KAMASEAN: Jurnal Teologi Kristen

A case study of rapid growth in the Mopani district of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

2025-10-25T07:07:52+00:00

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa has experienced significant growth in the Trans-Orange Conference Districts between August 2023 and December 2024. This article examines the contributions of the districts and that of Pastor Mavuso to this expansion, highlighting his methodologies and the resultant numerical and qualitative growth of the church in these regions. The study has deduced that, although the church is growing numerically (Mopani district, which is a case study, has surpassed its target and is thus assisting in the overall conference target being achieved), it may not necessarily be growing qualitatively in terms of the quality of believers produced. The accountability of most of the baptised individuals is problematic, as several factors contributing to this issue may not be known to the church. The study has concluded that the strategies used in the Mopani district were designed primarily to convert people from their denominations to Adventism, instead of making them disciples of God. Therefore, numerical growth is not a sign of spiritual growth.

Reformed theology from Luther’s era engages digital-age challenges in twenty-first-century theological discourse within global contexts

2025-09-28T11:42:34+00:00

This research aims to build a dialogue between 16th-century Reformed theology and the challenges of 21st-century theology, especially in the context of the metaverse Church. The primary concern highlighted is the emergence of metaverse churches, which undermine the principle of physical communion within the Church. Consequently, how can principles of the Reformation, particularly the five Solas, offer a theological foundation for the Church to address digitalization in the context of metaverse churches, a significant theological challenge of the 21st century? Through historical-theological studies employing a qualitative approach and the serialization method. The concept of the metaverse Church presents opportunities to reach broader audiences, especially younger generations, yet it also risks diluting the sense of sacredness and physical community. The principle of sola Scriptura can serve as a basis for evaluating the use of technology in worship, while sola Fide and sola Gratia reaffirm the grace of salvation. Solus Christus emphasizes the centrality of Christ in the Christian faith, and soli Deo gloria directs faith life and counters moral relativism in the digital age. Thus, the spirit of the Reformation can provide a theological foundation for the Church to navigate modern challenges while preserving its faith identity.

From heresy to liberty

2025-10-03T06:54:42+00:00

This study analyzes the political trajectory of Unitarian theology from heresy to liberty and its contemporary relevance. Employing a qualitative descriptive analysis method, the findings reveal: The Origin and Development of Unitarianism, tracing its roots from early anti-Trinitarian thought (such as Arianism) to its crystallization during the Reformation through figures like Michael Servetus, and its evolution into a liberal movement in America. The Theological and Political Conflict with Trinitarianism is multidimensional; the rejection of the Trinity was perceived as a challenge to both ecclesiastical and state authority, inciting persecution and influencing political stability. Religious Freedom in the Modern Era demonstrates a paradigm shift: from a persecuted minority, Unitarianism became an architect of religious freedom thought and the separation of church and state, particularly within the Enlightenment and American constitutional contexts. The Socio-Political Implications of its doctrine are significant, fostering democracy, pluralism, social justice, and rational education. The response of the Orthodox or Catholic Church consistently rejects Unitarianism as a modern form of Arianism that threatens orthodoxy and social order. The study concludes that Unitarianism’s journey is not merely a theological evolution but a dynamic reflection of the dialectic among religious belief, political power, and civil liberty in Western history, while also offering a critical lens for understanding challenges to religious freedom in states with institutionalized theological orthodoxy.

Restoring truth

2025-10-11T12:20:27+00:00

Homilies in the Church cannot be separated from the concrete challenges faced in the life of the congregation. One of the major challenges confronting contemporary homiletics is the growing dominance of pragmatism in congregational life, where preaching is often expected to address immediate needs, interests, and practical concerns rather than to proclaim biblical truth. In such a context, the congregation tends to evaluate homilies based on their usefulness or relevance to daily life, rather than their faithfulness to the truth of God’s Word. This tendency risks reducing biblical homilies to motivational or problem-solving speeches, thereby weakening their theological depth. This article aims to analyze how pragmatic orientations influence the reception and content of homilies within congregational life and to explore ways in which homiletic practice can respond critically to these challenges. Drawing on biblical foundations and Pauline homiletic perspectives, the study seeks to restore the essential role of homilies as faithful proclamations of divine truth. Ultimately, this article contributes to contemporary homiletic discourse by offering theological and practical insights to ensure that biblical and Pauline homilies remain rooted in God’s truth while engaging meaningfully with the real-life challenges of the congregation.

The impact of applying the principles of Proverbs 3:1-8 on relationship harmony in Christian families

2025-12-07T06:28:44+00:00

This study examines the impact of implementing the principles of Proverbs 3:1–8 on the development of harmonious relationships within Christian families. Employing a qualitative case study approach supported by descriptive and comparative quantitative analysis, the research involved 15 Christian families who consistently practiced these biblical principles over twelve months. Data were collected through structured interviews, family harmony surveys, observational logs, and self-assessment questionnaires, enabling triangulation of spiritual practices and measurable relational outcomes. The findings reveal six major transformative impacts supported by quantitative indicators. The application of the principle of obedience (Prov 3:1–2), the practice of love and faithfulness (Prov 3:3–4), the reliance on God in decision-making (Prov 3:5–6), the cultivation of spiritual humility (Prov 3:7–8), also the practical embodiment, established a stable family value system, reflected in the adoption of daily family Bible reading rituals by 86% of participants, which corresponded to a 78% increase in perceived family cohesiveness. Finally, a holistic transformation was observed across three key dimensions: a shift from a busyness-oriented lifestyle to a God-centered family orientation (89%), from individualistic patterns to faith-based communal living (82%), and from doctrinal knowledge to lived faith practice (91%). Quantitatively, the overall Family Harmony Index (measured on a 10-point Likert scale) showed a statistically significant improvement, rising from a pre-intervention mean score of 5.2 to 8.7 after twelve months of consistent application, representing a 67% relative increase.