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Articles 1 - 30 of 49
Full-Text Articles in Practical Theology
Gluten-Free Hosts And The Cross: Revelatory Suffering In Christianity, Gilbert Perez
Gluten-Free Hosts And The Cross: Revelatory Suffering In Christianity, Gilbert Perez
Obsculta
The body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus are said to be made present by the Eucharist: bread and wine placed on the altar. However, the Roman Catholic Church teaches there is no validity to consecrations with gluten-free Hosts. This article notes the past permissions on gluten-free hosts and explores how present and former practices exhibit the nature of the Crucifixion, humanity’s participation in a world it abuses, and, furthermore, how to remedy this source of exclusion.
Sunday Celebration In The Absence Of A Priest And Women's Role In Presiding, Kristyn Demers
Sunday Celebration In The Absence Of A Priest And Women's Role In Presiding, Kristyn Demers
Obsculta
This essay explores instances of Sunday celebrations in the absence of a priest, specifically within the rural context where the effects of the priesthood shortage are felt most strongly. Additionally, this paper examines the role that women play in the church, especially the rural church, and calls for the church to respond by creating more equitable roles for women within church leadership and ministry.
We Hope: Sot/Sem Midday Prayer Reflection - November 9, 2023, Kathleen A. Cahalan
We Hope: Sot/Sem Midday Prayer Reflection - November 9, 2023, Kathleen A. Cahalan
Obsculta
Every week, the faculty, staff, and students of the Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary gather together in common worship for Ecumenical Midday Prayer and Convivium, a shared meal. This reflection was given by Kathleen Cahalan—Professor of Practical Theology—in November of 2023 and explores the role of hope in the life of the Christian disciple.
Harmony Unveiled: Navigating The Trinity’S Practical Symphony With Lacugna And Augustine, Andrenique D. Rolle
Harmony Unveiled: Navigating The Trinity’S Practical Symphony With Lacugna And Augustine, Andrenique D. Rolle
Obsculta
This paper compares Catherine M. LaCugna's practical take on the Trinity with Augustine's theoretical insights. LaCugna highlights real-world implications, while Augustine delves into philosophical intricacies. Despite differences, both converge on perichoresis, emphasizing an inseparable communion within the Triune God. Together, they offer a holistic view—bridging theory and practice for spiritual fulfillment and communal harmony.
Paul And Gender: Early Reception And Modern Implications, Phoebe Carstens
Paul And Gender: Early Reception And Modern Implications, Phoebe Carstens
Obsculta
Within Paul’s letters, there is a wealth of theological and ministerial material with a variety of implications and interpretations—what Paul seems to say about the position of women in the Church is the object of much debate. This piece highlights the ways in which Paul displays an openness to greater involvement of women in the Christian movement and a breaking of traditional female gender roles, yet simultaneously upholds rigid boundaries of marked gender distinction, thus mirroring a current stance of the Church today.
Namesake: An Ekphrasis On La Sagrada Familia Basilica In Barcelona, Spain, Rachel Henry
Namesake: An Ekphrasis On La Sagrada Familia Basilica In Barcelona, Spain, Rachel Henry
Obsculta
Ekphrasis is a literary description of a work of art or architecture—a kind of over-the-top ode. The Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family, commonly known as La Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona, Spain, has been under construction for 142 years and is expected to be completed by 2032. With its integral sculptures, soaring towers, and feats of engineering, Architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece is unlike any other church or cathedral in the world. Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the temple as a minor basilica in 2010. This article delves into La Sagrada Familia and aims to aid the reader in imaginatively exploring the …
Newman's Faith In A Synodal Church, Emily Heidick
Newman's Faith In A Synodal Church, Emily Heidick
Obsculta
This piece is a brief exploration of the theology of how the church develops by John Henry Newman with particular attention to the connection to the synodal church of today.
To Embody Christ's Image: Queer Presence In Liturgy, Maggie Nadalin
To Embody Christ's Image: Queer Presence In Liturgy, Maggie Nadalin
Obsculta
This paper examines how approaching liturgical issues from a Queer vantage-point in both theory and practice offers a fresh lens for not only understanding liturgy but recognizing the urgent need for Queer-influenced liturgical rites.
Different Forms Of Power In Worship Spaces, Patrick Russell
Different Forms Of Power In Worship Spaces, Patrick Russell
Obsculta
This project examines the importance of power in a worship space. In particular, looking at the historical structures of St. Paul's Cathedral in London and St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, this paper strives to lay out the presence of power inherent in places of worship. While other aspects could be used: power as a political structure, power of shared identity, power of scale, and power as a means of limits are given here for consideration.
Bioethics And A Theology Of Vulnerability, Carrie Oneil-Smith
Bioethics And A Theology Of Vulnerability, Carrie Oneil-Smith
Obsculta
This essay looks at how a theology of vulnerability can contribute to ethical decision-making in an increasingly secular society. Relationality, power dynamics and scriptural justifications are considered, as well as early contributions made to this nascent field of Christian thought. This essay was written for a class on Health Care Ethics taught by Dr. Mary Ann Kish.
Considering Hope, Rachel Henry
Considering Hope, Rachel Henry
Obsculta
Hope based on an expected outcome can be elusive in a world that contains so much suffering. This piece considers Karl Rahner's theological hope as a more appropriate and helpful framework in the context of the diminishing vocations to monastic communities in the United States.
Solidarity And Ecumenism, John A. Radano
Solidarity And Ecumenism, John A. Radano
The Journal of Social Encounters
This article illustrates ways in which the modern ecumenical movement promotes solidarity among formerly divided Christian churches through ecumenical dialogue. It begins by recalling divisions which took place in the fifth, the eleventh, and the sixteenth centuries, breaking down unity and solidarity among Christians, and continuing since those times. It then shows the way in which the modern Ecumenical Movement, working to restore Christian unity, began early in the twentieth century through movements promoting cooperation in mission, in efforts of the churches to better society, and in resolving doctrinal divisions which have kept churches separated. It later became established in …
The True "New Eve": Ben Wildflower's Magnificat And The Second Creation Story, Mary L. Parks
The True "New Eve": Ben Wildflower's Magnificat And The Second Creation Story, Mary L. Parks
Obsculta
Images of the Virgin Mary have provided comfort to Christians for almost two thousand years. Many of these images have depicted the Mother of God as gentle, demure, pure, and obedient. Ben Wildflower’s woodcut, Magnificat, imagines another side of Mary’s story. This paper considers the second creation story, “New Eve” typology, and church teaching about current social and environmental issues to demonstrate why Magnificat is an ideal portrait for the true “New Eve”.
The Role Of Darkness And Trial In Spiritual Growth As Described In The Cloud Of Unknowing, Carrie O'Neil-Smith
The Role Of Darkness And Trial In Spiritual Growth As Described In The Cloud Of Unknowing, Carrie O'Neil-Smith
Obsculta
This essay was written in Professor Michael Rubbelke's class titled "Growing into God: Spiritual Development in the Christian Tradition." The piece looks at darkness and trial and three resulting fruits of spiritual growth: humility, knowledge of one's true nature, and an experience of God's pure love as described in the fourteenth century work The Cloud of Unknowing.
Incarnate Spirits: The Embodied Roots Of Worship, Henry O. Widdicombe
Incarnate Spirits: The Embodied Roots Of Worship, Henry O. Widdicombe
Obsculta
Spirituality is “how the Spirit of Jesus enables Christians to grow into fullness with God in this life and in particular historical circumstances.” The role of the community is definitive in shaping the spirituality of an individual and the interior dynamism of spirit is contextualized by incarnate experience. This piece employs the thought of Bernard Lonergan, SJ bolstered with the work of two Lonergan scholars, Ian Bell and Timothy Brunk, on the notion of a “worshipful” pattern of experience.
A Central Task Of Theology: Authenticity In Relationship With God, Lydia Mattern
A Central Task Of Theology: Authenticity In Relationship With God, Lydia Mattern
Obsculta
This work is a reflection on the beautiful mystery of Theology and what it means to be in authentic relationship with God. It is a cumulative piece of noteworthy ideas taught by Dr. Kristin Colberg in Thinking Theologically, a class that changed Lydia's life. It demonstrates that Theology is a vehicle used to come to understand God.
Nonviolent Communication: A Foundational Skill For Ministry, Mary L. Parks
Nonviolent Communication: A Foundational Skill For Ministry, Mary L. Parks
Obsculta
A need for more formation has been identified during the continental phase of the Synod on Synodality. Furthermore, a conference of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative has observed a lack of time devoted to nonviolence in existing Catholic formation. This paper will demonstrate how incorporating Nonviolent Communication (NVC) into formation will meet these needs.
The Church In The Modern Context, Maria Milazzo
The Church In The Modern Context, Maria Milazzo
Obsculta
This paper on the Church in the Modern Context brings into conversation the goals of Vatican I, Vatican II, and those of Pope Francis in today’s modern context. It seeks to understand the context of the councils and where Pope Francis seeks to lead the Church today, especially one that resembles a field hospital.
Everyone Wants A Revolution, No One Wants To Do The Dishes, Henry O. Widdicombe
Everyone Wants A Revolution, No One Wants To Do The Dishes, Henry O. Widdicombe
Obsculta
This piece is a reflection on climate despair, filtered through the novel A Canticle for Leibowitz, the Catholic Worker Movement, and Benedictine spirituality to imagine what the response of a faithful Catholic might be. It posits that the only adequate response to, seemingly, insurmountable challenges is to hope against hope.
On The Task Of Today's Theologian, Henry O. Widdicombe
On The Task Of Today's Theologian, Henry O. Widdicombe
Obsculta
This piece was written as a reading response paper for Kristin Colberg’s Documents of Vatican II course in the Spring of 2022. It argues that today’s theologian must take seriously the demands of the Second Vatican Council and that the task of the theologian is, in light of contemporary culture, offer an ever-new articulation of the Gospel of Christ Jesus that does not lose its ever-ancient truths. In that vein, the piece utilizes the assigned readings for a particular course meeting to, with the aid of Bernard Lonergan, outline a kind of pro-Vatican II panegyric.
The Generation Of The Smartphone, Anisabel Palma
The Generation Of The Smartphone, Anisabel Palma
Obsculta
iGen is the generation of those born after 1995. A common characteristic of teen iGen’ers is their lack of interest in school. Many of these kids attend school only because they must, not because school is a place where they are looking forward going each morning. The low interested has been increasing since 2012.. There is a link between iGen teens’ behavior including motivation to go to school to their use of technologies around them. In this paper, the author tries to find a response to this change and to offer some hope to those working with teens.
Climate Change: The Role Of Technology, "Dominon," And Our Pastoral Responsibility, Leah Wakefield
Climate Change: The Role Of Technology, "Dominon," And Our Pastoral Responsibility, Leah Wakefield
Obsculta
This paper briefly examines the correlation between burning fossil fuels, the increase of carbon in the atmosphere and resulting volatile weather, including hurricanes and floods. The paper then discusses possible technological solutions, including carbon dioxide scrubbers. Finally, the paper critically examines Genesis 2:15 and 1:26 and uses Laudato Si’ to reframe our understanding of “dominion” over the earth as a responsibility that calls for us to work to end climate change.
On Revelation, Faith, And Justice, Joseph Penny
On Revelation, Faith, And Justice, Joseph Penny
Obsculta
Defined as the relational self-disclosure of Godself, divine revelation has the potential to propel us ever deeper into the mystery of the crucified God. In a faith-filled response to the Paschal Mystery's salvific and liberating promise, we can traverse the ontological gap between humanity and divinity, but how does this embodied revelation influence the trajectory of social justice? This paper embarks on a methodological endeavor to articulate the purpose of divine revelation.
In Defense Of Doubt(Ing Thomas), Meghan Stretar
In Defense Of Doubt(Ing Thomas), Meghan Stretar
Obsculta
Here is a fresh (somewhat satirical and sarcastic, New Yorker Shouts and Murmurs-inspired) interpretation about the importance of Thomas's doubt and a defense of having doubt in light of faith.
Petrine Ministry In The Catholic Church, John Toan Phan
Petrine Ministry In The Catholic Church, John Toan Phan
Obsculta
“Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). These words of Jesus to Simon reveal to us about Simon and his mission. Indeed, though Simon is weak and could be tempted, Jesus always prays for him so that he became a foundation of the Church: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18). In …
Traveling Together To Ward Off Fear: Lenten Reflections During The Coronavirus Pandemic, Laura Suhr Osb
Traveling Together To Ward Off Fear: Lenten Reflections During The Coronavirus Pandemic, Laura Suhr Osb
Obsculta
Reflections on life in a Benedictine Monastery provide insights into how the Benedictine way of life can help Christians during the trials and tribulations of the coronavirus pandemic. Humility, community living, and our inner attitudes can also deepen our experience of Lent.
On Silence In The Rule Of St. Benedict: A Study Of Chapter 6: 1-6, Karen F. Arce
On Silence In The Rule Of St. Benedict: A Study Of Chapter 6: 1-6, Karen F. Arce
Obsculta
This paper is a study of Chapter 6: On Silence in The Rule of St. Benedict. It studies verses 1-6. It briefly includes verses 7 and 8, which reinforce Benedict's value of humility and the exhortation to refrain from useless conversation. This study shows the value of silence as a way to stop all interior and exterior chatter in order to have the chance to listen to God, one’s neighbors and oneself. This study also gives a deeper understanding of the Latin word taciturn Tate which emphasizes a state of being which opens the person for a deeper listening.
Embracing And Engaging Holistically: A Pastoral Response To Youth (Or Anyone) Struggling With Anxiety And Depression, Meghan Stretar
Embracing And Engaging Holistically: A Pastoral Response To Youth (Or Anyone) Struggling With Anxiety And Depression, Meghan Stretar
Obsculta
Following Richard Osmer’s framework for practical theological interpretation, this paper’s overall task seeks to examine the question of how to engage and encourage youth who are struggling with anxiety and depression to seek counsel. Separated into four sections, the descriptive task invites the reader into the author’s personal experience before drawing attention to the larger societal issue at hand. The interpretive task invites psychologist Erik Erikson’s identity development into the conversation, inviting more questions and possible solutions. The third section, a theological interpretation and analysis examines the Rule of St. Benedict and the pastoral implications of the incarnation. Finally, the …
Who Shall Be Welcome In God’S Tent: Disrupting The Liturgical Legacies Of White Supremacy To Promote The Flourishing Of The Body Of Christ, Andrew Remick
Obsculta
No abstract provided.
Solidarity And Suffering: Liberation Christology From Black And Womanist Perspectives, Kelsi Watters
Solidarity And Suffering: Liberation Christology From Black And Womanist Perspectives, Kelsi Watters
Obsculta
As an individual without sight, the author is committed to radical acceptance of and liberation for marginalized groups, as well as a commitment to deep solidarity with womanist theology. This piece focuses on a God whom we know, and love is actively, sacramentally, eternally present in Jesus Christ, whose self-emptying reflects radical solidarity with the oppressed. The author seeks to bring to light a Christological perspective that identifies with the marginalized Jesus – namely, black and womanist liberation theology. Black theology centralizes Jesus as Liberator of the oppressed. It is only in solidarity with the oppressed that we will ourselves …