Articles tagged with: Theological Reflections
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.