DOCSLIB.ORG

Complete Dissertation.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Complete Dissertation.Pdf VU Research Portal Eikon and Ayat Subandrijo, B. 2007 document version Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Link to publication in VU Research Portal citation for published version (APA) Subandrijo, B. (2007). Eikon and Ayat: Points of Encouter between Indonesian Christian and Muslim Perspectives on Jesus. General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. E-mail address: [email protected] Download date: 03. Oct. 2021 EIKŌN AND ĀYAT Points of Encounter between Indonesian Christian and Muslim Perspectives on Jesus Bambang Subandrijo VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT EIKŌN AND ĀYAT Points of Encounter between Indonesian Christian and Muslim Perspectives on Jesus ACADEMISCH PROEFSCHRIFT ter verkrijging van de graad van Doctor aan de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, op gezag van de rector magnificus prof.dr. L.M. Bouter, in het openbaar te verdedigen ten overstaan van de promotiecommissie van de faculteit der Godgeleerdheid op woensdag 19 december 2007 om 10.45 uur in het auditorium van de universiteit, De Boelelaan 1105 door Bambang Subandrijo geboren te Yogyakarta, Indonesië promotoren: prof.dr. M.E. Brinkman prof.dr. K.A. Steenbrink EIKŌN AND ĀYAT Points of Encounter between Indonesian Christian and Muslim Perspectives on Jesus CONTENTS Page Acknowledgements …………………………………………………… i Introduction …………………………………………………………… 1 1. General statement of the problem …………………………. 1 2. A set of problems and the title of the study ………………. 12 3. Assumptions …………………………………………………. 13 4. Research method …………………………………………….. 14 Chapter 1: The Christology of Indonesian Reformed Churches and Its Roots ……………………………………………… 17 1. The ecumenical heritage …………………………………….. 18 1.1. The Apostle Creed ………………………………………. 19 1.2. Nicene and Constantinopolitan Confessions …………. 21 1.3. The Creed of Chalcedon ………………………………… 28 1.4. The Athanasian Creed …………………………………... 30 2. Reformed Christology ……………………………………….. 34 2.1. The Belgic Confession …………………………………… 34 2.2. The Heidelberg Catechism ……………………………… 38 2.3. The Canons of Dordt …………………………………….. 40 3. The Creeds of Indonesian Reformed Churches ……………. 43 3.1. PGI or CCI and its Common Comprehension of Faith .. 44 3.2. Confessions of Faith of some members churches of the PGI 49 4. Concluding remarks …………………………………………. 62 5. Reflective notes ……………………………………………….. 63 Chapter 2: Indonesian Muslim Perceptions of Jesus …………….. 65 1. Qur’ānic perceptions ………………………………………… 67 2. Two foreigners: Egyptian Abu Zahra and Pakistani Ulfat Azizus Samad ……………………………… 69 Sheikh Muhammad Abū Zahra ………………………. 69 Ulfat ‘Azizus Samad …………………………………… 72 3. Indonesian Muslim perceptions about Jesus ……………… 76 Classical perceptions …………………………………… 76 3.1.1. Nūr Al-Din Al-Rānīrī ........................................... 77 3.1.2. A Javanese classical text about Jesus …………. 80 Some modern apologetics views on Jesus ……………. 88 3.2.1. Hasbullah Bakry ………………………………… 88 3.2.2. Arsjad Thalib Lubis ……………………………... 91 3.2.3. Hazairin ………………………………………….. 93 3.2.4. Sidi Gazalba ……………………………………… 96 3.2.5. Nurcholis Madjid ……………………………….. 99 3.2.6. Behind the fatwa on Muslims’ attendance at Christmas celebrations ………………………… 101 3.2.7. Ahmadiyah ……………………………………… 103 4. Concluding remarks …………………………………………. 104 5. Reflective notes ………………………………………………... 105 Chapter 3: Monotheistic Christology: An exegetical analysis of Colossians 1:15-20 …………. 109 1. Monotheistic Jewish faith: a common background of the New Testament …………… 113 2. Hellenistic influence ………………………………………….. 117 3. Christ-hymn of Colossians 1:15-20, a monotheistic Christology 124 3.1. Special background of the epistle ……………………… 124 3.2. Background of the hymn: a monotheistic faith ………. 129 3.3. Exegetical analysis ………………………………………. 132 4. Interpretation …………………………………………………. 145 5. Concluding remarks …………………………………………. 149 Chapter 4: Jesus the Son of Mary: Qur’ān Surah Maryam (19):16-40 ………………………. 154 1. General background of the rise of Islam …………………... 154 2. A study on QS Maryam 19:16-40 ….………………………… 159 2.1. Structure and Content …………………………………... 159 2.2. Literary form …………………………………………….. 164 2.3. Exegetical analysis of Surah Maryam 19:1-40 ………… 167 3. General remarks ……………………………………………… 189 Parallelism with the Gospels and apocryphal writings 189 A new branch of Jewish-Christian tradition? ……….. 191 The miracle of virgin-birth and the names for Jesus … 193 Controversy over Christmas Greetings ……………… 195 4. Concluding remarks ………………………………………… 196 Chapter 5: Proposal of a New Understanding of Jesus: An Experiment in Inclusive Theology …………………… 198 General review and reflections ……………………………………… 198 Reflection ………………………………………………………….. 199 1. Jesus’ honorific titles: Word, Spirit, and Son of God ………….. 203 1.1. The Word of God ………………………………………….. 204 1.2. The Spirit of God ………………………………………….. 215 1.3. The Son of God ……………………………………………. 221 1.4. Critical notes ………………………………………………. 229 2. Jesus’ ministerial titles: Messiah, Servant, Prophet, and Sign of God 231 2.1. Messiah ……………………………………………………. 232 2.2. Servant of God …………………………………………….. 237 2.3. Prophet of God …………………………………………….. 240 2.4. Sign of God ………………………………………………… 245 2.5. Critical review ……………………………………………… 249 3. Some notes on Jesus’ titles ……………………………………… 250 Chapter 6: Epilogue …………………………………………………….. 252 Summary ………………………………………………………………… 257 Samenvatting ……………………………………………………………. 261 Appendices ………………………………………………………………. 265 Abbrevations ……………………………………………………………... Bibliography …………………………………………………………….. 280 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This dissertation would not have been possible without the help of many people, who have given me great attention, guidance, criticisms, suggestions, and advice. They provided valuable comments and contributions. I would like to thank all those who made this work possible and an enjoyable experience for me. First of all, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Martien E. Brinkmann, my supervisor (promotor) at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for his patient guidance, fruitful discussions, useful suggestions and insightful comments. He has undoubtedly given me immensely valuable advice seeking the best outcome for my writing. I am also indebted to Prof. Dr. Karel A. Steenbrink, my co-supervisor (second promotor), for his constructive criticisms and indispensable advice. He contributed so much to the improvement and accomplishment of this dissertation. I admire his patience in guiding me in every step of the study. I would like to thank Prof. Dr. Abraham van de Beek, the Dean of the Theological Faculty, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Dr. Eddy Van der Borght, for their useful suggestions, comments, and lectures, especially during the period of my Master’s research. They all really broadened my horizon for developing some further research that flowed into this dissertation. I am very grateful to Dr. Simon Rae, an English native speaker, for his willingness to correct the whole manuscript of this dissertation. Patiently and carefully he corrected the wordings, terms, idioms, and many grammatical errors of the manuscript. His contribution to the “finishing touch” of this writing cannot be minimized. Special thanks are also due to Mrs. Ninik S. Mahar for having read and provided thorough corrections on drafts of the manuscript, in order to improve and refine the language. High appreciation goes to Luzan Werts, Piet Oliemans, and all the staff of the Theological Faculty, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, for their help during my stay and study in the Netherlands. I am very much impressed with their kindness and hospitality. I would like to thank the late Dr. Radius Prawiro, Mrs. Leonie Prawiro Supit, Dr. Th. Kobong, the Oties Latumaerissa family, the KIA (Kerk in Actie), the Yayasan Satyabhakti Widya and its staff for affording me the opportunity to finish my study at the Theological Faculty, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. I gratefully acknowledge and thank them for their support and help throughout my study. It is a great pleasure to acknowledge the encouraging motivation and cooperation of all my colleagues. My cordial thanks especially go to Silas Barbosa Dias, Gudor Botond, Alida Sewell, and Steve Gaspersz for their comradeship and friendliness. Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the constant support, understanding and love that I received from my wife Widyastuti and my sons Mahas, Hanin and Jalu. I have tried to keep a record of those who helped, but undoubtedly I have missed some and I apologize to them. The wisdom, commitment, and help of many people made this dissertation possible, but for any shortcomings and errors that may remain, I alone am responsible. Bambang Subandrijo INTRODUCTION 1. General statement of the problem Christian-Muslim relations in Indonesia Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. They form about
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Our Brochure
    Wom en’ ality s M xu in se is o tr m ie o s H Chu rch rch ea A es u R th o ri ty Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research ality Sexu iritu al Sp Et an hi ti cs is hr C Table of Contents Executive Summary 4 Who We Are 5 Legal Entity What We Do 6 Aims and Objectives Current Projects 8 Developing the Magisterium - Pushing the Boundaries for Doing Theology History and Achievements 9 Work on Spirituality Work on Women’s Ordained Ministries Work on Church Authority; Sexual Ethics; Spirituality, Science and Faith Scholarly Publications Academic Declarations and Media Appearances Catherine of Siena Virtual College Is it Legitimate to Re-Examine Some Papal Teachings? 14 A Case Study - Is Slavery God’s Will? We Make A Difference 15 Costing and Financing 16 Planning for the Future How You Can Help 17 Financial Donations Sponsor a Topic How to Make a Donation Legacy Volunteering Appendix 1 20 Appendix 2 21 Photo credits 22 Patrons 23 2 Letter from the Director Like all living institutions the Roman Catholic Church needs those who love her without question, and those who love her with questions. In order to survive as a force for good in the world, the Roman Catholic Church needs to update herself, and to do so she needs uncensored original and constructive thinking. As an independent think-tank, the Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research (WICR) promotes such thinking. We produce cutting-edge theological research by coordinating leading academics to collaborate on reports tackling the Church’s officially uncomfortable, difficult, and disputed areas: women’s ordained ministries, sexual ethics, and church authority.
    [Show full text]
  • Calvinism Vs Wesleyan Arminianism
    The Comparison of Calvinism and Wesleyan Arminianism by Carl L. Possehl Membership Class Resource B.S., Upper Iowa University, 1968 M.C.M., Olivet Nazarene University, 1991 Pastor, Plantation Wesleyan Church 10/95 Edition When we start to investigate the difference between Calvinism and Wesleyan Arminianism, the question must be asked: "For Whom Did Christ Die?" Many Christians answer the question with these Scriptures: (Failing, 1978, pp.1-3) JOH 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV) We believe that "whoever" means "any person, and ...that any person can believe, by the assisting Spirit of God." (Failing, 1978, pp.1-3) 1Timothy 2:3-4 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, (4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (NIV) 2PE 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV) REV 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (NIV) (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
    [Show full text]
  • Foundations of Discipleship
    FOUNDATIONS FOR DISCIPLESHIP Systematic Theology Course Dr. William E. Bell INTRODUCTION This comprehensive course on the Doctrines of the Scriptures represents a complete study necessary for building a secure Biblical foundation into your life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The Foundations For Discipleship Course consists of nine volumes, each of which is subdivided into twelve 45-minute audio units. Each unit is accompanied and supplemented by a downloadable study guide. Listen carefully to each audio message, and follow along in the printed material. Make notes on your printed study guide as needed, to help you grasp and retain the material. This will become your own personal notebook and can be used in training others. When needed, replay sections that you did not grasp the first time. It may be that the information is entirely new to you and needs to be run past you again, or perhaps you find that your mind wandered a bit. The great advantage of digital material over a live lecture is this flexibility of time, place and replay capabilities. The normal pace is one unit per week with the entire course taking two years to complete. The pace may be accelerated cautiously if you desire, but should be kept modest enough so not to hinder comprehension. Ideally, the course would be done in a small-group setting where each participant works through a specific unit on a given weekend. The Bible study group would then meet during the week to listen to that weeks audio unit again together accompanied by a time of sharing notes, discussion and prayer together.
    [Show full text]
  • Roman Catholic Womenpriests and the Problem of Women’S Ordination
    TRANSGRESSIVE TRADITIONS: ROMAN CATHOLIC WOMENPRIESTS AND THE PROBLEM OF WOMEN’S ORDINATION Jill Marie Peterfeso A dissertation submitted to the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Religious Studies. Chapel Hill 2012 Approved by: Laurie Maffly-Kipp Julie Byrne Todd Ochoa Tony Perucci Randall Styers Thomas A. Tweed ©2012 Jill Marie Peterfeso ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ii ABSTRACT JILL MARIE PETERFESO: Transgressive Traditions: Roman Catholic Womenpriests and the Problem of Women’s Ordination (Under the direction of Laurie Maffly-Kipp) Although the Roman Catholic Church bars women from ordained priesthood, since 2002 a movement called Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) claims to have ordained approximately 120 women as deacons, priests, and bishops in Europe, North America, and Latin America. Because the women deliberately break Canon Law—and specifically c. 1024, which reads, “Only a baptized man can validly receive sacred ordination”—RCWP acknowledges that its ordinations are illegal, but the group claims nonetheless to perform valid ordinations because they stand in the traditional line of apostolic succession. They retain the modifier “Roman” to signal their lineage within Roman Catholic tradition, yet RCWP’s stated goal is not simply to insert women into the existing Church structures, but rather to “re-imagine, re-structure, and re-shape the priesthood and therefore the church.” This dissertation investigates the
    [Show full text]
  • "Calvinism Vs. Arminianism" by Mary Fairchild Updated July 03, 2019 One of the Most Potentially Divisive Debates in Th
    "Calvinism Vs. Arminianism" By Mary Fairchild Updated July 03, 2019 One of the most potentially divisive debates in the history of the church centers around the opposing doctrines of salvation known as Calvinism and Arminianism. Calvinism is based on the theological beliefs and teaching of John Calvin (1509-1564), a leader of the Reformation, and Arminianism is based on the views of Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609). After studying under John Calvin's son-in-law in Geneva, Jacobus Arminius started out as a strict Calvinist. Later, as a pastor in Amsterdam and professor at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, Arminius' studies in the book of Romans led to doubts and rejection of many Calvinistic doctrines. In summary, Calvinism centers on the supreme sovereignty of God, predestination, the total depravity of man, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints. Arminianism emphasizes conditional election based on God's foreknowledge, man's free will through prevenient grace to cooperate with God in salvation, Christ’s universal atonement, resistible grace, and salvation that can potentially be lost. What exactly does all this mean? The easiest way to understand the differing doctrinal views is to compare them side by side. Compare Beliefs of Calvinism Vs. Arminianism God's Sovereignty The sovereignty of God is the belief that God is in complete control over everything that happens in the universe. His rule is supreme, and his will is the final cause of all things. Calvinism: In Calvinist thinking, God's sovereignty is unconditional, unlimited, and absolute. All things are predetermined by the good pleasure of God's will.
    [Show full text]
  • Calvinism and Arminianism Are Tw
    K-Group week 3 Question: "Calvinism vs. Arminianism - which view is correct?" Answer: Calvinism and Arminianism are two systems of theology that attempt to explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility in the matter of salvation. Calvinism is named for John Calvin, a French theologian who lived from 1509-1564. Arminianism is named for Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian who lived from 1560-1609. Both systems can be summarized with five points. Calvinism holds to the total depravity of man while Arminianism holds to partial depravity. Calvinism’s doctrine of total depravity states that every aspect of humanity is corrupted by sin; therefore, human beings are unable to come to God on their own accord. Partial depravity states that every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin, but not to the extent that human beings are unable to place faith in God of their own accord. Note: classical Arminianism rejects “partial depravity” and holds a view very close to Calvinistic “total depravity” (although the extent and meaning of that depravity are debated in Arminian circles). In general, Arminians believe there is an “intermediate” state between total depravity and salvation. In this state, made possible by prevenient grace, the sinner is being drawn to Christ and has the God-given ability to choose salvation. Calvinism includes the belief that election is unconditional, while Arminianism believes in conditional election. Unconditional election is the view that God elects individuals to salvation based entirely on His will, not on anything inherently worthy in the individual. Conditional election states that God elects individuals to salvation based on His foreknowledge of who will believe in Christ unto salvation, thereby on the condition that the individual chooses God.
    [Show full text]
  • Yesus Kristus
    EDISI REVISI 2018 SD KVIELAS Hak Cipta © 2018 pada Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Dilindungi Undang-Undang Disklaimer: Buku ini merupakan buku guru yang dipersiapkan Pemerintah dalam rangka implementasi Kurikulum 2013. Buku guru ini disusun dan ditelaah oleh berbagai pihak di bawah koordinasi Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, dan dipergunakan dalam tahap awal penerapan Kurikulum 2013. Buku ini merupakan “dokumen hidup” yang senantiasa diperbaiki, diperbaharui, dan dimutakhirkan sesuai dengan dinamika kebutuhan dan perubahan zaman. Masukan dari berbagai kalangan yang dialamatkan kepada penulis dan laman http://buku.Kemendikbud.go.id atau melalui email [email protected] diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kualitas buku ini. Katalog Dalam Terbitan (KDT) Indonesia. Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan. Pendidikan Agama Katolik dan Budi Pekerti : buku guru / Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan. Edisi Revisi. Jakarta : Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, 2018. viii, 256 hlm. : ilus. ; 25 cm. Untuk SD Kelas VI ISBN 978-602-282-217-2 (jilid lengkap) ISBN 978-602-282-223-3 (jilid 6) 1. Katolik -- Studi dan Pengajaran I. Judul II. Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan 282 Penulis Naskah : Marianus Didi Kasmudi dan F.X. Dapiyanta Nihil Obstat : F.X. Adi Susanto, S.J. 14 Agustus 2014 Imprimatur : Mgr. John Liku Ada 21 Agustus 2014 Penelaah : Matheus Benny Mithe, Matias Endar Suhendar, Vincentius Darmin Mbula, dan Antonius Sinaga. Pereview : Yosephin Sudarni Penyelia Penerbitan : Pusat Kurikulum dan Perbukuan, Balitbang, Kemendikbud. Cetakan Ke-1, 2015 (ISBN 978-602-153-027-6) Cetakan Ke-2, 2018 (Edisi Revisi) Disusun dengan huruf Baar Metanoia, 12 pt. Kata Pengantar Sebagai tindak lanjut dari perubahan atau revisi kurikulum 2013 yang berkembang selama ini, tim penyusun melanjutkan penyusunan Buku Pendidikan Agama Katolik dan Budi Pekerti bagi siswa serta pegangan guru, dengan beberapa perubahan dan penyesuaian, baik berupa isi atau materi maupun kelengkapan penilaian.
    [Show full text]
  • Bible/Book Studies
    1 BIBLE/BOOK STUDIES A Gospel for People on the Journey Luke Novalis Scripture Studies Series Each of the writers of the Gospels has his particular vision of Jesus. For Luke, Jesus is not only the one who announces the Good News of salvation: Jesus is our salvation. 9 copies Editor: Michael Trainor A Gospel for Searching People Matthew Novalis Scripture Studies Series Each of the writers of the Gospels has his particular vision of Jesus. For Matthew, Jesus is the great teacher (Matt. 23:8). But teacher and teachings are inextricable bound together, Matthew tells us. Jesus stands alone as unique teacher because of his special relationship with God: he alone is Son of man and Son of God. And Jesus still teaches those who are searching for meaning and purpose in life today. 9 copies Editor: Michael Trainor A Gospel for Struggling People Mark Novalis Scripture Studies Series “Who do you say that I am? In Mark’s Gospel, no one knows who Jesus is until, in Chapter 8, Peter answers: “You are the Christ.” But what does this mean? The rest of the Gospel shows what kind of Christ or Messiah Jesus is: he has come to suffer and die for his people. Teaching on discipleship and predictions of his death point ahead to the focus of the Gospel-the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. 9 copies Editor: Michael Trainor Beautiful Bible Stories Beautiful Bible Stories by Rev. Charles P. Roney, D.D. and Rev. Wilfred G. Rice, Collaborator Designed to stimulate a greater interest in the Bible through the arrangement of extensive References, Suggestions for Study, and Test Questions.
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf (Accessed January 21, 2011)
    Notes Introduction 1. Moon, a Presbyterian from North Korea, founded the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity in Korea on May 1, 1954. 2. Benedict XVI, post- synodal apostolic exhortation Saramen- tum Caritatis (February 22, 2007), http://www.vatican.va/holy _father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi _exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html (accessed January 26, 2011). 3. Patrician Friesen, Rose Hudson, and Elsie McGrath were subjects of a formal decree of excommunication by Archbishop Burke, now a Cardinal Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signa- tura (the Roman Catholic Church’s Supreme Court). Burke left St. Louis nearly immediately following his actions. See St. Louis Review, “Declaration of Excommunication of Patricia Friesen, Rose Hud- son, and Elsie McGrath,” March 12, 2008, http://stlouisreview .com/article/2008-03-12/declaration-0 (accessed February 8, 2011). Part I 1. S. L. Hansen, “Vatican Affirms Excommunication of Call to Action Members in Lincoln,” Catholic News Service (December 8, 2006), http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0606995.htm (accessed November 2, 2010). 2. Weakland had previously served in Rome as fifth Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation (1967– 1977) and is now retired. See Rembert G. Weakland, A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church: Memoirs of a Catholic Archbishop (Grand Rapids, MI: W. B. Eerdmans, 2009). 3. Facts are from Bruskewitz’s curriculum vitae at http://www .dioceseoflincoln.org/Archives/about_curriculum-vitae.aspx (accessed February 10, 2011). 138 Notes to pages 4– 6 4. The office is now called Vicar General. 5. His principal consecrator was the late Daniel E. Sheehan, then Arch- bishop of Omaha; his co- consecrators were the late Leo J.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction to Catholicism
    This page intentionally left blank AN INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM The Vatican. The Inquisition. Contraception. Celibacy. Apparitions and miracles. Plots and scandals. The Catholic Church is seldom out of the news. But what do its one billion adherents really believe, and how do they put their beliefs into practice in worship, in the family, and in society? This down-to-earth account goes back to the early Christian creeds to uncover the roots of modern Catholic thinking. It avoids getting bogged down in theological technicalities and throws light on aspects of the Church’s institutional structure and liturgical practice that even Catholics can find baffling: Why go to confession? How are people made saints? What is “infallible” about the pope? Topics addressed include: scripture and tradition; sacraments and prayer; popular piety; personal and social morality; reform, mission, and interreligious dialogue. Lawrence Cunningham, a theologian, prize-winning writer, and university teacher, provides an overview of Catholicism today which will be indispensable for undergraduates and lay study groups. lawrence s. cunningham is John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. His scholarly interests are in the areas of systematic theology and culture, Christian spirituality, and the history of Christian spirituality. His most recent book is A Brief History of Saints. He has edited or written twenty other books and is co-editor of the academic monograph series “Studies in Theology and Spirituality.” He has won three awards for his teaching and has been honored four times by the Catholic Press Association for his writing. AN INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM LAWRENCE S.
    [Show full text]
  • Calvinism Vs Arminianism Vs Evangelicalism
    Calvinism vs. Arminianism vs. Evangelicalism Don’t follow any doctrine that’s named after a man (no matter how much you admire him). This chart compares the 5 points of Calvinism with the 5 points of Arminianism. Many Evangelical Christians don’t totally agree with either side but believe in a mixture of the two— agreeing with some points of Calvinism and some of Arminianism. (See the “Evangelical” chart beneath the Calvinism vs. Arminianism chart) The 5 Points of Calvinism The 5 Points of Arminianism Total Depravity Free Will Man is totally depraved, spiritually dead and Man is a sinner who has the free will to either blind, and unable to repent. God must initiate cooperate with God’s Spirit and be the work of repentance. regenerated, or resist God’s grace and perish. Unconditional Election Conditional Election God’s election is based upon His sovereignty. God’s election is based upon His His election is His own decision, and is not foreknowledge. He chooses everyone whom based on the foreseen response of anyone’s He knew would, of their own free will, respond faith and repentance. to the gospel and choose Christ. Limited Atonement Unlimited Atonement When Christ died on the cross, He shed His When Christ died on the cross, He shed His blood only for those who have been elected blood for everyone. He paid a provisional price and no one else. for all but guaranteed it for none. Irresistible Grace Resistible Grace Grace is extended only to the elect. The Saving grace can be resisted because God internal call by God’s grace cannot be resisted won’t overrule man’s free will.
    [Show full text]
  • Theology 1.11
    Calvinism and Arminianism Calvinism and Arminianism are two systems of theology that attempt to explain the relationship between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility in the matter of salvation. Calvinism is named for John Calvin, a French theologian who lived from 1509-1564. Arminianism is named for Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian who lived from 1560-1609. Both systems can be summarized with five points. The Calvinists didn’t come up with five points to start with. The Calvinists wrote their vision of what salvation looks like and how it happens under God’s sovereignty. When the Arminians read it, they said, “These are five places we don’t agree.” That is where we got these five points. 1. Depravity • Calvinism’s doctrine of total depravity states that every aspect of humanity is corrupted by sin; therefore, human beings are so depraved and rebellious that they are unable to trust God and come to Him on their own accord without God’s special work of grace to change their hearts. • Arminians say, with regard to depravity, that people are depraved and corrupt, but they are able to provide the decisive impulse to trust God with the general divine assistance that God gives to everybody. Although some refer to this as “partial depravity”, classical Arminianism rejects “partial depravity” and holds a view very close to Calvinistic “total depravity” (although the extent and meaning of that depravity are debated in Arminian circles). 2. Election • Calvinism includes the belief that election is unconditional. It says that we are chosen. God chooses unconditionally whom he will mercifully bring to faith and whom he will justly leave in their rebellion.
    [Show full text]