, exists to train men and women for Christian ministry. It offers four-year degree programs leading to bachelor of arts in theology, bachelor of arts in religious education, and bachelor of divinity. Three major periods characterized its growth and development. The first, from…

  11. A postfoundationalist research paradigm of practical theology

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    Sung Kyu Park

    2010-10-01

    This article examines and argues for postfoundationalism – transversal reason, interdisciplinarity and interpreted experience – as a viable theological option against rigid foundationalism and relativistic nonfoundationalism. Also discussed are the process and the interdisciplinary nature of practical theology. It is suggested that narrative research and social constructionism should be part of the research paradigm of postfoundational practical theology.

  12. 'Doing theology as though nothing had happened' – reading Karl ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    'Doing theology as though nothing had happened' – reading Karl Barth's confessional theology in Zimbabwe today? ... This article will attempt to argue that this theology can contribute to the Reformed theology in present day Zimbabwe. It will therefore attempt to introduce the confessional theology of Karl Barth to ...

  13. OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES AND ESCHATOLOGICAL IMAGERY IN SERGEI YESENIN'S POETRY (1918–1919

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    Mariya Aleksandrovna Solov'eva

    2014-11-01

    Full Text Available The article discusses the features of the poetics of Yesenin lyrics of 1918-1919. Poems of this period form a single metatekst about the end of the time, and the coming of the Day of Judgment. Th e research shows that the disclosure of eschatology theme by the poet exhibits characteristic features of the artistic world of S. A. Yesenin. The most important source of Yesenin's poetic imagery is the experience of Orthodox worship gained by him in childhood and adolescence. Liturgical foundations of Yesenin's artistic thinking implemented in diff erent planes of the content of poetics throughout the career of the poet. In the "little poems" and poems of 1918-1919 the structure and symbolism of the liturgical text is presented. Yesenin uses quotes and paraphrases hymns and texts of Scripture; liturgical symbols and actions of church utensils, iconographic images are refl ected in his poetry. Th e content and the relationship of poetic images and symbols, the interplay of these images are in compliance with the poetics of liturgical texts. A complex semiotic structure of worship is reflected in the poetry in the form of correlations of the New Testament and the Old Testament prophecies, combined with various biblical images and motifs. A theme of Old Testament prophecy is reproduced in liturgical discourse. In the development of eschatological themes the characters of prophets also form an additional scope of meanings associated with the spirit of the revolutionary events: the prophets becomes representatives of the common people, the spokesmen of the national spiritual experience. The poetic text had borne the additional connotations with biblical stories on the ministry of the prophets.

  14. Anglican Moral Theology and Ecumenical Dialogue

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    Peter Sedgwick

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available This article argues that there has been conflict in Roman Catholic moral theology since the 1960s. This has overshadowed, but not prevented, ecumenical dialogue between the Roman Catholic and Anglican Communions, especially in ethics. Theologians from the Anglican tradition can help both the debate in Roman Catholic moral theology and the ecumenical impasse. The article examines the contributions of Richard Hooker, Jeremy Taylor, and Kenneth Kirk from 1600–1920, in the area of fundamental moral theology.

  15. Practical-theological facilitation as skilled helping

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    Elmo Pienaar

    2013-11-01

    Full Text Available The article discussed the idea of skilled helping in relation to what has been put forward as practical theological facilitation. It has been argued that various helping relationships, amongst which the author refers to coaching, facilitation, and therapy has more in common than what differentiates them if epistemology is viewed as a unifying concept. As such the scope of practical theology in terms of the contexts and themes in which it might be involved is said to widen. The public dimension of the organisational context, more so than the congregational context, has been put forward as an important habitus of practical-theological facilitation. The organisational involvement of the practical-theological facilitator in terms of professional-vocational skilled helping takes on an actual role through facilitation and other helping modalities.

  16. O DESAFIO DO AGNOSTICISMO

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    Mario Miranda SJ

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available O artigo constitui uma reflexão sobre a problemática atual sobre Deus, mais precisamente sobre o acesso a Deus. Inicialmente são examinadas algumas razões para certo agnosticismo presente, sobretudo no meio acadêmico. Em seguida o texto aborda a fragmentação da razão clássica numa pluralidade de racionalidades” que acabam por condicionar o conhecimento humano (horizontes de compreensão e, consequentemente, seu acesso ao Transcendente. A terceira parte do artigo propugna uma maior unidade de fé e razão, de teologia e filosofia e busca recuperar a verdade da clássica teologia negativa ou apofática. Finalmente, a partir de uma teologia da criação e numa perspectiva agostiniana, se defende o acesso existencial a Deus, que deveria ser mais valorizado na teologia e na pastoral. ABSTRACT: This article is a reflection on the present-day issue of God, more precisely concerning access to God. First there is an examination of a number of reasons for a certain current agnosticism, especially in academic circles. This is followed by a discussion of the fragmentation of classical reason in a plurality of reasoning which end up by conditioning human knowledge (horizons of comprehension and consequently its access to the transcendent. The third part of this article argues for a greater unity between faith and reason, between theology and philosophy and seeks to recover the truth of classical negative or apophatic theology. Finally, through a Trinitarian theology of the creation and from an Augustinian perspective, the author defends an existential access to God, to which greater importance ought to be attached in theology and in pastoral work.

  17. «Apocalypse and Russia»: Eschatological Theme by S. N. Durylin

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    T. REZVYKH

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available The published S. Durylin’s text contains his view of eschatological representations in the Russian culture. Durylin considers that in Ancient Russia expectation of the Apocalypse wasn’t obviously expressed. It began to amplify from XVII century when Russia as the state prospered more and more and increased in sizes. The state became stronger, the expectation of a doomsday is stronger. The external progress of Russia was stronger, the more strongly the Russian people waited for the Judgement. The author finds this position not only in national representations, but also and in representatives of the Сhurch point of view, and in the Russian philosophy — at K. Leontyev and V. Solovyov. This point of view has no analogs among philosophers of the beginning of the XX century.

  18. Onherhaalbaar, onontdoenbaar: Die doop as simbool van eenheid in die kerk

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    David A. van Oudtshoorn

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Irrevocably singular: Baptism as a symbol of unity in the church. In this article I conduct a phenomenological analysis of the concept ‘one baptism’ in Ephesians 4:4−6. Such an analysis seeks to reveal the essence of a particular concept by bracketing out the theological and ideological presuppositions usually associated with it. The essential concept is then expanded by linking it to the terms most closely surrounding it in the text. A critical theological reflection on the expanded concept shows that ‘one baptism’ refers to an event by which believers are inducted, once and for all, into the church as the one body of the one Lord, Jesus Christ. The church exists through the presence of the one Spirit who binds believers in an unbreakable bond of love to God and to each other. Because baptism can never be undone or repeated, any liturgical act depicted as a ‘re-baptism’ is, by definition, impossible. This means that churches that baptise the children of believing parents are able to accommodate requests from people who, having been baptised as an infant, in later life wish to celebrate and testify to some significant milestone in their spiritual journey by means of an official church ritual. Such ritualised testimonies, however, refer to the existential lifeworld of believers (their repentance, confession of faith etc. and are distinct from baptism that refers to the singular eschatological work of Christ and thus cannot be repeated. The church should, however, take pastoral care to ensure that people do not substitute their own spiritual experiences for the reality of salvation that is founded on the singular act of God, for us once and for all in Christ, to which baptism irrevocably refers.

  19. An art history of means: Arendt-Benjamin

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    Jae Emerling

    2009-12-01

    Full Text Available Transmissibility is an essential concept for any discourse on historiography and aesthetics. In fact, this concept traverses the contemporary impasse of art historical critical practice. Although explicitly associated with Walter Benjamin, the entirety of Hannah Arendt’s work on art and history is premised on transmissibility as well. It allows them to conceive a space of history from within the aesthetic, the world of artifice. This essay reads Benjamin and Arendt alongside and against one other in order to rethink art and history without resorting to eschatology or the histrionics of political theology. In creating this virtual historiography—Arendt-Benjamin—it conceives transmissibility as an aesthetic-historiographic concept that renders an openness between past and future, poiesis and aisthesis. Writing the history of art becomes the creation of a passage between what-has-been and artifice; it becomes the opening of history into life, an event of recollection.

  20. Overcoming alienation in Africanising theological education

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    2016-02-22

    Feb 22, 2016 ... indigenous knowledge of value that can be utilised in theological education, where the English ... location of theology, secular philosophy and scientific .... the post-1994 era is to open the space for 'diverse ontological.

  1. natural theology

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    p1243322

    known example was Barth's confrontation with Brunner (his “No! .... immunise God, revelation and theology against any rational criticism or ..... quotes Heinrich Scholtz's six postulates: (1) the proposition postulate (freedom from ... and emotion?

  2. White theology in dialogue with Black Theology: Exploring the contribution of Klippies Kritzinger

    OpenAIRE

    George J. (Cobus) van Wyngaard

    2016-01-01

    This article explores the contribution of South African missiologist and theologian Klippies Kritzinger to a critical and anti-racist white theology. It analyses his academic work in response to Black Consciousness and Black Theology from publications during his doctoral studies, throughout the transition to democracy and into the present, where this theme remains a constant presence in his work. The article explores his use of liberation, conversation and re-evangelisation in constructing a ...

  3. Revisiting Mary Daly: Towards a quadripartite theological and ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Against this background I will evaluate Daly's post-Christian feminist theological and philosophical paradigm. I propose that Daly has a quadripartite theological and philosophical paradigm wherein there are four main players. The 'Who is who' in Daly's quadripartite patriarchal theological and philosophical paradigm are ...

  4. Issue of Salvation in Christianity: A Study in the Perspective of Islamic Ethics

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Syed Mohammad Hilmi, S. A. R.

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The doctrine of salvation is considered as a central pillar in Christian’s belief, in which underlying most of the fundamental teachings in Christianity such as the doctrines of original sin, redemption and Crucifixion. The notion of salvation – in Christianity and other religions that have faith in it - is stemmed from the belief that evil is a vital issue in this universe, whence it develops view and perception towards man and universe, and the belief that religion came to safe and free man from the evil. The doctrine of salvation in Christian faith, is the saving of the soul from sins and its consequences in general and original sin in particular, and is made possible by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion. The original sin is attributed to the Lord of Evil and it had transmitted this universe into evil, and change the nature of man, who is born free from sin into evil. Conversely, the religion of Islam views that man is originally good and is born in the state of “fitrah”, innocent and free from sin. Islam differentiates between the idea of “Fitrah”, the source of good behaviour and “Gharizah”, the instinct which arise together with human soul and leads mankind to bad moral conduct whenever it is misled or deviated. It is believed that the original sin committed by Adam due to this deviation. Based on this understanding, Islam enjoin man for self-purification in order for him to succeed in the hereafter.

  5. Normative Virtue Theory in Theological Ethics

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nicholas Austin

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available What place is there for virtue theory in theological ethics? Many question the normative significance of virtue theory in theological ethics today, leaving it to rule-based ethics to provide action-guidance. There are three key objections to the normativity of virtue theory: that virtue theory is about agents rather than actions, that virtue theory has nothing to say directly about the morality of actions, and that the virtues are too vague to be of normative or action-guiding significance. This essay, drawing on Thomas Aquinas’s account of virtue, challenges these perceptions and argues for a genuinely normative, action-guiding virtue theory within theological ethics. Theological ethics, in turn, can contribute to virtue theory, especially by its emphasis on the ecstatic nature of mature moral virtue, and through its reflection on the virtue of spiritual discernment.

  6. Developing theology for evolution

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chris Wiltsher

    2013-07-01

    Full Text Available This speculative paper explores one idea for approaching some of the problems which arise when the doctrines of Christian theology meet the current scientific understanding of evolution through natural selection. The main suggestion is that Christian theology should relax the requirement that God controls everything. Some implications of this move are explored, with a brief look at how similar ideas might be of use for non-Christian religions entering into dialogue with the theory of evolution

  7. Theological education with the help of technology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Erna Oliver

    2014-09-01

    Full Text Available Theology seemingly does not have a major impact on society anymore. However, Christianity did not only change and form the western world over the past 2000 thousand years, it still has a substantial role to play in society. This could be done through the development of theologies, the recognition that religious topics are still major segments in the publishing industry and the transforming potential of the Christian message on people. Although theological training finds itself in a difficult position, technology offers support to teaching and learning, cuts costs and offers solutions to a number of current problems concerning the effective formation of ministers. It is no longer necessary to provide theological training through a one-size-fits-all approach – a style that kept the pre-network society boxed. The aim is to motivate educators in theology to embrace the opportunities provided by the network society in aiding with the training of ministers by utilising current and future trends of development in technology.

  8. Mentoring as a supportive pedagogy in theological training ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    This article contends that theological training supported by effective mentoring can contribute to the shaping of theology students in terms of their spiritual growth, character development and ministry formation. It is further argued that mentoring as a supportive pedagogy needs to be an essential element of theological ...

  9. Theological Underpinnings of the Modern Philosophy of Mathematics.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shaposhnikov Vladislav

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available The study is focused on the relation between theology and mathematics in the situation of increasing secularization. My main concern is nineteenth-century mathematics. Theology was present in modern mathematics not through its objects or methods, but mainly through popular philosophy, which absolutized mathematics. Moreover, modern pure mathematics was treated as a sort of quasi-theology; a long-standing alliance between theology and mathematics made it habitual to view mathematics as a divine knowledge, so when theology was discarded, mathematics naturally took its place at the top of the system of knowledge. It was that cultural expectation aimed at mathematics that was substantially responsible for a great resonance made by set-theoretic paradoxes, and, finally, the whole picture of modern mathematics.

  10. Pengaruh Skeptisisme terhadap Konsep World Theology dan Global Theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ahmad Saifulloh

    2013-09-01

    Full Text Available Scepticism, in a socio-historical study of philosophy in the West, appeared to have large considerable portion compared with the theories. Scepticism, here means is making a the point of view caution, suspicion, and not directly justify the theory of truth. With all sorts of implementations it generates in the philosophy discourse, Scepticism has become one of the methods to reach the truth. But in terms of theology, it gives a different effect. Scepticism has made the standard of truth of the religions is not based on the ‘truth claim’ that is essentially owned by each religion anymore. Truth is human subjectivity. ‘World Theology’ concept presented by Wilfred Cantwell Smith, the concept of Global Theology presented by John Hick is two discourses of religious pluralism doctrine which affected by scepticism.

  11. Xenotransplantation-theological-ethical considerations in an interdisciplinary symposium.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sautermeister, Jochen; Mathieu, Richard; Bogner, Veronika

    2015-01-01

    Unlike allotransplantation, reflections on xenotransplantation are infrequent in theological literature. However, xenotransplantation poses questions specifically concerning ethical and theological aspects that are imperative to address, such as personal identity between the poles of body, soul, and mind, the relationship between humans and animals, as well as challenges regarding specific issues of medical and social ethics. This study summarizes the lectures of the symposium on "Xenotransplantation-a challenge to theological ethics," which took place in Munich from September 30 until October 2, 2013, and analyses the implications of xenotransplantation from the perspectives of Christian theological ethics, biblical theology, and systematic theology. Furthermore, the issue of xenotransplantation is addressed from the perspectives of Judaism and Islam. Beyond these theological deliberations, the metaphorical and religious meaning of the human heart, which may have an impact on the societal acceptability of xenotransplantation, as well as the Christian notion of compassion regarding animals, is analyzed from the perspective of historical sciences. According to the perspectives of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, there are no specifically religious fundamental and generally binding reasons to prohibit xenotransplantation as a means of treating grave and life-threatening organ insufficiencies. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Faith Seeking Effectiveness: The Missionary Theology of José Bonino

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Davies, P.J.

    2006-01-01

    This dissertation argues that the theology of José Bonino is a praxis driven missionary theology. It is, as with every other theology, contextual—written from the perspective of the context, and is deeply affected by its context. Míguez Bonino’s theological methodology begins with missionary praxis

  13. Archives: HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Items 1 - 50 of 120 ... Archives: HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies. Journal Home > Archives: HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies. Log in or Register to get access to full text downloads. Username, Password, Remember me, or Register · Journal Home · ABOUT THIS JOURNAL · Advanced Search ...

  14. Theological Hermeneutics: Interpreting “The Lost Garden of Immediacy”

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    Mindaugas Briedis

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available Contemporary hermeneutics has turned from the art of textual interpretation to the world – constitutive functions of language and symbolic representation. It is stressed that all understanding takes place within horizons constituted by history and language. Building on the ultimate religious foundations of divinely revealed truth, theological hermeneutics reflects upon theology as the site of a circular mediation of Scripture, tradition, and culture. The guiding question of this article is: can a theological hermeneutics retranslate philosophical sources into the language of theology? For these purposes we must at first situate the theological phenomenon of Verbum at the center of philosophical hermeneutics. Secondly, it is necessary to give a brief account of how symbols (all in general and some in particular function in religious language. Also, we can see that in the face of the dawn of some traditional religious symbols, we can find new ones emerging from new strategies of theological hermeneutics in the face of new ontology. The analysis of symbolic nature of theological hermeneutics directs us to the question of analogy. Eventually the subject of investigations turns to be “validity” of analogical language in theological hermeneutics, which have some paradoxical consequences. On the other hand, it is clear that these paradoxes are not simply about formal matters. It is amazing that the basic symbol functioning in analogical language for expressing the proper language of God-talk (theology is the language itself. 

  15. UM DEUS PARA SER AMADO ALGUMAS REFLEXÕES SOBRE A DOUTRINA TRINITÁRIA EM KARL RAHNER

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    Maria Clara Lucchetti Bingemer

    2004-01-01

    Full Text Available Este texto procura trabalhar alguns aspectos fundamentais da teologia trinitária de Karl Rahner. Em um primeiro momento, resgata seu axioma que revolucionou esta área da Teologia: "A Trindade Econômica é a Trindade Imanente e vice-versa". Em um segundo momento, procura mostrar como toda a teologia trinitária de Rahner é baseada no entrelaçamento com a cristologia. Finalmente, a partir da obra de Rahner “O que significa amar Jesus?" (Was heibt Jesus lieben?, comentamos o fato de que Rahner, configurado pela espiritualidade inaciana, encontra no amor real a Jesus a via de acesso ao pensar sobre o Deus Pai, Filho e Espírito Santo, que se dá a partir da experiência desse Deus na palpabilidade da carne de seu Filho e chega à sua vida imanente e à sua comunhão inefável. ABSTRACTC: This texts seeks to develop some fundamental aspects of K. Rahner’s Trinitarian Theology. It begins by presenting anew his axiom which revolutionized this area of theology: “The Economic Trinity is the Immanent Trinity and vice-versa.” Then it seeks to demonstrate how all of Rahner’s Trinitarian Theology is based on its links with Christology. Finally, parting from Rahner’s “Love of Jesus, Love of Neighbor”, the article comments how Rahner, configured by Ignatian spirituality, finds in the authentic love of Jesus the way to think God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This way originates from the experience of a God who can be touched in the flesh of his Son, and leads to God’s immanent life and ineffable communion.

  16. How Theologizing with Children Can Work

    Science.gov (United States)

    Buttner, Gerhard

    2007-01-01

    "Theologizing with children" has arisen from influences of philosophizing with children, from research in the Piagetian tradition and also from the interest of the Evangelical Church in Germany to "change to the child's perspective". It searches for the theological quality of children's remarks which are considered to be a…

  17. Perspectives on the Logos’ immanence in Creation

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    Nicolae Moșoiu

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available „The reasons of things that God prepared in advance for ages, as He Himself knew, can be seen through understanding from the creatures. For every creature of God, contemplated by us through nature, using science and knowledge, proclaim in a hidden manner the reasons after which they were made and they reveal the purpose placed by God in every creature. From the wise contemplation of creation we can perceive the Reason which enlightens us about the Holy Trinity, i.e. the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” [1]. Abstract: The article deals with the theme of the Logos` immanence in the creation. The first part includes a scientific perspective while the second, a theological one. The first evidence that the universe has a beginning dates back to the 20s of last century. Most scientists believed until then that the universe was stationary and had always existed; there are references to the big bang, string theory, M theory. The second part encompasses a perspective on the theme of the rational nature of the world which constitutes a firm foundation for dialogue between Theology and science. The logoi have a particularizing or a unifing function, and the complete unity of the logoi is realized through and by the Logos, the Word of God. The essential difference between paradigms and logoi is that the latter belong to the temporal level and to the empirical world, while the former preexist synthetically into God.The uncreated divine energies are the logoi in the action of creating and supporting of the beings.

  18. A QUEST FOR A UNIQUE AFRICAN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY AND ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    HP

    2017-07-01

    Jul 1, 2017 ... Theology, and then, Nyamiti‟s ideas on the nature and method in African Theology and his ability to unite it ... Nyamiti‟s (1969) precise definition of African Theology is the very self-same. Christian ..... Central Africa. Malawi: ...

  19. Theology and the (post-apartheid university: Mapping discourses, interrogating transformation

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    Rian Venter

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available This article examines the specific position of Theology at South African universities, following the recent developments on campuses that catapulted the urgency for greater commitment to radical transformation in higher education to public attention. A large corpus of material is generated on theological education as such, but the major question is rarely thematised as the transformation of Theology at public universities in (post-apartheid South Africa. This article addresses the nature of the challenge by following a distinct approach. Ten major discourses in the wider reflection on theological education are identified and interpreted as avenues to achieve three aims: to convey the unique challenge for Theology, to give historical texture to issues conventionally addressed a-politically in Theology and to forward an interpretation of ‘transformation’ for Theology that emphasises its multi-layered nature

  20. The eschatological opponent of Daniel and the Antichrist of the Syriac Apocalypse of Daniel

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    Sara Daiane Silva José

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available The Syriac Apocalypse of Daniel (Syr Apoc Dan, a Christian apocalypse from the seventh century of Common Era, is clearly tributary to the canonical book of Daniel (Dn. In its turn, Dn provided the figure of an eschatological opponent who was re-signified in Christianity: the Antichrist. The cosmic dimensions of the malevolent character of oppressive tyrant of Dn – his arrogance against the gods, the abomination of desolation, military conquests and persecutions of the saints, the change of the cosmic order, the time of the reign and death of the tyrant – are considered in this work compared with the Antichrist of the Syr Apoc Dan.

  1. Where Do Data Go When They Die? Attaining Data Salvation Through the Establishment of a Solar Dynamo Dataverse

    Science.gov (United States)

    Munoz-Jaramillo, Andres

    2016-05-01

    The arrival of a highly interconnected digital age with practically limitless data storage capacity has brought with it a significant shift in which scientific data is stored and distributed (i.e. from being in the hands of a small group of scientists to being openly and freely distributed for anyone to use). However, the vertiginous speed at which hardware, software, and the nature of the internet changes has also sped up the rate at which data is lost due to formatting obsolescence and loss of access.This poster is meant to advertise the creation of a highly permanent data repository (within the context of Harvard's Dataverse), curated to contain datasets of high relevance for the study, and prediction of the solar dynamo, solar cycle, and long-term solar variability. This repository has many advantages over traditional data storage like the assignment of unique DOI identifiers for each database (making it easier for scientist to directly cite them), and the automatic versioning of each database so that all data are able to attain salvation.

  2. Elements of the universe in Philo's De Vita Mosis: Cosmological theology or theological cosmology?

    OpenAIRE

    Steyn, Gert J.

    2013-01-01

    It is the intention of this article to investigate how Philo's understanding of the universe, and particularly its four basic elements as taught by the Greek philosophers, influenced his description of the God of Israel's world in which the Moses narrative unfolds. Given the fact that Philo was a theologian par excellence, the question can be asked whether Philo's approach is closer to what one might call 'theological cosmology' or rather closer to 'cosmological theology'? After a brief surve...

  3. 23 NATURAL THEOLOGY AND MODERN SCIENCE: AN ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    HP

    reality and the key criterion is agreement of theory with data to assess the emerging scientific ... Natural Theology, Science and Theology, Scientific Proofs, God's ..... The Second Law of Thermodynamics: This law states basically that certain.

  4. Fear of technology - trust in creation?

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dobmeier, G.

    1991-01-01

    With the assistance of science and technology, man has been altering all areas of life and the environment in an increasingly varying manner, particularly since the time of the industrial revolution. Even the environment of future generations has already been affected. Concern over this development has brought together well-known representatives from the areas of science, technology, theology and ethics for an exchange of views on the technological and ethical problems. The basic conflict between nature and technology, ecology and economy, between the task of creation and the egoistic wishes of mankind is presented in this book in a very readable way by experts. (orig.) [de

  5. 'Public theology' from within the church? A reflection on aspects of the theology of W.D. Jonker (1929-2006)

    OpenAIRE

    Naudé, Piet J.

    2014-01-01

    In this essay, aspects of the work of theologian W.D. (Willie) Jonker are reframed to complement current debates about �public theology� in South Africa. The introduction points out that Jonker worked during a crucial period in South Africa�s history and that his theology is intrinsically linked to the church struggle between 1955 and 1994. The second part reframes Jonker�s theology as a public theology from within the church by referring to his understanding of preaching, confessions and pub...

  6. Mediaciones para un método de teología pastoral, a partir de la teología práctica de Karl Rahner

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alex Vigueras Cherres

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available A partir de una comprensión de la teología práctica de Karl Rahner como una teología pastoral en perspectiva escatológica, y teniendo como plano de fondo el problema del carácter teológico del análisis de la situación presente, presentamos algunas posibles mediaciones para un método de teología pastoral, a saber, mirar el futuro desde la "futuridad del presente", conocer desde los otros, la narratividad, la corporeidad y la "indiferencia".Based on understanding of Karl Rahner's practical theology as a pastoral theology in an eschatological perspective, and having as a background the theological problem of analyzing the present situation, we present some possible mediations for a pastoral theology method, namely, looking at the future from a "futurity of the present," knowing from others, narrative, corporeality and "indifference."

  7. THEOLOGY AS CREATIVE LANGUAGE. THE CASE OF THOMAS BROOKS

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    Ciprian SIMUȚ

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The problem of theological language has been a hindrance in coming closer to God, ever since complex patterns of thought have combined with the theological inquiry. The conclusion that helped Protestantism gain ground was bringing the theological message of the Bible to the understanding of every-day believer. An effort was made to explain how God works in history, and how to become more like Christ in one’s every-day life. However, mere copying was not the foundation of Christianity. Inner conviction born out of understanding the explanation from the Biblical message was crucial. Thomas Brooks was one of the protestant theologians who aimed to explain how the Devil and evil work against the believer, in order to create chaos, disorder, sorrow, hatred, deception, and ignorance. He did this by transforming the theological message into creative language, using every-day images in order to create a relation between theology and praxis. This paper will analyze some of the aspects found in Brooks’ theological presentation, in order to show how theology could be used for the benefit of the individual believer, as well as for the benefit of society.

  8. Faithful obligations: Merold Westphal’s middle class liberation theology

    OpenAIRE

    Justin Sands

    2016-01-01

    Often, liberation theology’s preferential option for the poor is pushed aside within theological discourses as being too specific, too focused on social problems, to function as a viable theology for the Church as a whole. Through this line of reasoning, many often see liberation theology as something that can remind Christians of their need to help others, but it cannot become the foundation for a sustainable belief system. In response to this, I claim that a liberation theology can be viabl...

  9. White theology in dialogue with Black Theology: Exploring the ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    2016-05-30

    May 30, 2016 ... later work, as a particular white response to Black Theology. To put it in ... things that actually control the lives of people, in other words, the real “gods” ...... Ethics that matters: African, Caribbean, and African American sources ...

  10. Bioethics, theology, and social change.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cahill, Lisa Sowle

    2003-01-01

    Recent years have witnessed a concern among theological bioethicists that secular debate has grown increasingly "thin," and that "thick" religious traditions and their spokespersons have been correspondingly excluded. This essay disputes that analysis. First, religious and theological voices compete for public attention and effectiveness with the equally "thick" cultural traditions of modern science and market capitalism. The distinctive contribution of religion should be to emphasize social justice in access to the benefits of health care, challenging the for-profit global marketing of research and biotechnology to wealthy consumers. Second, religion and theology have been and are still socially effective in sponsoring activism for practical change, both locally and globally. This claim will be supported with specific examples; with familiar concepts like subsidiarity and "middle axioms"; and with recent analyses of "participatory democracy" and of emerging, decentralized forms of global governance.

  11. Theological Implications of Markan Interpretative Intercalations

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    Mateusz Kusio

    2015-09-01

    Full Text Available This paper aims at evidencing the thesis that Markan interpretative intercalations are a narrative structure that manifests profound theological engagement of the evangelist. This device is defined as an entanglement of two storylines in the A1–B–A2 pattern which by using the notions of simultaneity, contrast, irony, similarity, etc. offers a wholly novel meaning of the stories. Six intercalations of the St Mark’s gospel – 3 : 20–35; 5 : 21–43; 6 : 7–31; 11 : 12–23; 14 : 1–11, 53–72 – merge different episodes with distinct theological purposes and as such cannot be reduced to the rank of a literary or redactional device. All of them are concerned with the most essential topics of the Markan theology, such as Christology, especially in relation to suffering, requirements of true discipleship, vision of the future ecclesiastical community. St Mark in his intercalations reveals his elaborated, clear-cut theology, as well as narrative ingenuity and mastery.

  12. Identitas-Identitas Teologis Kristen Protestan Indonesia Pasca Orde Baru: Sebuah Pemetaan Awal

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    Julianus Mojau

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available Protestant Christianity in Indonesia cannot be inconsistant with the general principle of Protestantism worldwide: sola scriptura. That is why biblical identity is one of the identity markers of Protestant Christians in Indonesia. Also, it is impossible to understand the identity of Protestant Christianity in Indonesia, apart from christology as a marker of the identity in appreciating the second general principle of Protestantism: sola gratia. The unity of God as the trinity has also become another marker of identity. In the past these three identity markers are often seen as distinctive identities to "deny" theological and soteriological truth claims of local religions and Islam. But the findings of this article show that the development of Protestant Christian theology in Indonesia after the New Order is more open to and dialogical with the theological and soteriological beliefs of local and Islamic religions. Although it must be admitted that in terms of trinitarian identity it still takes time to enter the dialogue with those religious traditions.

  13. Learning theological ethics through the Heidelberg Catechism ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    HC) in order to examine a disposing pattern of sensibility and affection as well as four lessons for a contemporary Protestant theological ethic. It also suggests a revision of the catechism's basic theology in light of the current ecological crisis ...

  14. A Comparison between the concepts of redemption in Christianity and intercessionin Shia Islam

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mohsen Rabbani

    2015-02-01

    Full Text Available Faith and practice are most important factors for salvation in Islam and Christianity. More over the concepts of redemption in Christianity and the intercession in Shia have also been counted as elements of salvation. There are some similarities between them, which may be led to the misunderstanding that redemption and intercession are the same whereas the definition and function of these two doctrines are different in the religious traditions of both religions. The doctrine of redemption is the essential part of Christian theology, especially in soteriology. If this doctrine is put under question, the whole structure of Christian theology will be disintegrated. But doctrine of intercession is complementary part in Shia. In this article at first, the doctrine of redemption is explained. Considering that the understanding of the concept of redemption is based on other doctrines, including anthropology, soteriology and Christology in Christian theology, at first the relationship between redemption and these concepts will be discussed. It will be declared that Christians believe that Adam's sin had grave consequences for humanity, in a way that it becomes the source of human sinfulness. In Christian point of view God was incarnated in Jesus and was crucified in order to be redemptive of Adam's sin and in order to save men. Everyone who believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus will be delivered. In the second part of the article, the question of intercession according to Shia will be discussed. It will be suggested that the nature of man is pure in Islam and man himself can reach salvation by faith and good practice. In addition, mercy of God and the intercession of Imams will help sinful persons. But in the third part of the article, some similarities and differences between these doctrines will be pointed out. I will insist mostly on their conceptual and functional differences. Their similarities include: Both doctrines need an intermediate

  15. A Comparison between the concepts of redemption in Christianity and intercessionin Shia Islam

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ahmad Reza Meftah

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available Faith and practice are most important factors for salvation in Islam and Christianity. More over the concepts of redemption in Christianity and the intercession in Shia have also been counted as elements of salvation. There are some similarities between them, which may be led to the misunderstanding that redemption and intercession are the same whereas the definition and function of these two doctrines are different in the religious traditions of both religions. The doctrine of redemption is the essential part of Christian theology, especially in soteriology. If this doctrine is put under question, the whole structure of Christian theology will be disintegrated. But doctrine of intercession is complementary part in Shia. In this article at first, the doctrine of redemption is explained. Considering that the understanding of the concept of redemption is based on other doctrines, including anthropology, soteriology and Christology in Christian theology, at first the relationship between redemption and these concepts will be discussed. It will be declared that Christians believe that Adam's sin had grave consequences for humanity, in a way that it becomes the source of human sinfulness. In Christian point of view God was incarnated in Jesus and was crucified in order to be redemptive of Adam's sin and in order to save men. Everyone who believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus will be delivered. In the second part of the article, the question of intercession according to Shia will be discussed. It will be suggested that the nature of man is pure in Islam and man himself can reach salvation by faith and good practice. In addition, mercy of God and the intercession of Imams will help sinful persons. But in the third part of the article, some similarities and differences between these doctrines will be pointed out. I will insist mostly on their conceptual and functional differences. Their similarities include: Both doctrines need an intermediate

  16. A profile of the belief in Jesus and salvation among the Afrikaans speaking Christian youth

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hendrik J.C. Pieterse

    2003-10-01

    Full Text Available This article is based on the results of a large-scale empirical-theolo-gical research project on “Religion and Human Rights among South African Youth.” Using the extensive database of this project, the article focuses on the results on the images of Jesus and the belief in salvation of Grade 11 learners. The results present a profile of the pluralistic and diverse scale of nuances in the belief structures of Christian teenagers. The results of the English-speaking private school learners are placed alongside the results of the Afrikaans speaking public school learners in order to obtain a more prolific picture of the belief of the Afrikaans speaking youth. The effect their belief in salvation has on their views regarding human rights is also examined. The results challenge the preacher to think dialectically and hermeneutically in a new age and context.

  17. Ideology as a factor for the eschatological outlook hidden in a text: A study between Ezekiel 37 and 4Q386 fragment 1i

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jana Coetzee

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available The book Ezekiel continues to present various challenges to students studying the text as a result of redaction and revision that the book went through. One will find many different points of view when analysing the book as a whole. Ezekiel’s presence in exile supplies us with significant ideological information regarding the historical context of the author of the Masoretic text, whilst the Qumran community provides the same support for the authors of the Pseudo-Ezekiel manuscripts. The vision of the dry bones is portrayed in three different texts: the Masoretic text of Ezekiel 37:1–14, Pseudo-Ezekiel 4Q385 and Pseudo-Ezekiel 4Q386. When comparing the vision of the dry bones found in these separate texts, one must consider each author’s ideology in order to establish a better understanding of the eschatological message of each text. This study reveals the importance of an ideological analysis when interpreting an eschatological text.

  18. The Moral Arc of the Universe: Salvation as Emancipation (El arco del universo moral: la salvación como emancipación

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    James W. Ward

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available Resumen: Muchas interpretaciones modernas de la salvación trasfiguran y personalizan la salvación. La estancia eterna de un alma en el cielo es posible por medio de la salvación. Las ideas judías y cristianas son más profundas y complicadas e incluyen una idea de la salvación como una emancipación de "poderes y principios." La salvación llega después de una adaptación por el dirigente legítimo del universo y una liberación de la esclavitud a otros dirigentes falsos. Yo resumo el significado del Éxodo y las interpretaciones cristianas del reino de Dios en tres de los movimientos más importantes de la emancipación en la historia de los Estados Unidos, y hasta se podría decir del mundo: la Revolución Americana, la campaña abolicionista y el movimiento por los derechos civiles.Abstract: Many modern Christian understandings of salvation spiritualize and personalize salvation. Salvation is what makes it possible for an individual soul to spend eternity in heaven. Jewish and Christian notions of salvation are richer and more complicated, and include an understanding of salvation as emancipation from "powers and principalities." To be saved is to be adopted by the rightful ruler of the universe and liberated from servitude to all other false rulers. I briefly outline the significance of the Exodus and Christian understandings of the kingdom of God for three of the major emancipation movements in the history of the United States, and arguably the world, namely the American Revolution, the abolitionist movement, and the Civil Rights movement.

  19. Theology as an Ethnographic Object: An Anthropology of Eastern Christian Rupture

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    Timothy Carroll

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available This paper draws upon over three years’ research among Eastern Orthodox (principally Antiochian and Greek communities in London and Mount Athos, Greece. This research came to engage theology quite heavily as part of the ethnographic facts of the fieldsites. This paper reviews some of the existing ways that theology (as both discipline and practice relate to ethnographic enquiry, particularly as it has arisen in the dialogue with the Anthropology of Christianity and frames this in light of the historical development of Anthropology and its relationship to theology and Christianity. The paper then advances a methodological argument, in favour of further means of relation, specifically in terms of theology as a cultural artefact. Drawing on local practices of liturgical theology and Eastern Orthodox forms of allegorical interpretation, I argue for the inclusion of theological insight and practice within the social scientific study of religion. Working in an Orthodox setting requires the investigation of liturgical theology and brings to light important aspects of the relationship between temporal and sempiternal domains of action. Particularly as it relates to liturgical theology and the practices of interpretation, ethnographic enquiry into Orthodox theology asks for a reconsideration of social scientific methods of analysis and representation.

  20. Theological Education and Character Formation in Nigerian ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    This paper presents theological education and character formation in Nigerian Christianity. Some theologians and religious scholars do not offer any practical recipes in dealing with the major pressing problems of theological training for Christian ministry today in the 21st century Nigerian society. Some priests, lay workers ...

  1. The Theological Disposition of Lay Catholic Headteachers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Richardson, Christopher

    2014-01-01

    The differing theological perspectives evident in the literature on Catholic schools and education suggest those who appoint headteachers in Catholic schools may need to know more about candidates than that they are practising Catholics. This paper summarises a doctoral research project aimed at identifying the dominant theological motifs that…

  2. Postmodernism and the hermeneutical challenge: some theological reflections

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    G.J. Pillay

    1999-08-01

    Full Text Available How can one achieve the critical tension between contextual relevance in a post-modem world and "responsibility before history"? What is the justification for theological method as critical reflection within a tradition? What is the relation between ground texts that have historical authority (Scripture, the infonning tradition of interpretation of these texts (Church History, and the interpretive communities that read them (context? Raising these questions, the article argues that for all its useful insights, postmodemism fundamentally challenges theological (and historical reflection. Theology has always contextualised itself ever since its origins. What is different in this encounter is that we are dealing with an intractable ideology that not only undercuts the fundamentals but disallows the "long view" (the infonning and continually renewing tradition and the communicativeness of theology (proclamation.

  3. Comparative Theology and Religious Studies in a Non-religious Environment

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jacques Scheuer

    2012-10-01

    Full Text Available The intellectual landscape of Europe bears the marks of a long history of cultural perceptions of, and scientific approaches to, religions. The sciences of religions had to establish their autonomy from churches and theologies. However, the cultural context and the institutional set-up of ‘laïcité’ did not foster the development of comparative religion, much less comparative theology. However, this situation may have an advantage: it should discourage the exercise of comparative theology as a sectarian endeavour apart from broader anthropological perspectives and concerns. Comparative theology should not become the last refuge for religious nostalgia. In Europe, interreligious relationships (and hence comparative theologies should not be isolated from simple or more sophisticated forms of indifference, agnosticism, or atheism. The active presence of a non-religious environment as well as the growing interest in Buddhism, are challenges to comparative theology: its contents, its approach, its intended audience.

  4. Theological reflections on nuclear energy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pollard, W.G.

    1979-01-01

    It is for a long time that, in this journal also, nuclear energy has been discussed in great detail with respect to its scientific, technical and engineering aspects. In connection with the public controversy about electricity generation being performed on an nuclear basis, the political, sociological and ethical aspects of nuclear energy have been discussed, too. As a third category, also theology plays an important role in this controversy. A theological discussion must include an explicit presentation of the relationship between mankind, nature and God, and must cover the insights and necessities of this relationship. On the basis of assumed rules, the referency system for this is not subject to scientific debate since the points of view as well as the methodology and the presuppositions forming part of theology generally appear strange to ordinary science. The controversy about nuclear energy has become a matter about which also the World Council of Churches as well as the National Council of Churches, and many other religious groups are concerned. For this reason, the editorial department of this journal would like to inform its scientific readers about how this controversy appears from theological standpoints. The author's considerations are based on the understanding of nature, mankind and God as it has been handed down in the Hebrew bible an in the Septuagint; it is confined to categories which are derived from our religious heritage. (orig.) 891 HP/orig. 892 KSCH [de

  5. The obedience of the church as a prelude to the Parousia: Ecclesial and temporal factors in New Testament eschatology

    OpenAIRE

    Paul Hartwig

    2005-01-01

    The thesis investigates the possibility, nature and implications of a pre-parousial ecclesiastical maturity within the context of New Testament eschatology. It is a biblical presentation of the hope for the completion of the church� s internal and external mission prior to the Parousia, arguing that the obedience of the church in its accomplishment of its mission both expedites and precipitates the terminal apocalyptic events. It is argues that the New Testament motif of the expectation of a ...

  6. Philosophy and Theology in Karl Barth’s Neo-Orthodoxy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pylaev Maksim

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available In the proposed article the author explores the concept of God’s Word in theocentric theology of K. Barth and theology of early K. Barth in times of the second edition of 'Romans’, in terms of their philosophy founding. The author compares the block of philosophical and theological topics such as the theory of temporality, dialectic concept of the beginning (Ursprung and other types in philosophical discourses used by K. Barth (platonism, neo-Kantianism, existentialism, scholasticism, phenomenological philosophy and others with theology of K. Barth. The article gives a brief reconstruction of the theology of God’s Word by K. Barth in its two complementary projections as presented in the ‘Sketch of Christian Doctrine’ and ‘Dogma of the Church’. During the presentation the reader is well acquainted with the third projection of the concept of God’s Word by K. Barth at the time of the genesis of the book ‘Fides quaerens intellectum’. The article tests the hypothesis that the second edition of the ‘Romans’, ‘Fides quaerens intellectum’ and ‘Sketch of the Christian Dogma’ with ‘Church Dogma’ explicate the form of Christian theology, which, absorbing primarily the important philosophic achievements of 19–20th centuries, yet tries to stay free of them. Using various forms of philosophical discourses Karl Barth implements his own task of building a Christian theology beyond metaphysics, history and human existence.

  7. Baseline values of immunologic parameters in the lizard Salvator merianae (Teiidae, Squamata)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mestre, Ana Paula; Amavet, Patricia Susana; Siroski, Pablo Ariel

    2017-01-01

    The genus Salvator is widely distributed throughout South America. In Argentina, the species most abundant widely distributed is Salvator merianae. Particularly in Santa Fe province, the area occupied by populations of these lizards overlaps with areas where agriculture was extended. With the aim of established baseline values for four immunologic biomarkers widely used, 36 tegu lizards were evaluated tacking into account different age classes and both sexes. Total leukocyte counts were not different between age classes. Of the leucocytes count, eosinophils levels were higher in neonates compared with juvenile and adults; nevertheless, the heterophils group was the most prevalent leukocyte in the peripheral blood in all age classes. Lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils, azurophils and basophils levels did not differ with age. Natural antibodies titres were higher in the adults compared with neonates and juveniles lizards. Lastly, complement system activity was low in neonates compared with juveniles and adults. Statistical analysis within each age group showed that gender was not a factor in the outcomes. Based on the results, we concluded that S. merianae demonstrated age (but not gender) related differences in the immune parameters analyzed. Having established baseline values for these four widely-used immunologic biomarkers, ongoing studies will seek to optimize the use of the S. merianae model in future research. PMID:28652981

  8. Baseline values of immunologic parameters in the lizard Salvator merianae (Teiidae, Squamata).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mestre, Ana Paula; Amavet, Patricia Susana; Siroski, Pablo Ariel

    2017-01-01

    The genus Salvator is widely distributed throughout South America. In Argentina, the species most abundant widely distributed is Salvator merianae . Particularly in Santa Fe province, the area occupied by populations of these lizards overlaps with areas where agriculture was extended. With the aim of established baseline values for four immunologic biomarkers widely used, 36 tegu lizards were evaluated tacking into account different age classes and both sexes. Total leukocyte counts were not different between age classes. Of the leucocytes count, eosinophils levels were higher in neonates compared with juvenile and adults; nevertheless, the heterophils group was the most prevalent leukocyte in the peripheral blood in all age classes. Lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils, azurophils and basophils levels did not differ with age. Natural antibodies titres were higher in the adults compared with neonates and juveniles lizards. Lastly, complement system activity was low in neonates compared with juveniles and adults. Statistical analysis within each age group showed that gender was not a factor in the outcomes. Based on the results, we concluded that S. merianae demonstrated age (but not gender) related differences in the immune parameters analyzed. Having established baseline values for these four widely-used immunologic biomarkers, ongoing studies will seek to optimize the use of the S. merianae model in future research.

  9. Baseline values of immunologic parameters in the lizard Salvator merianae (Teiidae, Squamata

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ana Paula Mestre

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available The genus Salvator is widely distributed throughout South America. In Argentina, the species most abundant widely distributed is Salvator merianae. Particularly in Santa Fe province, the area occupied by populations of these lizards overlaps with areas where agriculture was extended. With the aim of established baseline values for four immunologic biomarkers widely used, 36 tegu lizards were evaluated tacking into account different age classes and both sexes. Total leukocyte counts were not different between age classes. Of the leucocytes count, eosinophils levels were higher in neonates compared with juvenile and adults; nevertheless, the heterophils group was the most prevalent leukocyte in the peripheral blood in all age classes. Lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils, azurophils and basophils levels did not differ with age. Natural antibodies titres were higher in the adults compared with neonates and juveniles lizards. Lastly, complement system activity was low in neonates compared with juveniles and adults. Statistical analysis within each age group showed that gender was not a factor in the outcomes. Based on the results, we concluded that S. merianae demonstrated age (but not gender related differences in the immune parameters analyzed. Having established baseline values for these four widely-used immunologic biomarkers, ongoing studies will seek to optimize the use of the S. merianae model in future research.

  10. Spontaneous generation in medieval Jewish philosophy and theology.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gaziel, Ahuva

    2012-01-01

    The concept of life forms emerging from inanimate matter--spontaneous generation--was widely accepted until the nineteenth century. Several medieval Jewish scholars acknowledged this scientific theory in their philosophical and religious contemplations. Quite interestingly, it served to reinforce diverse, or even opposite, theological conclusions. One approach excluded spontaneously-generated living beings form the biblical account of creation or the story of the Deluge. Underlying this view is an understanding that organisms that generate spontaneously evolve continuously in nature and, therefore, do not require divine intervention in their formation or survival during disastrous events. This naturalistic position reduces the miraculous dimension of reality. Others were of the opinion that spontaneous generation is one of the extraordinary marvels exhibited in this world and, accordingly, this interpretation served to accentuate the divine aspect of nature. References to spontaneous generation also appear in legal writings, influencing practical applications such as dietary laws and actions forbidden on the Sabbath.

  11. Morgue of the Misbegotten: O’Neill’s Pattern of Salvation in The Iceman Cometh

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    Mufeed F. Al-Abdullah

    2007-04-01

    Full Text Available This paper analyzes Eugene O’Neill’s advocation of the impossibility of salvation or reformation on both societal and individual levels as dramatized in The Iceman Cometh. The method the playwright uses is to have a group of derelict characters gather in an isolated place and put them under the spell of a savior, Hickey, who aspires to shape their lives according to his own vision. O’Neill’s savior, however, proves to be a parody of a savior, who alienates the misfortunate group instead of saving it.Hickey’s brand of salvation leads to death as a means of terminating human life and negating spiritual values. This paper thus analyzes O’Neill’s masterpiece as a dramatization of his pessimistic vision of the world as a lodge of the misfortunate, of human life as a nightmare, and of death as the only way out. The Iceman Cometh orchestrates no hope for man in modern times, but sings an elegy for the misbegotten and depicts the world as a morgue for death-in-life.

  12. The Enterprise Value Creation Management Process and Intangible Assets - the CERM/ROIAM Approach (Japanese)

    OpenAIRE

    KARIYA Takeaki

    2006-01-01

    As Robert Redfield has stated, culture is a shared common knowledge and understanding to be manifested in behavior and processed goods. Intangible assets are the fundamental source of enterprise value creation. In this paper we first aim to clarify the compound, complex and multilayered processes whereby intangible assets contribute to value creation, and then aim to formulate the framework of an effective and comprehensive management process referred to as CERM/ROIAM. This approach makes it ...

  13. Human dignity and biomedical ethics from a Christian theological perspective

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ulrich H.J. Körtner

    2011-07-01

    Full Text Available The argument of human dignity plays an important role in current debates on human rights and their relevance in modern biomedicine. When discussing the contribution of Christian theology to current debates on human dignity and human rights the thesis is not that the modern idea of human dignity depends on a theological grounding. Also, it is not the task of theology to legitimate rights as Christian a posteriori. We do not need to deduce modern human rights from theological doctrines. The theological challenge is to find an access for Christians from their belief to the modern idea of human rights and human dignity and to discuss the contribution which theology and the churches can make to further development of human rights. The Christian image of man, which serves as the foundation for the church position on bioethical topics in the German-speaking context, is a mix of biblical motives, a Kantian interpretation of the concept of human dignity and an interpretation of the German constitutional law inspired by the Catholic tradition of natural law. The following presented theological understanding of human dignity, in contrast, was inspired by the insights of the Pauline doctrine of justification and its Protestant reinterpretation.

  14. Immortality in the Christian Physicalistic Theology: A Critical Survey

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    Hasan Ahmadizade

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available Physicalistic Theology is a term that has no exact definition in theologian views. In the 20th century some of Christian thinkers on theology, like Nancy Murphy and Peter van Inwagen, by accepting a Physicalistic approach on human being, tried to analyze the Christian beliefs about human identity and his immortality. This approach today is called Physicalistic Theology. According to this approach, human is not but this physical body itself and so we can simply analyze the immortality problem. In this article we try to by an analytic and descriptive method, analyze the immortality of human according to the view of Physicalistic Theology. We will analyze the most important reasoning of Physicalistic Theology that is: no-interaction between the material and the immaterial, interaction between the person and the body, and the physicalism in Christian beliefs. One of the conclusions of this article is that according to Physicalistic view, the person that at some time has not been in the world, must exists any time to destroyed forever because the Christians believe to things that cannot justify rationally. The problem of immortality is one of these matters. Physicalistic Theology try to prove the immortality based on the miracles and the absolute power of God.

  15. Doing classical theology in context

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    Gerrit Neven

    2007-05-01

    Full Text Available This article is about doing classical theology in context. The weight of my argument is that classical text of Karl Barth’s theology is great intellectual text means: being addressed by this text in the context in which one lives. The basic keywords that constitute a rule for reading those texts are “equality”, “event” and “re-contextualisation”. The article contains two sections: The first section elaborates statements about the challenge of the event and the project of rereading classics by way of recontextualisation. The word “event” refers to true and innovating moments in history which one can share, or which one can betray. Classical texts always share in those liberative moments. The question then is in what sense do they present a challenge to the contemporary reader. The second section elaborates the position of man as central and all decisive for doing theology in context now. In this section, the author appeals for a renewal of the classical anthropology as an anthropology of hope. This anthropology contradicts postmodern concepts of otherness.

  16. An assessment of the Theology of Religions

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Test

    sure, or how. That would be going beyond the Bible. But they hope. (p. 45). There are a .... therefore we cannot base exclusivism on texts such as John 14:6 and Acts 4:12 ...... practices, '[w]e do not need a theology of religions, but multiple theologies in engagement ..... the execution of Jesus, Harper Collins, New York.

  17. A Latina Theological Reflection on Education, Faith, Love, and Beauty

    Science.gov (United States)

    González-Andrieu, Cecilia

    2016-01-01

    In this article, Cecilia González-Andrieu presents what she defines as a theological reflection. She writes that it is theological in that she engages jointly faith and reason, the religious tradition of the Catholic Church and the contemporary situation. What makes it theological "reflection" is that it arises out of a community of…

  18. Descartes on the Creation of the Eternal Truths

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Danielle Macbeth

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available On 15 April 1630, in a letter to Mersenne, Descartes announced that on his view God creates the truths of mathematics. Descartes returned to the theme in subsequent letters and some of his Replies but nowhere is the view systematically developed and defended. It is not clear why Descartes came to espouse the creation doctrine, nor even what exactly it is. Some have argued that his motivation was theological, that God creates the eternal truths, including the truths of logic, because and insofar as God is omnipotent andthe creator of all things. I develop and defend a different reading according to which Descartes was led to espouse the creation doctrine by a fundamental shift in his understanding of the correct mode of inquiry in metaphysics and mathematics: by 1630, the God-created truths came to play the role in inquiry that until then, in the Rules for the Direction of the Mind, had been played by images.

  19. HTS Theological Studies and Verbum et Ecclesia – the journals of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria: Historical overview and strategic planning

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dirk Human

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available This article celebrates the centenary of the University of Pretoria (UP in 2008. The editors of Verbum et Ecclesia and HTS Theological Studies, the two theological journals associated with the Faculty of Theology at UP, reflect on the journals’ historical roots, editorial focuses, distinctive features, subscription and language statistics and on their’ contribution to support the academic study of theology and related disciplines. The Faculty of Theology was founded in 1917 and celebrated its ninetieth birthday in 2007. The origin of its journals dates back to 1943. This article discusses the challenges that academic journals face in South Africa and undertakes strategic planning for the future. A concluding addendum, consisting of statistical diagrams with regard to the journals’ profile during the last five years, illustrates the argument.

  20. Theology and practice of Christ Apostolic Church on Bible inspiration and its authority in the context of Evangelical theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    George O. Folarin

    2018-03-01

    Full Text Available The motivation for this study originated from a review of literature which led the current researcher to the realisation that not much critical study has been performed on the theology and practice of Bible inspiration and its authority in Christ Apostolic Church (CAC. This article set out to identify the tenet of faith of the church on inspiration and authority of the Scriptures, locate this tenet in the context of Evangelical theology and compare the initial understanding of the concept of Bible inspiration in CAC with the way it is perceived by the church members today. Primary sources of data for the work comprised the Bible, editions of CAC constitution and structured interviews. Secondary sources of data comprised Bible commentaries, books, journal articles and the Internet. Data collected were analysed using Conservative Evangelical theological framework. The study discovered that CAC held to word-for-word inerrancy of the Scriptures, even of its vernacular translations, and its binding authority on Christians in all areas of their lives. The study revealed that the belief of CAC on Bible inspiration and its authority located CAC at the centre of Evangelical theology which researchers have identified as inerrancy. Finally, the study discovered that the initial position of CAC on the inspiration and authority of the Bible remained the same as held by contemporary members of the church. The work provides theological relevance for the study of one of the doctrines of Pentecostalism in Nigeria.

  1. Luther als protestantischer Katechet

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    U. Kern

    2009-07-01

    Full Text Available Luther as protestant catechist Luther’s catechetical activity is based on the catechetic tradition already extant in the Early Church. He reverts to this tradition, and more especially to the catechetical instruction of the Middle Ages. Luther observed great negligence and deficiency with regard to the catechesis in the Roman Catholicism of his time. In Luther’s view, a catechism is a short summary of Holy Scrip-ture; it is a condensed and succinct expression of the teachings of the Christian faith. Along with his study on the unfree will (“De servo arbitrio” Luther considered his two catechisms, which developed out of his preaching activity, as his most im-portant written work. His “Small catechism”, which was very well received, was reissued more than 60 times – and translated into a variety of languages – up until the time of his death. According to Luther, catechesis (catechetical instruction is the means by which the catechism is to be learned. A vital part of this process is that the catechism must take root in the heart. The catechism is not a vehicle for objective, scientific faith, but rather defines a living, personal faith as trust in God. All Christians, including adults, must therefore know the catechism in such a way that it is engraved on their consciousness. This necessitates the attendance of catechetical sermons. There is much pneumatological profit to be had in the reading and discussion of the catechism, and in meditating on it, because the Holy Spirit is present in all these activities. All that is necessary for the Christian to know about his salvation is richly and thoroughly present in the catechism. In the light of this, the catechism is profoundly trinitarian and eschatological in orientation. The catechism teaches that the fulfilment of the Ten Commandments, the realisation of the good, is born out of true faith. Those who do not know the catechism are not allowed to partake in the sacrament of the

  2. Incarnation theology versus the sacralisation of authority | Muller ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    This article juxtaposed the theological theme of incarnation with quasi-religious invasions of public power structures and institutions in southern Africa, which has been described by the term sacralisation of authority. Incarnational theology as constructed on the model of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ concerns a ...

  3. Theological education, considered from South Africa: Current issues ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    2016-02-04

    Feb 4, 2016 ... professional experience in theological education, which enables engagement with the new publications and newly ... 2013, Asian handbook for theological education .... of secularism as a non-religious orientation to life, most explicitly to ... Western/ised societies, a more natural kind of balance is now.

  4. Theological education, considered from South Africa: Current issues ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Taking into review the newly published series of substantial multi-authored volumes on ecumenical theological education internationally, this article identifies, from the author's own experience in ecumenical theological education and from his publications in this field, the central issue of specificity, locality and context in ...

  5. Latinos’ Informational Needs in Attaining Accredited Theological Education

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Filomena Saxton

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available This paper explores published articles that report on theological education in the Hispanic/Latino community. It looks at U.S. demographic changes and the needs of the Latino community to provide civic and church leadership within their communities. The article reports on past efforts, and challenges, to increase Latino enrollment in graduate theological education. It looks at current strategies by Asociación para la Educación Teológica Hispana (AETH to collaborate with American Theological Schools (ATS and the American Theological Library Association (ATLA to certify unaccredited Bible Institutes so that the educational standards will be strengthened and create a clearer pathway for Latinas/os to enter ATS accredited member schools. The purpose of the paper is to present the AETH commission report and discuss ways to help strengthen ways to meet the informational needs of students in Bible Institutes as well as provide more resources that will meet the needs of the Latino community.

  6. An overview of liberation theology in orthodox Russia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alexander I. Negrov

    2005-10-01

    Full Text Available The aim of this article is to demonstrate the presence of a theological system of socio-critical and socio-pragmatic strands within Russian Christianity at the beginning of the twentieth century. The political and social situation in Russia at that time was reflected in a reading of the New Testament that went far beyond the more customary ecclesiastic, dogmatic and ethical issues that had traditionally concerned Russian Orthodox theology. Among the Orthodox thinkers there were two camps that focused on anti-oppression issues. Some combined these issues with the liberationist ideology of the Russian Marxists and Socialists; while the other regarded these liberation movements as an anti-Christian way of interpreting Christianity. This article further claims that certain modern developments in Liberation Theology can be found in the period during which the Russian religious thinkers attempted to develop a theological perspective which paid attention to the social and political dimensions inherent in social democracy (Marxism.

  7. The unrealised ethical potential of the Methodist theology of prevenient grace

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    David N. Field

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available This article examines the unrealised ethical potential of the theology of prevenient grace. It begins with a brief analysis of John Wesley’s rejection of slavery as rooted in his theology of prevenient grace. This is demonstrated in the next section which analyses Wesley’s notion of prevenient grace. This is followed by a constructive proposal for a contemporary theology of prevenient grace and some ethical implications of this theology, for contemporary social and political ethics, are developed.

  8. Nature, civility and eschatology: Thomas Hobbes’s progress in three acts

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Simendić Marko

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper argues that Thomas Hobbes’s theory contains an account of progressive defragmentation and unification of power, accompanied by the progression in human reasoning capacities. If the consequence of human nature is abandonment of natural condition and subjection to a sovereign, then similar principles should apply to the sovereigns themselves, since Hobbes sees them as continuing to exist in the state of nature. In turn, the relations between sovereigns must also lead to defragmentation of political authority, either by conquest or through peaceful submission. Total defragmentation of power might also have eschatological consequences, as the unified power of one human being over the whole world would remove “external violence” as a cause of “the dissolution of a commonwealth” while the perfection of reason would progressively remove the “internal” causes. This is a hypothetical situation that could relate Hobbes’s description of the Kingdom of God from Leviathan to his wider political theory by marking the single sovereign representative of now immortal all-encompassing Leviathan as the Antichrist and thus announcing the second coming of Christ.

  9. Introducció al més enllà en l’opus lul·lià

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    Xavier Bonillo Hoyos

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available El present article analiza la concepció sobre alguns temes del més enllà en la obra de Ramon Llull, a partir d’alguns dels temes recurrrents de l’escatologia del segle XIII. Com la certesa del paradís i de la seva descripció, les característiques dels àngels o la salvació de l’ànima. This paper analyzes the conception of some questions of the afterlife in the work of Ramon Llull, from some of the themes of thirteenth century eschatology, as the certainty of paradise and its description, the characteristics of angels or the salvation of the soul.

  10. From Sin to Salvation. Delight, «Delectatioin» St. Augustine’s Philosophy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    E. Moiseeva

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available The article focuses on the notion of delight and its development in Saint Augustine’s early works. Delight, «delectatio», is an inner characteristic of human will where the latter takes its power in order to transform wishes into acts. Even though it may appear a secondary concept, delight is, in fact, a key point for the understanding of Augustine’s doctrine of salvation. The present study shows how the idea of delight appears and grows together with the concept of will. The study is based on the material from three books: De musica, De diversis quaestionibus 83 (questions 68-70 and Ad Simplicianum. We will see how and why Augustine uses the notion of delight to resolve the question of the co-existence of free will and divine grace. Book VI of De musica is taken as the starting point, because there we see for the first time how human will is connected to delight and what role will and delight play in soul’s salvation without any reference to divine grace. Questions 68–70 from De diversis quaestionibus 83 show the influence that the reading of Paul’s Epistle to Romans exerted on Augustine’s position. Ad Simplicianum outlines the new vision of the relationship between will and grace based on the idea that delight is an inner engine of the will.

  11. Discussing the theological grounds of moral principles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Heller, Jan C

    2005-01-01

    Discussing the theological beliefs that ground Catholic moral principles can make some people uncomfortable, even while others will appreciate it. But these reactions will sometimes be revealed not as the emotions they are, but as objections to the relative independence or dependence of morality on foundational beliefs. In the end, context should dictate whether one displays the theological beliefs that ground Catholic moral principles.

  12. As below, so above: A perspective on African Theology

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    p1243322

    of thinking and speaking about God. 1. ... indispensable contribution in Christian thinking about God. ..... because of the support of a community, one can grow. ..... Initiation into theology: The rich variety of theology and hermeneutics, 159-.

  13. THE SACRED IN THE EVERY-DAY WORLD: DISCOVERING THE POSSIBILITIES OF NATURAL THEOLOGY

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    P. MIKHAYLOV

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available The present article attempts to defi ne the parameters of competency of natural theology and the ways this theological information may be applied. The author demonstrates the fact that the natural knowledge of God, the prototype of this branch of theology, is the invariable basis and starting point of religious consciousness. In order to better understand this fact, the antithesis of this principle is examined in the work of Kant and Barth both of whom sought to destroy the basis of natural theology proceeding respectively from a philosophical and a theological standpoint. Finally, the author reviews the methods explored by Orthodox theology of the patristic period which defi ned more clearly the concept of natural theology and sought to discover the limits of its use

  14. Modern Technology within the Western Theological Imaginary

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Neil Turnbull

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available In this paper, I claim that modern technology possesses certain general ‘onto-formative’ characteristics that indicate that our contemporary technological condition now defies orthodox theoretical forms of comprehension. In the light of this claim, I will propose that any adequate conceptual understanding of modern technics requires a decisive shift of disciplinary register: specifically, towards theology and to the formation of new philosophical paradigms founded upon metaphysically-inspired interpretations of the ‘total significance’ of modern technics. Such theological conceptions, I will argue, emerge from a startling recognition of modern technics’ incipient association with the infinite, the transcendent as well as with its capacity to “bring new worlds into existence”. I attempt this, in the first instance, by drawing upon the work of two major thinkers who I believe paved the way towards just such a theological conception: Martin Heidegger and Ernst Jünger. In a non-standard interpretation of their respective philosophies of technology, I will go on to claim that these two thinkers should be viewed as attempting to find a way towards a “radically conservative” revalorisation of ancient theological truths that they believed could provide 20th century modernity with the philosophical groundwork for a new techno-political order that they posited in contrast to a dying Platonic-Christian civilisation. For both of these thinkers a theological understanding of modern technics created the possibility of a new spiritual condition/zeitgeist where the very idea of modern technology is rearticulated as the focal point of a post-Platonic-Christian social imaginary that they believed to be revolutionary in its necessarily destructive relationship to extant historical worlds and their corresponding traditions. By these lights, I suggest, that modern social imaginary can only be con conceived within a new theological synthesis that

  15. Scientific-theoretical research approach to practical theology in ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    All of them work with practical theological hermeneutics. The basic hermeneutic approach of Daniël Louw is widened with an integrated approach by Richard R. Osmer in which practical theology as a hermeneutic discipline also includes the empirical aspect which the action theory approach has contributed to the ...

  16. Theological Construction in the Offices in Honour of St Knud Lavard

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Petersen, Nils Holger

    2014-01-01

    A discussion of the theology of the late twelfth-century offices in honour of the Danish patron saint Knud Lavard, asking to what extent this theology can be seen to have been underlined in musical representations. The theological tenor is on suffering as a consequence of evil and unprovoked aggr...

  17. Approaches to capturing the Black and White Tegu Salvator merianae (Squamata: Teiidae)

    OpenAIRE

    Vieira,Renata C.; Oliveira,Arthur S. de; Fagundes,Nelson J.R.; Verrastro,Laura

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT The use of traps is extremely important in several types of ecological studies, and may assist in the capture of individuals in areas that are difficult to access. In the present study, we compared the effectiveness of wooden (Schramm) versus "Tomahawk" traps to capture Salvator merianae (Duméril & Bibron, 1839) lizards. The study was conducted in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Field data were collected from August 2013 to March 2015, during the reproductive period of th...

  18. Eugenics and migration: a case study of Salvation Army literature about Canada and Britain, c.1890-1921.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Baker, Graham J

    2014-01-01

    The eugenics movement attracted a wide range of supporters. This article explores this theme with relation to literature about the charitable work of the Salvation Army in Britain and Canada c.1890-1921, with a focus upon the emigration scheme outlined in William Booth's book In Darkest England and the Way Out. These writings indicate the widespread dispersal of eugenic ideology, and demonstrate the flexibility with which these theories were interpreted in this period. It will be shown that the Salvation Army adopted elements of both hereditarian and environmentalist views regarding racial health. These arguments were unified by the claim that the work of the organization made a worthy contribution to public health, both in the present and in the future. This case study sheds new light upon the history of a prominent evangelical Christian organization and upon the development of the international eugenics movement.

  19. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Search How We Work Our Focus Areas About RWJF Search Menu How We Work Grants ... Learn more For Grantees and Grantseekers The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds a wide array of programs ...

  20. Children as theological hermeneutic: Is there a new epistemological break emerging?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nico Botha

    2016-07-01

    Full Text Available Children are the great omission in theology. The objective of the article is to show that there is a growing realisation of this reality. More than that, there are attempts afoot to salvage the situation by factoring children more and more into theological writing, not in an objectified manner, but as serious agents of theology and, in the case of this article, as agents of mission. A few examples to this effect are shown in the article. The main thrust of the study, however, is to raise the hypothetical question of whether children have not become an important and indispensable theological hermeneutic themselves. The serious question is raised of whether children if, taken seriously in church and theology are not forcing a new epistemological break or a new way of believing and of theologising on the world of mission. A somewhat tentative and hypothetical conclusion is arrived at, which suggests that indeed there is a new rupture occurring in terms of how we know what we know in church and theology.

  1. Towards relevant theological education in Africa: Comparing the ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    It is therefore crucial to critically reflect on how effective theological education is to produce competent church leaders, especially in Africa. This article aims to give an overview of the challenges theological education in Africa is currently facing, and then to provide a macro vision of the major moments in the development of ...

  2. A working theology of prison ministry.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hall, Stephen T

    2004-01-01

    Drawing upon experiences as a prison chaplain and a state director of prison chaplaincy services, the author proposes a working theology of prison ministry. Such a theology begins with an understanding of the inherent worth of humankind as created by God in God's own image, addresses the question of hope, embodies the incarnate presence of God by being present with people in their alienation, enables the giving and receiving of forgiveness, deals with issues of power and control, and respects the diverse paths that humans take in their walk toward and with God.

  3. Theology and Pedagogy: A Response to Sean Whittle

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cooling, Trevor; Smith, David I.

    2014-01-01

    In this rebuttal to Sean Whittle), Cooling and Smith opine that: 1) Whittle's key concern is with discerning the appropriate relationship between theology and education in the context of a Christian school, 2) Whittle's criticism of our work, is that it fails to achieve a proper relationship between theology and education, and 3) Whittle…

  4. The sacramental character of man and of creation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    STOIAN Mihai Sebastian

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available God made Himself a man for man to reach the likeness of God – this is the essential idea of the oikonomia of our salvation, dear to all the Church Fathers, from Saint Irenaeus to Saint Athanasius the Great and the essence of Christ, mystery and original and fundamental sacrament of our meeting with God and of our salvation, of all of us, in Christ, and of the acquisition by each man of the fruits of salvation and deification through Christ, in the Holy Spirit, in His Church. Christ’s mystery and sacrament begins by the Embodiment of the Father’s Logos. The Passions, the cross, the tomb and the resurrection are its continuation. And all these translate the mystery of the reason why God created everything and the very mystery of man - participating to the original mystery, namely Christ, and the Church, as sacrament. Therefore, Christ is the Mystery and the sacrament by excellence - original and general -, spring and content of all the mysteries and sacraments, condition and explanation of all these.

  5. Salvation and Speech Act. Reading Luther with the Aid of Searle’s Analysis of Declarations

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    Randolph Jacob R.

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available Many Luther scholars have made passing reference to Martin Luther’s theology of the Word as a ‘speech-act’ theology. This essay aims to probe points of continuity and discontinuity between Luther’s understanding of the Word, as exemplified in the promise of God, and a particular speech-act philosophy as posited by John Searle. The analysis of Searle in the area of declarations, as well as a survey of Lutheran conceptions of the Word of promise in both sacrament and Scripture, will evidence specific moments of clarity in Luther’s so-called ‘speech-act’ theology and provide a helpful paradigm for viewing the creative impact of the Word as conceived by Luther.

  6. Information Needs and Behaviours of Theology Students at the International Baptist Theological Seminary

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    Katharina Penner

    2009-11-01

    Full Text Available The study analyses information needs and behaviours of master’s and doctoral theology students currently studying at the International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS in Prague, Czech Republic. The aim is two-fold: first, to extend understanding of the information behaviour of theologians working as distance learners in a cross cultural setting; and secondly, to provide guidance for the development of library information services for this group. The study follows a quantitative research approach with a survey design and attempts to replicate in a modified way studies by Gorman (1990 and Stieg Dalton and Charnigo (2004. The findings suggest that theology students at IBTS use many and varied types of materials in their interdisciplinary studies while giving clear preference to books, periodicals and theses. Most of the participants have, partly successfully, embraced information technology as a tool and use it extensively. To satisfy their research needs they employ a variety of methods to find relevant information and fall back on “typical” humanists’ research behaviours when “usual” channels do not work: engage their networks, expand their personal library, and browse. While the humanist profile is evident throughout the diverse group, there are also notable differences. Theologians increasingly work interdisciplinary and integrate approaches considered typical for other disciplines. Partly differences are caused by the fact that the group under consideration are students who still experiment with research approaches. Many differences are caused by technological developments and contextual aspects.

  7. Repositioning the use of the Bible towards a mission-oriented theological education

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    Adekunle O. Dada

    2013-02-01

    Full Text Available It is an undeniable fact that mission remains the cardinal essence of the Church. However, in Africa and in Nigeria, the Church seems to have lost focus regarding the main reason for its existence, namely mission. One of the factors responsible for this may be the form of theological education in vogue. In view of this anomaly, this paper reflects on how the study of the Bible, which serves as the primary basis for theological education in some institutions, can be repositioned to enhance a mission-oriented theological education. The importance of proper interpretation of the Bible in enhancing missions can be premised on the fact that a sound biblical hermeneutics is prerequisite to the formulation of an effective and functional theology of missions. If our theology of mission is faulty, the practice cannot be anything but flawed. In view of this, the paper explores ways in which the Bible can be meaningfully studied in order to promote a mission-oriented theological education.

  8. Justice and nuclear power - a theological perspective

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hamel, P.J.

    1980-01-01

    The ethics of nuclear power are discussed in the context of an ecological theology which links man's destiny to the whole of creation and relates social justice to ecological harmony. In July, 1979 the World Council of Churches held a conference at M.I.T. on faith, science and society. The workshop on energy for the future called for a five-year moratorium on nuclear power development to allow for public discussion. Their report pointed out that the energy problem calls into question the type of society to which we aspire. Our present energy situtation emphasizes the inequalities between rich and poor, the depletion of resources, and damage to the environment. In an ecologically just society the values of sustainability, equity and participation would be paramount. There was a feeling in the working group that nuclear power led to an authoritarian society. There were also objections to plutonium recycling based on fears of proliferation and the loss of civil liberties. If a just, peaceful society is to come about, there has to be a revolution in the relationship of human beings both to the earth and to each other. (LL)

  9. Unpacking the downside of sustentasie on African theology and theologians: a need for contextual black theology as a liberative ingredient for the black Reformed churches

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Elijah Baloyi

    2016-08-01

    Full Text Available The practice of the black church being a follower of the leading white church is a continuous process in the Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid Afrika (or Reformed Churches in South Africa in English. This makes it difficult to contextualise Reformed Theology to address African challenges and problems. There are many reasons for the subordination of the black theologians, but for the sake of this article, I identified the issue of sustentasie1 as one of the causes. The lack of financial independence implies that the black church2 cannot determine their destiny by revising, transforming and even Africanising their theology to fit into their context and challenges, since that would mean they are biting the hand that feeds them. This article will argue that it is time that Africans stop being a theological duplication of the Western theologies and that they take responsibility to ensure that their theology addresses the immediate situation of the Black Reformed people (contextualised with or without the support from the white church.

  10. BioPower and economic theology. Critical review of the Giorgio Agamben’s proposals

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    Adán Salinas Araya

    2015-02-01

    Full Text Available The article make a critical review of the Giorgio Agamben’s proposals, showing the tensions between Homo sacer I and The Kingdom and the Glory. In this review is taken in particular consideration how a possible economic theology would constitute a projection of the Foucault’s biopolitical analysis; or rather, continuity of schmittians political theology. For this, the main arguments of the Agamben’s proposal and some of the Schmitt debates with Benjamin and Peterson are reconstructed. In the first case, regarding messianism, and the second, regarding the impossibility of political theology. The economic theology of Agamben and the political theology of Schmitt would share a same status, both necessarily express the conviction that theology is able to justify a speech and a political order.

  11. Ecotheology and the theology of eating: controversies and convergencies

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    Panu Pihkala

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Environmental theology (or, ecotheology developed slowly during the first half of the twentieth century and has become a major field of study since the late 1960s. While many of the issues discussed in ecotheological works have included consequences for food production and eating habits, these themes were often not explicitly discussed. The reasons for this are interesting and complex. Issues related to food have been culturally very sensitive and have manifold connections to religiosity. In regard to the discussion about the rights and value of animals, controversies have been seen to arise between ecotheology and ‘animal theology’. Recently, a new interest has arisen in the themes of food, eating, and Christian theology, which has resulted in a new field of literature which could be called the ‘theology of eating’. This article gives an overview of the relations between these fields, with an emphasis on both early ecotheology and new literature about the theology of eating.

  12. Teaching Historical Theology at the University of Pretoria – Some introductory remarks

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    Wim A. Dreyer

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available The Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria went through a process of restructuring, resulting in the amalgamation of Dogmatics, Christian Ethics, Church History and Church Polity into one department under the name ‘Systematic and Historical Theology’. This contribution reflects only on the one aspect, namely Historical Theology. The point is made that a name change could not mean ‘business as usual’, but should be regarded as an opportunity to re-imagine the content and structure of Historical Theology. This is not an easy task. This contribution reflects on Historical Theology as theological discipline, the teaching content and how it could be relevant in Africa in the 21st century. It also has implications for restructuring the curriculum.

  13. The interplay between theology and development: How theology can be related to development in post-modern society

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Klaasen, John

    2013-05-01

    Full Text Available This article attempts to make a contribution to the discourse of missiology by engaging critically with the much debated studies of theology and development. The two widely used definitions of development are analysed to point out commonalities and weaknesses. A theology of relationality is then introduced with reference to the Trinity, relationships and personhood. Some pointers then emerged to form a more integral understanding of development. I then make some connections between human and social development and the Trinity and perichoresis and to point out the missiological and ecclesiological implications for the mission of the church.

  14. Children as theological hermeneutic: Is there a new epistemological ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    The main thrust of the study, however, is to raise the hypothetical question of whether children have not become an important and indispensable theological hermeneutic themselves. The serious question is raised of whether children if, taken seriously in church and theology are not forcing a new epistemological break or a ...

  15. The Influence of Mutazilah Theology upon Karaite Theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dr ghorban Elmi

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available Excessive sanctity of the oral tradition (Talmud among Rabbinic Judaism, sometimes, which marginalized the Holy Scriptures among Jews, caused appearance of a sect that rejected the oral tradition. It was the Karaites sect that appeared in 8th century; the century of Messiah movements of the eastern Jewish society. Among the causes of these Messiah movements are the appearance of Islam, and reestablishment of the traditional style of leadership of the Jewish society; and the appearance of social-economical riots as consequences of this kind of leadership. Responding to these crises some Jews found some reforms necessary in their religion. Among these was Anan Ben David. The general rule of Anan was rejection of oral tradition, and returning to the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament. He believed every individual is required to take responsibility for interpreting the Scriptures, which resulted nothing but a lot of divisions in his newly appeared sect. But Karaite scholars prevented the sect from experiencing more split, by approving a series of interpretation rules. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Karaite literary men like Kirkisāni, David b. Boaz, Japhet b. Ali, Joseph Al-Basir and Jeshua b. Judah appeared; and laid the foundation of Karaite's theological philosophy by getting help from Mutazilah theology. And after this period, Karaite scholars just engaged in translation, explanation and interpretation of the rich works of this period and created the most useful Jewish philosophy in Middle Ages.

  16. Quotation. Paratext and Romantic Orientalism: Robert Southey's "The Curse of Kehama" (1810

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ourania Chatsiou

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available To a considerable extent, Romantic Orientalist literature is founded on scholasticism, authentication, quotation of antiquarian sources, in other words, on paratext. It constitutes in many respects an oxymoronic, though fascinating and dynamic, symbiosis of repetition / replication and creative imagination / invention. By focusing on Robert Southey’s art of quotation in his extraordinarily abundant notes to his orientalist narrative verse this essay seeks to establish paratext as an integral, formative aspect of Romantic Orientalism and Romantic-period poetics, illustrating the hybridity of the Romantic genius and Romantic poetic creation, and challenging common assumptions about a sublime, universal Romantic-period poetry.

  17. THEOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL THEORIES OF TRUTH

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    Hans-Peter Grosshans

    2012-02-01

    Full Text Available Examining some theological and philosophical theories of truth, the author concentrates his attention on the experience of giving concrete reality to the Christian discourse about truth and at the same time contrasting this search with the attempts of philosophy to define truth. He draws the reader’s attention to the understanding of truth in language and communication. In his article he discusses the essential theories of truth which are characteristic of western philosophy: classical, correspondent, coherent, pragmatic, communicative and ontic. The author notes the specific traits of a theological understanding of truth and contends that it is based on an ontologically higher level than that of the classic definition of truth viewed simply in relation to reality and the understanding. The knowledge of God given to the Christian faith by the activity of the triune God, is in itself perfect and therefore in no need of further development. It is on this basis that theology develops its knowledge of faith, sweeping aside everything which is not in accord with this fundamental affirmation of faith or with the witness of revealed truth

  18. HISTORICISM AND HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL METHOD IN WOLFHART PANNENBERG’S THEOLOGY

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andrey Lavrentyev

    2012-06-01

    Full Text Available Researched is the problem of awareness of historicism for the christian theology, presented in the works of a german theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg. Discussed are the issue of application of the methods of historical science in theology, the problem of historical anthropocentrism, coexistence «natural» and «supernatural» events in history, teleology and contingency of history. It is come to conclusion of special significance of historical knowledge for Christian theology

  19. Theological Underpinnings of the Modern Philosophy of Mathematics.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shaposhnikov Vladislav

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available The study is focused on the relation between theology and mathematics in the situation of increasing secularization. My main concern in the second part of this paper is the early-twentieth-century foundational crisis of mathematics. The hypothesis that pure mathematics partially fulfilled the functions of theology at that time is tested on the views of the leading figures of the three main foundationalist programs: Russell, Hilbert and Brouwer.

  20. Reformed theology and the identity of the Christian congregation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    W. D. Jonker

    1995-06-01

    Full Text Available Throughout the ages, the role of theology was understood to be that of serving the church to become what it should be, to become true to its own identity. In the theology of the Reformation, the identity of the congregation was sought in its being created and sustained by the Word of God. Consequently, theology was intended to serve the preaching, teaching and pastoral care of the congregation. However, since the Enlightenment, theology as a university discipline has been deeply influenced by the presuppositions of the modern spirit and has mostly lost its close relationship with the church. Because of its resultant critical approach to the Bible it often destroyed the very fabric of the gospel by which the church should live. It often became an impediment on the way of the congregation to remain true to its spiritual identity. The author contends that the time has now come to see the presuppositions of the Enlightenment for what they are: relative and one-sided, the biased assumptions of a positivistic era which is rapidly drawing to its end. He is of the opinion that theology should not aspire to operate within the limits of the modern world view, but accept the challenge to operate on the basis of the faith of the congregation as interpretative community, and to read the Bible as the Book of the church with the presuppositions of the Christian faith.

  1. Practical theology as embodiment of Christopraxis-servant leadership in Africa

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gordon E. Dames

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available This article proceeds from the aim to revitalise the value of a service ethic for human well-being and the common good of all. The service delivery crisis in South Africa and Africa forms the context. A contemporary example of an embodied practical theology of service is offered, followed by a theological and social analysis of service delivery in South Africa. A theoretical service ethic framework with special reference to practical theology as a living Christopraxis is discussed. Finally, the value of diaconology as a science of service is presented, followed by the conclusion.

  2. From dependence to interdependence: Towards a practical theology of disability

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paul Leshota

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available Disability has remained on the fringes of research in Africa in general and Southern Africa in particular, especially in the field of theology. Its glaring absence constitutes an indictment against both church and society, revealing in the process both the church’s and society’s penchant for a dependence paradigm which has been the paradigm with respect to issues of disabilities and people with disabilities. Using the participatory method with its proclivity for bringing to the fore the voice of the ‘other’ and the marginalised, both the dependence and independence paradigms within the context of disability are put under scrutiny. In the process and through the voice of people with disabilities, the practical theological paradigm of interdependence emerges as the most appropriate and friendliest one, as it resonates with both the New Testament notion of koinonia through love and the African notion of botho through interconnection. The practical theology of holding each other in arms resonates with the theology of embrace that has been popularised by Volf within the context of much hatred and alienation. All these different dimensions of the theology of interdependence become the bedrock for inclusive and respectful treatment of each other irrespective of race, gender,

  3. Christian Theology at the University: On the threshold or in the margin?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Elna Mouton

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available The essay discusses challenges regarding the position and role of Christian Theology in twenty-first century university contexts. Questions asked include the following: How will a theology that is oriented to (Reformed Christian Theology develop itself at universities worldwide, within contexts of secularisation and globalisation? What important strategic choices will it have to make? It is argued that answers to such questions inter alia relate to how Christian Theology responds to three crucial choices: (1 Being truthful to its biblical orientation and calling; (2 Accounting critically for its position on the threshold of interdisciplinary and interreligious dialogue; and (3 Being connected to the life stories of people.

  4. Between Theology and Mathematics. Nicholas of Cusa’s Philosophy of Mathematics

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Murawski Roman

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available The paper is devoted to the philosophical and theological as well as mathematical ideas of Nicholas of Cusa (1401–1464. He was a mathematician, but first of all a theologian. Connections between theology and philosophy on the one side and mathematics on the other were, for him, bilateral. In this paper we shall concentrate only on one side and try to show how some theological ideas were used by him to answer fundamental questions in the philosophy of mathematics.

  5. The Influence of Mutazilah Theology upon Karaite Theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    ghorban Elmi

    2010-06-01

    Full Text Available Abstract:   Excessive sanctity of the oral tradition (Talmud among Rabbinic Judaism, sometimes, which marginalized the Holy Scriptures among Jews, caused appearance of a sect that rejected the oral tradition. It was the Karaites sect that appeared in 8th century the century of Messiah movements of the eastern Jewish society. Among the causes of these Messiah movements are the appearance of Islam, and reestablishment of the traditional style of leadership of the Jewish society and the appearance of social-economical riots as consequences of this kind of leadership.   Responding to these crises some Jews found some reforms necessary in their religion. Among these was Anan Ben David. The general rule of Anan was rejection of oral tradition, and returning to the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament. He believed every individual is required to take responsibility for interpreting the Scriptures, which resulted nothing but a lot of divisions in his newly appeared sect. But Karaite scholars prevented the sect from experiencing more split, by approving a series of interpretation rules.   In the 10th and 11th centuries, Karaite literary men like Kirkisāni, David b. Boaz, Japhet b. Ali, Joseph Al-Basir and Jeshua b. Judah appeared and laid the foundation of Karaite's theological philosophy by getting help from Mutazilah theology. And after this period, Karaite scholars just engaged in translation, explanation and interpretation of the rich works of this period and created the most useful Jewish philosophy in Middle Ages.

  6. Autopistia : the self-convincing authority of scripture in reformed theology

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Belt, Hendrik van den

    2006-01-01

    Autopistia offers a historical survey and a theological evaluation of the self-convincing character of Scripture in Reformed theology. Calvin adopted the term autopistos from ancient Greek philosophy and used it to express that faith does not rest on the human authority of the church but on

  7. Transformative remedies towards managing diversity in South African theological education

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marilyn Naidoo

    2015-05-01

    Full Text Available South Africa is a complex society filled with diversity of many kinds. Because of the enormous and profound changes of the last 20 years of democracy, this can be perceived as a society in social identity crisis which is increasingly spilling over into many areas of life. Churches have also gone through a process of reformulating their identity and have restructured theological education for all its members resulting in growing multicultural student bodies. These new student constituencies reflect a wide spectrum of cultural backgrounds, personal histories and theological commitments, and represent diversity in race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, age, language and sexual orientation. These issues of diversity are theologically complicated and contested as they are attached to religious dogma. Diversity exists as a threat and promise, problem and possibility. Using current conceptualisations of diversity in South African Higher Education this article will seek to understand the notion of diversity and difference and the possibility of developing transformative remedies within the theological education curriculum.

  8. The Reformed tradition as public theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vuyani S. Vellem

    2013-05-01

    Full Text Available This article is a South African perspective of a Black African reflection on the publicity of Reformed faith. Whilst the notion of public theology is fairly new, the article argues, it is important to define the ‘public’ of the type of public theology to which Reformed faith and tradition could be linked. As a confessional tradition, Reformed faith is intrinsically public, the article demonstrates. The publicity of this tradition is however ambivalent and tainted. I attempt to show this by discussing two important tenets of the Reformed Tradition: sola scriptura and sola fide, within the festering wounds of Black African colonialism, apartheid and the hegemony of the neoliberal paradigm in the 21st century.

  9. Decolonising the commercialisation and commodification of the university and theological education in South Africa

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dumisane W. Methula

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available This article problematises the critical subject of the decolonisation of the university and theological education in South Africa from the neo-colonisation of commercialisation and commodification. The article, written from a decolonial perspective, serves as an epistemic critique of the cultures of corporatisation, rationalisation and entrepreneurship in higher education driven by the marketisation of society by the neoliberal institutions of globalisation. The article engages the role of decolonising theological education by drawing insights from African/Black theologies, the discourse on Africanisation and liberation to counter the strangulation and dominance of the commodification and commercialisation of theological education and prosperity theology in Africa, particularly in South Africa.

  10. Theology and bioethics: a marriage not made in heaven.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Boone, C Keith

    1986-10-01

    Boone reviews the 20th volume in the Philosophy and medicine series, Theology and Bioethics: Exploring the Foundations and Frontiers, edited by Earl E. Shelp (D. Reidel; 1985). The volume's theme, if and how "theology can make a unique contribution to bioethics in our time," is addressed by L. Walters, B. Mitchell, R. McCormick, M. Farley, P. Lehmann, C. Hartshorne, H.T. Engelhardt, S. Hauerwas, J. Childress, and W. Frankena, with a prologue by J. Nelson and an epilogue by J. Cobb. Boone briefly summarizes and critiques each essay. While he responds favorably to the volume, he also believes the work would have been stronger if more attention had been focused directly on the metaethical issues arising from the "gap between theological belief and moral action."

  11. The canon as text for a biblical theology

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    James A. Loader

    2005-10-01

    Full Text Available The novelty of the canonical approach is questioned and its fascination at least partly traced to the Reformation, as well as to the post-Reformation’s need for a clear and authoritative canon to perform the function previously performed by the church. This does not minimise the elusiveness and deeply contradictory positions both within the canon and triggered by it. On the one hand, the canon itself is a centripetal phenomenon and does play an important role in exegesis and theology. Even so, on the other hand, it not only contains many difficulties, but also causes various additional problems of a formal as well as a theological nature. The question is mooted whether the canonical approach alleviates or aggravates the dilemma. Since this approach has become a major factor in Christian theology, aspects of the Christian canon are used to gauge whether “canon” is an appropriate category for eliminating difficulties that arise by virtue of its own existence. Problematic uses and appropriations of several Old Testament canons are advanced, as well as evidence in the New Testament of a consciousness that the “old” has been surpassed(“Überbietungsbewußtsein”. It is maintained that at least the Childs version of the canonical approach fails to smooth out these and similar difficulties. As a method it can cater for the New Testament’s (superior role as the hermeneutical standard for evaluating the Old, but flounders on its inability to create the theological unity it claims can solve religious problems exposed by Old Testament historical criticism. It is concluded that canon as a category cannot be dispensed with, but is useful for the opposite of the purpose to which it is conventionally put: far from bringing about theological “unity” or producing a standard for “correct” exegesis, it requires different readings of different canons.

  12. Stigma as 'othering' among Christian theology students in South Africa

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Adrian D. Van Breda

    2012-12-14

    Dec 14, 2012 ... He has been teaching HIV to both theology and social work ... profile – male, heterosexual, healthy, and morally conservative. .... However, much of this literature is written from a moral high ... This study was conducted at the Theological Education by Exten- ..... spite of having attended previous courses).

  13. Reconstructing a hopeful theology in the context of evolutionary ethics

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Keogh, Gary

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of this thesis is to articulate a theological metaethic which accepts the nature of ethics as understood under the rubric of evolutionary theory. It will be argued that such a theological methaethic can be interpreted as hopeful and optimistic given the apparent evolution of the moral

  14. Theology links Christian ministry with God's call.

    Science.gov (United States)

    O'Connell, L J

    1984-03-01

    Catholic health care ministry originates in and is shaped by the theme of call in the Old and New Testaments. To be specifically Catholic, health professionals and facilities must define their ministries according to the values expressed in this theological tradition. Sponsorship. The opportunity to provide health care enables religious communities to contribute to God's ongoing creation process and to reiterate Christ's call to minister to others. Although health care facility sponsorship thrusts religious communities into the arena of big business, the abandonment of the health care mission could be considered a betrayal of evangelical values. Quality of life. The implicit concern for human dignity that distinguishes Catholic health care facilities should be evident in personalized patient care, just working conditions, and a commitment to healing in the civic community. Stewardship in ethics. The development of business policies and procedures and institutional responses to social change should be carefully considered in light of the Catholic understanding of loving covenant and the Christian way of life. Shared ministry. Health care facilities have played a leading role in implementing the Second Vatican Council's vision of ministry. Sponsoring communities' continued willingness to share responsibilities with laity will be imperative in meeting the health care demands of the future.

  15. Elements of the universe in Philo’s De Vita Mosis: Cosmological theology or theological cosmology?

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    Gert J. Steyn

    2013-11-01

    Full Text Available It is the intention of this article to investigate how Philo’s understanding of the universe, and particularly its four basic elements as taught by the Greek philosophers, influenced his description of the God of Israel’s world in which the Moses narrative unfolds. Given the fact that Philo was a theologian par excellence, the question can be asked whether Philo’s approach is closer to what one might call ‘theological cosmology’ or rather closer to ‘cosmological theology’? After a brief survey of Philo’s inclination to interpret Jewish history in the light of Greek cosmology, the study proceeds with his universe as symbolised in the high priest’s vestments. The τετρακτύςwith its 10 points of harmony is a key to Philo’s symbolism and numerology. The article concludes that Philo is not writing cosmology per se in his De Vita Mosis, but he is rather writing a theology that sketches the cosmic superiority and involvement of Israel’s God against the backdrop of Greek cosmology as it was influenced by Pythagoras’ geometry and numerology as well as by Plato’s philosophy. In this sense his account in the De Vita Mosisis closer to a cosmological theology. He utilises the cosmological picture of the Greco-Hellenistic world in order to introduce and present the powerful nature and qualities of Israel’s God.

  16. The theological anthropology of Simon Maimela : Democratisation of power and being human in relationship

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    van Wyngaard, George J.Cobus

    2017-01-01

    The lacuna around race in (white) Christian theological anthropology has often been pointed out. The canon of academic systematic theology seldom reflects on the implication of modern race and racism for our theological anthropologies and, therefore, fails to provide adequate resources for dealing

  17. The obedience of the church as a prelude to the Parousia: Ecclesial and temporal factors in New Testament eschatology

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    Paul Hartwig

    2005-10-01

    Full Text Available The thesis investigates the possibility, nature and implications of a pre-parousial ecclesiastical maturity within the context of New Testament eschatology. It is a biblical presentation of the hope for the completion of the church� s internal and external mission prior to the Parousia, arguing that the obedience of the church in its accomplishment of its mission both expedites and precipitates the terminal apocalyptic events. It is argues that the New Testament motif of the expectation of a latter-day glory of the church is an epochal event that is a primary factor in understanding the timing of the apocalyptic events of the terminal generation.�

  18. Public pastoral leaders: The purpose of theological training

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    M. Malan Nel

    2005-07-01

    Full Text Available This article is a follow-up of an article in which I attempted to gain insight into the corporate nature of being called to ministry. The mentioned article was also aimed at discerning the specifics of the ministry of the “public pastoral leader”. While the question is even asked whether theological training is necessary at all, I accept, as point of departure, the critical need for such training. What is of more importance is the discernment of what I call in this article the “teleological core” of theological education. I purposefully chose to explore the contributions of a number of well-known scholars who devoted much of their research to this field: Schner, Farley, Wood, Hough and Cobb, Heitink, Van der Ven and a few others. The ultimate finding is that some consensus about the telos of theological education does exist. The nature of the telos is phrased differently, but the different dimensions identified are indeed complementary. Concepts like “vision and discernment”, “critical reflection” “reflective practitioner”, “hermeneutical-communicative com- petence” and others are discussed as they relate to the core research problem. Attention is also given to the necessity of training a “basic pastor” as well as to the importance of “limited specialisation” in theological training.

  19. Robert's rules of order

    CERN Document Server

    Robert, Henry M; Balch, Thomas J; Seabold, Daniel E; Gerber, Shmuel

    2011-01-01

    The only authorized edition of the classic work on parliamentary procedure, with new and enhanced features, including how to conduct electronic meetings. Robert's Rules of Order is the book on parliamentary procedure for parliamentarians and anyone involved in an organization, association, club, or group and the authoritative guide to smooth, orderly, and fairly conducted meetings and assemblies. This newly revised edition is the only book on parliamentary procedure to have been updated since 1876 under the continuing program of review established by General Henry M. Robert himself, in cooperation with the official publisher of Robert's Rules. The eleventh edition has been thoroughly revised to address common inquiries and incorporate new rules, interpretations, and procedures made necessary by the evolution of parliamentary procedure, including new material relating to electronic communication and "electronic meetings."

  20. Robert Cailliau honoured by Belgium

    CERN Multimedia

    2004-01-01

    On 15 November, Robert Cailliau received the distinction of Commandeur de l'Ordre de Léopold from Belgium, his home country, for his pioneering work in developing the World Wide Web. Robert Cailliau worked closely with Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the Web.

  1. ST. AUGUSTINE IN THE RUSSIAN THEOLOGICAL TRADITION OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

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    PAVEL KHONDZINSKY

    2011-02-01

    Full Text Available One of the most authoritative theologians of the Western Church, Saint Augustine was little known in Byzantium and still less in Rus’. The fi rst translations of his works into Slavonic appear not earlier than the sixteenth century. During the synodal period, patristic studies of his work were published, but it remains an open question whether he actually exerted any infl uence at all on the Russian theological tradition. Our present article attempts to shed light on possible infl uences of Augustinian theology on the Russian theological tradition of the eighteenth century.

  2. The Qumran Visualization Project: Prospects for Digital Humanities in Theological Libraries

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    Benjamin P. Murphy

    2012-05-01

    Full Text Available Digital Humanities are a hot topic in disciplines as varied as literature, history and cultural studies, but at present theology and religious studies departments seem to be lagging behind. This essay will offer a critical review of one Digital Humanities project that is relevant to theological libraries and Biblical Studies: the Qumran Visualization Project. The essay will discuss why theological libraries should start considering the Digital Humanities, and then offer some strategies for how libraries can support, promote or otherwise engage with this type of project.

  3. Capital Grace of the Word Incarnate According to Saint Thomas Aquinas

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    Lucia Marie Siemering

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available The doctrine of capital grace was developed during the Scholastic period and bears on many areas of theology including ecclesiology, Christology, sacraments, and Trinitarian theology with regard to the missions of the Word and the Holy Spirit. Viewed from a Christological standpoint, capital grace sheds light on how Christ in his human nature can be said to be a source of grace to the members of the Church. Following his contemporaries, the young Thomas Aquinas espoused a view in which Christ is a meritorious, ministerial, and dispositive cause of grace according to his human nature, and an efficient cause according to his divinity. After a deeper reading of John Damascene’s treatment of Christ’s humanity being an instrument of his divinity, Thomas was able to articulate a view in which Christ’s human nature is an instrumental efficient cause of grace. This view undergirds Aquinas’s strong conception of Christ as one acting person in two natures.

  4. Theological Libraries and “The Next Christendom:” Connecting North American Theological Education to Uses of the Book in the Global South

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    John B. Weaver

    2008-11-01

    Full Text Available Survey of the past thirty years of librarian literature on the documentation of world Christianity indicates a number of trends in theological librarianship, including a relative inattention to the connection between the documentation of world Christianity in ATLA libraries, and the needs of theological researchers in North America. A trilogy of recent books by Philip Jenkins on the globalization of Christianity argues for the significance of the writings of the “global South” to reading habits in the “global North.” Based on the work of Jenkins and other scholars, this paper identifies ten specific connections between North American theological education and the documentation of world Christianity – connections that are rooted in the uses of the book in the global South. These are reasons for increased promotion and support of the documentation of world Christianity among ATLA libraries.

  5. Die lewe en werk van Rudolf Bultmann (1884–1976: ʼn Leksikografiese bydrae tot Reformasie 500

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    Gabriël M.J. (Gafie van Wyk

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available Rudolf Bultmann was one of the leading thinkers within an influential theological direction that arose in Europe after the First World War, known as dialectical theology. Comprehensive introductions to the life and work of Bultmann in the South African theological journals, written in Afrikaans, either does not exist, or are difficult to trace for the Afrikaans readership. This article on Bultmann aims to fill the gap by offering a lexicographical contribution on the life and work of Bultmann. The focus of this article is on Bultmann as a Lutheran thinker. The theme of the New Testament and systematic theology is essentially the same, namely to explain the concept of Christian self-understanding as an eschatological event in which faith is expressed for the sake of faith in God and only in God. Bultmann explained the same theological concepts with his theology as those that were explained by the church reformers of the 16th century, but under radically new circumstances. The so-called modern and postmodern people of our time not only broke ties with the past, but in the process they also lost their ability for using historical-critical patterns of thought that tries to bridge historical distances, and therefore sacrificed all efforts to think systematically on the altar of relativism. We can learn from Bultmann what systematic reformed theology really is.

  6. the vision of divine light in saint gregory palamas's theology

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    in Romania. 2. THE RECEPTION OF SAINT GREGORY PALAMAS'S. THEOLOGY IN THE WEST. In the West, the reception of Saint Gregory Palamas's theology, as it is known, was rather a negative one. His doctrine of divine light was rejected, because it postulated the possibility of seeing God with corporeal eyes. (Lossky ...

  7. Man and Cosmos from the Christian Theology perspective

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    Marin BUGIULESCU

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available The purpose of this paper is to analyse the theological reflection on the relationship between man and cosmos. The origin of the world and man is connected to God; God is the Creator and consequently the Author of them both. Unlike dualistic materialistic thinking, according to the Christian conception the whole cosmos is created by God. In search for the cosmos an important chapter was granted for man, considered to be a synthesis of the world. Man, from the theological perspective, is the personal, rational, free, and speaking being that has – through the image of God according to which he has been created –, the tension after perfection. But it pertains exclusively to the relationship with Christ in the light of Whom he really knows himself, and by knowing himself he recognizes the infinite beauty of the Archetype. This is the existential-theological truth, which the content of this paper emphasizes, according to the Bible and patristic teaching.

  8. Introducing some secular and feminist theological insights of body into theological conversation

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    Raymond Potgieter

    2015-11-01

    Full Text Available Whether the conversation is casual or professional, words such as body, woman, and heart a repart and parcel of community conversation. However, the understanding of the meaning of a specific word such as body may prove to be elusive, vague or alternately take on a complexity often removed from ordinary conversation. Although the insights from Christian feminists have enriched the traditional theological understanding of the word body their insights are not always associated with the general use of the term. A richer understanding of the word results in recapturing the meaning of body, not only for women but also for society’s theological conversation and ‘body-talk’ as a whole. Ongeag of die gesprek informeel of professioneel is, bly die woorde liggaam, vrou en hart deel van die gemeenskapsgesprek. Die begrip of betekenis van ’n bepaalde woord soos liggaam, kan ontwykend vaag of alternatiewelik ’n kompleksiteit aanneem wat van gewone gesprekvoering verwyderd is. Feministe het onder andere ook van sekere woorde, waaronder besitreg geneem en dit aan kritiese teologiese ondersoek onderwerp. Hulle insig verryk die tradisionele begrip van die woord – nie net vir vroue nie, maar vir gemeenskapsteologie in die geheel.

  9. Teaching Race: Pedagogical Challenges in Predominantly White Undergraduate Theology Classrooms

    Science.gov (United States)

    Scheid, Anna Floerke; Vasko, Elisabeth T.

    2014-01-01

    While a number of scholars in the field of Christian theology have argued for the importance of teaching diversity and social justice in theology and religious studies classrooms, little has been done to document and assess formally the implementation of such pedagogy. In this article, the authors discuss the findings of a yearlong Scholarship of…

  10. Rethinking English phyisco-theology: Samuel Parker's Tentamina de Deo (1665).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Levitin, Dmitri

    2014-01-01

    Recent historiography has claimed that a radically new, non-dogmatic physico-theology gained prominence with, and simultaneously promoted, the new science. This article challenges this view by focusing on an important physico-theological work by the young Oxford cleric Samuel Parker, published in 1665. It received a glowing review in the first volume of the Philosophical Transactions and gained its author election to the Royal Society, yet has been almost entirely ignored by modern scholars. Parker's work demonstrates both how easily the pious rhetoric of the naturalists could be incorporated into the traditional--largely humanist--knowledge gained by a typical M.A. student in mid-seventeenth-century England. Moreover, far from being non-dogmatic, Parker's physico-theology culminated in a remarkable deployment of the new philosophy (specifically Thomas Willis's neurology) to explain scriptural passages referring to God's passions. Parker believed himself not to be doing something radically new, but to be working in the traditions of scholastic theology. At the same time, his work was one of the most important conduits for the early English reception of both Descartes and Gassendi.

  11. Lecture One: Rediscovering Darwin for theology – Rethinking human personhood

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    J. Wentzel van Huyssteen

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available In a series of three articles, presented at the Goshen Annual Conference on Science and Religion in 2015, with the theme ‘Interdisciplinary Theology and the Archeology of Personhood’, J. Wentzel van Huyssteen considers the problem of human evolution – also referred to as ‘the archaeology of personhood’ – and its broader impact on theological anthropology. These Goshen Lectures explore the potentiality that the history of human evolution provides bridge theories to theological anthropology and thus to a positive and constructive way of appropriating Darwinian thought for a public, interdisciplinary Christian theology. Lecture One tracks a select number of contemporary proposals for the evolution of aspects of human personhood. These aspects were of significance for Darwin: the evolution of cognition; the evolution of imagination, music and language; the evolution of morality; and the evolution of the religious disposition. The article acknowledges the close ties to hominid ancestors and focuses on the emergence of human distinctiveness, consciousness and personhood, and the propensity for religious awareness and experience.

  12. A challenge to change developments in feminist theology and feminist Christology

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    Riet Bons-Storm

    2005-10-01

    Full Text Available Contextual theologies have made it clear that context, and the particular experiences a context gives, shapes thinking about the Divine and the world into a particular, contextual theology. Feminist theologians stress the point that the life-experience of women in general – and every woman of flesh and blood in particular – works as a context, seeing the world, thinking about the Divine from a particular perspective. The critique of feminist theologies is aimed in the first place to the presumptions and assumptions underlying texts, customs and politics. Feminist theologians ask basic questions about the acquisition of theological knowledge that exposes the cultural conditioning of Christian belief. This review article on the work of Lisa Isherwood and Dorothea McEwan demonstrates how many feminist theologians find in “Process Thought” a way of thinking that avoids the suppositions these presumptions and assumptions make.

  13. TOWARDS RELEVANT THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN AFRICA ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    political and social-economic problems in Africa; a challenge theological education needs to ... current scholarship but are actively contributing to it through books, journals and higher ...... Cambridge: Harvard University. BAnks, r. 1999.

  14. Foundation of theological college in Belgrade and establishment of legal framework for its functioning

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    Novaković Dragan

    2007-01-01

    Full Text Available The foundation of the Theological College in Belgrade is viewed in the context of complex political circumstances which followed the restoration of the Serbian state and the efforts of the Serbian church to gain autonomy and the right to elect bishops independently from the Universal Patriarchate. Once having achieved these goals, and with a conviction that the achieved must be defended and maintained by knowledge and education, the state authorities founded a seminary for education of priests and teachers capable to carry out national and spiritual reformation. The accord between the state and the Church regarding the strategic aims enabled the very first vocational school in Serbia to develop continuously its curricula and hire better and better teaching staff each year. However, due to the change of circumstances, the state passed the laws by which it enforced its dominance and showed a clear intent to subordinate theological education to its control. Yet, by its continuous activity during two crucial centuries, the Seminary became a part of collective consciousness, and its cadres contributed actively to the creation of original cultural and value patterns and preservation of national identity of the Serbian nation. The brilliant history of this school and its precious experience can be of great encouragement not only to the researchers of our pedagogical inheritance but also to all those who are engaged in reforming and adjusting education in Serbia to the European standards. .

  15. Process theology's relevance for older survivors of domestic violence.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bowland, Sharon

    2011-01-01

    Pastoral work with survivors of domestic violence may reveal theological struggles. Understandings of scripture that reinforce a sense of powerlessness and alienation from God may contribute to an impaired relationship and limit resources for healing. One framework for re-imaging a relationship with God is process theology. This framework was applied to a case study for one survivor. The application resulted in a line of inquiry that may assist survivors in their healing process.

  16. Missional theology and social development

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    p1243322

    The Western world is experiencing a paradigm change. ... having an enormous global influence on the church and its ministry (Bosch ... viewpoints are relative to our context, that theology always has a limited .... agenda is culturally induced; and the cross-cultural diffusion of Christian faith ..... Growing spiritual redwoods.

  17. Between the Scylla and the Charybdis: Theological education in the 21st century in Africa

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    Johan Buitendag

    2014-11-01

    Full Text Available The article reflects on the challenges of theological education in the 21st century and in Africa. Reputation, impact, success and funding have become the driving forces of the modern university. However, we are living in the 21st century and in Africa with a subsequent frame of reference that is holistic and faith-based. The article therefore argues for a multi- and transdisciplinary approach towards the nature of a university and recognition of the unique contribution theological education can contribute. Due to the inherently cooperative nature of theological scholarship, theological education could be able to avoid the extremes of the Scylla and the Charybdis, that is, fideism and secularisation, and therefore be able to survive at an academic institution. Both sectarianism and scientism should be avoided. Theological education in Africa needed to travel the same difficult road of theological faculties in Europe in the previous century.

  18. A PRACTICAL-THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON CORRUPTION ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    of practical theology in an attempt to address the issue of corruption. Finally, one ... and ethical behavior is becoming a relative, intellectualised concept, the question .... business and politics, and a closed culture within government. However,.

  19. When culture clashes with individual human rights: A practical theological reflection on the dignity of widows

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    Gift T. Baloyi

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available This article discusses the nature of human beings (men and women as an egalitarian one even beyond cultural expectations. It argues against some cultural practices on women, especially widows, which claim supremacy and bind the widows to its ritual processes among the Tsonga people. It stresses the importance of human individual that overtakes everything from God�s creation, including cultural rituals which are created by human beings. It claims that the existence of culture depends solely on the existence or presence of human beings and their communities. Therefore, culture cannot use humans to shape itself and to transform the community. It is humans themselves who use culture to identify themselves and ultimately change their communities. Although the paper is theological in its approach, it argues for individual human rights to be respected and weighed above all cultural practices. It further concludes that such cultural practices are not static and that they can be removed from the rest of culture.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article, from a practical theological view, challenges the African cultural rituals that claim authority over women�s rights and dignity. The interdisciplinary nature of this article indicates the sanctity of human individuals especially widows and thereby calls for paradigm shift to deconstruct certain oppressive teachings and practices against widows among African women. This article concludes thus, cultural deconstruction is possible.

  20. 97 JOSEPH RATZINGER'S THEOLOGICAL HERMENEUTICS FOR ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    HP

    1988-01-27

    Jan 27, 1988 ... In other words, the role of modern biblical critical method of ... more, today, about the different literary genres of the Bible; about the ways in ...... Contemporary” in Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible, ed.

  1. Sources of bioethics: Lex Naturae versus Sola Scriptura and Sola Gratia? A response to Vorster

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    Anné H. Verhoef

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available To argue that the concept of natural law can be regarded, with certain conditions, as a credible and useful tool in the Reformed paradigm, as Vorster did, may at first seems to be in conflict with the Reformation’s emphasis on sola scriptura and sola gratia. Vorster, however, argues very convincingly that the general revelation of God and creational gifts can be a source for bioethics within the reformed tradition. He does this by relying on Calvin and Bavinck’s appreciative theologies and in reaction to Barth and Welker’s critique to the notion of natural law. In this article I will further Vorster’s argument by identifying some critical points in his argument, analyse the critique on these points and broaden the discussion by incorporating an eschatological perspective and the anthropology of the Protestant philosopher, Paul Ricoeur. The aim is, as Vorster states in his conclusion, to provide Christian ethics with opportunities and means to formulate applicable and relevant moral codes that can be utilised in the bio- and eco-ethical debates of today.

  2. Liturgy and Morality. Constitution  on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium in the Context of Moral Theology

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    Bogusław Mielec

    2013-09-01

    Full Text Available The fiftieth anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of Vaticanum II encourages attempts of its interpretation in the context of moral theology. It leads to the conclusion that there is a co-relation between liturgy and morality in the history of salvation. The Revelation of the Old Testament reveals the conjunction between worship and morality. Attempts to separate the two in the history of the Chosen People raise objections of prophets. Their criticism, however, comes together with the announcement of the future in which God will reveal the divisions between worship and morality. The New Testament shows the fulfilment of this promise in Jesus Christ. His salvific work establishes the Christian liturgy, in which man participates as a physical, as well as a spiritual being. The salvation, made present in the liturgy of the Church, is a relation, the co-operation of God and man, grace and freedom. Sacrosantum Concilium presents this revealed truth, emphasising the objective and subjective dimensions of liturgy as the work of Christ, in which a Christian participates actively, freely and consciously (participatio actuosa. The participation is mostly spiritual, therefore moral at the same time. Only than can the external elements of liturgy take place, including its detailed forms, gestures, attitudes and behaviours of the sacred liturgy participants. It means that the liturgical participatio actuosa requires moral works through imitation of Christ leading to conversion. That is when “faith works through love” (cf. Gal 5 : 6. It leads us to the notion of sacrifice, which, as far as man is concerned, requires a total change. Sinful man presented with the love of the Triune God may respond to it with his own, gradually maturing love. The process constitutes the drama of God and man, which is the tension between grace and freedom, which is then represented by the co-relation between liturgy and morality

  3. Of poetics and possibility: Richard Kearney’s post-metaphysical God

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    Yolande Steenkamp

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available This article provides an overview of Richard Kearney’s attempt at re-imagining God post-metaphysically. In the context of a continental dialogue on the topic, Kearney has responded to onto-theology with a hermeneutic and phenomenologically informed attempt to rethink God post-metaphysically. This eschatological understanding of God is expounded in the article and is placed in relation to Kearney’s more recent concept of Anatheism. The article closes with a few remarks on what may be gained by Kearney’s work, as well as outlining a few critical questions.

  4. Practical theology as ‘healing of memories’: Critical reflections on a specific methodology

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    Ian A. Nell

    2011-07-01

    Full Text Available When developing new perspectives and paradigms for practical theology in South Africa, we obviously have to take our South African context seriously. We live in a post-conflict society in which gigantic sociocultural shifts have taken place since 1994. Many institutions and groups endeavour to address the conflict, injustices and pain of the past, including the Institute for the Healing of Memories (IHOM. The Institute makes use of a specific methodology in their workshops. Having participated in these workshops in congregational contexts as well as in the training of theological students, in this article I investigated the methodology of the Institute as a framework for new perspectives on practical theology in South Africa. Making use of Victor Turner’s theoretical construct of ‘social drama’ as one way of looking at the methodology of the IHOM, I reflected critically on the challenges that it poses to practical theology by making use of a ‘rhetorical frame’ and trying to delineate some constructive proposals for further reflections on practical theological paradigms and perspectives.

  5. Medical Eschatologies: The Christian Spirit of Hospital Protocol.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Langford, Jean M

    2016-01-01

    If much has been written of the forms of bodiliness reinforced by hospitals, less attention has been paid to the medicalization of the soul. The medical management of death institutionalizes divisions between body and soul, and matter and spirit, infusing end-of-life care with latent Christian theological presumptions. The invisibility of these presumptions is partly sustained by projecting religiosity on those who endorse other cosmologies, while retaining for medicine a mask of secular science. Stories of conflict with non-Christian patients force these presumptions into visibility, suggesting alternative ethics of care and mourning rooted in other understandings. In this article, I explore one such story. Considering the story as an allegory for how matter and spirit figure in contemporary postmortem disciplines, I suggest that it exposes both the operation of a taboo against mixing material and spiritual agendas, and an assumption that appropriate mourning is oriented toward symbolic homage, rather than concern for the material welfare of the dead.

  6. Robert Bartini and His Contribution to the Development of Transport and Aviation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Težak, Sergej

    2017-10-01

    After the First World War, the young Soviet Union (USSR) desperately needed new engineers and scientists who would provide the new country with development of modern industry and transportation. At that time, Western European countries had knowledge and experience, especially in the field of aviation. One of the young engineers was Robert Bartini, who was educated in Austria-Hungary and Italy, and graduated from Milan Polytechnic Institute. In 1923, he fled Italy to escape Fascists and emigrated in Soviet Union. This article is a brief description of aircraft designer Robert Bartini and his role in the development of the military, passenger and transport aviation. In addition, it presents his vision of the intercontinental and continental high-speed transport, which was his focus in the last years of his work and creation. He worked as a researcher and expert in the former Soviet Union, therefore, more detailed and relevant information on his work has been revealed to the public in recent years. In Russia, he is very popular as a researcher and developer. There are many books about him in Russian and Italian language, but not in English. Thus, his work is still quite unknown in the West. He was born in Kanjiza (today Serbia) in 1897, and spent his youth in Fiume (Rijeka, today Croatia).

  7. Theologia and the Ideologica of Language: The calling of a theology ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    The article argues that texts, and theology faculties as texts, are just as any structure or construction haunted by their sacred secret. Haunted by the ghosts in the texts from the past to be inspired for the calling of a theology and religion faculty in a time of populism and the 'renaissance of (neo)nationalism', according to Van ...

  8. Comparative Study of Aquinas and Kant‘s Narration of Ethics and Theology

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    Mohammad Raayat jahromi

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Since Kant is a son of his time, his thought is originally rooted in the Enlightenment. The distinction between theoretical and practical reason, formal and material conscientiousness, authentic and doctrinal theodicy, sincerity and falsehood, and finally, historical and moral faith religion, are implications of the court held by Kant for metaphysics. Meanwhile, Kantian distinction between deism and theism in one hand, and inclination toward Job and Christ as the symbols of moral faith of religion in the other hand, can be explained by the German Protestantism of the age of Fredrick the Great and his successor. The theology based on practical reason criticizes rationalism in faith and suggests perception of religion through morality. But, Aquinas as a Christian catholic emphasizes on historical religion, revealed religion, Divine legislation, faith in Divine worship and ecclesiastical faith. Aquinas is the most distinguished supporter of rational theology. However, he believed to other kind of theology named theologia sacrae scripturae or sacred theology which its main subject is Divine beings. The main bases of Aquinas‘s ethics are revelation and foundations of church. Kant, in the contrary, tries to make room for faith inside the realm of morality and speak of practical reason theology through denial of theoretical reason.

  9. Aesthetic reception and semantic-theological displacement of Homer’s work

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alex Villas Boas

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available The Homer´s work is a true “bible” of the Greeks, meeting the need for a  search for meaning at the time when society is in crisis and the poet becoming the “educator of the Greeks.” However, the criticism of Levinas, totalitarian regimes are coming for the Being Meditation solipsism, and the Ulysses model, returning to Ithaca, always back to “Even”, different from the Abraham model, which launches a walk a promise, outgoing and invites you to go towards the Other. Although, a closer look at the Homeric work is able to identify two theologies: a theodicy that justifies the Trojan war by divine will, in the Iliad, and one that presents itself as what we call teopatodiceia, this is as search for meaning present in the Odyssey, in that the hero discovers the back to Ithaca, the aid of Athens, indicating the search for wisdom seized a theological vision, like the wisdom of the Jewish and Christian literature. Our work will be identify the theological semantic shift in the Homeric work, while question of the meaning of God in the search for human sense, the metamorphosis of theological images combining language and praxis.

  10. A European (German View on Comparative Theology: Dialogue with My Own Past

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ulrich Dehn

    2012-11-01

    Full Text Available For the last couple of years, particularly after the publication of the (German book “Comparative Theology” by Bernhold Reinhardt and Klaus von Stosch, there was a significant attentiveness of this subject amongst German scholars. For many, it was the long anticipated antithesis/alternative to the pluralist theology of religions, even if it had not been devised explicitly to serve as such an alternative. For others, it has been an appropriate way to express their desire for a substantial interreligious dialogue in a theologically responsible way. This paper tries to review some of the major German contributions (being read alongside international ones and reactions to Comparative Theology and to search for the motive behind its sudden popularity in some circles. It will also try to reconstruct the possibilities for Comparative Theology within the wider setting of the process and development of religious traditions as they grow and change in never-ending interaction and communication within the history of religions, ideas and society.

  11. Three I know not what:The influence of Greek philosophy on the doctrine of Trinity

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    Aleksandar S. Santrac

    2013-11-01

    Full Text Available This article examines the origins of the traditional or orthodox Trinitarian formula. The main objective is to clarify to what extent the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity (Nicene formula has been influenced by Greek philosophy. Through contemporary theological dialogue on this issue, the research focuses on the comparison between the traditional formulation of the doctrine of Trinity, influenced by Greek philosophy and the biblical revelation of the godhead. The conclusion is that the trinitarian formula might not be a dogmatic teaching, but a mystery (a dehellenisation of the concept of Trinity and that the Church fathers and the post-Nicene church used the Greek philosophical-theological expressions for Trinity, already present in Scriptures in its doxological and liturgical form, primarily for the purpose of contextualisation.Hierdie artikel ondersoek die oorsprong van die tradisionele of ortodokse trinitariese leerstuk. Die hoofdoel is om uit te vind tot watter mate die tradisioneel Christelike leer oor die Drie-eenheid (Niceense formule deur die Griekse filosofie beïnvloed is. Deur die hedendaagse teologiese debat oor hierdie onderwerp na te gaan, fokus die navorsing op ’n vergelyking tussen die tradisionele formulering van die leer van die Drie-eenheid soos beïnvloed deur die ortodokse Griekse filosofie en deur die bybelse openbaring van die godheid. Die slotsom waartoe gekom word, is dat die trinitariese formule moontlik nie ’n dogmatiese leerstuk was nie, maar ’n misterie (’n dehellenisering van die Drie-eenheidsbegrip. Die kerkvaders en die post-Niceense kerk het die Griekse filosofies-teologiese uitdrukkings vir die Drie-eenheid, wat alreeds in die Skrif in sy doksologiese en liturgiese vorm voorgekom het, moontlik slegs vir die doel van kontekstualisering gebruik.

  12. The Creation of the world and the birth of chronology

    Science.gov (United States)

    Richet, Pascal

    2017-09-01

    The eternity of the world and, correlatively, the cyclical nature of time were agreed upon by all Greek philosophical schools except the Platonists. As for matter, all of them posited that it was eternal so that the idea that something could be made from nothing was considered as pure absurdity. With the advent of Christianity, however, a matter coeternal with God raised fundamental theological difficulties. Toward the end of the second century, apologists such as Tatian the Assyrian, Theophilus of Antioch, Irenaeus of Lyons or Tertullian thus emphasized God's absolute freedom and power by claiming that Creation had been made from nothing. Along with the Passion of Christ and the Last Judgment, the initial moment defined by the Creation then conferred to time an irreversible, linear orientation and to history both a new sense and an obsessing concern for chronology. Unambiguously, the Creation became the reference point for the world's history. From Scripture analyses, one determined that it took place about 5500 years earlier within a framework where the History of man and that of the earth were not distinct. Having designed a consistent, universal time scale from chronological data recorded for all ancient peoples, Eusebius of Caesarea could thus attribute to the Great Flood the fossils found on the top of Mount Lebanon. The short Mosaic chronologies were eventually rejected during the 18th century, but Eusebius' chronological procedure was unknowingly transposed when a relative geological timescale was then set up from the fossil record. The close association of Creation with Christian dogma in turn induced some circles to reject the second law of thermodynamics at the end of the 19th century and, a few decades later, the thesis of an expanding universe. In both cases, the reason was that continuously increasing entropy would imply some low-entropy initial state akin to a Creation.

  13. Theological ethics, moral philosophy, and public moral discourse.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jonsen, Albert R

    1994-03-01

    The advent and growth of bioethics in the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s precipitated an era of public moral discourse, that is, the deliberate attempt to analyze and formulate moral argument for use in public policy. The language for rational discussion of moral matters evolved from the parent disciplines of moral philosophy and theological ethics, as well as from the idioms of a secular, pluralistic world that was searching for policy answers to difficult bioethical questions. This article explores the basis and content of the unique contributions of both theological and philosophical ethics to the development of public moral discourse.

  14. Sociology, Protestant Theology, and the Concept of Modern Religion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jung, Dietrich

    2015-01-01

    'scientification' of religion by the emerging disciplines of the humanities and social sciences. In taking the life and work of William Robertson Smith (1846-94) as an example, the article analyzes the transformation of some specific elements of liberal Protestant theology into a set of universal features......This article looks at the intersection between Protestant theology and sociology in the construction of the modern concept of religion. Set against the theoretical background of the functional differentiation of modern society, it identifies the origin of this concept in the discursive...

  15. Revisiting of The negative and positive theologies in the Gradation of existence theory

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    Hamed Naji

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available The negative and positive theologies are two intellectually compaction positions that have attracted most Islamic thinkers since the early Islamic period. Tashbih and tanzih means likening and cleansing or purifying respectively. These two technical words in theology describe human encounter with God.  Accordingly Asharites tends towards Positive theology and Mutazale and Shiite tend towards Negative Theology.  There are some Shiete thinkers, however, to compromise this situation. Based on different assumptions and presuppositions we can discern the following compromised versions: 1.       Mild Anthrophomorphism: based on the communality of God and human attributes and reflections on Human contingency and God's necessity 2.       Prevalence of existence and its unity: based on Ibn Arabi's mystical philosophy 3.       Gradation of existence: based on Sadra's transcendental philosophy By looking at the most over-looked fundamental principles of Transcendental Philosophy, I will take a look the possible reconciliations of Negative and Positive theology in this paper. At the end, I will argue for its most plausible version

  16. Building missional leadership and spiritual formation: Practical theological perspectives on a Masters Programme

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nell, Ian A

    2015-05-01

    Full Text Available A MTh programme with the focus on building missional leadership capacity has recently been developed at the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University. The programme is a joint effort of the discipline groups of practical theology and missiology and Ekklesia, an ecumenical centre linked to the Faculty of Theology. The focus of the programme is to serve as a learning community for pastors and congregational leaders who want to build their missional and ministerial leadership capacity. Research done in congregations of the Partnership for South African Missional Churches (SAPMC shapes the focus and content of the different modules in this programme. The purpose of the paper is to do a practical theological analysisinto the background and development of the programme. After giving some insight into the rationale and motivation for starting the programme, the hermeneutical-rhetorical framework of the programme is explained. The paper goes on to give a brief exposition of the content covered in each of the modules, probes into three frames of interpretation (pedagogical, theological and strategic and ends by reflecting on feedback from some of the first students that recently finished the programme.

  17. Robert Aumann

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hansen, Pelle Guldborg

    2007-01-01

    In this interview Nobel Prize Winner Robert Aumann talks about how he was initially drawn into game theory, when he came to think of formalizing the folk-theorem, the proper role of game theory in relation to other disciplines and why behavioral game theory probably won't last long.......In this interview Nobel Prize Winner Robert Aumann talks about how he was initially drawn into game theory, when he came to think of formalizing the folk-theorem, the proper role of game theory in relation to other disciplines and why behavioral game theory probably won't last long....

  18. Christ also ours in Africa: A consideration of Torrance's incarnational, Christological model as nexus for Christ's identification with African Christians

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vhumani Magezi

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available The perceived foreignness of Christ in African Christianity is an ongoing challenge that is captured in various pieces of African theological literature. This problem partly arises from some early Western missionaries� presentation of the gospel to Africans from a predominantly Western perspective, which caused many Africans to perceive Christ as a Western Saviour with a Western identity. The problem of the foreignness of Christ in African Christianity is further intensified by the traditional African ancestral world view that requires a blood-related ancestor to address the African contextual needs. Therefore, many African Christians do not like to view Christ as identifying with them. This has resulted in the unchanging ethical lives of some African Christians as Christ and the consequent Christian ethics have not taken deep roots. To inform the identity and ethical lives of African Christians as true followers of Christ, many African theologians have responded to the foreignness of Christ in African Christianity by proposing various African Christological approaches that identify Christ with African Christians. However, these Christological approaches are limited in various ways. Thus, in the quest for an alternative Christological model that identifies Christ with African Christians, this article critically analyses and evaluates Torrance�s incarnational Christological model in order to determine how his (Torrance�s incarnational Christological conceptualisation can open up aspects of Christ�s incarnation that fully identify Christ with African Christians. The article highlights that Torrance�s incarnational Christological concepts, namely, anypostasis and enhypostasis, the close association between the doctrine of creation and redemption, and the interpretation of the redemptive history of Israel from an incarnational perspective configures that in the incarnation, God in Christ completely identifies with all humankind and saves

  19. Vocation in theology-based nursing theories.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lundmark, Mikael

    2007-11-01

    By using the concepts of intrinsicality/extrinsicality as analytic tools, the theology-based nursing theories of Ann Bradshaw and Katie Eriksson are analyzed regarding their explicit and/or implicit understanding of vocation as a motivational factor for nursing. The results show that both theories view intrinsic values as guarantees against reducing nursing practice to mechanistic applications of techniques and as being a way of reinforcing a high ethical standard. The theories explicitly (Bradshaw) or implicitly (Eriksson) advocate a vocational understanding of nursing as being essential for nursing theories. Eriksson's theory has a potential for conceptualizing an understanding of extrinsic and intrinsic motivational factors for nursing but one weakness in the theory could be the risk of slipping over to moral judgments where intrinsic factors are valued as being superior to extrinsic. Bradshaw's theory is more complex and explicit in understanding the concept of vocation and is theologically more plausible, although also more confessional.

  20. Student Theological Research as an Invitation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    William Badke

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available Seminary students, despite having graduated from bachelors programs, struggle to make sense of the goals, processes, skills, and resources of research as graduate students. Beyond brief introductions to research, a scattered number of seminaries have developed either a separate theological information literacy course or have taken a through-the-curriculum approach to enhancing the information abilities of students. The former, however, separates information literacy from the curriculum, while the latter is difficult to implement and maintain. Living in a world of information glut, seminary professors are finding that traditional information dissemination models of education are becoming less viable. What is more, such models tend to teach students about a discipline rather than inviting them into it. These problems present a unique opportunity to place the teaching of information literacy at the foundation of theological education. With such an approach, students may be invited into the disciplines of their professors and enabled to practice these disciplines, thus becoming equipped to turn knowledge into praxis.

  1. Joseph de Maistre and Retributionist Theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gabriel Andrade

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Joseph de Maistre is usually portrayed as Edmund Burke’s French counterpart, as they both wrote important treatises against the French Revolution. Although Maistre did share many of Burke’s conservative political views, he was much more than a political thinker. He was above all a religious thinker who interpreted political events through the prism of a particular retributionist theology. According to this theology, God punishes evil deeds, not only in the afterlife, but also in this terrestrial life; and sometimes, he may even use human tyrants as instruments of his wrath. This interpretation especially evident in Maistre’s Considerations sur la France, an early work in his philosophical career. In that book, Maistre interprets the French Revolution as divine punishment, and in that regard, his views bear some similarities to the Deuteronomist historian in the Hebrew Bible, who interpreted the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian Exile, as divine punishment in retribution of Israel’s sins.

  2. Forum-ing: Signature practice for public theological discourse

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Edward P. Wimberly

    2014-05-01

    Full Text Available This article introduces a unique model for public theological conversation and discourse, which was developed by the Concerned Black Clergy of Atlanta (CBC. It was a model developed in response to the problems of poverty, homelessness, and the ‘missing and murdered children’ victimised in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States of America in the early 1980s. It was originally organised to respond to the economic, financial, spiritual, emotional, employment, housing and resource needs of the underserved poor. This unique practice is called forum-ing. The forum meets every Monday morning, except when there is a national holiday. It has operated 30 consecutive years. The forum has a series of presentations, including the opening prayer, self-introductions of each person, a report of the executive director, special presentations from selected community groups, reports, and then questions and answers. The end result is that those attending engage in a process of discourse that enables them to internalise new ideas, approaches, and activities for addressing poverty and injustice in the community. Key to forum-ing for the 21st century is that it is a form of public practical theology rooted and grounded in non-violence growing out of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s in the United States. The overall purpose of this article is to contribute to the effort of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria (South Africa to identify those variables that will assist religious leaders in South Africa to develop public conversational spaces to enhance democratic participation. This article presents one model from the African American community in Atlanta, Georgia. The hope is to lift up key variables that might assist in the practical and pastoral theological conversation taking place in South Africa at present.

  3. Open Access and Authors’ Rights Management: A Possibility for Theology?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kevin L. Smith

    2009-05-01

    Full Text Available Several academic disciplines have begun to understand the benefits of open access to scholarship, both for scholars and for the general public. Scientific disciplines have led the way, partially due to the nature of scholarship in those areas and partially because they have felt the crisis in serials pricing more acutely than others. Theological studies, however, have largely been insulated from the push for open access; considering the reasons for that is the first task of this article. It is also the case, however, that the missionary impulse that stands behind much theological scholarship is a strong incentive to embrace the opportunities afforded by digital, online dissemination of research and writing. After discussing this imperative for global distribution, the bulk of the article focuses on how theological institutions, and especially their libraries, can encourage and support scholars in making their work freely accessible. Copyright issues, including the elements of a successful copyright management program, are discussed, as are some of the technological elements necessary for an efficient and discoverable open access repository. Options for licensing, both at ingestion of content and at dissemination to users are also considered. Finally, it is argued that the role of consortia and professional organizations in supporting these initiatives is especially important because of the relatively small size of so many theological institutions.

  4. Revisiting Mary Daly: Towards a quadripartite theological and philosophical paradigm

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hannelie Wood

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available I was a tenderfoot in feminist discourse when I started my research on patriarchy, feminism, and Mary Daly. In my thesis, one aspect I engaged was Daly’s battle with gender issues in Christian theology. From the beginning I was troubled by Mary Daly’s views on God, men, and women in her discourse on Christianity. Daly undoubtedly contributed to the discussion on gender issues in the Christian faith, but her focus on androcentrism and her interpretations of Scripture led her to abandon the Christian faith. Mary Daly has written extensively on patriarchy as it is found in religion – particularly in the Christian faith – and how it filters through society. In her critique of patriarchy she set her course to dismantle the facade of a patriarchal and misogynistic God as the root of patriarchy. Daly did not see any positive qualities of the Christian faith and completely rejected other interpretations of a God whose person embraces both male and female qualities. Against this background I will evaluate Daly’s post-Christian feminist theological and philosophical paradigm. I propose that Daly has a quadripartite theological and philosophical paradigm wherein there are four main players. The ‘Who is who’ in Daly’s quadripartite patriarchal theological and philosophical paradigm are the patriarchal male, the patriarchal female, the patriarchal God and the biophilic woman.

  5. Éloge to Robert Fox

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    Efthymios Nicolaidis

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available The 20th Alexandre Koyré Medal awarded since 1968 to prominent historians of science was awarded to Robert Fox, leading historian of European science of the period from the 18th to the beginnings of the 20th century. The Medal was presented to Robert Fox during the 7th International Conference of the European Society for the History of Science, Prague, 23 September 2016, and the Éloge describes his career and work.

  6. Robert W Floyd

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    scientists - Zohar Manna, an authority on the verification of software systems, Robert. Tarjan ... He began as a self taught computer operator, and then went ... important subfields of computer science: the theory of parsing, the semantics of.

  7. The diakonia of Practical Theology to the alienated in South Africa in the light of 1 Peter

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    Gert Breed

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available This article investigates the role that Practical Theology can play in addressing the problem of alienation amongst the people of South Africa. The investigation is conducted from the viewpoint of the biblical concept of diakonia (service work. This concept as well as the content of Practical Theology as it is found in the first letter of Peter is investigated with the purpose of elucidating the diakonia of Practical Theology with regard to alienation. Four questions are answered in the article:� What may some of the reasons why people in South Africa experience alienation be?� What significance do the results of the most recent research into the diakon word group have for the diakonia of Practical Theology?� What insight can be gained from 1 Peter into the diakonia of Practical Theology for people who may be experiencing alienation in South Africa?� What should the diakonia of Practical Theology in the light of 1 Peter be for people who experience alienation? Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article addresses the issue of alienation. This is an issue that also falls within the research field of sociology and psychology. This article wants to make a contribution from a biblical perspective using the exegesis of a New Testament letter (1 Pt with the focus on 1 Peter 4:10 and the use of the diakon word group in the letter. The article thus also operates on the research field of New Testament Theology. The results of the exegesis are used to give guidelines for the diakonia of Practical Theology in South Africa. The article challenges the way some research in Practical Theology is done, not using the Bible as reference point, thus making the distinction between Practical Theology and sciences like sociology and psychology indistinct.

  8. What is Life? On Earth and Beyond

    Science.gov (United States)

    Losch, Andreas

    2017-07-01

    Introduction Andreas Losch; 1. Reflections on origins, life, and the origins of life Marie-Christine Maurel; 2. The search for another Earth-like planet and life elsewhere Joshua Krissansen-Totton and David C. Catling; 3. The shape of life: morphological signatures of ancient microbial life in rocks Beda A. Hofmann; 4. Precellular evolution and the origin of life: some notes on reductionism, complexity and historical contingency Antonio Lazcano; 5. Science and philosophy faced with the question of life in the twenty-first century Michel Morange; 6. What is life? And why is the question still open? Claus Beisbart; 7. Is the origin of life a fluke? Why the chance hypothesis should not be dismissed too quickly Christian Weidemann; 8. Some contemporary – and persistent – fallacies and confusions about astrobiology Milan M. Ćirković; 9. Superintelligent AI and the postbiological cosmos approach Susan Schneider; 10. What theology can contribute to the question 'what is life?' Andreas Losch; 11. Autopoietic systems and the theology of creation: on the nature of life Alexander Maßmann; 12. Where there's life there's intelligence Ted Peters; 13. Life in the universe, incarnation and salvation Juan Pablo Marrufo del Torro, SJ; 14. Talking lions, intelligent aliens and knowing God – some epistemological reflections on a speculative issue Taede A. Smedes; 15. What is life? On Earth and beyond: conclusion Andreas Losch; 16. A skeptical afterword Antonio Lazcano.

  9. ABOVE THE TIME. BISHOP MIKHAIL (GRIBANOVSKY: AN ATTEMPT OF HIS THEOLOGICAL PORTRAIT

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    PRIEST PAVEL KHONDZINSKY

    2009-05-01

    Full Text Available Many deep processes in the Russian spiritual tradition in the last quarter of the XIX c. — movement for the restoration of the patriarchate, renewal of the parish life, aspiration to attach to the theological truth its direct vital importance, search for a new Christian philosophy — are connected with the name of bishop Mikhail (Gribanovsky. Yet his name and heritage even now are far from being well-known. In the article the author attempts to off er a theological portait of the bishop, in other words, to present to a reader an essay on the formation of his personality and his theological thought in their inner organic interrelation

  10. Revelation 1:7 − A roadmap of God’s τέλοςfor his creation

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    Kobus de Smidt

    2013-11-01

    Full Text Available Revelation 1:7 points to an anticipated final appearance of Jesus at the consummation. This κηρύσσω developed from the late Jewish apocalyptic eschatology. This apocalyptic end time dawned with Jesus. The present time is thus simultaneously the end time, though the consummation is still in the future. As Jesus appeared on earth with his resurrection, so will he appear at the consummation − his resurrection appearance is a simile of his appearance at the consummation. He will appear in a corporeal form. The writer encourages the second-generation marginalised Christians. The Roman emperor is not the victor − Jesus is the axis mundi of God’s final purpose for his creation. The final appearance of Jesus will bring redemption for the believers and mourning for the unbelievers. The κηρύσσω of Revelation 1:7 is diametrically the opposite of the chiliasts. The country of Israel and her present inhabitants have no eschatological role to fulfil at the consummation. Openbaring 1:7 dui op ’n geantisipeerde finale verskyning van Jesus met die voleinding. Hierdie κηρύσσω het uit die Joodse laat-apokaliptiese eskatologie ontwikkel. Die apokaliptiese eindtyd het met Jesus se opstanding plaasgevind en die Nuwe-Testamentiese hede is dus alreeds die eindtyd. Die voleinding is egter nog in die toekoms. Jesus se verskyning met sy opstanding is ’n metafoor vir sy koms by die voleinding. Hy sal liggaamlik verskyn. Die skrywer bemoedig die gemarginaliseerde tweede generasie Christene. Die Romeinse keiser is nie die oorwinnaar nie − Jesus is die axis mundi van God se finale plan vir sy skepping. Die finale verskyning van Jesus sal vir die gelowiges ewige verlossing bewerk, maar die ongelowiges sal in rou gedompel word. Die κηρύσσω van Openbaring 1:7 is die teenoorgestelde van die standpunt van die chiliasme. Die land en huidige volk van Israel vervul geen eskatologiese rol by die voleinding nie.

  11. Theological discourse and the postmodern condition: the case of bioethics.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dell'Oro, Roberto

    2002-01-01

    Bioethics reflects--like many other disciplines--the cultural fragmentation and the complexity of what has come to be known as the postmodern condition. The case of bioethics is particularly acute because of its epistemological indeterminacy and the moral pluralism characterizing postliberal societies. A provisional solution to this situation is the retrieval of a neo-Kantian version of ethical formalism in which concern for a consensus on rules replaces universal dialogue on moral content. The article analyzes the possible consequences of this solution with reference to theological ethics. In particular, the reduction of ethical rationality to a function of political regulation on the one hand, and the implicit legitimization of ethical relativism on the other, push any theological contribution to bioethics to the margins. The central methodological issue for the articulation of theological discourse in bioethics is how to avoid the pitfall of privatism while creating the conditions for ethical dialogue across different traditions.

  12. Perspectives on Theological Education in Malawi

    Science.gov (United States)

    Matemba, Yonah Hisbon

    2011-01-01

    This article gives an overview of (Christian) Theological Education (CTE) in Malawi. To place the discussion in its appropriate context, information about Malawi is given including the impact of Christianity on the country. The article then describes historical aspects of CTE and highlights some of its inherent shortcomings, before shifting to…

  13. The emergence of the confessional theology in Russia (18th – first half of the 19th centuries

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Eugene Lyutko

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available This article looks at a text dealing with theology as a text dealing with the reality that stands behind this text. Based on examples of three Russian church hierarchs who tried to systematise theology in the 18th and 19th centuries — Archbishop Feofan (Prokopovich, St. Philaret (Drozdov, St. Innocent (Borisov — the paper reveals and interprets the following issues: gradual penetration of categories of history, administration and church service into the structure of theology; rejection of the socalled natural theology (theologia naturalis, which takes place at the beginning of the 19th century. Proceeding from Foucauld’s methodology, we come to a conclusion about the emergence of confession in the Russian Empire of the fi rst half of the 19th century. This was an integrated and distinct social body, the key category of which was theology. Theology unites the social space of the confession by means of three key narratives: the identity (a complex of historical disciplines, administration (the canon law, or “theologia rectrix”, and pastoral theology, participation practices (liturgics. At the end of the period in question, the category of “Church” emerges within the theological system. On the one hand, this fact refl ects the completion of the process of constructing the confession; on the other hand, it is a sign of the emergence of ecclesiology, the new practice of theological discourse that came to be dominant in the following period.

  14. Tweeting dignity: A practical theological reflection on Twitter’s normative function

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jan Albert Van den Berg

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available Social media makes an important contribution to a rapidly changing world in which various domains of meaning are described anew. The evolving nature and dynamic character of social media therefore provides for a rich praxis terrain with which to interact from a practical theological orientation. More specifically associated with the theme of this contribution, the social media sphere also provides an excellent space not only to rethink but also to reenact expressions of dignity in society. The research is facilitated from a practical theological orientation, with particular focus on a normative dimension as embodied in aspects of dignity. Through the use of an interdisciplinary approach and methodology, some contours of dignity specifically associated with South African politics as well as the so-called Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015 in Paris expressed on the social media platform, Twitter, are described and discussed. From this empirical analysis, description and discussion, a practical theological reflection is offered in which aspects of dignity associated with a normativity function are described. Some practical theological perspectives contributing to future relevant tweeting on dignity are also formulated and provided in conclusion.

  15. The heroic age the creation of quantum mechanics, 1925-1940

    CERN Document Server

    Purrington, Robert D

    2018-01-01

    Quantum theory is one of the great achievements of twentieth century physics. Born at the very beginning of the century, it attained a definitive form by 1932, yet continued to evolve throughout the century. Its applications remain fully a part of modern life. It should thus come as no surprise that literature on the history of quantum theory is vast, but author Robert D. Purrington approaches the story from a new angle, by examining the original physics papers and scientific studies from before the creation of quantum mechanics to how scientists think about and discuss the subject today. The Heroic Age presents for the first time a detailed but compact and manageable history of the creation of quantum theory, and shows precisely where each important idea originated. Purrington provides the history of the crucial developmental years of quantum theory with an emphasis on the literature rather than an overview of this period focusing on personalities or personal stories of the scientists involved. This book in...

  16. Onherhaalbaar, onontdoenbaar: Die doop as simbool van eenheid in die kerk

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    David A. van Oudtshoorn

    2013-01-01

    by means of an official church ritual. Such ritualised testimonies, however, refer to the existential lifeworld of believers (their repentance, confession of faith etc. and are distinct from baptism that refers to the singular eschatological work of Christ and thus cannot be repeated. The church should, however, take pastoral care to ensure that people do not substitute their own spiritual experiences for the reality of salvation that is founded on the singular act of God, for us once and for all in Christ, to which baptism irrevocably refers.

  17. The Compatibility of Feminist Theology and Gestalt Therapy: A Study of "Practical-Values."

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hinksman, Barrie

    2001-01-01

    An on-going theoretical issue for pastoral counseling concerns the integration of psychological and theological concepts. The possibility of exploring the compatibility of Gestalt psychotherapy and feminist theology is considered with reference to the 'practical-values' of each, and it is proposed that there is significant common ground between…

  18. exploring the practical theological study of congregations

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    and the study of congregations from a practical theological perspective. .... research framework, giving a balance and sense of proportion to the study of ... starts within the congregation, with a commitment to the life and work of Christ, and then ...

  19. Incarnation theology versus the sacralisation of authority

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    2015-03-11

    Mar 11, 2015 ... Incarnational theology as constructed on the model of the ... In terms of methodology, this style aims to reflect and prioritise the personal narratives perceived ..... then they end up having nothing, so they return to TLF and the ...

  20. Accounting and Theology::An Introduction. Initiating a Dialogue Between Immediacy and Eternity

    OpenAIRE

    McPhail, Ken; Gorringe, T; Gray, R

    2004-01-01

    Presents an introduction to the articles in “Theological perspectives in accounting”, a special issue with the objectives of exploring whether a theological take on accounting is possible and if so, beginning an investigation into the insights that might be gained from a Judeo-Christian reading of accounting in particular. Briefly outlines the initial motivations in undertaking the editorship of this special issue.

  1. Karl Rahner, Walter Kasper and Hans Kung on the Current State, Problems and Dimensions of Contemporary theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pilipenko Evgenii

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available Political history, philosophy, culture and science of the 19th century came to be very important factors in the development of Christian theology, primarily in Western Europe. Major issues of correlation between modern science, philosophical concepts of the modern period, secular ethics and Christianity led to a revision of many traditional theological concepts. There were suggested new methods of solving urgent theological, pastoral and missionary problems. The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council of Roman Catholic Church represented a vivid and constructive response to contemporary challenges. German theologians were among those who contributed significantly to the dialogue between the Church and modern world. The central fi gure among them was Karl Rahner. Using achievements of modern European thought, especially transcendental and existential philosophy, Rahner made Christian theology tenable for modern historical criticism and placed the person and the experience of faith as a crucial object of theological investigation. It may seem a paradox, but the unity of Catholic dogma in the 20th century came to be established not on the unity of the formal scholastic doctrine, proclaimed straightforwardly by Church magisterium, but on theological pluralism and historical dynamism, as well as on hermeneutical analysis of the dogma and inexpressible mystical experience of Revelation proclaimed by Rahner. Walter Kasper used Rahner’s ideas when he pointed to scientific rigour, ecclesiasticism and willingness to be opened to the world as main features of modern theology. At the same time, he considers it impossible to reject metaphysics and to reduce theology to a number of disparate academic studies. He sees the Holy Scriptures and church tradition as the essential foundation for systematic theology and argues that it is necessary to restore the balance between the freedom of theological investigation and the hierarchical control of Church magisterium

  2. Seneca's theology in its philosophical context

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    van Houte, M.S.A.|info:eu-repo/dai/nl/304835862

    2010-01-01

    This study aims at a better understanding of the theological views of the Roman Stoic Seneca and the status of these views in relation to those of the earlier Stoics, and in the context of various other factors, such as the views of other philosophical schools and the purpose of Seneca's work.This

  3. A Black Theological Response to Race-Based Medicine: Reconciliation in Minority Communities.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Johnson, Kirk A

    2017-06-01

    The harm race-based medicine inflicts on minority bodies through race-based experimentation and the false solutions a race-based drug ensues within minority communities provokes concern. Such areas analyze the minority patient in a physical proxy. Though the mind and body are important entities, we cannot forget about the spirit. Healing is not just a physical practice; it includes spiritual practice. Efficient medicine includes the holistic elements of the mind, body, and spirit. Therefore, the spiritual discipline of black theology can be used as a tool to mend the harms of race-based medicine. It can be an avenue of research to further particular concerns for justice in medical care . Such theology contributes to the discussion of race-based medicine indicating the need for the voice, participation, and interdependence of minorities. Black theology can be used as a tool of healing and empowerment for health equity and awareness by exploring black theology's response to race-based medicine, analyzing race in biblical literature, using biblical literature as a tool for minority patient empowerment, building on past and current black church health advocacy with personal leadership in health advocacy.

  4. SOLUS, SOLA: Constructing a Christocentric faith model of the �ordo salutis�

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andre van Oudtshoorn

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available This article develops a non-linear model of the ordo salutis with Christ at the centre. It shows that each individual event is a manifestation of what Christ has done and a call to faith in him. Faith is shown to comprise of consensus (agreement and fiducia (trust. Through this model, the creative tension between the objective (indicative and the subjective (imperative dimensions of the gospel as well as the tension between God�s eschatological time and our unfulfilled time are maintained in such a way that they both complement and limit each other. This tension, it is argued, is intrinsically linked to the way in which Christ continues to be present within our world as both Lord and Spirit. As Lord, Jesus is proclaimed as the One who has already overcome our broken reality; as the Spirit, Christ continues to be vulnerable to be resisted and rejected by us. As the Spirit of the risen Lord, he is nevertheless able to perform miracles and overcome our broken reality as the gospel is proclaimed. A short analysis of the way in which the Bible refers to some of the events in the ordo salutis confirms the legitimacy of this model.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: It is argued that this model overcomes many objections against the traditional understanding of the ordo salutis. By challenging the underlying presuppositions of both Arminiaism and Calvinism, this article provides a unique alternative which does justice to key insights from both traditions and adds a new voice to the ongoing debate between Arian, Pelagian and semi-pelagian theologians, on the one side, and Reformed theologians, on the other side. It thus makes a significant intradisciplinary contribution to systematic theology. It also aligns the universality of salvation in Christ as the second Adam to the continuing need for a personal faith response to Christ.

  5. Introduction : [artiklikogumikule Ecumenical theological education] / Anne Kull, Pille Valk

    Index Scriptorium Estoniae

    Kull, Anne, 1959-

    2009-01-01

    Sissejuhatus kogumikule, mis sisaldab artikleid Tartu Ülikoolis 11.-14. jaan. 2007 toimunud konverentsi "Ecumenical theological education : pedagogical perspectives and practical experiences" ettekannetest

  6. The Death of God in Theology

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Saghaug, Kristin Falck; Rasmussen, Ole Horn; Lindgren, Peter

    in the new liberal economy as e.g. market laws. A theological focus on innovation and BMI is still nascent and this paper contributes to develop an area we find is of vital importance due to questions on how economics and BMI practices affect the living conditions of all beings at a global scale, where...

  7. Theology of religions in Martin Luther

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Test

    Luther earnestly translated the Bible so that all people could hear the gospel in their own language ... completed on the grounds of the understanding of Psalm 117 and John 10 (Van der .... With regard to the theology of religions as explained by Paul F. Knitter (2012), ... the execution of Jesus, Harper Collins, New York.

  8. Pupil size in Jewish theological seminary students.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shemesh, G; Kesler, A; Lazar, M; Rothkoff, L

    2004-01-01

    To investigate the authors' clinical impression that pupil size among myopic Jewish theological seminary students is different from pupil size of similar secular subjects. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 28 male Jewish theological seminary students and 28 secular students or workers who were matched for age and refraction. All participants were consecutively enrolled. Scotopic and photopic pupil size was measured by means of a Colvard pupillometer. Comparisons of various parameters between the groups were performed using the two-sample t-test, Fisher exact test, a paired-sample t-test, a two-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficients as appropriate. The two groups were statistically matched for age, refraction, and visual acuity. The seminary students were undercorrected by an average of 2.35 diopters (D), while the secular subjects were undercorrected by only 0.65 D (pwork or of apparently characteristic undercorrection of the myopia is undetermined.

  9. Exploring barriers to effective youth curriculum implementation in the Trans-Orange Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church / Justice Mavanyisi Mongwe

    OpenAIRE

    Mongwe, Justice Mavanyisi

    2014-01-01

    This research sought to establish the hindrances/barriers to the effective implementation of the Adventist youth ministry curriculum in the congregations of the Trans-Orange Conference. The theological and Biblical foundations that underpin the church’s youth ministry and its curriculum ought to provide the church with a cutting edge in its youth ministry, and ought to assist tremendously in achieving the major twin goals of its youth ministry, i.e. salvation and service. Its detailed curricu...

  10. Robert Oppenheimer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rival, M.

    1995-01-01

    Graduate from Harvard, reputed professor, founder of the first theoretical physics high school of the Usa, Robert Oppenheimer is nominated in 1942 scientific director of the ''Y project'', the research program for the nuclear weapon fabrication. This book describes its life and the evolution of the Los Alamos researches up to the first test, its opposition to the thermo-nuclear weapon, and the maccarthysm period. (A.B.)

  11. „Garden among the Flames”. The Erotics of Imperium, Ecclesial Bodies, and Queering the Marriage

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marek Woszczek

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available The article is an attempt to map more closely a queer revolutionarypotential of Christian theology, which has two sources: historico-political (anti--imperial roots of Christianity in a colonial situation, generating a permanentopposition against the imperial ideologies of the „eternal order”, virtue and power,as well as some comprehensive parodistic strategies, and religio-imaginative (theologyof Incarnation and Resurrection as revolutionary discourses set against the wholeancient metaphysical tradition working around the concept of „nature” and thepositive, determining orders of being / universe, which stabilize the political imperialorders, homonoia. The Christian projects turned out to be both „deviant” and„reappriopriative”: crypto-political radicalism of Christian theology of Incarnationand Resurrection has produced an enormous tension being relieved by some naturalizationof a higher order, but that tension cannot be erased without destroyingthe very anti-imperial and anti-naturalistic foundations of the theology. Christianerotic eschatology of the „saving failures” as a religio-political utopia has nothingto do with the „natural order” or community of republican / imperial subjects andtheir virtues, which is why the political, ecclesial bodies are the queer bodies, unableto be regular organs within the „perfect body” as an eternal schēma.

  12. La Iglesia y la universalidad de la salvación en el cristianismo

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rodrigo Polanco

    2003-01-01

    Dios, para seguimiento de los hombres; y como instrumento de la gracia, que intercede por todos. A ella se vinculan todos los hombres de diversos modos. El autor concluye afirmando que la realidad de la Iglesia muestra que Dios asume lo finito y lo hace lugar e instrumento de salvación para los hombresThe present article is a reflection about the universality of the salvation in the Christianity. It begins defining the salvation as men's communion with God and among men, with the meaning of plenitude for mankind. Then, it refers to Christ as the only mediator between God and mankind, because it is God himself incarnated as a man, insuperable plenitude of the revelation. This salvation, because of its characteristics of definite and absolute, becomes eschatological and universal. On the other hand, if the whole mankind has been transformed (=sanctified for the coming of Christ, it is called at the same time to receive conscious and freely this universal salvation. It is the God's kingdom that has broken into earth. Then, the article studies the role of the Church in this universal salvation: as of incarnation, that has done the concrete way of salvation, the Church has established as sacrament, that means, the universal sign and instrument of salvation. It is the presence of Christ in the everlasting history of salvation. The Church, although is a little flock, at the same time it is the safe germ of salvation, because it is, at the same time, sacrament of God's kingdom, sacrament of Christ dead and resurrected, sacrament of Holy Spirit and eschatological reality. Afterwards, the author reflects on the fact of the sacramental characteristic of the Church: the "ecclesial" (ie. the formal and established organization belongs to the essence of the relation of man with God, and the symbolic-sacramental belongs to the essence of human communication. That is the reason, the Word, in the incarnation, has assumed the human reality and has become the Father's sacraments, and

  13. The stony road we tread: The challenges and contributions of Black Liberation Theology in post-apartheid South Africa

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mothoagae, Itumeleng Daniel

    2012-06-01

    Full Text Available The Great Trek of 1838 brought about a belief in the supremacy of the Dutch descendants in South Africa. Their 1948 election victory authenticated for them their interpretation of theology and their historical experiences of Gods involvement in their lives. Black Theology challenged the perception of Afrikaner supremacy and their theological hegemony, although Mosala argued against the blindness of black theologians in their criticism of white theology because they were actually using the same tools of analysis that whites had traditionally used to justify their case (Mosala and Tlhagale 1986:175196. Mosala . This article discusses a paper presented at a conference in Cairo by Takatso Mofokeng on the issue of land, and further outlines the challenges and contributions of Black Theology today.

  14. Calvin’s election mix in small-scale theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    James A. Loader

    2009-11-01

    Full Text Available This paper shows how Calvin’s ideas about the Old Testament concept of Israel’s election can be dangerous when they are applied uncritically. The main illustration material is drawn from a context the author was himself part of, notably the South African apartheid theology of Calvinist provenance. The paper begins with documenting Calvin’s views on Israel and Israel’s election in the Old Testament, moving to a consideration of how this motif was connected to the idea of predestination and construed to become an instrument to defend apartheid in what may be called a substandard theology. It is suggested that a glance at the English-speaking world shows surprising similarities that justify further consideration. In this title several dimensions are present that need to be explicated.

  15. Teaching Historical Theology at the University of Pretoria - Some introductory remarks

    OpenAIRE

    Dreyer, Wim A.

    2017-01-01

    The Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria went through a process of restructuring, resulting in the amalgamation of Dogmatics, Christian Ethics, Church History and Church Polity into one department under the name ‘Systematic and Historical Theology’. This contribution reflects only on the one aspect, namely Historical Theology. The point is made that a name change could not mean ‘business as usual’, but should be regarded as an opportunity to re-imagine the content and structure o...

  16. Leadership through theological education: Two case studies in South African history

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    G. A. Duncan

    2002-08-01

    Full Text Available The quality of visionary leadership requires serious attention in current South Africa, both because of its importance but also sometimes because of the lack of leadership in church and theological contexts. In the first section of this article, focus is placed on leadership in the Faculty of Theology (NG Kerk at the University of Pretoria, and in the second section, on the leadership at the Lovedale Missionary Institution in the Eastern Cape. Finally, some comparisons and conditions are drawn.

  17. Pragmaticism, Science and Theology

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Brier, Søren

    2016-01-01

    This review assesses Ashley and Deely’s claims regarding the relation of science and religion, taking Einstein’s famous statement that “science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind” as its starting point. It argues that Ashley and Deely’s book How Science Enriches Theology...... demonstrates that the actual problem in the contemporary dialogue between the two seem to be whether the link between science and religion shall be based on an impersonal process spirituality arising from a void or on a personalism with a personal god at the source....

  18. Problems Encountered in Teaching Logic in Faculties of Theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hülya ALTUNYA

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available From the past until today logic has always been affiliated with religious education in institutes of higher learning. In the history of Islamic thought, education in logic has at times held an important place in the curriculum, while at other times it has only been represented symbolically. Throughout the history of thought, religious sciences have not only possessed a hierarchical structure based on classification, but have also been institutionalized in order to protect the accumulation of the knowledge that has been attained. As a result, in order to function as a vehicle in the structuring of this knowledge, logic has become what is known as an introductory science. Over time, as a vehicle of religious sciences and an introductory science, logic has become a productive method by which different academic disciplines can attain information. Thus, until today in religious sciences education, logic has been used as a method both in the higher religious education provided in faculties of theology and in the madrasas which continue this education. In this paper, the education of logic that is given in faculties of theology, including how much of the curriculum is devoted to this subject, the quality of instruction, the integration of this subject with other lessons, the interest of students in this subject and whether or not the necessary productivity in logic instruction is being attained will be examined. In addition, to what extent logic can make new contributions to new thought and comprehension techniques for solving the theological problems of today will be investigated. An additional research question asked here is the extent to which students enrolled in theology faculties in formal and informal education, the very people who will later act as instructors in religious sciences, are aware of the importance of being familiar and skilled in “correct reasoning techniques”.

  19. THE DEMOKTESIS OF ROBERT NOZICK A DEMOKTESIS DE ROBERT NOZICK

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luiz Felipe Netto de Andrade e Silva Sahd

    2008-04-01

    Full Text Available the present article aims at reconstructing Robert Nozick’s cen-tral arguments about the extreme positions held by North American li-bertarians who do not distinguish between Welfare state and totalitarian state. Despite divergences on a pivotal question, that of the state, there are some affinities between Nozick and this current of thought. Contrary to the anarchist theory, the Minimal state is preferable to the state of nature as described by John locke.O presente artigo tem como objetivo reconstruir argumentos cen-trais, desenvolvidos por Robert Nozick, acerca das posições extremas que não diferenciam Estado-providência e Estado totalitário na política dos libertarianos norte-americanos, isto é, sobre as afinidades percebidas por Nozick com as teses desta corrente de pensamento, embora se afastando num ponto essencial: a questão do Estado. Ao contrário da teoria anar-quista, o Estado mínimo é preferível ao estado de natureza, tal como John locke o descreve.

  20. Salvator Karabaić (1884-1956): the profile of an eyceptional Psychiatrist/Neuropsychiatrist with outstanding managing capabilities.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pavlovic, Eduard

    2008-01-01

    Salvator Karabaić was born in Krk in 1884. In 1904, he finished a grammar school in Susak, and in 1910 graduated from the Vienna Medical School. From 1910 to 1919, he worked in Pula/Pola and Kovin. From 1919 to 1929 he worked at the Institute for Mental illnesses Stenjevec (today the Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce) where in 1921 he became the head physician (orig. primarius) at the age of 37 years only. Between 1929 and 1945, he worked in Sarajevo as a Head of the State Hospital's Neuropsychiatry Department. In 1948 he was appointed the director of the Hospital for Mental Illnesses in Sarajevo. The hospital was in fact a remodelled rope factory with a favourable position near a homestead. He managed this institution until 1956. He died on 24 September 1956 at a hospital surgery ward in Sarajevo. Judging by Dr Karabaić's ability to take care of 200 psychiatric patients alone, he was an outstanding figure with enormous experience. A lot of it he earned during the Vrapce hospital period between 1919 and 1929. He had the opportunity to work with the outstanding figures of Croatian psychiatry such as Dr Ivo Zirovcić, Dr Laza Stanojević, Dr Ivan Barbot, and Dr Aleksej KuljZenko The author suggests that a more systematic research is needed to understand the work and the life of Dr Salvator Karabaić, who was a talented and hardworking psychiatrist/ neuropsychiatrist with outstanding managing capabilities, and a person who above all cared for his patients.

  1. Materialism, Dialectics and Theology in Alain Badiou

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Karlsen, Mads Peter

    2014-01-01

    into an idealist and materialist dialectic, and presents an exposition of the latter. The second section outlines Badiou's critical analysis of the theological model implicit in Hegel's dialectics. The third section investigates the core of this criticism through a discussion of Badiou's reading of the “negation...

  2. From Quantum theory to Quantum theology: A leap of faith

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M. M.J. Basson

    1997-12-01

    Full Text Available This article is aimed at introducing multi valued logic as an epistemic model for theological thought within the  reformational-dialectic paradigm. Nowadays, reformational-dialectic theology is challenged by postmodem culture, interreligious exposure and scientific discoveries, which subsequently lead to new and unaccounted world-views. As a result, an epistemological shift based on an expanded rationality is called for. It is in this regard that multivalued-logic emerges as an epistemic model specifically developed to accommodate diversity, uncertainty and probability as well as, to restore hope and faith in the hearts of millions.

  3. The Primacy of Shiite Theology over that of the Mutazilites

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Habib Karkon Beiragh

    2015-09-01

    Full Text Available Shiites' historically tumultuous life has always been exposed to numerous charges. One of these charges is the claim that the Shiites have received their creed from the Mutazilites. Despite the antiquity of the charge and the fact that Shia scholars have tried to answer it, the charge is still in force. The present study seeks to review the historical roots of such allegations and tries to investigate their causes by referring to some old and modern sources. It also attempts to reply the charges by indicating the distinctions between the Shiite and Mutazilite theological systems and as a result the primacy of Shiite theology over the Mutazilite will be proved. To reject the claim saying the Shiites have obtained their creeds from the Mutazilites, we have mentioned numerous proofs, the titles of which are as follow: A The refutations offered by the Shiites against the Mutazilites B The rebukes of the Mutazilites by Shiite Imams and scholars C The debates of Shiite Imams and scholars with the Mutazilites D The conversion of some Mutazilites to the Shiism E Shiism has been charged with "Rafḍ" by the Mutzilites. F  The difference between Shiite and Mutazilite political position. G The Shiite belief in infallible Imam, despite the Mutzilites.  H The fundamental differences of Shiite and Mu'tazilite beliefs. In this research, to answer the question: "why the Shiites are called Mutazilite by some?" four different reasons have been offered which are as follow: A Shiite and Mutazilite common views in some principles such as the idea of freewill, and rational good and evil. B Studentship of Zaid bin Ali with Vasil bin 'Ata C The Mutazilites calling themselves as the Shiite D The practice of Taqiyyeh by some Shiite scholars Based on what was mentioned above, the differentiation of Shiite and Mutazilite theologies are proved. To prove the primacy of Shiite theology over that of Mutazilite, it is sufficient to refer to some of the remarks of Imam Ali (A

  4. Book Review: Ecology and economics: Partners in theological ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies. Journal Home · ABOUT · Advanced Search · Current Issue · Archives · Journal Home > Vol 67, No 3 (2011) >. Log in or Register to get access to full text downloads.

  5. ON THE MYTHOLOGICAL FORM OF BIBLE NARRATIVE ABOUT THE CREATION OF THE WORLD

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A. SALTYKOV

    2008-05-01

    Full Text Available With regard to the fact of partial correspondence between six-day creation order in the Bible and facts of contemporary cosmology, and considering this to be a signifi cant confi rmation that the revelation about the origins of the earthly life given in the Scriptures is true, the author at the same time suggests to acknowledge that there could not exist any suffi cientlycomplete «concordance» of Bible and science. According to the author, we can seek solution of the problems emerging in this connection in approaches to the Holy Scriptures contemplated in the Russian theology and religious philosophy in the XXthcentury, in particular using the worked out there concept «meta-history» and developed there the realistic theory of myth

  6. Essay in honor of Robert Motherwell's centenary: “temporalized form”: mediating Romanticism and American Expressionism—Robert Motherwell, Henri Bergson, and the ontological origins of abstraction around 18001

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Manfred Milz

    2016-02-01

    Full Text Available The influence of process metaphysics on the development of abstraction between 1800 and the second half of the 20th century can best be exemplified with the case of the American Expressionist painter and theoretician Robert Motherwell (1915–1991. Taking as its starting point Motherwell's exposure to the History of Idea of Romanticism, Arthur O. Lovejoy's yearlong seminar at Harvard (1937–38, the artist's affinity with fluid forms through motion brushstrokes in Romanticist painting is analyzed as a preformative stage of his own transitory creations. This is done by structural comparison between Motherwell's written reflections and Romanticist art theory. Motherwell's specific perception through Bergson's and Whitehead's lens of immanence and multiplicity, I argue, resonates Lovejoy's principle of “Romantic Evolutionism,” in its turn from being to becoming, derived from the philosophies of the Spiritualist Maine de Biran and the Idealist–Empiricist George Berkeley.

  7. Robert Adrian X / Robert Adrian X ; interv. Tilman Baumgärtel

    Index Scriptorium Estoniae

    Adrian X, Robert

    2006-01-01

    1997. a. Ljubljanas tehtud intervjuu 1972. aastast Viinis elava kanada kunstniku Robert Adrian X-ga (sünd. 1935), kes töötas 1970-ndate lõpul ja 1980-ndate alguses telefoni, faksi ja varaste kirjakstisüsteemidega kunstiprojektide kallal, osales 1970-ndate ja 1980-ndate multimeediaprojektides

  8. Vocation in Theology and Psychology: Conflicting Approaches?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rotman, Marco

    2017-01-01

    Recent contributions in the fields of psychology, sociology, and theology reveal opposing attitudes about the subject of calling or vocation with regard to one's work. Whereas psychologists have rediscovered the concept, theologians increasingly show reluctance to accept a vocational view of work. In offering an alternative perspective, this…

  9. Theological imagination as hermeneutical device: Exploring the ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    In the past, biblical scholarship has neglected the hermeneutical contribution that an imaginal engagement with the text may make. The author's aim in this article was to develop theological imagination as a hermeneutical device. This was done by briefly considering the concurrence in the hermeneutic contributions of three ...

  10. The role of the theology of retribution in the growth of Pentecostal-Charismatic churches in Africa

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jonathan Kangwa

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available This article considers the contribution of the theology of retribution to the growth of Pentecostal-charismatic churches in Africa. It argues that the beliefs and practices of African Pentecostal-charismatic churches uphold the theology of retribution. The success of prophecy and healing in these churches is based on their extensive engagement with the theology of retribution. To show this, the article begins with a brief review of the principle of retribution, describing it as resulting from the conception of a perfect and just universe in which every human deed brings with it consequences. Good deeds are followed by good consequences, evil deeds have bad consequences. Based on this understanding of retribution, the article discusses beliefs and practices of Pentecostal-charismatic churches which support the principle of retribution and whose involvement in healing and prophecy is attractive to Africans. The article concludes that the current discourse on Pentecostal-charismatic churches in Africa focuses strongly on the aspects of healing and prophecy while neglecting the contribution made by the theology of retribution to the popularity of these churches.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Located within African theologies and African church history, this article maintains that the current discourse on Pentecostal and charismatic churches in Africa, as it concentrates on healing and prophecy, overlooks the role played by the theology of retribution in the growth of these churches.

  11. Introduction to special issue: Robert Jay Kastenbaum (1932-2013).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fulton, Robert; Klass, Dennis; Doka, Kenneth J; Kastenbaum, Beatrice

    The three pieces in this section introduce the Festschrift celebrating the works and influence of Omega: Journal of Death and Dying's founding editor, Robert Kastenbaum. Robert Fulton, an early Associate Editor of the Journal begins with some personal reflections on Kastenbaum. Klass and Doka then describe the nature of the Festschrift. A closing coda by Robert Kastenbaum's wife, Beatrice Kastenbaum, reminds us of the person behind the work.

  12. Forum-ing: Signature practice for public theological discourse ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies. Journal Home · ABOUT THIS JOURNAL · Advanced Search · Current Issue · Archives · Journal Home > Vol 70, No 1 (2014) >. Log in or Register to get access to full text downloads.

  13. Robert Smithsoni ülevaade

    Index Scriptorium Estoniae

    1999-01-01

    Ameerika maakunstniku Robert Smithsoni (1938-1973) retrospektiivnäitus 12. sept.-ni Stockholmi Moodsa Kunsti Muuseumis. Kunstnikule maailmakuulsuse toonud tööst, 1970. a. Utah' osariigi Suurde Soolajärve ehitatud spiraalmuulist "Spiral Jetty".

  14. Theological training in the black Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hulisani Ramantswana

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available This article presents a historic analysis of theological training in the black Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA − Southland Synod (Coloured, Synod Midlands (black and Synod Soutpansberg (black − and highlights the major trends with regard to theological training. Four phases are identified: (1 1910–1951, informal training of evangelists and ministers on a local basis; (2 1952–1960, the beginning of formal training of ministers and evangelists; (3 1961–1989, training under the 1961 Theological Training Policy for the black RCSA; and (4 1990 to today, theological training in the black RCSA in the context of the new South Africa. Teologiese opleiding in die swart Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika (GKSA. Die artikel bied ’n historiese ontleding van teologiese opleiding in die swart Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika − Suidland Sinode (Kleurling, Middellande Sinode (swart en Soutpansberg Sinode (swart − en beklemtoon die belangrikste tendense met betrekking tot teologiese opleiding. Vier fases word in die artikel geïdentifiseer: (1 1910–1951, informele opleiding van evangeliste en leraars op ’n plaaslike basis; (2 1952–1960, die begin van die formele opleiding van predikante en evangeliste; (3 1961–1989, opleiding onder die 1961 Teologiese Opleidingsbeleid in die swart GKSA; en (4 1990 tot vandag, teologiese opleiding in die swart GKSA in die konteks van die nuwe Suid-Afrika.

  15. Theological Discourse in Bioethics: General and Confessional Differencies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Basia Nikiforova

    2011-04-01

    Full Text Available This essay is devoted to the problem of theological discourse in bioethics. We focus both on general positions shared across major existing religions and substantial confessional differences among them. Among the major categories determining relationship between bioethics and religion we studied the following: “image of God” (imago Dei, casuistry, primacy of procreation, “playing God”, artificial procreation and others. After analyzing Christian, Jewish and Islamic positions on the theological interpretation of the reproductive technologies and human cloning, we came to a conclusion that differences in views depend rather on orthodox, conservative, traditional or liberal viewpoint within a given church than on differences between particular religions. Despite substantial faith-related differences, occasionally, views on reproductive technologies and other problems of bioethics seem closer between liberal Protestants and liberal Judaists than between orthodox and reformist Judaists. 

  16. Anthropology of St. Theophan the Recluse and the Origin of First Personalistic Concepts in Russian Theology

    OpenAIRE

    Khondzinskii Pavel,

    2017-01-01

    Studying the development of personalistic ideas in Russian theology, we are led to Kiev school as a starting point in this development. It was Kiev Theological Academy that paid serious attention to the study of philosophy and psychology of the modern period earlier than other religious schools did. The initial features of the school of thought that we deal with first manifested themselves in lectures by St. Innocent of Kherson, rector of Kiev Theological Academy, and in his controversy with K...

  17. Tradition, modernity and the future of African theology

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    During my research in the field of African traditional religion and Christianity I .... and their protest against the old is a cry for psychological, social and spiritual ...... B.A.(Theology) Dissertation, University of Malawi, 1996; for the Christian faith,.

  18. Approaches to capturing the Black and White Tegu Salvator merianae (Squamata: Teiidae

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    Renata C. Vieira

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available ABSTRACT The use of traps is extremely important in several types of ecological studies, and may assist in the capture of individuals in areas that are difficult to access. In the present study, we compared the effectiveness of wooden (Schramm versus "Tomahawk" traps to capture Salvator merianae (Duméril & Bibron, 1839 lizards. The study was conducted in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Field data were collected from August 2013 to March 2015, during the reproductive period of the species. The study involved two types of baited traps: i "Tomahawk", made of galvanized steel; and ii Schramm, a wooden trap. The capture rate of the Schramm wooden traps was 1.63 individuals/day, and of the "Tomahawk" was 0.36 individuals/day. These results are important for researchers working with large lizards and may help to increase sampling efficiency for these organisms.

  19. Anomy in Dostoiévski: denial of references

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    Flávio Honório da Silva

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available The paper aims to reflect about the concept of anomy in Notes from Underground from Dostoievski analyzing the exacerbated individualism, constant dissatisfaction, a ethical and moral vacuum triggered by exercise of the ratio between other elements that can be understood as a social sin. In a theological approach the paper want to draw a parallel between  the anomy as social sin and the consciousness of social sin as open to salvation trough love.Keywords: Anomie, social sin, nihilism, God

  20. SHARIA AS LOCAL THEOLOGY: REFLECTION ON ACEHNESE CULTURE AND IDENTITY

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    Saifuddin Dhuhri

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available This article elucidates local theology, which encapsulates in the work of shari’a in Acehnese contexts. The argument of this article is grounded in the Acehnese historical epochs in which Acehnese cultural identity were formulated. I argue that Acehnese shari’a is the set of local rituals, beliefs and ideas as the production of local interpretation of Islam, which responds to local cultural identity. That version of Islam works as local theology, which embodies sacred and divine values and is perceived as local identity and ideology. Building on Tibi’s, Salim’s and Nuim’s argument on shari’a and Hall’s perspective on identity and ideology, I examine the work of shari’a in Acehnese historical times, and its relation to Acehnese culture and ideology. There are four indications that shari’a holds central role in formulating the Acehnese theology, where local cultural identity and ideology are seen as part of Islamic religiosity, namely the process of Islamization of Southeast Asia, the function of local Islamic traditional boarding education (dayah, the distribution of local power, and the work of local arts.

  1. Knowing, believing, living in Africa: A practical theology perspective of the past, present and future

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    Gordon E. Dames

    2013-02-01

    Full Text Available The new democratic era in South Africa brought Western cultural influences forcefully into public and private living domains. This dichotomy deformed African cultures in many ways (Bujo & Muya. Local communities were previously ‘public people’ living and worshipping in transformative hermeneutical communities. This scenario has changed and local communities are steadily being driven into private spaces. The task of practical theology is to question what the undergirding epistemology and beliefs for this shift are and to reinterpret it in the light of the gospel. The impact of Western culture on African traditional villages is telling in so far as traditional African values and practices are being lost at the expense of Western ideology, technology, media, et cetera (Bujo & Muya. We argue that the former dominant monodisciplinary approach of practical theology contributed to a growing private individualist worldview. Practical theology has since developed into an interdisciplinary approach. This newfound reciprocity in the social sciences led to constructive change in church and society (Dingemans. Practical theology in Africa has to deal with an individualised, pluralistic world and tendencies of discontinuity, uncertainty, violence and destruction. In South Africa, practical theology is called upon to redress the dichotomies and defaults of Western and African cultures, respectively.

  2. The rhetorical strategy of William Paley's Natural theology (1802): part 1, William Paley's Natural theology in context.

    Science.gov (United States)

    O'Flaherty, Niall

    2010-03-01

    This article reconstructs the historical and philosophical contexts of William Paley's Natural theology (1802). In the wake of the French Revolution, widely believed to be the embodiment of an atheistic political credo, the refutation of the transmutational biological theories of Buffon and Erasmus Darwin was naturally high on Paley's agenda. But he was also responding to challenges arising from his own moral philosophy, principally the psychological quandary of how men were to be kept in mind of the Creator. It is argued here that Natural theology was the culmination of a complex rhetorical scheme for instilling religious impressions that would increase both the virtue and happiness of mankind. Philosophy formed an integral part of this strategy, but it did not comprise the whole of it. Equally vital were those purely rhetorical aspects of the discourse which, according to Paley, were more concerned with creating 'impression'. This facet of his writing is explored in part one of this two-part article. Turning to the argumentative side of the scheme, part two examines Paley's responses to David Hume and Erasmus Darwin in the light of the wider strategy of inculcation at work throughout all his writings.

  3. Running with Perseverance: the Theological Library’s Challenge of Keeping Pace With Changing Students

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nancy K. Falciani-White

    2008-11-01

    Full Text Available In the last thirty years, the study habits and learning styles of students have changed, influenced by parenting styles, pop culture, and the influx of technology into their lives. Those students studying theology in seminaries and universities across the United States have likewise changed dramatically. Their ages, ethnicity, gender, technological ability, and goals have all changed, as have their expectations for their education and their library. This paper will examine the characteristics of those students considered to be part of the “Millennial” generation, examine how these characteristics apply to students of theology, and explore the impact that these characteristics are having, and will continue to have, on theological libraries.

  4. Running with Perseverance: The Theological Library’s Challenge of Keeping Pace With Changing Students

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nancy K. Falciani-White

    2008-11-01

    Full Text Available In the last thirty years, the study habits and learning styles of students have changed, influenced by parenting styles, pop culture, and the influx of technology into their lives. Those students studying theology in seminaries and universities across the United States have likewise changed dramatically. Their ages, ethnicity, gender, technological ability, and goals have all changed, as have their expectations for their education and their library. This paper will examine the characteristics of those students considered to be part of the “Millennial” generation, examine how these characteristics apply to students of theology, and explore the impact that these characteristics are having, and will continue to have, on theological libraries.

  5. GOD IS HUMBLE AND KNOWS HOW TO DANCE!: AS A TRINITARIAN TEOPO(ETHIC): THE SENSIBLE REASON TRINITARIAN AS OTHER THEOLOGICAL RATIONALITY IN THE POSTMODERN HORIZON

    OpenAIRE

    RODRIGO CARDOSO CONDEIXA DA COSTA

    2015-01-01

    A tese doutoral que tens sob teus olhos nasceu de uma caminhada. Ela é parte integrante de nossa ventura, na lida da vida, como discípulo do Mestre de Nazaré: vinculada a uma genuína vocação pastoral e teológica. O tema aqui tratado está inextricavelmente ligado a uma intensa vivência como humano, cristão e professor de teologia: fruto de uma transfiguradora experiência de Deus; de um encontro com o Sentido da vida: uma caminhada feita de afastamentos, descaminhos, dúvidas, incertezas, de noi...

  6. Pentecostal Theology of Mission in the Making

    Science.gov (United States)

    Karkkainen, Veli-Matti

    2004-01-01

    While Pentecostals are known for productive and widespread mission work, theological reflection has not kept up with praxis. In recent years, however, a number of leading Pentecostal theologians have started to reflect on key issues such as what are the underlying motifs and distinguishing features as well as urgent challenges facing Pentecostal…

  7. El problema de la salvación y sus mediaciones, en el contexto de la Declaración Conjunta católico-luterana sobre la doctrina de la justificación

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Anneliese Meis W.

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available El presente estudio requiere de un esfuerzo conceptual aplicado, tanto en lo que se refiere a la "salvación" cuanto a la "mediación", ya que esos conceptos constituyen el objeto primordial de la Declaración Conjunta sobre la justificación (=DCJ, firmada el 31 de agosto de 1999 en Augsburgo. Como aquí se trata de una documentación compleja, con una historia redaccional difícil se presentará brevemente 1 La salvación en la DCJ, logros y límites desde la perspectiva católica. II La salvación en las interpretaciones teológicas protestantes de la DCJ. A continuación, III La mediacion de la salvación, sus posibilidades y aporías. Para luego concluir con algunas tareas pendientes.The present study requires an applied conceptual effort, both in regards to "salvation" as to "mediation", because these concepts constitute the main object of the Joint Declaration about Justification (= DJC signed on August 31, 1999 in Augsburg. Given the complexity of the documentation, with a difficult story for its writing, the article will briefly present: I The achievements and limits of the salvation in DJC, from a catholic perspective. II The salvation in the protestant theological interpretations in the DJC. III The mediation of salvation, its probabilities and aporias, finishing up with some pending tasks.

  8. Listening to Africa’s children in the process of practical theological interpretation: A South African application

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    Ignatius Swart

    2012-11-01

    Full Text Available As part of the theological task of developing a publicly oriented ministry that will do justice to the social plight of children in Africa, this article adopted as its point of departure an appreciation of the new ‘hermeneutics of listening’ that is advanced today by an interdisciplinary movement of scholars from the disciplines of practical theology, theological ethics and religion studies. Emphasising the fact that this new hermeneutics is by and large the result of this scholarly movement’s newly-found engagement with, and exposure to, the social science field of childhood studies, the article moved from a more general appreciation of the new hermeneutical line of thinking to a more pertinent evaluation of the unfolding of this line of thinking in the scholarly context of Africa. In a further development that narrows the African focus to South Africa, the results from a recent empirical investigation amongst members of the South African practical theological academy were discussed in particular to determine the extent of this group’s shift to the new line of thinking. This led the article to make a concluding statement, in the light of its overt practical theological interest, about the way in which the new ‘hermeneutics of listening’ to children could still be seen as an important ongoing challenge, not only for practical theological scholarship in South Africa but also within the larger context of Africa.

  9. The need of discoursing social theology in Muslim Southeast Asia

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    Azhar Ibrahim

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available This paper highlights and evaluates the significance of an emerging social theologicaldiscourse in contemporary Muslim Southeast Asia. It emerged partlyas a response to the traditional Islamic theology inasmuch as the revivalistdakwah activism that became prominent since the 1970s. This emerging discourseis part of the continuity and extension of the reformist voices whichhave evolved since the late 19th century. As a theology, it puts discourse aboutGod as its premium but extend its focus on the social dimension of faith inGod, of the social message of the religion, and the social responsibility of theman and community of faith in God, and to their fellow human beings. Todaythere are several books and articles written which can be classified as belongingto this genre of social theology. In Indonesia this discursive theologycan be found in rational, humanistic, transformative cultural, and the oppressedtheologies. It opens a wider realm of participation and engagement,where theology is no longer the exclusive affairs of experts, but inclusive of thelay intellectuals who are not necessarily from a strictly religious background.It also enables the Muslim public to comprehend critically and to cope creativelywith rapid social change, and its attendant problems. Theology is, afterall, a human enterprise, albeit it’s strong religious commitment. To harnessthe potentiality of the social theology, calls for its recognition. Herein lies the need to start studying and engaging them discerningly, or to advance its criticaldimensions for the benefits of the larger Muslim public.Paper ini menyoroti dan mengevaluasi pentingnya wacana teologi sosial yangmuncul dalam periode kontemporer Muslim Asia Tenggara. Teologi sosialmuncul sebagian sebagai tanggapan terhadap teologi Islam tradisional karenaaktivisme dakwah revivalis yang semakin menonjol sejak tahun 1970-an. Wacanayang muncul di sini merupakan bagian dari kontinuitas dan perluasan suarareformis yang

  10. Ministerial formation of theological students through distance education

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marilyn Naidoo

    2012-02-01

    Full Text Available Ministerial formation is a multifaceted activity involving critical thinking, the acquisition of knowledge, skills development, religious identity formation and the development of ministerial and spiritual maturity expected of church ministers. Education is not merely the accumulation of a prescribed set of academic credits but includes the holistic formation of all aspects of the individual. However, theological educators are concerned about the capacity to foster such values and skills in the distance and electronic environment. Some see distance education as ‘distancing’ the students in more significant ways than simply geographic distance. These issues are of fundamental importance for they reflect the deeper convictions of theologians that distance education may not be a suitable medium for ministerial formation. This article creates a conceptual map of the theological and pedagogical challenges for ministerial formation and highlights how the possibility of formation is being carried out in the distance-learning environment.

  11. JEAN DANIÉLOU (1905–1974: CARDINAL, SCHOLAR, THEOLOGI AND EDICATED TO THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH

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    P. MIKHAYLOV

    2009-08-01

    Full Text Available Author overviews life and activities of well-known Catholic theologian of the XXthcentury — Jean Daniélou, and also analyses his main works in patristics, early Christian theology, theology of Christian mission etc. This article may be useful to everyone who is interested in the destinies of Christian theology nowaday

  12. Governance in International Theological Education: A Study in Asia, the Caribbean, Eurasia, and Latin America

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ferenczi, Jason E.

    2012-01-01

    Recent literature on theological education calls for renewal and increased responsiveness to the needs of churches and broader society. A theological school's ability to achieve responsiveness in a changing environment is based on many factors. This study explores the role of governance in assuring responsiveness in various contexts, including…

  13. Orthodox Theology and Empirical Science: Kant as a Bridge to the Apophatic Revelation of the Orthodox East

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    David K. GOODIN

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available The Orthodox theological worldview often finds itself confronted by the unspoken nihilism of empiricism, with little common ground for dialogue. This article establishes that common ground for discursive exchange through exploring the apophatic aspects of Kantian transcendental theology, which in turn can become a bridge to the Orthodox negative theology. Kant drew continental thought along certain foundational lines with his critique of pure reason and transcendental idealism; it was his way to locate empirical science with respect to the perceptual foundations of thought, which are properly understood philosophically. In this project, Kant would seek to secure the Christian faith in the transcendental—i.e., that which underlies all empirical experience. Even so, certain openings to traditional religious mysticism are also to be found in his project, particularly with respect to transcendental theology. This article explores these Kantian foundations for an apophatic transcendental theology in relation to the hesychastic writings of Gregory of Sinai, Gregory Palamas, and Nikitas Stithatos. This in turn becomes a new inroad for dialogue with empirical science.

  14. The Black Atlantic as reversal: A reappraisal of African and black theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hans Engdahl

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available In this article, I will try to do three things. Firstly, pay attention to the notion of Black Atlantic as coined by Paul Gilroy, which in effect could signify a reversal of colonialism and slavery. Secondly, revisit the 1970s and the debate about the relevance of Black theology vis-à-vis African theology, using John Mbiti’s article ‘An African Views American Black Theology’ as entry point. Here, I will discuss contributions also made by Desmond Tutu and James Cone. Thirdly, starting with the premise that both theologies are relevant and soul mates today, which would (probably be confirmed by all the above mentioned at this point in time, an assessment of current voices will be made, that is, Tinyiko Maluleke and Vuyani Vellem on black and African ecclesiologies from a South African perspective, and Lawrence Burnley on the fate of the Black Church in the United States.

  15. Radiographic Assessment of the Robert and Lateral Views in Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthrosis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Oheb, Jonathan; Lansinger, Yuri; Jansen, Joshua A; Nguyen, Jimmy Q; Porembski, Margaret A; Rayan, Ghazi M

    2015-01-01

    To evaluate the effectiveness of the Robert view in assessing trapeziometacarpal arthrosis and to compare the accuracy of the Robert and lateral views in staging trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint arthrosis. Patient demographics were obtained. Four participating raters reviewed 62 randomly selected thumb x-rays of patients presenting with thumb TM joint pain. Lateral and Robert-hyperpronation views were assessed using an analysis of 13 criteria. X-rays of 62 thumbs for 58 patients were evaluated. The average patients' age was 64 (47-87) and 51 (80%) were females. The majority of X-rays evaluated fell into stage 3. Stage 2 was the second most common level of arthritis encountered and the least was stage 1. More osteophytes were encountered in the trapezium than metacarpal on both the Robert and lateral views. The Robert view was superior in detecting osteophytes on the trapezium than the lateral view. Osteophyte size varied from 1.7 to 2 mm. The lateral view displayed 61 cases with dorsal metacarpal subluxation (98%). The Robert view displayed 48 cases (77%) with radial metacarpal subluxation and 9 cases (15%) with ulnar metacarpal subluxation. Thumb metacarpal adduction deformity was encountered on the lateral view in 20 cases (32%) whereas on the Robert view it was encountered in 14 cases (23%). Subchondral sclerosis was encountered on the Robert view in 56 thumbs (90%) while it was seen on the lateral view in 52 thumbs (84%). Pantrapezial arthritis involving the STT joint was encountered equally in 16 cases (26%) on the Robert view and the lateral views. The study found a moderate level of interrater reliability on both the lateral and Robert views. With the exception of osteophytes encountered on the trapezium versus the metacarpal, there were no other statistically significant findings. This study confirms that each of the Robert and lateral views offer unique information and combining both views enhances the ability to assess radiographic disease severity, and

  16. Women’s spirituality and feminist theology: A hermeneutic of suspicion applied to ‘patriarchal marriage’

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yolanda Dreyer

    2011-11-01

    Full Text Available This article focused on feminist theory, feminist theology, the origins of the patriarchal marriage, and hermeneutics of suspicion. It aimed to provide language for articulating past and present experiences of women from a theological and hermeneutical perspective. The article discussed women’s spirituality and the failure of the patriarchal marriage to nurture self-perception (how I see myself, life orientation (where I am in the world and identity (who am I in the world, with regard to women’s spirituality. The article also gave details about the variety of feminisms that exist in theology both in the past and in the present.

  17. Science, Values and Loves : Theologies as Expressive Constructions

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Drees, W.B.

    2017-01-01

    Invited to write “a manifesto for [my] own theological position”, I begin with science and human rights as excellent examples of universalist aspirations of modernity. Modern individualism is important too, as particular existential loves shape each life. Science, morality, and personal loves are

  18. “Las señales de los últimos tiempos”. Laicidad y escatología en el pensamiento católico hispanoamericano del siglo XIX

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cid, Gabriel

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available This article analyzes, from the perspective of the intellectual history, the laicism process during the nineteenth century in Hispanic America, focusing on the eschatological reading on the part of certain Catholic intellectuals. The argument is that eschatological thought must be understood beyond its theological dimensions, considering it as an apocalyptic reading of the social and cultural changes that political modernity brought about for religion and its role in the public sphere during the 19th Century.El artículo examina, desde la perspectiva de la historia intelectual, el análisis del proceso de laicidad en el siglo XIX iberoamericano, y su lectura en clave escatológica desde algunos sectores de la intelectualidad católica. El texto argumenta que este pensamiento escatológico debe ser estudiado más allá de sus dimensiones teológicas, sino también como una forma particular de leer apocalípticamente los cambios sociales y culturales que la modernidad política implicó para la religión y su lugar en el espacio público en el siglo XIX.

  19. Theology amongst the sciences: A personal view from the University of Oxford

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Susan E. Gillingham

    2011-03-01

    Full Text Available The paper focuses on two individuals who have each made a seminal contribution to the debates between theology and the sciences in Oxford - Charles Darwin (in the mid�19th century, and Richard Dawkins (from the 1990s to the present day. It introduces Darwin by way of a more personal and visual view from Worcester College Chapel. The restoration of the chapel took place at about the same time as the debates between Huxley and Wilberforce in the Oxford University Museum over Charles Darwin�s On the Origin of the Species. The first part of the paper then traces these debates back: first to an earlier period of disputation represented by Galileo Galilei (c. 1564�1642, and then to a period of greater accommodation represented by Isaac Newton (1643�1727. Darwin represents a third, more controversial, stage. The paper then looks at a fourth period, from the mid�20th century onwards, which is marked by more eirenical attempts to demarcate science and theology by seeing the former again as asking the �how� questions and the latter, the �why� questions. It then focuses on a fifth, more disputatious stage, which was initiated by Richard Dawkins, professor in the Public Understanding of Science until 2008. Professor Dawkins challenges the idea that theology cannot be studied, because its focus is a non-existent object, �God�.The second part of the paper looks at various Oxford projects and Oxford theologians who have risen to this contemporary challenge. They include the work of the Ian Ramsey Centre; Justin Barret�s and John Trigg�s joint � 2 million project, supported by the John Templeton foundation, which examines scientific ideas about religion and the mind; Richard Harries, Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006, who has conducted a number of media interviews with Richard Dawkins; Keith Ward, who has written several books engaging not only with Dawkins but is also the Cambridge Professor of Mathematics, Stephen Hawking; and

  20. Tradition and Renewal in Contemporary Orthodox Theology

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    Marios Begzos

    2014-11-01

    Full Text Available This text presents the challenges that the modern world poses for the Orthodox Church. In every historical period, the Church has struggled with internal and external problems. While preserving its traditions and historical foundations, the theology of the Orthodox Church struggles with contemporary problems by showing the current, contemporary teaching about God, man and the world.

  1. the relevance of continental philosophy of religion for theology

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    (and how) they succeed in opening a space for theology and religion in ... fundamental challenge for ontology – the exposition of prephilosophical facts that determine .... knowledge” of God's order to the subjective world of human cognition.

  2. Theological reflections on empire

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Allan A. Boesak

    2009-11-01

    Full Text Available Since the meeting of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches in Accra, Ghana (2004, and the adoption of the Accra Declaration, a debate has been raging in the churches about globalisation, socio-economic justice, ecological responsibility, political and cultural domination and globalised war. Central to this debate is the concept of empire and the way the United States is increasingly becoming its embodiment. Is the United States a global empire? This article argues that the United States has indeed become the expression of a modern empire and that this reality has considerable consequences, not just for global economics and politics but for theological refl ection as well.

  3. AIDS: A theological and pastoral response

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    G. G. Miller

    1990-03-01

    Full Text Available The anticipated A.I.D.S. crisis in Southern Africa presents an opportunity for the Christian church to respond positively rather than merely to react negatively. This requires both a theological understanding and a pastoral response. Theologically, A.I.D.S. may be seen as an object lesson in the interrelation of natural, personal and historical evil. Although both the Old Testament and the New Testament warn against a simplistic doctrine of individual retribution, there are also several different ways in which the A.I.D.S. crisis may indeed in some particular cases be seen as a judgement of God while in other cases it is rather a horrifying event. Other relevant issues include matters relating to justification and sanctification and the wider ethical issues of discrimination and human rights, of "public" and "private" morality. The Church's pastoral response should include both "corrective" education to remove irrational and fearful ignorance and also "preventative" education to encourage a monogamous lifestyle. Pastoral ministry must be "redemptive", appropriate to the varying needs of persons with A.I.D.S., of their families and friends and of professional care-providers. The Church cannot ignore the A.I.D.S. crisis, but must respond to it both Biblically and pastorally.

  4. An Architecture for the Electronic Church: Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Grubiak, Margaret M

    2016-04-01

    More than a university, Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was also the headquarters for evangelist Oral Roberts's electronic church. The electronic church in America, dominated by Christian evangelicals, used technology to spread the Gospel over radio airways and television signals to a dispersed audience. Yet evangelicals like Roberts also constructed ambitious campuses in real space and time. The architecture of Oral Roberts University visualized a modern and "populuxe" image for the electronic church in the 1960s and 1970s. The university's Prayer Tower purposely alluded to the Seattle Space Needle, aligning religion and the Space Age, and the campus's white, gold, and black color palette on late modern buildings created an image of aspirational luxury, conveying Roberts's health and wealth gospel. Oral Roberts University served as a sound stage for Roberts's radio and television shows, a pilgrimage point for his audience, and a university dedicated to training evangelicals in the electronic church.

  5. Lahkunud maailmaparandaja Robert Lepikson jäi igavesti otsijaks / Kai Kalamees

    Index Scriptorium Estoniae

    Kalamees, Kai

    2006-01-01

    Ülevaade riigikogu liikme, endise siseministri, Tallinna linnapea ja Võru maavanema Robert Lepiksoni elukäigust, meenutused tuntud ühiskonnategelastelt. Lisad: Robert Lepikson; Kõva sõnaga mees. Vt. samas: Turvavaatleja vastutusrikas töö viimasel rallil; Ivar Raidam: Lepiksoni panus autosporti oli tohutu; Hans H. Luik: Respect, Robert!

  6. Between tradition and renewal: Some considerations about the use of tradition in reformed theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Willem van Vlastuin

    2013-08-01

    Full Text Available In the theology and practice of the Christian church a tension between tradition and renewal exists. This essay focuses on this tension to provide a first step of methodological reflection to deal with it. Firstly, this tension is illustrated from the reformed perspective of sola scripturathat led to criticism of the tradition on the one hand, whilst understanding the reformed movement as part of the tradition on the other hand. A danger of unqualified sola scriptura is subjectivity. Subsequently, the importance of tradition is elaborated from the perspective of the church as the body of Christ across all ages. This implies that Christians should study and love the traditional theology because of the fundamental unity of the church that transcends cultural diversity. Rejecting tradition will cut the church from its historical and spiritual roots. Thirdly, this raises the question whether the church is imprisoned by tradition, as well as the problem of the relation between tradition and renewal. In response, it is argued that the doctrine of incarnation guarantees openness to history. With the help of the philosophical and Christian view on structural contingency, the belief that tradition is principally open to renewal is defended. Some examples are given as illustrations of how classic theological concepts can be reframed in our postmodern context. The last part of this essay concludes with the insight of Cyprian that only the conveyed tradition can be renewed, implying that renewal is in essence not a new theology, but a new application of apostolic theology.

  7. 76 FR 48898 - Robert Leigh Kale, M.D., Decision and Order

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-08-09

    ... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration Robert Leigh Kale, M.D., Decision and Order... Enforcement Administration, issued an Order to Show Cause to Robert Leigh Kale, M.D. (Registrant), of Fort... Certificate of Registration, BK9514375, issued to Robert Leigh Kale, M.D., be, and it hereby is, revoked. I...

  8. Business ethics founded on christian moral theology: Perspectives for the 21st century

    OpenAIRE

    Mele, Domenec

    2000-01-01

    Religion influences the world of business through its influence on people's moral conscience and motivation, so it would be unrealistic not to take it into account. Theology does not see itself as being opposed to philosophy but, rather, as building on it. Through its rational and systematic justification of faith, theology opens up new horizons for business ethics. Furthermore, if public debate requires the contribution of acknowledged authorities on moral issues, then there is clearly a pla...

  9. The Structure of Communication as a Challenge for Theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paul A Soukup

    2003-01-01

    Full Text Available ABSTRACT Even more than any content of communication, its structures influence theology by forming the framework for thinking about and sharing reflections on religious experience. This essay examines three characteristic, but often overlooked, communication structures: oral vs. written and printed communication and the contemporary move to "secondary oral" styles; communication technology's sense of place; and the uses of visual space as guides to the interpretation of experience. Since each of these structures shapes theology, a more conscious awareness of them challenges theology to take the role of communication more seriously.Aun más que cualquier contenido de la comunicación, sus estructuras influyen en la teología puesto que proporcionan el marco para el pensamiento y la reflexión de la experiencia religiosa. Este ensayo examina tres estructuras características de la comunicacion, que son a menudo pasadas por alto: la comunicación oral v/s la escrita e impresa y la tendencia contemporánea hacia los estilos "orales secundarios"; el sentido del lugar en la comunicación tecnológica; y los usos de espacio visual como guías de la interpretación de la experiencia. Puesto que cada una de estas estructuras moldean la teología, esta debiera asumir el desafío de tomar mayor conciencia de ellas y asumir el rol de la comunicación más seriamente.

  10. Responding to the challenge of Black Theology: Liberating Ministry ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    2016-08-05

    Aug 5, 2016 ... smart phone or mobile .... relationship between white liberation and Black Theology. ..... uses this language to call for the church to 'become' a site of struggle, which in his ..... itself does not dismantle a problematic whiteness.

  11. Tweeting dignity: A practical theological reflection on Twitter's ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Social media makes an important contribution to a rapidly changing world in which various domains of meaning are described anew. The evolving nature and dynamic character of social media therefore provides for a rich praxis terrain with which to interact from a practical theological orientation. More specifically ...

  12. Personal Goals and Academic Achievement among Theology Students

    Science.gov (United States)

    Litmanen, Topi; Hirsto, Laura; Lonka, Kirsti

    2010-01-01

    Studying in higher education requires long-term commitment. Previous studies have shown that commitment, perceived competence, intrinsic motivation and work-life orientation are positively related to academic achievement. This study examines the kinds of goals theology students have at the beginning of studies, and whether these goals are related…

  13. Teaching Introductory Upper-Level Religion and Theology Classes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Clingerman, Forrest; O'Brien, Kevin J.

    2015-01-01

    The undergraduate study of religion is predominantly undertaken by non-majors who are meeting a general education requirement. This means that, while curricular discussions make important distinctions between the work of lower- and upper-division courses, many religion and theology faculty are teaching hybrid courses that we call…

  14. Pursuing an understanding of animal consciousness: Implications for animal morality and a creaturely theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cornel W. du Toit

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available The importance of animals in the evolutionary history of homo sapiens comes to the fore in light of an increasingly trans-human techno-scientific environment. New research on consciousness, and animal consciousness in particular, has prompted questions relating to animal rights, animal morality and the emergence of a creaturely theology and theological primatology. The possibility of understanding nonhuman animals is investigated with reference to notions like consciousness, thinking, awareness, language and communication, including the importance of emotion in communication. Special attention is given to the nature of animal communication as it came to the fore in bonobo and other chimpanzee research. Building on the notion of awareness and communication, the article focuses on the notion of animal morality and comments on some aspects of a creaturely theology.

  15. R.D. Laing and theology: the influence of Christian existentialism on "The Divided Self".

    Science.gov (United States)

    Miller, Gavin

    2009-04-01

    The radical psychiatrist R.D. Laing's first book, "The Divided Self" (1960), is informed by the work of Christian thinkers on scriptural interpretation -- an intellectual genealogy apparent in Laing's comparison of Karl Jaspers's symptomatology with the theological tradition of "form criticism." Rudolf Bultmann's theology, which was being enthusiastically promoted in 1950s Scotland, is particularly influential upon Laing. It furnishes him with the notion that schizophrenic speech expresses existential truths as if they were statements about the physical and organic world. It also provides him with a model of the schizoid position as a form of modern-day Stoicism. Such theological recontextualization of "The Divided Self" illuminates continuities in Laing's own work, and also indicates his relationship to a wider British context, such as the work of the "clinical theologian" Frank Lake.

  16. Karl Marx and Liberation Theology: Dialectical Materialism and Christian Spirituality in, against, and beyond Contemporary Capitalism

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Peter McLaren

    2018-05-01

    Full Text Available This paper explores convergences and discrepancies between liberation theology and the works of Karl Marx through the dialogue between one of the key contemporary proponents of liberation theology, Peter McLaren, and the agnostic scholar in critical pedagogy, Petar Jandrić. The paper briefly outlines liberation theology and its main convergences with the works of Karl Marx. Exposing striking similarities between the two traditions in denouncing the false God of money, it explores differences in their views towards individualism and collectivism. It rejects shallow rhetorical homologies between Marx and the Bible often found in liberation theology, and suggests a change of focus from seeking a formal or Cartesian logical consistency between Marxism and Christianity to exploring their dialectical consistency. Looking at Marxist and Christian approaches to morality, it outlines close links between historical materialism and questions of value. It concludes that the shared eschaton of Marxism and the Christianity gives meaning to human history and an opportunity to change it.

  17. Theology and Threshold: Victorian Approaches to Reviving Choir and Rood Screens

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ayla Lepine

    2017-04-01

    Full Text Available In 1851, A. W. N. Pugin published an influential treatise on rood screens, intending in his irrepressible polemical style to create further Gothic Revival momentum for inserting these iconographically complex and liturgically vital elements into Roman Catholic and Anglican churches throughout Britain and its empire. In the decades that followed, debates regarding ritual, aesthetics, materials, and Eucharistic theology surrounded the design, presence, and indeed absence of these screens. This interdisciplinary article on the borderlands between architectural history and theology explores what was at stake in the religious symbolism of a small number of diverse screens designed by George Gilbert Scott, George Frederick Bodley, and Ninian Comper, considering them in light of the key writing produced by Pugin at the mid-point of the nineteenth century, as well as by priest–architect Ernest Geldart in the century’s end. This study, together with its three short films that explore the screens’ meanings and histories in situ, charts shifts in theology and style as each architect offered innovative views through delicate latticework of stone, paint, and wood towards the Christian sacred epicentre of the Incarnation and the sacrifice of the Eucharist.

  18. The Aspiring Adept: Robert Boyle and His Alchemical Quest (Lawrence M. Principe)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kovac, Jeffrey

    1999-10-01

    Prefaces to Boyle's Other Chrysopoetic Writings, and Robert Boyle's Dialogue on the Converse with Angels Aided by the Philosophers Stone, are also printed, as Appendices 2 and 3. Both Robert Boyle and 17th-century chemistry emerge from this book as exceedingly complex. The development of chemistry cannot be regarded as either straightforward or linear. As Boyle's work exemplifies, ideas from traditional alchemy were important in the development of chemistry. For example, Boyle's corpuscularian hypothesis is partly derived from the alchemical corpuscularian traditionthe minima of Geber. Alchemy was part of the intellectual context in which both Boyle and Newton were raised and it played an important part in their thinking. For Boyle, alchemy was also closely linked to Christianity. He regarded the philosophers' stone as a powerful weapon against the growing atheism of his time. The possessor of the stone could summon angels and other spirits, thus providing support for crucial theological truths. Religion was as important a motivation as both natural philosophy and the potential for the development of potent medicines for Boyle's study of alchemy. This book is a rich source of information on Robert Boyle, alchemy, and the development of 17th century chemistry. It is not an easy book, however; it requires close attention and some background in the history of science. For those interested in the development of modern science, this is a valuable addition to the growing collection of excellent new books.

  19. De Anima: Or, Ulysses and the Theological Turn in Modernist Studies

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    David Ayers

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available Focusing on Joyce’s use of Aristotle’s De Anima, and on Aquinas’s response to Aristotle, this essay takes, as its starting point, the recourse to two areas of enquiry in recent work on modernism: animal studies and phenomenology. In this essay we examine the intersection within Ulysses of the concept of the soul in Aristotle and Aquinas, show how this relates to questions of animality, and open the way to asking what implication the theological reflection on the soul at the centre of Ulysses might have for a process of uncovering theological contents in the concept of “life” in modernist studies more generally.

  20. Tthe covenant in Ulrich Huber's enlightened theology, jurisprudence ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    ... of God's law), and the secular social contract theories stemming from the early Enlightenment. This investigation gains value as a result of its emphasis on the prominence of the covenant in the inextricably linked disciplines of theology, jurisprudence and political theory; as well as its revitalisation of the complicated nature

  1. Catholic Theological Education in a Religiously Pluralistic Age

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lefebure, Leo D.

    2006-01-01

    This article describes the transformation of Catholic theological education over the last fifty years from a highly defensive posture vis-a-vis other religions toward dialogical engagement with members of other religions and all persons of good will. Until Vatican II, most Catholic theologians and officials distrusted exploration of other…

  2. The American Theological Seminary: An Unfamiliar Institutional Autopsy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lumadue, Richard

    2010-01-01

    Christian educators can learn much from institutional autopsies of Christian schools of higher education that have failed. The untold story of the now-defunct American Theological Seminary (ATS) in St. Augustine, Florida, provides an excellent example of critical errors that Christian educators can learn from to avoid the same fate. An…

  3. Who is Jesus Christ for the Ruthenian and Russian Saints? A Theological Exploration of St Dimitry Rostovsky’s The Lives of the Saints

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Krzysztof Leśniewski

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available Christian hagiography reveals not only the facts of life of individual saints, but first of all, it is a description of theexperience of God loving mankind. From the beginning of Christianity, of great importance in building faith, hope andlove had had stories about those believers who responded with a particular radicalism for the prevenient love of God inthe Trinity of Persons. These stories have been written in various forms of literature.Author in the introductory part of the article introduces into the lives of the saints and their role in the Ruthenian andRussian Orthodoxy. Essentially he focuses on presenting The Menaia edited by St Dimitry Rostovski. This book waspublished in the years 1711 to 1718 in Old Church Slavonic. At the beginning of the twentieth century, it has been rewrittenand translated into Russian. This monumental work appeared in the years 1903-1911 under the title The Lives of theSaints. It has been a rich source of information for researchers from many disciplines.From a theological point of view, the author studied The Lives of the Saints in order to find direct references to theperson and teaching of Jesus Christ. For this purpose, he analyzed quotations from the New Testament, especially fromthe Gospel, referring directly to the Person and teaching of Jesus Christ, as well as the prayers addressed to Him. In hisanalysis, he searched for answers to the questions: Who is Jesus Christ for the Ruthenian and Russian saints, and whatkind of His images predominate in The Lives of the Saints.The first part of the article, on the basis of source texts, indicates personal qualities of Jesus Christ. The Savior hasbeen experienced by the Ruthenian and Russian saints as God who is close to man, the blessed King, the best Lord, theComforter of the crying, the Light, the merciful God, and the Foundation of all good. The image of Christ as sinless,innocent suffering and merciful shines especially in the devotion of Saints Passion

  4. Genetics Home Reference: Roberts syndrome

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... feet are located very close to the body (phocomelia). People with Roberts syndrome may also have abnormal ... may live into adulthood. A condition called SC phocomelia syndrome was originally thought to be distinct from ...

  5. Xenotransplantation from the perspective of moral theology.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sautermeister, Jochen

    2015-01-01

    Current medical research in the area of xenotransplantation is driven by the aim to save human lives and to improve the quality of life of those suffering from organ insufficiencies. This study reflects the therapeutic intent of xenotransplantation from a theological-ethical perspective. Regarding statements of Christian communities, the analysis focuses mainly on catholic documents. This study takes into account the document on Prospects for Xenotransplantation by the Pontifical Academy for Life as well as a position paper on xenotransplantation released as a collaboration between the German Bishops Conference (Catholic) and the Evangelical Church in Germany (Protestant). Documents of other Christian denominations will be discussed in a separate paper. Aspects concerning the areas of medicine, social ethics and animal ethics are considered as well as biographical, psychosocial, culture-bound and ideological preconditions of acceptability. These aspects also include consequences for the construction of personal identity. With regard to an anthropocentrism that is based theologically and relationally, xenotransplantation--in general--can be viewed as a permissible form of therapy, given that the principles of biomedical ethics will be observed and that animals are treated with respect. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  6. Tetra-amelia and splenogonadal fusion in Roberts syndrome

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ravel, T.J.L. de; Seftel, M.D.; Wright, C.A. [Univ. of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa)

    1997-01-20

    Roberts-SC phocomelia syndrome comprises limb deficiencies of variable severity, facial clefts, and other anomalies. Tetra-amelia may also be associated with facial clefts and similar anomalies. We report on a female infant with severe tetra-amelia, micrognathia, cleft palate, splenogonadal fusion, and premature centromere separation. We propose that this represents the severe expression of the Roberts-SC phocomelia syndrome. 18 refs., 6 figs.

  7. Knowing, believing, living in Africa: A practical theology perspective ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    2013-02-12

    Feb 12, 2013 ... concrete dialogue between the cultural perspectives of particular ... multicultural contexts, interact within the framework of practical theology .... a self-regulating social context that can change itself. ... especially for the complex relationship between gospel and ..... contemporary church more harm than good.

  8. Robert Lepiksoni maailm / Eha Komissarov

    Index Scriptorium Estoniae

    Komissarov, Eha, 1947-

    2000-01-01

    Näitus "Minu maailm. Robert Lepikson fotograafina ja kollektsionäärina" galeriis "Vaal". Väljas on loodusfotod, fotod autodest, kunstikogust Eduard Steinbergi (1937) ja Vladimir Nemuhhini (1925) maalid, paar Salvador Dali värvilist litograafiat

  9. Ubuntu and the body: A perspective from theological anthropology as embodied sensing

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jacob J.S. Meiring

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available The author asks whether the notion of ubuntu truly exists within contemporary South African society and how the experiencing of South Africans� embodiment can be connected to ubuntu � especially amongst black people. The notion of ubuntu is briefly explored within law and theology. The author has recently proposed a model for a contemporary theological anthropology as �embodied sensing� which functions within the intimate relationship of the lived body, experiencing in a concrete life-world, language, and the �more than�. It is from this perspective that the notion of ubuntu is explored.

  10. A Friendship for Others: Bonhoeffer and Bethge on the Theology and Practice of Friendship

    OpenAIRE

    Parsons, Preston David Sunabacka

    2018-01-01

    A Friendship for Others: Bonhoeffer and Bethge on the Theology and Practice of Friendship Preston Parsons This study considers the theology and practice of friendship in Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s academic writing, his pastoral work and thought, his involvement in the Abwehr plot, and his prison letters, taking special interest in the influence of Eberhard Bethge on Bonhoeffer and the influence of Bonhoeffer on Bethge. Friendship, as a locus of interpretation, also provides a fresh per...

  11. Sin, suffering, and the need for the theological virtues.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jones, David Albert

    2006-08-01

    This article examines the account of the relationship between sin and suffering provided by J. L. A. Garcia in "Sin and Suffering in a Catholic Understanding of Medical Ethics," in this issue. Garcia draws on the (Roman) Catholic tradition and particularly on the thought of Thomas Aquinas, who remains an important resource for Catholic theology. Nevertheless, his interpretation of Thomas is open to criticism, both in terms of omissions and in terms of positive claims. Garcia includes those elements of Thomas that are purely philosophical, such as natural law and acquired virtue, but neglects the theological and infused virtues, the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the beatitudes. These omissions distort his account of the Christian life so that he underplays both the radical problem posed by sin (and suffering), and the radical character of the ultimate solution: redemption in Christ through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

  12. Human dignity and the profoundly disabled: a theological perspective.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Matthews, Pia

    2011-01-01

    One challenge to the concept of human dignity is that it is a rootless notion invoked simply to mask inequalities that inevitably exist between human beings. This privileging of humans is speciesist and its weak point is the profoundly disabled human being. This article argues that far from being a weak point, the profoundly disabled person is a source of strength and witness to the intrinsic dignity that all human beings have by virtue of being human. The disabled represent the reality of human existence that is both strong and fragile. Although human dignity can be understood philosophically its depth is rooted in Christian theological insights. The profoundly disabled occupy a privileged position and share in a theology of mission since they testify to the interdependence of every human being and human dependence on God to a myopic world that only values strength, autonomy and independence.

  13. Remembering Robert Seydel

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lauren van Haaften­-Schick

    2011-06-01

    Full Text Available This January, while preparing a new course, Robert Seydel was struck and killed by an unexpected heart attack. He was a critically under-appreciated artist and one of the most beloved and admired professors at Hampshire College.At the time of his passing, Seydel was on the brink of a major artistic and career milestone. His Book of Ruth was being prepared for publication by Siglio Press. His publisher describes the book as: “an alchemical assemblage that composes the life of his alter ego, Ruth Greisman— spinster, Sunday painter, and friend to Joseph Cornell and Marcel Duchamp. Through collages, drawings, and journal entries from Ruth’s imagined life, Seydel invokes her interior world in novelistic rhythms.”This convergence of his professional triumph with the tragedy of his death makes now a particularly appropriate time to think about Robert Seydel and his work. This feature contains a selection of excerpts from Book of Ruth (courtesy of Siglio Press alongside a pair of texts remembering him and giving critical and biographical insights into his art and his person. These texts, from a former student and a colleague respectively, were originally prepared for Seydel's memorial at Hampshire College and have since been revised for publication in continent.

  14. Roberts 22: a bipolar nebula with OH emission

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Allen, D.A.; Hyland, A.R.; Caswell, J.L.

    1980-01-01

    Roberts 22 is a bipolar reflection nebula illuminated by a hidden A2 Ie star. Most of its energy is radiated at infrared wavelengths. It also shows strong OH maser emission (OH 284.18 - 0.79) on the 1612 and 1665 MHz transitions, generally similar to the masers associated with M stars having infrared excesses. But the system contains no late-type star. This remarkable assemblage of attributes makes Roberts 22 unique; however, it is probably a key member of the newly-recognized population of bipolar nebulae. From an analysis of the properties of Roberts 22 some published interpretations of other bipolar nebulae are questioned, in particular the derivation of spectral types for their underlying stars by the assumption of photo-ionization of the gas, and their evolutionary description as proto-planetary nebulae. (author)

  15. Eksistensiale verstaan van die Ou Testament: Die teologiese arbeid van Antonius HJ Gunneweg

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    P. B. Boshoff

    1987-01-01

    Full Text Available Existential understanding of the Old Testament: The theological work of Antonius HJ Gunneweg Gunneweg applies Bultmann's concept of existential understanding to the Old Testament. Existential interpretation means that the text must be laid out in terms of the possibilities of the human existence. The author shows how Gunneweg worked it out under the following headings: Israel; The beginning; Moses; One kingdom or two kingdoms; Paul; Sola scriptura instead of salvation history; Word. The result is that Gunneweg comes to a unique understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.

  16. Romantismo, mística e escatologia política Romanticism, mystique and political eschatology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Franz Josef Brüseke

    2004-01-01

    Full Text Available Vertentes filosóficas, políticas ou estéticas que contestaram os paradigmas centrais da modernidade são tradicionalmente percebidas como externas à própria modernidade. Este texto fala sobre aquilo que a própria ideologia modernizante denuncia como um irracionalismo antimoderno que, todavia, acompanha esta modernidade desde seus primórdios e recebe dela, paradoxalmente, impulsos aceleradores. Apresentar o romantismo, a mística e a escatologia como acompanhantes da modernidade técnica significa, também, entendê-los como fenômenos históricos que não entregaram as alternativas imaginárias ao mito da máquina; mito evocado por uma modernidade que quer esquecer as dimensões do Ser e da existência humana que transbordam o fatual e o mundo manipulável.Philosophical, political or esthetic visions which have contested central paradigms of modernity are traditionally seen as external to modernity itself. This text talks about what modernizing ideology denounces as an antimodern irrationalism which, however, has followed this modernity since its beginning and receives from it, paradoxically, accelerating impulses. Presenting Romanticism, Mystique and Eschatology as companions of technical modernity also means to understand them as historical phenomena which have not handed over the imaginary alternatives to the machine myth, the one constructed by a modernity that wants to forget the dimensions of being and human existence which overflow the factual and the world exposed to manipulation.

  17. Nuclear energy and moral theology

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Korff, W.

    1979-01-01

    The investigation was born by a concrete challenge. In the decision conflict regarding the project in Wyhl/Oberrhein, the theologic ethic was asked for his opinion. As the present ethical theory has only few strategies concerning efficiency and performance, the author turned to the traditional models to find some points of view there. Here is the main point of the investigation: in the emphasizing of general criteria which make a reasonable, i.e. controllable decision possible; not really in the concrete individual results to which the application from the preconditions taken into consideration leads. (orig./HP) [de

  18. Liberation Theology and Liberatory Pedagogies: Renewing the Dialogue

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stenberg, Shari J.

    2006-01-01

    In this essay, the author argues that the potential for achieving the goals of critical pedagogy would be enriched if teachers had a fuller understanding of the ties between critical pedagogy and Christian liberation theology. While many are familiar with Paulo Freire's roots in Marxism, the fact that his vision of praxis and conscientization…

  19. Judaism in the theology of Sir Isaac Newton

    CERN Document Server

    Goldish, Matt

    1998-01-01

    This book is based on my doctoral dissertation from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1996) of the same title. As a master's student, working on an entirely different project, I was well aware that many of Newton's theological manuscripts were located in our own Jewish National and University Library, but I was under the mistaken assumption that scores of highly qualified scholars must be assiduously scouring them and publishing their results. It never occurred to me to look at them at all until, having fmished my master's, I spoke to Professor David Katz at Tel-Aviv University about an idea I had for doctoral research. Professor Katz informed me that the project I had suggested was one which he himself had just fmished, but that I might be interested in working on the famous Newton manuscripts in the context of a project being organized by him, Richard Popkin, James Force, and the late Betty Jo Teeter Dobbs, to study and publish Newton's theological material. I asked him whether he was not sending me into ...

  20. Contralateral Abdominal Pocketing in Salvation of Replanted Fingertips with Compromised Circulation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hyung-Sup Shim

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Abdominal pocketing is one of the most useful methods in salvation of compromised replanted fingertips. Abdominal pocketing has generally been performed in the ipsilateral lower abdominal quadrant, but we have also performed contralateral pocketing at our institute. To determine which approach is more beneficial, a total of 40 patients underwent an abdominal pocketing procedure in either the ipsilateral or contralateral lower abdominal quadrant after fingertip replantation. Dates of abdominal pocketing after initial replantation, detachment after abdominal pocketing, range of motion (ROM before abdominal pocketing, and sequential ROM after the detachment operation and date of full ROM recovery and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH score were recorded through medical chart review. Mean detachment date, mean abduction of shoulder after the detachment operation, and mean days to return to full ROM were not significantly different between the ipsilateral and contralateral pocketing groups. However, the mean DASH score was significantly lower in the contralateral group than the ipsilateral group. There were also fewer postoperative wound complications in the contralateral group than in the ipsilateral group. We, therefore, recommend contralateral abdominal pocketing rather than ipsilateral abdominal pocketing to increase patient comfort and reduce pain and complications.

  1. Contralateral Abdominal Pocketing in Salvation of Replanted Fingertips with Compromised Circulation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shim, Hyung-Sup; Kim, Dong-Hwi; Kwon, Ho; Jung, Sung-No

    2014-01-01

    Abdominal pocketing is one of the most useful methods in salvation of compromised replanted fingertips. Abdominal pocketing has generally been performed in the ipsilateral lower abdominal quadrant, but we have also performed contralateral pocketing at our institute. To determine which approach is more beneficial, a total of 40 patients underwent an abdominal pocketing procedure in either the ipsilateral or contralateral lower abdominal quadrant after fingertip replantation. Dates of abdominal pocketing after initial replantation, detachment after abdominal pocketing, range of motion (ROM) before abdominal pocketing, and sequential ROM after the detachment operation and date of full ROM recovery and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) score were recorded through medical chart review. Mean detachment date, mean abduction of shoulder after the detachment operation, and mean days to return to full ROM were not significantly different between the ipsilateral and contralateral pocketing groups. However, the mean DASH score was significantly lower in the contralateral group than the ipsilateral group. There were also fewer postoperative wound complications in the contralateral group than in the ipsilateral group. We, therefore, recommend contralateral abdominal pocketing rather than ipsilateral abdominal pocketing to increase patient comfort and reduce pain and complications. PMID:25379539

  2. The dynamics of theologies: A transdisciplinary description

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gys M. Loubser

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available In this article, the author asks why the South African public, especially Afrikaans communities, is largely unaware of the knowledge generated in the field of science and religion. The author describes theologies as complex systems that interact with their environment. To illuminate the environment, the author turns to the theatre system and illustrates how the theatre system can illuminate the modelling choices of theologians.

  3. Magnetohydrodynamics and the earth's core selected works by Paul Roberts

    CERN Document Server

    Soward, Andrew M

    2003-01-01

    Paul Roberts'' research contributions are remarkable in their diversity, depth and international appeal. Papers from the Paul Roberts'' Anniversary meeting at the University of Exeter are presented in this volume. Topics include geomagnetism and dynamos, fluid mechanics and MHD, superfluidity, mixed phase regions, mean field electrodynamics and the Earth''s inner core. An incisive commentary of the papers puts the work of Paul Roberts into historical context. Magnetohydrodynamics and the Earth''s Core provides a valuable source of reference for graduates and researchers working in this area of geoscience.

  4. [Roberts-SC phocomelia syndrome].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Musfeld, D A; Bühler, E M; Heinzl, S

    2001-01-01

    The Roberts-SC phocomelia syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder clinically manifested by tetraphocomelia, pre- and postnatal growth retardation, and craniofacial abnormalities (skull, eyes, lip, and palate), accompanied at times by centromer puffing and splitting, renal abnormalities, heart defect, clitoral or penile enlargement, and bilateral corneal opacities. Mental retardation is common in surviving patients.

  5. Bodies in skin: a philosophical and theological approach to genetic skin diseases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Walser, Angelika

    2010-03-01

    This contribution evolved from my work in a European network and is dedicated to the rare genetic skin diseases. To gain a deeper knowledge about the question, what it means to suffer from a genetic skin disease, I have discussed the concepts of skin in philosophical and theological anthropology. Presuming that ancient interpretations of skin diseases (moral and cultical impurity) are still relevant today, feminist Christian theology shows the ways of deconstructing stigmatizing paradigma by using the body as a hermeneutic category. Skin becomes the "open borderline" of the human being, pointing out both the social vulnerability and the transcendent capacity of the human person.

  6. Max Weber and Robert Michels.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Scaff, Lawrence A.

    1981-01-01

    This paper investigates the unique intellectual partnership of Max Weber and Robert Michels, with particular emphasis on Weber's influence on Michel's inquiry into the sociology of parties and organization. Concludes with an evaluation of the import of Weber's critique of Michels' work. (DB)

  7. Theology that Emerges from Cognitive Science: Applied to African Development

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Harries Jim

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available Recent developments in cognitive science are here interpreted as an apologetic for Christian theology. Naturalistic faiths are suggested to be dependent on the invention of ‘religion’, and domestication of the foreign through translation. A refusal to accept that a relationship with God is something that develops in the course of reflection, has added to his apparent invisibility. Advocates of embodied thinking who effectively undermine Descartes’ philosophy, open the door to theological reflection. A gender-based exploration reveals that means of predicting the embodied nature of thinking also point to the significance of God. Because human thinking is embodied, God also is perceived by people through his embodied impact - much as is the wind. That correct understanding of God brings human wellbeing, is here suggested to be as true for Africa as for Europe.

  8. The Theological Misappropriation of Christianity as a Civilizing Force

    Science.gov (United States)

    MisirHiralall, Sabrina D.

    2017-01-01

    The theological misappropriation of Christianity as a civilizing force occurs when individuals convert to Christianity due to deception that ignores the faith-based aspect of Christianity. The history of Western education in India illustrates the hidden curriculum that Christian missionaries employed to disrupt the Indian educational system. This…

  9. Writing 'new' decalogues: Martin Luther’s development of the Pauline-Augustinian tradition of natural law

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A. Raath

    2005-07-01

    Full Text Available This essay argues in favour of Martin Luther subscribing to the theory of natural law in his theology. An in-depth study of Luther’s views on natural law finds support for Brown’s thesis that Luther’s contribution to the tradition of natural law cannot be taken to form the basis of the theory of divine right prominent in the seventeenth century. Without venturing into the debate on natural law versus legal positivism, it is found that the perspective emanating from Luther’s natural law theory has an important political message for mankind as a whole in its implicit warning against positivistic and legalistic perspectives on law because these are apt to lead to confusion, relativism and historicism. Man, according to Luther’s view, therefore, has to revert to more fundamental principles (or values, representative of “ideal,” “good,” or “true,” norms for testing manmade law. The more specific implications of Luther’s views on natural law for Christians concern an eschatological vision of Christians’ involvement and work in God’s creation. This vision concerns man’s divine appointment to hold office and promote peace in society, and to contribute humbly towards God’s involvement in societies suffering from the effects of legalism or torn apart by conflict.

  10. Maestro di Pico i iluminacije u inkunabuli De Civitate Dei (Nicolas Jenson, Venecija, 1475. u samostanu Sv. Duje u Kraju na Pašmanu

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bojan Goja

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available U franjevačkom samostanu Sv. Duje u Kraju na otoku Pašmanu čuva se inkunabula „O državi Božjoj“ (De Civitate Dei Sv. Aurelija Augustina koju je 1475. godine u Veneciji tiskao Nicolas Jenson. Inkunabula je na f. 17 (kako je naknadno označena paginacija grafitnom olovkom, tj. stranici incipita – liber primus kao i na više drugih stranica ukrašena lijepim višebojnim iluminacijama renesansnih stilskih karakteristika izrađenih temperom, zlatnim listićima, zlatnim prahom, sepijom, tintom i akvarelom. Iluminacije f. 17 sastoje se od dva fitomorfna inicijala, dekorativnog okvira i slobodnih figurativnih prizora tj. minijatura, dok su pojedine druge stranice ukrašene fitomorfnim i brojnim inicijala tipa littera notabilior visine dva retka izrađenima u crvenoj ili plavoj boji. Dekorativni ornamentirani okvir zaključen trolistima ispunjava gornju i lijevu marginu početne stranice. Osnovu dekoracije čini traka sastavljena od pet tankih linija koja se spiralno povija i tvori kružnice koje su ispunjene cvjetovima, listovima i bobicama u plavoj i zelenoj boji i boji ciklame te stiliziranim zlatnim cvjetovima čička (lat. Arctium lappa; pojedini autori nazivaju ove ukrasne motive bottoni dorati ili gold dots. U gornjem lijevom uglu okvira naslikan je češljugar. Na mjestu gdje započinje tekst lijevog stupca naslikan je unutar pravokutnog polja na zlatnoj pozadini inicijal „I“ sastavljen od fitomorfnih motiva plave, zelene i boje ciklame s osjenčanjima u različitim nijansama. Unutar dekorativnog okvira, na sredini visine inicijala, nalazi se medaljon unutar kojeg je naslikano poprsje Sv. Aurelija Augustina. Dekorativni ornamentirani okvir koji ispunjava gornju marginu ukrašen je na isti način kao i onaj uz desnu ali skromnije. Ime tiskara dodatno je naznačeno tako da je sa gornje i donje strane okvira ukrašeno sa po jednim stiliziranim zlatnim cvijetom čička sa gornje i češljugovine (lat. Dipsacus fullonum sa donje strane

  11. THE THEOLOGY OF TOLERANCE IN HINDU AND ISLAM: MAINTAINING SOCIAL INTEGRATION IN LOMBOK - INDONESIA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Suprapto Suprapto

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available This article seeks to examine the theology of tolerance as the basis for interreligious and harmonious co-existence between Muslims and Hindus in Lombok. Lombok is known as the island of thousand mosques where majestic mosques scatter throughout the island. But Lombok is also a home for Hindus. The interactions between them have been very dynamics, creating integration, acculturation, adaptation, accommodation while sometimes also triggering tension. This article argues that theology occupies important aspects in both Hindu and Muslim daily live and thus can be employed as the solid basis of interreligious relations between them. From the Islamic perspective, there are a number of Qur’anic verse injuctions for tolerance. Hindus are also required to maintain tolerant attitude towards other religions as this is commanded in the Veda. These theological grounds will strengthen from the faith point of view Hindu-Muslim social cohesion, which has so far been realized though various means, such as music, arts and religious festivals.

  12. Elements of the universe in Philo’s De Vita Mosis: Cosmological theology or theological cosmology?

    OpenAIRE

    Gert J. Steyn

    2013-01-01

    It is the intention of this article to investigate how Philo’s understanding of the universe, and particularly its four basic elements as taught by the Greek philosophers, influenced his description of the God of Israel’s world in which the Moses narrative unfolds. Given the fact that Philo was a theologian par excellence, the question can be asked whether Philo’s approach is closer to what one might call ‘theological cosmology’ or rather closer to ‘cosmological theology’? After a brief surve...

  13. Steven Hawking with Robert Aymar

    CERN Multimedia

    Maximilien Brice

    2006-01-01

    Steven Hawking is seen meeting with CERN's Director-General, Robert Aymar. Hawking visited CERN between 24 September and 1 October 2006. During his stay he gave two lectures and toured the LHC, which may provide insights into Hawking's most famous area of study, black holes.

  14. Reading the New Testament from a theological perspective | van Zyl ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Reading the New Testament from a theological perspective. ... Abstract. This article argues that, from the perspective of the faith community, it is not enough to read the Bible only from a “technical” point of view; ... AJOL African Journals Online.

  15. SURRENDER TO LIFE - A Systematic Theological Analysis of Human Kenosis in Karl Rahner’s Thoughts, with Reference to Ignatian Spirituality

    OpenAIRE

    Røsok, Ingvild

    2011-01-01

    In this thesis I have investigated the transcendental theology of Karl Rahner, in order to find a theological basis for understanding the concept of kenosis as a following of Christ. Ignatian spirituality was then explored to deepen the understanding and to point to the consequences of such an understanding of kenosis. The research question was: How do the transcendental theology and the Ignatian spirituality of Karl Rahner contribute to an understanding of kenosis as a following of Christ?

  16. Anthony ROBERTS 5 March 1948 – 16 January 2008

    CERN Multimedia

    TS Department

    2008-01-01

    We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr Anthony ROBERTS on 16 January 2008. Mr ROBERTS, born on 05.03.1948, worked in the HR Department and had been employed at CERN since 01.06.1973. The Director-General has sent his family a message of condolence on behalf of the CERN staff. Social Affairs Service Human Resources Department

  17. New Voices in the Struggle/Nuevas Voces en la Lucha: Toward Increasing Latina/o Faculty in Theological Education

    Science.gov (United States)

    Turner, Caroline Sotello Viernes; Hernandez, Edwin I.; Pena, Milagros; Gonzalez, Juan Carlos

    2008-01-01

    Little progress has been made to increase Latina/o faculty representation in theological education. In this study, 33 interviews with Latina/o theological faculty identify supports and challenges to their scholarly development. Latino critical theory guides the analysis. Narratives reveal faculty experiences with oppression, challenging dominant…

  18. Peroral endoscopic myotomy as salvation technique post-Heller: International experience.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tyberg, Amy; Sharaiha, Reem Z; Familiari, Pietro; Costamagna, Guido; Casas, Fernando; Kumta, Nikhil A; Barret, Maximilien; Desai, Amit P; Schnoll-Sussman, Felice; Saxena, Payal; Martínez, Guadalupe; Zamarripa, Felipe; Gaidhane, Monica; Bertani, Helga; Draganov, Peter V; Balassone, Valerio; Sharata, Ahmed; Reavis, Kevin; Swanstrom, Lee; Invernizzi, Martina; Seewald, Stefan; Minami, Hitomi; Inoue, Haruhiro; Kahaleh, Michel

    2018-01-01

    Treatment for achalasia has traditionally been Heller myotomy (HM). Despite its excellent efficacy rate, a number of patients remain symptomatic post-procedure. Limited data exist as to the best management for recurrence of symptoms post-HM. We present an international, multicenter experience evaluating the efficacy and safety of post-HM peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Patients who underwent POEM post-HM from 13 centers from January 2012 to January 2017 were included as part of a prospective registry. Technical success was defined as successful completion of the myotomy. Clinical success was defined as an Eckardt score of ≤3 on 12-month follow up. Adverse events (AE) including anesthesia-related, operative, and postoperative complications were recorded. Fifty-one patients were included in the study (mean age 54.2, 47% male). Technical success was achieved in 100% of patients. Clinical success on long-term follow up was achieved in 48 patients (94%), with a mean change in Eckardt score of 6.25. Seven patients (13%) had AE: six experienced periprocedural mucosal defect treated endoscopically and two patients developed mediastinitis treated conservatively. For patients with persistent symptoms after HM, POEM is a safe salvation technique with good short-term efficacy. As a result of the challenge associated with repeat HM, POEM might become the preferred technique in this patient population. Further studies with longer follow up are needed. © 2017 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.

  19. Preliminary thoughts on the relevance of the research field of cognition for Practical Theology

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ferdi P. Kruger

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available In this research from the vantage point of Practical Theology, the author focusses on the importance and the possible value of the concept of cognition for further research. The philosophical roots of the concepts of knowledge and understanding are highlighted in a qualitative manner by means of a short selection from the insights of philosophers from the era of the Greek Philosophy to the nineteenth century. The insights of Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Descartes and Kant are utilised. The purpose was to indicate the importance of the concepts of knowing and cognition from an early stage. Research from the field of cognitive science also received attention in this research. The purpose of this discussion is to indicate that cognition is not a mere intellectual activity. Cognition is important in the processes of perspective-making and moral choices. Cognitive distortions could possibly endanger people�s ability to have the right cognition about people, events and life itself. The concept of phronesis, as the concept that comes the nearest to the essence of cognition, is also investigated from the vantage point of Philippians 2:5 and Romans 12:3. Wisdom thinking is really important in research on the acts of people from a practical theological vantage point. Cognition must be regarded as people�s attempt to make sense out what they already know and also out of what they are observing. In the final part of the article, fields for possible further investigation are highlighted in order to make the statement that practical theologians can consider the fact to reclaim the field of investigation on cognition in further research. The importance of cognition for liturgy, homiletics, pastoral care and youth ministry is indicated.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is undertaken from a practical theological vantage point in order to highlight the importance of the concept of cognition for further research. In

  20. Climate change and Southern theologies. A Latin American insight. (As alterações climáticas e as teologias do sul. Uma visão da América Latina - DOI: 10.5752/P.2175-5841.2010v8n17p45

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Guilhermo Kerber

    2010-09-01

    done by theologians like Boff and Ivone Gebara. Then the author stresses some of the core components of this relation, focusing on the ethical imperative of climate justice, the renewed theology of creation and the spiritual dimension of the approach.  Key words: Latin American theology, ecology, climate change, ethics, justice.    

  1. the art of creating futures – practical theology and a strategic

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Practical Theology, VU University, The Netherlands and research fellow ... some examples of a future orientation, a systematic futures perspective has not been .... future” has been applied as a specific strategy within business studies by.

  2. The Necessity of Theology and Practice in Islamic Studies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vandoodewaard, William

    2005-01-01

    In his groundbreaking article "The Theological and Apologetical Dimensions of Muslim Evangelization," Samuel P. Schlorff states that "for far too long evangelical missions have been limping along without an effective apologetic to Islam" (Schlorff, 1980, 335). Since his article was published some work has been done, yet there remains a great need…

  3. Human dignity and biomedical ethics from a Christian theological ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    The argument of human dignity plays an important role in current debates on human rights and their relevance in modern biomedicine. When discussing the contribution of Christian theology to current debates on human dignity and human rights the thesis is not that the modern idea of human dignity depends on a ...

  4. The inauguration of Robert-Bourassa Park at James Bay

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Valiquette, M.

    1997-01-01

    Robert Bourassa's contributions to the hydroelectric development at James Bay were acknowledged with the inauguration of a park in the ex-prime minister's name. Phase 1 of the James Bay hydroelectric project constituted the world's biggest construction site, employing more than 180,000 people from beginning to project completion. The James Bay project allowed Hydro-Quebec to gain one of the world's largest electric power utilities and to gain significant competitive edge over its competitors. The Robert Bourassa Park contains a picnic area and a visitor interpretation centre which describes the history of the project. A sequence of 5 signposts summarize the contributions that Robert Bourassa made to the megaproject which cost over $20.6 billion. The complex consists of 65 turbines which produce 15,235 megawatts of electricity. 1 fig

  5. Stem cell terminology: practical, theological and ethical implications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shanner, Laura

    2002-01-01

    Stem cell policy discussions frequently confuse embryonic and fetal sources of stem cells, and label untested, non-reproductive cloning as "therapeutic." Such misnomers distract attention from significant practical and ethical implications: accelerated research agendas tend to be supported at the expense of physical risks to women, theological implications in a multi-faith community, informed consent for participation in research, and treatment decisions altered by unrealistic expectations.

  6. Conferencias a la Memoria de la Dra. Lydia J. Roberts 1967, 1969-1973 (Conferences in Memory of Dr. Lydia J. Roberts 1967, 1969-1973).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Puerto Rico Univ., Rio Piedras.

    This publication includes eleven lectures presented as part of a conference given honoring Dr. Lydia J. Roberts. Seven of the papers are written in the English language and four in Spanish. Most of the papers relate to the topic of nutrition, but a few pay tribute to Dr. Roberts in recognition of her distinguished leadership and teacher of human…

  7. The ethics of absolute relativity: An eschatological ontological model for interpreting the Sermon on the Mount

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andre van Oudtshoorn

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Jesus� imperatives in the Sermon on the Mount continue to play a significant role in Christian ethical discussions. The tension between the radical demands of Jesus and the impossibility of living this out within the everyday world has been noted by many scholars. In this article, an eschatological-ontological model, based on the social construction of reality, is developed to show that this dialectic is not necessarily an embarrassment to the church but, instead, belongs to the essence of the church as the recipient of the Spirit of Christ and as called by him to exist now in terms of the coming new age that has already been realised in Christ. The absolute demands of Jesus� imperatives, it is argued, must relativise all other interpretations of reality whilst the world, in turn, relativises Jesus� own definition of what �is� and therefore also the injunctions to his disciples on how to live within this world. This process of radical relativisation provides a critical framework for Christian living. The church must expect, and do, the impossible within this world through her faith in Christ who recreates and redefines reality. The church�s ethical task, it is further argued, is to participate with the Spirit in the construction of signs of this new reality in Christ in this world through her actions marked by faith, hope and love.

  8. the call for spiritual formation in protestant theological institutions in ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    ously have been formed by other personal, cultural and spiritual forces. Stu dents enter theological institutions deeply rooted in family traditions and local, regional subcultures. They have been influenced by values of advertising and popular culture and have internalised prevailing views on race, gender, social.

  9. The unrealised ethical potential of the Methodist theology of ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    2015-10-14

    Oct 14, 2015 ... 1Methodist e-Academy, Basel, ... It begins with a brief analysis of John Wesley's rejection of slavery ... This was a remarkable step, as biblical texts were regularly quoted .... have particular theological and ethical significance (Collins ...... Storey, P., 2005, 'Why in the world would you want to be a Methodist if ...

  10. “É NECESSÁRIO FILOSOFAR NA TEOLOGIA”: UNIDADE E DIFERENÇA ENTRE FILOSOFIA E TEOLOGIA EM KARL RAHNER

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Manfredo Araújo de Oliveira

    2004-01-01

    Full Text Available Partindo da concepção usual entre os católicos da diferença radical entre filosofia e teologia, K. Rahner vai desenvolver uma tese provocativa: a filosofia é um momento interno que ela mesma pressupõe como sua condição de possibilidade. Ele legitima sua tese tanto teologicamente: a partir da relação entre natureza e graça, revelação e teologia, história universal e história especial da salvação e da revelação; quanto filosoficamente: o ser humano é compreensão de si e da totalidade do ser. A teologia, enquanto atividade humana, está subordinada como qualquer conhecimento, às condições necessárias de todo conhecimento humano. Assim, a filosofia enquanto explicitação transcendental das condições de possibilidade do conhecimento teológico constitui um momento interno de seu próprio trabalho. ABSTRACT: Parting from the usual conception among Catholics about the difference between philosophy and theology, K. Rahner develops a provocative thesis: philosophy is an interior moment which theology itself presupposes as its condition of possibility. He legitimizes his thesis first theologically: the relation between nature and grace, revelation and theology, universal history and the special history of salvation and revelation; and then, philosophically: the human being is self-comprehension and comprehension of the totality of being. Theology, insofar as a human activity, is subordinated as any knowledge to the necessary conditions of all human knowledge. Thus, philosophy, as transcendental expression of the conditions of possibility of theological knowledge, establishes an interior moment of theological activity itself.

  11. Literatūros teologijos kaip teorinės perspektyvos galiojimo centras, periferija, ribos. The center, the periphery and limits of competence of the theology of Literature as the theoretical perspective

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dalia Čiočytė

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available The article sets to explore the validity of the theology of literature: what are the center, the periphery and limits of this interdisciplinary theoretical perspective. Literary theology based on existential experience (the theological thought seen in literature is held to be a variant of individual theological quest. The main subject of literary theological thought is always more human being than God, as literature itself is a form of human consciousness. God appears in the context of literary introspection when the artistic thought is seeking for God and meaning. The theology of literature investigates such a literary theological insight, i. e., it investigates literary interpretation of the origin and sense of existence. Literary metaphor creates new modes to refer to deep religious experiences that are impossible to verbalize in concepts. Metaphor performs the opposite function as well: it protects the metaphysical realm from reduction. Criticism needs to be enriched with theological competence in order to interpret literary works that have got theological denotations.The periphery of validity of the theology of literature are such literary works that show not theological but rather general humanistic thought. This theory can tell the least about such literature that is dominated by religious indifference.

  12. Robert Wilson's Invitation to Insanity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stephens, Judith L.

    The plays of stage director Robert Wilson are devices presenting alternative modes of perception to theatre audiences accustomed to verbal/aural structures of experience. Uniting his interests in the arts and therapy, his plays create a theatrical event promoting empathy with the perceptions of the mentally or physically handicapped and…

  13. Ta splanchna: A theopaschitic approach to a hermeneutics of God’s praxis. From zombie categories to passion categories in theory formation for a practical theology of the intestines

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Daniel J. Louw

    2011-11-01

    Full Text Available It is argued that both the traditional clerical paradigm of an ecclesial approach and the phenomenological paradigm of an empirical approach are not sufficient enough to describe and maintain a theological methodology in practical theology. This has led to the introduction of a theopaschitic paradigm in theory formation. It is argued that the normative task of practical theology implies a philosophical-hermeneutical dimension, that is, to interpret under girding paradigms as related to meaning and being. It also implies a theological dimension; to reflect theologically on the praxis of God as an influential factor within human actions (inhabitational theology. With reference to ‘the pneumatological praxis of God’, a practical theology of the intestines is proposed. Bowel categories reveal a divine intentionality (teleology and describe a modus of God’s praxis, the how of God within the vulnerability and suffering of human beings. This divine ontological mode should operate as a practical theological paradigm determining being qualities (ontic status within human actions and processes of communication. The under girding theological presupposition is that ta splanchna [strong feeling of mercy and compassion expressed by the intestines] denotes a compassionate praxis of co-suffering (the passio Dei. Passion in practical theology emanates in parrhesia and instills a vivid hope: fides quaerens spem [faith in search of hope].

  14. Virtuous suffering and the predicament of being handicapped. Towards a theology of the ‘disabled God puffing in a wheelchair’

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Daniel J. Louw

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available The reality of disablement, being handicapped and physical disfigurement, opens up anew the theological debate regarding God-images in human suffering. It is argued that the Hellenistic understanding of the power of God, God as a pantokrator [Almighty], presupposes the immutability of an apathetic God. In terms of the logic of a cause-effect paradigm, God becomes the deterministic principle behind human suffering. With reference to a theologia crucis [theology of the Cross], the paradigm of theopaschitic theology proposes a pathetic understanding of God. Weakness and vulnerability (astheneia describes an authentic identification of God with human suffering. Forsakenness (derelictio reframes power as compassionate weakness or vulnerability and divine disability. The disabled God is, in terms of the New Testament a connection between divine compassion and human predicament (ta splanchna, the passionate God. Bowel categories make it possible to speak of the ‘puffing God in the wheelchair’. A theology of the cross should be supplemented by a theology of ability (theologia resurrectionis. The resurrection introduces the spiritual ability parrhesia− the transformation of the weakness of suffering into the fortigenitics of hope.

  15. Science, Theology and New Civilization

    Science.gov (United States)

    Theodossiou, E.; Manimanis, V. N.; Danezis, E.

    2010-07-01

    This work explores the relation and interdependence among theology, science and social structure within the framework of a new “Cultural Current”, which will probably prevail in the Western societies, through the study of the development of the cultural currents in the ages. The now prevailing in these societies Positivist Cultural Current suffers from the weakness that it is no longer supported by the modern scientific theories of physics and other natural sciences. The new reality will include a more philosophical view of science, and a re-harmonization of its relations with the other two “cultural pillars” on which human societies are based: the sociopolitical (social philosophy) and the metaphysical (inner philosophy).

  16. Double trisomy (48,XXX,+18) with features of Roberts syndrome

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Descartes, M.; Longshore, J.W.; Crawford, E. [Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham, AL (United States)] [and others

    1994-09-01

    We report an infant with double trisomy 48,XXX,+18, who also displayed features of Roberts syndrome. All previously published cases with similar double trisomy have presented with features of trisomy 18 syndrome. The chromosome analysis done at birth revealed the double trisomy; parental chromosomes were normal. The proband presented with microbrachycephaly, unilateral cleft lip and palate, choanal atresia, midfacial capillary hemanioma, thin nares, shallow orbits, malformed ears, sparse hair, hypomelia of the upper limbs, rocker-bottom feet, auricular septal defect and agenesis of the corpus callosum. Characteristic features of Roberts syndrome included hypomelia, midfacial defects, and severe growth deficiency. Among the many different features reported in the literature for patients with trisomy 18 syndrome, the most consistent were growth deficiency, clenched fingers and congenital heart defects (e.g. VSD, ASD, PDA). Although some of our patient`s features such as cleft lip and cleft palate, low-set malformed ears, ASD, defects of the corpus callosum, choanal atresia, radial aplasia could also be seen in trisomy 18 syndrome (in 10-50% of the cases), her phenotype was more typical of Roberts syndrome because of symmetrical hypomelia and midfacial defects. Our patient`s chromosomes did not show premature separation of centromeric heterochromatin, a feature reported to occur in approximately one-half of individuals with Roberts syndrome. Sporadic aneuploidy involving different chromosomes has been found in lymphocyte cultures from some Roberts syndrome patients and is considered by some authors as a mitotic mutant. This aneuploidy is most likely to be chromosome gain. The simultaneous occurrence of trisomy X and 18 is extremely rare with only 11 cases having been reported in the literature. Our patient is unique since she has the double trisomy in addition to the characteristic features of Roberts syndrome.

  17. The Timeless Legacy of Robert Koch

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Robert Koch was a German physician and scientist who made wide-ranging .... methods of bacterial staining so that bacteria could be visualized more easily and .... of whom became outstanding scientists in their own right, such as Friedrich.

  18. Transcendental in Hans Urs von Balthasar’s theological aesthetics and its significance for Chinese academic aesthetics

    OpenAIRE

    Peng, Sheng-Yu

    2013-01-01

    This thesis begins a dialogue between Hans Urs von Balthasar’s theological aesthetics and Chinese academic aesthetics. We identify a tension between aesthetics and religion in Chinese academic aesthetics, and argue that a dialogue with von Balthasar’s work has the potential to contribute to the development of Chinese academic aesthetics with regard to overcoming that tension. In order to set a ground for the dialogue, von Balthasar’s theological aesthetics is examined in Par...

  19. Religion and modernity in a secular city: A public theology of ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies. Journal Home · ABOUT THIS JOURNAL · Advanced Search · Current Issue · Archives · Journal Home > Vol 67, No 3 (2011) >. Log in or Register to get access to full text downloads.

  20. What hope is there for South Africa? A public theological reflection ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies. Journal Home · ABOUT THIS JOURNAL · Advanced Search · Current Issue · Archives · Journal Home > Vol 71, No 3 (2015) >. Log in or Register to get access to full text downloads.

  1. Leaving Libertarianism: : Social Ties in Robert Nozick's New Philosophy

    OpenAIRE

    Herbjørnsrud, Dag

    2002-01-01

    SUMMARY This thesis Leaving Libertarianism: Social Ties in Robert Nozick s New Philosophy challenges the general and most widespread portrayals of the American philosopher Robert Nozick (1938-2002) by studying the notion of social ties in his later philosophy. The point of departure is the present descriptions of Nozick s philosophy. Mostly these depictions are based upon three postulates: That Nozick is an extreme individualist, that the libertarian Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1...

  2. ‘The woman was deceived and became a sinner’ – a literary-theological investigation of 1 Timothy 2:11–15

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Abiola I. Mbamalu

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available In 1 Timothy 2:11–15 women are forbidden to teach and have authority over men in the church. The ground for this instruction is the creation account in Genesis 2 that asserts the priority of Adam over Eve in the order of creation. The second reason for the instruction is the deception of Eve according to the account of the Fall in Genesis 3. This pericope has elicited arguments between advocates of egalitarianism and complementarianism revolving over the issues of grammar, the context of the Ephesian church with regard to false teachings and the comparison of this text with the other writings of Paul, for those that subscribe to the authorship of Paul. The contention of this article is that verse 15 provides a major clue as to how this text should be understood. In addition, the author’s rhetoric in this text is interrogated with regard to the text’s own internal literary and theological logic. In this regard, the author is found to be inconsistent in his outlook, for the grace that was poured out abundantly on him: a blasphemer, a persecutor and a violent man and on account of his ignorance andunbelief (1 Tm 1:12–16 is apparently, being denied women on account of Eve’s deception.

  3. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies - Vol 64, No 1 (2008)

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Sexuality and partnership: Aspects of theological ethics in the field of marriage, unmarried and homosexual couples · EMAIL FREE FULL TEXT EMAIL FREE FULL TEXT DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT. UHJ Körtner, 209-225. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hts.v64i1.18 ...

  4. Saint, Sinner, or Soldier - Liberation Theology and Low Intensity Conflict

    Science.gov (United States)

    1991-12-17

    wing 71 extremist. The rise of Liberation Theology in Guatemala received its momentum from the Maryknoll’s Cursillos de Capacitacion . This program...34Guatemala," pp. 312-313. 71. Summarized from Ibid, p. 313. 72. Information on the Cursillos de Capacitacion and the quote were taken from Michael

  5. Polarity: The theology of anti-Judaism in Ephrem the Syrian's hymns ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    century Syrian theologian Ephrem is investigated. This polarity is found to be polemical against the Jews. But since polarity is a constant feature in the work of Ephrem which serves to communicate his theological frame of mind, the question is ...

  6. Roger Williams’s Unintentional Contribution to the Creation of American Capitalism

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Casey Pratt

    2011-06-01

    Full Text Available This paper argues that in attempting to protect the religious life from the sullying influence of worldly affairs, Roger Williams participated, albeit unintentionally, in creating the economic conditions that led to the birth of American capitalism. Although Williams argued for a separation of church and state, he did so not in the interest of defending economic liberty, but instead to preserve the sanctity of the church against the frequent immorality that seemed to him required in worldly governance. Questions of pricing and wages, lending and interest—issues that would until Williams’s intervention have been handled by the church in terms of Aquinas’ just price theory—fell outside of the church’s purview according to the new model described by Williams. The result was the creation of an “amoral” public space where the effective separation between spiritual and material concerns led to a kind of free-by-default economic marketplace. This paper traces the development and inadvertent consequences of this essentially theological idea as it took shape in the colonial era.

  7. Studi Biblika Dan Teologis Surat 2 Petrus Pasal 3

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Eliezer Lewis

    2014-10-01

    Full Text Available Pengajaran yang benar tentang Kedatangan Kristus yang kedua kali sangat penting agar umat Allah tetap setia menanti kedatangan Kristus yang kedua kali. Kemunculan guru-guru palsu yang memberikan pengajaran yang tidak benar yang dialami oleh gereja mula-mula, menjadi pembelajaran bagi gereja masa kini. Ajaran guru-guru palsu berkaitan dengan adanya penolakan terhadap firman Allah, penolakan terhadap keilahian Kristus, dan penolakan terhadap kedatangan Kristus yang kedua kalinya. Secara biblika, Surat 2 Petrus 3 mengajarkan tentang penciptaan dan peristiwa air bah. Secara teologis surat ini menekankan tentang Kedatangan Kristus yang kedua kali, langit baru dan bumi baru, keselamatan untuk hidup yang kekal dan Alkitab sebagai firman Allah yang berotoritas.Kata-kata kunci: guru-guru palsu, Kedatangan Kristus kedua kali, penciptaan, pengajaran KristenCorrect teaching concerning the Second Coming of Christ is essential so that the Church is faithful in waiting for Jesus Christ’s return. The emergence of false teachers which was experienced by the early church serves as a lesson for the contemporary church. The teaching of the false teachers is related to rejection of the Word of God, the rejection of the divinity of Christ, and the rejection of theteaching about the Second Coming of Christ. From a biblical point of view, 2 Peter 3 teaches about creation and the flood. Theologically, this letter emphasizes the Second Coming of Christ, a new heaven and earth, salvation that leads to eternal life, and the Bible as the authoritative Word of God. Keywords: false teachers, the Second Coming of Christ, creation, Christian teaching

  8. HANS GEORG BECKAND BYZANTINE THEOLOGY. ON THE OCCASION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    PETER SCHREINER

    2011-08-01

    Full Text Available The life of Hans Georg Beck may be divided into two parts. Until 1944, he was known by his religious name of Hildebrand as a Benedictine monk and priest and was the product of a thorough theological education. He then abandoned both the priesthood and the Church and began a university career devoted to Byzantine studies, eventually emerging as one of the most outstanding authorities in his fi eld. In spite of this all, theology remained for him a principle focus of his interest and it guided his entire academic work, even when it was really not expected to play a role. Beck obviously did not want to be theologian but he did much to convince others that “Byzantine studies without any knowledge of Byzantine theology and the Church in the Byzantine Empire is quite a hopeless aff air, however hard one may try”

  9. Geskiedsfilosofie in 'n krisis: Die noodwendigheid en aktualiteit van die nasionale staatsidee

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M. J. Schoeman

    1985-01-01

    Full Text Available Philosophy of history in crisis: The actuality and necessity of the concept of the national state The aim of this essay is to explicate the thesis of an intrinsic relationship between the Enlightenment philosophy of history and the (ideological war amongst world citizens in which we are entangled today. This is explained in terms of certain 'deficiencies' (philosophical, theological, political and historical inherent in the Enlightenment view of history. It is argued that a truly modern approach to history (as opposed to the antimodern, eschatological and moralistic view of the Enlightenment should take its bearing from the idea of the nation, thereby acknowledging the rise of a global network of national states as one of the most remarkable features of our age.

  10. Educational Implications of Michael Fishbane's "Sacred Attunement: A Jewish Theology"

    Science.gov (United States)

    Marom, Daniel

    2008-01-01

    This article posits Michael Fishbane's Judaic scholarship as a prime resource for Jewish education. The link between the two fields can be made through a translation of the theological underpinnings of Fishbane's insights into Judaism to educational purposes and practices. Initial work with Jewish educators on establishing this link encouraged…

  11. Andries van Aarde – A sideways glance: His theological and ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    This article pays tribute to Andries van Aarde's theological and hermeneutical contribution. His research unfolds in three phases: a narrative reading of the text, a social scientific investigation of the context and an 'ideal construct' of the historical Jesus. Despite the theoretical nature of these inquiries, Van Aarde indicates ...

  12. Roberts syndrome: clinical and cytogenetic aspects

    OpenAIRE

    Mann, N P; Fitzsimmons, J; Fitzsimmons, E; Cooke, P

    1982-01-01

    Roberts syndrome is reported in two sibs of consanguineous parents. Both infants had severe tetraphocomelia, facial clefting, and other serious malformations. In addition they were found to have an unusual cytogenetic abnormality with distortion of the normal sister chromatid relationship in many chromosomes.

  13. An interdisciplinary investigation into the narratives of three co-researchers: A postfoundational notion of practical theology

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    Juanita Meyer

    2015-11-01

    Full Text Available This article elaborates on the sixth movement of a postfoundational notion of practical theology and is concerned with giving a description of experiences, which are thickened through interdisciplinary investigation. The experiences of interest are those of the co-researchers who formed part of the larger research study, conducted in 2010, and who were at the time adolescent male orphans, affected by HIV and AIDS, poverty and father abandonment. The research was conducted within the theoretical frameworks of a postfoundational notion of practical theology, narrative therapy and research, and social constructionism. A qualitative research strategy was employed, with the case study design as point of departure in collecting and analysing research data. Various key aspects were investigated with the use of the model of narrative and the seven movements of a postfoundational notion of practical theology. The aim of this article is to provide an illustration of the application of the principles of a postfoundational notion of practical theology, and its sixth movement – an interdisciplinary investigation – as it is applied within this specific research context. Four interdisciplinary conversationalists, each from a different academic field, were invited to reflect on the three narrated stories of the co-researchers. This article, then, gives a report on their feedback and the value of interdisciplinary investigation in aiding, with the understanding of the meaningmaking process behind collected narratives.

  14. Cosmic Ecstasy and Process Theology

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    Blair Reynolds

    2006-01-01

    Full Text Available The notion that God and the world are mutually interdependent is generally taken to be unique to twentieth-century process theology. Largely, process thinkers have focused on classical theists, rather than the mystics. My thesis, however, is that, centuries before process came along, there were Western mystical concepts stressing that God needed the universe in order to become conscious and complete. In support of my thesis, I will provide a synopsis of the doctrines of God as found in mystics such as Boehme, Dionysius, Eckhart, and then show how Whitehead’s aesthetic provides a coherent philosophical psychology of ecstasy. Key words: aesthetic experience, causal efficacy, consequent nature of God, ecstasy, feeling, German Romanticism, primordial nature of God, reformed subjectivist principle, Nicht, unconscious experience.

  15. Reading Nostra Aetate in reverse: a different way of looking at the relationships among religions

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    Peter C. Phan

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available Nostra Aetate indisputably represented at its promulgation in 1965 a momentous step forward in Catholic theology of religions. But its perspective on other religions still remains deeply "Christianity-centric" in that it views other religions from the Christian vantage-point and uses Christianity as the yardstick to evaluate them. Graphically, its theology of religions may be represented by a series of concentric circles with Christianity occupying the center of the innermost circle and other religions occupying successive circles, with increasing distance from the center, depending on the number of the elements of the true religion, which is Christianity, they possess. How would the "the relation of the Church to non-Christian Religions" (the full title of the Declaration Nostra Aetate look like if we start from other religions and see them on their own terms, as they see themselves, that is, not as "non-Christian," and inquire into their mutual relations?  The essay begins with an examination of the theology of religions implicit in the use of the expression “non-Christian” when referring to religions other than Christianity. It is argued that the “non” is not a neutral descriptive term but represents the “fulfillment theology” of religions prevalent before and during Vatican II. Next a critique of this fulfillment theology is presented showing that it is seriously inadequate for interreligious dialogue. Finally the essay proposes a different way to conceiving the relation between Christianity and other religions (as “other” and not as “non-Christian” by applying the insights of the Jewish-Christian dialogue, especially its rejection of supersessionism, its condemnation of the “teaching of contempt,” and its Trinitarian theology of religion. In summary, the essay attempts to formulate a Christian “kenotic theology of religion,” in which Christianity and the church no longer stand at the normative center toward

  16. A reformed perspective on taking mission and missiology to the heart of theological training

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    Thinandavha D. Mashau

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available Mission and missiology have been driven to the periphery of the life of both the church and theological institutions. Missiology has, in many theological institutions in the world, struggled to find a home. It has in some instances been regarded as an intruder, in some as an interloper and in others as irrelevant. Missiology is without a doubt a voice from the margins. This article seeks to go beyond the exercise to identify reasons for such a marginalisation by looking at ways in which mission and missiology can be restored to the heart of theological education. This article reminds us that the definition and practice of missiology should be firmly grounded in the missio Dei; hence all theological disciplines should intentionally have a missionary dimension. This will in essence allow missiology to exist as an independent subject but at the same time exercise its multidimensionality. It is, therefore, critical to maintain a dynamic and creative tension between intention and dimension to understand the place of missiology in the theological encyclopaedia. 'n Gereformeerde perspektief op die neem van sending en sendingwetenskap na die hart van teologiese opleiding. Sending en sendingwetenskap is na die periferie van die lewe van sowel die kerk as teologiese instellings verdryf. Sendingwetenskap het by baie teologiese instellings gesukkel om 'n tuiste te vind. In sommige gevalle is dit as ‘n indringer beskou, in ander as 'n tussenganger, en in sommige gevalle as irrelevant. Sendingwetenskap is sonder twyfel 'n stem vanuit die buiterante. Hierdie navorsing poog om die redes vir so 'n marginalisasie te ontdek deur te kyk na maniere waarop sending en sendingwetenskap herstel kan word tot die hart van teologiese opleiding. Die artikel herinner ons dat die definisie en praktyk van sendingwetenskap stewig gegrond behoort te wees in die missio Dei, en daarom behoort alle teologiese dissiplines doelbewus 'n sendingdimensie te hê. Dit sal

  17. Sexual abuse: A practical theological study, with an emphasis on learning from transdisciplinary research

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    Heidi Human

    2015-09-01

    Full Text Available This article illustrates the practical usefulness of transdisciplinary work for practical theology by showing how input from an occupational therapist informed my understanding and interpretation of the story of Hannetjie, who had been sexually abused as a child. This forms part of a narrative practical theological research project into the spirituality of female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Transdisciplinary work is useful to practical theologians, as it opens possibilities for learning about matters pastors have to face, but may not have knowledge about. A short retelling of Hannetjie’s story is given to provide information about the context of the research. Next, the transdisciplinary process that was followed is mentioned, and the questions that the transdisciplinary team had to respond to are discussed. Following that, I focus more specifically on the occupational therapist’s answers, and the knowledge gained from her contribution, as an example of how a co-researcher from a divergent discipline can inform a theological study. In this case, knowledge was shared about sensory integration and how the brain processes traumatic stimuli, such as sexual abuse. Lastly, the interrelationship between Hannetjie’s body stories, mind stories and spirit stories is discussed to show how the learning received from occupational therapy affected my thinking about Hannetjie’s stories and the relationships between them. Thus, it is concluded that transdisciplinary work has great value for practical theology, especially in the pastor’s daily work with people who are struggling with difficult stories, because we cannot listen to people’s spirit stories in isolation. They are inextricably intertwined with all our stories about ourselves.

  18. Faith-to-faith at the bedside: theological and ethical issues in ecumenical clinical chaplaincy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mellon, Brad F

    2003-04-01

    Chaplains who serve in a clinical context often minister to patients representing a wide variety of faiths. In order to offer the best pastoral care possible, the chaplain should first possess a set of personal theological convictions as a foundation for ministry. Second, he or she needs to be sensitive to the beliefs and practices of the patients. Third, it is vital to develop a relationship of acceptance and trust not only with patients under their care, but also with family members and caregivers as well. At times, situations will arise that are purely religious or theological. In a clinical setting, however, the questions and problems that arise more often are both theological and ethical. It is beneficial for the chaplain to be involved in an ethics committee, where the specifics of each case can be discussed, and staff can offer counsel to patients and their families. This study examines issues that chaplains face at the bedside, such as terminal care, life-prolonging treatments, dementia, persistent vegetative state, and euthanasia-assisted suicide. We will discover that those who are involved in clinical pastoral ministry will be called upon to be a comforter, mediator, educator, ethicist, and counselor.

  19. The Timeless Legacy of Robert Koch

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education; Volume 11; Issue 9. The Timeless Legacy of Robert Koch - Founder of Medical Microbiology. Jaya S Tyagi. General Article Volume 11 Issue 9 September 2006 pp 20-28. Fulltext. Click here to view fulltext PDF. Permanent link:

  20. Teologia e ciências sociais (Theology and Social Sciences - DOI: 10.5752/P.2175-5841.2012v10n28p1337

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Francisco de Aquino Júnior

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available O artigo se confronta com a problemática da relação entre teologia e ciências sociais. Sua pretensão é formular adequadamente os termos dessa relação, explicitando a importância, a função e o lugar das ciências sociais na elaboração do discurso teológico e no produto teológico. Começa apresentando o debate sobre a relação entre teologia e ciências sociais na América Latina nas últimas décadas através de seus principais interlocutores: Gustavo Gutiérrez e Clodovis Boff; Juan Luis Segundo e Ignácio Ellacuría. E conclui, esboçando, de modo sistemático, ainda que em forma de tese, a estrutura teórica fundamental dessa relação. Ela tem a ver com o conhecimento da realidade na qual se vive a fé e que deve ser pensada teologicamente; com a dimensão social do reinado de Deus, assunto da teologia cristã; com o caráter social da teologia, enquanto teoria; e com a suspeita ideológica e o processe de des-ideologização e libertação da teologia. Palavras-chave: Social. Teologia. Ciências sociais. Mediação. Abstract This article presents the issue of the relationship between theology and the social sciences. For this purpose, the author seeks to formulate the terms of the relationship of these two areas of Knowledge, highlighting the importance, the role and the place of the social sciences in the development of the theological discourse and of the theological product. At the beginning of the text the author presents a discussion on the relationship between theology and the social sciences in Latin America in recent decades through its main representatives: Gustavo Gutierrez and Clodovis Boff, Juan Luis Segundo and Ignacio Ellacuria. The paper also presents a systematic outline of the fundamental theoretical framework of the relationship between theology and the social sciences, showing that this relationship binds to the knowledge of the reality in which faith is placed. In conclusion, the texts highlights that