Oral Roberts university
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Western Michigan University
Asbury Theological Seminary
Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Sing Lustily And With Good Courage: Reinventing Methodist Hymns In The Context Of The Indonesian Methodist Church,
2026
Southern Methodist University
Sing Lustily And With Good Courage: Reinventing Methodist Hymns In The Context Of The Indonesian Methodist Church, Budi Taniwan
Doctor of Pastoral Music Projects and Theses
The majority of Methodist churches continue to uphold the legacy of hymn singing, a practice highly esteemed by early Methodists. John and Charles Wesley employed hymns alongside sermons as a means of teaching Methodist theology, shaping Christian discipleship, and forming Methodist identity. However, in contemporary times, Indonesian Methodist churches recite fewer doctrinal hymns. Inadequate early translations, the absence of authentically Indonesian Methodist hymns, and the emergence of contemporary Christian music have contributed to this decline. Changes in liturgy, worship culture, and technology have also transformed the way congregations learn and sing their faith. This study explores the historical and theological …
Judaism And Catholicism: Possibilities Of An Inter-Spiritual Dialogue,
2026
College of the Holy Cross
Judaism And Catholicism: Possibilities Of An Inter-Spiritual Dialogue, David Neuhaus
Journal of Global Catholicism
This article examines the possibilities of an inter-spiritual dialogue between Catholics and Jews. Describing the transformation of the Catholic attitude to Jews andJudaism in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, moving from a teaching of contempt to one of respect, it analyses the far-reaching reformulations of Catholic theology that promote an interreligious dialogue. After centuries of traumatic history, Jewish reactions have been hesitant. However, the past decades have led to a burgeoning relationship that can indeed flower into a mutual inter-spiritual dialogue that deepens the faith of both Catholics and Jews.
Islam And Catholicism: Theology And Practice Of Inter-Spiritual Dialogue,
2026
Institute of Catholic Theology of Humboldt University in Berlin
Islam And Catholicism: Theology And Practice Of Inter-Spiritual Dialogue, Felix Koerner
Journal of Global Catholicism
This article explores foundations, preconditions, aims, persons, groups, practices, methods, texts, and criteria of Muslim–Christian inter-spiritual dialogue. In-ter-spiritual dialogue thrives within the network of other dialogical forms: dialogue of life and collaboration, of theological and practical understanding. This article argues that the spiritual dimension of dialogical encounter may itself constitute a critical site of moral reflection, enabling participants to perceive injustice more clearly and to respond to it more responsibly. Nevertheless, the integrity of in-ter-spiritual dialogue depends upon the cultivation of trust, candor, and a shared orientation toward mutual enrichment and spiritual purification. Where dialogue is subordinated to extrinsic strategic …
The Dialogue Of Spiritual Experience In Buddhist-Christian Encounter,
2026
Yale University
The Dialogue Of Spiritual Experience In Buddhist-Christian Encounter, S Mark Heim
Journal of Global Catholicism
Can one learn more about one’s own religion through the practices of another? My positive answer to this question is illustrated in this paper by reflection on aspects of the Buddhist practice of emptiness, in specific connection with Christian under-standing of our lives as creatures. The Buddhist meditative practices I have in mind have several things in common. They are introspective (activated in one person’s inner consciousness) and premised on the Buddhist understanding of emptiness (specifically “no self ” teachings). Buddhist introspective practice takes at least three broad forms. One of these is a meditative analytical awareness of the contents …
Hindu Poetry And The Project Of An Inter-Spiritual Catholic Theology,
2026
Harvard University
Hindu Poetry And The Project Of An Inter-Spiritual Catholic Theology, Francis X. Clooney
Journal of Global Catholicism
This article engages the work of the Indian south Indian Tamil-language Vaiṣṇava poet saints known as the Alvārs. The article specifically focuses the First HundredHoly Linked verses of Poykai Ālvār to argue for inter-spiritual learning between Catholics and Hindus. The article concludes with personal reflections on this encounter within the context of the global Catholic Church
Overview And Acknowledgments,
2026
College of the Holy Cross
Overview And Acknowledgments, Mathew Schmalz
Journal of Global Catholicism
An overview and introduction to the present issue on Inter-Spiritual Dialogue.
Alumni Spotlight: Ezekiel Prophet Of Hope Address,
2026
Catholic Diocese of El Paso
Alumni Spotlight: Ezekiel Prophet Of Hope Address, Mark J. Seitz
Obsculta
This lecture was delivered by Bishop Mark J. Seitz upon receipt of the Ezekiel Prophet of Hope Award from Saint John’s University in August of 2025. The Ezekiel Prophet of Hope Award seeks to lift up alumni or alumnae of Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary who have dynamically lived out the principles of collaboration and ecumenism that are at the heart of the mission and the Benedictine heritage of Saint John’s. Just as Ezekiel saw a splendid vision of the new and everlasting temple, modern prophets off er us new and sustainable visions for the church.
Loose The Bonds Of Injustice: The True Fast Of Lent,
2026
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Loose The Bonds Of Injustice: The True Fast Of Lent, Bella Brinkman
Obsculta
This reflection was written for and delivered to the community of the Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary on February 19, 2026. It reflects on Isaiah 58:6–8 and the theme of Lenten fasting, as part of the Midday Prayer Service during the first week of Lent. The reflection was composed and offered in the context of the ongoing immigration enforcement raids carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis. It invites the community into a deeper consideration of the Christian response to injustice during the Lenten season.
Fulfilled In Your Hearing: What Has Been Fulfilled; What Remains To Be Heard,
2026
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Fulfilled In Your Hearing: What Has Been Fulfilled; What Remains To Be Heard, William Skudlarek Osb
Obsculta
This article reflects on the enduring legacy and contemporary relevance of Fulfilled in Your Hearing, the 1982 U.S. bishops’ official statement on the Sunday homily. Written by the document’s principal drafter, the piece explores the text’s revolutionary methodological shift: moving the starting point of preaching away from the preacher or the isolated text and toward the assembly gathered for Eucharist. The author argues that the homily is not an exegetical lecture or a discourse on morality but a sacramental interpretation of human existence through the lens of Scripture that calls the assembled worshippers to conversion, thanksgiving, and service. Central to …
Theology As A Form Of Prayer,
2026
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Theology As A Form Of Prayer, Melissa Tovar-Guerrero
Obsculta
This piece reflects on the essential tasks of theology to foster practical expressions of prayer, to establish a fruitful and transformative dialogue with the Trinity through Christian meditation.
Called From Within The Community: The Vocation Of Undocumented Hispanic Men To The Diaconate,
2026
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Called From Within The Community: The Vocation Of Undocumented Hispanic Men To The Diaconate, Anisabel Palma
Obsculta
This paper examines the discernment of undocumented Hispanic men to the diaconate within a diocese facing growing Hispanic populations and a shortage of Spanish-speaking clergy. Using ethnographic research, theological reflection, and historical analysis, it argues that this reality should be discerned not as a pastoral problem but as a response to concrete community needs. Interpreted through four theological perspectives (sacred vocation, divine initiative, unconventional divine choice, and the community-oriented nature of diaconal ministry) the study proposes that welcoming undocumented men into formal discernment and formation for the diaconate constitutes a faithful and ecclesial response to the Church’s mission.
Second Edition Of The Liturgy Of The Hours: Impact On The American Diaconate,
2026
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Second Edition Of The Liturgy Of The Hours: Impact On The American Diaconate, Michael Walsh
Obsculta
This piece explores the upcoming Second Edition of the English Liturgy of the Hours coming to the United States. This piece touches on the psalter, hymnal, and other portions of the new edition as well as the publishing companies chosen by the USCCB to promulgate it. This piece highlights the impact this new edition can have on all of the faithful but particularly the American Diaconate.
Wedding Appropriate?: A Reflection On 1 Corinthians 13:1-8,
2026
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Wedding Appropriate?: A Reflection On 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, Barbara Kowalkowski Osb
Obsculta
This piece looks at whether the passage of 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a (the wedding verses) is overused or misused as one of the most popular readings during wedding ceremonies by considering the context of the passage. It delves into whether its use leads to misunderstanding among those gathered for their wedding on what its true meaning is.
Schillebeeckx And Homilies: Why Should Sermons Be More Than Words?,
2026
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Schillebeeckx And Homilies: Why Should Sermons Be More Than Words?, Paulinus Daeli
Obsculta
This article highlights the importance of good preaching by exploring the relationship between theology, rhetoric, and spirituality through the theology of Edward Schillebeeckx. It argues that preaching must go beyond words to create a deep experience for the congregation. By exploring Schillebeeckx's theological foundations, the article also discusses the conflict between the liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist in Holy Mass, and suggests a comprehensive approach to preaching. The article emphasizes that both aspects of the Mass must work in harmony to provide spiritual nourishment. Finally, it concludes by emphasizing the importance of preaching as a communal act, which …
Dance Partners,
2026
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Dance Partners, Francis Agnoli
Obsculta
Using dance as an organizing image, the preacher explores the relationship between works and grace in a homily preached at midday prayer at the School of Theology on September 25, 2025. The text proclaimed at prayer was Ephesians 2:4-10. Music sung at prayer included "El Señor es compasivo y misericordioso" (Psalm 103, Peter Kolar) and "Amazing Grace."
A Practice Of Singing Psalms: The Impact On People’S Understanding Of God, Understanding Of Themselves, And Their Worldview,
2026
Liberty University
A Practice Of Singing Psalms: The Impact On People’S Understanding Of God, Understanding Of Themselves, And Their Worldview, Jan Frederik Ezinga
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Singing influences people. Song lyrics influence people’s views and behavior, both positively and negatively. Researchers indicate that influence through songs may occur subconsciously. Because songs can move people, activists and governments use songs, or the prohibition of songs, to influence the population. This is relevant for church leaders and Christian school teachers because Christian songs communicate doctrine. Within a Christian setting, songs influence people’s faith. However, when Christians sing God’s Word, the songs affect people exponentially because God’s Word does not return to him empty (Is. 55:11). God commanded the church to sing psalms (Col. 3:16). Singing God’s Word from …
Caring For Our Neighbors: Public Prayer As A Pastoral Tool For Multicultural Communities,
2026
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Caring For Our Neighbors: Public Prayer As A Pastoral Tool For Multicultural Communities, Gilbert Perez
School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses
Throughout 2025 and in the first few months of 2026 there has been an increased presence of immigration law enforcement in the state of Minnesota, which has extended into the central Minnesotan diocese of St. Cloud.
Eighth-Century Paschal Hymns,
2026
Pace University
Eighth-Century Paschal Hymns, Maksim Astashinskiy
Faculty Papers and Publications
The first hymn (The information is taken from footnote 1): For the Greek text, see Patrologiae cursus completus. ed. Jacques-Paul Migne, Series Graeca: Patrologia Graeca (PG) Vol. 96 (1864), 849, http://patristica.net/graeca/, or Anthologia graeca carminum christianorum. ed. Wilhelm von Christ (Leipzig: B.G. Teubner, 1871), 218, https://archive.org/details/anthologiagraec00paragoog; for a traditional nineteenth-century translation, see: Hymns of the Eastern Church. ed. and trans. John Mason Neale (London: J.T. Hayes, Lyall Place, Eaton Square, 1876), 95–96, https://archive.org/details/hymnseasternchu01nealgoog. The versification is my own. The second hymn (The information is taken from footnote 6). For the Greek text, see: Anthologia …
The Fellowship Of Christ's Sufferings: Toward A Practical Philosophy Of Worship For Missions In The Latin American Church,
2026
Liberty University
The Fellowship Of Christ's Sufferings: Toward A Practical Philosophy Of Worship For Missions In The Latin American Church, Moriah Hope Joseph
Senior Honors Theses
Within Latin America, evil and suffering are ever-present realities that cannot be concealed, and the Hispanic society is aching for relief. Liberation Theology and the prosperity gospel – and their accompanying worship practices – have been offered as tools to help alleviate the experience of suffering. But these theological perspectives and practices have accomplished little in edifying the Church by way of truth. Thus, the call for the modern missionary is to instead preach worship that is a response to the incarnate Christ in suffering. The missionary must advocate for worship practices that provide space for biblical lament, reveal a …
Revival Song: The Significance Of Hymns In The First Great Awakening,
2026
Liberty University
Revival Song: The Significance Of Hymns In The First Great Awakening, Kaeley E. Whitacre
Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History
This paper highlights the transition in church music during the First Great Awakening in Colonial America. It argues that hymns and new psalmody had a mutually beneficial relationship in the Awakening, as they aided one another in emphasizing personal salvation experiences. Prior to the Awakening, English-speaking churches in Colonial America sung almost exclusively literal translations of Psalms in a more formalized call-and-response format. While current scholarship on the First Great Awakening broadly analyzes the primary tensions and debates within New England churches regarding changes in music, it does not provide a comprehensive overview of the introduction of hymns in Colonial …
