Showing papers in "QUAERENS in 2024"
Abstract: This article explores the theological trajectory from Shema Yisrael—the foundational confession of Israel’s monotheism—to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem as interpreted within the Pentecostal tradition. The background lies in the tension between Israel’s strict declaration of God’s oneness (יְהוָה אֶחָד) at Sinai and the Pentecostal experience of the Spirit (πνεῦμα ἅγιον) that shaped the global church. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that Israel’s monotheism is not rejected but fulfilled in the Pentecostal encounter, where Shema is reinterpreted through Christ and the Spirit into a relational and living confession. Methodologically, the research employs a qualitative theological approach using biblical analysis, patristic interpretations, and contemporary Pentecostal pneumatology to examine Shema in its historical, liturgical, and theological dimensions. The findings reveal that Pentecostal theology sees a continuity: Sinai’s written law transforms into the Spirit’s living law, affirming the Shema in a Christocentric and pneumatological way. The contribution of this study is to show that Pentecostal faith and practice offer a unique perspective in bridging Jewish monotheism and Christian Trinitarianism, presenting Shema as the foundation for global mission, transformative spirituality, and ecclesial identity empowered by the Holy Spirit.
TL;DR: Ethnic violence in the Northeast region of India is caused by various factors including land alienation, immigration, struggle for space, natural resources, majority-minority conflicts, insurgency, and poverty. Peace can be restored through land restoration, socio-political autonomy, development, and education.
Abstract: This paper is mainly an attempt to present briefly the historical facts and the nature of ethnic violence in the region and not an attempt to interpret them or provide solutions for them as such but with a view to trigger a meaningful time of collective interaction from the pro-peace activists and participants present here. This paper uses a historical survey method. The result of this paper is that ethnic violence in the Northeast region can be attributed to various factors - land alienation, large and continuous influx of immigrants, struggle for space, homeland and struggle for natural resources in the same geographical space, problems of majority and minority populations, insurgency conflicts, and others. Thus, it becomes clear that peace can be restored in the region only through the restoration of people's land and cultural identity, socio-political autonomy, poverty alleviation, education and development especially in rural areas.
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TL;DR: Male circumcision is related to religion, culture, and health. It impacts men's sexual satisfaction and performance. The topic is contentious.
Abstract: Male circumcision is often practiced across the world for a variety of reasons including health, medical necessity, beauty, tradition, or religion. Jews have practiced male circumcision since Abraham's time and continue until now. This practice is obligatory for Jewish males soon after they are born. In the New Testament, we read Paul talks about circumcision as the practice of Jewish belief, and for Christians, he said spiritual circumcision is the new law of the New Testament. Now, male circumcision is not only related to religion, and culture but connect to the health issue. The interpretation of religion, culture, and health become an interpretation debate over many years. There is Circumcision either improves or decreases male sexual function or satisfaction. It is critical to understand how male circumcision (MC), especially when performed in childhood, impacts men's sexual satisfaction and performance. The topic is also quite contentious. Our objective is to give a comprehensive study of the studies on the influence of male circumcision from Jewish, Christian, and health interpretations.
TL;DR: This article explores Jesus' teachings in Mark 9:38-40 as a contextual mission for religious freedom in Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of interacting with people of different faiths and promoting inclusive religious expression.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to find a contextual mission in Indonesian context which deals with religious plurality and the freedom to express people’s faith. Christianity in Indonesia is among the religions which has its conviction from Jesus teaching to interract with people of different faith. From historical approach, the gospel of 9:38-40 offers a relevant conduct to religious interraction and in the same time it necessates the principle teaching of Jesus in the inclusive way.