QUAERENS: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies

ARE WOMEN DOGS?

2026-05-15T07:27:30+00:00

This study explores the theme of discrimination based on ethnicity and religion as reflected in Matthew 15:21-28, particularly in the Indonesian context. The background to the problem lies in the persistent social issues surrounding discrimination in various forms, which can be seen as a reflection of deeper cultural and theological gaps. The purpose of this study is to analyze the text of Matthew 15: 21-28 in relation to contemporary discrimination issues and to obtain messages that can contribute to the promotion of inclusiveness and understanding in Indonesian society. This study uses the method of textual analysis of the scriptures along with socio-cultural examination of the current landscape in Indonesia. Through this approach, the study identifies key themes and insights in biblical narratives that resonate with the modern experience of marginalized groups. The results show that the section challenges prevailing attitudes towards discrimination and calls for a reevaluation of social norms. It highlights the importance of compassion and the recognition of shared humanity, offering a theological foundation for overcoming discrimination.

SHEPHERDING AS A MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S GRACE

2026-05-25T08:36:59+00:00

Shepherding constitutes a central dimension of church life; however, it is frequently reduced to administrative and functional roles in contemporary practice. This study critically examines shepherding as a manifestation of God’s grace through a theological–exegetical analysis of John 21:15–17. Employing a qualitative approach, this research integrates biblical exegesis with a lexical analysis of key Greek terms, particularly ἀγαπάω, φιλέω, and ποιμαίνω, to explore the theological foundation of pastoral ministry. The findings demonstrate that shepherding is not grounded in human competence or institutional authority but in a relationship of love initiated and sustained by divine grace. The pastoral mandate given to Peter reflects a grace-centered dynamic in which love becomes the essential basis for responsibility. Furthermore, shepherding is understood as a continuous and holistic vocation encompassing nurturing, guiding, protecting, and teaching the congregation. This study contributes to pastoral theology by offering an exegetically grounded and theologically integrated framework that interprets shepherding as a manifestation of God’s grace. It also provides a conceptual foundation for contemporary pastoral ministry to embody Christ-centered leadership rooted in relational love and divine initiative.

NEW CREATION AND LIFE TRANSFORMATION IN CHRIST

2026-05-25T08:37:43+00:00

The inconsistency between Christian confession and daily conduct calls for a biblically grounded understanding of life transformation. This study examines the meaning of the phrase en Christo (“in Christ”) in 2 Corinthians 5:17 using grammatical and lexical exegesis. The analysis shows that the phrase denotes not merely a positional union with Christ but a dynamic, participatory relationship resulting in kainē ktisis—a new creation. The perfect tense of gegonen (“has become”) indicates that the new reality has already arrived, while the aorist parelthen (“passed away”) marks a decisive break with the old. This transformation is not superficial moral improvement but a radical, divinely wrought renewal that affects identity, character, and daily practice. The study contributes to practical theology by grounding life renewal in textual analysis rather than abstract doctrine.

BRIDGING FAITH AND PRAXIS

2026-06-08T06:59:29+00:00

This study examines the role of everyday theology in relation to the cultural mandate and its practical implementation in post-Suramadu Madura. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through questionnaires distributed to five churches. The findings indicate that while theological understanding of culture (100%), creation (80%), and economy (80%) is relatively strong, its practical implementation across key sectors remains limited, including agriculture (20%), livestock (0%), tourism (20%), education (20%), and healthcare (40%). These results reveal a significant gap between theological understanding and ecclesial praxis. This study argues that everyday theology can function as a praxis-oriented framework that enables churches to engage more contextually and holistically with socio-economic realities. It contributes to practical theology by demonstrating how everyday theology bridges the gap between theological reflection and lived practice in the post-Suramadu Madurese context.

FOUNDATIONS OF THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL IN AFRICA

2026-06-08T07:03:58+00:00

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing movements within the universal Church, particularly in Africa. This article examines the biblical, ecclesiological, and social foundations of CCR in the context of third-millennium African Christianity. Drawing from Scripture, patristic tradition, Vatican II teachings, and African communal values, the article argues that CCR is not an alien import but a legitimate expression of the Church’s Pentecostal nature. The study employs a theological and socio-ecclesial analysis to demonstrate that the gifts of the Holy Spirit—when properly discerned and guided by Church authority—serve as effective means for personal renewal, deeper evangelization, and holistic societal transformation. The article concludes that Africa’s rich spiritual worldview and communal ethos provide fertile ground for an authentic, inculturated Charismatic spirituality that can contribute significantly to global Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity. This research makes two original contributions to the scholarly discourse. First, it systematically synthesizes the biblical, ecclesiological, and social foundations of CCR within an integrated theological framework, filling a gap in the literature that has previously treated these three dimensions separately. Second, it offers an inculturation framework for CCR in Africa that respects local wisdom while preserving Catholic identity, thereby providing an original contribution to the global discourse on Pentecostalism and Charismatic movements in the Global South.