The Religion-Environment (Climate Change) Connection

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
George C. Nche
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Religious Beliefs ◽  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Ecological Crisis ◽  
Change Perceptions ◽  
Beliefs And Values ◽  
Pentecostal Churches ◽  
Theological Fatalism ◽  
The Church

Abstract Following Lynn White’s thesis of 1967 which indicted some Christian values for the current ecological crisis, many studies have been conducted on the connection between religion and environment/ecological crisis. These studies have sought to know whether religious beliefs and values influence environmental/climate change perceptions of people. However, while these studies have been geographically biased, their results have remained inconclusive. This study therefore examined this age-long debate with evidence from Nigeria. The study involved 30 church leaders drawn from Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches in five geographical zones in Nigeria. The data was analyzed using descriptive analytical method. Findings show that religious values/schemas in forms of Eschatological/End-Time beliefs, Dominion beliefs, Theological fatalism, Pessimism etc. influenced climate change perceptions among the church leaders. The study also found that religious affiliation and theology mattered with respect to the influence of some religious beliefs. The implications of findings for the research on religion-environmental/climate change connection are discussed.

scholarly journals Beyond Spiritual Focus: Climate Change Awareness, Role Perception, and Action among Church Leaders in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
George C. Nche
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Disaster Victims ◽  
Pentecostal Churches ◽  
Personal Level ◽  
Organizational Action ◽  
The Church

AbstractThis study explored the role of church leaders in addressing climate change with a focus on Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. The study adopted a semistructured face-to-face interview with 30 church leaders drawn from the selected denominations (i.e., 10 church leaders from each denomination). These participants were spread across five states in five geopolitical zones in Nigeria. A descriptive narrative approach was employed in the thematic organization and analysis of data. Findings showed that while all the participants across the three denominations—Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal churches—agreed to have heard of climate change, their perceptions of the causes of the phenomenon were narrow and varied along religious denominational lines. More Catholic participants expressed belief in anthropogenic climate change than did Anglicans and Pentecostals. Awareness creation, charity for disaster victims, and prayer were identified by the participants as the roles churches can play in addressing climate change. Although climate change action was generally poor among participants, Catholics engaged more in organizational action than did Anglicans and Pentecostals. In contrast, climate change actions were more on a personal level than on the organizational/church level within Pentecostal churches. The implications of the findings for the Church/church leaders, policy, and future research are discussed.

scholarly journals The Effect of Church Conflict on the Growth of Pentecostal Churches in Kenya: A Case Study of Selected Churches in Nairobi

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Miatu Thiga ◽  
Gyang D. Pam ◽  
James Nkansah-Obrempong
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
Church Leadership ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
National Level ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Church Conflict ◽  
Pentecostal Churches ◽  
The Church

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of church conflict on the growth of Pentecostal churches in Kenya with focus on selected churches in Nairobi which are struggling with growth. The objectives of the study were to investigate the nature of conflicts in the Pentecostal churches in Kenya, determine the effect of conflict on the growth of Pentecostal churches in Kenya, and to assess the conflict resolution mechanisms employed to solve the conflict in Pentecostal churches in Kenya. The study was carried out in branches of four churches which experienced growth challenges, namely: Full Gospel Churches of Kenya, Kenya Assemblies of God, Pentecostal Evangelism Fellowship of Africa, and Worldwide Gospel Church of Kenya. The study used qualitative research approach as it intended to collect data based on participants’ subjective experience, and its ability to uncover unexpected and exploring new avenues. The target population was church leaders who have been in the church for at least two years. The study used purposive sampling method to select the church leaders in influential positions (i.e., leaders that direct and/or lead a church ministry) of the selected churches according to the church leadership structure espoused by each of the four selected churches. Proportionate stratified sampling was used where equal number of units was selected from each stratum. Data was collected using face-to-face individual interview schedule. The data was analyzed thematically using content analysis method. The researcher came up with the vital themes, recurring ideas, and patterns of belief, which assisted with the integration of the results. The study found that there were conflicts in all the churches under study. The study established that there were top leadership wrangles at the national level seeking to control the church. There were also local church leadership wrangles pitting pastors and other leaders and conflict among other leaders within the church. The study established that conflict negatively affected the growth of the church as the churches lost members to other churches around. Among the conflict resolution mechanism used were prayer and fasting, dialogues, and courts. The study recommends that the Pentecostal churches should adopt conflict resolution methods and avoid conflicts by practicing inclusivity.

scholarly journals Youth Conversion from Mainstream to Pentecostal Churches: A Case of Selected Churches in Matero and Emmasdale Townships in Lusaka District

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Audrey Muyuni ◽  
Austin M. Cheyeka
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Pentecostal Churches ◽  
The Church

The study sought to investigate the reasons that led to youth conversion from mainstream to Pentecostal churches in Emmasdale and in the neighbourhood of Matero. The study was guided by Horton’s intellectualist theory of conversion in Africa. It used a case study design. The method of data collection included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaire. Findings of the study were that, there was automatic conversion taking place among the youths in mainstream churches to Pentecostalism. This was evident in all respondents in mega Pentecostal Church who had a mainstream background. Church leaders in mainstream churches were aware of youth converting to Pentecostal churches by accepting back the youths who had converted to a Pentecostal Church but had later made up their minds to go back. The study further revealed that non-Pentecostal parents supported and encouraged their children who converted to a mega Pentecostal Church owing to incentives such as; scholarships, employment and supportive programmes provided to their children. The study recommends that: sermon presentation should be revised in some mainstream churches. Explaining scriptures should not be exegetical only but linking scriptures to real life struggles of the youth. The church leaders in mainstream churches must formulate programmes that are more practical and youth oriented like charismatic prayer service, provision of scholarship, employment and positions of responsibilities through different ministries within the mainstream churches. Non-Pentecostal parents should not be too sceptical about children who associate themselves with Pentecostalism but encourage them to genuinely convert to this brand of Christianity.

Capitalism and the Ecological Crisis: The Spirituality of Voluntary Sacrifice

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-348
Author(s):  
Hesron Sihombing
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Economic System ◽  
Global Capitalism ◽  
Ecological Crisis ◽  
Public Theology ◽  
Capitalist System ◽  
Capitalistic System ◽  
Climate Crisis ◽  
The Church

Abstract This article seeks to consider the market fundamentalism inherent in global capitalism as the main cause and continual perpetuator of the climate crisis. Functioning in the market fundamentalism is the philosophical and theological grounds prevalent in the capitalistic system, such as desire, disconnectedness, anthropocentrism, individualism, and unilateral grace. This article analyzes some churches’ responses on climate change, especially the theological content concerning the economic system and its philosophy concerning the climate crisis. The call is made for the church to articulate a public theology that addresses the vexed relationship between the economic system and the climate crisis; there is an urgent need to embody the spirituality of voluntary sacrifice in order to challenge and provide an alternative to the underlying philosophical attitudes of the capitalist system for the planet’s sake.

scholarly journals (Deuteronomy 14:22-29) Re-defining Tithing in Zimbabwean Pentecostal Churches: A Critical Appraisal

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-124
Author(s):  
Chibango Show
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Qualitative Research Methodology ◽  
Pentecostal Churches ◽  
The Church

The emphasis on tithing in modern day Zimbabwean Pentecostal churches is now of a major concern. This study unravels tithing in the selected churches to see how the doctrine is implemented. It follows (Deuteronomy 14: 22-29) which prescribes how tithing should be done. However, Pentecostal churches seem to take a different approach altogether which promotes tithing as a benefit for the pastors and other church leaders. Qualitative research methodology was used to gather the data in the study. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used. Findings reveal that some pastors are mis-appropriating tithes for their own benefit at the expense of other vulnerable members of the church. It thus recommends that a new of handling tithes be implemented that tries to balance off with every stakeholder.

Are Migrant Churches Missional? A Case for Expanding Our Geography of Missions

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-17
Author(s):  
Stanley John
Keyword(s):  
Church Leaders ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Geographic Scope ◽  
Cultural Engagement ◽  
Local Neighborhood ◽  
Missional Engagement ◽  
Immigrant Churches ◽  
Pentecostal Churches ◽  
The Church

Many church leaders conclude that immigrant churches are not engaged in missions, based on a limited view of the geographic scope of missions. The “going principle” assumes that mission activity involves cross-cultural engagement, while the “staying principle” refers to embracing the local neighborhood where the church is located. While useful, both principles limit our vision of missional engagement. It is helpful to employ the theory of transnationalism to expand the notion of place and geography, allowing us to capture the full scope of missional engagement by many immigrant churches. The article concludes with a case study of Kerala Pentecostal churches.

The Church as a Sacrament in a Time of Pandemic: The Philippine Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-280
Author(s):  
Rhoderick John Suarez Abellanosa
Keyword(s):  
Catholic Church ◽  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Roman Catholic ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Social Instability ◽  
Presence Of God ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Church ◽  
The Catholic Church

The declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in various provinces and cities in the Philippines did not impede the Catholic Church from celebrating its sacraments and popular devotions. Mired with poverty and various forms of economic and social limitations, the presence of God for Filipinos is an essential element in moving forward and surviving in a time of pandemic. Predominantly Roman Catholic in religious affiliation, seeking the face of God has been part of Filipinos' lives whenever a serious disaster would strike. This essay presents how the clergy, religious and lay communities in the Philippines have innovatively and creatively sustained treasured religious celebrations as a sign of communion and an expression of faith. In addition to online Eucharistic celebrations that are more of a privilege for some, culturally contextualised efforts were made during the Lenten Season and even on Sundays after Easter. This endeavour ends with a reflection on the Church as the sacrament of God in a time of pandemic. Pushed back to their homes, deprived of life's basic necessities and facing threats of social instability, unemployment and hunger, Filipinos through their innovative celebrations find in their communion with their Church the very presence of God acting significantly in their lives.

Conflict and Financial Scandal on History, Culture, and Politic

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (03) ◽  
pp. 20628-20638
Author(s):  
Anik Yuesti ◽  
I Made Dwi Adnyana
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Christian Church ◽  
Spiritual World ◽  
Political Interests ◽  
The World ◽  
Financial Scandals ◽  
Financial Transparency ◽  
The Church ◽  
Transparency And Accountability

One of the things that are often highlighted in the world of spirituality is a matter of sexual scandal. But lately, the focus of the spiritual world is financial transparency and accountability. Financial scandals began to arise in the Church, as was the case in the Protestant Christian Church of Bukti Doa Nusa Dua Congregation in Bali. The scandal involved clergy and even some church leaders. This study aims to describe how the conflict occurred because of financial scandals in the Church. The method used in this study is the Ontic dialectic. Based on this research, the conflict in the Bukit Doa Church is a conflict caused by an internal financial scandal. The scandal resulted in fairly widespread conflict in the various lines of the organization. It led to the issuance of the Dismissal Decrees of the church pastor and also one of the members of Financial Supervisory Council. This conflict has also resulted in the leadership of the church had violated human rights. Source of conflict is not resolved in a fair, but more concerned with political interests and groups. Thus, the source of the problem is still attached to its original place.

Chosen Nation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin W. Goossen
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Collective Action ◽  
Weimar Republic ◽  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Third Reich ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
The World ◽  
German Identity ◽  
History Of ◽  
Nineteenth And Twentieth Centuries

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the global Mennonite church developed an uneasy relationship with Germany. Despite the religion's origins in the Swiss and Dutch Reformation, as well as its longstanding pacifism, tens of thousands of members embraced militarist German nationalism. This book is a sweeping history of this encounter and the debates it sparked among parliaments, dictatorships, and congregations across Eurasia and the Americas. Offering a multifaceted perspective on nationalism's emergence in Europe and around the world, the book demonstrates how Mennonites' nationalization reflected and reshaped their faith convictions. While some church leaders modified German identity along Mennonite lines, others appropriated nationalism wholesale, advocating a specifically Mennonite version of nationhood. Examining sources from Poland to Paraguay, the book shows how patriotic loyalties rose and fell with religious affiliation. Individuals might claim to be German at one moment but Mennonite the next. Some external parties encouraged separatism, as when the Weimar Republic helped establish an autonomous “Mennonite State” in Latin America. Still others treated Mennonites as quintessentially German; under Hitler's Third Reich, entire colonies benefited from racial warfare and genocide in Nazi-occupied Ukraine. Whether choosing Germany as a national homeland or identifying as a chosen people, called and elected by God, Mennonites committed to collective action in ways that were intricate, fluid, and always surprising.

Priesthood Ordination

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan A. Stapley
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Black Men ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Joseph Smith ◽  
Book Of Mormon ◽  
The Temple ◽  
The Church ◽  
Power And Authority

Early Mormons used the Book of Mormon as the basis for their ecclesiology and understanding of the open heaven. Church leaders edited, harmonized, and published Joseph Smith’s revelation texts, expanding understandings of ecclesiastical priesthood office. Joseph Smith then revealed the Nauvoo Temple liturgy, with its cosmology that equated heaven, kinship, and priesthood. This cosmological priesthood was materialized through sealings at the temple altar and was the context for expansive teachings incorporating women into priesthood. This cosmology was also the basis for polygamy, temple adoption, and restrictions on the participation of black men and women in the church. This framework gave way at the end of the nineteenth century to a new priesthood cosmology introduced by Joseph F. Smith based on male ecclesiastical office. As church leaders expanded the meaning of priesthood to comprise the entire power and authority of God, they struggled to integrate women into church cosmology.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document