QUAERENS: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies

ARE WOMEN DOGS?

2026-05-06T04:39:56+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

2026-05-06T06:14:37+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

2026-05-06T04:48:53+00:00

The Christian life represents the integration of faith and practice; however, a persistent gap often exists between religious expression and daily conduct. This study addresses the need for a theological framework that guides believers toward a consistent expression of their identity in Christ. Focusing on 2 Corinthians 5:17, this research employs an exegetical method to examine the meaning of the expression en Christo (“in Christ”) and its theological implications. Through grammatical, lexical, and contextual analysis, the study reveals that being “in Christ” signifies a profound union that results in a radical transformation, described by Paul as becoming a “new creation” (kainē ktisis). This transformation entails not merely behavioral improvement but a comprehensive renewal of identity, character, and relational life. The findings affirm that the Christian life is fundamentally a life of ongoing renewal, in which the old self has passed away and a new life is actualized in Christ. This study contributes to practical theology by emphasizing the relevance of biblical exegesis for shaping a consistent faith identity and transformative daily living.

BRIDGING FAITH AND PRAXIS

2026-04-08T04:58:35+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.

IMPACT OF CHARISMATOLOGY AND PENTECOSTALISM ON THIRD MILLENNIAL CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA

2026-04-01T07:50:50+00:00

The chapter presents a socio-ecclesial overview in which Pentecostal values and charismatic movements are becoming a predominant means of bringing socio-religious and material transformation in Africa in the light of Gospel values, inspiration of the Holy Spirit and guidance of the Church. Pentecostal experiences are significant forces in Africa and international community. However, the excessive growth of Pentecostalism in Africa portrays many misunderstandings, suspicion, tension, abuses and fear towards Catholic Charismatic movements and righteous use of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the society. This is creating unprecedented barrier to personal renewal, deeper evangelization and transformation of peoples. There are major areas in which the Church’s Teaching, spirituality and practice of Charismatic Pentecostalism need to be evaluated, inculturated and renewed respecting the African Traditional Heritage. Enriched by the Biblical and Church’s Intellectual Wisdom on Pneumatology and ‘Baptism in the Holy Spirit’ the Chapter explicates how any interpretation of these Pentecostal phenomena attempt to show the presence of the Spirit of God addressing the challenges of abuse of pneumatic gifts, vices of poverty, ignorance, disease, suffering, exploitation, injustice and underdevelopment. The Chapter makes a theological contribution on how Charismatic Pentecostalism in Africa has to be discerned, guided and manifested in the process of genuine deliverance, healing, liberating and transforming the weakening Christian faith and social contexts. The pneumatological wisdom and experiences are having tremendous transformative impact on the church and society in Africa. From this Christian Pentecostal analysis which appreciates the African traditional spirit-world, it is evident that Africa has profound spirituality to contribute to Charismatic Renewal Movement and to the international Pentecostal experience of renewing and transforming the world. Thus, the new Pentecostal manifestation in Africa must be taken seriously by the churches at all levels of evangelization and by governments at all levels of transforming society.