HTS Theological Studies

Hesychasm as a locus theologicus: The epistemology of experience in Gregory Palamas

2026-05-13T21:44:33+00:00

This article argues that hesychasm, as articulated by Gregory Palamas, constitutes a genuine locus theologicus when ‘experience’ is construed within a disciplined epistemological and ecclesial framework. Against both rationalist reductions of theology to discursive inference and subjectivist appeals to immediate experience, Gregory Palamas develops a participatory epistemology in which knowledge of God is grounded in communion rather than representation. The study demonstrates that the essence–energies distinction functions not merely as a metaphysical thesis but as an epistemological grammar that renders real, non-exhaustive knowledge of God possible while preserving apophatic restraint. Through a close hermeneutical analysis of Palamas’ Greek texts – situated within the broader patristic tradition and critically engaged with recent debates in theological epistemology – the article shows that Palamas’ conception of experience is neither autonomous nor optional. It is ecclesially mediated, normed by ascetical discernment, and oriented towards deification.

Contribution: By reframing hesychasm as a locus theologicus, the current study contributes to contemporary discussions on religious experience, participatory realism and theological method. Thus, it proposes a model in which lived communion and doctrinal rigour prove mutually constitutive, not opposed.

The Synod of Constantinople 879–880 as a witness to the ecclesiology of communion: The horos, canons and the problem of the boundaries of orthodoxy

2026-08-07T07:19:46+00:00

This article argues that the Synod of Constantinople 879–880 constitutes a significant witness to an early medieval ecclesiology of communion, in which doctrinal fidelity, canonical order and ecclesial reconciliation are held together within a single conciliar grammar. Rather than treating the synod merely as an episode in the so-called Photian conflict or as a secondary chapter in the history of East–West estrangement, the study interprets its horos [conciliar doctrinal definition] and canons as theological sources for understanding the boundaries of orthodoxy, the role of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, the restoration of ecclesial communion and the contested relation between primacy and synodality. The article proceeds through a close hermeneutical reading of the conciliar material preserved in the critical tradition, with particular attention to the Greek horos, the three canons and the broader reception of the council in Byzantine and Latin memory. It argues that Constantinople 879–880 presents communion not as a merely juridical arrangement, but as a doctrinally normed and sacramentally meaningful reality grounded in fidelity to the inherited confession of faith. The prohibition of additions to the Creed, the rehabilitation of Photius and the regulation of episcopal discipline are therefore read as mutually connected expressions of a theology of ecclesial unity.

Contribution: By interpreting the Synod of Constantinople 879–880 as a theological locus for the study of communion, primacy and doctrinal boundaries, this article contributes to historical theology, conciliar studies and contemporary Orthodox–Catholic reflection. It proposes that the synod should be read not only as a contested event of ninth-century ecclesiastical politics, but also as a paradigmatic case of how the Church negotiates unity, memory and orthodoxy through conciliar discernment.

God and budget: The place of religion in the readings of Ghana’s annual budget statements by the Finance Minister (2017–2020)

2026-02-16T13:35:29+00:00

The budget presentation in Ghana’s parliament is an annual ritual required by the 1992 Constitution. As stipulated in Article 179, the Budget Statement and Economic Policy should detail the revenues and expenditures of the government for the upcoming year. When the
Akufo-Addo government of the New Patriotic Party assumed power in 2017, the Finance Minister became well known for using the Bible and religious themes in his presentations of budget statements. The study employed content analysis and thematic analysis of four budget statements to examine how religion has been used to present the national budget statements as divinely mediated. The study revealed how the Finance Minister sought to explain and gain support for the government’s economic policies based on his convictions that the economic policies are under the guidance and direction of God.

Contribution: The study contributes to the larger conversation about the role of religion and faith in our societies today, especially in the public life of politicians. It also calls for the accountable use of religion in the public sphere.

Reimagining theological education: Identity, curriculum and pedagogy in African urban theology

2026-02-16T13:49:51+00:00

This article explored the urgent need to reimagine theological education in Africa by contextualising identity, curriculum and pedagogy for urban ministry, with particular emphasis on Kampala, Uganda. By situating theological education within the historical trajectories of both the city and the church, it demonstrates that theological education in Uganda – especially in Kampala – has not evolved in isolation, but has been continually shaped by wider political, ecclesial and social dynamics. Drawing on research conducted across eight theological institutions in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, the article examines the current state of theological education. The study dentified three critical thematic gaps: urban detachment, epistemological dependency and pedagogical rigidity. Nevertheless, it also highlights several notable innovations that reflect the adaptive capacity of theological institutions within Kampala’s urban context. In esponse to the identified challenges, the article proposes a roadmap for reimagining theological education at the Kampala Evangelical School of Theology.

Contribution: This roadmap advocates for a repositioned institutional identity, the development of urban-oriented curricula, the adoption of problem-posing pedagogy and the establishment of an engaged research hub – each contributing to the formation, transformation and sustainability of innovative urban ministry praxes.

Tacit dewesternisation in the ecumenical movement: The example of the World Council of Churches

2026-02-16T13:58:39+00:00

Dewesternisation is a concept still undergoing conceptual clarification and refinement. It is used in different theoretical approaches, often differently meant and assessed. Irrespective of its still uncertain theoretical scope, it appears to be a valuable tool for denoting the phenomena and processes taking place in global Christianity, especially in the ecumenical movement, including the World Council of Churches (WCC). The article aims to identify the crucial field of the WCC’ teaching that demonstrates and highlights dewesternisation processes within the ecumenical movement. Before tackling the main problem of this study, it discusses the issues ‘internal’ for dewesternisation and ecumenism, such as evolutionism, postcolonial theory and postcolonial theology. They all set a historical deduction that helps better comprehend dewesternisation within the ecumenical movement, as exemplified by the WCC. Literary analysis is the primary method employed in this study.

Contribution: By identifying and exemplifying the term of dewesternisation within the WCC, the article contributes to its better comprehension, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere

Exploring the role of creeds in shaping religious identity and unity in a pluralistic society

2026-02-17T06:36:04+00:00

This article examines the historical development and significance of creeds across various religious traditions, highlighting theological debates and socio-political contexts that shaped their creation. It investigates the contemporary relevance of creeds, evaluating their scope, content and functions within modern faith communities. Through literature analysis, the study explores the interplay between tradition and modernity, revealing the enduring significance of creeds in shaping religious identity and fostering unity in a pluralistic society. The study implies that faith communities can benefit from revisiting and revitalising creeds to ensure their continued relevance. It advocates for a thoughtful integration of tradition and modernity, encouraging dialogue around the role of creeds in promoting unity, understanding and shared purpose. The historical development of creeds illustrates their adaptability in contemporary faith communities, underscoring their importance in shaping belief systems and communal identities. This study contributes to a refined understanding of creeds in today’s diverse religious landscape.

Contribution: In reconnoitring the relationship between tradition and modernity, faith societies can re-enter and invigorate dogmas, certifying their significance and timbre in today’s assorted spiritual landscape

Injured moral souls in ‘democratic’ South Africa: Towards a practical theological theoretical model of well-being

2026-02-17T06:53:38+00:00

This article focused on emerging theoretical insights of moral and/or soul injury. The aim was to build a multidisciplinary practical theological theoretical framework. The evolving topic is introduced, followed by general perspectives on moral injury. Vaknin and Ne’
eman-Haviv’s theoretical model frames the scope, impact and therapeutic possibilities for moral injury. Limitations of theoretical and empirical frameworks are discussed, followed by theological and biblical perspectives on moral injury. Finally, a practical theological theoretical model for moral and/or soul injury is proposed, followed by the conclusion.

Contribution: Moral and/or soul injury is a novel subject in practical theology or theology; since it has not previously been explored in the sphere of practical theology. This is a multidisciplinary reflection on moral and/or soul injury beyond silo psychological clinical praxes. Insights from multi-disciplines helped to shape a practical theology theoretical framework with fundamental biblical perspectives. The context is contemporary leadership, political, and social challenges in South Africa.

Addressing violence and powerlessness associated with homelessness in Tshwane: An empirical missiological study based on Luke 10:25–37

2026-02-17T07:15:20+00:00

Homeless people living on the pavements of the streets of major South African cities, such as Pretoria, are victims of the city’s systemic power abuse and inequality, and are vulnerable. In such a context, Christian mission has an inescapable responsibility to be mindful of the wounds of the City of Pretoria and its communities, specifically those that the homeless people face. In addition, it must respond by facilitating the finding of solutions to address these issues of power abuse, inequality and vulnerability as related to homelessness in Pretoria. Ultimately, the Christian mission must collaborate with homeless individuals in the pursuit of these solutions.

Contribution: Mindful of the wounds that homeless people are subjected to in this city, this article aims to contribute a missiological perspective towards a solution for addressing homelessness associated with violence and powerlessness in Pretoria, South Africa. Twenty
(i.e. 8 men and 12 women) homeless people were engaged through contextual Bible study to gain insights into appropriate actions for a transformative missiology in this context. Based on their encounterological reflection of Luke 10:25–35 and for the vision of building an inclusive city where peace, human dignity, freedom and collective well-being are realised in this city, this local homeless community suggests a number of ‘hopeful actions’, which are discussed in this article.

‘Where are the prophets?’: How academic theology failed us

2026-02-17T07:32:34+00:00

Against the backdrop of precarious global and local politics – a threat to democracy, global wars, xenophobic violence, oppressions of sexual minorities and a permanent youth precariate in South Africa – do academic theologies foster prophetic responses or succumb to imperial co-option? Departing from the Kairos Document’s threefold call to conversion, this article laments the lack of a Kairos consciousness today, with reference to five areas of concern.

Contribution: This study explores what theological formation for prophetic communities might look like, marked by Le Bruyns’ three elements of criticality, contextuality and change; participating in concrete sites of struggle and sustained by a ‘lived faith’. It imagines theological schools as ‘schools of prophets, servants and healers’, not only breaking the silence but also going beyond prophetic rhetoric through embodied theologising

Union with God in Psalm 63:8 and Manunggaling Kawula Gusti: A contextual study in Javanese culture, Indonesia

2026-02-17T07:45:01+00:00

This article proposes the development of a contextual theological framework relevant to the Javanese Church, focusing primarily on building a dialogical bridge between Christian spirituality and local wisdom. Specifically, this research explores the concept of ‘union’ found in Psalm 63:9, bringing it into conversation with the profound Javanese mystical concept of Manunggaling Kawula Gusti, which reflects a deep longing for union with the Divine. The study employs a rigorous methodology of inculturative contextualisation, roceeding through three key stages: analysis of the biblical text, understanding Javanese culture and engaging both elements in dialogue to identify a theologically meaningful point of convergence. The goal is to identify authentic theological convergences between these two concepts. The findings from this dialogue are then practically applied to reform theological thinking, congregational spirituality and church practices. In conclusion, the resulting missiological model not only affirms the distinctively Javanese spiritual longing for divine communion but also remains faithful to the core of the Gospel. This fosters a Christian witness that is both theologically stronger and more culturally relevant to the Javanese context.

Contribution: The study aims to enrich theological reflection on union with God (Ps 63) and its resonance with the Javanese concept of Manunggaling Kawula Gusti. It also offers practical insights for living the Christian faith authentically in Indonesia, integrating local cultural expressions while preserving both the Gospel’s core message and the distinctiveness of Javanese spirituality.

A study on perceptions of immigrant acceptance in Korean society: Focusing on the concept of ὁμοιός in the New Testament

2026-02-17T08:35:00+00:00

One of the most significant transformations in 21st century Korean society is its emergence as a multicultural and multireligious context. Historically, Korea has been identified as a ‘homogeneous nation’, fostering exclusivist attitudes towards ethnic minorities, migrants, and
non-Korean religious traditions. In this rapidly shifting global environment, Korean society must adapt, but the role of Korean Christianity in resisting such change cannot be overlooked. Despite Christianity’s central teaching of love for one’s neighbour, many Korean churches
have exhibited exclusivism towards foreigners and immigrants, rooted in two factors: prejudices that identify migrants as potential criminals, and fears that the influx of ‘foreign religions’ (such as Islam) might threaten Christian identity. While some Korean churches have cooperated with civic groups on immigrant issues, the dominant trajectory of Korean Christian theology often reinforces exclusionary attitudes. Some theological studies have proposed alternatives, but most are confined to the New Testament concept of ‘hospitality’, which proves structurally inadequate to address deeper challenges of immigrant acceptance. This concept tends to create an imbalanced relationship between immigrants and native residents. This study proposes ‘ontological ὁµοιός’, centred on incarnation texts in the New Testament, to transcend these limitations. Contribution: This study presents a new theological paradigm to address prejudices and exclusionary attitudes towards immigrants in Korean society. By helping Korean Christianity move beyond its dualistic approach and embrace authentic neighbour-love, it contributes to transforming Korea from a closed to an open society. Most significantly, it advances immigrant reception discourse by introducing ‘ontological identification’ (ὁµοιός) as a superior alternative to the hospitality framework, establishing a scholarly foundation for multicultural integration within Christian theology.

Contribution: This study provides a novel theological paradigm addressing prevalent prejudices and exclusionary attitudes towards immigrants in Korean society. By helping Korean Christianity transcend its dualistic approach and embrace authentic neighbour-love, it
contributes to transforming Korea from a closed to an open society. Most significantly, this study advances immigrant reception discourse by introducing ‘ontological identification’ (ὁµοιός) as a superior alternative to the traditionally dominant ‘hospitality’ framework, thereby establishing a more developed scholarly foundation for multicultural integration within Christian theological studies.

Land as divine inheritance: An ecological analysis of Leviticus 25:23 in the context of Papuan local wisdom

2026-02-17T08:55:09+00:00

The global ecological crisis has intensified debates about religion’s role in environmental degradation. Although Christianity has been accused of encouraging exploitative views of nature, biblical theology offers constructive foundations for ecological ethics. This study
develops an ecotheological reflection on land as God’s possession based on Leviticus 25:23, interpreted in dialogue with Papuan local wisdom. The research stands at the intersection of biblical theology, ecotheology and Papuan cultural traditions, particularly Hak Ulayat
[customary land ownership], Ondofolo [the highest customary leader] leadership and cultural symbols such as the noken [traditional woven bag]. Using a qualitative–theological approach through biblical hermeneutics, exegetical reading, ecotheological literature and contextual cultural analysis, the findings reveal two ethical dimensions in Leviticus 25:23: stewardship and limitation as correctives to ecological exploitation. Papuan traditions affirm that land belongs to God and must be preserved for future generations. Integrating biblical theology with Papuan wisdom enriches ecotheological discourse and guides the church as educator and ecological agent.

Contribution: This article contributes to the field of ecotheology by (1) offering a biblical exposition of Leviticus 25:23 as a theological foundation for ecological stewardship, (2) integrating Papuan local wisdom into Christian theological reflection, and (3) presenting the
church as an agent of ecological praxis. The study aligns with the scope of HTS Teologiese Studies by providing contextual and interdisciplinary insights that connect biblical theology, ecology and local culture in addressing global ecological concerns.

Pentecostalism in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A glance at the past, present and future through the lens of three fundamental dimensions

2026-02-17T09:07:37+00:00

This article is a prospective analysis of the past, present and future of the Pentecostal movement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Central to the doctrinal identity of this movement is the belief in baptism in the Holy Spirit, together with the ensuing gifts understood to flow from this experience. The study contends (argues) that spiritual formulations have never served to safeguard the doctrine from decline; indeed, the reverse appears to be the case. Situated within a systematic reconstruction framework, the research advances the view that the abandonment of the core dimensions, often under the guise of progressiveness, would lead to the rise of a new expression of Pentecostalism in the DRC. Given the study’s transformative orientation, an analytical method was employed to achieve the stated objectives. Both diachronic and synchronic perspectives were integrated, with particular attention to three Pentecostal dimensions (Christocentric and biblical, prophetic and pneumatological, and eschatological).

Contribution: The present article undertakes an examination of three fundamental dimensions of Pentecostalism. It issues a call to Pentecostal Christians to exercise vigilance in safeguarding the movement’s core tenets to counter the proliferation of divergent forms of Pentecostalism. Such forms of Pentecostalism are characterised by practices, such as personality cults, which stand in tension with fundamental biblical teachings.

Decolonising Christology in Javanese mysticism: The representation of Isa in the Serat Centhini

2026-09-14T08:40:52+00:00

The portrayal of Isa in Serat Centhini, a nineteenth-century Javanese literary encyclopaedia from the Surakarta court tradition, reveals a rich intertextual interaction between the Gospel tradition, Islamic theology, and Javanese mystical cosmology. This raises an important hermeneutical question concerning how Christology should engage with non-Western literary traditions that reinterpret Jesus beyond the categories of ecclesiastical doctrine. This study examined the construction of Isa in Serat Centhini Pupuh 65 (stanzas 32–36) through an intertextual hermeneutical approach and proposed a framework for a decolonised Christology rooted in Javanese mystical thought. The research employed qualitative textual-hermeneutical analysis using three theoretical perspectives: decolonial Christology, intertextuality theory, and Javanese cosmology and mysticism. Literary, anthropological and theological sources were analysed in dialogue with contextual Christology. The findings indicate that Serat Centhini presents Isa through three interconnected discursive layers: Islamic theological terminology (ruhullah, Jibril), Gospel liturgical narratives (death, resurrection and Pentecost), and references to the supreme Divine reality in Javanese cosmology (Hyang Agung, atmajèng, Pangeran [Supreme Divine Reality, soul, Lord]). Rather than appearing as separate traditions, these elements are integrated within a distinctively Javanese theological imagination that transcends doctrinal boundaries. The study concludes that Serat Centhini represents an early form of theological translation that articulates a decolonised Christology through Javanese mystical language, predating later postcolonial theological formulations.

Contribution: This research contributes to contextual theology by challenging the assumption that Christology belongs exclusively to Western systematic theology and by offering resources for theologians, missiologists and interfaith practitioners seeking culturally grounded Christological approaches in Asian, especially Javanese, contexts.

Development of a Christian Pastoral care and counselling model to support recovery of schizophrenia patients in Maluku

2026-02-17T09:27:01+00:00

The development of the Christian Pastoral Care and Counselling (CPCC) approach aims to support the recovery process of schizophrenia patients, who have not been appropriately handled by the church. A lack of understanding of schizophrenia has led church ministers
and congregations in Maluku to consistently identify schizophrenia patients as possessed by evil spirits or ancestral spirits, affected by witchcraft, experiencing original sin, or breaking traditional vows. Consequently, the recovery approach used by pastors is to perform exorcisms, which include prayer, covering schizophrenic patients with priestly robes, or striking them with the Bible. Through descriptive qualitative research using a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) approach and analysed using Clarke & Braun’s six stages, this study proposes a holistic pastoral counselling approach to support the recovery of schizophrenia patients. This pastoral counselling approach is expected to improve the spiritual well-being of schizophrenia patients, reduce anxiety, enable self-management and help them find meaning in life despite their symptoms. The development of this model not only focuses on pastoral-spiritual interventions but also collaborates with
medical, psychological, social and cultural approaches to provide holistic support for schizophrenia patients.

Contribution: This article contributes to the growing body of holistic pastoral theology studies, caring for and assisting with the recovery processes of patients with schizophrenia. The holistic pastoral theology approach is also interdisciplinary, encompassing the involvement of other disciplines, such as health and psychosocial-cultural studies.

Migration and mission: A literature analysis of the contribution of migrants to missions

2026-10-07T17:19:12+00:00

Migration is a common human phenomenon responsible for many socio-cultural, political and economic dynamics. It has been utilised in various ways to serve diverse purposes. It has also been a veritable means of actualising the Great Commission mandate in church history. Western countries used migration to spread missionaries worldwide by sending personnel to explore, study and Christianise foreign lands. With the decline of Christianity in the former Christian empire of the West and the advancement of globalisation, Christians in former heathen lands are now migrating to the West and carrying the burden to re-Christianise the West, which is termed Reverse Mission. The article utilises literature to elucidate the concept of Migration and Missions. It reveals how migration from the Global South to the Global North can be capitalised on to re-missionise the West. The article argues that migrant Christians involved in Reverse Missions should employ cultural intelligence to intentionally seek ways to minister the gospel in the socio-cultural contexts of Western natives, thereby moving beyond ministering only to migrant communities in Western lands.

Contribution: The article argues that African people relocating to the West can use this opportunity to take the gospel back to its source.

When wounds meet hope: African Christian thoughts of Augustine and Tutu

2026-02-17T09:57:46+00:00

Across the African sub-region and indeed some parts of the world, there have been constant struggles of political instability, corruption, ethnic conflicts and poverty, among others, which continue to shape both social and religious communities. These, therefore, call on Christianity regarding how to faithfully respond to such deep wounds without losing hope. This paper assesses the complex relationship between realism and hope within African Christian expression in a theological dialogue between Augustine of Hippo and Desmond Tutu. The study is centred on the main question: How can African Christianity balance deep woundedness and stable hope by drawing on Augustine’s realism and Tutu’s Ubuntu? Adopting the comparative theological methodology, the study employs key primary texts, Including Augustine’s City of God, Letters, and Confessions, alongside Tutu’s writings, such as No Future Without Forgiveness and The Rainbow People of God, to juxtapose theological concepts such as human dignity, justice, unity, coercion and hope. The paper reveals that Augustine’s theological realism finds the limits of justice and the prevalence of sin yet proposes an eschatological hope that is built on patience and perseverance. Tutu’s Ubuntu theology is also founded in African ethics, extending hope for active social healing through forgiveness and reconciliation. This paper concludes that the church in Africa must live ‘between wounds and hope’, where the hostilities of harsh realities are met with empathetic pastoral care, and realism is guided by transformative hope.

Contribution: This study offers fresh perspectives on how Christianity in Africa can circumvent the harsh impacts of the social and spiritual predicaments through a dialogue between classical theological ideas and contemporary restorative praxis.

Let earth receive her king: Six Christmas sermons picturing God

2026-02-17T10:08:52+00:00

This article offers a qualitative analysis of six Christmas sermons from the Christian Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, focusing on their picturing of God. The analysis sheds light on the nature of the knowledge of God conveyed in the sermons and demonstrates that the homiletic theology expressed in preaching offers constructive insight into the image of God. By emphasising divine kingship and relational engagement, the sermons picture God as both sovereign and benevolent. Verbs play a more significant role than traditional attributes in offering insight into the image of God in these sermons. While Jesus is affirmed as divine, there is minimal metaphysical reflection. By emphasising the divinity of Jesus and God’s independent actions in history, the sermons offer subtle criticism on Contemporary views of God as evidenced by sociological research in Western society. God as pictured in the sermons is also not solely focused on individual well-being. God’s kingship is presented with a critical attitude towards those in power. This ensures that the sermons remain connected to 21st-century thinking about kingship. Most sermons picture a God who is only marginally interested in
contemporary social issues. This questions the sermons’ fundamental proclamation that God is in control of all things and encourages homiletic reflection on the use of images in sermons.

Contribution: This article contributes to making homiletic theology more visible in sermons by providing a qualitative analysis of six sermons, with particular attention to the picturing of God. The findings aim to increase homileticians’ sensitivity to the verbs and imagery employed in sermons, encouraging deeper reflection on their relationship to both tradition and contemporary culture

Before John, there was Luke: A literary exploration of Lukan and Johannine Logosology

2026-02-17T10:13:16+00:00

This article aims to provide a critical evaluation of recent discourses on Logosology (Logos Christology) within New Testament scholarship, which has been largely dominated by an exclusive-non-titular view. This prevailing view maintains that within the entire New
Testament, only the Gospel of John contains a Logosological discourse (exclusive), and that prior to John, the Old Testament and Second Temple Jewish literatures employed the terms ‘Word’ and ‘Wisdom’ in non-titular ways. John, it is argued, is the first to use Logos as a
Christological title. Employing a qualitative–descriptive method and literary-observational techniques, I propose an alternative view that asserts: (1) the ‘word of the LORD’ functioned as a titular designation for a theophanic figure in the Old Testament; (2) prior to John, the
writings of Luke already contained Logosological expressions; and (3) the relational nature of Logosology in the Old Testament, Luke, and John becomes evident through an examination of corresponding literary motifs.

Contribution: This article introduces a relatively new interpretive horizon into New Testament scholarship, particularly concerning Logosology, by taking into account not only the Johannine corpus but also the Old Testament and the writings of Luke.

The sacred trust: Spiritual meaning-making among Indonesian parents of firstborn children with autism

2026-02-17T10:18:46+00:00

This qualitative phenomenological study explores how Indonesian parents theologically and spiritually interpret the experience of raising their firstborn child with autism spectrum disorder in a Javanese cultural context, drawing on in-depth interviews with eight parents –
four Catholic and four Muslim – raising six sons and two daughters. The research reveals that spirituality functions not as a supplementary coping mechanism, but as the central axis of meaning-making, transformation and resilience. Findings show that parents consistently reframe their child not as a burden or divine punishment, but as a sacred trust [amanah], a barakah [blessing] or a divine ‘message’, deeply informed by Javanese values such as sabar [limitless patience], legowo [voluntary surrender] and dilakoni dulu [just live it first].

Contribution: This study introduces the ‘Sacred Trust Framework’, a culturally grounded model that integrates biblical and Islamic theology of firstbornness, Javanese-Kejawen cosmology and contemporary disability theology. The framework challenges western, individualistic models of coping by centring relational spirituality, intergenerational care and embodied liturgies of daily life. By affirming that theology is lived not only in pulpits but in kitchens, therapy rooms, and the quiet perseverance of ordinary families, this research contributes to ‘theology from below’. It offers a counter-narrative to deficit-based paradigms of disability.

Corrigendum: Romanian Orthodox elementary denominational schools in Transylvania (1868–1921)

2026-02-17T10:58:36+00:00

No Abstract

Marriage beyond the grave – ‘Till Death Do Us Part’, marriage according to culture and Christianity

2026-03-09T06:31:38+00:00

This article examines the concept of marriage in African culture by challenging the traditional Western understanding of marriage as defined by the vow ‘till death do us part’. The study explores how marriage, in many African cultures, extends beyond the physical death of a spouse and involves familial and communal obligations that continue after death. The primary objective of this research is to analyse how African marital traditions and Christian teachings interact and influence one another. A literature review methodology was used, drawing from various academic journals, books and biblical texts to critically assess how these cultural and religious perspectives shape marriage practices. The key findings reveal that while Christianity views marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman that ends upon death, African traditions emphasise the continuation of marital and familial duties through practices such as widow inheritance and community support. The review also highlights the adaptive nature of African Christianity, where biblical teachings are often interpreted in a way that aligns with cultural values. This analysis shows that while biblical principles emphasise the finality of
marriage at death (Rm 7:2), African marriage practices maintain a sense of continuity even beyond death, reflecting a collective approach to life and family.

Contribution: The article concludes that the coexistence of these perspectives presents both challenges and opportunities for understanding marriage in African Christian contexts. Further research is recommended to explore the implications for marital counselling and pastoral care in African societies, where cultural and Christian beliefs intersect.

Developing an effective integral mission in South Sudan: A competency-based theological model

2026-03-09T06:57:16+00:00

Churches in South Sudan operate amid protracted conflict, poverty and institutional fragility, yet most ministerial formation remains classroom centred and weakly connected to contextual practice. This study aimed to identify and prioritise the competencies pastors
and church leaders need for effective integral mission in South Sudan and to present a validated competency model that theological educators (in churches and academia) can implement to improve ministerial formation for the context. The study used an exploratory
sequential mixed-methods design, combining qualitative interviews and a modified e-Delphi panel study to rate and refine competencies across knowledge, character and skills. The study organised competencies into three clusters: knowledge, character, and skills, with clear behavioural descriptors and proficiency levels. Consensus was strongest around spiritual maturity and scriptural fluency and around community-engaged skills. The model translates these into assessable rubrics and development pathways suitable for churches and colleges. Integral mission in fragile contexts requires a braided formation that unites discipleship, contextual theological knowledge and concrete ministerial skills. The resulting model offers a practical template for competency-based theological education in South Sudan and comparable African settings.

Contribution: The article contributes to practical theology and missiology and engages education studies by operationalising competency-based theological education (CBTE) for ministry formation in contexts of fragility.

An apostolic enigma? Dispelling the incoherence of Second Clement through the patron–client frame

2026-03-09T07:23:49+00:00

The so-called Second Letter of Clement has long been regarded as an enigmatic text with an elusive message. This article seeks to elicit previously unforeseen coherence from the document by demonstrating how its content conforms with patron–client relationships at the discourse level. Drawing on tools from cognitive linguistics and socio-scientific reading models, a patron–client frame is constructed through which the document’s content can be organised. The frame consists of a patron ‘slot’, a client ‘slot’ and corresponding characteristics of asymmetry in status, an enduring relationship, and a reciprocal exchange of goods and services. When applied, God and Christ consistently occupy the patron slot, while the addressees fill the client slot along with the accompanying characteristics. As a result of the analysis, a more precise communicative goal emerges as most coherent: to evoke an ongoing reciprocal behavioural response from the audience to the gift of salvation.

Contribution: The article demonstrates that Second Clement achieves coherence when understood in the terms of patronage, and as a result, a reciprocal behavioural response to salvation is presented as the most coherent purpose of the document.

Of child’s obedience, parent’s honour and parental restraint: A contextual and ethical analysis of Ephesians 6:1–4

2026-03-09T07:29:53+00:00

This article examines Ephesians 6:1–4 through a contextual and ethical lens, exploring its enduring applicability and implications for parent–child relationships within contemporary Christian households. The text’s dual injunction – child’s obedience and honour to parents and father’s disciplinary limits – forms the cornerstone of many theological conceptions of family life. However, its application has often veered into coercive territory, particularly within conservative religious communities where parental authority is sacralised and
unquestioned. Utilising insights from theological exegesis, Greco-Roman household code analysis, and contemporary child development psychology, this study critiques both permissive and authoritarian models of parenting that claim biblical legitimacy. It also challenges children’s disobedience to godly parental instructions (in the Lord).

Contribution: The article contends that Paul’s exhortations must be reinterpreted within their original socio-cultural matrix and in alignment with Christocentric ethics. Consequently, it offers a theologically responsible and child-sensitive framework that upholds mutual dignity, relational accountability and the spiritual formation of children without resorting to control or abuse. Ultimately, the study reclaims Ephesians 6:1–4 as a text that fosters ethical parental restraint and meaningful, voluntary obedience rooted in love and discipleship.

Decolonising chaplaincy in the South African National Defence Force

2026-03-09T07:33:12+00:00

The author served as a military chaplain for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and this is where she learned that other religions are not acknowledged during morning parades. The chaplain had 5 min during the parade to read the word and pray. They make use of the Bible for these, which shows that Christianity is their religion of choice. The study is qualitative, with questionnaires used to collect data on soldiers’ perspectives to ensure that the information collected is accurate and relevant. The SANDF employs chaplains from various religious denominations, mostly from the mainline churches, to provide spiritual support to soldiers and their dependents. In recent years, there has been an upsurge in the number of Africans who practise African spirituality and respect their ancestors. When
spirituality is discussed in South Africa, it is usually expected to be in reference to Christians. When they employ chaplains in the SANDF, they assess which school of thought the organisation brings as well as the basis for that choice. This would mean addressing questions
such as: Is the Reformed tradition suitable for everyone? Is Pentecostalism good enough? Charismatic?

Contribution: This article contributes to scholarly debates on military chaplaincy by critically examining the extent to which chaplaincy practices within the SANDF reflect the country’s religious, cultural and spiritual diversity. Drawing on qualitative data and lived experience, the study highlights the tensions between historically inherited Christian chaplaincy frameworks and the pluralistic spiritual realities of contemporary SANDF members.

Teaching virtuously: The formation of Christian teachers as a normative practice

2026-03-09T07:44:33+00:00

This article examines the formation of Christian teachers through the lens of the normative practice model, which understands teaching as a value-laden and relational activity. Teaching is not merely the transfer of knowledge or skills, but a moral enterprise directed
towards the integral development of learners and teachers. From a virtue-ethical perspective, the article emphasises that character formation and the cultivation of virtues such as prudence, justice, courage and self-control are essential for developing a professional
identity. This identity emerges from the interplay between personal convictions, professional norms and practical experience, and becomes visible in teachers’ actions within complex pedagogical contexts. The article clarifies the concepts of ‘normative practice’, ‘character formation’ and ‘professional identity’, and applies them to the Christian teaching profession, highlighting the role of both the cardinal and theological virtues. The analysis shows that the education and professional development of Christian teachers cannot be reduced to technical competencies, but should foster a pedagogical environment that integrates moral practice, spiritual flourishing and professional reflection. This perspective underscores the teacher’s role as a morally and relationally engaged professional contributing to the holistic development of learners. Methodologically, the article is based on a conceptual and philosophical analysis of the literature, integrating the normative practice model with virtue ethics.

Contribution: The article addresses a gap in the literature by demonstrating how this model can be integrated into teacher education, offering theoretical clarification and practical implications for Christian teacher education programmes and the strengthening of professional identity.

Rambu Solo’: A Torajan traditional funeral ritual and its theological challenges from the Catholic perspective

2026-03-09T10:24:43+00:00

This study explores Rambu Solo’, a traditional Torajan funeral ritual, and its intersection with Catholic theology, particularly within the context of the Christianised Torajan community in South Sulawesi. Rambu Solo’ is a deeply symbolic practice that reflects the Torajan worldview on death, ancestral spirits and social identity, in which ancestors are believed to actively influence the living. The study addresses the tensions arising between this traditional practice and Catholic teachings on death, salvation and the communion of saints, aiming to determine the extent of its integrability and its theological boundaries within the Catholic faith. Utilising an interdisciplinary qualitative approach that combines cultural anthropology and contextual theology, this study examines Rambu Solo’ as a death ritual that integrates cultural, spiritual and social dimensions of society through a description of the ritual’s characteristics, a theological analysis and contextual reflections based on literature studies and field interviews. The findings reveal significant theological challenges, as ancestral veneration and sacrificial practices in Rambu Solo’ may conflict with the doctrine of Christ as the sole mediator of salvation, thereby posing a risk of syncretism. However, the study also identifies noble values within the ritual that align with Gospel principles, opening avenues for inculturation. Local Church efforts demonstrate attempts at harmonisation, including the adaptation of liturgical practices and the reinterpretation of cultural symbols.

Contribution: This research critically examines Rambu Solo’ as both a challenge and an opportunity for Catholic doctrine. It proposes a framework for theologically responsible inculturation that provides conceptual and practical foundations for culturally sensitive pastoral strategies while contributing to contextual theology in Indonesia’s multicultural societies by fostering dialogue between religious faith and local wisdom.

Marriage preparation practices in black South African churches: Experiences of married Christians

2026-03-09T10:33:18+00:00

The alarming disparity between South Africa’s marriage and divorce rates highlights a critical need for effective premarital counselling (PMC), especially given the research gap concerning the specific approaches used within the South African church context. The latest marriage and divorce statistics reveal that the divorce rate in South Africa is two times higher than the marriage rate. This study addresses this by exploring the lived experiences of African Christians regarding marriage preparation. The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design, gathering data from 13 participants (n = 13) through semistructured interviews. Osmer’s practical theological guiding approach was employed. The Covenant Attachment Theory was utilised as a theoretical framework. Findings indicated that while PMC is generally perceived positively, ukuyalwa [traditional marriage instruction] is the prevalent form of preparation in black churches, underscoring the communal role in marriage preparation. Participants’ views ranged from finding ukuyalwa helpful to being critical of its practicality, reflecting a desire among contemporary African Christians for the contextualisation of traditional practices to better meet modern needs. The results offer critical insights to enhance pastoral PMC in South Africa and advance the contextualisation of pastoral care. The study proposes practical theology as a framework for PMC and offers a model that could be used in designing PMC programmes in an African Christian setting.

Contribution: The article employs an integrated literature and empirical study to contribute to understanding lived experiences of African Christians regarding PMC and insights to enhance pastoral PMC in South Africa.

Diving amid patriarchy: Reading Exodus 2 and 15 from the perspective of fisherwomen in Moluccas, Indonesia

2026-03-09T10:46:38+00:00

Fisherwomen in the Moluccas (Maluku, Indonesia) frequently faced discrimination within a patriarchal culture that regarded the sea as a masculine and taboo space, especially during menstruation. This perception not only erased women’s social and economic contributions,
but also constructed the sea as a dangerous realm governed by patriarchal norms. This study reread two Exodus texts, the rescue of Moses in the Nile (Ex 2:1–10) and Miriam’s song at the Sea of Reeds (Ex 15:19–21), through the lived experiences of fisherwomen in the Moluccas. The research was based on fieldwork conducted in the villages of Leahari, Seri, Wab and Lermatang. Using intercontextual feminist hermeneutics, which integrated historical-literary analysis with ethnographic insights, the study highlighted how women emerged as agents of liberation within watery spaces. The findings showed that rivers and the sea were not merely sites of danger but theophanic spaces where God manifested life through women’s courage, faith and solidarity. The sea was understood as a womb of life, a medium of both liberation and revelation, that opened space for a feminist sea theology connecting body, spirituality and women’s experience within patriarchal contexts. This study offered a new perspective to Exodus scholarship, contextual theology and feminist hermeneutics, particularly within Indonesia’s coastal communities.

Contribution: This article contributes to the development of feminist biblical interpretation by introducing a contextual hermeneutic rooted in the lived experiences of fisherwomen in the Moluccas. It expands Exodus scholarship by reading the sea as a theophanic and liberating space rather than a site of danger. The study also advances contextual and feminist theologies by articulating a ‘feminist sea theology’ that connects embodiment, faith and women’s agency within patriarchal maritime cultures

Typologies of congregational hospitality to strangers: A Q methodology study in Indonesian churches

2026-03-09T11:06:51+00:00

Christian congregations in Indonesia have been receiving more and more migrants, religious others and socially marginal people, but there was little empirical knowledge of how church leadership has conceived of the concept of hospitality to strangers. Hospitality has profound theological meaning and social danger in a pluralistic and precarious environment. This study aimed to establish and define typologies of congregational hospitality to strangers among leaders of the Gereja Masehi Injili di Minahasa (GMIM) in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and determine its theological and missional implications. This study used Q methodology to develop a 48-statement Q-sample of hospitality based on biblical, ecclesial and ecclesiological material. Forty-eight GMIM leaders were asked to complete Q-sorts on a −5 +5 grid and were interviewed briefly post-sort. Shared viewpoints were derived and interpreted by using a byperson factor analysis with Varimax rotation. Three coherent factors were identified: inclusive, cautious and boundary-keeping and discipleship-oriented transformative hospitality. These typologies revealed divergent patterns of welcome, selectivity and boundary-shaping, as well as tensions between compassion and protection, charity and reciprocity, and programme continuity and structural change. The article reveals that the leaders of GMIM have worked with an implicit and opposite theology of hospitality, which informed the posture of their
mission in a Muslim-majority democracy.

Contribution: The mapping of these typologies and their application to world and African theological discourse has made this study an addition to empirical practical theology and a model for creating and training leaders, ecclesial self-reflection and the creation of more
coherent and hospitable practices in Indonesian churches.

Is God enthroned upon the floods? (Ps 29:10) Religion and the climate change crisis in contemporary Ghana

2026-04-30T06:18:03+00:00

Climate change has been identified as one of the most imminent threats to the survival of the human species. In Ghana, the conversation about climate change has been accentuated by the perennial flooding of major urban centres, often leading to the loss of life and property. While successive governments have been blamed for their seemingly unsuccessful attempts in combating this menace, the problem appears to be compounding as the destruction of the environment through artisanal small-scale mining [galamsey] continues to contribute immensely to the climate change crisis, posing more threats to the Ghanaian people. Against this background, the article employs a narrative reading of Psalm 29, a psalm attributed to David, as a lens to examine the impact of flooding resulting from human activities on Ghanaian Christians. It further advocates for the appropriation of insights from the Psalm by Ghanaian Christian leaders in addressing the flooding crisis in the country. It concludes that, just as the ultimate well-being [shalom] of the people of Israel was the primary concern of the King, Christian leaders should exercise their God-given mandate to ensure the salvation of the people through sustainable environmental stewardship.
Contribution: The article contributes to the discourse on the effects and responses to climate change from a theological perspective using the framework of African biblical hermeneutics. It presents a biblical-theological dimension to the discourse on environmental care through a contextual reading of a Psalm.

Quantum Molinism: God’s fuzzy logic and the freedom to love

2026-04-30T06:24:56+00:00

Quantum Molinism is a contemporary theological model that builds upon classical Molinism to address the enduring tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom. Situated within the tradition of middle knowledge theories, it advances a probabilistic reinterpretation of divine omniscience informed by quantum uncertainty, chaos theory, and complex systems science. This model proposes that God, while fully sovereign and omniscient, has created a dynamic universe in which human choices are genuinely free yet bounded within a structured probability matrix. Crucially, this openness is not merely epistemic but ontological: a divinely embedded ‘quantum sliver’ of contingency woven into the fabric of creation itself. Such a framework preserves real contingency, safeguards the meaningfulness of prayer, secures the authenticity of love, and maintains the moral responsibility of creatures. By reframing Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz’s claim that this is the ‘best of all possible worlds’, Quantum Molinism suggests that ‘best’ is not measured by the absence of pain, but by the possibility of agapē freely chosen.
Contribution: The article culminates with the Agape Triangle, illustrating how truth, love, and freedom converge within the moral ecology of the universe to orient human life toward Christlikeness.

The objectives of pastoral accompaniment for married couples in the first years of married life in the light of the documents Amoris Laetitia and Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life

2026-04-30T10:23:11+00:00

One of the rapidly growing subfields in contemporary pastoral theology is the pastoral care of families. Besides numerous documents published during the pontificate of John Paul II, known as the Pope of the Family, particularly valuable responses from the Church to the current marriage crisis are Francis’s exhortation Amoris Laetitia and the document by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, highlighting the urgent need for thorough formation of engaged and newly married couples during their first years of marriage. In this context, aside from the more frequently investigated topic of marriage preparation, a key question arises: What does the pathway of catechumenal initiation and pastoral accompaniment for newly married couples consist of? This study aims to present the main objectives of pastoral accompaniment for newlyweds from a theological perspective, drawing on research in family psychology. To address the problem thus formulated, we applied the deductive method – the primary approach in theology – along with its specific techniques; we also employed pastoral theology analysis, which enables the integration of insights from psychology and other disciplines into theology. As a result, the study not only clarifies the essence of mystagogical accompaniment for newly married couples but also identifies six specific objectives, which are discussed along with their selected forms and implementation methods.
Contribution: Because of interdisciplinary cooperation, theology provides social sciences with an in-depth perspective not only on marriage itself but also on marital love, the experience of sexuality within marriage and approaches to marital crises. Through the achievements of family theology, practical theology remains true to its human focus, maintains pastoral realism and relevance and contributes to the greater effectiveness of ministry.

Governance and democracy in the church: The experiences of women in the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe

2026-04-30T10:33:49+00:00

The Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe (AFMZ) is a Pentecostal church that has grown numerically, and there are more women than men. Though there is a preponderance of female members, men are dominantly the leaders in the AFMZ. Since 1996, the AFMZ has opened the door for pastoral training for women. Of the few female pastors, none has held top-ranking declarations that uphold the inclusion of women in leadership. The Zimbabwean government has taken great strides towards achieving the goals of the declarations by giving women top leadership positions in some government departments, such as the Zimbabwe Electoral Committee. On the contrary, Pentecostal churches, as represented by the AFMZ, which have been hailed as liberal, inclusive and democratic, are not as they seem to be. This was a qualitative study, which used an African feminist missiology to thematically analyse the findings. Previous research records the theological and cultural factors that lead to women being excluded from church governance. The argument of this study is that the AFMZ is also using political reasons, such as manipulating the nomination process, allowing few women to vote, and giving placement powers to overseers, to bar women from leadership. The study concluded that the church, instead of being progressive by embracing equality in leadership, continues to be retrogressive in this aspect.
Contribution: The study concluded that the church, instead of being progressive by embracing equality in leadership, continues to be retrogressive in this aspect.

Performing gender equality: Internalising Bugis-Makassar cultural values (3S) as a theological strategy for transforming patriarchal structures

2026-04-30T10:50:50+00:00

Gender inequality is a global problem and causes various acts of violence and suffering for women, especially in the third world, including Indonesia. This article offers a cultural strategy supported by Judith Butler’s gender performativity theory to challenge patriarchal culture and build a more just and equal life. Using Judith Butler’s gender performativity framework, this qualitative research in Soppeng Regency, South Sulawesi, involved in-depth interviews with married couples, female school principals, ordained female pastors, church officials and agricultural cooperative leaders, along with participatory observations in family, church and community settings. This strategy brings together two distinct cultural contexts: Eastern culture, namely the Bugis-Makassar 3S culture (Sipakatau, Sipakainge, and Sipakalebbi) and performativity theory from the West. Internalising the cultural values of the 3S through performativity theory is an effective way to achieve gender equality not only in the Soppeng community where the research took place but also to empower women as a whole and present the image of humans as imago Dei in togetherness with other God’s creations.
Contribution: This research integrates Western gender performativity theory with Indonesian local cultural values (3S Bugis-Makassar) as a decolonisation agent for the transformation of patriarchal gender structures. This study advances gender theory and theological discourse through a culturally based gender justice approach in the Indonesian Christian community.

The Trinity and cyber culture: Crafting theologically responsible analogies in the digital age

2026-04-30T11:00:03+00:00

This article examines the use of cyber culture as a contemporary context for Trinitarian analogy within the discipline of systematic theology. Grounded in Scripture, the Nicene Creed, and classical Trinitarian doctrine, the study investigates whether and under what conditions phenomena such as algorithmic governance, digital identity, and online community may function as illustrative analogies without compromising doctrinal integrity. By employing a rule-governed dogmatic methodology, the article critically evaluates these analogies according to explicit criteria: fidelity to biblical revelation, consistency with Nicene orthodoxy, adherence to the inseparability of divine operations [opera ad extra indivisa sunt], and disciplined application of the via negationis. The analysis demonstrates that cyber-cultural analogies cannot function as ontological models or theological sources, but may serve a limited, contrastive, and pedagogical role when subordinated to the regula fidei. In doing so, the article contributes to contemporary debates on theological contextualisation by clarifying a responsible framework for engaging digital culture in Trinitarian theology.
Contribution: This article advances systematic and digital theology by proposing four criteria for Trinitarian analogies, distinguishing illustrative from ontological analogies, and refining Trinitarian appropriation to prevent reductionist readings, offering a concise, methodologically responsible model for contextualising doctrine in the digital age

Balia, a healing tradition among the Kaili people of Indonesia: A biblical response

2026-04-30T11:08:47+00:00

The Balia healing tradition remains a significant cultural and spiritual practice among the Kaili people of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, including within Christian communities. More than a form of traditional medicine, Balia functions as an integrated cultural system that interprets illness as moral and relational disruption, mobilises communal participation and operates within a spiritually populated cosmology. This article employs a qualitative, literature-based theological approach informed by contextual theology to examine Balia and its implications for Christian faith. The analysis identifies three key findings: Balia shapes moral reasoning and communal responses to suffering; the authority of the balian represents a competing structure of spiritual mediation, and the persistence of Balia among Christians reflects deeper challenges in theological formation and pastoral presence rather than conscious doctrinal rejection.
Contribution: Through biblical-theological evaluation, the study argues that the central issue posed by Balia lies in its attribution of spiritual agency and authority, not in its holistic concern for healing. By moving beyond functional equivalence, the article proposes a contextually sensitive yet theologically discerning pastoral response, contributing to broader discussions on Christianity and indigenous healing practices.

A prophet on the periphery: Andile Madodomzi Mbete and the quest for alternative community

2026-05-13T21:27:17+00:00

This article explores the life and legacy of Andile Madodomzi Mbete, a revered minister of religion in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA), through the lens of prophetic witness at the margins of society. Framed by the biblical motif of the ‘prophet on the periphery’ – in contrast to the court prophet of the Old Testament – and the MCSA’s enduring call for the formation of an alternative community, the study positions Mbete as a contemporary embodiment of prophetic resistance. Firstly, the article examines the theological and historical role of prophets on the periphery in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting their critique of political and religious power. Secondly, it engages the MCSA’s vision of an ecclesial alternative grounded in justice, inclusivity and transformation. Finally, it situates Mbete’s ministry within the socio-political and ecclesiastical contexts of apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, drawing attention to his contributions to faith, justice and communal liberation. The article argues that Mbete’s legacy offers a compelling model for prophetic leadership today – one that speaks from the margins yet calls for a radical reimagining of both church and society. On a methodological level, the article draws from a combination of theological reflection, contextual analysis and qualitative inquiry, most important focusing on the sermons, autobiographical materials and Mbete’s own theological reflections.

Contribution: The article contributes to HTS Theological Studies by offering a critical and contextual exploration of a marginal yet prophetic voice in South African theology. It deepens the journal’s commitment to public theology, postcolonial analysis and African contextual theologies and stimulates discourse around alternative ecclesial visions rooted in justice, memory and liberation.

Relearning pentecostal church leadership conflict management from the acts of the apostles

2026-05-13T21:29:21+00:00

Leadership conflict has remained an ongoing challenge in Zimbabwean classical Pentecostalism, often resulting in divisions, burnout and the fragmentation of congregations. The Acts of the Apostles present valuable lessons of Spirit-led and community-based conflict resolution strategies that are applicable to today’s Pentecostal church in Zimbabwe. This study draws from four episodes of leadership tensions in Acts (Ac 6:1–7; 13:1–3; 15:1–35; 15:36–41), employs qualitative exegesis and literature review. Findings include Spirit-led discernment, communal consultation, strategic delegation, mission-focused decision-making and graceful separation. In view of that, this article concludes that strategising spiritual discernment with inclusive and contextually feasible conflict management can resolve ecclesial leadership tensions in Zimbabwean classical Pentecostalism.

Contribution: This article fosters church leadership conflict management by integrating apostolic lessons with contemporary leadership in Zimbabwean classical Pentecostalism.

Unhiding vulnerable voices: Reading four parables in Luke as a response to gender-based violence in South Africa

2026-05-13T21:32:22+00:00

This article proposes an unhiding reading of the parables of Jesus, revealing the oftenoverlooked presence and agency of women in these narratives. Grounded in social-scientific and historical criticism, this methodology explores how first-century listeners would have imagined women as active participants in daily life, present in households, fields, roads and acts of hospitality, even when not explicitly mentioned in the text. Using four parables as case studies (the Prodigal Son, the Friend at Midnight, the Good Samaritan, and the Sower), the article argues that modern interpretations often perpetuate patriarchal silencing by failing to acknowledge these hidden women. It further connects this erasure to the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence, particularly in the South African context. By reading the parables through a lens that recognises women’s historical and theological significance, the article offers a transformative approach for biblical scholarship, churches and theological education to confront gender injustice and promote inclusive interpretation.

Contribution: This article contributes to the HTS Theological Studies special collection by proposing an unhiding reading of Jesus’ parables. Rooted in social-scientific criticism, it challenges patriarchal erasures of women in biblical interpretation. This hermeneutic offers a transformative tool for theological education and faith communities to address gender-based violence (GBV) in the South African context.

Christ and the Toraja mediator: A critical assessment of Era di Langi’ and Puang Tomanurun Tamboro Langi’

2026-05-13T21:34:03+00:00

This article examines, within a comparative framework, the concepts of Era di Langi’ and Puang Tomanurun Tamboro Langi’ in Aluk To Dolo in relation to the Christology of John 14:6. Employing a comparative theological approach, this study analyses the cosmological and soteriological structures of Aluk To Dolo as well as the mediatory functions of these two concepts in connection with Jesus’ claim to be ‘the way, and the truth, and the life’. An exegetical investigation of John 14:6 suggests that, within the Johannine theological framework, access to the Father is portrayed as mediated through the person and work of Christ, whose nature is presented as divine and whose mission carries soteriological and eschatological significance. The findings indicate a functional point of contact – namely, the human need for a mediator between the earthly and the divine realms – while also highlighting fundamental differences in ontological status, epistemological grounding and soteriological scope. Accordingly, Era di Langi’ and Puang Tomanurun Tamboro Langi’ are not treated as ontological equivalents to Christ within their respective systems. This study further argues that, although these Aluk To Dolo concepts may serve as contextual analogies in communicating the Gospel, their use requires a critical and non-syncretistic hermeneutical framework that takes into account the distinctive and exclusivist claims associated with Johannine Christology.

Contribution: This research offers a rigorous comparative framework for evaluating functional parallels – without conflating natures – between the cosmological mediators of Aluk To Dolo and the Christology of John 14:6, thereby enriching critical and non-syncretistic efforts of Gospel contextualisation in Toraja.

Healing together: Surviving substance use disorder with the church in Zimbabwe

2026-05-13T21:37:16+00:00

Today, substance use disorder is a pandemic in Zimbabwe, mostly because of political and economic crises and consequential societal despair. Several clinical and sociological studies with a major focus on saving youth from the scourge have been published. However, little attention has been given to the possible contribution of spirituality to serving people of all ages. Despite the availability of voluminous clinical and sociological interventions, substance use disorder in Zimbabwe continues to worsen. As exclusive approaches that prioritise youths and involve scientific and sociological engagement have not curbed substance use disorders, how can spirituality help? Through a qualitative literature review, this article explores the potential of Christian spirituality to reduce substance use disorders. It finds that the church can facilitate inclusive healing and transformation by applying its integral mission. It concludes that if the four dimensions of integral mission – kerygma, leitourgia, koinonia and diakonia – are applied, they could foster the inclusive recovery of people with substance use disorder, protect and sustain people who are vulnerable to substance use disorders and, ultimately, help them survive the plague in Zimbabwe. Therefore, this article recommends that church leaders apply integral mission for inclusionary healing, reformation and transformation.

Contribution: This article explores the potential of the integral mission to curb substance use disorder in Zimbabwe.

Care as mission in super-aged societies: Theology and practice of the care-as-mission paradigm

2026-05-13T21:46:38+00:00

Rapid population ageing has confronted numerous societies, including South Korea, with a severe crisis of elderly isolation, poverty and care deficits. However, existing mission paradigms have failed to provide theologically adequate responses to this care crisis. This study aims to establish the Care-as-Mission Paradigm (CMP) as a theological framework for addressing the care crisis in super-aged societies and to explore its practical applicability. This research originates from the Korean context, which has become the world’s fastest-ageing society, and analyses elderly care practices in British churches as comparative cases. The study critically integrates four theological traditions – Missio Dei, incarnational theology, diakonia and care ethics – to construct the theological foundation of CMP and qualitatively analyses cases from British churches. Care-as-Mission Paradigm derives three core components: Incarnational accompaniment, vulnerability-based mutuality and public engagement. British churches’ collaboration with the National Health Service (NHS) Social Prescribing system demonstrates the practical validity of CMP. Care is not a subsidiary means of mission but an essential mode of participating in God’s mission. Care-as-Mission Paradigm provides an integrative framework through which churches can respond to the care crisis of super-aged societies in theologically legitimate and practically effective ways.

Contribution: This article contributes to the intersection of missiology, diakonia studies and care ethics by reconceptualising care as an essential dimension of mission, thereby offering a theological response to the emerging missional context of super-aged societies. This aligns with HTS’s multidisciplinary and public theological concerns, particularly expanding discussions on the church’s public role in non-Western contexts.

From dominion to communion: Theology as an interlocutor towards planetary well‑being

2026-05-13T21:48:17+00:00

This article advances an integral eco‑theology by incorporating two major normative developments of 2025 – the Conference of the Parties (COP) COP30 outcomes in Belém and the Earth Charter+25 renewal – into a coherent theological response to the climate emergency. Building on my earlier integration of Pope Francis’s integral ecology and Ken Wilber’s ‘all quadrants, all levels, all lines, all states, and all types’ (AQAL) framework, theology is reconceived as a holistic engagement with reality across subjective, cultural, behavioural and systemic dimensions. This exposes the limits of anthropocentric dominion and opens a path towards kenotic communion with the community of life. A dialectical approach rooted in diastasis sustains creative tension without dissolving differences, allowing true transversal dialogue. Within this framework, the Belém Political Package is evaluated for its progress in adaptation finance and just transition mechanisms, as well as for its shortcomings in achieving a fossil fuel phase-out. Earth Charter+25 presents a renewed moral horizon focused on ecological integrity and intergenerational responsibility.

Contribution: By holding COP30’s policy trajectory and Earth Charter+25’s ethical vision in diastatic tension, the article provides a publicly accountable theological frameworkforChristian praxis, in which degrowth and rewilding function as normative expressions of ecodomy.

Examining Beyers Naudé’s witness in apartheid South Africa as an embodiment of Belhar confession

2026-08-07T07:06:24+00:00

Beyers Naudé’s witness from 1963 to the end of the apartheid government in 1994 reflects the principles of the Belhar Confession. He was originally an ardent supporter of apartheid theology, having been part of its most influential structures at the time. Some of them were the Dutch Reformed Church, the Afrikaner Broederbond, and Stellenbosch University, where he studied theology, which was also regarded as a factory for influential apartheid leaders such as John Vorster, a prime minister and later fourth state president of the apartheid regime as well as HF Verwoerd, the architect of apartheid. In the early 1960s, long before the birth of the Belhar Confession, he ‘converted’ from being an apologist of apartheid theology. He thus became a true servant of Christ who, in the wording of Black Theology, advocated a life of justice for all with God as understood to be of the side of what Mofokeng calls the ‘non-persons’ or the oppressed. Drawing on existing literature by way of a qualitative review, the author analytically links the life and witness of Beyers Naudé with the message of the Belhar Confession to examine the witness of Beyers Naudé within the parameters of the Belhar Confession after his ‘conversion’ in 1963 until 1994. In addition, the aim of this is to further explore and determine whether he could serve as an example of living the message of the Belhar Confession. The essay concludes that he succeeded in being an epitome of the message of the Belhar Confession in the apartheid context and that he remained a reliable role model for the lived experience of the Belhar Confession.

Contribution: This study argues that Beyers Naudé’s witness in apartheid South Africa succeeded in enacting the message of the Belhar Confession. While it falls within the scope of Systematic Theology, it also has interdisciplinary implications for disciplines such as Missiology, Church History, Sociology and Anthropology.

Jesus Christ and women: A theological and practical reflection for churches in Nigeria

2026-08-07T07:08:13+00:00

This research examines how Jesus Christ’s engagement with women carries theological significance and explores the consequences of this reality for the life and practice of churches in Nigeria. The study begins by analysing the inclusive transformative nature of Jesus’ ministry, which upheld the value of women in a society that often sidelined them. It acknowledges that Jesus’ treatment of women represented not just social reform, but God’s purpose for humanity. The issue addressed in this research stems from the ongoing gender inequality present in numerous churches in Nigeria, where cultural customs and patriarchal readings of scripture continue to impede women’s involvement in leadership and ministry. This research utilises intercultural interpretation, primarily drawing from gospel accounts and using it to probe Nigeria’s cultures expressed in churches’ beliefs and practices. The study analyses significant biblical texts and engages pertinent theological literature to reveal the redemptive arc of Jesus’ interactions with women. The findings indicate that women held essential positions in Jesus’ ministry and the early church as disciples, supporters and witnesses to the resurrection. Jesus’ relationship with women illustrated that God’s kingdom surpasses social hierarchies and gender divisions. The study further illustrates that when churches adopt Christ’s inclusive model, they encounter spiritual renewal, remarkable progress and community transformation.

Contribution: The study concludes by advocating for theological revitalisation in Nigerian seminaries, gender-inclusive leadership policies and a conscious commitment from church leaders to foster justice, equity and collaboration.

Peace, truth and the digital public sphere: A Wesleyan postcolonial theology

2026-08-07T07:09:53+00:00

Digital platforms shape public meaning in the Philippines, where social media is deeply embedded in political, cultural and religious life and where struggles over truth and visibility are reflected in postcolonial conditions. This study develops a theological account of peace, truth and moral speech for digital public life in response to limited Wesleyan and postcolonial theological engagement with online misinformation. The study is situated in the Philippine digital public sphere as a context for theological reflection on how public judgement is formed through digitally mediated communication. This study uses a constructive public theology research design. The study combines analysis of digital misinformation and postcolonial theory with theological interpretation of Isaiah 32:17, John 8:32 and James 3, and engagement with John Wesley’s writings on holiness and social responsibility. The study finds that misinformation causes moral harm by distorting truth, weakening shared judgement and amplifying unequal voices. These processes are described as digital colonisation, in which digital platforms and organised influence reshape control over public narratives and damage the conditions needed for peace. The study concludes that churches require a formation-centred approach that treats digital participation as a moral practice rather than a technical activity, guiding Christians towards truthful speech, responsible communication and peacebuilding through digital holiness.

Contribution: This article interprets misinformation in the Philippine digital public sphere as digital colonisation, develops a biblical–postcolonial–Wesleyan account of peace, truth and moral speech and proposes digital holiness – structured as practices of seeing, discerning, speaking, building, protecting and transforming – as a framework for church formation and peacebuilding in postcolonial digital contexts.

Decolonising wisdom: Re-reading the Magi as professional knowers beyond Israel in Matthew 2:1–12

2026-08-07T07:11:16+00:00

This article offers a decolonial rereading of the Magi in Matthew 2:1–12 as legitimate professional knowers whose epistemic authority is affirmed within the biblical text. Often regarded as marginal figures, the Magi nonetheless play a decisive role by recognising Christ’s birth through disciplined cosmological knowledge, even before Jerusalem’s elites do. Drawing on decolonial theory, postcolonial biblical interpretation and epistemic justice, the study critiques dominant Israel-centred epistemologies that marginalise non-Israelite and Indigenous knowledge. It argues that Matthew presents the Magi as trained experts whose ways of knowing are guided, not rejected, by divine revelation. In dialogue with African and Basotho epistemologies, the article shows that epistemic plurality is intrinsic to scripture. The Magi thus challenge theological monopolies and open space for Indigenous knowledges as partners in contemporary theology and religious education. This rereading calls for inclusive pedagogies that honour epistemic diversity and foster intercultural dialogue. The study contributes to decolonial biblical scholarship by demonstrating how both scripturally affirmed and theologically necessary forms of epistemic plurality challenge inherited monopolies of theological authority.

Contribution: This article advances decolonial biblical scholarship by reframing the Magi in Matthew 2:1–12 as divinely affirmed professional knowers. It foregrounds epistemic plurality within the biblical text and brings this insight into dialogue with African, particularly Basotho, epistemologies.

Healing of bodies as a contested colonial site in Mark

2026-08-07T07:12:52+00:00

This article aims to offer a postcolonial reading of Mark’s healing narratives, interpreting them not only as sites of resistance but also as narrative pedagogy. Focusing on Mark 5:1–20 and 7:24–30, it argues that the Gospel constructs the body as a contested colonial site where imperial power, social exclusion, and symbolic violence converge. Moving beyond dominant biomedical, symbolic, and Christological interpretations, the study demonstrates that healing scenes are narratively configured to train audiences to recognise and interpret imperial domination as inscribed on bodies and social relations. By attending closely to dialogue, naming, and narrative tension, the article shows that healing functions as a pedagogical practice that forms subaltern consciousness capable of discerning and negotiating imperial power. In this way, Mark’s Gospel emerges not only as a text of resistance but as a formative discourse that cultivates politically aware and responsive communities.

Contribution: This study contributes to Markan and postcolonial scholarship in three specific ways. Firstly, it advances beyond existing empire-critical readings by arguing that healing narratives function not only as symbolic resistance but as narrative pedagogy that forms interpretive consciousness. Secondly, it demonstrates through close exegetical analysis how specific narrative features – such as naming, dialogue, and boundary negotiation – operate didactically within the text. Thirdly, it reframes the Gospel of Mark as a formative discourse that equips subaltern communities not merely to endure imperial power but to recognise, interpret, and respond to it. In doing so, the study offers a more textually grounded and theoretically integrated account of healing as both political and pedagogical practice.

Belhar at forty: Justice, unity and the cries of the poor in African Christian mission

2026-08-07T07:14:08+00:00

This article re-examines the theological significance of the Belhar Confession 40 years after its adoption by exploring its relevance for African Christian mission in contexts marked by persistent poverty and inequality. Emerging during the apartheid struggle in South Africa, the Belhar Confession articulated a prophetic theological response that affirmed unity, reconciliation and justice as essential dimensions of the Christian gospel. While much scholarship has focused on its historical role within South African ecclesial debates, less attention has been given to its broader missiological implications for contemporary African Christianity. This study, therefore, investigates how the theological vision of Belhar may illuminate the mission of the church within African societies where the cries of the poor remain a defining social reality. The research adopts a theological–missiological interpretive methodology based on qualitative document analysis and critical engagement with major scholarship on Belhar, African theology and global mission. By situating the confession within the wider conversation of African contextual theology and the missio Dei framework of mission, the study examines how Belhar’s insistence that the church must stand where God stands challenges Christian communities to embody solidarity with marginalised populations. The findings indicate that the confession offers a significant theological resource for reimagining Christian mission in Africa by linking ecclesial unity with social justice and public witness.

Contribution: The article argues that re-reading Belhar through African missiology expands the theological horizon of the confession beyond its original historical setting. It demonstrates that Belhar’s call for unity and justice provides an important framework for justice-centred mission within African societies confronting economic inequality and social marginalisation. The study contributes to ongoing debates on African theology, mission studies and public theology by proposing that the Belhar Confession continues to shape how churches participate in God’s mission among the poor and the oppressed.

Re-evaluating Genesis 1:27 and 2:7 as historical accounts: A critical dialogue with Geyser–Fouché and Serfontein

2026-08-07T07:21:09+00:00

The long-standing debate between creationism and evolutionary theory continues to shape discourse across both scientific and theological spheres. Central to the creationist perspective are the biblical texts in Genesis 1:27 and 2:7, which describe the divine origin of humanity. These narratives stand in stark contrast to the evolutionary model grounded in Darwinian natural selection, which posits that human beings emerged through gradual biological processes over millions of years. From a faith-based viewpoint, creation is attributed to a divine act occurring within a relatively recent historical timeframe. This study revisits the Genesis creation accounts as potentially historical and theologically valid records, challenging assumptions that relegate them to the realm of myth. Drawing on the theory of biblical literalism and employing theological hermeneutics as the methodological framework, this article critically engages the work of Ananda Geyser–Fouché and Bernice Serfontein to examine the plausibility of a literal interpretation of these texts.

Contribution: This study offers two key contributions. Firstly, it challenges the prevailing scientific narrative that often dismisses biblical creationism as non-historical, advocating instead for a more integrated approach to faith and science. Secondly, it provides support for faith-based communities grappling with the tension between traditional beliefs and dominant scientific paradigms. By re-examining the Genesis creation narrative, the research highlights its enduring theological significance and its impact on personal and collective identity.

Nature-based relational peace cultivation in Northern Ireland and South Africa

2026-08-07T07:22:48+00:00

This article offers practitioner reflections on a continuous, nature-based thread of relational peace building, over more than two decades on the island of Ireland and in South Africa. This nature-based thread included multi-day journeys into the Scottish Highlands and into the iMfolozi wilderness area in South Africa, as well as the deliberate use of workshop venues in relatively remote, beautiful natural settings. The author revisits earlier reflections with two Northern Ireland-based co-facilitators (2018) and draws on the last decade of faith-inspired racial conflict transformation experience in ‘post-apartheid’ South Africa, including ‘white work’ within the Dutch Reformed Church and the ‘deepening’ of higher education transformation at Stellenbosch University. Having clarified the meanings of key concepts such as ‘relational peace cultivation’, ‘nature-based’ and ‘social restitution’, the author locates his peace work within a typology that distinguishes between instrumental, intrinsic and relational ways that people value nature. The author presents the peace cultivation potential of nature-based relational work through an integrated ‘6 P’s’ framework. This framework draws attention to the importance of combining physiological, place-sensitive, psychological, poetic, political, and ‘pneumatic’ (spiritual) aspects in pursuit of sustainable peace. The relevance of this ‘6 P’s’ framework for socio-economic transformation, especially in post-1994 South Africa, is spelled out in terms of the conceptual, instrumental and ontological contributions of nature-based relational peace cultivation. The article highlights the profound challenge of implementing the ‘holistic trinity’ of ‘Soil, Soul, Society’ (Kumar), the ‘interconnectedness of humanity, spirit and nature’ (Wilderness Leadership School) in the quest for embodied, restitutional reconciliation in, for example, post-1994 South Africa.

Contribution: This practice-based article argues for an ecologically informed, spiritually grounded, politically aware approach to relational peace cultivation. It contributes to public and practical theology, (eco)spirituality, peace and conflict, and critical whiteness studies, trauma healing and fits the interdisciplinary, hermeneutical scope of HTS.

Theology and education of the indigenous people: A theological-educational reconstruction of the biographies of the 19th century ‘Penulong Minahasa’

2026-08-07T07:24:32+00:00

Historical narratives about the evangelism and education in 19th-century Minahasa are often Eurocentric, placing European missionaries at the centre and ignoring the role of indigenous people. This study reconstructs the role of the ‘Penulong Minahasa’ [Minahasan’s helper] as theological–educational agents who played a role in the indigenisation of the Christian faith and the formation of the local education system. Using a historical-hermeneutic method based on missionary archives and indigenous biographical writings, this study shows that the Penulong [helper] were not passive recipients, but active actors who adapted Christian teachings through cultural values and the traditional Papendangan education system. Prominent figures such as Adrianus Angkow, Silvanus Item and Lambertus Mangindaan demonstrate the evolution from missionary assistants into educators and community leaders. The main findings of the study confirm that the success of missionary education is rooted in local contextual and participatory principles. The theological and educational spirit of the Penulong offers a holistic paradigm for the renewal of Christian education in the era of disruption.

Contribution: By articulating the holistic theological–educational paradigm embodied by the Penulong, this study provides a critical framework for renewing Christian education in contemporary contexts of disruption.

Radix et hospitium: The dialectic of prophetic radicalism and hospitality as a paradigm of religious moderation in the ecclesiology of the early church

2026-08-07T07:28:32+00:00

This article proposes an alternative paradigm for the discourse on religious moderation by exploring the dialectic between prophetic radicalism and hospitality in the early church’s ecclesiology. Through a narrative–theological analysis of the texts of Acts and the Pauline epistles, this study demonstrates that the early Christian community did not embody moderation as a middle ground that avoids extremes but rather as a creative tension between the depth of rooted identity (radix) and radical openness to the other (hospitium). By integrating insights from the theology of friendship (befriending), this research argues that the early church’s dialectical model offers a constructive critique of Indonesia’s approach to religious moderation, which tends to be pragmatic–accommodative and lacks theological depth, and proposes the paradigm of religious mediation as a more dynamic alternative.

Contribution: Within the intradisciplinary field of systematic and historical theology, this article offers a constructive contribution by formulating the paradigm of radix et hospitium as a coherent ecclesiological framework that unites prophetic radicalism and hospitality in a dialectical relationship. The article advances Pentecostal pneumatology by demonstrating that the Spirit’s work in the early church inherently generates communities that are both prophetically bold and hospitably open, thereby providing a pneumatological corrective to ecclesiological models that treat these as competing impulses. Interdisciplinarily, the article engages the sociology of religion by critically examining Indonesia’s state-constructed, pragmatic–accommodative framework of religious moderation through communal formation theory, while incorporating insights from political theology on religious identity and civic coexistence in pluralistic democracies.

Reimagining ubuntu and human solidarity in decoloniality: A missional reading of Luke 10:25–37 in the context of woundedness, inequality, and homelessness in the City of Tshwane

2026-08-07T07:31:23+00:00

Three decades after the dawn of the democratic dispensation, South Africa’s urban spaces continue to bear the brunt of the aftermath of colonial and apartheid past, that is, racialised exclusion, socio-economic inequality, and homelessness. These conditions have left many wounded and vulnerable, and some also left to die, as in the case of Luke 10:25–37. In the City of Tshwane, these realities continue to manifest through unemployed and homeless people who live under bridges, along riverbanks, in parks, and some have to find refuge in established shelters or homes. This article seeks to address the question: How can a missional reading of Luke 10:25–37 reimagine ubuntu and human solidarity in the context of homelessness in Tshwane? Having conducted a Contextual Bible Study with approximately 25 homeless participants in the City of Tshwane, this article advances an argument that a decolonial missional reading of Luke 10:25–37 reinterprets ubuntu as an essential praxis that restores dignity through embodied solidarity and spatial, social, economic, and epistemic justice in urban contexts.

Contribution: Through embodied solidarity, this article proposes a missional-decolonial praxis that empowers the agency of a church to be transformative, that is, to achieve spatial, social, economic, and epistemic justice for wounded, vulnerable, and homeless people in the City of Tshwane. This is meant to address both structural exclusion and lived experiences of marginalisation.

Between Wisdom and Ritual: A Biblical Response to Raego among the To Kaili and To Kulawi of Indonesia

2026-09-14T08:36:14+00:00

Raego remains an important oral tradition among the To Kaili [Kaili people] and To Kulawi [Kulawi people] communities of Central Sulawesi, yet its theological significance has received limited scholarly attention. Using a qualitative literature-based approach, this study undertakes a close reading of documented Raego chants informed by oral tradition studies, ethnographic research, and biblical theology. The findings show that Raego simultaneously embodies communal wisdom and ritual cosmology. While the chants preserve values such as solidarity, gratitude, and intergenerational continuity, they also contain sacred invocations and patterns of spiritual mediation that raise theological questions for Christian communities.

Contribution: This article proposes a biblically grounded framework for engaging indigenous oral traditions through critical contextualisation. It demonstrates how close textual analysis of documented ritual chants can help distinguish communal values that may be affirmed from ritual meanings that require theological evaluation in light of Scripture.

Contested peace and Christian praxis: Leos u nate for ecclesial reconciliation

2026-09-14T08:45:06+00:00

Peace language can sustain Christian reconciliation, but it can also conceal unresolved injury when churches equate harmony with silence. This article examines how leos u nate, a Minahasan-Tombulu moral vocabulary of peace in the heart and communal well-being, is interpreted and contested as a resource for ecclesial reconciliation in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This study analyses how selected Christian actors mobilise leos u nate in relation to institutional rhetoric, local mediation, memory, truth-telling, accountability and solidarity. The research situates the analysis in a regional ecclesial-cultural field in North Sulawesi, with one observed congregational site in Tomohon and interviews with adult church, cultural and community actors. A qualitative empirical practical-theological design was used. The dataset comprised 25 adult interviews, 3 non-intrusive observations, and 5 church-related documents and analytical memos. Reflexive thematic analysis was interpreted through critical inculturation and postcolonial hermeneutics. The analysis constructs four themes: instrumentalised harmony and structural silencing, authentic restoration through local space and time, collective memory and the refusal of theological amnesia, and organic solidarity as embodied peace praxis. The article concludes that leos u nate deepens Christian reflection on shalom when communities link it to truth, memory and justice, but harms reconciliation when institutional power captures it.

Contribution: The article contributes to empirical practical theology by showing how a North Sulawesi moral grammar of peace functions ambivalently within Christian praxis: as restorative reconciliation when linked to memory, truth and solidarity, and as structural silencing when captured by institutional power.

Civil partnerships in Zimbabwe: The church’s response

2026-10-07T17:29:41+00:00

Zimbabwe’s Marriages Act harmonises previously fragmented legal systems governing different marriages into a single-statute framework. This codification improves legal certainty and facilitates practical engagement for family law practitioners and litigants alike. Going beyond simple harmonisation of existing marital classifications, the Act introduces civil partnerships as a unique legal marital category. The religious approval of this legislation by the Zimbabwean churches remains contested, reflecting a range of doctrinal views across different denominations. In Zimbabwe’s predominantly Christian society, supported by constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, the positions of church organisations merit careful consideration. Churches advocating for monogamous marriage, mainly Mainline
Protestant and Pentecostal groups, view civil partnerships as morally questionable. Conversely, the White Garment Apostolic churches adopt a different theological stance that accommodates polygamous marriage practices. It is concluded that forbidding civil partnerships for individuals already in monogamous civil unions would help maintain a clear divide between monogamous relationships and polygamous arrangements. Further, the article suggests revising the Marriages Act to include only unregistered civil marriages within the scope of civil partnerships. A document-based qualitative research methodology was used.

Contribution: This article offers a discussion of civil partnerships under Zimbabwean marriage law. It further expounds on the divergent church views on civil partnerships and ultimately proposes a legal reform that reframes the provisions on civil partnerships, offering them a meaning that brings harmony to different marriage beliefs in the Zimbabwean church community.

Youth agency and intergenerational solidarity: The case of multicultural congregations in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa

2026-10-07T17:39:27+00:00

After 30 years of democracy in South Africa, a lot is said about the plight of the youth, whether they are the ones left behind in society or whether their voices are muted in shaping the future of the country. These questions and more are not just asked in society in general, but also more particularly within the context of faith communities. Studies carried out within multicultural congregations in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFMSA) show evidence of the
potential and possibilities of igniting youth agency and harnessing intergenerational solidarity among different age groups when the five conditions of intergroup contact, namely inclusion, belonging, participation, leadership and shared values are met. The study utilised intergroup contact theory and social cohesion theory as a basis and a framework to investigate how the category of age is addressed within multicultural congregations in the AFMSA. A qualitative research methodology is followed consisting of focus-group interviews with participants of five multicultural congregations.

Contribution: The study reports on the findings, illustrating that the youth has agency, thus fostering intergenerational solidarity between all age groups. Through intergroup contact, the youth can turn faith communities into repositories of social cohesion in both church and society

Mapping the Africanist tradition of Black Theology of Liberation in South Africa post-1994: A critical review

2026-10-07T17:42:10+00:00

The development of Black Theology of Liberation in South Africa has evolved across different registers. A great number of Black Theologians before 1994 in South Africa were cautious in their engagement with African spirituality, although some like Simon Maimela and Desmond Tutu were open to such dialogues. Post-1994 Black Theology in South Africa has developed along different trajectories. This paper focuses on the Africanist trajectory of Black Theology of Liberation. This review attempts to expose that the trajectory of the Africanist and tradition of Black Theology of Liberation is not linear and is, in fact, different. Using the work of Vellem, Kobe, Tshaka, Kobo and Ramose, I attempt to expose the differences expressed in three different registers. This review acknowledges the theological anthropology of Black Theology of Liberation in the Africanist tradition but draws attention to addressing the question of theology proper, that is, the doctrine of God.

Contribution: This critical review contributes by drawing our attention to points required for further engagement within Black Theology of Liberation in the post-1994 era.