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Keywords = Missio Dei

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13 pages, 619 KiB  
Article
Synchronizing Missio Dei with Process Theology and Theodicy
by Jonas Sello Thinane
Religions 2024, 15(5), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15050565 - 30 Apr 2024
Viewed by 3053
Abstract
Since the second half of the 20th century, missiology has continued to elevate Missio Dei to a topic of the highest importance in theology. According to Missio Dei, the salvific mission is more theocentric than anthropocentric in that its actuality is wholly rooted [...] Read more.
Since the second half of the 20th century, missiology has continued to elevate Missio Dei to a topic of the highest importance in theology. According to Missio Dei, the salvific mission is more theocentric than anthropocentric in that its actuality is wholly rooted in the nature of God. However, much work remains to be conducted to evaluate and reconcile the modern interpretation of the Missio Dei and its predecessor theological doctrines, to avoid illogicalities. Consequently, the responsibility to identify any discrepancies in the systematic knowledge of the Missio Dei falls on the broad shoulders of theology in general, but of missiology in particular. In keeping with this unavoidable intellectual duty, this article interrogates the literature on modern theodicies to improve the conceptualization of the Missio Dei and missionary God in the context of evil and human suffering. The inter-comparative analysis of the biblical Job serves to relate divine perfection and human suffering within process theodicy. Consequently, the intellectual enterprise of this work, with all its shortcomings, not only illuminates another facet of Missio Dei but also motivates further investigation to reconcile mission Dei with the reality of evil, free will, and human suffering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Religions and Theologies)
12 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
Missionizing Church Governance: Transfiguring Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe
by Kimion Tagwirei
Religions 2023, 14(10), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14101278 - 10 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2951
Abstract
Pentecostalism has experienced massive growth and evolution, both within Africa and beyond, as is evident through the emergence of dynamic neo-Pentecostal movements, including independent, prophetic, and charismatic churches. However, all its establishments have been primarily characterized by problematic governance. While neo-Pentecostal founders and [...] Read more.
Pentecostalism has experienced massive growth and evolution, both within Africa and beyond, as is evident through the emergence of dynamic neo-Pentecostal movements, including independent, prophetic, and charismatic churches. However, all its establishments have been primarily characterized by problematic governance. While neo-Pentecostal founders and leaders often asserted that they were breaking away from regressive bureaucracy and supposedly “cold” spiritual practices to embrace a more dynamic approach that advances the missio Dei and missio ecclesiae through expressive and demonstrative ministries, they paradoxically ended up becoming similarly, if not more, regressive. Rather than being focused on serving others (being other-centred), they became self-centred in their actions and priorities. Drawing on missional ecclesiology, extensive engagement with relevant literature, and in-depth phenomenological observation, this paper undertook a qualitative examination of their polities. It interpretively and descriptively assessed and explored the fact that all ecclesial governments exhibit both strengths and weaknesses. In light of this analysis, the paper argues and proposes that churches should integrate their predominant governmental systems with inclusive and empowering principles from other polities. By doing so, they can transform their administrative structures and enhance their missionality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Religions and Theologies)
11 pages, 273 KiB  
Article
Toward Synodality and Social Transformation: Lived Religion of Select Catholic Women Servant Leaders
by Fides A. Del Castillo
Religions 2022, 13(10), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13100963 - 12 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3588
Abstract
Basic ecclesial communities (BECs) are flourishing in the Philippines. While many Filipina Catholics are leading the “new way of being Church,” little research has been conducted on their lived religion. Investigating the servant leadership of women in BECs provides us with a better [...] Read more.
Basic ecclesial communities (BECs) are flourishing in the Philippines. While many Filipina Catholics are leading the “new way of being Church,” little research has been conducted on their lived religion. Investigating the servant leadership of women in BECs provides us with a better understanding of the indispensable contributions of grassroots women to the Church and society toward synodality and transformation. As a response to this research gap, this study explores the concepts of faith and praxis among Filipina Catholic servant leaders (bai) of BECs in Mindanao. In this article, laylayan theology is used as a framework, and empirical phenomenology as a method of analysis to draw attention to BECs as a locus theologicus and privilege the marginalized voices of the bai. The study reveals that the select bai conceptualize the Catholic faith as personal yet ecclesial. The Church can participate in the missio Dei by fostering the communion of communities and engaging in social transformation. In addition, the bai maintain that the Church can remain relevant to the signs of the times by fostering fraternal collaboration of communities, evangelizing the youths, and promoting sacramental attitudes. The study affirms that women have the genuine freedom to realize their Christian identity and vocations, and one way to achieve this is through active participation in BECs. Full article
9 pages, 238 KiB  
Article
Church-Franchise: Missional Innovation for Church Planting and Leadership Mentorship in Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic Churches in Africa
by Peter White and Simbarashe Pondani
Religions 2022, 13(8), 698; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13080698 - 29 Jul 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3181
Abstract
The great commission, as traditionally understood in Christendom, has been the core basis for church growth. Passion for the lost, evangelism outreach, conversions, and baptism followed by congregating, have culminated in church establishments. Pentecostals, especially the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic Churches have attracted huge [...] Read more.
The great commission, as traditionally understood in Christendom, has been the core basis for church growth. Passion for the lost, evangelism outreach, conversions, and baptism followed by congregating, have culminated in church establishments. Pentecostals, especially the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic Churches have attracted huge crowds. The thrust towards fulling the Missio Dei has seen micro–Neo-Pentecostal Churches and Neo-Prophetic Churches in Africa becoming enormous ministries over a short period of time. However, growth within Neo-Pentecostalism and Neo-Prophetism in the African setting has been associated with all kinds of challenges: leadership crisis, fund misuse, and a lack of accountability. Furthermore, controversy with regard to some of the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic leaders running these ‘churches’, has made headlines on several accounts within the social media space. It seems that there is a lack of leadership mentorship as many of them do not belong to a denominational body or lack the idea of ‘belonging’. In view of the aforementioned reasons and other related challenges, this article proposes an innovative missional model of franchising. The thrust of this article is to explore the possibility of church-franchising and how the Nnoboa mission concept proposed by White (2019) offers an alternative framework within which to engage the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic Churches for church planting and leadership mentorship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Religions and Theologies)
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