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A Beacon Of Hope In A Troubled Context: Sketches Of The Life Of Mons. Paride Taban, Shepherd And Bridge-Builder, Alberto Eisman Torres

The Journal of Social Encounters

Monsignor Paride Taban, Bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Torit in Southern Sudan, is a multifaceted figure. Apart from his role as pastor and religious leader, he is an outstanding peace builder and the co-founder of the New Sudan Council of Churches, one of the most significant civil society institutions during the second civil war (1983 – 2005). This institution spearheaded numerous ecumenical initiatives including development work, humanitarian relief, training of grass-roots leaders and last but not least peace mediation. He is a relentless fighter for peaceful coexistence and tolerance in an environment marked by violence, oppression and impunity and …

Introduction - Volume 6, Issue 2, Ronald Pagnucco

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

“The People Of Aram Shall Go Into Exile”: Practical And Theological Dilemmas Of Middle Eastern Churches Since The Beginning Of The Syrian War, Wilbert Van Saane

The Journal of Social Encounters

This paper discusses the way in which Christian churches in the Middle East have responded to the Syrian War. It signals some practical and theological dilemmas that these churches have faced since the conflict in Syria broke out. The description of these dilemmas is primarily based on interviews with a representative sample of church leaders. Analysis of these dilemmas sheds light on the way the churches of the Middle East have contributed to peaceful resolutions of the Syrian conflict, or failed to do so. Before going into the practical and theological dilemmas of the churches, the article provides a short …

Adolf Stőcker: A Christian Socialist Advocate Of The "Free Folk Church.", Ronald L. Massanari

Concordia Theological Monthly

The author discusses the importance of Adolf Stoecker’s understanding of the Gospel in sociopolitical terms as it affected the "free folk church" movement in 19th-century Germany.

Readers will note but perhaps not agree with Stőcker's design for the church's social ministry. Students of 19th-century Germany will remember with distaste Stőcker's and-Semitism.

History And Dogma In Christology, Walter R. Bouman

Concordia Theological Monthly

Careful examination of a recent convention resolution of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (Resolution 2-16, “To Affirm Historicity of New Testament," Denver 1969) provides a basis for the author's discussion of the way in which church bodies can best prepare doctrinal statements and of the proper role of historical investigation and dogmatic formulations in the process of framing the church's Christological confession.

Erasmus The Exegete, Marvin Anderson

Concordia Theological Monthly

Erasmus appears everywhere in the theological controversies of the 16th century. Discovery in 1506 of his beloved Lorenzo Valla's New Testament Notes encouraged Erasmus to continue the task of editing, annotating, and paraphrasing the New Testament. Whatever can be said about Erasmus, his dedication to this task has earned the gratitude of generations of Christians. His latest encomium is Erasmus of Christendom. An analysis of Erasmus’ devotion to New Testament study adds depth and breadth to the philosophy of Christ. Heirs of the 16th century should ponder the life work of Erasmus in this 500th anniversary of his birth. In …

Were The Reformers Mission-Minded?., Thomas Coates

Concordia Theological Monthly

The subject "The Reformation and Missions" might well suggest a very short paper indeed. Both theologically and practically, the Reformation period is notable chiefly for its lack of missionary emphasis.

Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608): Theologian, Mystic, Hymn Writer, Polemicist, And Missiologist: A Biobibliographical Survey, Arthur Carl Piepkorn

Concordia Theological Monthly

During Philipp Nicolai's lifetime the company of ministers in the city of Zurich referred to him as "this miserable person who goes thrashing around and biting like another wild boar, altogether without reason or Christian modesty." Others of his foes called him a lunatic who ought to be chained to a wall, and could not resist the temptation of twisting his surname Nicolai into "Nicolaitan." His admirers, on the other hand, saw in him "a second Chrysostom."

Laurentius Valla (1407-1457): Renaissance Critic And Biblical Theologian, Marvin W. Anderson

Concordia Theological Monthly

When Laurentius Valla penned those words, he was writing the fuse scientific treatise on Latin grammar since John Duns Scotus. Leonardo Bruni died in the same year Valla’s treatise appeared. The year 1444 marks the return of Renaissance scholars to a philological analysis of classical texts. This method, which Valla soon applied to Biblical study, revolutionized medieval Biblical scholarship in the century before Trent. Valla's purpose was to revitalize Catholic faith. Protestants and Catholics still owe their fresh awareness of Scripture to the labors of Valla.

Tertullian And The Early Christian View Of Tradition, Robert L. Wilken

Concordia Theological Monthly

The term tradition enters the Christian vocabulary in apostolic times. From earliest days it has ranked in importance with such words as grace, hope, love, justification, redemption, salvation, Scripture. Already in the writings of Paul it occurs at key points and reveals a great deal about how Paul conceived of the Christian faith, its origin and transmission.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, Alfred Von Rohr Sauer

Concordia Theological Monthly

Quite apart from the contents of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the history of their discovery and the account of what has happened to them in the meantime has proved to be a subject as fascinating as some of our bestselling books of fiction. The Qumran scrolls are to the 20th century what Tischendorfs discovery of the Codex Sinaiticus was to the 19th (Kraeling). Albright. called the scrolls "the greatest manuscript discovery of modem times." For Edmund Wilson the scrolls are "the most valuable manuscript find since the Renaissance."

The Braunschweig Theses On The Teaching And Mission Of The Church, Paul M. Bretscher (Translator)`

Concordia Theological Monthly

In an accelerating tempo, theologically and doctrinally false teachings are infiltrating the life and proclamation of the These teachings claim that since they derive from a so-called "existential interpretation" of Biblical passages, they are the only way in which the proclamation of the Gospel can be made relevant and do justice to man's current understanding of the present world.

Christianity And Nichiren In Japan, Donald Neiswender

Concordia Theological Monthly

There is a force building up in Japan which has a most threatening aspect, no matter whether one views it from East or West, from the base of the church or the base of communism. The throbbing nationalism of this force is antithetical both to the unity needed among free nations and to the enforced internationalism of communism. And since this force is preeminently a religious force, it must appear terribly anachronistic to a believing and practicing communist who believes that man is outgrowing his need of religion. It is also a heart-breaking phenomenon to behold from the viewpoint of …

Mammon For Moravian Missions, William J. Danker

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Christian world mission has preached the Gospel and established churches. It has healed the sick and opened hospitals. It has taught those who sought education in the schools it conducted. But it has often shrunk back from structuring a forthright ministry to men's economic needs.

Luther's View Of Man In His Early German Writings, Heinz Bluhm

Concordia Theological Monthly

When Luther's first essay, Die Sieben puszpsalm, appeared in the spring of 1517, it met with instantaneous success. The reception accorded the German works of the next few years was similarly, even increasingly, enthusiastic. Martin Luther was, from his initial literary venture, easily the most widely read and influential writer in the German language in the second decade of the 16th century, from 1517 on to be exact if we ignore a brief but profound preface to his important first edition of the Theologia Germanica of the year before.

The Voice Of Augustana Vii On The Church, Frederick B. Mayer, Herbert T. Mayer (Translator)

Concordia Theological Monthly

In Europe as well as in the U.S. A. the question concerning the nature of the church is as much alive as the question concerning the nature of the Gospel Fundamentally one's ideas about the church are determined by one's position toward the Gospel. In the United States the Reformed theologians are concerning themselves with the question of the church from two points of view: the theological and the practical. As to the theological aspect of the question, the Reformed bodies offer a variety of answers, among which three stand out.

The Second Vatican Council, George A. Lindbeck

Concordia Theological Monthly

On October 11 the Second Vatican Council will begin its first two-month session. A second session will follow in the spring, and possibly a third and a fourth. Everyone agrees on the importance of this assembly but on little else. In the words of one French Roman Catholic journal, "Opinion is divided between smug optimism and bitter, if not acid, pessimism, or at least skepticism."

Melanchthon As Educator And Humanist, Carl S. Meyer

Concordia Theological Monthly

Melanchthon, it seems, lacked a sense of humor. Tactful, careful, intent on weighing the pros and cons of each question, working all day even on Sunday, grubbing and grinding, this was Melanchthon according to Martin Luther, who had ample opportunity to observe his friend and colleague.

"Melanchthon, Christ's Witness" (Editorial Comment), George W. Hoyer

Concordia Theological Monthly

This was the theme of a chapel address with which Prof. Henry W. Reimann introduced the observance at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, on April 19-21, of the quadricentennial of Melanchthon’s death. This issue presents three short papers read at this occasion; others are scheduled for later issues. The papers were not written for publication and are presented substantially as read, along with such documentation as had been added to the papers. Some of the leading thoughts of Professor Reimann's address may fittingly introduce this little symposium.

Melanchthon The Churchman, Gilbert A. Thiele

Concordia Theological Monthly

In presenting Melanchthon as churchman we try to erect a little monument to him as a man of and for the church. To assist us in bringing some order into a large mass of fact and interpretation which has been accumulating over four centuries, we have thought it good to distribute our tribute over several areas.

The Case Of Athanasius Against Arius, Samuel Labuchli

Concordia Theological Monthly

Every age must restate the events of history because in every age these events appear in a specific focus. The contemporary theological discussion concerning ontological and existential knowledge, the essence of Biblical faith, and the meaning of language in Christian theology make the controversy of the fourth century a highly modern issue. Indeed, the 20th century has to state its Christological position afresh. It cannot simply repeat the fathers between Nicaea and Constantinople. Yet it can learn a great deal from these fathers by seeking to understand, sine ira et studio, the case of Athanasius versus Arius.

The Pope's Council, Lewis W. Spitz

Concordia Theological Monthly

Pope John XXIII is calling an ecumenical council-a wise move on his part. Ecumenicity is popular. People are talking about it. The pope's council will claim its share of the conversation. Rome never misses a chance for favorable publicity. In this case it is spiced with the prospect of others, besides Roman Catholics, being invited. Who will it be? No matter, the pope's council will not, and cannot, be a free council, for at best the erring children of the non-Roman churches can be invited to return to the bosom of the mother church.

The Seventeenth Century Dogmaticians As Philosophers, A. C. Ahlen

Concordia Theological Monthly

To assert that philosophy and theology are not identical would obviously be unnecessary in addressing myself to the present group; but to remind you that there are vast areas of common interest shared by these two disciplines is probably not superfluous. Living as we do in a time when reason is often ridiculed and up-to-the- minute theologians present highly rationalized arguments in favor of antirational views, we need to remind ourselves that philosophy is inescapable. The moment we reflect critically upon our experiences and beliefs, we begin to philosophize.

Spiritual Marriage In The Early Church: A Suggested Interpretation Of 1 Cor. 7:36-38, Roland H. Sedoldt

Concordia Theological Monthly

There is evidence of the ascetic attitude in the early Christian Church.

The feeling grew that the ordinary life with its natural duties and obligations is incompatible with the life lived in the spirit. Possession of the spirit requires a life which is extraordinary, where there is no room for worldly affairs, particularly for marriage.

Christ Frees And Unites: The Third Lutheran World Federation Assembly, Hanns Lilje

Concordia Theological Monthly

The third assembly of the Lutheran World Federation, held in Minneapolis, August 15-25, 1957, sends Christian greetings to all Lutheran congregations in the world. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy. We are grateful to God for the rich blessings which He granted us throughout these days. It is with joy and affection that we think of the fellowship with so many brethren and sisters from all over the world.

Labor, Industry, And The Church, David S. Schuller

Concordia Theological Monthly

The church stood amazed before the rising form of the industrial giant. Its size was frightening enough, but its two heads of unionism and management struck terror into her heart. The church felt she should say something to the monster. But then what could she say? It certainly didn't look like a membership prospect. And so the church pretended she didn't see it. But the church's heart continued to pound. And way down deep she felt guilty. She had a message - even for such two-headed giants. And she should be speaking.

The World Council Of Churches, Gilbert A. Thiele

Concordia Theological Monthly

The World Council of Churches represents the confluence of previous ecumenical movements. The two most important streams of activity that merged in this broader and deeper endeavor are the Faith and Order Movement (Conference) and the Life and Work Conference. Each of these deserves our attention.

Luther Speaks English, Lewis W. Spitz

Concordia Theological Monthly

On Reformation Day, 1955, the first volume of the great American edition of Luther's works was presented to the public. When complete with its fifty-five volumes, it will be by far the largest English edition, a truly outstanding monument of Luther scholarship and a major contribution to the mighty Luther renaissance in our century.

Luther On Faith, W. M. Oesch

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Lutheran Reformation unleashed religious subjectivism and was a precursor of the egocentricity of the modem age. A Roman Catholic theologian who is perhaps the most eminent living dogmatician of his communion makes this claim. Michael Schmaus in his Katholische, Dogmatik (Vol 4, Part 1, 1952) holds that the type of faith which Luther expressed and propagated disregards all religious authority which is not centered in the direct approach of the soul to God.

Dr. C. F. W. Walther As Theologian, Francis Pieper, John Theodore Mueller

Concordia Theological Monthly

When we try to depict Dr. Walther as theologian, we must, above all, discuss his doctrine of justification, for his attitude toward this doctrine supplies the clue to his whole line of action in his life so full of controversy.