Abstract The purpose of this work is to offer an approach to the use of letters of censorship and excommunication in New Spain during the 17th century. I maintain that the request for these legal documents served as a popular resource to demand justice from the ecclesiastical authorities due to damage against an individual or property. Thus, excommunication was regarded within the collective imagination as a penalty so terrible that, contrary to what was stipulated in the ecclesiastical codes, it implied the absolute condemnation of the accused both in earth and the hereafter. Derived from the study of sources located in various funds of the National General Archive (Archivo General de la Nación) in Mexico, and based on the approaches exposed by some theorists of the judicial history of the New Spain Catholic Church, I will outline a proposal regarding the use of letters of censorship, the role that excommunication could play within the collective imagination, as well as the work carried out by the ecclesiastical instance as a determining forum of justice against other secular organizations.

Resumen El propósito de este trabajo es ofrecer un acercamiento al uso de las cartas de censura y excomunión en la Nueva España durante el siglo XVII. Sostengo que la solicitud de estos documentos jurídicos funcionó como un recurso popular para exigir justicia a las autoridades eclesiásticas por causa de agravios en contra de individuos o de propiedades. En este sentido, la excomunión fue entendida dentro del imaginario colectivo como una pena tan terrible que, contrario a lo estipulado en los códigos eclesiásticos, implicaba la condena absoluta del acusado en la tierra y en el más allá. Derivado del estudio de estas fuentes localizadas en varios fondos del Archivo General de la Nación de México y con base en los planteamientos expuestos por algunos teóricos de la historia judicial de la Iglesia católica novohispana, esbozaré una propuesta en torno al uso de las cartas de censura; al papel que pudo desempeñar la excomunión en el imaginario colectivo, aunado a las labores realizadas por la instancia eclesiástica como determinante foro de justicia frente a otros organismos seculares.

Abstract In this article I aim to investigate the role of two ancient Greek priestesses from the region of Boeotia. In doing so, I further asses the relationship of these women not only with the goddesses they honoured, but also with Dionysus, a versatile and agglutinating divinity who played a leading role in that region. The following lines are intended as part of a broader study of priestesses of Dionysus (or priestesses of other divinities related to this god) in ancient Greece, a subject that has been little studied. It should be noted that the study examines the Greek term ἱέρεια and a derivative (the generic name of “priestess” in ancient Greece given to women who exercised the priesthood in civic cults) found in epigraphic texts. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of epigraphic sources because they provide data on real figures or historically verifiable personages who took part in the cult of the divinities, as opposed to literary sources, which often focus on anecdotal aspects.

Resumen Los objetivos del presente artículo son estudiar en mayor profundidad el papel de dos sacerdotisas griegas antiguas de la región de Beocia y arrojar luz sobre la relación de estas mujeres no solo con las diosas a las que honraban, sino también con Dioniso, divinidad versátil y aglutinante, protagonista en dicha región. Las siguientes líneas pretenden formar parte de un estudio más amplio sobre las sacerdotisas de Dioniso (o sacerdotisas de otras divinidades relacionadas con este dios) en la antigua Grecia, un tema cuyos estudios son mínimos. Cabe decir que el análisis se ha centrado en el término griego ἱέρεια y un derivado (la denominación genérica de “sacerdotisa” en la Grecia antigua que se otorgaba a las mujeres que ejercían el sacerdocio en cultos cívicos) que encontramos en textos epigráficos. Es necesario destacar la importancia de las fuentes epigráficas, ya que en ámbito religioso aportan datos sobre figuras reales o personajes históricamente constatables que participaron en el culto de las divinidades, frente a las fuentes literarias, que muchas veces se detienen en aspectos anecdóticos.

Abstract: The idea of the sacred in Pura López Colomé’s work is rooted in the same conception that this author has of poetry. From her childhood poems that she left in her notebooks, the spiritual bouquets for her mother or the diary that allowed her to dialogue with God —as she refers to with Adriana Pacheco in Let’s Talk Writers—, to her latest book Borrosa imago mundi, published in 2021, Pura reveals that the poetic word manifests the deep meaning of things, of being. However, for the purposes of this critical approach, we will only focus on the book Éter es, which refers us from the title to the verticality of a time in which we locate the search for our poet, considering vision as revelation and interiority as space of that revelation.

Resumen: La idea de lo sagrado en la obra de Pura López Colomé está enraizada en la concepción misma que ella tiene. Desde sus poemas de infancia que dejaba en sus cuadernos, los ramilletes espirituales o el diario que le permitía el diálogo con Dios —como lo refiere con Adriana Pacheco en Hablemos escritoras—, hasta su último libro Borrosa imago mundi, López Colomé deja ver que la palabra poética revela el sentido profundo de las cosas, del ser. Sin embargo, para fines de este acercamiento crítico nos centraremos únicamente en el poemario Éter es, que nos remite desde el título a la verticalidad de un tiempo en el que ubicamos la búsqueda de nuestra poeta, considerando la visión como revelación y la interioridad como espacio de esa revelación.

RESUMEN Los rápidos avances de la biomedicina y la biotecnología en las últimas décadas han abierto nuevos dilemas bioéticos que requieren un enfoque integral. ¿Estamos jugando a ser Dios manipulando la vida? ¿Existen límites éticos que la ciencia no debería cruzar? Estas preguntas conectan inevitablemente con fundamentos teológicos sobre el significado de la existencia, el origen y destino de la persona y la relación entre la humanidad y la divinidad. Por lo tanto, una bioética sólida requiere revisar las fuentes espirituales y religiosas que históricamente han proporcionado sabiduría sobre el valor de la vida. Teniendo esto en cuenta, el objetivo de este trabajo es discutir la bioética desde la perspectiva del Islam considerando sus diferentes fuentes teológicas. Es importante señalar que, si bien existe un espectro de posiciones sobre estas cuestiones emergentes, la base común en la sociedad islámica proviene de fuentes como el Corán y los hadices, que contienen principios éticos universalizables. Así, no se puede olvidar que desde una perspectiva islámica la rendición de cuentas ante Dios implica que los avances tecnocientíficos deben vincularse a referentes trascendentes que brinden dirección moral, fundamentando conceptos como la santidad de la vida, la inviolable dignidad humana y la responsabilidad con las generaciones futuras.

ABSTRACT The rapid advances in biomedicine and biotechnology in recent decades have opened new bioethical dilemmas that require a comprehensive approach. Are we playing God by manipulating life? Are there ethical limits that science should not cross? These questions inevitably connect with theological foundations about the meaning of existence, the origin and destiny of the person, and the relationship between humanity and divinity. Therefore, solid bioethics requires revisiting the spiritual and religious sources that have historically provided wisdom about the value of life. Taking this into account, the objective of this work is to discuss bioethics from the perspective of Islam considering its different theological sources. It is important to note that although there is a spectrum of positions on these emerging issues, the common basis in Islamic society comes from sources such as the Quran and the hadiths, which contain universalizable ethical principles. Thus, it cannot be forgotten that from an Islamic perspective accountability before God implies that techno-scientific advances must be linked to transcendent references that provide moral direction, basing concepts such as the sanctity of life, inviolable human dignity, and responsibility with future generations.

BACKGROUND: There are no definitive guidelines for clinical decisions for children with cerebral palsy (CP) requiring enteral feeds. Traditionally, medical doctors made enteral feeding decisions, while patients were essentially treated passively within a paternalistic 'doctor knows best' approach. Although a more collaborative approach to decision-making has been promoted globally as the favoured model among healthcare professionals, little is known about how these decisions are currently made practically OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the significant individuals, factors and views involved in the enteral feeding decision-making process for caregivers of children with CP within the South African public healthcare sector METHOD: A single-case research design was used in this qualitative explorative study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis RESULTS: Four primary individuals were identified by the caregivers in the decision-making process: doctors, speech therapists, caregivers' families and God. Four factors were identified as extrinsically motivating: (1) physiological factors, (2) nutritional factors, (3) financial factors and (4) environmental factors. Two views were identified as intrinsically motivating: personal beliefs regarding enteral feeding tubes, and feelings of fear and isolation CONCLUSION: Enteral feeding decision-making within the South African public healthcare sector is currently still dominated by a paternalistic approach, endorsed by a lack of caregiver knowledge, distinct patient-healthcare provider power imbalances and prescriptive multidisciplinary healthcare dialogues CONTRIBUTION: This study has implications for clinical practice, curriculum development at higher education training facilities, and institutional policy changes and development, thereby contributing to the current knowledge and clinical gap(s) in the area

The introduction of the Special Fund of the Programme to Combat Racism (PCR) by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 1970 was a natural expression of international opposition to racism. It also indicated a change in global mission policy from mission as a traditional evangelical activity to the emerging paradigm of mission as God's activity in the world. Though focussed on Africa and South Africa, in particular, the controversial PCR drew the ire of the apartheid government and many white members of Churches of European Origin (CEO), gaining support mainly from members of the black church. This article employed a qualitative literature method to analyse the origin, process, and outcome of this heavily contested programme through a case study of the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa (PCSA), spearheaded by its Ecumenical Relations Committee (ERC), which came to radically different conclusions from the majority of the church membership regarding the nature, purpose, and function of the church. Conservative white church members largely eschewed the notion of church involvement in politics, particularly issues relating to violence, which would threaten the status quo which was upheld by violence.

Rooted in the field of cathedral studies, this paper draws into dialogue three bodies of knowledge: Edward Bailey's notion of implicit religion that, among other things, highlights the continuing traction of the Christian tradition and Christian practice within secular societies; David Walker's notion of the multiple ways through which in secular societies people may relate to the Christian tradition as embodied within the Anglican Church and John Fisher's notion of spiritual wellbeing as conceptualised in relational terms. Against this conceptual background, this paper draws on data provided by 1234 participants attending one of the Christmas Eve carol services in Liverpool Cathedral to explore the perceived impact of attendance on the spiritual health of people who do not believe in God and yet feel that Liverpool Cathedral is their cathedral, and it is this sense of belonging that brings them back at Christmas time. CONTRIBUTION: Situated within the science of cathedral studies, this paper links in an original way three fields of discourse: Edward Bailey's notion of implicit religion, David Walker's notion of the four ways of belonging to God facilitated by the Anglican Church and John Fisher's conceptualisation and operationalisation of the notion of spiritual wellbeing. The hypothesis developed from this original integration of theoretical perspectives is then tested empirically on data provided by 404 participants at carol services who do not believe in God

Without seeking to diminish its authority as the Word of God, this article acknowledges the Fourth Gospel as a brilliant piece of literary artistry by the implied author. The aim of this article is to substantiate this assertion by conducting a study on focalisation and illustrating how it invites the implied reader's participation in the narrative. This contribution acknowledges the existence of insightful contributions on the topic, particularly in relation to the Fourth Gospel. However, it asserts that the study of the performative nature of focalisation in this particular Gospel has not received the attention it deserves. The main contribution of this article is its analysis of a selected narrative of the Fourth Gospel using focalisation as an analytical tool, with the objective of demonstrating that the Fourth Gospel is performative in nature, crafted and formulated to consistently engage the implied reader in considering its purpose, as stated in 20:30-31. CONTRIBUTION: The article showcases that focalisation, when used as an analytical tool, can unlock, and enable the interpreter of the Fourth Gospel to recognise its performative nature to the implied reader of the text. This is critical, given that the text is crafted to encourage the reader to participate in it by making decisions regarding their faith in Jesus Christ

The hypothesis for this article is that no complete certainty can exist on whether a resolution taken by a meeting of people is an authoritative expression of the will of God. The church [ekklésia] of Christ refers to the universal church of all times and places, as well as the local church (congregation). The general nature of collective decision-making involves the notions of representation and voting. The Reformation liberated churches from the overlordship of Rome, but also had the unintended consequence of the entrenchment of the liberal notions of individual sovereignty and self-sufficiency. The foundational Reformed confessional documents were formulated and adopted at gatherings convened and overseen by extra-clerical (state) institutions. It is likely that decision-making in the churches was directly influenced by the rationalism, humanism, and liberalism that has been influential since the 17th century. Contemporary participants in collective decision-making can find it difficult to distinguish between liberal-democratic processes and those of the church. Christ is the only head of his church and exegesis and hermeneutics are not exact sciences, it is, however, possible to deliberate on alternative Scriptural interpretations, but impossible to prove one to be correct and the other false. The inability of a major assembly of churches to resolve an exegetical question unanimously, attests to the human inability to know the will of God completely. Resolutions of major assemblies should be subject to unrestricted revision as the assemblies are not meetings of a church or of the church itself. Influential opinions among Reformed authors hover between independentism and collegialism, both having been influenced by liberal thinking. CONTRIBUTION: A range of interdependent matters need to be clarified to resolve questions concerning representation in and decision-making by major assemblies. A list of such questions has been set out at the end of the article.

Same-sex practices are commonly medicalised in various global spaces. Some societies view same-sex practices as some form of disease that needs to be cured. In Africa, the influence of Christianity has prompted many communities to conclude that there are spiritual forces behind same-sex orientations and practices. Therefore, same-sex practices are demonised, and those identifying with these sexualities and gender identities are viewed as sick, or as having some form of mental illness. As a fast-growing and influential movement in South Africa, Christianity plays a critical role in this narrative. Against this backdrop, this article examined how some Pentecostal pastors in South Africa use God-talk to propel the narrative that medicalises same-sex practices and how these pastors claim to have miraculous powers to heal these practices. Consequently, the gender and sexuality commonly accepted within African religiosity and spirituality are pushed to the peripheries. Therefore, it is argued in this article that the colonial-missionary discourses regarding African sexualities and genders are at play within the religious medicalisation of same-sex narratives. Thus, there is a need to problematise and transform this narrative. This act can contribute to delinking African genders and sexualities from Western repressions and subjugation agendas. The discussion moved from the premise of decoloniality while adopting a multidisciplinary approach that incorporated theology, gender and sexuality studies, psychology, health, and socio-political sciences. Again, the article used secondary literature analysis to examine this phenomenon and to gain a thorough understanding of how African Pentecostalism continues to use God-talk to medicalise same-sex practices in contemporary South Africa and the repercussions thereof. CONTRIBUTION: The study contributed to the existing knowledge that addresses religious challenges faced by people identifying with non-normative sexualities and genders in Africa. This can contribute to the transformation of religious medicalisation of same-sex practices in South Africa, and elsewhere

The debate about the interdependence or the dichotomy between the church and the state or politics is not new. The discourse is neither over nor something that will pass any soon. Both perspectives provide concrete reasons depending on the viewpoint from which an individual is writing and arguing. Both the ecclesia and the state or politics enjoy social capital. Of the two, however, the Church's social capital is resilient and consistent, unlike the political capital which is seasonal and only rigorous in the pursuit for political position. In recent years, there is an immense emergence of Christianity that blend charismatic practices and African religiosity. An increased pursuit of political leadership is being witnessed by the church leadership and the secular community. One of the motivations has been the derivatives from the positions, which are mainly monetary and honourability. This can be linked to a struggle to meet a status threshold set and determined by a postmodern society which the clergy and the political leader must uphold. Anyone who lives below that 'standard' does not fit that position. It is for this reason that both the church and state or politics has been commercialised. The commercialisation aspect resulted in the two competitive entrepreneurial enterprises. Thus justice has been retailed to commercialisation and consumerism. This article therefore firmly holds the possibility that church and state or politics have common elements that, if reworked, can become tools in the mission of God. The assumption is that both institutions are reviewed as organs and not organisations because, as organisms, they are both fit for transformation into suitable instruments for the mission of God. Institutional reforms are dictated by the reformed human resource. This article leans towards the interrelationship between the Pentecostal tradition and the state or politics in viewing their role in doing justice to the mission of God. Thus a comparative framework fits this work. CONTRIBUTION: The interdependence of the church and political enterprise is exposed to a constructive critique and further writing. It has advanced affirmed the comparative methodology as a ongoing study alternative.

Christian incarnation, illustrated through the example of Jesus Christ, involves the embodiment of God, the guardian of all creation and the manifestation of Christian beliefs. This divine incarnation operates through boundless love and concern, as demonstrated in God's choice to intimately connect with humanity, as noted in John 3:16. Although global challenges abound, it is evident that sub-Saharan Africa faces unique difficulties, hindering its inhabitants from experiencing the fullness of life intended by God. There is a need to find solutions to the challenges faced by the African continent. In the context of sub-Saharan Africa, the question is: How can practical public theology, informed by the incarnation, be practised in tackling the challenges people face in Africa? The study addresses this inquiry, presenting the implications of the incarnation doctrine as a means to tackle African challenges. It posits incarnation as a foundation for comprehending God's love for Africans and proposes practical ways for resiliently confronting their adversities. The article draws upon existing literature in the field of public practical theology to underpin the core argument of its thesis. CONTRIBUTION: This article contributes to the discussion on how theology should be used to address people's concrete challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. The doctrine of incarnation is a unique example whose implications can help the enhancement of addressing people's challenges in Africa

This study is aimed at evaluating the influence of the god of iron on ironworking communities in Ǹsúkkā cultural area. In the study area, the Supreme God - Chúkwú Òkìkè, Chínēkè or Chúkwú Ábíàmà is believed to control the affairs of humanity. He is worshipped through intermediaries such as Ányánwù [Sun God], Àmádíòhà, Áhàjīōkù [fertility goddess], Àlà [earth goddess] and the god of iron, which is called by different names in the study area such as Ékwéñsū-Úzù, Òkóró-Údùmè, Chíkèrè Àgùrù and Áshéné. But, how effective is the god of iron in the study area? To provide answers to this question, ethnographic research method, involving in-depth structured interviews, field observation and photographic documentations, was used to gather data on the subject matter while data collected were analysed descriptively. This article is of the view that the influence of the god of iron in the study area is whittling down as a result of Westernisation and Christianity. CONTRIBUTION: The study indicates an increasing resistance to the Euro-centrism, which has suppressed beliefs in the god of iron and the associated practices.

This article investigates the theological concept Wisdom of God, which could appear vague to many Christians. Paul refers 17 times to the concept wisdom in the first epistle to the Corinthians. The first four chapters include 16 references to wisdom, and then again in 12:8, where Paul uses it with reference to a spiritual gift. The nine occurrences of wisdom in chapter one exposes a dialectical approach in which the 'Wisdom of God' is opposed to the 'wisdom of the world'. In the second chapter Paul compares the content and character of these two types of wisdom. This article predominantly focuses on chapter 2 by pursuing different perspectives for the concept of the wisdom of God. The investigation starts with a brief overview of the Corinthian circumstances to contextualise the reasoning of the research, followed by a discourse analysis of the Greek text to determine corresponding semantic networks. These networks provide headings for the research. Thirdly, Paul is assessed as protagonist of, and intermediary for, communicating this wisdom. Fourthly, the focus falls on the reception of the 'wisdom of God'. Fifthly, the article outlines the 'role' and 'function' of the Spirit in the revelation of the 'wisdom of God'. Sixthly, the focus is on how wisdom is received. Finally, the research examines features used by Paul to communicate the 'wisdom of God' as lived experiences. CONTRIBUTION: The concept, activity, and lived experience of the 'wisdom of God', is understood to be the epistemology to Christian existence, living and experience of God. This article investigates and highlights the 'presence of God' living in Christ as righteousness, redemption, and holiness (sanctification).

Prayer holds a profound significance in a believer's life, with Lord Jesus teaching specific teachings to his disciples on the subject. It serves as a communication tool bridging the connection between God and humanity, constituting a dialogue rather than solely a platform for pleas or requests. This research delved into the specific text of prayer, focusing on Matthew 6:9-13, commonly known as 'The Lord's Prayer'. While many Christians interpret it as a 'prayer of supplication', the study questioned whether it truly falls into that category and explored potential contradictions. Utilising a qualitative approach with a pure exegesis study, the author employed hermeneutics based on John D. Grassmick's steps of exegesis analysis. The examination was centred on the Byzantine Greek Bible text in the Gospel of Matthew 6:14-15. The aim was to grasp the essence of the message within the studied texts, emphasising Lord Jesus' teachings. Results highlighted the significance of understanding the Lord's Prayer as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13. The author emphasised the importance for Christians in Indonesia to comprehend the meaning of this prayer. CONTRIBUTION: This reconstruction of Matthew's understanding of the Lord's Prayer using the Byzantine text anticipated contributions to HTS Theological Studies. The Our Father's Prayer, a blessing to churches and Christians for over 2000 years, was explored for its proper grammatical translation and the profound contents taught by Jesus. This study aimed to assist Christians in understanding and applying the prayer in their lives, aligning with the true faith and fostering spiritual growth as intended by Lord Jesus.