The aim of the thesis is to classify the form of political leadership and domination in Shia islam's political ideology, their development and ability to succeed in political reality. I especially focus on the Shia understanding of political power and its connection to infallible Imam as secular and religious leader of the Shia community. For analysis of the concepts I use the description of early Islam, including the Shia reasons for the dissolution of Muslim ummah, as well as the reasons that led to the multiple division of Shiism. I analyse specific examples of ideological break up of the Shia community (Ithnasharia, Isma'ila, Hashashins, Alawi, Duryz and modern Islamic Republic of Iran) and finally cardinal reformulation of understanding of political leadership and domination by Ayatollah Khomeini. His concept Wilājat al-faqīh (Guardianship of the jurist) started the era of radical transformation of the Shia political ideology, although he wanted only to modernize it and not to establish a brand new set up. My aspiration is therefore to analyze whether Wilājat al-faqīh can still be seen as the return to the roots of traditional Shiism or if it has a new quality without connection to previous Shia history.

「シャリーアの目的」論は、啓示による定めのない事柄についての行為規範を導き出すための理論として10世紀に誕生したが、今日では、時代の変化に応じて柔軟にシャリーアを解釈するための理論と目されている。イスラームの伝統的な価値観と国際人権法が衝突する問題の一つに信教の自由が挙げられるが、この問題について近代以降の「シャリーアの目的」論者たちは革新的な解釈を提唱してきた。彼らによれば、クルアーンはイスラーム国家の枠内で信教の自由を保証している。しかし、イスラーム的な信教の自由と西洋的なそれは同一ではなく、前者を後者に近づけようとすれば、啓示に反する解釈が必要になる。そのような解釈を正当化するため、「シャリーアの目的」論者たちは、儀礼行為(イバーダート)に関する規範と社会行為(ムアーマラート)に関する規範を区別し、後者の可変性を主張することがある。この区別は、彼らが言うように、中世においても認められていた。だが、近代以降の「シャリーアの目的」論は、中世のものに比べ、啓示と理性の役割分担を曖昧にする傾向がある。 / The theory of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, born in the 10th century as a theory about how to know rules that are not explicitly given by God or the Prophet, is considered today as a theory about adapting interpretation of sharī‘ah to the needs of the times. Modern and contemporary reformers who adopt this theory have been presenting fresh interpretations with regard to freedom of religion, which is among issues about which Islamic traditional values contradict international human rights law. According to these reformers, the Qur'ān teaches that freedom of religion should be protected within the framework of an Islamic state. Yet the Islamic version of freedom of religion is not the same as its Western version, and therefore, if they try to make the former more similar to the latter, they cannot help going against the scriptural texts. They occasionally do so, maintaining that sharī‘ah's rules relating social acts (mu‘āmalāt), rather than devotional acts (‘ibādāt), are changeable. As they say, the distinction between ‘ibādāt and mu‘āmalāt has been acknowledged by Muslim jurists since the Middle Ages. In recent times, however, the theory of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah tends to be less clear about what to do with conflicts between divine revelation and human reason than it used to. / 博士(一神教研究) / Doctor of Philosophy in Monotheistic Studies / 同志社大学 / Doshisha University

There is a popular misconception in the world that Jehovah is too severe on occasion while Jesus Christ is always kind and merciful. The Latter-day Saint belief that Jehovah and Jesus are the same person presents a supposed conflict. There has not been much written on this subject by either non-Latter-day Saints or Latter-day Saints, thus, this thesis represents a unique contribution to a common perception prevalent in many Christian circles. The research of this thesis shows that the misconception is based on three problems: first, a misinterpretation of biblical stories in both the Old and New Testament; second, a lack of understanding biblical context and culture; and third, a lack of applying modern revelation to this subject. The research of this thesis focuses on these three areas in an effort to resolve this false perception. This thesis takes a deeper look into the acts of Jehovah and Jesus Christ as found in the Old and New Testaments respectively. Next, it looks as several doctrines related to this subject that have been revealed through latter-day prophets and incorporates them into the Old Testament. This analysis paints a broader picture of the Lord and illustrates that He was, indeed, merciful in the Old Testament but, at times, severe in the New Testament. Lastly, this thesis takes four of the most difficult Old Testament stories that seem to represent Jehovah as harsh, capricious, and unyielding, and puts them in their cultural setting. Though not every act can be completely explained, there is a high degree of similarity between Jehovah and Jesus. The study concludes, therefore, that much of the problem lies with perception and not with reality.

This thesis seeks to answer the question of the origin of some of the most fundamental additions made to early Christian baptism. Christian baptism began in a relatively simple liturgical form, but became, by the fourth century, a much more dramatic set of initiation rituals. Among the added elements to baptism were washing ceremonies in the nude, physical anointing with oil, being marked or signed with the cross on the forehead, and receiving white garments. Scholars have proposed different theories as to the origins of these baptismal rituals. Some claim the elements existed in the New Testament practice of the rite. Others have supposed that the Christian church adopted the elements from either the Jewish synagogue or from contemporary pagan modes of initiation. This thesis argues that the initiation rituals of the Israelite tabernacle and temple provide a much more likely source for the added elements of Christian baptism. The esoteric practices of the temple priests became the esoteric tradition of early Christianity. The rites of this temple-oriented esoteric tradition in both the Old and New Testaments parallel, and may have been the origin for, the evolutions made to Christian baptism during the third and fourth centuries of the church. Christian groups such as the Valentinians provide evidence of higher esoteric rites being interpreted as baptism. Somehow the esoteric rites of the Israelite temple and the esoteric rites of early Christianity were adopted into the practice of Christian baptism.

No description available.

[pt] Esta dissertação de mestrado visa mostrar que a cristologia narrativa e escatológica de Joseph Moingt oferece elementos para uma teologia fundamental, que considere a contemporaneidade e seus desafios à fé cristã como a secularização, a morte de Deus, o ateísmo, o agnosticismo e a ressignificação da linguagem teológica. Com uma cristologia que considera a questão de Deus, Moingt propõe uma teologia cujo fundamento está localizado em uma cristologia mais próxima das Sagradas Escrituras e de acordo com a da história. Em sua obra, o homem que vinha de Deus, partiu do homem e da problemática contemporâneos, em uma perspectiva de teologia fundamental, onde estão no centro Deus e sua revelação em Jesus Cristo. Moingt defende que o abandono da abordagem tradicional da filiação divina de Jesus, a partir da história do Evangelho e da confissão pascal, ainda presente no Símbolo dos apóstolos (sujeito principal das afirmações), para uma cristologia dedutiva dos enunciados cristológicos, da preexistência eterna e coeternidade do Filho, ocasionou uma mudança substancial na compreensão e transmissão do mistério da fé. Não se parte mais da pregação apostólica e da experiência fundante de Cristo com os apóstolos, presente na trama das narrativas, mas assume centralidade, uma linguagem metafísica estranha e ahistórica, alheia à revelação bíblica, sempre compreendida como história da salvação na história humana. Nosso estudo crítico da cristologia de Moingt apresenta instigante e fundamental jornada, exigindo do leitor maturidade teológica, uma nova hermenêutica, compreensível ao homem de hoje e a compreensão da teologia como esperança. / [fr] Cette thèse de Maîtrise vise à montrer que la christologie narrative et la eschatologique de Joseph Moingt offre des éléments pour une théologie fondamentale que considère la contemporanéité et ses défis à la foi chrétienne tels que la sécularisation, la mort de Dieu l athéisme, l agnosticisme et le processus du renouveau de la signification du langage théologique. Avec une christologie qui considère la question de Dieu, Moingt propose une théologie dont le fondements est situé dans une christologie plus proche des Saintes Écritures et selon celle de l histoire. Dans son oeuvre, L homme qui venait de Dieu, Il part de l homme et de la problématique contemporaine dans une perspective de théologie fondamentale, où Dieu et sa révélation en Jésus-Christ sont au centre. Moingt défend que l abandon de l approche traditionnelle de la filiation divine de Jésus à partir du récit évangélique et de la confession pascale, encore présente dans le Symbole des Apôtres, à une christologie déductive des énoncés christologiques de la préexistence éternelle e coéternelle du Fils à occasionné un changement substantiel dans la compréhension et la transmission du mystère de la foi. Il ne s agit plus de partir de la prédication apostolique et de l expérience fondatrice du Christ avec les apôtres, présents dans l intrigue des récits, mais assume la centralité, un langage métaphysique étrange et non historique, étrangère à la révélation biblique, toujours comprise comme l histoire du salut humain. Notre étude critique de la christologie de Moingt présente stimulant et fondamental journeé, exigeant du lecteur maturité théologique, une nouvelle herméneutique compréhensible pour l homme d aujourd hui et la compréhension de la théologie comme espérance.

Current pentecostal scholarship is attempting to articulate pentecostal theological distinctives. For hermeneutics, this involves both a descriptive and a prescriptive approach to the use of the Bible. The descriptive approach appraises the historical roots of pentecostalism, which include the Wesleyan I Holiness movement, the radical Reformation, Tertullian and Montanism, and earliest charismatic communities. These understood Christian Scripture as guidelines to a Way of behaviour and testimony, rather than a source-book of doctrine. This 'alternative history' experienced the Enlightenment on a different level to protestantism and fundamentalism. Many of the concerns of historical church theology and hermeneutics during the last centuries are thus not always shared by pentecostals. The choice is: articulate a distinctive pentecostal hermeneutic, or 'borrow' from non-pentecostal theology. The prescriptive approach first investigates some of the latter options: some identify closely with conservative evangelical hermeneutics. Others prefer the political hermeneutic of the socio-political contextual theologies. The burgeoning Faith Movement has influenced many pentecostals. Some pentecostal scholars show interest in 'post-modern' literary theory. A viable pentecostal hermeneutic might be prescribed as follows: It respects the demands of scientific method, not ignoring the concerns of contemporary hermeneutical philosophy and literary theory. It highlights specifically pentecostal concerns: the teleology of any encounter with the text; historical continuity with the early church groups; implementation, demonstration and realisation of the literal intent of the text; the role of biblical narrative in defining experience of God; and the authority granted ongoing revelation via the charismata in the light of the canon. Application of a pentecostal hermeneutic would emphasise an holistic understanding of Scripture, the crucial role of the charismatic community, awareness of issues in the ongoing hermeneutical debate, and the need for the interpreter's personal ongoing charismatic experience. In a distinctively pentecostal exegesis of 1 Corinthians 14 prophecy is discussed as normal liturgical activity, as a confrontation of outsiders and unbelievers, in terms of its regulation, and in the light of spiritual discernment / Biblical and Ancient Studies / Th. D. (New Testament)

Current pentecostal scholarship is attempting to articulate pentecostal theological distinctives. For hermeneutics, this involves both a descriptive and a prescriptive approach to the use of the Bible. The descriptive approach appraises the historical roots of pentecostalism, which include the Wesleyan I Holiness movement, the radical Reformation, Tertullian and Montanism, and earliest charismatic communities. These understood Christian Scripture as guidelines to a Way of behaviour and testimony, rather than a source-book of doctrine. This 'alternative history' experienced the Enlightenment on a different level to protestantism and fundamentalism. Many of the concerns of historical church theology and hermeneutics during the last centuries are thus not always shared by pentecostals. The choice is: articulate a distinctive pentecostal hermeneutic, or 'borrow' from non-pentecostal theology. The prescriptive approach first investigates some of the latter options: some identify closely with conservative evangelical hermeneutics. Others prefer the political hermeneutic of the socio-political contextual theologies. The burgeoning Faith Movement has influenced many pentecostals. Some pentecostal scholars show interest in 'post-modern' literary theory. A viable pentecostal hermeneutic might be prescribed as follows: It respects the demands of scientific method, not ignoring the concerns of contemporary hermeneutical philosophy and literary theory. It highlights specifically pentecostal concerns: the teleology of any encounter with the text; historical continuity with the early church groups; implementation, demonstration and realisation of the literal intent of the text; the role of biblical narrative in defining experience of God; and the authority granted ongoing revelation via the charismata in the light of the canon. Application of a pentecostal hermeneutic would emphasise an holistic understanding of Scripture, the crucial role of the charismatic community, awareness of issues in the ongoing hermeneutical debate, and the need for the interpreter's personal ongoing charismatic experience. In a distinctively pentecostal exegesis of 1 Corinthians 14 prophecy is discussed as normal liturgical activity, as a confrontation of outsiders and unbelievers, in terms of its regulation, and in the light of spiritual discernment / Biblical and Ancient Studies / Th. D. (New Testament)

This study is concerned with the need to investigate the Johannine idea of truth in the context of the Old Testament background, with the stated aim of showing how this conception of truth could still reach those outside the boundary of Judaism. This thesis needs to be set within the larger framework of revelation. The revelation of God in the Old Testament pointed to God's final and fullest revelation given in his Son. And because Jesus is indeed the truth, as he himself explicitly claimed, it necessarily follows that every portion of this revelation is true and reliable in every way. Moreover, because this revelation has been given, there is the need for those to serve as witnesses to it. These witnesses, both divine and human, are themselves revelation by virtue of their divine origin and their consequent inclusion as part of the overall New Testament witness to Jesus. Chapter one addresses those introductory matters relevant for understanding John's unique view of truth. There are two aspects to this view of truth as centered in Jesus: Jesus as the revelation of truth, and Jesus as the revealer of truth. Truth is the person and work of Jesus, and chapter two treats the first aspect in discussing eight ideas that explain this view of truth. The second aspect is the focus of chapter three. Because truth comes only from God, it must be revealed since human beings cannot understand it on their own. In order for this revelation to be received, witnesses are needed to testify to it. Hence, in John truth and revelation cannot be separated, and witnesses must testify to this revelation as the truth of God. Because Jesus is both the revealer and the revelation itself, he is therefore the preeminent witness precisely because his is a self-authenticating witness that receives the Father's affirmation. The last chapter applies this theological foundation using three ideas that are specifically connected with the word "truth": abiding, sanctification, and worship. Truth is more than intellectual acquirement; it is living one's life in love and service of God and others. / New Testament / D. Th (New Testament)

Violence in traditional “satisfaction” atonement theologies is addressed here. An alternative non-violent view follows in discussion with Weaver / Heim. Weaver outlines a nonviolent Jesus narrative focussing on God’s rule made visible in history. Jesus’ saving death stems not from God but Jesus’ opposing evil powers. For viability violent biblical texts are disregarded. Church history interpretation is nonconventional. Early church is nonviolent. The subsequent Constantinian “fall” births the violent satisfaction model. Weaver’s problematical violence definition receives attention. Girard’s scapegoating philosophy and Jesus’ rescuing humankind from this evil undergirds Heim’s approach. Scapegoating establishes communal peace preventing violence. The bible is antisacrificial giving victims a voice. Jesus becomes a scapegoating victim, yet simultaneously exposes and reverses scapegoating, his death stemming from evil powers not God. Nonviolent atonement influences numerous theological concepts with Incarnational theology demonstrating Jesus’ humanness impacting upon atonement. Four ways to live out transformation established by Jesus’ saving work follow. / School of Humanities / MTH (Systematic Theology)