Religion
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6: New Testament Idolatry – Greed, Image, Power, and False Religion
1. Introduction While the Old Testament often portrays idolatry in overt, physical forms—statues, shrines, and rituals—the New Testament unveils a more subtle and internalised form of idolatry. Though Greco-Roman idols remained visible in Jesus’ and Paul’s day, the Holy Spirit, through the apostles, expands the definition to include greed, status,…
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7: Idolatry in the Church Today – Cultural and Religious Blending
1. Introduction While ancient idols were often visible—wood, stone, gold—the idolatry of today is often invisible, subtle, and even cloaked in religious language. Within the modern Church, cultural values and non-Christian beliefs can quietly blend with Christian doctrine, creating a form of syncretism that dilutes devotion to Christ. This entry…
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8: The Cost of Divided Worship – Judgment, Discipline, and Loss
1. Introduction Worship is not merely a spiritual activity—it is a covenantal allegiance. The Bible consistently warns that divided worship, in which the heart attempts to serve both God and another master, invites consequences. These include divine judgment, discipline, and spiritual loss. This entry explores the theological cost of syncretism…
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9: Repentance and Renewal – Returning to Christ with a Whole Heart
1. Introduction After exposing the sin of idolatry and the dangers of divided worship, Scripture always extends a hopeful call: return to the Lord. God does not merely condemn; He invites. The Bible presents repentance as the pathway to renewed covenant relationship, restored joy, and revived spiritual power. This entry…
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10: Walking in Purity – How to Guard Your Heart from Idols
1. Introduction Turning from idols is not a one-time event but the beginning of a lifelong walk of spiritual vigilance and purity. The Christian journey requires constant guarding of the heart against anything that would dethrone Christ. This final entry offers biblical instruction and practical wisdom for cultivating a lifestyle…
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11: Idolatry and the Trinity – Worshipping God in Wholeness
1. Introduction The battle against idolatry is not merely moral or behavioural—it is profoundly theological. At its core, idolatry is a misrepresentation of God, a rejection of His self-revelation, and a distortion of worship. True worship must respond to God as He is, and the God of Scripture reveals Himself…
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Political Insights into Bible (Contents)
1: The Good Samaritan — Political Context and Deeper Meaning 2: The Lost Son — A Protective Act Within Harsh Cultural Norms and Political Implications 3: The Parable of the Wicked Tenants — A Political Critique of Leadership and Power 4: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry — A Political Statement of Messianic…
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1: The Good Samaritan — Political Context and Deeper Meaning
Political Risk and Radical Mercy Amidst Ethnic Conflict Introduction The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) is often understood as a simple moral lesson about charity and neighbourly love. However, when viewed through the political and ethnic tensions between Jews of Judah and the Samaritans, this parable emerges as…
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2: The Lost Son — A Protective Act Within Harsh Cultural Norms and Political Implications
Radical Protection and Political Challenge Within a Culture of Honour and Shame Introduction The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11–32) is widely recognised as a profound story of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. However, when examined within the cultural and political context of first-century Jewish society, the father’s actions transcend…
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3: The Parable of the Wicked Tenants — A Political Critique of Leadership and Power
Political Critique of Religious Leadership and Authority Introduction The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Mark 12:1–12; Matthew 21:33–46; Luke 20:9–19) is often read as a story about stewardship and judgment. However, viewed within the political and religious context of first-century Judea, it emerges as a bold critique of the Jewish…
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4: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry — A Political Statement of Messianic Kingship and Challenge to Authority
Political Assertion and Messianic Challenge Introduction Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–44; John 12:12–19) is often celebrated as a fulfillment of messianic prophecy and a public declaration of his identity. Viewed through the political lens of first-century Judea, this event emerges as a bold, symbolic…
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5: The Trial of Jesus — Political Collusion and Religious Power
Political Collusion and Religious Authority Introduction The trial of Jesus (Mark 14:53–65; Matthew 26:57–68; Luke 22:54–71; John 18:12–40) represents a critical moment where religious leaders and political authorities conspired to neutralise a perceived threat to their power. Far from a purely religious proceeding, the trial is deeply political, reflecting the…
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6: The Book of Esther — Court Politics and Minority Survival
Court Politics and Minority Survival in the Persian Empire Introduction The Book of Esther is a unique biblical narrative set within the political intrigues of the Persian Empire’s royal court. It highlights the precarious position of the Jewish minority and their survival through strategic political manoeuvring. Viewed through a political…
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7: The Story of David and Saul — Political Power Struggles in Ancient Israel
Political Power Struggles and Legitimacy in Ancient Israel Introduction The narrative of David and Saul, found primarily in 1 Samuel, is a vivid portrayal of political rivalry, questions of royal legitimacy, and tribal loyalties in ancient Israel. Viewed through the lens of political analysis, this story reveals the complexities of…
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8: The Exile and Return — Geopolitical Realities and National Identity
Geopolitical Realities and National Identity in Biblical Israel Introduction The Babylonian Exile and subsequent return under Persian rule constitute one of the most significant geopolitical events in Israel’s history. This period profoundly shaped Israel’s national identity, religious theology, and understanding of covenant. Viewed politically, the exile was not only a…
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9: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Political and Social Inclusion in the Kingdom of God Introduction The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) is traditionally understood as a call for spiritual preparedness. However, viewed through the lens of political and social realities in first-century Judea, it also addresses issues of inclusion and exclusion within the…
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10: The Tower of Babel — Political Ambition and Divine Judgment
Political Ambition and Divine Judgment in the Early Biblical Narrative Introduction The story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) is often interpreted as an explanation for the diversity of languages. However, viewed through a political lens, it presents a narrative about human political ambition, centralisation of power, and divine…
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11: The Calling of the Disciples
Political Subversion of Social Hierarchies in Jesus’ Ministry Introduction The calling of Jesus’ disciples, particularly the invitation to fishermen and other low-status individuals (Mark 1:16–20; Matthew 4:18–22; Luke 5:1–11), represents a profound challenge to the social and political hierarchies of first-century Judea. Viewed politically, this event embodies Jesus’ subversive mission…
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12: Jesus’ Cleansing of the Temple — Confronting Religious and Political Corruption
A Radical Confrontation of Religious and Political Corruption Introduction Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12–17; Mark 11:15–19; Luke 19:45–48; John 2:13–22) stands as a decisive and politically charged act challenging the intertwined religious and political powers controlling Jerusalem’s central religious institution. This event symbolically confronts systemic corruption, economic exploitation,…
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13: The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus — Social Justice and Economic Critique
Social Justice and Economic Critique in Jesus’ Teaching Introduction The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) is a poignant narrative illustrating the stark contrast between wealth and poverty, and the ultimate consequences of ignoring social justice. Viewed through a political and economic lens, the parable serves as…
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14: The Early Church Council at Jerusalem — Political and Theological Tensions
Navigating Political and Theological Tensions in the Formation of Early Christian Identity Introduction The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15) represents a foundational moment in the early Christian movement where theological debates intersected with significant political and social challenges. This gathering addressed the contentious issue of Gentile inclusion and the role…
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15: The Book of Daniel — Political Resistance and Faithfulness in Exile
Introduction The Book of Daniel offers a compelling narrative of political resistance, prophetic vision, and unwavering faithfulness amid the pressures of exile in the Babylonian and Persian empires. Viewed through the political lens, Daniel’s story embodies the tension between imperial authority and divine sovereignty, illustrating how faith communities navigate oppressive…
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Theological Contrasts in Modern Evangelicalism (Contents)
1: Beth Moore – Charismatic Devotion and the Public Voice of Evangelical Women 2: Rick Warren – Purpose, Pragmatism, and the Seeker-Sensitive Revolution 3: T.D. Jakes – Prosperity, Modalism, and the Language of Empowerment 4: Francis Chan – Simplicity, House Church, and the Spirit-Led Life 5: Andy Stanley – Cultural…
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1: Beth Moore – Charismatic Devotion and the Public Voice of Evangelical Women
1. Introduction Beth Moore stands as one of the most prominent and influential evangelical women of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. As a Bible teacher, author, and public speaker, Moore’s ministry reached millions of Christians across denominational lines, especially through her work with LifeWay Christian Resources and the…
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2: Rick Warren – Purpose, Pragmatism, and the Seeker-Sensitive Revolution
1. Introduction Rick Warren is one of the most recognisable names in contemporary evangelicalism, known for bridging pastoral ministry, church growth strategy, and global mission through an accessible and pragmatic theology. As the founding pastor of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life (2002), Warren’s influence shaped the…
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3: T.D. Jakes – Prosperity, Modalism, and the Language of Empowerment
1. Introduction Thomas Dexter Jakes, commonly known as T.D. Jakes, is one of the most influential preachers in global Christianity, particularly within African-American Pentecostal and charismatic contexts. As the founder and bishop of The Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, and a prolific author, speaker, and media entrepreneur, Jakes’s ministry…
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4: Francis Chan – Simplicity, House Church, and the Spirit-Led Life
1. Introduction Francis Chan is one of the most recognisable evangelical voices of the twenty-first century who, at the height of pastoral success, chose to walk away from megachurch leadership in pursuit of a simpler, Spirit-dependent, and mission-focused form of Christianity. Chan’s theology reflects a blend of Reformed soteriology, charismatic…
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5: Andy Stanley – Cultural Relevance, Deconstruction, and the Future of Church Communication
1. Introduction Andy Stanley has emerged as one of the most influential—and controversial—figures in modern American evangelicalism, particularly in the spheres of church leadership, communication strategy, and cultural engagement. As the founding pastor of North Point Community Church in Georgia and a frequent speaker on leadership, Stanley advocates for a…
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6: Bill Johnson – Signs, Wonders, and the Supernatural Ministry of Bethel Church
1. Introduction Bill Johnson is a defining figure in contemporary charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity, especially known for pioneering a theology of supernatural ministry, healing, and revival culture. As the senior leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California, Johnson has significantly influenced the global charismatic landscape through Bethel Music, the Bethel…
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7: Mike Bickle – Prayer, Prophecy, and the Eschatology of Intimacy
1. Introduction Mike Bickle is a prominent figure in contemporary charismatic Christianity, particularly known for pioneering a global prayer movement grounded in prophetic worship, eschatological urgency, and bridal devotion to Christ. As founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) in Kansas City, Missouri, Bickle has championed 24/7 worship and…
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8: Steven Furtick – Emotional Energy, Motivational Rhetoric, and Charismatic Popularity
1. Introduction Steven Furtick is a leading figure in the contemporary charismatic–evangelical landscape, known for his high-energy preaching, motivational tone, and widespread digital reach. As the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church in North Carolina, Furtick has pioneered a style of ministry that combines pop-cultural relevance, emotional intensity, and…
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9: Zane Hodges – Free Grace Theology and the Debate over Lordship Salvation
1. Introduction Zane C. Hodges was a New Testament scholar and leading proponent of Free Grace Theology, a doctrinal system that sharply distinguished salvation from discipleship and rejected the idea that true faith must necessarily produce good works. In contrast to Lordship Salvation—promoted by figures like John MacArthur—Hodges insisted that…
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10: Charles Ryrie – Dispensational Theology, Free Grace, and Biblical Simplicity
1. Introduction Charles Caldwell Ryrie was one of the most influential evangelical theologians of the twentieth century, particularly known for his contributions to Dispensationalism, Free Grace Theology, and the popularisation of systematic theology through accessible writing. Ryrie sought to make theological clarity available to laypeople without sacrificing scholarly rigour, and…
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11: Tim Keller – Cultural Apologetics, Urban Ministry, and Gospel-Centred Justice
1. Introduction Timothy J. Keller (1950–2023) was one of the most influential evangelical thinkers, pastors, and writers of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Known for his intellectual depth, pastoral gentleness, and cultural sensitivity, Keller pioneered a model of urban ministry that engaged sceptics and professionals in postmodern contexts.…
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12: Russell Moore – Public Theology, Ethics, and the Prophetic Voice of Evangelicalism
1. Introduction Russell Moore has emerged as one of the most intellectually rigorous and ethically grounded voices in modern evangelicalism, particularly in the realms of public theology, political witness, and moral conscience. Known for his tenure as president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist…
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13: John MacArthur – Expository Preaching, Doctrinal Certainty, and Evangelical Separatism
1. Introduction John MacArthur is one of the most recognisable and polarising evangelical leaders of the past half-century, known for his unwavering commitment to verse-by-verse expository preaching, Reformed soteriology, and separation from theological compromise. As pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, president of The Master’s Seminary, and…
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The Triune God Across Scripture (Contents)
Father God in the Old Testament Father God in the New Testament Father God in the Old and New Testaments Jesus Christ in the Old Testament Jesus Christ in the New Testament Jesus Christ in the Old and New Testaments The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament The Holy Spirit…
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Father God in the Old Testament
Father God in the Old Testament: Identity, Imagery, and Covenant Relationship 1. Introduction The concept of God as “Father” is central in Christian theology, yet its presence in the Old Testament (OT) is less frequent than in the New Testament. However, when it appears, it carries profound theological weight, rooted…
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Father God in the New Testament
Father God in the New Testament: Revelation Through the Son and Intimate Divine Relationship 1. Introduction The New Testament (NT) significantly deepens and personalises the concept of God as Father, building upon Old Testament covenantal themes. Through the life, teachings, and person of Jesus Christ, God is revealed not only…
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Father God in the Old and New Testaments
Father God in the Old and New Testaments: Continuity, Fulfilment, and Relational Depth 1. Introduction The image of God as Father is one of the most profound theological concepts in Scripture, yet its expression shifts dramatically from the Old Testament (OT) to the New Testament (NT). While the OT presents…
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Jesus Christ in the Old Testament
The Son – Jesus Christ in the Old Testament: Presence, Prophecy, and Prefiguration 1. Introduction Although the name “Jesus” does not appear in the Old Testament (OT), Christian theology holds that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is present throughout its narrative. This presence is not explicit but revealed through…
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Jesus Christ in the New Testament
The Son – Jesus Christ in the New Testament: Revelation, Relationship, and Redemptive Authority 1. Introduction The New Testament (NT) reveals Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God, the incarnate Word, and the fulfilment of all Old Testament hope. While the Old Testament anticipates the coming of the Son…
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Jesus Christ in the Old and New Testaments
The Son – Jesus Christ in the Old and New Testaments: Prefiguration, Incarnation, and Fulfilment 1. Introduction Christian theology affirms that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both eternally pre-existent and historically incarnate. Though the Old Testament (OT) does not name Jesus explicitly, it testifies to the coming of…
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The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: Presence, Power, and Prophetic Preparation 1. Introduction The Holy Spirit, often referred to in the Old Testament (OT) as the “Spirit of the LORD” or “Ruach Elohim”, plays a vital but frequently under-recognised role in the narrative of God’s redemptive history. Though not…
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The Holy Spirit in the New Testament
The Holy Spirit in the New Testament: Person, Presence, and Power in the Age of Fulfilment 1. Introduction The New Testament (NT) brings the person and work of the Holy Spirit into clear and decisive focus. No longer operating as a primarily task-specific agent, the Spirit is now revealed as…
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The Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments
The Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments: From Divine Presence to Indwelling Power 1. Introduction The Holy Spirit is active throughout the entire biblical narrative, yet His role and manifestation differ significantly between the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT). In the OT, the Spirit appears as…
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The Trinity in the Old Testament
The Trinity in the Old Testament: United Presence of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 1. Introduction While the doctrine of the Trinity is clearly articulated in the New Testament, its roots extend deeply into the Old Testament (OT). The OT does not provide a systematic exposition of one God in…
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The Trinity in the New Testament
The Trinity in the New Testament: The Fully Revealed Presence of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 1. Introduction The New Testament (NT) brings to completion what the Old Testament anticipates—the full revelation of the Trinity: one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not a philosophical doctrine…
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The Trinity Across Scripture
The Trinity Across Scripture: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Old and New Testament Unity 1. Introduction The doctrine of the Trinity—that God is one essence in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is a cornerstone of Christian theology. While the Old Testament (OT) lays the foundational framework, the New…
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Solomon’s Temple, the Second Temple, and the Western Wall (Contents)
Solomon’s Temple, the Second Temple, and the Western Wall Solomon’s Temple (The First Temple) The Second Temple The Western Wall Comparative Study of Solomon’s Temple, the Second Temple, and the Western Wall
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Solomon’s Temple, the Second Temple, and the Western Wall
Solomon’s Temple (First Temple) 1. Who Built It The First Temple was commissioned and built by King Solomon, son of King David, according to biblical records (1 Kings 5–6; 2 Chronicles 2–3). 2. When Construction began around circa 957 BCE (traditional scholarly dating) during Solomon’s reign, which lasted approximately 40…
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Solomon’s Temple (The First Temple)
1. Introduction Solomon’s Temple, also known as the First Temple, stands as a monumental achievement in biblical history and Jewish religious tradition. Constructed under the direction of King Solomon in the 10th century BCE, it was intended as the permanent, divinely ordained dwelling place of God’s presence among His people…
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The Second Temple
1. Introduction The Second Temple occupies a pivotal place in Jewish history, representing the restoration of Jewish worship following the Babylonian exile. Rebuilt on the same sacred site as Solomon’s Temple, it symbolised renewal, covenantal continuity, and national identity. This Temple complex witnessed major developments in Jewish religious thought, sectarian…
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The Western Wall
1. Introduction The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is one of the most significant and venerated sites in Judaism today. Although it is not part of the Temple building itself, the Wall is a surviving remnant of the extensive retaining structures constructed by King Herod the Great…
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Comparative Study of Solomon’s Temple, the Second Temple, and the Western Wall
1. Introduction Jerusalem’s Temple Mount holds profound significance for Judaism as the site of God’s earthly dwelling and the spiritual heart of Israelite worship. Across millennia, three related yet distinct structures—the Solomon’s Temple (First Temple), the Second Temple, and the Western Wall—have marked this sacred space. This article compares their…
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Major Theologies (Contents)
1: Wesleyan Biblical Theology 2: Dispensationalism 3: Canonical Criticism 4: Narrative Theology 5: Reformed Theology 6: Arminianism 7: Lutheranism 8: Roman Catholic Theology 9: Eastern Orthodox Theology 10: Liberation Theology 11: Process Theology 12: Augustinian Theology 13: Thomistic Theology 14: Reformation Theology 15: Neo-Orthodoxy 16: Liberation Theology 17: Contextual Theology…
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1: Wesleyan Biblical Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Biblical Theology Wesleyan Biblical Theology is firmly situated within the discipline of Biblical Theology because it emphasises understanding Scripture as an unfolding narrative that reveals God’s redemptive work progressively through history. It is grounded in a theological reflection that respects the historical context and…
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2: Dispensationalism
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Biblical Theology Dispensationalism is categorised within Biblical Theology because it focuses on understanding the progressive revelation of God’s plan as disclosed through distinct historical periods or “dispensations” in Scripture. It interprets biblical history as a series of economies or administrations in which God relates…
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3: Canonical Criticism
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Biblical Theology Canonical Criticism belongs to Biblical Theology because it centres on the final form of the biblical canon as the primary source of theological reflection. Unlike historical-critical approaches that focus on the sources or historical development of texts, Canonical Criticism studies the Bible…
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4: Narrative Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Biblical Theology Narrative Theology is placed within Biblical Theology because it approaches Scripture primarily as a unified, unfolding story centred on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Rather than focusing on isolated doctrines or propositional statements, Narrative Theology emphasises the biblical narrative as…
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5: Reformed Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Systematic Theology Reformed Theology is situated within Systematic Theology as it offers a comprehensive and coherent doctrinal system that organises biblical teachings into a structured framework. It systematically articulates doctrines such as the sovereignty of God, covenant theology, and salvation, reflecting deep engagement with…
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6: Arminianism
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Systematic Theology Arminianism is situated within Systematic Theology as it presents a coherent doctrinal framework addressing salvation, divine sovereignty, and human free will. It systematically articulates its theological positions in dialogue with other systems, especially Reformed Theology, and seeks to organise biblical teachings into…
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7: Lutheranism
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Systematic Theology Lutheranism is classified within Systematic Theology because it provides a comprehensive and coherent doctrinal system that organises biblical teachings, especially on justification, sacraments, and ecclesiology. It systematically articulates theological truths derived from Scripture, reflecting a structured theological framework characteristic of Systematic Theology…
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8: Roman Catholic Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Systematic Theology Roman Catholic Theology is placed within Systematic Theology as it systematically organises doctrines, sacraments, ecclesiology, and moral teachings into a comprehensive theological framework. It integrates Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium (teaching authority) as sources of divine revelation, reflecting a structured approach characteristic…
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9: Eastern Orthodox Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Systematic Theology Eastern Orthodox Theology is classified within Systematic Theology as it provides a comprehensive and coherent doctrinal system rooted in Scripture, Holy Tradition, and the teachings of the Church Fathers. It systematically articulates theological doctrines concerning God, salvation, and the Church, integrating liturgical,…
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10: Liberation Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual and Liberation Theologies (a subfield that often crosses over with Practical Theology) Liberation Theology is categorised primarily within Contextual and Liberation Theologies due to its focus on theology developed from the perspective of oppressed and marginalised communities. It integrates theological reflection with social…
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11: Process Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Process Theology is classified within Philosophical Theology because it employs philosophical methods—particularly those derived from process philosophy—to interpret and articulate theological doctrines. It emphasises God’s relationality, dynamism, and interaction with creation, challenging classical metaphysical assumptions about divine immutability and sovereignty. This philosophical…
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12: Augustinian Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Historical Theology Augustinian Theology is classified primarily within Historical Theology because it represents the doctrinal and spiritual legacy of Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) and his influential role in shaping Christian doctrine. It reflects the historical development of key theological concepts, especially on grace,…
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13: Thomistic Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Historical Theology Thomistic Theology is primarily situated within Historical Theology as a major theological movement that emerged in the medieval period. It reflects the historical development of Christian doctrine through the synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy and biblical revelation by Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274). Thomism’s historical…
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14: Reformation Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Historical Theology (with profound influence on Systematic Theology) Reformation Theology is primarily situated within Historical Theology as it represents a pivotal historical movement in the 16th century that reshaped Christian doctrine and practice. It also significantly informs Systematic Theology by providing a renewed doctrinal…
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15: Neo-Orthodoxy
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Historical Theology (with significant contributions to Systematic Theology) Neo-Orthodoxy is primarily classified within Historical Theology as a 20th-century theological movement reacting against liberal Protestantism and modernism. It also substantially contributes to Systematic Theology by reformulating doctrines of revelation, sin, and grace. Neo-Orthodoxy seeks to…
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16: Liberation Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual and Liberation Theologies (often related to Practical Theology) Liberation Theology is primarily placed within Contextual and Liberation Theologies due to its focus on theology developed from the perspective of oppressed and marginalized communities. It integrates theological reflection with social praxis, emphasizing liberation from…
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17: Contextual Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual and Liberation Theologies (a subfield often related to Practical Theology) Contextual Theology is a broad theological category that develops Christian reflection in response to specific cultural, social, economic, and historical contexts. While it intersects with Liberation Theology, it is not limited to social…
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18: Pentecostal/Charismatic Practical Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Practical Theology Pentecostal/Charismatic Practical Theology is situated within Practical Theology because it focuses on the lived experience, ministry practices, and spiritual formation within the context of Spirit-empowered Christianity. It applies theological reflection to the dynamics of spiritual gifts, worship, healing, and renewal movements, embodying…
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19: Catholic Pastoral Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Practical Theology Catholic Pastoral Theology is classified within Practical Theology as it focuses on the application of Catholic doctrinal principles to pastoral care, ministry, and the lived experience of the Church. It integrates sacramental theology, moral teaching, and ecclesial authority to guide the Church’s…
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20: Liberation Practical Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Practical Theology (within the broader Contextual and Liberation Theologies) Liberation Practical Theology is classified within Practical Theology because it directly engages in applying theological reflection to the lived realities of oppression and marginalisation. It is praxis-oriented, combining social analysis with transformative action, embodying theology…
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21: Evangelical Practical Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Practical Theology Evangelical Practical Theology is situated within Practical Theology because it emphasizes the application of evangelical doctrinal truths to the lived experience and ministry of the Church. It focuses on faithful biblical interpretation, personal conversion, evangelism, and discipleship, integrating theology with practical ministry…
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22: Contextual Practical Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Practical Theology (within the broader field of Contextual and Liberation Theologies) Contextual Practical Theology is classified within Practical Theology as it emphasises the development and application of pastoral and ministerial practices that are deeply informed by the specific cultural, social, and historical contexts in…
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23: Narrative and Reflective Practical Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Practical Theology Narrative and Reflective Practical Theology is situated within Practical Theology as it emphasises the use of narrative and reflective methodologies to understand and inform ministry practice, spiritual formation, and pastoral care. It integrates theological reflection with personal and communal storytelling, facilitating deeper…
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24: Feminist Practical Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Practical Theology Feminist Practical Theology is situated within Practical Theology as it applies feminist insights to the praxis of ministry, pastoral care, and ecclesial life. It critically examines and challenges patriarchal structures within the Church and society, advocating for gender justice, inclusivity, and the…
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25: Classical Theism
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Classical Theism is a foundational tradition within Philosophical Theology that articulates the nature of God through metaphysical attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, immutability, timelessness, and aseity. It employs philosophical reasoning to affirm God as the necessary, unchanging, and absolute being, rooted in…
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26: Process Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Process Theology is situated within Philosophical Theology as it applies process philosophy—particularly the metaphysical ideas of Alfred North Whitehead—to Christian theological concepts. It reinterprets divine attributes emphasizing God’s relationality, dynamism, and co-creativity with creation. Process Theology challenges classical notions of immutability and…
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27: Analytic Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Analytic Theology is positioned within Philosophical Theology due to its use of analytic philosophy’s rigorous methods—such as logical analysis, clarity in language, and argumentative precision—to articulate, clarify, and evaluate theological doctrines. It aims to provide clear, coherent, and rational accounts of theological…
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28: Existential Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Existential Theology is situated within Philosophical Theology as it engages existential philosophy—drawing from thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, and Paul Tillich—to explore themes of human existence, faith, anxiety, and authenticity. It focuses on the subjective experience of faith and the personal…
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29: Neo-Thomism
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Neo-Thomism is positioned within Philosophical Theology as a revival and development of Thomistic philosophy and theology. It seeks to apply the metaphysical and theological principles of Thomas Aquinas to contemporary philosophical and theological questions, often engaging modern scientific and philosophical challenges while…
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30: Negative (Apophatic) Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Negative Theology, also known as Apophatic Theology, is situated within Philosophical Theology because it employs a philosophical and theological approach that emphasizes the ineffability and incomprehensibility of God. It articulates God’s nature primarily by negation—stating what God is not—rather than through positive…
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31: Reformed Philosophical Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Reformed Philosophical Theology is situated within Philosophical Theology as it provides a systematic philosophical articulation of Reformed Christian doctrine. It integrates Reformed theological emphases such as God’s sovereignty, covenant, and providence with rigorous philosophical analysis, engaging with metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics to…
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32: Open Theism
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Open Theism is situated within Philosophical Theology as it provides a philosophical and theological framework that challenges classical theism’s views on divine foreknowledge and sovereignty. It proposes that God’s knowledge of the future is dynamic and open, emphasizing human free will and…
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33: Religious Epistemology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Religious Epistemology is positioned within Philosophical Theology as it explores the nature, scope, and justification of religious belief. It applies epistemological analysis to questions of faith, knowledge, and rationality, examining how religious claims can be known, justified, or reasonably believed. This tradition…
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34: Philosophical Hermeneutics
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Philosophical Theology Philosophical Hermeneutics is situated within Philosophical Theology as it applies philosophical inquiry to the theory and practice of interpretation, especially of sacred texts. It explores the nature of understanding, meaning, and interpretation in theology, addressing how humans engage with divine revelation through…
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35: African Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology African Theology is situated within Contextual Theology as a form of theological reflection emerging from the African cultural, social, and historical context. It seeks to articulate Christian faith authentically in dialogue with African traditions, communal values, and experiences of colonialism and postcolonial…
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36: Latin American Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology Latin American Theology is situated within Contextual Theology as a theological reflection deeply rooted in the social, political, and cultural realities of Latin America. It emphasizes the preferential option for the poor and liberation from systemic injustice, integrating biblical faith with grassroots…
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37: Asian Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology Asian Theology is positioned within Contextual Theology as a theological reflection emerging from the diverse cultural, religious, and socio-political contexts of Asia. It seeks to articulate Christian faith authentically in dialogue with Asian philosophies, religions (such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam), and social…
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38: Indigenous Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology Indigenous Theology is situated within Contextual Theology as a theological reflection emerging from the unique cultural, spiritual, and historical experiences of indigenous peoples worldwide. It seeks to articulate Christian faith through the lens of indigenous worldviews, emphasizing connection to land, community, and…
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39: Feminist Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology Feminist Theology is situated within Contextual Theology as a theological movement that critiques and reinterprets traditional theology from the perspective of gender justice and equality. It seeks to address and transform patriarchal structures within the Church and society, advocating for the full…
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40: Liberation Theology (Contextual)
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology Liberation Theology (Contextual) is situated within Contextual Theology as a movement that arises from the lived experience of oppressed and marginalised communities, especially in Latin America, but with global resonance. It integrates theological reflection with social analysis and praxis, emphasising liberation from…
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41: Postcolonial Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology Postcolonial Theology is situated within Contextual Theology as a critical theological approach that examines and responds to the legacies of colonialism in theological discourse and practice. It seeks to deconstruct Eurocentric theologies and to recover the voices and experiences of colonized and…
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42: Womanist Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology Womanist Theology is a contextual theological movement that arises from the experiences and perspectives of Black women, primarily in the United States. It addresses the intersections of race, gender, and class oppression, advocating for liberation, empowerment, and justice within the Church and…
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43: Mujerista Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology Mujerista Theology is a contextual theological movement that arises from the lived experiences of Latina women, particularly in the United States and Latin America. It focuses on the intersections of ethnicity, gender, and class, advocating for the liberation and empowerment of Latina…
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44: Minjung Theology
1. Theological Category and Placement Category: Contextual Theology Minjung Theology is situated within Contextual Theology as a Korean contextual theological movement focusing on the experiences and struggles of the minjung—“the people,” specifically the oppressed and marginalized masses. It articulates Christian faith in solidarity with the suffering and liberation of the…