Showing papers on "Revelation published in 2017"

Reason Turned into Sense: John Smith on Spiritual Sensation

Abstract: John Smith (1618-1652), the 17th century Cambridge Platonist, employed the traditional language of the spiritual senses of the soul to develop an early modern theological aesthetic central to his religious epistemology and thus to his philosophy of religion and systematic theology. Smith’s place in this tradition has been under-appreciated by scholars working on the Cambridge Platonists and the spiritual senses. However, as a Christian Platonist, Smith advocated intellectual intuition of Divine Goodness as the key to theological knowledge and spiritual practice. Furthermore, Smith’s theory of prophecy rests on the reception of sensible images in the imagination. In order to demonstrate this the dissertation first presents an interpretive summary of the spiritual senses tradition and proposes a functional typology that registers three uses of noncorporeal perception throughout the history of Christian theology: (1) accounts

The Book of Revelation and Early Jewish Textual Culture

Abstract: The Book of Revelation and Early Jewish Textual Culture explores the relationship between the writing of Revelation and its early audience, especially its interaction with Jewish Scripture. It touches on several areas of scholarly inquiry in biblical studies, including modes of literary production, the use of allusions, practices of exegesis, and early engagements with the Book of Revelation. Garrick Allen brings the Book of Revelation into the broader context of early Jewish literature, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and other important works. Arguing that the author of the New Testament Apocalypse was a 'scribal expert, someone who was well-versed in the content of Jewish Scripture and its interpretation', he demonstrates that John was not only a seer and prophet, but also an erudite reader of scripture.

Reading the Book of Revelation politically

Abstract: In this essay the political use of Revelation in the first five centuries will be analysed in greatest detail, with some references to other examples. Focus will be on two trajectories of interpretation: literalist, eschatological readings and symbolic, spiritualizing interpretations of the text. Whilst the first approach reads the book as predictions of future events, the second approach links the text with spiritual themes and contents that do not refer to outstanding events in time and history. The essay will argue that both of these trajectories are ultimately determined by political considerations. In a final section, a contemporary reading of Revelation will be analysed in order to illustrate the continuing and important presence of political readings in the reception history of Revelation, albeit in new, unique forms.

Children of laughter and the re-creation of humanity : the theological vision and logic of Paul's Letter to the Galatians from the vantage point of 4:21-5:1

Abstract: This thesis contributes to the discussion about the theological vision and logic in Paul's letter to the Galatians, in which he opposes the “Judaizing” of the Gentiles by means of their circumcision and the observance of the Mosaic Law, and calls for full alignment with the reality that the Christ-event had inaugurated. Thus, the discussion is also about discontinuity and continuity between Paul's message and Israel's scriptures, and with the hermeneutic in, and the shape of, Paul's retelling of Israel's story. After reviewing six perspectives on the reading of Galatians, I position my approach in relation to N. T. Wright and John Barclay. With Wright, I focus on Paul’s appropriation of Israel's scriptures and story, giving special attention to the hermeneutic involved in it. In search for the logic in Paul's resistance to Gentile circumcision, I develop Barclay's emphasis on the centrality of incongruous grace with reference to Paul's scriptural matrix. The vantage point for my reading of the letter is the strategically important passage of 4:21-5:1 that draws together the preceding argument, and moves it to a new phase. Also, in 4:21-5:1, Paul invites the Galatians to adopt his interpretative practice, which opens up Paul's hermeneutic for analysis. I demonstrate that Paul's allegoresis in 4:21-5:1 is intertextual; Paul reads the Abraham narrative together with Isaiah in light of the revelation of Christ and the experience of the Spirit. Following Paul's signals in Gal 4:21-5:1 that point to his scriptural matrix, I analyse the theological potential in the narrative of the birth of Abraham's two sons and in Isaiah's vision of restoration. I claim that Paul's theological vision draws from the Abrahamic promise of blessing to all the nations and from its re-appropriation in Isaiah in terms of the Gentiles' inclusion in the regenerated people of God. Paul also makes a correlation between the pattern in Isaac's birth and the alienation-restoration paradigm in Isa 54:1 that is formative for his logic of incongruent grace that recognises the dependence of both the Jew and Gentile on the promissory act of God in Christ and the Spirit for inclusion in the restored people of God – the re-created humanity.

Abhinavagupta's Portrait of a Guru: Revelation and Religious Authority in Kashmir

Abstract: This dissertation aims to recover a model of religious authority that placed great importance upon individual gurus who were seen to be indispensable to the process of revelation. This person-centered style of religious authority is implicit in the teachings and identity of the scriptural sources of the Kulamārga, a complex of traditions that developed out of more esoteric branches of tantric Śaivism. For convenience sake, we name this model of religious authority a “Kaula idiom.” The Kaula idiom is contrasted with a highly influential notion of revelation as eternal and authorless, advanced by orthodox interpreters of the Veda, and other Indian traditions that invested the words of sages and seers with great authority. The purpose of recovering and contextualizing the Kaula framework for religious authority is to demonstrate the ways in which it makes Abhinavagupta’s representation of himself as a guru in his lengthy “autobiographical” excerpts intelligible. Although Kaula notions of religious authority and transmission—focused on the agency and intervention of perfected masters (Siddhas)—inform Abhinavagupta’s representation of himself as a guru, his self-portrayal also adds new elements to what an ideal guru should be. A close reading of the form, content, and didactic power of Abhinavagupta autobiographical passages suggests that the ideal guru should not only be a fully-enlightened Kaula master, but also schooled in the finer points of Indian

The Invention of Judaism: Torah and Jewish Identity from Deuteronomy to Paul

Abstract: "Judaism is often understood as the way of life defined by the Torah of Moses, but it was not always so. This book identifies key moments in the rise of the Torah, beginning with the formation of Deuteronomy, advancing through the reform of Ezra, the impact of the suppression of the Torah by Antiochus Epiphanes and the consequent Maccabean revolt, and the rise of Jewish sectarianism. It also discusses variant forms of Judaism, some of which are not Torah-centered and others which construe the Torah through the lenses of Hellenistic culture or through higher, apocalyptic, revelation. It concludes with the critique of the Torah in the writings of Paul"...Provided by publisher

The Book of Revelation

Abstract: This work is by a professor of New Testament interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY). He was previously principal of Spurgeon's College in London (195872). He writes from the preterist-futurist camp. He regards the main purpose of the book as picturing the triumph of Christ and the major events of the book from chapters 4 through 18 to be a description of the endtime preceding the second coming of Christ. However, he does spiritualize the thousand-year reign of Christ and intimates that it begins with His first coming. He also spiritualizes the 144,000 as the church (church = new Israel). Reviewed in BibSac (Jan 1982): 82.

Four Stages of Revelation: The Uniting of Scripture, Jesus’ Word and Spirit- Illumined Remembrance in the Fourth Gospel

Abstract: Reflection on the formation of the NT canon often neglects the internal claims of the NT texts themselves in favor of a focus on their reception. However, while it is clear the canonical Gospels present the teaching of Jesus as authoritative, the intended authority of the written Gospel texts themselves has mostly been dismissed or even ignored by critical biblical scholars. However, this position is now being reconsidered, and the exegesis of particular texts may prove to counter the former assumption. The present article argues that there are four stages of revelation implicit within the Fourth Gospel. The author uses select narratorial insertions to convey the disciples’ postresurrection remembrance, understanding and belief (2:22; 12:16; 20:9) as the uniting of the OT scripture (γραφή) and the revelatory word (λόγος) of Jesus as one divinely inspired and authoritative message revealed by the Holy Spirit (14:25–26). Consequently, the evangelist’s very writing of the Gospel transcribes this revelation for his readers (20:31) in order that they may believe and have life. John’s Gospel thus presents an internal claim for itself to its readers as “scripture,” through which the signs of Jesus, the reality of his life-giving death and resurrection and his very presence can be experienced by later readers and disciples.

Toward a Cosmic and Holistic Mission: A Biblical Reflection on Romans 8:14-24a

Abstract: This article explores Romans 8:14-24a, one of the scripture passages quoted in Together towards Life (TTL). References to the Holy Spirit that frees us from fear, the liberation of the cosmos from bondage; the dimension of hope; and the wider concept of mission shed light on the hopeful message of TTL. I am very grateful to the leaders of this consultation for the opportunity to share with you the biblical reflection on this precious passage, one of those quoted in Together towards Life (TTL). More so, because I am a survivor of the first assembly of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) in Mexico in 1963, and then member of that commission for some years. I chose this section in Romans because of its reference: (1) to the Holy Spirit which frees us from fear and enables us not only to be God's children, but also to be co-heirs with Christ, to share in his glory; (2) that the whole cosmos will be liberated from "its bondage to decay" and "enter upon the liberty and splendor of the children of God," (3) to the dimension of hope, one element being "the redemption of our bodies," but also the birth of a new saved world; and (4) to the wider concept of mission developed in the text, which is also in the spirit of TTL: a mission with a message of liberation, joy, and celebration for the cosmos and humanity that is not restricted to the historical Jesus. Of course, in all these ideas there is a great influence of apocalyptic literature, particularly the Book of Enoch, but also the prophets in the First Testament. In this connection 1 would like to remember the important Jewish thinker Franz Rosenzweig (1886-1929), who has influenced several Christian theologians, such as Jurgen Moltmann, and whose thinking can help us to orient our mission and guide us in inter-religious dialogue. In his book The Star of Redemption, he tries to define mission in Judaism and in Christianity. Each part of the book is an explanation of the triad of creation, revelation, and redemption. Mission in Judaism is an inner process in order to keep the truth of the People of God (Israel), while mission in Christianity is an outer process to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah (in Paul's terms, the ultimate attainment of freedom, hope, and glory). Paul poses that Christianity as the "eternal path" has to extend itself externally, not merely to keep its spiritual treasure but to reproduce itself bv extending itself. Judaism is "the fire in the star," Israel "is the truth with God outside history, in eternity, while Christianity is formed by the rays which come out of the Star towards 'the God of truth', to conquer eventually the kingdom of God." Christians need to keep alive the heart of the Star, while Jews should give Christians the task of spreading its light. Facing the expected redemption, Christians are the actors of history, but Israel keeps its election, which takes them out of history. If the task of Christians is to convert the pagans, we should pray that Jews keep faithful to their election. Meanwhile, God waits for Christians and Jews to do their part to bring redemption to the world. Perhaps in this argument we could add Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. I would also like to remember in this connection another Jewish thinker, Walter Benjamin (1892-1940), who was very much in line with Rosenzweig, especially in his thesis on the concept of history. He says that the Messiah comes in the fullness of time, not at the end of time, because "the Messiah interrupts history, and the Messiah does not arrive at its end, but that each second is the small door through which the Messiah can enter." In the background of this section is the apocalyptic idea that at the end of time, the Messiah will appear and the elected righteous with him, Jesus as the first born among many brothers and sisters (Rom. 8:29; 1 Cor. 15:20-23; Acts 26:23). The Gift of the Spirit In Romans 5:1-5, Paul wrote about the consequences of justification by faith for Christian life. …

Theology: The Basic Readings

Abstract: How to use this book. Engaging a reading. Christian theology: An historical overview. 1 Faith. 1.1 Augustine on theology and secular philosophy. 1.2 Vincent of Lerins on Tradition and Theology. 1.3 John Calvin on the Nature of Faith. 1.4 Karl Barth on revelation and the Word of God. 1.5 Emil Brunner on faith and reason. 1.6 Paul Tillich on the nature of theology. 1.7 C. S. Lewis on myths in Theology. 1.8 John Paul II on faith and Reason. 2 God. 2.1 Athenagoras of Athens on the Christian God. 2.2 Thomas Aquinas on analogies of God. 2.3 Jurgen Moltmann on the Suffering of God. 2.4 Hans Urs von Balthasar on the Glory of God. 2.5 Elizabeth A. Johnson on Female Analogies for God. 2.6 Sarah Coakley on Vulnerability and God. 3 Creation. 3.1 Giovanni Pico della Mirandola. 3.2 Jonathan Edwards on the beauty of creation. 3.3 William Paley on the contrivance of nature. 3.4 John Henry Newman on natural religion. 3.5 G. K. Chesterton on the doctrine of creation. 3.6 Dorothy L. Sayers on creation and evil. 4 Jesus. 4.1 Athanasius of Alexandria on the incarnation. 4.2 Martin Kahler on the "Jesus of History". 4.3 George Tyrrell on modern views of Jesus. 4.4 Austin Farrer on the incarnation and suffering. 4.5 Morna D. Hooker on Chalcedon and the New Testament. 4.6 N. T. Wright on Jesus and the identity of God. 5 Salvation. 5.1 Rufinus of Aquileia on Christ's death as a victory. 5.2 Anselm of Canterbury on satisfaction for sin. 5.3 F. D. E. Schleiermacher on Christ as redeemer. 5.4 Bernard Lonergan on the rationality of salvation. 5.5 Colin Gunton on the language of salvation. 5.6 Rosemary Radford Ruether on suffering and redemption. 6 Trinity. 6.1 Irenaeus of Lyons on the Trinitarian faith. 6.2 The Eleventh Council of Toledo on the Trinity. 6.3 Henry Barclay Swete on the Holy Spirit and the Trinity. 6.4 Karl Rahner on the economic Trinity. 6.5 John Macquarrie on the function of the Trinity. 6.6 Robert Jenson on the Trinity as God's name. 7 Church. 7.1 Martin Luther on the nature of the church. 7.2 Lesslie Newbigin on a missionary ecclesiology. 7.3 The Second Vatican Council on the Church. 7.4 George Dragas on Orthodox ecclesiology. 7.5 Stanley Hauerwas on the church and the Christian story. 7.6 Leonardo Boff on the reinvention of the Church. 8 Sacraments. 8.1 Cyril of Jerusalem on the meaning of baptism. 8.2 Huldrych Zwingli on the real presence. 8.3 The Council of Trent on transubstantiation. 8.4 The World Council of Churches on baptism. 8.5 Rowan Williams on the sacraments as signs. 8.6 Benedict XVI on the Eucharist. 9 Heaven. 9.1 Cyprian of Carthage on the hope of heaven. 9.2 Methodius of Olympus on the resurrection body. 9.3 John Wesley on the final restoration of nature. 9.4 The Catechism of the Catholic Church on the resurrection. 9.5 Wolfhart Pannenberg on eschatology and evil. 9.6 Kathryn Tanner on eternal life. A brief glossary of theological terms. Sources of readings. Acknowledgements. Index

Re-enactment leading to transformation: A critical assessment of the distinctives of Pentecostal preaching

Abstract: The article aims to define what the most distinctive characteristics of Pentecostal preaching are in order to assess these elements critically Pentecostal preachers argue that their message is concerned with the Bible as the Word of God and its explication for modern-day listeners, but with the explicit purpose to perpetuate what the Bible says about the revelation of God as revealed to the contemporary preacher The purpose of preaching is in other words that believers will experience an encounter with the same Spirit who revealed God to people in biblical times in order that present-day people will be saved, freed, healed and delivered in the same way as in apostolic times Pentecostal preaching is described in terms of three elements, God’s work in preaching, preparation for preaching, and the preaching event The several aspects are described and discussed and some of the conclusions are that Pentecostal preaching should as non-negotiable be rooted soundly in Scripture, beginning from and focusing on the biblical text, while at the same time exegesis, although necessary academic work, may not be allowed to minimize the influence of the Spirit because the end of preaching is a word from God that produces the divine desired effect in the human situation However, the emphasis on supernatural results leads in some instances to the manipulation of the context of preaching in order to gain the desired results, using emotionalism, mass suggestion, disorder, or showmanship

Conceptualising holiness in the Gospel of John: The en route to and character of holiness (Part 2)

Abstract: In a previous publication, this author investigated the code as well as the objectives of holiness in the Gospel of John. This research deals with the en route to and character of holiness. The research starts with a concise characterisation of Jesus for the en route and character of holiness is embedded in the character of Jesus. Secondly, reference is made to the mimesis theories of Plato, Aristotle and Ricoeur. This facilitates a better understanding of the en route and character of holiness in John. Thirdly, Jesus could exhorted them to follow him because he has set them an example (ὑπόδeιγμα) in showing (καθώς) them the way. Fourthly, the research scrutinises those features in John that relate closely to the character of Jesus to provide more light to the en route and character of holiness. Finally, the Spirit (παράκλητος) will enable and will continue to sanctify the disciples of Jesus. The contribution of this research lies not only in providing a holistic overview of sanctification in John, but also in connecting the en route to and character of holiness in John with the character of Jesus which revolves around his mission of revelation and salvation.

Clarifying divine discourse in early modern science: divinity, physico-theology, and divine metaphysics in Isaac Newton’s chymistry

Abstract: Isaac Newton, like many of his contemporaries, appears to have distinguished between the practice of divinity, founded on divine revelation, and philosophical considerations of God derived from the study of nature. This article evaluates these distinct modes of divine discourse through a close reading of the chymical content of Newton’s optical writings and his correspondence with Thomas Burnet regarding Genesis. Newton’s chymical exploration of divine activity in the natural world in Query 31 to the Opticks (1704) seems independent from Scripture in its physico-theological demonstration of God from natural phenomena and its divine metaphysical reliance on a priori concepts of God to establish principles of nature. Nonetheless, the sensorium analogy by which he explored divine agency in nature drew directly from the biblical doctrine of the imago Dei. Moreover, Newton used his chymical understanding of nature to access the natural-philosophical realities behind the accommodated words of the Mosaic...

Reading Revelation from the top or the underside

Abstract: I dedicate this article to Allan Boesak on the occasion of his 70th birthday in appreciation of his fearless struggle against racism, but also in gratitude for his many other writings in which he consistently promoted the cause of oppressed, vilified and abused groups in society in a truly compassionate and inspiring manner. This article also wishes to give recognition to his singular contribution to the study of Revelation, reflected in the many references to his commentary in scholarly works (cf. part 3 below).

Engaging the Doctrine of Revelation: The Mediation of the Gospel through Church and Scripture by Matthew Levering (review)

Abstract: One of the most important problems—one that Schumacher’s study poses but does not treat—is the relationship between mystical and conceptual (scientific) theology. Both St. Thomas and B-A agree that theological study always presupposes in the theologian the virtue of supernatural faith, which implies in him or her the presence of the grace of the Holy Spirit. They also share the conviction that the grace of faith helps not only to ground the principles of theological reasoning but also facilitates the reasoning process itself. What is not clear to the reader of Schumacher’s study is whether she agrees with B-A’s method, which in certain chapters, such as those on eschatology, relies almost exclusively on (alleged) mystical visions, intuitions, and locutions as the sole peremptory theological foundation. The description of mystical experiences is a different literary genre than scientific theology, which may use private mystical experiences to illustrate the existential aspect of a divine mystery, but not as the foundation for its truth. All in all, Schumacher’s magnum opus is undeniably a milestone in the ever-expanding and deepening research evaluating the immense theological and spiritual heritage of Hans Urs von Balthasar and Adrienne von Speyr within the Catholic theological tradition.

Khaled Hosseini, Keigo Higashino, and Zoe Ferraris: Social Concealment, Personal Revelation, and Community Guilt

Abstract: Detective novels, while generally considered to be pulp fiction and therefore worthy of less academic attention, nonetheless lay bare the reader’s interest in getting to the so-called truth. Even the inclusion of “red herrings” and false leads serves to entice a deeper commitment to proving the existence of what “really” happened. They are, therefore, escapist in the sense that they tease readers to reject the underpinnings of deconstruction and poststructuralism and allow, at least for the limited duration of the reading, a comforting illusion that there are larger truths that an actual “self” can discern and pin down. This need for structural stability and personal agency carries over into more literary works, though the desire there is generally expressed in the dramatic arc of Freytag’s Pyramid: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and dénouement.

The Revelation of God, East and West: Contrasting Special Revelation in Western Modernity with the Ancient Christian East

Abstract: Abstract The questions of whether God reveals himself; if so, how we can know a purported revelation is authentic; and how such revelations relate to the insights of reason are discussed by John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, René Descartes, G. W. Leibniz, and Immanuel Kant, to name a few. Yet, what these philosophers say with such consistency about revelation stands in stark contrast with the claims of the Christian East, which are equally consistent from the second century through the fourteenth century. In this essay, I will compare the modern discussion of special revelation from Thomas Hobbes through Johann Fichte with the Eastern Christian discussion from Irenaeus through Gregory Palamas. As we will see, there are noteworthy differences between the two trajectories, differences I will suggest merit careful consideration from philosophers of religion.

Inspiration and Truth in the Book of Revelation

Abstract: The Book of Revelation confronts its readers with the problem of violence and irrationality, thereby putting at stake its claim to inspiration and truth. In a canonical and pastoral approach, the document of the Pontifical Biblical Commission explains this unruly book as an expression of Christ’s “burning love”. However, Revelation offers its reader a dramatic counter-world, in which neither love nor logic may be learnt but the coping with passion and “tears”. The visionary strategy (1) gives the Christians insights into their own truth, (2) establishes their very own, “heavenly” perspective, (3) meticulously provides them with theocentric knowledge of the purpose of their everyday struggles, (4) transforms them by a dramatic experience of redemption, and (5) lets them encounter Christ in an experience of longing and trust.

Study on Historical Evolution and Contemporary Revelation of Mao Zedong Thought and Ideologization

Abstract: Chinese reform and opening up has achieved remarkable achievements and our country has undergone tremendous changes. Profound economic and social changes objectively require the further enrichment and development of the country’s mainstream ideology. Mainstream ideology is the guide for social action. Ideology is made up of a series of ideas. These ideas not only guide social behavior, but also can be transformed into political, economic and cultural systems. Through the ideological research of Mao Zedong Thought, we can consolidate the fruits of reform and opening up, and improve the socialism system with Chinese characteristics. This paper introduces the concept of ideology of Mao Zedong Thought, studies the historical environment and conditions of Mao Zedong Thought, and explores its ideological process of mainstream consciousness. We also analyze the important enlightenment of Mao Zedong Thought on the construction and development of contemporary Chinese ideology.

Traces of the Trinity in the Old Testament: From Individual Texts to the Nature of Revelation

Abstract: This article uncovers traces of the Trinity in the Old Testament. Different from traditional exegesis, it is argued that alleged allusions to God's plurality in specific texts, and examples of personified agents such as the Angel of the Lord, are less important and often inconclusive. The nature of Old Testament ‘monotheism’, however, supports trinitarian logic, and important traces of the Trinity are demonstrated in in-depth structures of Old Testament theology: the anthropomorphic character of revelation, the second commandment, God's name as narrative self-identification and the tendency of God's coming to his people.

Teología de la praxis educativa en la pedagogía salesiana : la educación es cuestión del corazón

Abstract: The theology of human action exercises a process of reflection and response to the different problems that society and the subject bring in their complexity, addressing themselves as a valid interlocutor of knowledge and contributing to the understanding of reality, from the perspective of revelation and Of the Christian faith; These realities are correlated and interpreted in the light of the concrete situation of the subject in relation to the principles of the Gospel, finding there, in the Good News of Jesus, a source for life, a life that becomes alive with facts and words. That is to say, the theology of praxis is the possibility of "accompanying one's own and others' actions, under the perspective of God's plan of salvation, which integrate action and the human vocation as an activity in the world."

A Lengthening Shadow: Is Quality of Thought Deteriorating in LDS Scholarly Discourse Regarding Prophets and Revelation? Part One

Abstract: Page 1/25 11/2/2019 https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/a-lengthening-shadow-is-quality-of-thought-deteriorating-in-lds-scholarly-discourse-regarding-prophets-and-revelation-part-two/ Abstract: Many mistakes that occur in scholarly endeavors are understandable. The truth is often difficult to discover, and this makes errors inevitable and expected. And of course, some mistakes are so insignificant that to complain of them would be mere pedantry. But this is not true of all errors. Some are both obvious and of such significance to their topics that they are egregious. There is reason to be concerned that this is occurring to some degree on the topic of prophets and the Lord’s revelations to them. Erroneous claims and arguments are not difficult to find, including some published under the auspices of reputable and mainstream entities. Is it possible that such errors are becoming common, and commonly accepted, in LDS scholarly discourse? Part One considered multiple examples, primarily from Terryl Givens and Patrick Mason, that begin to suggest a positive answer to this question. This installment, Part Two, considers examples from Grant Hardy that also suggest an affirmative answer.

Erchomai-nia in the seven churches of Asia : Revelation’s response to eschatological imminency

Abstract: CITATION: Wilson, M. 2017. Erchomai-nia in the seven churches of Asia : Revelation’s response to eschatological imminency. Pharos Journal of Theology, 98:1-14.

Teologiczny charakter prawa kanonicznego i jego porządkująca rola w społeczności Kościoła

Abstract: The regulations of the church canon law in the fellowship of the Church are subjects to growing criticism. Today, however, one seeks justification for canon law in a theological reconstruction. The theology of canon law, through self-reflection and roots in the Divne Revelation, is able to ward off any anti-juridical manifestations and trends. They reverse the sense of the law of the Church as an instrument of order. The Church leads to salvation and it is because of human weakness that the church lawgiver gives his dispositions, so that the fellowship of faith could live in order and harmony. The present study interprets the justifications for the necessity of law in the fellowship of the Church. It draws on history, where it was harshly criticised, e.g. M. Luter and R. Shom. The Church of Jesus Christ, however, lasts and is disseminated. This is owing to divine elements which the Church received from Him. The Church is a Divine-human fellowship, therefore there is a need for visible mechanisms by which to govern it. Codes, Instructions, Constitutions, or, eventually, the Scriptures and particular law are expressions of it. The church fellowship has all the essential elements of a human fellowship, including the authority of power and legal order. In the 19 th century ecclesiology rendered the fellowship of the Church as a “perfect fellowship.” According to the Spanish canonist and theologian Lamberto de Echeverrii, one should point at three elements: 1) Jesus Christ wanted to have the Church as a perfect fellowship; this is expressed in a visible and charismatic fellowship; 2) it corresponds to a certain legal order; 3) similar to the state order. Ecclesia is a multitude of people unified by the ties of faith and love designed to lead its members to salvation, using at the same one's own resources which lead to it. We mean here such spiritual goods as the sacraments. The church fellowship established by Christ the Lord is a perfect fellowship endowed with the threefold power to govern, teach and sanctify. The power to govern is legislative, executive, and judicial. This is a hierarchic model of the Church. Therefore in the sacramental nature of the ecclesial fellowship there is a possibility and necessity to establish legal norms. The Church appears as a historical and social reality imbued with the presence of God. Christ is present in this reality as a whole and in its particular members. Rich in heavenly gifts it is at the same time earthly, and as the Mystical Body and the People of God it is a hierarchic society. The paper consists of six paragraphs: 1. The context and characterisation of canon law; 2. The binding power of canon law; 3. The sense of canon law; 4. The permanent elements in the fellowship of the Church; 5. The salvific action of the church lawgiver through the law; 6. Summary. The paper shows the theological foundations of canon law, especially its permanent elements as the Word of God, the sacraments, the will of the lawgiver, faith, and grace. This topic is important and should be continued in scientific considerations.

Religion and morality: Akedah theology and cumulative revelation as contradictory theologies in Jewish Modern-Orthodox feminism

Abstract: The present article examines the way in which Jewish theology deals with the potential clash between Divine injunctions and moral imperatives. I take Modern-Orthodox feminism (“religious feminism”)1 as my test case, scrutinizing some of the ideas it has developed about dealing with contradictions between religion and moral principles. The decision for religious feminism is based on the fact that its theoretical writings offer a trenchant moral critique of religious patriarchalism and the injustices done in its name, chiefly to women, but also direct this criticism inward, in pursuit of internal revision of the religious system, in a process that tries to preserve the obligation to obey Divine commands rather than challenge them. This leads to the question of whether a religious approach that has accepted certain moral principles (in this case, gender equality) can serve as a privileged model for examining the relationship between religion and morality.