Ricky Njoto | Ridley Melbourne (original) (raw)

Papers by Ricky Njoto

Journal of Reformed Theology, 2023

Jonathan Edwards’s idealism did not seem to leave any place for material things or acts beyond me... more Jonathan Edwards’s idealism did not seem to leave any place for material things or acts beyond mere ideas and perceptions. So, why was he so serious and faithful in his role as a preacher if the act of preaching in the material world did not have any existence beyond perception? This essay suggests that the preaching of the Word had a significant place in Edwards’s idealism because of his reconception of the theologies of sin, faith, and preaching in new metaphysical and relational terms that allowed him to place such theologies in his idealism.

Journal of Reformed Theology, 2021

This article offers Jonathan Edwards’s Redemption Discourse as an important document that can hel... more This article offers Jonathan Edwards’s Redemption Discourse as an important document that can help us interpret Edwards’s self-understanding as a missionary. In light of this document, this article proposes that Edwards saw himself as a missionary who partook in God’s mission in his battle of light against darkness through political engagements, education, and propagation of the biblical and Protestant gospel to include Native American souls in the God-glorifying communion of the elect.

Jonathan Edwards Studies, 2019

The essay analyzes Jonathan Edwards’s hermeneutics in his four sermons on the Lord’s Supper from ... more The essay analyzes Jonathan Edwards’s hermeneutics in his four sermons on the Lord’s Supper from 1 Corinthians 10. The complexity of Edwards’s theology, especially of the Lord's Supper, is subtly demonstrated in his use of biblical references. The essay demonstrates that, although Edwards’s hermeneutical methods are difficult to understand by modern minds, his biblical references are not mere proof-texts as modern assumption suggests. This is only observable when one inquires more deeply into his other sermons and writings as his references often form a web that connects such writings. Edwards’s use of the Bible is crucial in shaping both his sacramental theology and his homiletical oratory.

Jurnal Teologi Reformed Indonesia, 2017

The unique nature of eschatology in the Gospel of John raises a question: What is the role of thi... more The unique nature of eschatology in the Gospel of John raises a question: What is the role of this unique eschatology in the Gospel? This essay suggests that the Gospel employs eschatology for: (1) presenting the identity of Jesus as the Messiah who brings the Eschaton forward and who
gives eternal life in the present; (2) showing that the eschatology in Christ is superior and more progressive than its Jewish counterpart, not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles; and (3) voicing out an invitation to join the church, in which the quality of eternal life can be experienced in the present time through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who brings the
blessings of Christ’s transcendent presence to the immanent life of the church. In the end, the Gospel of John uses eschatology to invite readers to have faith in Christ and to join the church.

Jurnal Theologia Aletheia, 2017

The Servetus affair which happened in 1553 remains the biggest drop of black ink on John Calvin‘s... more The Servetus affair which happened in 1553 remains the
biggest drop of black ink on John Calvin‘s white record as a
reformer. This essay evaluates the degree to which Calvin can be
considered as responsible in the affair from three different
perspectives: (1) his ecclesiastical responsibilities as a church
leader and a reformer, (2) his political responsibilities as the leader
of the Genevan church, main player in the Consistory, and a
responsible civilian in the sixteenth century Europe, and (3) his
moral responsibilities. In the end, this essay will conclude that
Calvin is responsible only because he played a role in every
dimension stated above. However, there are other circumstances,
individuals, and groups that need to be taken in to account as well.
This means that Calvin cannot be held entirely responsible.

Asia Journal of Theology, 2019

Cultural changes in the Asia Pacific region are posing some challenges for evangelical churches. ... more Cultural changes in the Asia Pacific region are posing some challenges for evangelical churches. The trend of individualism is rampant, creating a youth culture that is rebellious, proud, and uncontrollably sexual. This essay outlines this new cultural contour in Asia Pacific and draws parallels to eighteenth-century New England. Jonathan Edwards, as a leading figure in the early evangelical movement, is the main study of this essay. His strategies and methods in approaching the youth culture were remarkable in his day and probably even now. This essay encourages evangelical churches in Asia Pacific to take Edwards as a model for exemplary cultural engagement.

Journal of Reformed Theology, 2023

Jonathan Edwards’s idealism did not seem to leave any place for material things or acts beyond me... more Jonathan Edwards’s idealism did not seem to leave any place for material things or acts beyond mere ideas and perceptions. So, why was he so serious and faithful in his role as a preacher if the act of preaching in the material world did not have any existence beyond perception? This essay suggests that the preaching of the Word had a significant place in Edwards’s idealism because of his reconception of the theologies of sin, faith, and preaching in new metaphysical and relational terms that allowed him to place such theologies in his idealism.

Journal of Reformed Theology, 2021

This article offers Jonathan Edwards’s Redemption Discourse as an important document that can hel... more This article offers Jonathan Edwards’s Redemption Discourse as an important document that can help us interpret Edwards’s self-understanding as a missionary. In light of this document, this article proposes that Edwards saw himself as a missionary who partook in God’s mission in his battle of light against darkness through political engagements, education, and propagation of the biblical and Protestant gospel to include Native American souls in the God-glorifying communion of the elect.

Jonathan Edwards Studies, 2019

The essay analyzes Jonathan Edwards’s hermeneutics in his four sermons on the Lord’s Supper from ... more The essay analyzes Jonathan Edwards’s hermeneutics in his four sermons on the Lord’s Supper from 1 Corinthians 10. The complexity of Edwards’s theology, especially of the Lord's Supper, is subtly demonstrated in his use of biblical references. The essay demonstrates that, although Edwards’s hermeneutical methods are difficult to understand by modern minds, his biblical references are not mere proof-texts as modern assumption suggests. This is only observable when one inquires more deeply into his other sermons and writings as his references often form a web that connects such writings. Edwards’s use of the Bible is crucial in shaping both his sacramental theology and his homiletical oratory.

Jurnal Teologi Reformed Indonesia, 2017

The unique nature of eschatology in the Gospel of John raises a question: What is the role of thi... more The unique nature of eschatology in the Gospel of John raises a question: What is the role of this unique eschatology in the Gospel? This essay suggests that the Gospel employs eschatology for: (1) presenting the identity of Jesus as the Messiah who brings the Eschaton forward and who
gives eternal life in the present; (2) showing that the eschatology in Christ is superior and more progressive than its Jewish counterpart, not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles; and (3) voicing out an invitation to join the church, in which the quality of eternal life can be experienced in the present time through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who brings the
blessings of Christ’s transcendent presence to the immanent life of the church. In the end, the Gospel of John uses eschatology to invite readers to have faith in Christ and to join the church.

Jurnal Theologia Aletheia, 2017

The Servetus affair which happened in 1553 remains the biggest drop of black ink on John Calvin‘s... more The Servetus affair which happened in 1553 remains the
biggest drop of black ink on John Calvin‘s white record as a
reformer. This essay evaluates the degree to which Calvin can be
considered as responsible in the affair from three different
perspectives: (1) his ecclesiastical responsibilities as a church
leader and a reformer, (2) his political responsibilities as the leader
of the Genevan church, main player in the Consistory, and a
responsible civilian in the sixteenth century Europe, and (3) his
moral responsibilities. In the end, this essay will conclude that
Calvin is responsible only because he played a role in every
dimension stated above. However, there are other circumstances,
individuals, and groups that need to be taken in to account as well.
This means that Calvin cannot be held entirely responsible.

Asia Journal of Theology, 2019

Cultural changes in the Asia Pacific region are posing some challenges for evangelical churches. ... more Cultural changes in the Asia Pacific region are posing some challenges for evangelical churches. The trend of individualism is rampant, creating a youth culture that is rebellious, proud, and uncontrollably sexual. This essay outlines this new cultural contour in Asia Pacific and draws parallels to eighteenth-century New England. Jonathan Edwards, as a leading figure in the early evangelical movement, is the main study of this essay. His strategies and methods in approaching the youth culture were remarkable in his day and probably even now. This essay encourages evangelical churches in Asia Pacific to take Edwards as a model for exemplary cultural engagement.