A Systematic Theological Reflection on the Personhood of Human Life  : Focusing on Its Finitude and Unique Orientation Toward Transcendence

Help towards understanding the human and religious functions of tradition comes from such sociologists as Peter Berger, Anthony Giddens, and Edward Shils. Tradition by Shils continues to illuminate how, although human beings modify inherited beliefs and change traditional patterns of behaviour, the new always incorporates something of the past. Shils takes a global view of tradition; it embodies everything individuals inherit when born into the world. It is through tradition that new members of society begin to identify themselves. The bearers of tradition may be not only official but also ‘learned’ and ‘ordinary’. Shils dedicates many further pages to changes in traditions and the forces leading to these changes. What sociologists like Giddens say about globalization also affects theological reflection on tradition. Surprisingly, the very few theologians who have published on tradition have ignored the sociologists.

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‘n Ekoteologiese besinning oor die Christelik-etiese implikasies van stamselnavorsing en -terapie

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies ◽

10.4102/hts.v66i1.333 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 66 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Stephan Hoffman ◽

Johan Buitendag

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Research ◽

Human Life ◽

Christian Ethics ◽

Genome Project ◽

Theological Reflection ◽

In Vitro Fertilisation ◽

Ethical Implications ◽

The Human Genome Project

An Eco theological reflection on Christian-ethical implications of stem cell research and therapyThe new biotechnological context in which in vitro fertilisation, the human genome project, and stem cell research have become realities, confronts both society and theology with unique challenges. These realities compel us to revisit ethical questions regarding human life. The main aim of this study is to contribute to the transversal debate about Christian ethics, natural sciences and biotechnological development, from a post-foundational perspective. The research results do not aim to lay down ethical rules as absolute truths, but rather to reflect on different viewpoints, values, characteristics, virtues, moral narratives and perspectives with regard to these complex ethical dilemmas. The broadening of moral narratives, and the revaluing of relational Christiananthropological perspectives, are being presented as an alternative to the strict monolithically orientated ideas of truth, objectivity and reason.

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Crossing the Divide: Foundations of a Theology of Migration and Refugees

Theological Studies ◽

10.1177/004056390907000306 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 70 (3) ◽

pp. 638-667 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Daniel G. Groody

Keyword(s):

Human Life ◽

Imago Dei ◽

Theological Reflection ◽

Missio Dei ◽

Christian Mission ◽

Way Of Thinking

Examining theological reflection in an age of migration, the author focuses on four foundations of a theology of migration and refugees: (1) Imago Dei: Crossing the Problem—Person Divide; (2) Verbum Dei: Crossing the Divine—Human Divide; (3) Missio Dei: Crossing the Human—Human Divide; and (4) Visio Dei: Crossing the Country—Kingdom divide. As a call to cross borders and overcome barriers, migration is a way of thinking about God and human life and an expression of the Christian mission of reconciliation.

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Mission and Suffering of the Innocent

Missiology An International Review ◽

10.1177/009182960203000306 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 375-383

Author(s):

Father John Sivalon

Keyword(s):

Social Issues ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Human Life ◽

Theological Reflection ◽

Innocent Victim ◽

Paschal Mystery

This article is a theological reflection by the Maryknoll Society in Africa on their ministries. Responding to the major social issues of poverty, AIDS, and refugees, the theme of the suffering of the innocent has emerged as key for understanding the Paschal Mystery and its centrality in the salvific will of our trinitarian God. Through the innocent victim, God's self-sacrificing love is revealed. That love stands in strong protest against social sin and its negative impact on human life. It also manifests God's loving presence to those who suffer persecution, oppression, and discrimination. Our loving God is a God with them.

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Musical Icons: A Theological Reflection on Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Leningrad” Symphony

Religion and the Arts ◽

10.1163/15685292-01804003 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 521-542

Author(s):

Anna Davis

Keyword(s):

Human Life ◽

Historical Context ◽

Theological Reflection ◽

Russian Orthodox ◽

Fyodor Dostoevsky ◽

Orthodox Theology

This article provides a theological reflection on Shostakovich’s Seventh, or “Leningrad,” Symphony. Investigating the historical context and composer intentions that lie behind the work, together with the now famous story of its premier, performed by starving musicians in the besieged city of Leningrad, the article asks how this secular piece of music might be understood from a perspective of theology. Drawing upon the Russian Orthodox theology mediated by the novels of another Russian artist, Fyodor Dostoevsky, it argues that the symphony takes on the qualities of an icon to embody a kenotic emptying that signifies both suffering and transformation. In so doing, the article aims to further theological engagement with music by pushing the question of how we might think theologically about “secular” music, and also by exploring how we might relate to music’s expressivity and meaning—that is to say, its value as part of human life—within a theological framework.

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Biosecurity: tools, behaviours and concepts

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences ◽

10.1042/etls20200343 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

pp. 449-452

Author(s):

Alan MacLeod ◽

Nicola Spence

Keyword(s):

Plant Protection ◽

Human Life ◽

Animal Health ◽

Early Warning Systems ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Recent Developments ◽

Surveillance Programs ◽

Harmful Organisms ◽

The One ◽

Biosecurity Practices

COVID 19 has raised the profile of biosecurity. However, biosecurity is not only about protecting human life. This issue brings together mini-reviews examining recent developments and thinking around some of the tools, behaviours and concepts around biosecurity. They illustrate the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject, demonstrating the interface between research and policy. Biosecurity practices aim to prevent the spread of harmful organisms; recognising that 2020 is the International Year of Plant Health, several focus on plant biosecurity although invasive species and animal health concerns are also captured. The reviews show progress in developing early warning systems and that plant protection organisations are increasingly using tools that compare multiple pest threats to prioritise responses. The bespoke modelling of threats can inform risk management responses and synergies between meteorology and biosecurity provide opportunities for increased collaboration. There is scope to develop more generic models, increasing their accessibility to policy makers. Recent research can improve pest surveillance programs accounting for real-world constraints. Social science examining individual farmer behaviours has informed biosecurity policy; taking a broader socio-cultural approach to better understand farming networks has the potential to change behaviours in a new way. When encouraging public recreationists to adopt positive biosecurity behaviours communications must align with their values. Bringing together the human, animal, plant and environmental health sectors to address biosecurity risks in a common and systematic manner within the One Biosecurity concept can be achieved through multi-disciplinary working involving the life, physical and social sciences with the support of legislative bodies and the public.

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