This paper is a theological reflection on the theology of wealth in Africa--its nature, philosophy, and sustaining factors. Through the methodology of theological reflections, the paper finds out that the theology of ...This paper is a theological reflection on the theology of wealth in Africa--its nature, philosophy, and sustaining factors. Through the methodology of theological reflections, the paper finds out that the theology of wealth, though difficult to describe, is sustained on the African continent by economic hardship, the influence of some preachers of the theology of wealth, and the availability of improved facilities for disseminating the content of the theology of wealth. It also finds out that the entire philosophy of the theology of wealth is biblically, theologically, and ethically deficient. Biblically, it adapts parts of scripture to suit its teachings. Theologically, it puts forth viewpoints that are foreign to theological thought. Ethically, it is a means of exploiting congregants. The paper concludes with a recommendation that the content and nature of the theology of wealth must be highlighted and thoroughly explained to both clergy and membership of different denominations so that all will be safeguarded against the impact of this false gospel on their lives.展开更多
The early censorship of the English Bible was imposed during the sixteenth century. One example is William Tyndale＇s pocket-size New Testament translation, which underwem destruction including the burning of its manu...The early censorship of the English Bible was imposed during the sixteenth century. One example is William Tyndale＇s pocket-size New Testament translation, which underwem destruction including the burning of its manuscript, the published translation texts, and even the printers and possessors of these materials. This article reviews the legal history and the religious significance of the censorship, which further influences the appearance of the Authorized Version （1611 ）. Related facts are parliamentary policies concerning imports of foreign priming, book licensing and the use of the Bible. The latter part of this paper reviews evems organized by Wolsey, Tunstall and Warham, and the launch of scholarly based Bible-translation. This paper concludes by re-emphasizing the significance of these parties in sustaining the divine preservation and development of Biblical literature-readers, translators, printers, traders, clergy and legislators. They made the Phoenix rise from the heap of ashes to heaven, and inspired the work of the King James Bible.展开更多
Exod 23：10-12 enjoins Israel to keep both a seventh-year Sabbath and a seventh-day Sabbath. The juxtaposition of these two Sabbaths in the text suggests a connection between the Sabbath and ecology, since rest and no...Exod 23：10-12 enjoins Israel to keep both a seventh-year Sabbath and a seventh-day Sabbath. The juxtaposition of these two Sabbaths in the text suggests a connection between the Sabbath and ecology, since rest and nourishment are required both the land and its inhabitants （i.e., humans and beasts）. This article exegetically analyzes Exod 23：10-12 and suggests some possible ecological implications. Accordingly, it is argued that while the biblical sabbatical year seems to have required a rest for the whole land--a practice which may seem impossible today--in modern times heavily cultivated portions of land could be allowed to lie fallow. Instead of overusing particular portions of land with the aid of agro-chemicals, farming systems such as land rotation could fruitfully be practiced. Such a practice may not only allow cultivable lands regain fertility, it may also contribute towards the sustenance of the wild including endangered species. This study may be particularly useful in the African context.展开更多
Authentic peace is much more comprehensive and far-reaching than the absence of war. The Jewish concept of shalom and its concrete experience entail harmony with nature, with oneself, with others and with God. This ar...Authentic peace is much more comprehensive and far-reaching than the absence of war. The Jewish concept of shalom and its concrete experience entail harmony with nature, with oneself, with others and with God. This article delves into the Hebrew scriptural foundations of Christianity＇s teachings about peace, and then proceeds to give an overview of some of the key references to the same theme in the New Testament. A number of key affirmations about peace and its various aspects were made during the Second Vatican Council （1962-1965）. These were followed by several official statements made by the Popes in their annual World Day of Peace Messages since 1968 The Christian concept of peace offers a number of practical applications which can be embraced by all men and women of good will, namely the creation of a purified mentality, as well as a sincere pedagogy of dialogue.展开更多
The period between 1850 and 1865 was a period of major social upheavals in American society; the major issue was the slavery. This period also witnessed the birth and organization of the Sabbatarian Adventism, a pre-m...The period between 1850 and 1865 was a period of major social upheavals in American society; the major issue was the slavery. This period also witnessed the birth and organization of the Sabbatarian Adventism, a pre-millennial Christian movement distinguished by an emphasis on the Seventh-day Sabbath and a special understanding of Bible prophecies. Most Adventist pioneers vehemently opposed slavery, although not always on the same ground as their Christian counterparts. Aided by their peculiar understanding of Bible prophecy, the early Adventists identified America with apocalyptical end-time power, slavery being the key attribute of the ＂beast that looks like a lamb but speaks like a dragon＂ from Revelation 13：11. This article investigates the development of Adventist connection between slavery, America and Bible prophecy.展开更多
When it comes to the afterlife, Seventh-day Adventists advocate ＂soul sleep＂ condition, in which the dead person is in some sort of suspended state until the final judgment. On the other hand, many Evangelical Chris...When it comes to the afterlife, Seventh-day Adventists advocate ＂soul sleep＂ condition, in which the dead person is in some sort of suspended state until the final judgment. On the other hand, many Evangelical Christians believe that the dead go directly to Heaven to be with the Lord. But in Roman Catholicism, purgatory is considered as the place where most dead believers expiate their remaining sins before entering the visible presence of God. This doctrine has been criticized extensively both by Catholics and Evangelicals in spite of its massive defence by the Holy office. Several alternative views about the resurrection of the dead have been propounded by some twentieth-century Protestants and some notable Catholic theologians. Although the doctrine of purgatory has been approved and reaffirmed by several Church councils, the questions that still remain are： Is the doctrine of purgatory biblically justifiable？ Does the work of salvation extend beyond the grave？ This study attempts to find answers to these questions. The study therefore surveys the doctrine of purgatory in the light of the biblical teachings about death. The second section surveys the background to the doctrine with reference to Judaism, the Apocrypha, the New Testament, the Church Fathers, and Church Councils. The third section looks at the nature of purgatory, the duration and the nature of the punishment meted out to those who go to purgatory and how souls are released from purgatory. The fourth section also examines the biblical teaching on death. The study concludes that the doctrine of purgatory is based on tradition rather than the Bible. The Bible emphasizes the finality of one＇s destiny in this life rather than after this life.展开更多
This paper detracts vampires＇ traits from definitions by famous biblical exegetists and alike. Based on accounts of vampire-synonymous species from the Holy Bible （2000）, The Vampire Book （2010）, Encyclopedia of ...This paper detracts vampires＇ traits from definitions by famous biblical exegetists and alike. Based on accounts of vampire-synonymous species from the Holy Bible （2000）, The Vampire Book （2010）, Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology （2010）, etc., it attempts an analysis of essential vampire features derivation from religious beliefs with the aim to amply apprecitate vampire culture and paint evidentially-built vampire portraits as against totally self-imagined traits.展开更多
This paper describes and analyzes Martin Luther＇s views on marriage and family primarily from his own writings. Luther elevated marriage and family life to a place of respect and honor in the church and society at a ...This paper describes and analyzes Martin Luther＇s views on marriage and family primarily from his own writings. Luther elevated marriage and family life to a place of respect and honor in the church and society at a time when singleness and celibacy were celebrated as ways of reaching a higher state of spirituality. Martin Luther＇s teachings were so radically different from the traditional Catholic views of his days that the church became furious with him and tried almost everything in their power to silence him. Although Luther is known primarily for his views on Justification, but it is his teachings on marriage and family that has been more consequential. Many in the West who have never heard the name of Martin Luther, today enjoy a more biblical view on marriage and family because of his influence. He advocated divorce according to biblical principles, at a time when divorce was almost impossible; he encouraged priests to marry by showing that there was no conflict between their calling and marriage; he denounced celibacy, blaming it for encouraging lust rather than aiding chastity; he restored marriage and family life back to the arena of spirituality and respectability in society. Luther lived out his own advice by getting married and living an exemplary married life. What made Luther so effective was the passionate intensity with which he advocated these reforms. He wrote and spoke with such power and backed up his words with such a bold and courageous life, although living in the shadow of constant threats, that centuries after his death, the power and conviction of his ideas still resonate.展开更多
The purpose of Bible translation is to enable readers to fully understand what the Bible says in their own context. The different Bible translations use different translation principles, therefore, they show different...The purpose of Bible translation is to enable readers to fully understand what the Bible says in their own context. The different Bible translations use different translation principles, therefore, they show different translated results from each other. In general, translators will make translation choices between the “word-for-word translation” and “sense-for-sense translation”. A good translation usually has two translation choices and the difference is just which kind of choice to use more. In addition to this, whether the same word can be translated consistently is also worthy of being discussed, especially in the case of a proper noun or vocabulary with special meaning. If a vocabulary with special meaning in the Bible is translated into different words, it is not only impossible to clarify the conceptual connection or logical relationship between certain words in the Bible, but also makes it possible for readers who read different Bible translations to have the different understanding of the vocabulary. Under the influence of globalization, Christian communication has become more frequent. After different readers read different Bible translations, the problem of inconsistent understanding of the same word or paragraph will be gradually revealed. This article uses the Greek word “ψυχη” to explore the above issues. “ψυχη” is a vocabulary with special meaning in the New Testament and it is mostly discussed in the anthropology of Christian theology. This article compares three English Bible translations and six Chinese Bible translations on the Greek word “ψυχη” and then finds that the Greek word “ψυχη was translated into multiple different words in a single Bible translation and in different Bible translations. This situation shows that the difference in translation may make the readers of different Bible translations have different understandings after reading.展开更多
The history and geographical origin of citron （Citrus medica L.） is still unknown but most of authors agree that it originated in Southeast Asia. There are different opinions about the exact period and the steps by ...The history and geographical origin of citron （Citrus medica L.） is still unknown but most of authors agree that it originated in Southeast Asia. There are different opinions about the exact period and the steps by which it was brought from its country of origin to the Mediterranean basin where it is cultivated in Corsica, Crete and in southern Italy （Calabria region）. In particulary, Citrus medica ＇Diamante＇ grows, almost exclusively, in a restricted area of the Tyrrhenian cost of the region Calabria, called ＂Riviera dei Cedri＂, a relevant local economic district. This citron has been and is, still being used by Jews for worship during the Feast of Tabernacles, a very important religious ritual, where it plays a prominent part; in fact, for this holiday of Sukkot, the use of the authentic citron that grows in Calabria region is recommended, because it is not grafted. In this paper, the fascinating history of C. medica and its spread from the centers of origin to the Mediterranean is reported with the aim to investigate the religious and cultural significance of the C. medica ＇Diamante＇, an exclusive and historical heritage of the Calabria region.展开更多
This paper offers pragmatic religious approach to handling moments of grief. It examines the mechanism for coping with distress in Islam. Though inferences were drawn from the Muslim Scripture （i.e. the Glorious Qur...This paper offers pragmatic religious approach to handling moments of grief. It examines the mechanism for coping with distress in Islam. Though inferences were drawn from the Muslim Scripture （i.e. the Glorious Qur＇an） and the experiences of the prophets of God, the paper posits that every human being in today＇s world experiences moments of grief that are similar to those experienced by those prophets and as such, strategies adopted by them could still be found useful in the contemporary times. The paper has six parts. The introduction forms part one and this is followed by an examination of the causes of distress. In part three, the different signs and manifestations of distress in individuals are discussed while part four looks at the conventional or scientific ways of coping with moments of grief. The section that follows critically discusses the lslamic paradigm for coping with moments of grief. Thereafter the conclusions were drawn and some recommendations were offered.展开更多
文摘This paper is a theological reflection on the theology of wealth in Africa--its nature, philosophy, and sustaining factors. Through the methodology of theological reflections, the paper finds out that the theology of wealth, though difficult to describe, is sustained on the African continent by economic hardship, the influence of some preachers of the theology of wealth, and the availability of improved facilities for disseminating the content of the theology of wealth. It also finds out that the entire philosophy of the theology of wealth is biblically, theologically, and ethically deficient. Biblically, it adapts parts of scripture to suit its teachings. Theologically, it puts forth viewpoints that are foreign to theological thought. Ethically, it is a means of exploiting congregants. The paper concludes with a recommendation that the content and nature of the theology of wealth must be highlighted and thoroughly explained to both clergy and membership of different denominations so that all will be safeguarded against the impact of this false gospel on their lives.
文摘The early censorship of the English Bible was imposed during the sixteenth century. One example is William Tyndale＇s pocket-size New Testament translation, which underwem destruction including the burning of its manuscript, the published translation texts, and even the printers and possessors of these materials. This article reviews the legal history and the religious significance of the censorship, which further influences the appearance of the Authorized Version （1611 ）. Related facts are parliamentary policies concerning imports of foreign priming, book licensing and the use of the Bible. The latter part of this paper reviews evems organized by Wolsey, Tunstall and Warham, and the launch of scholarly based Bible-translation. This paper concludes by re-emphasizing the significance of these parties in sustaining the divine preservation and development of Biblical literature-readers, translators, printers, traders, clergy and legislators. They made the Phoenix rise from the heap of ashes to heaven, and inspired the work of the King James Bible.
文摘Exod 23：10-12 enjoins Israel to keep both a seventh-year Sabbath and a seventh-day Sabbath. The juxtaposition of these two Sabbaths in the text suggests a connection between the Sabbath and ecology, since rest and nourishment are required both the land and its inhabitants （i.e., humans and beasts）. This article exegetically analyzes Exod 23：10-12 and suggests some possible ecological implications. Accordingly, it is argued that while the biblical sabbatical year seems to have required a rest for the whole land--a practice which may seem impossible today--in modern times heavily cultivated portions of land could be allowed to lie fallow. Instead of overusing particular portions of land with the aid of agro-chemicals, farming systems such as land rotation could fruitfully be practiced. Such a practice may not only allow cultivable lands regain fertility, it may also contribute towards the sustenance of the wild including endangered species. This study may be particularly useful in the African context.
文摘Authentic peace is much more comprehensive and far-reaching than the absence of war. The Jewish concept of shalom and its concrete experience entail harmony with nature, with oneself, with others and with God. This article delves into the Hebrew scriptural foundations of Christianity＇s teachings about peace, and then proceeds to give an overview of some of the key references to the same theme in the New Testament. A number of key affirmations about peace and its various aspects were made during the Second Vatican Council （1962-1965）. These were followed by several official statements made by the Popes in their annual World Day of Peace Messages since 1968 The Christian concept of peace offers a number of practical applications which can be embraced by all men and women of good will, namely the creation of a purified mentality, as well as a sincere pedagogy of dialogue.
文摘The period between 1850 and 1865 was a period of major social upheavals in American society; the major issue was the slavery. This period also witnessed the birth and organization of the Sabbatarian Adventism, a pre-millennial Christian movement distinguished by an emphasis on the Seventh-day Sabbath and a special understanding of Bible prophecies. Most Adventist pioneers vehemently opposed slavery, although not always on the same ground as their Christian counterparts. Aided by their peculiar understanding of Bible prophecy, the early Adventists identified America with apocalyptical end-time power, slavery being the key attribute of the ＂beast that looks like a lamb but speaks like a dragon＂ from Revelation 13：11. This article investigates the development of Adventist connection between slavery, America and Bible prophecy.
文摘When it comes to the afterlife, Seventh-day Adventists advocate ＂soul sleep＂ condition, in which the dead person is in some sort of suspended state until the final judgment. On the other hand, many Evangelical Christians believe that the dead go directly to Heaven to be with the Lord. But in Roman Catholicism, purgatory is considered as the place where most dead believers expiate their remaining sins before entering the visible presence of God. This doctrine has been criticized extensively both by Catholics and Evangelicals in spite of its massive defence by the Holy office. Several alternative views about the resurrection of the dead have been propounded by some twentieth-century Protestants and some notable Catholic theologians. Although the doctrine of purgatory has been approved and reaffirmed by several Church councils, the questions that still remain are： Is the doctrine of purgatory biblically justifiable？ Does the work of salvation extend beyond the grave？ This study attempts to find answers to these questions. The study therefore surveys the doctrine of purgatory in the light of the biblical teachings about death. The second section surveys the background to the doctrine with reference to Judaism, the Apocrypha, the New Testament, the Church Fathers, and Church Councils. The third section looks at the nature of purgatory, the duration and the nature of the punishment meted out to those who go to purgatory and how souls are released from purgatory. The fourth section also examines the biblical teaching on death. The study concludes that the doctrine of purgatory is based on tradition rather than the Bible. The Bible emphasizes the finality of one＇s destiny in this life rather than after this life.
文摘This paper detracts vampires＇ traits from definitions by famous biblical exegetists and alike. Based on accounts of vampire-synonymous species from the Holy Bible （2000）, The Vampire Book （2010）, Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology （2010）, etc., it attempts an analysis of essential vampire features derivation from religious beliefs with the aim to amply apprecitate vampire culture and paint evidentially-built vampire portraits as against totally self-imagined traits.
文摘This paper describes and analyzes Martin Luther＇s views on marriage and family primarily from his own writings. Luther elevated marriage and family life to a place of respect and honor in the church and society at a time when singleness and celibacy were celebrated as ways of reaching a higher state of spirituality. Martin Luther＇s teachings were so radically different from the traditional Catholic views of his days that the church became furious with him and tried almost everything in their power to silence him. Although Luther is known primarily for his views on Justification, but it is his teachings on marriage and family that has been more consequential. Many in the West who have never heard the name of Martin Luther, today enjoy a more biblical view on marriage and family because of his influence. He advocated divorce according to biblical principles, at a time when divorce was almost impossible; he encouraged priests to marry by showing that there was no conflict between their calling and marriage; he denounced celibacy, blaming it for encouraging lust rather than aiding chastity; he restored marriage and family life back to the arena of spirituality and respectability in society. Luther lived out his own advice by getting married and living an exemplary married life. What made Luther so effective was the passionate intensity with which he advocated these reforms. He wrote and spoke with such power and backed up his words with such a bold and courageous life, although living in the shadow of constant threats, that centuries after his death, the power and conviction of his ideas still resonate.
文摘The purpose of Bible translation is to enable readers to fully understand what the Bible says in their own context. The different Bible translations use different translation principles, therefore, they show different translated results from each other. In general, translators will make translation choices between the “word-for-word translation” and “sense-for-sense translation”. A good translation usually has two translation choices and the difference is just which kind of choice to use more. In addition to this, whether the same word can be translated consistently is also worthy of being discussed, especially in the case of a proper noun or vocabulary with special meaning. If a vocabulary with special meaning in the Bible is translated into different words, it is not only impossible to clarify the conceptual connection or logical relationship between certain words in the Bible, but also makes it possible for readers who read different Bible translations to have the different understanding of the vocabulary. Under the influence of globalization, Christian communication has become more frequent. After different readers read different Bible translations, the problem of inconsistent understanding of the same word or paragraph will be gradually revealed. This article uses the Greek word “ψυχη” to explore the above issues. “ψυχη” is a vocabulary with special meaning in the New Testament and it is mostly discussed in the anthropology of Christian theology. This article compares three English Bible translations and six Chinese Bible translations on the Greek word “ψυχη” and then finds that the Greek word “ψυχη was translated into multiple different words in a single Bible translation and in different Bible translations. This situation shows that the difference in translation may make the readers of different Bible translations have different understandings after reading.
文摘The history and geographical origin of citron （Citrus medica L.） is still unknown but most of authors agree that it originated in Southeast Asia. There are different opinions about the exact period and the steps by which it was brought from its country of origin to the Mediterranean basin where it is cultivated in Corsica, Crete and in southern Italy （Calabria region）. In particulary, Citrus medica ＇Diamante＇ grows, almost exclusively, in a restricted area of the Tyrrhenian cost of the region Calabria, called ＂Riviera dei Cedri＂, a relevant local economic district. This citron has been and is, still being used by Jews for worship during the Feast of Tabernacles, a very important religious ritual, where it plays a prominent part; in fact, for this holiday of Sukkot, the use of the authentic citron that grows in Calabria region is recommended, because it is not grafted. In this paper, the fascinating history of C. medica and its spread from the centers of origin to the Mediterranean is reported with the aim to investigate the religious and cultural significance of the C. medica ＇Diamante＇, an exclusive and historical heritage of the Calabria region.
文摘This paper offers pragmatic religious approach to handling moments of grief. It examines the mechanism for coping with distress in Islam. Though inferences were drawn from the Muslim Scripture （i.e. the Glorious Qur＇an） and the experiences of the prophets of God, the paper posits that every human being in today＇s world experiences moments of grief that are similar to those experienced by those prophets and as such, strategies adopted by them could still be found useful in the contemporary times. The paper has six parts. The introduction forms part one and this is followed by an examination of the causes of distress. In part three, the different signs and manifestations of distress in individuals are discussed while part four looks at the conventional or scientific ways of coping with moments of grief. The section that follows critically discusses the lslamic paradigm for coping with moments of grief. Thereafter the conclusions were drawn and some recommendations were offered.
