Solomon Kwadwo | Adventist University of Africa (original) (raw)

Papers by Solomon Kwadwo

Research paper thumbnail of Baptism for the Dead: An Exegetical Investigation of 1 Corinthians 15:29 and its Theological Significance for Contemporary Christians

Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology, 2024

This study presents an exegetical examination of 1 Corinthians 15:29, a passage that has long int... more This study presents an exegetical examination of 1 Corinthians 15:29, a passage that has long intrigued scholars due to its reference to "baptism for the dead." The purpose of the paper is to elucidate the historical, linguistic, and theological contexts surrounding this verse, with the goal of clarifying its meaning and significance within early Christian thought and its implications for modern Christian theology. The research uses a historicalgrammatical methodology to examine several interpretations, including the notion of vicarious baptism, metaphorical interpretations, and the potential correlation of these interpretations with early Christian practices. The discussion focuses on the broader theological implications of the passage, particularly in relation to Pauline teachings on resurrection and the Christian hope in eternal life. This analysis ultimately suggests that Paul's allusion to baptism for the dead in 1 Cor 15:29 does not endorse or imply a vicarious or proxy baptism, a notion that certain contemporary scholars generally acknowledge, rather it is a metaphorical construction that resonates with the eschatological resurrection of the dead in Christ. The study concludes with recommendations for interpreting ambiguous texts in light of historical and contextual factors. This research contributes to Pauline scholarship by offering a refined interpretation of a complex passage, promoting a deeper understanding of early Christian eschatology, and inviting contemporary theological reflection on the themes of resurrection and Christian hope.

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr’s Anthropology and the Seventh-Day Adventist Perspective on Human Nature: Implications for Contemporary Theological Discourse

E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies

This article presented a comparative analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr’s anthropology and the Seventh-... more This article presented a comparative analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr’s anthropology and the Seventh-day Adventist view of human nature and aims at enriching contemporary theological discourse. Niebuhr’s theological framework acknowledges the limitations and fallibility of human beings while emphasizing their capacity for transcendence, susceptibility to sin, and openness to grace. On the other hand, the Seventh-day Adventist perspective emphasizes the holistic understanding of human nature, the restoration of the divine image, and the transformative potential through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Through a comprehensive analysis, this research explored the similarities, differences, and theological implications of these perspectives, providing valuable insights into the complexities of human existence. The paper posited a holistic understanding of human nature, acknowledging its inherent flaws and the possibility of redemption through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. S...

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Luther's And Zwingli's Understanding Of The Lord's Supper: A Theological Evaluation

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Luther's And Zwingli's Understanding Of The Lord's Supper: A Theological Evaluation

IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 2023

Luther's and Zwingli's understanding of the Lord's Supper is the main focus that forms the framew... more Luther's and Zwingli's understanding of the Lord's Supper is the main focus that forms the framework of this research. Before the Reformation, several divergent views had been expressed among scholars to resolve the controversy over the substance of the Lord's Supper. However, in the Marburg debate between Luther and Zwingli, the doctrine met the needed consideration in scholarship. Using a content analysis approach, the current study performed a comparative evaluation of the theology of Luther and Zwingli concerning the Lord's Supper. The purpose of the study is to compare and evaluate the views of the reformers, namely, Luther and Zwingli on the Lord's Supper, and to examine their influence on the theological enterprise and Christian denominations as a whole. Theologically, the study has revealed that the words of Jesus "This is my Body" should not be viewed in the context of its literal sense, but rather in a symbolic or figurative sense. The body of Christ has been crucified once for humanity and it makes no sense for Christ to be crucified again at the Lord's Supper. This can be discerned from the words of Jesus Christ "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). This fixes the biblical doctrine of the Lord's Supper. Thus, the bread is a figure (sign), which points to the death of Christ. Therefore, Christians celebrate this ordinance to commemorate the death of Christ. Significantly, the paper contributes to the ongoing exploration of the Lord's Supper, fostering a deeper understanding of its theological meaning and significance in contemporary theological discourse

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr's Anthropology and the Seventh-Day Adventist Perspective on Human Nature: Implications for Contemporary Theological Discourse

E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies (ERATS), 2023

This article presented a comparative analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr's anthropology and the Seventh-... more This article presented a comparative analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr's anthropology and the Seventh-day Adventist view of human nature and aims at enriching contemporary theological discourse. Niebuhr's theological framework acknowledges the limitations and fallibility of human beings while emphasizing their capacity for transcendence, susceptibility to sin, and openness to grace. On the other hand, the Seventh-day Adventist perspective emphasizes the holistic understanding of human nature, the restoration of the divine image, and the transformative potential through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Through a comprehensive analysis, this research explored the similarities, differences, and theological implications of these perspectives, providing valuable insights into the complexities of human existence. The paper posited a holistic understanding of human nature, acknowledging its inherent flaws and the possibility of redemption through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Significantly, the paper contributes to the ongoing exploration of anthropology, fostering a deeper understanding of human existential reality and its significance in contemporary theological discourse.

Research paper thumbnail of Baptism for the Dead: An Exegetical Investigation of 1 Corinthians 15:29 and its Theological Significance for Contemporary Christians

Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology, 2024

This study presents an exegetical examination of 1 Corinthians 15:29, a passage that has long int... more This study presents an exegetical examination of 1 Corinthians 15:29, a passage that has long intrigued scholars due to its reference to "baptism for the dead." The purpose of the paper is to elucidate the historical, linguistic, and theological contexts surrounding this verse, with the goal of clarifying its meaning and significance within early Christian thought and its implications for modern Christian theology. The research uses a historicalgrammatical methodology to examine several interpretations, including the notion of vicarious baptism, metaphorical interpretations, and the potential correlation of these interpretations with early Christian practices. The discussion focuses on the broader theological implications of the passage, particularly in relation to Pauline teachings on resurrection and the Christian hope in eternal life. This analysis ultimately suggests that Paul's allusion to baptism for the dead in 1 Cor 15:29 does not endorse or imply a vicarious or proxy baptism, a notion that certain contemporary scholars generally acknowledge, rather it is a metaphorical construction that resonates with the eschatological resurrection of the dead in Christ. The study concludes with recommendations for interpreting ambiguous texts in light of historical and contextual factors. This research contributes to Pauline scholarship by offering a refined interpretation of a complex passage, promoting a deeper understanding of early Christian eschatology, and inviting contemporary theological reflection on the themes of resurrection and Christian hope.

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr’s Anthropology and the Seventh-Day Adventist Perspective on Human Nature: Implications for Contemporary Theological Discourse

E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies

This article presented a comparative analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr’s anthropology and the Seventh-... more This article presented a comparative analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr’s anthropology and the Seventh-day Adventist view of human nature and aims at enriching contemporary theological discourse. Niebuhr’s theological framework acknowledges the limitations and fallibility of human beings while emphasizing their capacity for transcendence, susceptibility to sin, and openness to grace. On the other hand, the Seventh-day Adventist perspective emphasizes the holistic understanding of human nature, the restoration of the divine image, and the transformative potential through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Through a comprehensive analysis, this research explored the similarities, differences, and theological implications of these perspectives, providing valuable insights into the complexities of human existence. The paper posited a holistic understanding of human nature, acknowledging its inherent flaws and the possibility of redemption through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. S...

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Luther's And Zwingli's Understanding Of The Lord's Supper: A Theological Evaluation

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Luther's And Zwingli's Understanding Of The Lord's Supper: A Theological Evaluation

IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 2023

Luther's and Zwingli's understanding of the Lord's Supper is the main focus that forms the framew... more Luther's and Zwingli's understanding of the Lord's Supper is the main focus that forms the framework of this research. Before the Reformation, several divergent views had been expressed among scholars to resolve the controversy over the substance of the Lord's Supper. However, in the Marburg debate between Luther and Zwingli, the doctrine met the needed consideration in scholarship. Using a content analysis approach, the current study performed a comparative evaluation of the theology of Luther and Zwingli concerning the Lord's Supper. The purpose of the study is to compare and evaluate the views of the reformers, namely, Luther and Zwingli on the Lord's Supper, and to examine their influence on the theological enterprise and Christian denominations as a whole. Theologically, the study has revealed that the words of Jesus "This is my Body" should not be viewed in the context of its literal sense, but rather in a symbolic or figurative sense. The body of Christ has been crucified once for humanity and it makes no sense for Christ to be crucified again at the Lord's Supper. This can be discerned from the words of Jesus Christ "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). This fixes the biblical doctrine of the Lord's Supper. Thus, the bread is a figure (sign), which points to the death of Christ. Therefore, Christians celebrate this ordinance to commemorate the death of Christ. Significantly, the paper contributes to the ongoing exploration of the Lord's Supper, fostering a deeper understanding of its theological meaning and significance in contemporary theological discourse

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr's Anthropology and the Seventh-Day Adventist Perspective on Human Nature: Implications for Contemporary Theological Discourse

E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies (ERATS), 2023

This article presented a comparative analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr's anthropology and the Seventh-... more This article presented a comparative analysis of Reinhold Niebuhr's anthropology and the Seventh-day Adventist view of human nature and aims at enriching contemporary theological discourse. Niebuhr's theological framework acknowledges the limitations and fallibility of human beings while emphasizing their capacity for transcendence, susceptibility to sin, and openness to grace. On the other hand, the Seventh-day Adventist perspective emphasizes the holistic understanding of human nature, the restoration of the divine image, and the transformative potential through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Through a comprehensive analysis, this research explored the similarities, differences, and theological implications of these perspectives, providing valuable insights into the complexities of human existence. The paper posited a holistic understanding of human nature, acknowledging its inherent flaws and the possibility of redemption through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Significantly, the paper contributes to the ongoing exploration of anthropology, fostering a deeper understanding of human existential reality and its significance in contemporary theological discourse.