Religion Commons^™

Observance Of Economic Values In Andalusian Nawazil Heritage And Its Impact On Rationalizing Commercial Conduct: Deriving General Foundations And Their Applications In Branches And Specific Cases, Ahmed El Kadaoui

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Islamic Economics

This research falls within the context of establishing a value system that governs and directs commercial behavior in an era where economic actions are driven by the hegemony of profit and wealth, and are detached from ethical oversight, leading to the spread of negative values in the markets that were previously uncommon to the public. The research aims to shed light on economic values from an Islamic perspective and their ability to guide commercial behavior. The research also seeks to bridge the gap between the operational environment of commercial behavior and the theoretical framework of these values from the perspective …

La Modernité Dans La Pensée D’Abdessalam Yassine : Entre Refus Systémique Et Absence D’Alternative Fondée, Salah Aboujoudé, S.J.

Horizons et Conjonctures

This article critically examines Abdessalam Yassine’s thought regarding Western modernity. Abdessalam Yassine develops a radical critique of Western modernity, which he associates with secularism, materialism, and the exclusion of spirituality. Rooted in Islamic tradition, his thought opposes “believing reason” to “autonomous reason” and seeks to restore the primacy of Revelation as the foundation of all reform. However, his critique essentializes the West as a homogeneous and destructive entity, reducing Western experiences to their imperialist dimension without distinguishing between universal values and strategies of domination. Despite the coherence of his traditional spiritual vision, his project for an Islamic alternative remains abstract …

Entre Religion Et Médias : Méfiance Et Alliance, Betsa Estephano

Horizons et Conjonctures

In a context of continuous information flow, the relationship between religions and the media appears both conflictual and complementary. The media play a decisive role in shaping public perceptions of religions and in determining their visibility, while religious traditions, aware of this influence, seek to use these channels to communicate their message and engage in dialogue with society. This interaction raises crucial issues such as freedom of expression, respect for religious pluralism, and the ethical responsibility of media professionals. The article examines how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam maintain diverse and sometimes ambivalent relations with the media, marked by fear of …

Harmonie Sacrée : De La Famille Maronite Et De La Foi Dans La Tradition Maronite, Joseph Salim Al-Khoury

Horizons et Conjonctures

The study of Syriac liturgy and the families of Lebanese saints highlights the profound spiritual influence of the Maronite Church on family life, calling for a renewed pastoral vision aimed at building “parishes of sacred families.” It shows how the close bond between the Maronite Church and village families, shaped by the ascetic spirituality of hermits, fostered a domestic life grounded in prayer, fasting, sacrifice, Scripture reading, and Christian virtues. This heritage, rooted in the early Christians of Antioch, enabled the sustained transmission of Christian values through an asceticism shared by both clergy and laity. The flourishing of saintly vocations …

Le Terrorisme Islamiste : Une Analyse À Travers Les Perspectives De L’Islam Politique Et De L’Idéologie Littéraliste. Étude De Cas De Boko Haram Au Nigeria, Ghada Saouli

Horizons et Conjonctures

Cette thèse cherche à explorer le paradoxe du terrorisme contemporain, notamment celui mené par les groupes extrémistes islamistes, qui se distingue par des caractéristiques uniques nécessitant une analyse spécifique. Ce phénomène complexe, attribué à l’islam, frappe les musulmans eux-mêmes et la religion islamique dont il prétend défendre les valeurs ; il touche également des groupes de différentes confessions, et en particulier ceux qui sont supposés être les premiers défenseurs de la religion.
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بين الهويّة والانتماء: مََن أنتََ يا بولس؟, الأخت ياره متّى

Horizons et Conjonctures

This study addresses the issue of identity and belonging in the thought of Saint Paul, as seen in Philippians 3:4–8, focusing on the tension between his deep Jewish roots, Roman citizenship, and openness to Greek culture, culminating in his transformative faith in Christ, which redefined his identity and sense of belonging. The approach combines biblical criticism— highlighting the influence of Jewish traditions and texts on Paul’s thought—with theological and spiritual analysis that reveals how, through Christ, his personal identity becomes a universal model that transcends historical and ethnic affiliations, establishing belonging “in Christ.” The study concludes that Paul’s identity is …

مَفهوم الأخوّة في فكر أبو حامَد الغزالي: هل هو مَفهوم إقصائيّ أم حاضن للتنوّع؟, فانيسّا بريدي

Horizons et Conjonctures

The Concept of Brotherhood in the Thought of Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali
This study examines human brotherhood in the thought of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, exploring whether his vision extends to all humanity, within the context of interfaith dialogue and the 2019 Human Fraternity Document. The research delves into al-Ghazali's philosophical foundations, highlighting his Aristotelian influence in classifying love, where "love for the sake of God" is its highest form. It clarifies that his view on "hating for the sake of God" targets negative attributes, not individuals, allowing for non-exclusionary interpretations. The study emphasizes al-Ghazali's assertion that true knowledge of God leads …

تجاوز الثنائيّات - نحو حوار مَتعدّد الأبعاد في الثقافة العربيّة, لينا إسكندر حوّاط

Horizons et Conjonctures

Beyond Binaries – Toward a "Polylogue" in Arab Culture

This article proposes a radical critique of the traditional binary model of intercultural dialogue, suggesting an epistemological alternative: the "polylogue" or multidimensional dialogue. Starting from the crisis of contemporary dialogues, often limited to mere "discourse on dialogue" without real transformation, the text exposes the limitations of the binary model that reduces cultural complexity to a sterile confrontation between two homogeneous blocks. As an alternative, the author introduces the concept of the polylogue, developed by Austrian philosopher Franz Martin Wimmer, which rests on a plurality of centers, mutual influence, and simultaneous interaction. …

سبل إحياء دور الإسلام في العالم المعاصر بحسب مَحمّد الطالبي, الأب صلاح أبوجوده اليسوعيّ

Horizons et Conjonctures

Ways to Revive Islam's Role in the Contemporary World According to Mohammed Talbi

The study by Muhammad al-Talbi seeks to reform Islamic thought, which he argues is stagnant and declining in the face of contemporary scientific, social, and political challenges. Al-Talbi strongly criticizes intellectual stagnation and the official Islamic rejection of reconciliation between religion, reason, and science. He believes that clinging to outdated and unrenewed jurisprudential legacies creates a rift with the changing world, reinforcing the perception of Islam as backward, despite its spiritual richness.

خلّاصة

تسعى دراسة محمّد الطّالبي إلى إصلاح الفكر الإسلاميّ الذي يواجه تحدّيات العصر العلميّة والاجتماعيّة …

A Life Less Difficult, Jennifer L. Holberg

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Last week I had the opportunity to speak on a faculty panel to our university’s Board of Trustees. Our topic: shared governance. Perhaps your eyes are already glazing over. So, before you scroll away, I want to reassure you that that won’t be the focus of today’s contribution.

The Good Design Of Limits, Teresa Terhaar

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"Being present in the here and now takes intense practice."

Posting about our relationship with time ­­­­­­­­from In All Things, an online hub that offers insight into maintaining and faithful and orthodox Reformed Christian worldview while fearlessly engaging in every aspect of contemporary life – until all is made new.

The Good Design of Limits

Women In Ministry In The Churches Of Christ: A Comparative View, Jennifer Reinsch Schroeder

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

This article examines the experiences of women serving as full-time ministers in the Churches of Christ. Analysis of the Siburt Institute’s 2025 Salary Survey shows a large gender pay gap that speaks to concerns regarding support and sustainability in ministry. To better understand mechanisms that impact both support and sustainability, a separate qualitative study was performed that analyzed the interviews of twenty-one full-time, female ministers. The study revealed recurring features of unhealthy systems and the impact of unhealthy systems on women in ministry. Conversely, the interviews illuminated hallmarks of healthy systems and the results that emerge out of such systems. …

A Theology Of Public Witness For Churches Of Christ In The 21st Century, Collin Packer

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

In a time of increasingly divisive rhetoric and polarization, churches are facing new challenges that threaten their unity and mission. Churches of Christ find themselves in a peculiar position in this cultural moment. We do not bear the negative baggage associated with Evangelicalism’s drift into Christian nationalism and an enmeshment with the Religious Right. And yet, our witness has been muted through our silence pertaining to matters of public life and ethics. In this paper, I set out to investigate the historical reasons for our silence and to suggest a theology of public witness for Churches of Christ in the …

Through Him, All Things Hold Together, Justin R. Vander Werff

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"[God's] upholding hand and His sustaining word are always at work, maintaining the physical structures of His creation and also caring for His people and His church."

Posting about ­­­­­­­­God's intricate design of the physical world from In All Things, an online hub that offers insight into maintaining and faithful and orthodox Reformed Christian worldview while fearlessly engaging in every aspect of contemporary life – until all is made new.

Through Him, All Things Hold Together

A Secret Chord: Finding Meaning In Music, Science, And Faith, John Macinnis

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"Through the harmony and beauty of music, we are resonating with the deeper harmony of creation and perceiving the Triune God who calls it good."

Posting about how music affects the whole person from In All Things, an online hub that offers insight into maintaining and faithful and orthodox Reformed Christian worldview while fearlessly engaging in every aspect of contemporary life – until all is made new.

A Secret Chord

A Personal Devil: Another Legacy Of The Reformation, Isaias D'Oleo-Ochoa

CTS Student Publications and Creative Works

Although the topic of the Devil and the Powers was popular in 16th-century Europe, the Reformers briefly discussed the Devil and the origin of evil. Despite the limited discussion, I appreciate the Reformation’s emphasis in presenting the Devil and the Powers as personal beings, whom God initially created good but later got corrupted. I invite readers to remember on Reformation Day the role that the Reformers played in clarifying the figure of the Devil and the Powers, putting aside the popular myths and legends.

Aging By Design, Bruce Vermeer

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"While we may be tempted to see aging as a loss, let us receive it as a gift that refines our faith, strengthens our witness, and deepens our longing to dwell forever with the Lord."

Posting about a ­­­­­­­­healthy perspective on getting older from In All Things, an online hub that offers insight into maintaining and faithful and orthodox Reformed Christian worldview while fearlessly engaging in every aspect of contemporary life – until all is made new.

Aging by Design

Preparing New Life Pentecostal Ministries Young Adults For God’S Design Of Marriage Through Identity Development, Ameerah Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project, Preparing New Life Pentecostal Ministries Young Adults for God’s Design of Marriage Through Identity Development, addresses the growing crisis of identity, purpose, and relationship instability among young adults within NLPM and beyond. The purpose of this action-oriented research is to provide a theological and spiritually formative framework that prepares young adults for marriage by biblical principles. The project identifies key spiritual and emotional barriers, including unresolved wounds and distorted self-identity. Lack of discipleship and cultural confusion hinder spiritual maturity and readiness for God-ordained relationships. Grounded in Scripture and supported by human development theory and spiritual formation scholars, …

Developing A Ministry Model That Reengages The Members Of Mount Zion Into Fulfilling God’S Purpose, Desmond Wayde Wallace

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Making a meaningful difference within a ministry that requires intervention demands not only strategic planning and teamwork but also leadership that is unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling God’s purpose through service. The church under review has faced significant shifts within its community beginning in the late 1990s and extending into the early 2000s. Unfortunately, these changes did not lead to the anticipated growth and development; instead, they triggered a noticeable decline within both the ministry and the surrounding area. This decline has had a cascading effect, negatively impacting the community and further eroding the church’s vitality, resulting in decreased …

Identity, Purpose, And Value: Amplifying The Position Of The Millennial At The Beulahland Bible Church, Sam Reid

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Beulahland Bible Church (BBC) experienced growth in 2024. However, a closer look into the development of the BBC revealed a vital concern: the Millennial growth accounted for only 5 percent of the church's overall growth. The researcher of the current DMIN project identified this as a problem. This DMIN undertaking has developed a comprehensive design that addresses the concern and restores the Millennial to its position at the Beulahland Bible Church. This creation is rooted in the instructions given by Jesus Christ to make disciples; this intervention will move beyond the physical construction of the church and carry out this …

Staying Connected To The Vine As A Means Of Leading Worship In A Christ-Like Manner, Paul Edward Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With a society focused on performance-driven worship, most worship leaders today have difficulty maintaining a God-focused, Christ-centered, and Spirit-filled worship experience during worship services. Worship leaders are having difficulty leading worship because they do not follow Christ daily to produce fruit that will help the leader effectively lead worship that honors God. This qualitative research explores the Bible, explicitly using John 15:1-11, Galatians 5:22-23, and 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 as the foundation for the worship leader to remain in Christ to produce the fruit of the Spirit and lead with Godly wisdom and understanding. Worship and leadership textbooks and dissertations covering …

1-2-1 Reciprocal Discipleship: A Transformation Strategy For Effectively Growing Mature Disciples Of Jesus Christ, Scott M. Whitley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are called to be transformed into the image of Christ through the intimacy of knowing the Father (Eph. 4:13; 2 Cor. 3:18; John 17:3). This can be taught and experienced through one-on-one discipleship, thus fulfilling the Great Commission. Unfortunately, many different discipleship models have become the prevailing stratagem, leaving one-on-one discipleship less emphasized or wholly abandoned. This has resulted in significant transformation through intimacy being lost in many churches and leading to a departure from scriptural discipleship. Therefore, this action research project assumed that consistent participation in the 1-2-1 Reciprocal Discipleship: A Transformation Strategy …

Job Burnout And Executive Leader Turnover, David Zayas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Executive leadership roles are characterized by increasing organizational demands that necessitate substantial cognitive and physical effort, thereby elevating the risk of emotional exhaustion, diminished work engagement, decreased job satisfaction, and increased turnover intention. This study investigates the impact of organizational and occupational stressors on executive clergy leader burnout and turnover intentions. A qualitative single case study was undertaken to delve into the challenges faced by executive clergy leaders (senior, executive, or associate pastors) in the religious sector, where demanding workloads are exacerbating role ambiguity, creating work-life balance conflicts, fostering unhealthy work practices, and influencing job burnout. Three organizational theories (e.g., …

Generation Z And The Church: A Phenomenological Study Of Perceptions, Barriers, And Opportunities For Church Engagement, Hector Albert Soto

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the perceptions, barriers, and opportunities that shape the relationship between Generation Z and the Christian church, with particular attention to how these factors influence patterns of engagement. Recent trends indicated a significant decline in church engagement among Generation Z, contributing to the erosion of vital resources necessary for the sustained vitality of contemporary Christian congregations (Barna, 2020; Braddy, 2021; Earls, 2020). The study was guided by three research questions: 1) What Generation Z variables did the church need to focus on to attract and retain Gen Z (e.g., social concerns, leadership …

كتابات المؤرّخين السريان عن الدولة العربية الإسلامية في القرنين الثاني والثالث الهجريين/القرنين الثامن والتاسع ميلاديين, محمّد مجيد حميد بلال

Horizons et Conjonctures

تتناول هذه الأطروحة حضور السريان ودورهم في التاريخ العربي والإسلامي خلال القرنين الثاني والثالث الهجريين/الثامن والتاسع الميلاديين، من خلال تحليل مصادرهم التاريخية ومقارنتها بالمصادر العربية والبيزنطية
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الحياة على محّك التقنيّة: مقاربة لاهوتيّة - أخلاقيّة لمسؤوليّة الإنجاب, جوسلين عوّاد, الأب إدغار الهيبي

Horizons et Conjonctures

Life at Stake in Technology: A Theological-Ethical Approach to Procreative Responsibility

In an age when artificial intelligence and genetic engineering shape life's origins, human procreation stands at a decisive threshold. This article offers theological and ethical reflection on human agency before technological power. Beyond biomedical concerns, it examines how digitization unsettles freedom, dignity, and divine providence. Drawing upon Catholic tradition—from Augustine to John Paul II—it proposes renewed theology of co-creation, wherein human creativity becomes participation in life-giving. Through Imago Dei and moral discernment, it contends that progress must serve life, not fabricate it. Christological ethics can guide reproductive technologies toward …

Gardens And Galaxies: Through Child-Like Eyes, Jason N.E. Ho

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"... just like food tells a deeper story about who we are as human beings, the universe tells a deeper story about a God that created it."

Posting about ­­­­­­­­looking at the world with wonder from In All Things, an online hub that offers insight into maintaining and faithful and orthodox Reformed Christian worldview while fearlessly engaging in every aspect of contemporary life – until all is made new.

Gardens and Galaxies

Between Sound And Theology: Timbral Performativity In Brazilian Religious Musicking, Marcell Silva Steuernagel

Yale Journal of Music & Religion

This article explores the performativity of timbre, summarizing key perspectives from the English-language scholarship on the topic and setting them in conversation with Latin American perspectives on timbre. In addition, it examines a performance of “500 Graus” (500 degrees), a song performed by Brazilian Pentecostal artists Cassiane and Shirley Carvalhaes, to demonstrate how the performativity of timbre unfolds within a particular expression of Latin American religious musicking. In doing so, it investigates the phenomenon of timbre between music and sound studies, and theology and church music studies, providing insights relevant to the study of timbre and the study of religious …

Timbre — A Transcendent Paradox?, Eugenia Siegel Conte

Yale Journal of Music & Religion

Timbre, as ethnomusicologist Cornelia Fales writes, is “paradoxical” precisely because it is one of the most exacting processes in which the human body may sense and comprehend the source of a sound even as that comprehended sound is impossible to describe outside of metaphor or comparison. As one of the more recognizable qualities of sound but the most difficult to describe, timbre allows us to consider physical/emotional (affective) experiences of sound as a key aspect of faith and meditation. In this article, I examine physical-affective intersections of faith and meditation that often are key to praxes of worship, and show …

Singing A Wide Heart: Timbre And Sung Prayer In Senegal’S Layène Community, Margaret L. Rowley

Yale Journal of Music & Religion

Layène sung prayer (called sikkar) is embedded within the religious practices of the Layène community, a minority Sufi order in Dakar, Senegal. This article explores the functions of Layène sung prayer, focusing especially on its loud, vibrational timbre. Both men and women vocalists in call-and-response sing loudly, using wide vibrato and electronic amplification to ensure that the sikkar reaches the inhabitants—both human and non-human—in the surrounding community. This article demonstrates that the distinctive timbre of Layène sung prayer serves the spiritual functions of binding the community together in spiritual and social cohesion, increasing individual and collective generosity, and demarcating …