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Articles tagged with: Theological Reflections

Medieval Mysticism: Superabundance of Divine Grace
November 1, 2013 – 3:12 am | Comments Off on Medieval Mysticism: Superabundance of Divine Grace
Medieval Mysticism: Superabundance of Divine Grace

by Albrecht Classen

While some are skeptical of the Medieval Mystics’ claims about their visions of the Divine, here is a cogent defense of those ancient people who experienced God’s Superabundance in this most unique way.

Superabundant Capacity of God: a Reformed Perspective
November 1, 2013 – 3:11 am | Comments Off on Superabundant Capacity of God: a Reformed Perspective
Superabundant Capacity of God: a Reformed Perspective

by Al Bunis

Since the term “super” is often misused today, describing God as having superabundance, may not have the impact originally intended. However, connecting superabundance to Reformed depictions of both God and humankind may be a good place to start.

The Superabundance of Impermanence
November 1, 2013 – 3:08 am | Comments Off on The Superabundance of Impermanence
The Superabundance of Impermanence

by Henry W. Morisada Rietz

This article examines a debate within the Biblical wisdom tradition, which derives its truths by observing the natural and social world. While many sayings in Proverbs portray the world as operating by the principles of cause and effect, the Teacher in Ecclesiastes charges the reader to experience the superabundance in our daily lives.

Steadfast Love
August 2, 2013 – 2:24 pm | Comments Off on Steadfast Love
Steadfast Love

by Katharine Doob Sakenfeld

Helpful examples of Cḥesed expressed in human relationships are in the stories of Ruth and Naomi and of David and Jonathan. These help us to understand the fullness of God’s Cḥesed, which is steadfast and therefore abundantly greater than any human expressions.

On the Concept Ḥesed in the Hebrew Bible
August 2, 2013 – 2:23 pm | Comments Off on On the Concept Ḥesed in the Hebrew Bible
On the Concept <em>Ḥesed</em> in the Hebrew Bible

by Baruch A. Levine

The meaning of Ḥesed has been studied by Sages and scholars since antiquity. It operates on two planes: human-to-human, and human-to-divine, where Ḥesed is an attribute of God. The Hebrew noun Ḥesed has no known etymology; we learn its meaning entirely from context and usage.

A Meditation on Ḥesed, Jung, and Love
August 2, 2013 – 2:22 pm | Comments Off on A Meditation on Ḥesed, Jung, and Love
A Meditation on <em>Ḥesed</em>, <em>Jung</em>, and Love

by Kang-Yup Na

This intriguing study explores three complex concepts that overlap yet remain distinctive aspects of our relationships with one another and with God. “Jung” is not a person but a Korean understanding of spiritual connections to one another.

The Endurance of Ḥesed in the Hebrew Scriptures
August 2, 2013 – 2:21 pm | Comments Off on The Endurance of Ḥesed in the Hebrew Scriptures
The Endurance of <em>Ḥesed</em> in the Hebrew Scriptures

by Mark Leuchter

While Ḥesed has different meanings for different situations, here are many instructive examples to help clarify the power of this ancient word that remains useful for contemporary preachers, congregations, and anyone seeking to express deeper relationships with God and one another.

Steadfast–Never Static!
August 2, 2013 – 2:20 pm | Comments Off on Steadfast–Never Static!
Steadfast–Never Static!

by Douglas S. Stivison

Many Christians believe that Ḥesed is the unconditional love of God despite whatever failings people may have. However, some believe that ḥesed may be part of a covenantal relationship where fulfilling binding pledges is necessary before a covenant is confirmed.

Locating God’s Mighty Acts: God’s Ḥesed, Human Ḥesed
August 2, 2013 – 2:19 pm | Comments Off on Locating God’s Mighty Acts: God’s Ḥesed, Human Ḥesed
Locating God’s Mighty Acts: God’s <em>Ḥesed</em>, Human <em>Ḥesed</em>

by Brad Embry

While notoriously difficult to translate, ḥesed is often defined as loving kindness or steadfast love; it is also rendered in terms of power and strength as an act of God to deliver the believer from an enemy. It is a word for all seasons for many reasons.

Gemilut Chasadim: Turning Deeds of Loving Kindness into Sacred Actions
August 2, 2013 – 2:18 pm | Comments Off on Gemilut Chasadim: Turning Deeds of Loving Kindness into Sacred Actions
Gemilut Chasadim: Turning Deeds of Loving Kindness into Sacred Actions

by Jo David

Written by a Rabbi for non-Jewish readers, this piece offers clear explanations of various Jewish religious rites and occasions that deal with the concept of Ḥesed; this is an excellent opportunity for Christian clergy to gain insight into the religion that Jesus followed.

Image Restored through Christ: The Image of God in Pauline Epistles
February 1, 2013 – 3:13 pm | Comments Off on Image Restored through Christ: The Image of God in Pauline Epistles
Image Restored through Christ: The Image of God in Pauline Epistles

By Kuo-Wei Peng

As a theological concept, the image and likeness of God has evoked numerous discussions since the Christian church was formed. The author here argues that the Pauline Epistles offer a definitive understanding of how Paul resolved this issue.

The Image Of God and the Idea of a Person
February 1, 2013 – 3:11 pm | Comments Off on The Image Of God and the Idea of a Person
The Image Of God and the Idea of a Person

By Peter Carnley

The author takes strenuous issue with concept of God as having both masculine and feminine characteristics especially with the identification of transcendence as masculine and immanence as feminine. He offers intriguing arguments that may not resolve the issue for all but are sure to give pause to those on either side of this theological conundrum.