The unity of the church : a theological state of the art and beyond /
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In contrast to its original name, Ecclesia Reformata, ecclesiology did not develop into a major theme within the Reformed tradition. Notwithstanding the undeniable schismatic tendency and the ecclesial embarrassment about disunity, the unity of the church did not rise to prominence as a theological topic. This volume challenges this traditional low-key attitude towards the unity of the church. It investigates theological aspects that contributed to a weak sensus unitatis, and explores approaches that remedy the disease of division. It discusses the role played by scripture, the sacraments, confessions, and discipline; it searches for the best theological practices within other Christian traditions; it links the unity of the church to the unity of God and reformulates the nature of the church.
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The articles in this volume stem from contributions to the Seventh Biannual Conference of the academic network of International Reformed Theological Institute (IRTI) held in Cluj-Napoca, Romania from 3 to 8 July 2007. :
1 online resource. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789047443988 :
1571-4799 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
The imperial cult and the development of church order : concepts and images of authority in paganism and early Christianity before the Age of Cyprian /
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Recent studies have re-assessed Emperor worship as a genuinely religious response to the metaphysics of social order. Brent argues that Augustus' revolution represented a genuinely religious reformation of Republican religion that had failed in its metaphysical objectives. Against this backcloth, Luke, John the Seer, Clement, Ignatius and the Apologists refashioned Christian theology as an alternative answer to that metaphysical failure. Callistus and Pseudo-Hippolytus gave different responses to Severan images of imperial power. The early, Monarchian theology of the Trinity was thus to become a reflection of imperial culture and its justification that was later to be articulated both in Neo-Platonism, and in Cyprian's view of episcopal Order. Contra-cultural theory is employed as a sociological model to examine the interaction between developing Pagan and Christian social order.
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1 online resource (xxii, 369 pages) : illustrations. :
Includes bibliographical references (p. 331-343) and indexes. :
9789004313125 :
0920-623X ; :
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Do Not Love Your Neighbour as Yourself? : The Role of Neighbourly Love in Law, Theology of Law, and Church Polity /
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This book explores the notion of neighbourly law. In the twentieth century, some German church law scholars viewed neighbour law as the foundational principle of the church law system. However, this perspective has since evolved. Around the year 2000, there was a growing focus in the Anglo-Saxon world on the relationship between love and law. Although neighbour law can no longer be regarded as the sole foundation of church law, the obligation remains to reflect critically on the role of the neighbour in legal theological discourse, the development and codification of church law, and its practical application. Canon law is a diaconal ordering of God's love, or neighbour law.
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Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004679979
Order and (dis)order in the first Christian century : a general survey of attitudes /
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Articulate first century Mediterranean society, Jewish and Christian included, expressly favoured harmonious order in society, in individuals, in communication, and in thought. Its common basis was the patriarchal family, the rule of law, rational self-control, and rational thought. Yet there was also resistance to oppressive and unjust order in all spheres; and while law could be held educative, yet there were substantial first century critiques of law, not just Paul's, and awareness that judicial procedures could be chaotic and biassed. Strands of such dissidence appear in Jesus and in Paul, with significant relevance for any understanding of the early Christian movement(s) and contemporary Judaism(s) in Graeco-Roman context, but also with important implications for any practical reflections and application.
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1 online resource (xiii, 395 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references (p. 319-353) and indexes. :
9789004255814 :
0167-9732 ; :
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Trinity in unity in Christian-Muslim relations : the work of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue /
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Christian-Muslim relations are one of the major issues in contemporary theology of religions. This book deals with the theological foundations that have been laid for these relations in the recent official documents (1966-2005) of the Secretariat for Non-Christians/the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. There is a continuous interrelationship in recent Roman Catholic thinking between philosophy (existentialism and personalism) and theology ("nouvelle théologie" and "kerygmatic theology"). This study shows that the doctrine of the Trinitarian nature of God is the cornerstone on which this documentation rests, and that the Trinitarian dimension of Roman Catholic theology of religions will challenge the Christology of 21st century theology.
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1 online resource. :
Includes bibliographical references (p. [295]-355) and index. :
9789047420828 :
1570-7350 ; :
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Essays in ecumenical theology
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In the first volume of Essays in Ecumenical Theology Ivana Noble depicts differences between what she calls a sectarian outlook and one which engages in the search for common roots, dialogical relationships and shared mission in a world that has largely become post-Christian, but often also post-secular. Drawing on both Western and Orthodox scholarship, and expressing her own positions, Noble sketches what ecumenical theology is, how it is linked to spirituality, the methods it uses, how it developed during the twentieth century, and the challenges it faces. Specific studies deal with controversial interpretations of Jan Hus, Catholic Modernism, the problematic heritage of the totalitarian regimes, and responses to the current humanitarian crisis.
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1 online resource. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004381094 :
1571-4799 ;
Cultural episcopacy and ecumenism : representative ministry in church history from the Age...
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Bishops are to be understood primarily as representatives of cultures regardless of where their people are territorially located. The vindication of this thesis has implications also for ecumenical reconciliation between episcopal and non-episcopal communions occupying the same geographical territory. The author compares the approaches and insights of both Vatican II and Lambeth 89 on this issue, and then proceeds to a historical and theological analysis of the development of the threefold Order in the early centuries, which he illuminates with the aid of contemporary sociological and cultural theory, in particular that of Durkheim. Key themes in the development of Order are identified in the classical texts of Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus, Cyprian, Tertullian and the Church Order literature. The author's conclusion is that we need both to break the geographical and jurisdictional mould in which our understanding of church Order has become set.
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1 online resource (xiv, 250 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references (p. 217-228) and indexes. :
9789004319875 :
0924-9389 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Racial integration in the church of apartheid
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In Racial Integration in the Church of Apartheid Marthe Hesselmans uncovers the post-apartheid transformation of South Africa's Dutch Reformed Church. This church once constituted the religious pillar of the Afrikaner apartheid regime (1948-1994). Today, it seeks to unite the communities it long segregated into one multiracial institution. Few believe this will succeed. A close look inside congregations reveals unexpected stories of reconciliation though. Where South Africans realize they need each other to survive, faith offers common ground - albeit a feeble one. They show the potential, but also the limits of faith communities untangling entrenched national and racial affiliations. Linking South Africa's post-apartheid transition to religious-nationalist movements worldwide, Hesselmans offers a unique perspective on religion as source of division and healing.
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1 online resource. :
9789004385016
East and West in the Roman Empire of the fourth century : an end to unity? /
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East and West in the Roman Empire of the Fourth Century examines the (dis)unity of the Roman Empire in the fourth century from different angles, in order to offer a broad perspective on the topic and avoid an overvaluation of the political division of the empire in 395. After a methodological key-paper on the concepts of unity, the other contributors elaborate on these notions from various geo-political perspectives: the role of the army and taxation, geographical perspectives, the unity of the Church and the perception of the divisio regni of 364. Four case-studies follow, illuminating the role of concordia apostolorum , antique sports, eunuchs and the poet Prudentius on the late antique view of the Empire. Despite developments to the contrary, it appears that the Roman Empire remained (to be viewed as) a unity in all strata of society.
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1 online resource (ix, 183 pages) : illustrations, maps. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004291935 :
2213-9729 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Religion without Ulterior Motive /
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The awareness of the potential for abuse of religion has risen dramatically in the West since 9/11. We all seem to agree that the abuse of religion should be averted, and condemnation of the abuse of religion is almost universal. Bram van de Beek, systematic theologian at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, has radicalised this discourse by claiming that religion should not be allied to any cause, not even to a good cause. He illustrates this by the way theology has been instrumentalized within the Reformed tradition in e.g. apologetic theology, liberation theology, theocraty, and pietism. His thesis provokes fervent discussions. Twelve prominent theologians react on issues such as public theology, evangelical activism, Christian life, the relevance of reasons for faith, the unity of the church, and contextualization of religion in various parts of the world. At stake is the assertion that precisely religion without ulterior motive is the best guarantee for relevant religion.
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1 online resource :
9789047411574
9789004155091
Leo the Great and the spiritual rebuilding of a universal Rome /
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Leo the Great was a major figure of the late Roman world whose life and work were profoundly intertwined with the political crisis of his day. As the western empire gradually succumbed to the advancing barbarian kingdoms, Leo understood that the papacy needed to expand its authority in order for the church to survive the demise of the political system. This book argues that his achievement was to transform the church not only in the practical level of administrative organization, but in the more fluid realm of thought and idea. The secular Rome that was crumbling was replaced with a Christian, universal Rome that he fashioned by infusing his theology with humanitarian ideals.
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1 online resource (xii, 422 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references. :
9789047443100 :
0920-623X ; :
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Gregory of Nyssa: Contra Eunomium I, An English Translation with Supporting Studies.
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The Contra Eunomium is probably Gregory of Nyssa's most challenging work with regards to his theological and philosophical thought, and one that continues to draw the deeper attention of contemporary scholars. This volume devoted to Contra Eunomium I constitutes, in a certain way, a new version of the Proceedings of the 6th International Colloquium on Gregory of Nyssa (1988). It offers a revised English translation of Contra Eunomium I by S. G. Hall, accompanied by twenty-two supporting studies from a broad range of philological, philosophical, and theological perspectives. These studies include a selection of the most relevant papers of the 1988 Proceedings, supplemented with new contributions that explore relevant issues developed by contemporary research.
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1 online resource. :
9789004377097
Berkouwer and catholicism : disputed questions /
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Gerrit Cornelis Berkouwer (1903-1996) was a great master of dogmatic and ecumenical theology. He was a Reformed Protestant thinker, with roots in Dutch neo-Calvinism, a holder of the Chair in Dogmatics (1945-1974) at the Free University, Amsterdam, a position previously held by his two illustrious neo-Calvinist predecessors, Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) and Herman Bavinck (1854-1921). Echeverria provides a much needed in-depth analysis and critique of his theology, particularly his evolving relationship with Catholicism in light of Vatican II. His contention is that Berkouwer's careful and nuanced examination of Catholic theology-as well as possible responses to his critiques-offers important clues for the contemporary ecumenical project.
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1 online resource (xiv, 507 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004245990 :
1571-4799 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
A reformed voice in the ecumenical discussion /
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In A Reformed Voice in the Ecumemenical Discussion Martien E. Brinkman offers a critical account of the main international ecumenical developments of the last three decades. He delivers a sketch of the Reformed contribution to the ecumenical dialogues dealing with issues like contextuality, state-church relations, the ethical implications of baptism, the church as sacrament of the kingdom and apostolic tradition. He pleas for a stronger non-Western input in the ecumenical discussions and emphasizes that in many contexts (Indonesia, India, China) the interreligious dialogue has become part of the inner-Christian dialogue. This study can be considered as a constructive contribution to the development of a hermeneutics of tradition and puts itself the critical question what is lost and found in translation.
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1 online resource. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004315303 :
1571-4799 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Georgius Cassander's irenical tract De officio pii viri (1561) : critical edition with two contemporary translations, incorporating Jean Hotman's Syllabus of irenical literature (1...
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New Perspectives on Power and Political Representation from Ancient History to the Present Day offers a unique perspective on political communication between rulers and ruled from antiquity to the present day by putting the concept of representation center stage. It explores the dynamic relationship between elites and the people as it was shaped by constructions of self-representation and representative claims. The contributors to this volume - specialists in ancient, medieval, early-modern and modern history - move away from reductionist associations of political representation with formal aspects of modern, democratic, electoral, and parliamentarian politics. Instead, they contend that the construction of political representation involves a set of discourses, practices, and mechanisms that, although they have been applied and appropriated in various ways in a range of historical contexts, has stood the test of time.
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1 online resource. :
9789004291966 :
2213-9729 :
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Christian identity /
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In this age of globalization, a need for a communicative explanation of personal and group positions also motivates Christians to describe more precisely their identity in relation to other actors in society. What makes a Christian a Christian? What is specifically Christian in social acions or political calling? Is there a difference between Christian justice and justice in general - and the way Christians deal with justice? What is our calling as Christians? The contributions in this volume are the result of the 6th biannual IRTI conference in Seoul 2005 on this theme.
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"... the result of the 6th biannual IRTI conference in Seoul 2005"--P. [4] of cover. :
1 online resource. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789047442547 :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Pentecostal theology and ecumenical theology : interpretations and intersections /
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Pentecostal Theology and Ecumenical Theology: Interpretations, Intersections, and Inspirations brings together globally recognized and newer scholars to address the complex relationship between Pentecostalism and the Ecumenical Movement. Historical essays address topics such as early Pentecostal responses to and participation in ecumenism, explicit convergences between Pentecostal and ecumenical initiatives, and the particular contributions of Pentecostals and ecumenists outside North America and Europe. Constructive theological essays address intersections between ecumenical theology and systematic loci in Pentecostal perspective, in the hope that mutual exchange and criticism will lead to ways to improve both. Never before have this many scholars of Pentecostalism combined their efforts in order to focus on the relationship between Pentecostal theology and ecumenical theology past, present, and future.
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Includes index. :
1 online resource. :
9789004408371
The Renaissance Papacy 1400-1600 /
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After having been weakened by the Great Western Schism, the papacy recovered its leadership position during the Renaissance. It expanded and reformed its bureaucracy, gained control over councils and cardinals, and established its authority over the Papal States and the city of Rome, which it developed and beautified. The papacy also negotiated working relationships with civil rulers through concordats and resident nuncios, worked to defend Christendom from Muslim conquest, sought to bring the Eastern churches into unity with Rome, promoted the expansion of Christendom through missions, tried to suppress heresies and clarify Catholic doctrine, and removed many abuses. To a remarkable degree, it succeeded.
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1 online resource (472 pages) : illustrations. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004713222