Corneliu Constantineanu | Aurel Vlaicu Univ. of Arad, Romania (original) (raw)

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Books by Corneliu Constantineanu

Î ncepând cu anul 2011, jurnalul teologic Plērōma va avea şi un supliment teologic în care vor fi... more Î ncepând cu anul 2011, jurnalul teologic Plērōma va avea şi un supliment teologic în care vor fi publicate referatele prezentate la sesiunile de comunicări ştiinţifice de la Institutul Teologic Penticostal sau lucrări monografice cu specific biblico-teologic. Ne dorim ca seria suplimentelor să reflecte cu precădere roadele cercetărilor întreprinse de autori penticostali, dar ea rămâne deschisă contribuţiilor ştiinţifice provenite din întreg spaţiul evanghelic românesc sau din alte tradiţii creştine.

Poporul lui Dumnezeu și societatea ❖ C. Constantineanu, M. Handaric, I. Riviș-Tipei, M. Demean-Du... more Poporul lui Dumnezeu și societatea ❖ C. Constantineanu, M. Handaric, I. Riviș-Tipei, M. Demean-Dumulesc

2 Colecþia FILOLOGIE Colecþia RELIGIE ªI FILOSOFIE Referenþi ºtiinþifici: Prof. univ. dr. Stanko ... more 2 Colecþia FILOLOGIE Colecþia RELIGIE ªI FILOSOFIE Referenþi ºtiinþifici: Prof. univ. dr. Stanko Jambrek Conf. univ. dr. Marcel V. Mãcelaru Editurã recunoscutã de Consiliul Naþional al Cercetãrii ªtiinþifice (C.N.C.S.) Toate citatele din Biblie, cu excepþia cazurilor unde alte surse sunt precizate, provin din Versiunea Dumitru Cornilescu 1923-24.

This is an assessment of the social dimension to reconciliation as displayed in Paul's Letter to ... more This is an assessment of the social dimension to reconciliation as displayed in Paul's Letter to the Romans. Traditional exegetical scholarship has treated Paul's presentation of reconciliation as referring to reconciliation between people and God, and has primarily focused use of the word katallage - traditionally translated as 'atonement'. Constantineanu challenges this view and argues that Paul's understanding of the concept is more complex, employing rich symbolism to describe reconciliation with God and between human beings forming together an inseparable reality. The discussion is placed within Paul's overall religious, social and political contexts, showing that an analysis of the social dimension of reconciliation in his thought is both plausible and necessary. Constantineanu offers an analysis of two major sections of Romans, chapters 5-8 and 12-15. Special emphasis is placed on Paul's use of the story of Jesus for community formation, for the shaping of identity, values and community practices. It is thus demonstrated that for Paul God's reconciling initiative, shown in the crucifixion, is not only the pronouncement of God's reconciling the world, but also the ground and model for reconciliation among human beings.

Papers by Corneliu Constantineanu

One of the major aspects of Christian witness in our increasingly secular, pluralist and postmode... more One of the major aspects of Christian witness in our increasingly secular, pluralist and postmodern world is that of an authentic, embodied Christian existence which reflects itself in concrete manifestations of forgiveness, reconciliation, welcome, hope and love -as shown in the incarnation, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This paper offers a biblical/Pauline exploration of this crucial element of Christian witness and argues that the practice of genuine love is both an integral part of the gospel and a concrete manifestation or embodiment of the gospel in tangible life situations. It shows that "the story of Christ" represents the ground for, and the possibility of, the ongoing incarnation of the gospel -by their being incorporated into the same story of Christ and by their participation "in Christ, " Christians become active participants in God's story of the redemption of the world.

In a context in which the significance of Scripture for everyday life is fading away, this articl... more In a context in which the significance of Scripture for everyday life is fading away, this article is an argument for the centrality of the Bible as the basis for a holistic understanding of reality and for an authentic Christian engagement in contemporary society. The argument is built on a twofold truth: the lordship of Christ over reality in its entirety and the public nature of the Gospel. More specifically, the paper offers an examination of Romans 13 with regard to the issue of the Christian relationship to the governing authorities. It argues that Paul offers solid theological ground on which he simultaneously legitimizes and limits the authority of the government, and presents an active and positive involvement of the Christian in the world, advocating practices that are conducive to a meaningful and peaceful life in the society at large. It concludes that according to Paul's vision of redemption, the church, as the paradigmatic community of the new creation, is called to be actively engaged in society, to have a constructive, even if critical at times, relationship to the powers and structures of authority, confessing and witnessing the lordship of Christ over reality in its entirety, in the anticipation of the ultimate redemption of God's creation.

Scripture has always played a crucial role in the renewal of the churches throughout the history ... more Scripture has always played a crucial role in the renewal of the churches throughout the history of Christianity and this was seen particularly well during the Reformation. This paper offers another example of the enduring power of the Scripture to change lives and renew communities. It looks at the impact of the 'rediscovery' of the Bible on the Romanian Christian context at the beginning of the 20 th century, by presenting the life and influence of three key Orthodox priests, Dumitru Cornilescu, Dumitru Popescu and Iosif Trifa. Particularly, it explores the foundation, establishment and the theology of the Lord's Army -a unique renewal movement within the Orthodox Churches.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012

ABSTRACT The more the parents communicate with the children, the more the children will improve t... more ABSTRACT The more the parents communicate with the children, the more the children will improve their communication abilities and will relate better to the people around them. The purpose of this paper is the present the importance of communication in the parent-child interaction. In this study we have applied the structured interview as a survey method, and the instrument used was the questionnaire, applied on a sample of 100 parents from Romania. The study's conclusions highlight the role of communication as a significant factor in the development of the qualitative relationship of interaction between parents and children. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer review under responsibility of Prof. Dr. Huseyin Uzunboylu

Beginning with a reminder of the centrality of the concept of the Kingdom of God for Jesus' minis... more Beginning with a reminder of the centrality of the concept of the Kingdom of God for Jesus' ministry and teaching and for the early church, the presentation attempts to show that, despite some contrary voices, the notion of the Kingdom of God is still a very useful and significant category for the present Christian ethical reflection in general, and for Christian unity and fellowship in particular. Being given such a specific and limited purpose for the presentation, after some brief but necessary clarifications about the meaning of the Kingdom of God (sovereignty/ reign/ realm -present/future -inward/external -transcendent/immanent), the article offers an exploration of several ways in which the concept of the Kingdom of God is significant for Christian unity and fellowship, from a New Testament/Pauline perspective.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012

Kairos: Evangelical Journal of Theology, 2010

The place and influence of Scripture in the contemporary world is marginal and seriously undermin... more The place and influence of Scripture in the contemporary world is marginal and seriously undermined. This article is a plea to rediscover the centrality and authority of the Scriptures for an authentic Christian life in the world. It begins with some clarification questions about the locus of authority, and then presents several key issues regarding the authority of Scripture. It is argued that the concept should be understood in close association with the authority of God, the authority of the true story of the world in Jesus Christ, obedience and transformed lives. Throughout the article, special emphasis is placed on the authority of Scripture as the "living" and "active" word of God for an obedient and transformed Christian living in the world.

Kraljevstvo Božje i kršćansko jedinstvo i zajedništvo: Rimljanima 14,17 u kontekstu Corneliu CONS... more Kraljevstvo Božje i kršćansko jedinstvo i zajedništvo: Rimljanima 14,17 u kontekstu Corneliu CONSTANTINEANU Evanđeoski teološki fakultet, Osijek cconstan@evtos.hr UDK: 261.8 Izvorni znanstveni članak Primljeno: 15. 2. 2008. Prihvaćeno: 15. 3. 2008. Počinjući podsjećanjem na središnje mjesto koncepta kraljevstva Božjeg za Isusovu službu i nauku, i za ranu crkvu, izlaganje nastoji pokazati da je, unatoč nekim protivnim glasovima, pojam kraljevstva Božjeg još uvijek vrlo upotrebljiva i značajna kategorija, općenito za sadašnje kršćansko etičko promišljanje te osobito za kršćansko jedinstvo i zajedništvo. Budući da je zadana takva određena i ograničena svrha izlaganja, nakon nekih kratkih, ali neophodnih pojašnjenja o značenju kraljevstva Božjeg (suverenitet/vladavina/područje -sadašnje/buduće -unutarnje/ vanjsko -transcendentno/imanentno), članak nudi istraživanje nekoliko načina po kojima je koncept kraljevstva Božjeg značajan za kršćansko jedinstvo i zajedništvo, iz novozavjetne/pavlovske perspektive.

Kairos: Evanđeoski teološki časopis, 2010

Central and Eastern Europe is one of the areas of the world that has undergone profound transform... more Central and Eastern Europe is one of the areas of the world that has undergone profound transformations during the 100 years delimited by the two Edinburgh gatherings that inspired the Regnum Edinburgh Centenary Series. It is the place in which Marxist ideology gave birth to the Communist hegemony that has impacted the European arena for over 50 years. But this is also the place where Christian churches experienced God’s grace and provision, and even unexpected flourishing in some quarters. The present volume brings together significant contributions from over thirty theologians, missiologists and practitioners from this part of the world. The articles explore the complex missiological thinking and praxis of Central and Eastern Europe, highlight concrete missiological endeavours and pointing to the challenges and opportunities for mission in this part of the world.

The essays collected in this volume are a selection of papers presented over a period of three ye... more The essays collected in this volume are a selection of papers presented over a period of three years at several symposia held in Evanđeoski teološki fakultet, Osijek, Croatia. The authors, a group of postgraduate students coming from various places from Eastern Europe, undertook topics of research that express contextual awareness and a desire to reflect relevantly on issues facing Church and society. Methodologically the collection restates the centrality of the Bible and the importance of responsible biblical interpretation. Also there is a stress on the importance of addressing the challenges of culture and society through theological reflection. As such, the works offered here will hopefully expand the readers' awareness of the possibilities and necessity for undertaking theological research.

Theological research is a complex undertaking. It requires diligence, long hours of work, the tac... more Theological research is a complex undertaking. It requires diligence, long hours of work, the tackling of issues which many times challenge one's personal assumptions and the acceptance that as a profession it does not bring the material rewards other academic fields might offer. Nevertheless, it is also a most exciting endeavor, for it offers endless possibilities in terms of topics and method - a feast worthy of the attention of even the most industrious of researchers. The essays collected in this volume are offered as a tasting platter in the hope that the reader will feel compelled to partake in this feast. The contributors to this volume come from various national, denominational and academic backgrounds. However, they share an interest in theological research and education in Eastern Europe and they are all lecturers at Evanđeoski teološki fakultet in Osijek, Croatia.

Contemporary Christian communities are facing unique circumstances. The gradual secularization of... more Contemporary Christian communities are facing unique circumstances. The gradual secularization of the society, the relativisation of truth claims and the multiplication of religious options are challenges to be contended with. In addition to these, the post-communist context in Eastern and Central Europe is also marked by deeply rooted injustices, unresolved historical conflicts, remains of wicked ideologies, social unrest, moral decline, political opportunism and economic instability. Accompanied by the “idols” of fame, success, immorality and power, these external factors are affecting negatively the life and ministry of churches nowadays. This volume argues that theological institutions must not ignore these unprecedented challenges, but have the responsibility to engage in deep theological reflection and thorough research in order to provide the Church with the resources that will enable her to proclaim and embody the gospel in meaningful and truthful ways.

This volume has its origins in the international symposium Re-Imagining the Seminary: An International Conference on Theological Education Leadership held at Institutul Teologic Penticostal from Bucharest, Romania during 11–14 September 2013. The event gathered together presidents and deans of seminaries, key faculty members from several theological institutions from Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Christian leaders from various churches and Christian organizations. Together, these reflected, discussed and imagined ways of following faithfully and embodying the values of the Kingdom of God in the methods and practices of contemporary theological education. The papers given during the conference are presented here as a springboard for further biblical and theological reflection on the matter.

Theological institutions exist to serve the Church in her mission. As such, “re-imagining theological education” is a task that implies critical reflection upon our educational methods and practices. The authors of the articles collected in this volume have undertaken such reflection and the results presented here provide a provocative vision of theological education that will, no doubt, prove to be informative and conducive to transformation.

Contemporary European higher education is in a state of turmoil – turmoil caused by such issues a... more Contemporary European higher education is in a state of turmoil – turmoil caused by such issues as market-driven mentalities, continuous under-funding, declining educational standards, over-worked teaching personnel and unmotivated students; and all these in spite of the sweeping educational reforms that have been implemented in Europe within the past two decades. The papers collected in this volume, however, offer an alternative vision of higher education – a vision that is theologically informed and Christian in its ethos. This vision will appeal to anyone interested to engage the challenges of our educational systems and make ethically suitable use of the opportunities arising due to technological and societal developments.

This volume has its origins in the international symposium The Idea of a Christian University held at Institutul Teologic Penticostal from Bucharest, Romania during 23–24 May 2013. The event gathered together theologians and educators from around Europe and got them engaged in an exploration of the meaning and methods of higher education as seen in relation to Christian faith and within the practice of Christian communities. The papers given at the conference are reproduced here in the hope that the insights they offer will prompt further reflection on the place and necessity of Christian higher education within the contemporary society.

The Christian origins of European and North-American institutions of higher education is a well-known fact. In the present volume, the ideas and ideals that gave birth to such institutions are revisited and presented as models to be followed. The contributors to the volume are either experienced Christian academics or have been on the receiving end of Christian higher education. As such, they are uniquely qualified to reflect on the subject matter addressed.

This volume is a Festschrift presented to Prof. Dr. Peter Kuzmic on his sixty-fifth birthday as a... more This volume is a Festschrift presented to
Prof. Dr. Peter Kuzmic on his sixty-fifth birthday as an expression of the friendship, gratitude and esteem of his colleagues, ministry partners and former students. The authors celebrate through their contributions the diverse interests, activities and involvements that constituted most of Dr. Kuzmic's life over some 45 years. Dr. Kuzmic has distinguished himself in various ways: As a scholar, his numerous contributions in the fields of Biblical Studies, Missiology and Ethics have received the highest appreciation. As an educator, his vision and efforts to establish and advance theological learning have increased Christian knowledge globally. As a Christian leader, his ministry to church and society has had a positive impact on thousands of lives. Anyone who has had the privilege of knowing Dr. Kuzmic will agree that it is no exaggeration to describe him as a man consumed with passion for the Kingdom of God. Thus the title chosen for the volume -First the Kingdom of God - a true motto of Dr. Kuzmic's life.

Journal of Humanistic and Social Sciences, 2017

This paper builds on my previous work, “God in Public: A Prolegomena to Public Theology in the Ro... more This paper builds on my previous work, “God in Public: A Prolegomena to Public Theology in the Romanian Context,” where I made an argument for the need of public theology in the Romanian context and offered a brief introduction to the nature of this new field. Now I present several issues that would need attention in a public theology in our context. One such issue, to begin with, is the atrophy of the capacity for dreaming, for envisioning a better world, of the capacity for imagination and hope. Most of people living through the difficult period of a long transition period, with such a high rate of corruption, poverty and uncertainty, have lost any hope for a positive social change. There are no solid institutions and structures in these young democracies and people are really struggling to live a normal life. Similarly, other crucial dimensions of life have been downplayed and so in need to be recovered, such as work, family, civil society, justice, to name just a few. It is argued that a public theology for Romania and for the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe would need to address exactly these kinds of issues: a vision for a better world, Christianity and nation-building, faith and work, faith and society. The paper concludes by pointing to several example of platforms that are very promising for public theology.

Journal of Humanistic and Social Sciences, 2017

This paper intends to begin a conversation on public theology in the Romanian context. The launch... more This paper intends to begin a conversation on public theology in the Romanian context. The launching of the Global Network for Public Theology and of the International Journal of Public Theology some 10 years represent two significant markers for this new field of study. Public theology is a serious engagement of Christian faith with the public domain in all its social, political, cultural and economic spheres of life in society. It is proposed that the engagement of theology in conversation with issues of public domain becomes not only relevant but extremely urgent if we consider the historical, post- communist, post-dictatorial, transitional context of Romania and the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe, where faith was privatized and excluded from the public discourse for many decades. It is argued that in this context one of the most important and urgent tasks of the church as well as of Christian theology is to become an authentic witness in the public realm, toproclaim and embody the gospel as public truth, i.e. a theology concerned with and addressing the entire reality of life in society.It is thus shown that a crucial preoccupation for Christians in Romania and in this part of the world isan articulation of a solid public theology of culture, of work, of social justice and reconciliation, a public theology for the common good and human flourishing.After a brief presentation of a particular aspect of the Romanian regarding religion and public life, the paper offers an introduction to this new field of study by looking at some definitions, characteristics, approaches and tasks of public theology.

Re-Imagining Theological Education, 2016

Mission in Central and Eastern Europe: Realities, Perspectives, Trends, 2016

The articles included in the present special issue have been selected for publication from among ... more The articles included in the present special issue have been selected for publication from among several contributions given during the fifth and sixth Stott-Bediako Forum meetings that took place on 13–14 June 2016 and 28–30 June 2017 respectively. These meetings, held at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies in Oxford, England in 2016 and the Akrofi-Christaller Institute for Theology, Mission and Culture in Accra, Ghana in 2017, focused both on the theme The Refugee Crisis: A Shared Human Condition. The purpose of both conferences was to reflect theologically on God’s mission, through the church, in the world, in light of such sobering realities as the Syrian refugee crisis and the world- wide migration conundrum. Although addressing this theme from different perspectives, all papers presented during these events focused on the idea that the Gospel, as God’s truth, is a message that addresses the entire reality of human existence, including the harsh realities of forced human dis- placement. The papers addressed questions such as: What does the Bible say in regard to refugees? How are we to understand our identity as pilgrims and ‘resident aliens’ in this world? How should the Christian Church respond to the tragic realities of migration? What are the concrete ways in which Christian communities can engage with, and mitigate, the consequences of forced human displacement? These questions prompted the participants to seek ways in which the refugee crisis can be addressed holistically and to formulate a response to the crisis that is biblically founded, theologically informed and guided by the reflective practice of the Church – thus the present spe- cial issue.