Arsip

  • The Evolution of Syriac Poetry: A Structural Analysis of Madrasha and Memra
    Vol 2 No 2 (2025)

    The article delves into the structural evolution of Syriac poetry, specifically examining the two main poetic forms: madrasha (stanzaic hymns) and memra (verse homilies). It explores how these forms have evolved over time to meet the theological and cultural needs of the Syriac Christian tradition. Through an in-depth structural analysis, the article highlights the key features of madrasha, such as its intricate stanzaic patterns and use of refrains, which enhance the emotional and participatory aspects of worship. On the other hand, memra is analyzed for its use of isosyllabic couplets, emphasizing clarity and memorability in its theological and moral teachings.

    The article also investigates how theological themes like Christology and eschatology have influenced these poetic forms, enabling them to communicate complex theological ideas. It discusses how poets like Ephrem the Syrian and Jacob of Serugh shaped their works to address the theological concerns of their communities, while also exploring how these poetic traditions were adapted to different regional contexts, particularly the differences between West Syrian and East Syrian traditions.

    Further, the article highlights the lasting impact of Syriac poetry on later Christian hymnography, particularly within Byzantine and Arabic Christian traditions. The study concludes by examining the significant role these poetic forms have played in shaping Christian liturgy and theological expression, urging further research into their continued influence in modern Christian practices and literature.

    This comprehensive study provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of early Christian literature and its role in the development of Christian worship, offering insights into the ongoing legacy of Syriac poetry

       

  • Exploring Theological Diversity: The Impact of Alexandrian and Antiochian Schools on Early Christian Doctrine
    Vol 2 No 1 (2025)

    This study delves into the theological diversity of early Christianity, examining the hermeneutics of the Alexandrian and Antiochian schools. Through a qualitative research design, the analysis reveals the distinct approaches and contributions of these schools, shedding light on the complexities of early Christian thought and their enduring impact on contemporary theological debates

  • A hermeneutical approach to the Syriac Bible: Enhancing understanding and theological depth in biblical translation
    Vol 2 No 3 (2025)

    This article explores the linguistic and hermeneutic significance of Syriac-Aramaic in the translation and interpretation of the Bible. Focusing on the Peshitta, the Syriac version of the Bible, it highlights how this translation reflects the theological and cultural nuances of early Christian communities in the Middle East. The article also examines the contributions of early Syriac theologians like Ephrem the Syrian and Isho’dad of Merv to Christian doctrine.

    Moreover, it addresses the gap in modern biblical studies regarding Syriac-Aramaic hermeneutics, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach that integrates linguistics, theology, and cultural studies to better understand the theological implications of Syriac translations. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of bridging Eastern and Western Christian traditions through the study of Syriac-Aramaic, promoting a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of Scripture.

  • Reconstructing the semantic and cultural origins of qnuma: A historical-linguistic study in the Aramaic-Syriac tradition
    Vol 2 No 1 (2025)

    Penelitian ini merekonstruksi asal-usul semantik dan budaya dari Qnuma, mengkaji transformasinya dari konsep hukum dan filsafat menjadi konstruksi teologis dalam tradisi Kristen Syriac. Dengan menganalisis manuskrip Aramaik dan Syriac, dokumen hukum, serta pengaruh linguistik dari Akkadia dan Ibrani, penelitian ini melacak evolusi Qnuma dari identitas pribadi dan hierarki sosial dalam tradisi Semitik awal hingga peranannya dalam debat Trinitarian dan Kristologi. Temuan penelitian ini menyoroti pentingnya Qnuma dalam membentuk identitas di berbagai ranah hukum, agama, dan filsafat. Penelitian lintas disiplin ini memberikan kontribusi pada bidang linguistik historis dan studi teologi, menawarkan perspektif yang lebih jelas mengenai transformasi linguistik dari terminologi eksistensial.

  • Christology in Syriac Orthodox theology: Ecumenical dialogues and modern challenges
    Vol 2 No 1 (2025)

    This research explores Syriac Orthodox Christology, which plays a pivotal role in ecumenical dialogues and modern theological discourse. The study examines the historical development, theological depth, and modern relevance of Syriac Christology, highlighting its contributions to global Christian theology and its potential to foster inter-denominational unity and address contemporary theological concerns.

  • Qnoma and Hypostasis: A Comparative Study of Aramaic and Greek Christological Terminology
    Vol 2 No 1 (2025)

    This study examines two fundamental concepts in early Christian Christology—Qnoma and Hypostasis—through a comparative lens of the Syriac and Greek traditions. Focusing on their theological and philosophical implications, the article compares how these terms were used to explain the relationship between Christ's humanity and divinity within the Nestorian and Chalcedonian frameworks. Qnoma refers to the personal subsistence and unity of Christ's two natures, while Hypostasis emphasizes the essence and individual personhood of Christ in Greek thought.

    By analyzing historical texts and theological discussions, this research uncovers the distinct contexts in which these terms arose, influencing Christological interpretations and understandings of the Incarnation in early Christian theology. The study offers new insights into the development of these terms and highlights the importance of their distinction in fostering theological reconciliation between Eastern and Western Christian traditions.

  • The impact of Paul’s mission to Philippi on the global spread of Christianity
    Vol 1 No 2 (2024)

    This article explores the significance of the Apostle Paul's missionary journey to Philippi and its impact on the global spread of Christianity. Focusing on Paul's evangelistic efforts in Philippi, the study examines the historical and theological implications of this mission, particularly regarding the expansion of Christianity throughout Europe and beyond. Using a qualitative research approach, the study combines biblical exegesis and a review of secondary literature to analyze key biblical texts, especially Acts 16 and the Pauline Epistles. The research highlights Paul's strategic focus on urban evangelism, his theological teachings on salvation by faith, grace, and the inclusion of Gentiles, and the lasting effects of his efforts in shaping Christian communities.

    The article also reflects on how Paul's missionary work in Philippi laid a foundational role in the spread of Christianity across Europe and influenced Christian doctrine. Furthermore, it underscores the continuing relevance of Paul's missionary model for contemporary Christian evangelism and church planting. This study demonstrates how Paul's evangelistic work, guided by divine intervention, remains a cornerstone for the global expansion of Christianity today.

  • The influence of the Incarnation of Jesus on the study of early church christology: a theological-historical analysis
    Vol 1 No 2 (2024)

    This research examines the central role of the doctrine of the Incarnation in the development of early Christian Christology, focusing on its impact on defining the dual nature of Christ as both human and divine. It addresses a gap in current scholarship by exploring how the Incarnation influenced early theological discussions and the formulation of key doctrines, including the Nicene Creed. The study highlights how the Incarnation was crucial in defending Christian orthodoxy against heresies like Arianism and in connecting early Christian teachings with Hellenistic philosophy. In conclusion, the research emphasizes the ongoing significance of the Incarnation in shaping Christian doctrine and its continued importance in contemporary theological debates.

  • Syriac philology: Uncovering linguistic shifts, cultural influences, and theological contributions
    Vol 1 No 1 (2024)

    This study explores the linguistic evolution, cultural influence, and theological significance of Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic that played a crucial role in shaping early Christian thought and intercultural exchanges in the Middle East. Syriac underwent significant syntactic changes influenced by Greek and Arabic, enriching its linguistic structure and usage in both theological and cultural contexts. Through philological examination of Syriac manuscripts, the study identifies syntactic variations and linguistic insights that highlight Syriac’s adaptation and interaction with surrounding languages. The findings reveal that these syntactic transformations not only contributed to the development of Syriac but also facilitated the dissemination of Christian theological concepts, showcasing the blend of local and religious dynamics in early Christianity. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of digitizing Syriac manuscripts to preserve and enhance access for future research. Ultimately, this work makes a valuable contribution to Syriac philology, broadens the field of Semitic linguistics and theological studies, and provides modern perspectives that support the preservation and academic advancement of Semitic languages.

  • Obstacles to carrying out the missio dei
    Vol 1 No 1 (2024)

    This article examines the barriers encountered by churches and congregations in fulfilling the Missio Dei, a divine mandate for believers to actively participate in God’s mission of salvation and restoration. Through a qualitative research approach involving church service monitoring and document analysis, the study identifies key obstacles such as a lack of emphasis on Missio Dei in sermons, limited utilization of cell groups for missions, inadequate biblical understanding among congregants, and challenges posed by cultural, linguistic, and technological factors.

    The findings highlight the need for churches to adopt a more holistic approach by integrating purposeful training, leveraging technology for evangelism, and fostering congregational participation in both local and global mission initiatives. By addressing these challenges, this study offers practical recommendations for church leaders and theologians to reimagine the role of the church in advancing Missio Dei in contemporary contexts. The article contributes to the growing discourse on mission theology and its practical application in diverse cultural and technological landscapes.

  • Exegesis of the word parthenos in Isaiah 7:14 a theological analysis of the Indonesian bible translation
    Vol 1 No 1 (2024)

    This study examines the theological impact of translating the word parthenos in Isaiah 7:14, contrasting the Septuagint's interpretation as "virgin" with the Indonesian Bible Society's translation as "young woman," which aligns more closely with the original Hebrew term almah. These differences could influence church teachings in Indonesia, where religious pluralism plays a significant role. Using exegetical and theological analysis, the research explores how the neutral tone of the Indonesian translation might encourage a historical-contextual interpretation, potentially impacting traditional beliefs on the Virgin Birth.

  • Comparative exegesis of the lord's prayer in the peshitta and greek texts: A hermeneutical analysis of semantic variations
    Vol 1 No 1 (2024)

    This study, titled Comparative Exegesis of the Lord's Prayer in the Peshitta and Greek Texts: A Hermeneutical Analysis of Semantic Variations, explores the theological and linguistic differences between the Peshitta and Greek versions of the Lord's Prayer. Authored by Telda Anita Toar, S.Pd., M.Th (cad) and Dr. Abdon Amtiran, M.Th from IKAT Theological Seminary Jakarta (STT-IKAT), Indonesia, the research focuses on key phrases such as "daily bread" and "forgiveness." Through a hermeneutical analysis, the study investigates how these semantic variations shape Christian theology, particularly regarding sustenance, forgiveness, and community identity.

    Using a qualitative approach that includes textual analysis and interviews with theologians from both traditions, the study finds that the Peshitta emphasizes spiritual nourishment and communal forgiveness, while the Greek text highlights individual responsibility and broader interpretations of physical and eschatological sustenance. These differences reflect the distinct theological and liturgical practices of Eastern and Western Christianity.

    The research also highlights the role of ecumenical dialogue in fostering greater understanding and unity between Christian traditions, offering valuable insights into how linguistic differences influence theological reflection and pastoral care.