scholarly journals The Impotent Leader and The Legacy of the Church

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bård Eirik Hallesby Norheim ◽  
Joar Haga
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Rhetorical Analysis ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Church Of Sweden ◽  
The Future ◽  
Formal Power ◽  
Point Of Departure ◽  
The Church ◽  
Deliberative Rhetoric

When a leader leaves office, the leader becomes impotent, divested of power. This makes the actual moment of farewell a particularly interesting case study in leadership, as the farewell moment marks the transition of power from one leader to another. Many leaders use the point of departure as an opportunity to articulate the legacy of the institution they leave behind. This article offers a rhetorical and theological analysis of the farewell sermon delivered by former presiding bishop of the Church of Norway, Helga Haugland Byfuglien in January 2020, and a shorter, comparative analysis of the equivalent farewell sermon of the former Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, Anders Wejryd (2014). The article analyses how Byfuglien and Wejryd conceptualize the legacy of the church with the use of epideictic and deliberative rhetoric (rhetorical analysis) and discuss what kind of legacy (theological analysis and discussion) they promote. The article argues that both Byfuglien and Wejryd use the farewell sermon as a rhetorical opportunity to articulate the church`s legacy for the future, although their own formal power to execute that legacy is coming to an end. Byfuglien appeals to a diaconal vision of the church`s legacy, with a tendency to emphasize the church`s welcoming and inclusive character. Wejryd addresses the current ecclesiological situation in more detail. By assessing the church`s numerical decline and changed societal status as a crisis, he mainly appeals to the church`s missional legacy. The article concludes that the farewell sermons of both Byfuglien and Wejryd may be interpreted as a sort of inheritance dispute, or better heritage dispute: In their farewell sermons, the departing bishops present their last(ing) act of leadership, appealing to the audience to commit to a particular vision of the church`'s legacy.

“Shame on the church of Sweden”: Radical nationalism and the appropriation of Christianity in contemporary Sweden

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-152
Author(s):  
Per-Erik Nilsson
Keyword(s):  
Pivotal Role ◽  
Church Of Sweden ◽  
Nationalist Party ◽  
Political Identification ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Future ◽  
Projection Surface ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The Guardian ◽  
The Church

During the last decade, the populist radical nationalist party, the Sweden Democrats (SD), has gone from being a minor party to become Sweden’s third largest party in parliament. In this article, the author shows how the category of Christianity has come to play a pivotal role in the party’s political identification. Drawing on Ernesto Laclau’s analysis of populism, the author argues that Christianity should be understood as a projection surface for fantasies of an ethnically and culturally superior homogenous nation vis-à-vis constructed national others. In a populist logic, Christianity has thus become a way to distinguish the SD from its articulated external (e.g., Muslims, immigrants) and internal (liberalism, feminism) political foes. By appropriating Christianity, the SD articulates itself as the guardian of true Christianity, the future savior of a Church allegedly hijacked by external and internal foes, and in the long run, the Swedish nation.

Prophecy, Divination and Gender Justice in the Lumpa Church in Zambia

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-92
Author(s):  
Jonathan Kangwa
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Gender Justice ◽  
Strong Growth ◽  
African Christianity ◽  
The Future ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Church

This article examines the role of Prophecy and divination in the success of the Lumpa Church of Alice Mulenga Lenshina in Zambia. Concurring with James Amanze (2013), the article argues that the rapid growth of Christianity in Africa is to a large extent due to its engagement with prophecy and divination. Strong growth in African Christianity takes place mainly in the African Initiated Churches (AICs) which are Pentecostal-charismatic in their outlook. In these Churches the emphasis is on the prophetic ministry of the Church, evident in the performance of divination, healing and in predictions of the future. A good example is the Lumpa Church of Lenshina. Taking this Church as a case study, the article argues that Lenshina’s success and that of her Church are based on the fact that divination, prophecy and a search for gender justice were taken seriously.

Can Empirical Research Predict the Future of the Church?

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-217
Author(s):  
Friedrich Schweitzer ◽  
Wolfgang Ilg
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Church Development ◽  
Protestant Church ◽  
Theoretical Assumptions ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Church

Abstract This article first discusses the question of how empirical research can contribute to the ongoing discussions concerning the future of the church. Among others, German research on church membership is used as a case study for gaining insights into the interplay between theoretical assumptions, empirical research and designing strategies for church development. The need for comparisons over time, for longitudinal studies and the identification of long-term predictors is discussed. Against this background, recent research on confirmation work in Germany and Europe is taken up as an example. The article draws on data from a European study on confirmation work with a longitudinal research approach. The results show that confirmation work, as one of the major educational programs of the Protestant Church, can influence adolescents’ views of Christian faith and the church. Predictors for future commitment to the church in terms of believing, belonging and volunteerism are not only dependent on religious socialization in childhood but also on experiences and activities during confirmation time in adolescence.

scholarly journals In Scrooge’s boots: Lessons learned on disinformation from the 2019 European elections

European View ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-209
Author(s):  
Jonáš Syrovátka
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
European Elections ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Future ◽  
Previous Election ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Significant Attention

There has been much heated discussion on the possible influence of disinformation campaigns on the 2019 European elections—including those campaigns launched by outside actors (namely the Russian Federation). This is not surprising considering previous election experiences not only in Western states, but globally. As far as we know, the 2019 European elections were fortunately not targeted by a large and coordinated disinformation campaign. Given the significant attention paid to the 2019 European elections by the public, researchers and policymakers, they present an interesting case study that might help us to learn not only how to tackle the issue of disinformation, but also how to understand and analyse it in the future.

scholarly journals Missional ecclesiology as basis for a new church order: A case study

2013 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wim A. Dreyer
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Missio Dei ◽  
Missional Ecclesiology ◽  
Church Polity ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Point Of Departure ◽  
The Church

In this contribution the author looks at the ecclesiology and church polity of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) as a case study. Different approaches to ecclesiology and church polity by different NHKA theologians are examined. The conclusion is reached that a paradigm shift is required, to assist the church in the process of transformation. Part of the transformation process, is the creation of a church order with a stronger missional orientation. It is argued that, in the context of the 21st century, the missio Dei paradigm and missional ecclesiology could be a suitable point of departure in the creation of a new church order for the NHKA.

scholarly journals Complaints about Priests in the Church of Sweden from 2001–2013

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Hansson
Keyword(s):  
Media Coverage ◽  
Church Of Sweden ◽  
Swedish Society ◽  
The Church ◽  
Private Individual

Media coverage of complaints about priests has generally focused on sexual misbehavior. This case study of complaints about priests in the Church of Sweden from 2001–2013 gives a much more varied picture. Documentation of all the complaints received during 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013 was collected. In all, there are 199 complaints, which correspond to approximately 1.2% of priests every year. The rate of complaints rose and doubled, peaking in 2010. The complaints are categorized in three categories: general complaints, complaints that can lead to prohibition and other complaints. The most common complainant was the private individual (42%), although bishops and colleagues were also responsible for some of the complaints. During the years studied, private complaints increased. This finding is interpreted to reflect an increasing tendency in Swedish society to complain. Com- plaints about female priests are increasing and are now occurring at the same rate as for male priests. However, no female priests have been prohibited yet; only males have been. Sexual issues account for 15% of the complaints, which are outnumbered by other complaints. Decisions made by the Church chapters have changed during the studied years; earlier, the most common decision was to take no ac- tion, but later, the chapters generally decided on some type of action (for example, commissioning someone to talk to the priest or to give a statement)

Epilogue

2018 ◽  
pp. 142-150
Author(s):  
Scott C. Esplin
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Jesus Christ ◽  
Community Relations ◽  
Latter Day Saints ◽  
The Future ◽  
Community Of Christ ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
The Church

This chapter explores the future for faith and community relations in Nauvoo as a result of the city’s twentieth-century restoration boom. It examines the directions taken by the various constituents, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism), the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ), and local residents unaffiliated with either faith. Additionally, it explores how Nauvoo acts as a case study for the bargains made by a community when it selects, or has selected for it, a tourism-based economy. Finally, it opines regarding ways the parties involved can work together for the good of Nauvoo.

Out of the Ivory Tower and into the Play Room

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-73
Author(s):  
S. Steve Kang
Keyword(s):  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Ivory Tower ◽  
Constructive Theology ◽  
Triune God ◽  
Christian Families ◽  
Point Of Departure ◽  
The Church

This article seeks to demonstrate how the church can rediscover the task of doing theology for the life of the church. Taking a critical reflection on the bifurcation of theology and the consequential anthropocentric tendencies of theologizing as a point of departure, it proceeds to engage in a constructive theology of being parents as a case study, demonstrating how every theological endeavor should proceed from the Triune God and for the life of God’s household. Then the article explicates how this theocentric theology may be employed to serve Christian families in God’s household.

scholarly journals Equality and inclusion of the Palestinian minority in mixed Israeli schools: A case study of Jaffa's Weizman School

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Leoncini
Keyword(s):  
Education System ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
The State ◽  
New Directions ◽  
The Future ◽  
Teachers And Parents ◽  
Israeli Education ◽  
Religious Nature

The Israeli education system is primarily shaped by the religious nature of the state, although there are some mixed schools where both Palestinian and Israeli children learn together. Jaffa is unique within the system due to its history and its Palestinian minority, and the Weizman School is an interesting case as parents are particularly involved in the school's choices. Several initiatives in Jaffa aim to cultivate a multicultural and egalitarian education, and their differing results are discussed here. The article suggests new directions for the future, taking into consideration the viewpoints that emerge from the interviews with teachers and parents.

Dealing with change: the Carthusians and Corpus Christi

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-53
Author(s):  
THOMAS OP DE COUL
Keyword(s):  
Thirteenth Century ◽  
Eleventh Century ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Significant Delay ◽  
Corpus Christi ◽  
Conservative Attitude ◽  
Point Of Departure

ABSTRACTThe Carthusian Order is known for its conservative attitude towards liturgy and music. This article will explore how this attitude played out in practice when the Carthusians were confronted with the introduction of a major new feast. Since its origins in the late eleventh century, the Order incorporated several new feasts in its calendar. These additions were normally made with a significant delay, and almost always without any new chants created for these feasts. The feast of Corpus Christi provides an interesting case study. Contrary to their habit, the Carthusians were apparently quick to adopt it, and they included most of the chants that were compiled and edited for this feast. In doing this, they took the Cibavit eos Mass and the Sacerdos in aeternum Office, most famously found in a late thirteenth-century libellus (F-Pnm, lat. 1143) as a point of departure. The Mass Propers were largely taken over, but small variations in the melodies raise interesting questions about how they were transmitted. By contrast, the office chants were thoroughly reordered and melodically edited in various ways, giving us a tangible sense of how Carthusians dealt with change.

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