Estudos Teológicos

Teologia prática:

Carlos Cunha — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The objective of this article is to propose the theological boundary as an opportune place and time for the practical task of Christian theology. To this end, we present, in general terms, the development of practical theology in Latin America from the encounter with liberation theologies. We indicate the process of encounter between Protestant practical theology and Catholic pastoral theology, and the conceptual and task developments. We problematize the imbalance between academic theology and the practice of faith in search of a theological wisdom committed to transformative actions (praxis). The research method is marked by an exchange between bibliographical reading on practical theology in Latin America and the author's practical experience as a professor and advisor in Catholic and Protestant faith communities in Brazil. The conclusion is that theological boundary, more than a place, is also a new time to reflect on the relevance of theological practice.

Faith: Trust or Piety?

Wilhelm Wachholz — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The concept of “faith” is fundamental to the Protestant Reformation, particularly in the thought of the reformer Martin Luther (1483–1546). For the reformer from Wittenberg, human beings are justified “by faith alone” (sola fide). Luther’s sola fide generated not only clashes with Roman Catholics but also sparked intra-Lutheran controversies. This article proposes to analyze the conception of faith according to Lutheran theology, particularly Luther’s. The hypothesis supported is that the controversies surrounding the concept of “faith” may reside in the lack of distinction between faith as trust and faith as piety. The article seeks to contextualize the understanding of the concept of “faith” by resorting to biblical texts and the medieval understanding, in particular derived from the German concept Frömmigkeit. From this, it seeks to identify how the Protestant Reformation, particularly Luther, conceived “faith” as trust, pointing to its ethical implications. The method adopted is the intersection of theological hermeneutics and history, considering the meaning of the cognitive content (faith) as historically determined. The article contributes to recovering the conception of faith oriented toward the collective and communion, instead of piety, which tends toward an individualistic and privatizing dimension.

Desenvolvimento Humano Integral

Clelia Peretti, Valquíria Aparecida Ribeiro — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The article Integral Human Development: Dialogues Between Economics and the Social Doctrine of the Church explores the historical and conceptual evolution of the term "development," analyzing its intersections between economics and the Social Doctrine of the Church. The topic is contextualized by the need to align economic progress with human dignity, social justice, and environmental sustainability, especially in light of contemporary challenges. The rationale lies in the urgency of rethinking development as an integral process that transcends economic indicators and incorporates ethical, social, and spiritual dimensions. The central issue addressed is the fragmentation of development approaches, which often neglect human and ecological aspects. The study aims to propose an interdisciplinary vision that bridges economics and theology to promote integral human development. The methodology is based on bibliographic analysis of works by economists such as Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Amartya Sen, and Joseph Schumpeter, as well as documents from the Social Doctrine of the Church, including the encyclicals Rerum Novarum, Populorum Progressio, and Laudato Sì. The results highlight the need to integrate sustainability, equity, and spirituality into the concept of development, culminating in the proposal of "integral sustainability." The conclusion is that integral human development is a civilizational project in progress, requiring cooperation among science, politics, ethics, and faith to address global crises and promote human and environmental well-being.