Theological Reflections: Eastern European Journal of Theology

Jürgen Moltmann. In Memoriam

Anatoliy Denysenko — 2024-12-25

It is no exaggeration to say that the German Reformed theologian Jürgen Moltmann is one of the most important Christian theologians of the second half of the XX century. His life experience, his defining book The Theology of Hope (1967), and his ecumenical ministry extended his influence not only beyond Protestant circles but also beyond Christianity as such. Political theology, liberation theologies, the social gospel, and the struggle for justice have all been shaped in one way or another by Moltmann's theological thoughts. His concept of the “Crucified God” remains one of the main Christological themes in the study of systematic theology. Contemporary Christian thinkers owe Moltmann at least for the fact that because of his efforts, theology went beyond the academic classroom, found its embodiment in various resistance movements, and became public. Jürgen Moltmann lived a long life, did much for the development of Christian theology, and left behind a rich legacy of writings, teachings, and students. Today, perhaps, there is not a single area on the list of doctrines in which his name is not mentioned in one way or another.

Identity, (Dis)Ability and Belonging: Liturgy and Worship through the Lens of Autism

Armand Léon van Ommen — 2024-12-25

Disabled people often feel excluded from church activities. Focusing on autism, this article explores the problematic, relative absence of autistic people in churches. It will be argued that the concept of normalcy lies at the heart of the problem. Normalcy is understood as the set of dynamics that guard the boundaries of communities, in other words, who does and does not belong. These boundaries are part of what Charles Taylor calls the “framework” of the community, which determines what the community values. This article will argue that those with disabilities easily fall outside of the community’s boundaries. After discussing the dynamics of normalcy, this article offers a theological critique and a proposal for a framework inspired by the Gospel. This enables a “theology of presence” which envisions members of the community being present to each other in a way that reflects the kenosis of Christ.

Identity, (Dis)Ability and Belonging: Liturgy and Worship Through the Lens of Autism

Armand Léon van Ommen — 2024-12-25

“The Body of Christ Is Disabled Without the Presence of People with Disability”: A Re-Evaluation

Louise Gosbell — 2024-12-25

The statement, “the body of Christ is disabled without the presence of people with disability” is one that makes regular appearances in works of disability theologians and practitioners. The pithy aphorism is meant to serve as a prompt to remind church communities that they need to be places where people with disability can be active and contributing members. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the statement is problematic and, as a result, ends up perpetuating the notion that disability is undesirable and to be avoided. This article outlines two primary objections to the use of the phrase and offers in its place an alternative way of understanding the place of people with disability both in the body of Christ and in our church communities.

Enabling Faith: Ministry with Children and Teens in a Disabling World

Amy Elizabeth Jacober — 2024-12-25

The church is not who it is intended to be without all people present, this includes children and teens with disabilities. This has not always been the case. In fact, in some places it is still not the case. Even when unintentional, the lack of hospitality for all people is deeply woven into historic theology. This, however, is changing, and that is a reason to celebrate. This article can help move the conversation forward toward inclusion and belonging for all people, starting with children and adolescents with disabilities. The first section sets out the foundation with a brief look at terms including development, disability, and trauma. Next is a brief look at how executive functioning is impacted by disability and trauma in the lives of children and adolescents. While this can all feel overwhelming and hopeless, the next section considers how the church already has theology and practices that support positive change. Finally, the article finishes off with a brief consideration of some best practices to guide future research and actions.

The Grief/Faith Relationship and the Disabling Effect of Unresolved Grief

Rodger Murchison — 2024-12-25

The emotional trauma of grief can be disabling. The Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi is a metaphor for better understanding the relationship between grief and faith. The grief/faith relationship will be examined from several different points of view. This article will explore the theory and hypothesis of whether or not a person involved in an active Christian life will experience a strengthening of their faith because of the grief/faith relationship. The research method used to gain information about the grief/faith relationship was Thomas Groom’s shared Christian praxis. First Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia (USA) has for 26 years (1998) conducted Grief Ministry Workshops. In these workshops, participants share about their grief/faith story through writing and verbally engaging in group dialogue. The information gathered from these many years of ministering to and consulting with these workshop participants has been very beneficial to examining the influence grief has on faith and faith has on grief. This article will address the Biblical and Theological interpretation of the grief/faith relationship, as well as the Psychological and Sociological dimensions of grief and faith. The concept of Reframing grief will be discussed in detail. Theodicy and Free Will are theological issues that have a major influence of grief. These concepts will be explored as they impact the grief/faith relationship. The article will conclude with a critical analysis of whether or not the shared Christian praxis approach is an effective method in gathering the needed information for a study of the grief/faith relationship

Jon Kirwan, Matthew K. Minerd, The Thomistic Response to the Nouvelle Théologie: Concerning the Truth of Dogma and the Nature of Theology

Andrii Shymanovych — 2024-12-25

Thomas Storck, Foundations of a Catholic Political Order. Second edition

Myroslava Mostepaniuk — 2024-12-25

Austin M. Freeman, Tolkien Dogmatics: Theology through Mythology in Middle-Earth

Oleksandr Malov — 2024-12-25

Mark A. Noll, C. S. Lewis in America: Readings and Reception, 1935–1947

Oleh Demchuk — 2024-12-25

Simone Weil, Force. Consent. Justice. Love. Evil

Andrii Kulyk — 2024-12-25

N. T. Wright, Michael F. Bird, Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies

Mykhailo Kozakov — 2024-12-25

Oliver Crisp, Participation and Atonement: An Analytic and Constructive Account

Petro Kovaliv — 2024-12-25

John D. Caputo, What to Believe?: Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology

Mahomed Rubanenko — 2024-12-25

Sergii Sannikov, Signs of Presence. The Lord’s Supper Within the Baptist Sacramentology

Michael Sheludko — 2024-12-25

The monograph by Serhiy Sannikov, "Signs of Presence: The Lord’s Supper in the Context of Baptist Sacramentology", explores the theology of the Eucharist within the Baptist tradition, examining its spiritual and theological dimensions. This work is part of a trilogy addressing core Baptist practices, with prior volumes covering baptism and future volumes focusing on ordination. The author connects his research to broader global theological trends, addressing the evolving spiritual needs in postmodern and emerging contexts.

Peter Langford, Saul Newman, Order, Crisis and Redemption: Political Theology After Schmitt

Andriy Hnidets — 2024-12-25

David Lloyd Dusenbury, I Judge No One. A Political Life of Jesus

Daniel Kuchurian — 2024-12-25

Steven Nemes, Theological Authority in the Church: Reconsidering Traditionalism and Hierarchy

Bohdan Derkach — 2024-12-25

Armand Léon van Ommen, Autism and Worship: A Liturgical Theology

Maria Lahoud — 2024-12-25