Academic literature on the topic 'Systematic theology'

In this response to Asle Eikrem’s discussion of my program for “Systematic Theology as Contemporary Theology” (DTT 2008, 290-310), I lay out my principled reasons for maintaining the distinction between Theology1, 2 and 3. While I find Eikrem’s proposals concerning the relation between the semantics and the pragmatics in Theology1 revealing, I argue that systematic theology should not be understood as a purely theoretical metaphysics.

This article explores historical, theological, hermeneutical, and personal approaches of doing systematic theology. It suggests the place of systematic theology in relation to other theological disciplines such as exegesis, historical theology, and practical theology. The article begins with a definition of systematic theology, then traces the development of systematic theology as a theological and academic discipline. Next, it examines the various sources of systematic theology and provides how the disciplines relate to systematizing doctrine. Finally, using the metaphor of cross-currents in African holistic spirituality, the article suggests how systematic theology relates to other disciplines.

Features of the “missional” conversation revolve around discussions of the ecclesial and divine mission. Largely an intra-Evangelical debate, with relevance to other traditions, this conversation has lacked representation from systematic theology. This article argues that the aim for diversity and listening to other voices that missiology excels at often stops short of seeing things as systematic theology might render them. The integrity of systematic theology’s voice as an exposition of the church’s confession renders structures that mark the manner of how gospel-exposition and mission really work insofar as the gospel defines things as they really are. As Christian theology claims Jesus’ lordship over all created realities, then, it functions to co-labor with the God of the Bible who is missionary and brings his people to participate in his action. Systematic theology then is missional in form, content, and aim, suggesting that mission is entirely what systematic theology is about.

Abstract Debates about the definitions of and relationship between systematic theology and biblical theology have become commonplace. Institutional and intellectual programs have taken sides and stood over against each other. Even within the relatively small world of confessional Reformed theology, the matter has garnered a good bit of attention and controversy. Matters have only grown more complex with the rise, more recently, of theological interpretation of scripture or theological exegesis, which may or may not overlap with both systematics and biblical theology. This essay seeks to reflect on perhaps the most influential proposals thus far and then to suggest a way forward. To that end, proposals by Geerhardus Vos, John Murray, and Richard Gaffin will be examined at length. In each case, their argument will be traced patiently, with observations and questions raised in a preliminary manner. Deeper analysis and a counterproposal will appear in a second essay.

Abstract Article and theses basically describe the program of a New Hermeneutical Theology. The article explains how the New Hermeneutical Theology relates to the classical Hermeneutical Theology of Ernst Fuchs, Gerhard Ebeling and Eberhard Jüngel, and to actual theological programs in Germany, such as Ingolf Dalferth, Christian Danz, and Folkart Wittekind. New Hermeneutical Theology‘s main systematic proposition is to work on the ground of linguistic and philosophical understandings of language and to consider language as a level where a fruitful dialogue between theology, Humanities and Social Sciences can take place. Paul Ricoeur is a main source of inspiration for the New Hermeneutical Theology. Already since the 1960ies, Ricoeur elaborated a hermeneutic grounded in a theory of language. This led to critical and constructive discussions with Hermeneutical Theologians. The theses show some of the systematical coherences of the New Hermeneutical Theology and its impact on different areas of Dogmatic and Ethics.

Abstract In many times and various ways, some significant Reformed theologians have claimed that biblical theology must be coordinated with or contribute to the task of systematic theology. In these last days, they have even suggested that biblical theology should fill the place of systematic theology. Part One described the way in which Geerhardus Vos, John Murray, and Richard Gaffin have addressed the role of biblical theology in relation to systematic theology and analyzed their arguments. This essay will offer counterproposals regarding the origin, mainstreaming, and end of biblical theology (and theological interpretation of scripture) as exegetical therapies meant to serve the functioning of dogmatics and exegesis.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this research project is to explore whether there are convincing, contemporary theological traditions within Christianity for conceptualising a socially responsible hope for our current times that can be envisioned, embodied and enacted in our world. It uses a theological-ethical framework of hope as social vision, virtue and practice to unpack the shape of hope systematically. It draws on diverse theologians such as Jürgen Moltmann, Albert Nolan, Walter Brueggemann and Flora Keshgegian as well as the Catholic philosopher Josef Pieper to offer multi-denominational and country perspectives on the topic that point towards the social practice of this hope as a central part of the mission of the church in our world today. This project examines a range of theological arguments for a world transforming Christian hope with concrete this-worldly social implications that is not just about ‘pie in the sky when we die’. It looks for a hope that can balance the demands of an active human responsibility alongside faith in a divine presence that is capable of being incarnated into how we see, are and act as humans in the midst of actual life as it is and not just as an abstract doctrine of belief for another world. It seeks for an ecumenically endorsed hope that can enable us to be active contributors to the wider human projects of social transformation clearly needed at the start of the 21st century enabling us to interpret Christian mission as hope in action within our world.
AFIKAANSE OPSOMMING: "Geen opsomming"

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2010.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In essence this thesis attempts to answer two questions: Broadly, what is “fundamentalism,” and particularly, “evangelical fundamentalism”? Ever since the terrorist attacks on the twin towers in New York on September 11, 2001, “fundamentalism” has become a synonymous term for these and any other militant Islamist attacks. Yet fundamentalism is historically an American and Protestant phenomenon. However, because fundamentalism is not merely a Protestant phenomenon but more distinctively a “sub-species” of nineteenth century evangelicalism in America, and because one cannot historically separate fundamentalism from evangelicalism, I prefer to adopt the term “evangelical fundamentalism.” Yet there is more to the term than simply defining it appropriately within a certain historical context. For example, many conservative evangelicals can neither be labeled, historically or theologically, as “fundamentalists” nor as “evangelical fundamentalists.” Definitions change over time. An understanding of the movement’s history—its resistance to modernity and engagement with postmodernity— will need to be examined as it opens up more questions concerning its identity and theology. After summarizing its historical development and evolution, I emphasize the fact that a simple definition does not exist—the movement is too heterogeneous. I therefore identify and adopt a plurality of senses or perspectives to the term and to what it means to be an “evangelical fundamentalist” today.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In essensie poog hierdie tesis om twee vrae te beantwoord: Breedweg, wat is “fundamentalisme,” en in die besonder, “evangeliese fundamentalisme”? Sedert die terroriste-aanval op die tweelingtorings in New York op 11 September 2001, het “fundamentalisme” ‘n sinonieme term geword vir hierdie en soortgelyke militante Islamitiese aanvalle. Tog is fundamentalisme histories ‘n Amerikaanse en Protestantse fenomeen/verskynsel. Omdat fundamentalisme egter nie slegs ‘n protestantse fenomeen is nie, maar meer spesifiek ‘n “sub-spesie” van neëntiende eeuse evangeliekalisme of evangeliesgesindheid in Amerika, en omdat fundamentalisme en evangeliekalisme histories nie van mekaar geskei kan word nie, verkies ek om die term “evangeliese fundamentalisme” aan te neem. Daar is egter meer aan die term as om dit eenvoudig toepaslik binne ‘n sekere historiese konteks te definieer. Vele evangeliesgesindes kan byvoorbeeld nie histories of teologies as “fundamentaliste” of “evangeliese fundamentaliste” geëtiketeer word nie. Definisies verander met verloop van tyd. ‘n Begrip van die beweging se gekiedenis – sy weerstand teen modernisme en sy verbintenis met postmodernisme – sal ondersoek moet word aangesien dit meer vrae omtrent sy identiteit en teologie aan die lig bring. Na ‘n opsomming van sy historiese ontwikkeling en evolusie, belkemtoon ek die feit dat ‘n eenvoudige definisie nie bestaan nie – die beweging is te heterogeen. Ek identifiseer en verbind daarom ‘n pluraliteit/verskeidenheid van perspektiewe met die term of begrip van wat dit beteken om vandag ‘n “evangeliese fundamentalis” te wees.

The argument of my thesis concerns the understanding of the doctrine of sin in systematic theology, and, as a corollary of this, the scope of the doctrine in terms of its content. My argument is that the doctrine of sin is particularly prone to being defined with a strictness or narrowness which causes it to lose much of its meaning; that such limiting treatment tends to be accompanied by distorted relationships with, or over-determination by, other key doctrines, particularly that of salvation; and that it is helpful to see this tendency as a failure to see sin as a symbol with a complex of meanings, this complex being essential to the doctrine. A brief introductory survey of the usual perspectives on sin and of recent monographs firstly indicates the major issues raised by sin. Then more detailed analysis of the work of Barth, Brunner, Rahner, Pannenberg and Ricoeur provides examples of different methods of dealing with sin and leads to the conclusion that the tension between freedom and inevitability is essential to the doctrine of sin: it is part of sin's meaning and attempts to suppress, explain or relocate it lead to unacceptable tensions elsewhere. The use of Ricoeur's analysis of the symbolism of evil as a critical tool demonstrates the significance of the Adamic narrative for Christian doctrine, and the way in which its neglect can lead to the acquisition of ideas characteristic of non-Christian mythologies. The positive suggestion of the thesis is that sin should be seen as a tensive symbol incorporating a wide complex of meanings and involving a specific mythology of "the beginning" and that its paradoxical nature should be maintained as indicating a conflict within humanity, and seen in relationship to the suffering of God in Christ.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: What are the predominant characteristics of the Refugee churches established in Europe in the mid‐sixteenth century? They are, undoubtedly, those of disputation and argument, dissension and fraction. But there are exceptions, the most notable of which is the English church in Geneva, which was formed in the autumn of 1555 and whose life officially ended when the last English exiles left Geneva in the spring of 1560. The origins of the church lay in the conflicts that had arisen over liturgy in the English church at Frankfurt and these conflicts continued later in Elizabethan England when the Marian exiles, many of them from Geneva, endeavoured to impose their vision of a truly Reformed church on the church of their homeland. For a short period – between the time spent at Frankfurt and the return to England – the English exiles in Geneva were a peaceable community at home with their maker and each other and created there a church that was broad rather than narrow in sympathy. The absence of conflict appears to have enlarged understanding and tolerance of others rather than narrowed it. This had much to do with the liturgy of the church which was one centered on prayer. It was also a liturgy that emphasized practicality, participation and community. The order of the church reflected its liturgy with, in a limited sense, a democratic rather than an authoritarian flavour. The failure of the Marian exiles to impose their view of a truly reformed church on the Elizabethan Church of England reminds us of the alternative approach to ecclesiological arrangements adopted in the Netherlands. While the Dutch Reformed church became the officially established public church of the Netherlands, it was nevertheless accepted, from inception, that only a minority of the population would become communicating members, a situation which has more flavour of the twentieth century than the sixteenth. But the ecclesiological arrangements in the Netherlands were unique and it is sad to record that the effect of the refugee churches was to harden confessional differences between Protestants of the Reformed and Lutheran traditions, making unity between them increasingly unlikely.

Thesis advisor: M. Shawn Copeland
“Every wound leaves a scar and speaks of a hi-story; it reminds you that you are alive.” The wisdom of this Rwandan proverb is so vivid if we consider the Rwandan tragic history that led to the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi and its aftermath, the scars it has left to the whole country and the need for a systematic theology that assesses “the labor of memory.” Since a family which does not remember vanishes, I argue that memory is a theological imperative and at the same time any discourse on God in post-genocide Rwanda must start from the wounds of denial of self and of the other, validating the inextricable link between theological discourse and people’s context. Furthermore, the need for renewal of ecclesial imagination in post-genocide Rwanda cannot be overemphasized. The church as a wounded human story must be committed to memory and new evangelization rooted in self-criticisms and our common and God-shared humanity. If theology is to assist the Church in reconciling Rwandans, it must free itself from captivity to a church that has been shaped, almost from its Rwandan beginnings, by bourgeois and class sensibilities and is marked by concern for respectability, material success, authoritarianism, mere orthodoxy, a weak or facile understanding of the God of Jesus Christ, and lip-service to his Gospel. If theology is to assist the Church in reconciling Rwandans, it must rethink itself in the current broken and scarred Rwandan bodies. Theology must reimagine humanity, Church, and society in light of the memory of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It must take up a critical perspective rooted in “the way” of Jesus––a way of making room for God, a way of making room for all others. This dissertation opines that the wounds of the body of Christ must be a challenge to us. In resurrecting Thomas’ faith by letting him touch the wounds, “Jesus was telling him precisely [this]: it is where you touch human suffering, and maybe only there, that you will realize that I am alive, that ‘it’s me.’ You will meet me wherever people suffer.” In this project, I argue that despite Rwanda’s past tragedies, Rwanda is a mirror to the world and its salvation will only be found in memory
Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2020
Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Discipline: Theology

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this thesis, we seek to highlight the possible implications, challenges and opportunities postmodernism has for evangelical ecclesiology. Informed by the ongoing conversation between the emerging church movement and mainstream evangelicals, we seek to determine how we account for our being and becoming the ecclesial people of God in Christ by the Spirit in the light of emerging postmodern realities. Taking postmodernism as an ally of post-colonialism and seeing negritude as its antecedent, we also seek to highlight the implications and opportunities these paradigms may have for our understanding of evangelical ecclesiology in our post-colonial, multi-ethnic African contexts. Perhaps these paradigms may enable a nuanced understanding of the theological motifs that inform our understanding of being the ecclesial community of God and enable an innovative space for articulating Afro-centric evangelical ecclesial expressions that are biblically faithful, theologically coherent, contextually relevant and socio-economically informed.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: "Geen opsomming"

Thesis (DTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2010.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The title of this study is . The Poor and the Public: An Exploration of Synergies between Black Theology and Public Theologies. In Chapter One, which is the introduction, the research question is posed namely, \What is the meaning and potential of Black Theology and Public Theologies for the calling of the church to address poverty in the world?. The chapter also outlines the structure of the study. In Chapter Two (Poverty . Some Conceptual Clarifications), an investigation of poverty was made. The investigation covered the meaning of poverty, the way poverty is determined, causes and effects of poverty, globalization and poverty, measures undertaken to eradicate poverty, and poverty and blackness. It is shown that poverty entails injustice, humiliation, helplessness, powerlessness, and insecurity. It is patently demonstrated that poverty is a reality to a greater majority of humanity, particularly, those who live in Africa. The majority of the poor are black people and many of them are wedged in a poverty trap. Globalization also affects the poor in both positive and negative ways. In the third chapter (A Cursory Overview of Biblical Perspectives on Poverty), it is argued that from the perspective of the Christian Scripture, poverty is an outrage and a form of oppression. Human selfishness is a hindrance to the eradication of poverty. However, God affirms and protects the poor. Therefore, the church must respond in such a manner as to make poverty history. Chapter Four (The Place and Priority of the Poor in Black Theological Discourses) investigates the role (the place and priority) of the poor in Black Theology. The sections examine the definition of Black Theology; the development of Black Theology in both the USA and South Africa; the methods of Black Theology, which include discussions on the sources of and approaches to Black Theology; the strengths and weaknesses of Black Theology, and contemporary trends in Black Theology. An analysis of Black Theology to establish the role that the poor play in its discourses is offered. It is shown that Black Theology gives priority to the poor. It recognizes that the triune God works with the poor, as the poor learn to love themselves enough to practice their total freedom and affirm their full humanity on earth just as heaven does. Black Theology, it is further argued, employs a robust approach of dealing with poverty through prophetic speaking in various modes. In the fifth chapter (The Place and Priority of the Poor in Public Theological Discourses), an investigation is made into the role, the place and priority of the poor in Public Theologies. The discussion includes the background of Public Theologies, i.e. origin and development of Public Theologies, its similarities and differences with other forms of theology, and some definitions of Public Theologies. This is then followed by a discussion of the sources of Public Theologies and the principles of Public Theologies, i.e. creation and liberation; vocation and covenant; moral law; sin and freedom; ecclesiology and Trinity; and Christology. An analysis is carried out of two approaches to Public Theologies namely the direct public involvement of churches and the public significance of congregational practices. Finally, the role of the poor y in Public Theology is examined. It is argued that the two approaches to Public Theologies complement each other, and that Public Theologies attend to the plight of the poor from both a perspective of the impact of congregational practices on poverty, and the more direct impact on poverty through appropriate technical analysis as well as the formulation and monitoring of public policies, which, sequentially, speak to situations of poverty. Chapter Six (Some Lessons for Black and Public Theological Discourses), the final chapter, brings Black Theology into dialogue with Public Theologies. Public Theologies become good news to the poor when it begins to use tools such as imaginative thinking, storytelling, naming the devil, technical analysis, and public policy matters. It is argued that Public Theologies can learn from Black Theology in the area of prophetic speaking on poverty especially with regard to criticism, envisioning, and storytelling. Conversely, Public Theologies could enrich Black Theology and all theological attempts to address poverty because they offer solutions in the area of technical analysis and policymaking. Since most of the poor people, globally, are black and live in Africa, Black and Public Theologies need to empower the church to respond to a legacy of despair in Africa, the dependency syndrome in Africa, Africa‘s indebtedness and Unfair Trade, and to encourage good governance in Africa. Some general remarks and recommendations to Black and Public Theologies are also offered. By speaking prophetically on poverty through the modes of criticism, envisioning, and storytelling as Black Theology does, by speaking prophetically through the modes of participation in technical analysis and policy making as Public Theologies do, and by exploring the potential of congregational practices for addressing poverty, both Black Theology and Public Theologies – in dialogue and partnership - become good news to the poor.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die titel van hierdie studie is – Die Armes en die Publieke: ‘n Ondersoek na die Sinergieë tussen Swart Teologie en Publieke Teologieë. Die navorsingsvraagstuk is – Wat is die betekenis en potensiaal van Swart Teologie en Publieke Teologieë vir die kerk se roeping om armoede in die wêreld te verlig? In hoofstuk 2 (Armoede – Konseptuele Verheldering) word armoede ondersoek aan die hand van die vraag wat armoede is, hoe armoede bepaal word, oorsake en gevolge van armoede, globalisasie en armoede, maatreëls wat geneem word om armoede uit te wis, en die verband tussen arm-wees en swart-wees. Daar word aangetoon dat armoede gelykstaande is aan ongeregtigheid, vernedering, hulpeloosheid, magteloosheid en onsekerheid. Hierdie hoofstuk toon duidelik dat armoede ‘n werklikheid is waarin die oorgrote meerderheid mense, veral dié in Afrika, hulle bevind. Die meeste armes is swart mense. Baie is vasgevang in die strik van armoede. Globalisasie beïnvloed die armes op positiewe sowel as negatiewe maniere. In hoofstuk 3 (‟n Beknopte Oorsig van Bybelse Perspektiewe op Armoede) word geargumenteer dat armoede, volgens die Christelike geskrifte, ‘n wandaad is. Dit is ‘n vorm van onderdrukking. Menslike selfsug belemmer die uitwissing van armoede. God erken en beskerm egter die armes. Gevolglik moet die kerk reageer op ‘n wyse wat armoede iets van die verlede sal maak. In hoofstuk 4 (Die Plek en Voorrang van die Armes in Swart-Teologiese diskoerse), word die rol (en die plek en voorrang) van die armes in Swart Teologie ondersoek. Die ondersoek is verdeel in afdelings oor die vraag wat Swart Teologie is; die ontwikkeling van Swart Teologie beide in die VSA en in Suid-Afrika; die metodes aangewend in Swart Teologie, wat insluit besprekings van die bronne van Swart Teologie en benaderings tot Swart Teologie; sterk en swak punte van Swart Teologie, asook hedendaagse tendense in Swart Teologie. ‘n Ontleding van Swart Teologie is gemaak ten einde vas te stel wat die rol is wat armes in die diskoerse daarvan speel. Daar word geargumenteer dat Swart Teologie die voorrang van die armes beklemtoon. Swart Teologie erken dat die drie-enige God met die armes werk namate die armes leer om lief genoeg vi vir hulleself te wees dat hulle hul volkome vryheid sal beoefen en hulle volle mensheid sal bevestig op aarde – net soos dit in die hemel is. Swart Teologie, so word geargumenteer, volg ‘n robuuste benadering tot die aanspreek van armoede deur profeties te spreek in verskillende modi. In hoofstuk 5 (Die Plek en Voorrang van die Armes in Publieke Teologie-diskoerse), is die rol, die plek en die voorrang van die armes in Publieke Teologieë ondersoek. Die ondersoek is verdeel in besprekings van die agtergrond van Publieke Teologieë, d.w.s. die oorsprong en ontwikkeling van Publieke Teologieë, die ooreenkomste en verskille wat dit vertoon met ander vorme van teologie, en ‘n aantal definisies van Publieke Teologieë. Dit word opgevolg deur ‘n bespreking van die bronne van Publieke Teologieë. Die beginsels van Publieke Teologieë word bespreek: skepping en bevryding; roeping en verbond; sedewet, sonde en vryheid; ekklesiologie en Triniteit, en Christologie. Hierop volg ‘n ontleding van twee benaderings tot Publieke Teologieë, naamlik die direkte openbare betrokkenheid van kerke en, tweedens, die publieke belang van gemeentelike praktyke. Ten slotte word die rol ondersoek wat die armes in Publieke Teologie speel. Daar word geargumenteer dat die twee benaderings tot Publieke Teologieë mekaar komplementeer en dat Publieke Teologieë op die lot van die armes ingestel is vanuit die perspektief van die impak van gemeentelike praktyke op armoede sowel as vanuit die meer direkte impak op armoede deur middel van gepaste tegniese ontleding en die formulering en monitering van openbare beleidsrigtings wat gevolglik tot omstandighede van armoede spreek. Hoofstuk 6 (Enkele Lesse vir Swart- en Publiek-Teologiese diskoerse) bied ‘n slotsom aan vir hierdie studie. Die voorgestelde lesse word uitgelig deur Swart Teologie met Publieke Teologieë in gesprek te laat tree. Daar word geargumenteer dat Publieke Teologieë goeie nuus vir die armes raak wanneer dit instrumente begin gebruik soos en deelneem aan verbeeldingryke denke, strorievertelling, die uitwys van die duiwel, tegniese ontleding en openbare beleidsaangeleenthede. Daar word verder aangevoer dat Publieke Teologieë by Swart Teologie kan leer oor profetiese spreke oor armoede, veral wat betref kritiek, visionering, en storievertelling. Publieke Teologieë, word geredeneer, verryk Swart Teologieë en alle teologiese pogings om armoede te verlig omdat dit hulle die dimensies van tegniese ontleding en beleidmaking bied. Omdat die meeste armes wêreldwyd swart Afrikane is, behoort Swart en Publieke Teologieë – so word geargumenteer – die kerk bemagtig om te reageer op ‘n vii nalatenskap van wanhoop in Afrika, ‘n afhanklikheidsindroom in Afrika, Afrika se skuldlas en onbillike handelspraktyke, en om goeie regering in Afrika aan te moedig. Enkele algemene opmerkings en aanbevelings word gemaak oor Swart en Publieke Teologië. Deur profeties te spreek oor armoede in die modi van kritiek, visioenering en storievertelling (soos Swart Teologie maak), en deur profeties te spreek in die modi van deelname aan tegniese ontleding en beleidmaking (soos Publieke Teologieë maak) en deur die potensiaal van gemeentelike praktyke om armoede aan te spreek, te ondersoek kan Swart Teologie en Publieke Teologieë – in dialoog en in vennootskap – goeie nuus vir die armes word.

In the paper, we present the theological views of the Metropolitan Jovan Zizioulas on chanting in the Liturgy and consider their signifi- cance for the area of Systematic Theology. By examining the relationship between chanting and the iconic nature of the Eucharist, Metropolitan Jovan points to the eschatological origin of Eucharistic chanting, and thus the chanting of the Church as the acceptance of God’s gift. Since the Word of God, hymns, and psalmody originate from the eschaton, church chanting represents an integral part of the event of the “com- munity of saints”, or the “brightness and brilliance of the eschaton” that the Eucharist brings to the liturgical assembly. The knowledge of the doxological spirit of church chanting is a result of one’s openness to ac- cepting God’s gift of salvation, rather than individual strain occurring within biological and religious emotions. As an element of Orthodox Tradition, chanting testifies to a faith that anticipates the resurrection of the body and perceives its church dogmas as arising from human free choice to participate in the way of the Triune God’s existence. With few words directly devoted to church chanting, Metropolitan Jovan Ziziou- las manages to illuminate Eucharistic chanting as a relevant theological topic. This, within contemporary theological thought, opens the pos- sibility for the first time to re-examine the notion of church chanting as a natural, universal, and therefore ontologically insignificant activ- ity of homo religiosus.

The present paper aims to analyse through a systematic approach the notion of “community” encountered in the works of Jacob Taubes. Under a theologico-political scenario, the author discusses the political framework of Saint Paul in his Letter to the Romans. According to Taubes, the Apostle inaugurates a new type of sovereignty — acquired by the grace of God, and not by the divine law. Ultimately, the plan of Paul is to create a new “life” for the community of Christians through spirit (gr. πνεῦμα) and the highest form of love (gr. ἀγάπη). According to the author, the Letter to the Romans perfectly illustrates the transformation of the political, where the idea of hierarchy is replaced with the one of equilibrium; under this equation religion is not authority, but participation in community. From a more practical point of view, the political theology of Jacob Taubes is interested in answering the following dilemma: how is it possible for a community that sees its Lord crucified on the Cross not to create rebellions, but, on the contrary, to generally cultivate an obedient attitude towards state authority? Ultimately, while mapping the author’s understanding of community, the paper also brings into attention what the transformation of the political means for Taubes and why political theology is the scenario that accommodates the revolutionised community.

The aim of the research paper is to answer the question: in what way does Metropolitan John (Zizioulas) of Pergamon understand the teach- ing about the (im)mortality of the soul, and how can the Metropolitan’s attitude be incorporated in contemporary systematic theology. In this context, after the introductory statements, the paper begins with a de- tailed review and analysis of the question of the (im)mortality of the soul, primarily in the Metropolitan’s early works. It focuses on the ques- tion of the place of this teaching in his final and most mature work — Remembering the Future: Toward an Eschatological Ontology. On these grounds, the paper tends to point out the kthysiological-christological- soteriological setting of the stated theme in the Metropolitan’s work, opening up its ontological perspective and foundation.

Denken und Poetik des ukrainischen Philosophen H. Skovoroda werden durch das Konzept der philosophia perennis, der einen Weisheit zu verschiedenen Zeiten als Teilhabe an der göttlichen Weisheit lesbar. Dieser Kontext ermöglicht die kohärente Lektüre seiner Schriften und erklärt die Form, in der sich sein Leben abgespielt hat. Nach einer kurzen Einordnung in die Forschung werden Skovorodas Leben und Denken im Kontext von Freimaurertum und Aufklärung betrachtet. Dem schließt sich der Aufruf der Tradition der philosophia perennis an, die eine stimmige und alle Aspekte umfassende Deutung seiner Texte ermöglicht. Besondere Beachtung erfordern dabei der Gottesbegriff und die Bildtheorie der philosophia perennis, die systematisch Analogie und Typologie realisieren und damit alle Denkfiguren, Bilder, Wissenssysteme, Texte und Aussagen derselben Struktur einordnen. Dadurch kann das Konzept der göttlichen Weisheit als Paradigma der philosophia perennis-Tradition in den Schriften Skovorodas wahrgenommen werden. Diese Tradition erklärt, wie Skovoroda Philosophie, Theologie und Poetik als konsequente Teilhabe an der göttlichen Weisheit konzipiert und alles als ein Bild Gottes behandelt und begründet. Die Eigenschaften des Denkens von Skovoroda zeigen die von ihm in seinen Schriften und Aussagen geforderte und praktizierte Poetik und Hermeneutik als eine Realisierung der Zeichenhaftigkeit der Welt als Bild und Spur Gottes im Medium der Sprache. Skovorodas Welterklärung entfaltet sich nach dem Vorbild der Bibel in ihrer christlich-allegorisch-typologischen Auslegungstradition. Poetik erhält die Aufgabe, die göttliche Schöpfung fortzuführen und fortzuschreiben.