QUAERENS: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies

THOUSAND YEAR GAP FOR PROPHECY IN 1 THESSALONIANS 4:17 AND 1 CORINTHIANS 15:52 WITH CHILIASM CHURCH FATHERS

2026-04-02T03:14:19+00:00

This paper proposes that the verses found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and 1 Corinthians 15:52 describe two distinct prophetic events that are separated by a thousand-year period. The interpretation is not built merely on surface-level readings of the texts, but rather draws from the consistent implications within the writings of the earliest Church fathers—particularly those aligned with the Chiliasm model. These writings are compared with modern interpretations to identify points of doctrinal continuity and divergence. Each Church father quotation is examined closely, with attention given to the context and detail of their statements. Common objections to Chiliasm are addressed directly. The framework for this interpretation rests on the prophetic model of Chiliasm, which affirms a literal one-thousand-year reign of Christ on earth prior to the final state. The roles and distinctions of these two verses are made clearer through patristic evidence, and interpolations are offered to explain why such a gap must exist. If valid, this study may serve as a rediscovery of a lost interpretive tradition—what one might call prophetic archaeology in analogy to traditional archaeology. The article argues that 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and 1 Corinthians 15:52 describe two distinct prophetic events separated by a thousand-year period, based on interpretations from Chiliasm Church Fathers.

ARE WOMEN DOGS?

2026-04-03T01:00:39+00:00

In Jesus' conversation with the Canaanite woman, he expressed it with the word "dog." What does Jesus' words mean by using such harsh words to a woman who asks Him for help? Jesus gave an argument in the face of the multi-dimensional racism that existed at that time so that we can examine it to apply to the present. Christianity in Indonesia as one of the faith groups officially recognized by the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia has a long history in building the nation and state. The Canaanite woman who so consistently came to Jesus, she felt marginalized by Jesus' group. In her belief, the Canaanite woman believed that Jesus would act as a helper for her. Christianity is a minority group that needs to dare to act like Canaanite women to obtain fundamental rights within the Indonesian state. Discrimination because of ethnicity, ethnicity, belief, socio-economy, gender is so strongly experienced by minority groups in bureaucratic life, social order of society. Looking at the present context based on the relevance of Jesus' actions and the Canaanite woman's response in Matthew's gospel, I am the solution to the way of thinking and acting for us today. This paper begins by identifying the problems that exist in racism in Indonesia which apparently have failed in carrying out a multi-cultural and religious anti-discrimination life to bring about substantive change. Through the reflection of Canaanite women, I would like to propose alternative proposals to live multi-faith and cultural in order to eliminate or end racism.

BRIDGING FAITH AND PRAXIS

2026-04-01T07:51:40+00:00

This study examines the role of everyday theology in relation to the cultural mandate and its practical implementation in post-Suramadu Madura. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through questionnaires distributed to five churches. The findings indicate that while theological understanding of culture (100%), creation (80%), and economy (80%) is relatively strong, its practical implementation across key sectors remains limited, including agriculture (20%), livestock (0%), tourism (20%), education (20%), and healthcare (40%). These results reveal a significant gap between theological understanding and ecclesial praxis. This study argues that everyday theology can function as a praxis-oriented framework that enables churches to engage more contextually and holistically with socio-economic realities. It contributes to practical theology by demonstrating how everyday theology bridges the gap between theological reflection and lived practice in the post-Suramadu Madurese context.

IMPACT OF CHARISMATOLOGY AND PENTECOSTALISM ON THIRD MILLENNIAL CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA

2026-04-01T07:50:50+00:00

The chapter presents a socio-ecclesial overview in which Pentecostal values and charismatic movements are becoming a predominant means of bringing socio-religious and material transformation in Africa in the light of Gospel values, inspiration of the Holy Spirit and guidance of the Church. Pentecostal experiences are significant forces in Africa and international community. However, the excessive growth of Pentecostalism in Africa portrays many misunderstandings, suspicion, tension, abuses and fear towards Catholic Charismatic movements and righteous use of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the society. This is creating unprecedented barrier to personal renewal, deeper evangelization and transformation of peoples. There are major areas in which the Church’s Teaching, spirituality and practice of Charismatic Pentecostalism need to be evaluated, inculturated and renewed respecting the African Traditional Heritage. Enriched by the Biblical and Church’s Intellectual Wisdom on Pneumatology and ‘Baptism in the Holy Spirit’ the Chapter explicates how any interpretation of these Pentecostal phenomena attempt to show the presence of the Spirit of God addressing the challenges of abuse of pneumatic gifts, vices of poverty, ignorance, disease, suffering, exploitation, injustice and underdevelopment. The Chapter makes a theological contribution on how Charismatic Pentecostalism in Africa has to be discerned, guided and manifested in the process of genuine deliverance, healing, liberating and transforming the weakening Christian faith and social contexts. The pneumatological wisdom and experiences are having tremendous transformative impact on the church and society in Africa. From this Christian Pentecostal analysis which appreciates the African traditional spirit-world, it is evident that Africa has profound spirituality to contribute to Charismatic Renewal Movement and to the international Pentecostal experience of renewing and transforming the world. Thus, the new Pentecostal manifestation in Africa must be taken seriously by the churches at all levels of evangelization and by governments at all levels of transforming society.

SHEPHERDING AS A MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S GRACE

2026-04-02T03:06:44+00:00

Shepherding constitutes a central dimension of church life; however, it is frequently reduced to administrative and functional roles in contemporary practice. This study critically examines shepherding as a manifestation of God’s grace through a theological–exegetical analysis of John 21:15–17. Employing a qualitative approach, this research integrates biblical exegesis with a lexical analysis of key Greek terms, particularly ἀγαπάω, φιλέω, and ποιμαίνω, to explore the theological foundation of pastoral ministry. The findings demonstrate that shepherding is not grounded in human competence or institutional authority but in a relationship of love initiated and sustained by divine grace. The pastoral mandate given to Peter reflects a grace-centered dynamic in which love becomes the essential basis for responsibility. Furthermore, shepherding is understood as a continuous and holistic vocation encompassing nurturing, guiding, protecting, and teaching the congregation. This study contributes to pastoral theology by offering an exegetically grounded and theologically integrated framework that interprets shepherding as a manifestation of God’s grace. It also provides a conceptual foundation for contemporary pastoral ministry to embody Christ-centered leadership rooted in relational love and divine initiative.