Master of Divinity

An exegetical analysis on the use of Tsitsit in prayer in Numbers 15:37-41

2022-08-15T03:00:17Z

An exegetical analysis on the use of Tsitsit in prayer in Numbers 15:37-41 Dime, Ana A. This study used exegetical method to analyze the use of tsitsit in prayer in Numbers 15:37-41, its origin, function, and meaning. Books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other on-line materials were used as relevant references. Results of the study revealed that the commandment of wearing the tsitsit was given by God through Moses while the Israelites were still in the wilderness, after they had gone out from Egypt and before they entered the Promised Land. This commandment was ordained for all generations. A blue thread or cord was specified to be placed on the borders or comers of their garments. The tsitsit (tassels or fringes) serves as a visual reminder to obey the commandments of the Lord. The color tekhelet (blue) was expensive because it came from a rare sea snail that must be harvested by hand and many snails were needed to produce a single drop of dye. In the course of time, garment fashion has changed and the Israelites developed a particular garment called tallit (prayer shawl) on which the tsitsit could be attached. is primarily used in their daily prayers, worship, and other religious ceremonies, and they wear a small tallit for their ordinary daily living. This garment never parts from the wearers until death that it is worn even during burial. Up to this day, Israelites wear the tsitsit attached to the tallit. Abstract only

A hermeneutical study of the theology of Hế-ra‛ (affliction) in the Naomi narrative and its implications to the struggles of the families of the overseas Filipino workers

2022-04-26T04:00:16Z

A hermeneutical study of the theology of Hế-ra‛ (affliction) in the Naomi narrative and its implications to the struggles of the families of the overseas Filipino workers Caspe, Adiel Nathan G. Poverty has been the common reason cited for the diaspora of Filipinos to find work and sustain their needs as well as that of their family. Hê-ra‛ (affliction) is a common struggle experienced by the OFWs and their families to survive. This research work aimed to study the Naomi narrative in Ruth 1:1-22 to specifically find out the theology of hê-ra‛ and its implications to the struggles of the families of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It utilized the method that included exegetical, analytical and historical presentation on the Naomi narrative focused on the analysis of the content of the Biblical passage in its original text. Affliction is part of living in this world. Hê-ra‛ is used to describe affliction or being afflicted, what causes someone to experience pain or suffering. It has a disciplinary value, a form of divine teaching for God’s people to experience His abundance as part of His plan for all creation. This teaching suggests that hê-ra‛ is God’s creative design for each person to grow in the knowledge of Him, for a better life and purpose. Abstract only

A critical analysis of major themes in the Liberation Theology of Latin America

2023-05-23T05:57:58Z

A critical analysis of major themes in the Liberation Theology of Latin America Chum, Awi This thesis is an analysis and evaluation of the contents of several major themes of Liberation Theology. Furthermore, it is a response to the criticisms which arise against Liberation Theology. Four major themes, namely, "Man is the master of his own destiny," "Faith without ideologies is dead," "Hermeneutics of suspicion," and “The Church: A new breed of Christians," were chosen because they are heatedly discussed in Christian circles all over the world. The aim of this study is also to make clear the main points or thoughts of Liberation Theology so that people may understand the contents and aims of Liberation Theology. This may clarify unnecessary misunderstanding and confusion. To enable one to understand why Liberation Theology evolved, its background history and development are traced in chapter one. The basic situation of poverty in Latin America, which is seen as a "sinful situation," is the reason for the formulation of this theology. Certain conferences, councils, encyclicals and significant personalities are mentioned which begin to bring out this theological concept. The aim of the study of the first major theme is to answer the question, "Is man the master of his own destiny?" The importance of commitment to "praxis" is discussed as well as the significance of human limits and conquests in history. The problem of "What is truth?" is addressed and the untrust worthiness of man and his ability is critically studied. As a result of the study, which is based on Biblical concepts, theological understanding and historical facts, it is concluded that God alone is the master of man’s destiny. The study of the second major theme is centered on the relationship between Christian faith and secular ideologies. The successes and/cr failures of these secular ideologies such as, "Development," "Communism," and "Capitalism" are pointed out. Moreover, the concepts and objectives of "ideology" are traced. On the other hand, the importance of the Christian faith is also emphasized. Since the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God are believed, the Christian faith is above every human institution, ideology, and activity. On the other hand, secular ideologies are necessary for the temporal needs of man. Because of this fact, the study concludes that faith must be supplemented by ideologies. The third major theme is "Hermeneutics of suspicion." Because of the historical changes in the situation of the poor majority of Latin America, the traditional teaching of the Church is suspected. To meet the purpose of liberation there is a new Biblical interpretation which emphasizes God as Liberator: Exodus; God's demands "Doing Justice"; Jesus and and Liberations the Kingdom of God; and Jesus and Conflict: the political dimension. In order to endorse the above hermeneutical approach, the rootedness of all theologies, including Liberation Theology, is pointed out. Because of its historical development, the study concludes in favour of the legitimacy of the new hermeneutical approach. The fourth and last major theme is concerned with the Church as a new breed of Christians. The structure and role of the Church has not been satisfactory to meet the demands of the time. To meet these, the Church has to take sides with the poor and oppressed because of the stark realities of the world. To help liberate these people the Church also must choose or create a political and economic system, and implement it, for their betterment. The members of the Church have to play their role as helpers of the broken and the bruised. By doing this, justice might be established. This is the way the new breed of Christians must act and live, with humility before God. On the whole, this study leads to the conclusion that Liberation Theology is not only an important subject of the time but also a necessary subject-matter of the world. It is pointed out that Liberation Theology needs improvement. By correcting and adding, it can be widened. Liberation Theology must not be biased only towards the poor and the oppressed. It has to liberate the rich and the oppressor as well. A true Liberation Theology has to deal with the liberation of everybody. Only theology which aims to liberate both parties can be a true theology. Abstract only

Jesus and power in the Gospel of Luke

2023-05-23T06:04:11Z

Jesus and power in the Gospel of Luke Equiña, Limuel R. Against the background of domination and power struggle both in the religious and the political conditions of the time the author attempts to explore the biblical theology of power according to the Gospel of Luke. This study focuses on the Jewish experiences under a series of foreign political powers, namely, the Persians, the Hellenists and the Romans. The survival of the Jews through the complexities of cultures and political pressures which they encountered was fundamentally fashioned by their nationalism and religious fanaticism. The Jews remained faithful to their own indigenous practices and beliefs in a monotheistic God which they were ready to defend at the cost of their lives. But on the whole, the Jews were obedient to the policy of the dominant power as long as the latter did not interfere in their religious life. In the Gospel of Luke, the evangelist portrayed Jesus as one in constant conflict with the Jewish religious groups. For the religious authorities, the teachings and deeds of Jesus appeared revolutionary and a threat to the existing religious system. As such, they eliminated Jesus -From the Jewish society. For Luke, though Jesus was tried and crucified under the Roman law, the Jewish religious leaders were especially responsible for his death as they were the "masterminds" of the plot. In his Gospel, Luke described Jesus’ power as both institutive and operative. God authorized Jesus to exercise his messianic power in the form of miraculous works and prophetic teaching and preaching in order to fulfill the divine plan for the world. Moreover, Jesus gave his power and authority (on a limited basis) to his disciples for the continuance of his ministry on earth until he comes back. In his exercise of institutive power, Jesus followed the model of servanthood cited by the prophetic oracles of Isaiah. With that motif, Jesus rejected the use of violence and might as a pattern for ruling. Rather, he taught service and humbleness as the paradigm of greatness. This new teaching and philosophy of leadership was properly demonstrated by Jesus himself in his life and works which challenged the ruling elite and those who dreamed of power and glory. The historical and biblical findings serve as the foundation for the author’s reflection on the present religious and political struggle for power. His study was made with the belief that his findings therein would offer a challenge to the religious and political leaders as well as to the people to re-examine their own systems of leadership, rule and cooperation for the common good so that a more humane and ordered society of people might emerge in this epoch of complexities and illusions. Abstract only