Assumption of Theological Theories tied to Religious Studies
Theology in its own right deserves a place amongst the scholastic attempts to put forth answers to the questions Hinnells deems as “meaning, truth, beauty and practice” (108), yet Rodrigues deciphers as “studying, reflecting on, systematizing, disseminating, defending and promoting one’s religion from within that tradition.” (35) Either way, it is assumed that theology is but a tool used to help the religious scholar interpret the difference between religion, religious studies and being religious. Theology, in and of itself continues to fight for space between all the other methodologies used to answer the questions of life’s most pervious questions found that cannot be touched within the study of religion. The many assumptions of theological analysis stem from application of terminology, misunderstanding of concept, and individual interpretation.
Hinnells offers eight different branches of theology: systematic, historical; biblical; moral; philosophical; practical; mystical; and as a confessional discipline. (96-97) Even with these different branches, there is still the scholar of one particular tradition (or background of schooling) attempts to apply his terminology on to a concept of the other. This raises the question: whose label is the accurate version to use? While Augustine’s ChristineDoctrine could for all intense purposes, be used when applying terminology towards the analysis of any faith, it would not comprehend the scope of Hinduism.
Not to mention that the concept in and of theology itself is not shared between religions. The Jewish tradition is skeptical (with good reason) of using Western terminology “since Christians (or others) could use it to see...
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...ile the secular environment leaves the door open for interpretation.
Repeatedly, commonality of understanding continues to carry the barrier of misinterpretation. Removing the assumptions of application of terminology, misunderstanding of concept, and individual interpretation will help the scholar studying religion. Theology continues to fight for space between all the other methodologies used to answer the questions of why, how, when and where does God and religion fit in with life. Where religion cannot go, theology can. Akin to the outdated use of Morse code, theology is alive through each branch of analytical science, with application to the study of religion. Theology should have its’ own place in the schematics of study, but has more pizzazz when tied in with the study of religion.
Works Cited
Hinnells, study of religion
rodrigues, study of religion
Lucretia B. Yaghjian’s book, “Writing Theology Well: A Rhetoric for Theological and Biblical Writers” consists of three parts. The first part contains four chapters, the second part has two chapters and the third part has four chapters. I will summarize in this paper the first part of the first chapter, entitled as “Writing Theology Well in Its Own Context.” Yaghjian begins every chapter with “a starting point” and concludes the chapter with “a concluding reflection” which helps the readers to understand where is the chapter heading to. This chapter focuses on “the sociorhetorical Context of Writing Theology,” this gives “a summary of theological writing” and surveys of well-known theological study approach.
Evans, C. Stephen. Critical Dialog in Philosophy of Religion. 1985. Downers Grove, IL. InterVarsity Press. Taken from Philosophy of Religion - Selected Readings, Fourth Edition. 2010. Oxford University Press, NY.
Liberation Theology for Armchair Theologians overall can be included in the genre of Theology. The fact that the genre is in fact Theology transpires into the argument of this book. In order to convey his argument De La Torre, gave a historical background in the beginning of the book to help all readers understand exactly what liberation theology is. From the roots of the Spanish converting the Indians into “civilized” people in order to gain power, economic wealth and to be able to ex...
The sociology of religion is the study of the beliefs, practices and organizational forms of religion using the tools and methods of the discipline of sociology. Thus, the purpose of this comprehensive exam is to give me an opportunity to demonstrate mastery over relevant theories, methods, and empirical findings in major subfields of the sociology of religion. This reading list also provides a strong foundation in the central theoretical perspectives, main classic and current debates, and prominent published empirical studies in the field. Hence, this reading list includes a core set of readings to which we most often refer in our studies and enables comprehensive analyses about the
There are many knowledgeable books that introduce religions as well as specific religious traditions. However, students are naturally introduced to abstract methodological issues such as observer bias, rather than the religions themselves. If religions of the world are not approached with purpose and method, then students are likely to gain “stereotypes… of misinformation supplied by certain sectors of the media” (Chryssides & Geaves, 2014). Thus, in order to see how religion is lived in day to day life, one must “walk a mile in [the] moccasins [of religious people]” as Smart (1998) says. Therefore this essay will attempt to answer why it is important to study religion off campus and how this may challenge traditional understandings of religion.
Even though Averroes’ assertion that philosophy is an obligation from all who study religion seems to support innovative ideas, closer analysis shows the opposite. Considering all the limits set upon the encouragement of producing personal opinions, the role of philosophy is practically redundant. Opinions are only accepted from scholars, and even then, when they are in line with what is considered to be “right”.
"EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 & 2." EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 2. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2014.
With this in mind, the objective of this essay is to focus on the main ideas of each theologian, and discuss how each theologian’s ideas are compensatory to the other. This is important because even though each theologian’s writings were inspired by the harsh realities of the societies, and also by the effect each writer experienced in their moment in history, their critiques specifically of Christian institutions remain a consistent amongst all three writings. Furthermore, not only are their critiques consistent, but their goals for providing new frameworks for the future of the Church and Christian discipleship are consistent as well.
Religions play a crucial role in impacting how adherents live their lives and their understanding of humanities enduring questions of life. Religion is an active system of faith. Christianity is a religion centred on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the bible. A living tradition is one that is active amongst followers in present society. Whereas a dynamic tradition is capable of adapting and amending in order to meet the needs of society. Christianity is formed as a living and dynamic tradition, which is defined by its distinct characteristics. Characteristics include, sacred texts and writings, rituals and ceremonies, beliefs and believers and ethics. Ultimately, Christianity is shaped as a living and dynamic tradition through the characteristics of religion’s impacts on adherents.
...s distributed in Theology 101 at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle on 22 April 2008.
Daniel Migliore states, “Theology, is the continuous process of inquiry that is prompted both by the surprising grace of God and by the distance between the promise of God’s coming reign … and our experience of brokenness of human life. When we, as a community invest in our theological understandings and explore the Biblical, historical and philosophical details of a text, we can continue to hear God’s guidance and examine our faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our faith, trust and confidence, must propel us to seek understanding, prompt us to listen and submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit. Our faith allows us to laugh, sing, suffer, rejoice, confess, hope, act with a passion that allows us to receive freedom from God, who loves
At first glance the words “Tradition” and “tradition” may appear to be identical concepts. Upon further study, examination, and contemplation, however, these two words differ in their precise definitions. “Tradition” carries more weight and meaning than the word “tradition.” Similarly, “Truth” and “truth” do not denote the exact same principle. In fact, philosophers and religious scholars have been debating the origins of the latter two doctrines since the Middle Ages. The major dispute associated with “Truth” with a capital T and “truth” with a lower-case “t” focuses around the field of study in which each is used. According to two prominent thinkers of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Truth is revealed through religion while truth can be reasoned with philosophy. Al-Ghazali and Thomas Aquinas both hold similar, basic views on the subjects of reason and faith that uncover absolute Truth. By way of relating to the practical and functional appeal of the common public, however, Aquinas provides the stronger position of thinking when compared to that of Al-Ghazali.
Corley, Lemke and Lovejoy (2002) agree with the importance of the two contexts defining theological hermeneutics as, the process of thinking about God, thinking after the event of revelation in the...
Moral Theology is a branch of theology, the science of God and Devine things. It is also considered as the study of the ‘beginning and the end of a man’s moral life’ and essentially the analysis of how one should act. As a Roman Catholic life is marked by interior devotion to God and following the Ten Commandments. Theology, is understood to mean supernatural theology that is the science of God and Devine things, in as far as it based on supernatural Revelation. The focusing theme contains not only God in his essence, but also his actions, and his works of salvation and the guidance, which are led to God whom will be our supernatural end. Through our knowledge of all these truths is necessary for every man to understand the broadest outlines, and is acquired by Christian faith. Theology demands the knowledge won through faith, and as it deepens it expands and strengthens so that our faith can be better understood and defined by the reasons. An example of this a house is built to live in, a clock made to keep time. But what of the “end” to which we as human beings aspire? Thinking of this “end” not as an end point, but as completion as fullness.
When first looking at the relationship between philosophy and religion, I found it easier to explain the differences rather than the similarities. I began this paper the same way I do others. This generally involves a profound amount of research on the topic at hand. However, in contrast to the other papers I have done, the definitions of philosophy and religion only raised more questions for me. It was fascinating how the explanations differed dramatically from author to author.