ISSN 1022-5390 (impresa) ISSN 2413-2470 (En línea) El objetivo de la revista Theologika es promover la generación y difusión de información científica a través de la publicación de investigaciones de carácter bíblico-exegético, teológico-sistemático, histórico y pastoral. Está dirigida a profesores y alumos de teología, y líderes religiosos en general. Último número Números anteriores
Facultad de Teología de la Universidad Peruana Unión
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Este año, la revista Theologika celebra cuatro décadas de existencia. No se trata solo de una cifra, sino de un testimonio de devoción, reflexión y servicio académico al cuerpo teológico de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día. Desde su fundación, Theologika ha sido un espacio de encuentro entre la fe y la razón, entre la Escritura y la investigación, entre la tradición y el pensamiento crítico. Su historia es también la historia de una comunidad que ha creído en el poder transformador de la Palabra de Dios y en la necesidad de pensarla con profundidad, rigor y compromiso.
Copyright (c) 2025 Benjamín Rojas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
IDENTITY OF THE BEAST AND OF THE SEVEN KINGS OF REVELATION 17:9–11: AN ASSESSMENT OF INTERPRETATIVE TRENDS WITHIN THE CONTEMPORARY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
This article analyzes Revelation 17:9-11 and the reason of the divergent interpretations that arise despite the common use of the historicist method. Methodologically, it compares representative Adventist lines through micro- and macroexegesis within canonical hermeneutics (Daniel–Revelation unity, recapitulation, and intertextual analysis). The findings are: (1) regarding the beast, three lines are identified—Satan; papal Rome; and a power with three manifestations (Rev. 12; 13; 17)—and analysis favors the second due to structural and narrative parallels between Rev. 13 and 17 (authority received, “was/is not/is to come,” amazement, blasphemy/war against the saints); (2) regarding the seven kings, two lines emerge—one beginning with Babylon and the other with Egypt—and, based on the Daniel–Revelation unity, symbolism and recapitulation, the sequence must begin with Babylon.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oscar S. Mendoza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Testament of Jacob: A Morphosyntactic Analysis
This exploratory article proposes a linguistic analysis of portions of the text in Gen 49:1–28, focusing on the introduction, conclusion, and the blessings to Reuben and Judah. The research examines macro-syntactic markers, verbal peculiarities, Masoretic accents (teamim), and a structural analysis of the relations of subordination and coordination between clauses, as well as the connection among these aspects. Through the study of the teamim, the article shows how the accents not only indicate musicality and syllabic emphasis, but also delineate the syntactic structure of the Hebrew text. The structural analysis complements this approach, highlighting the symmetries and emphases that may be overlooked in a casual reading. In sum, the study demonstrates that readings mediated by the teamim and by structural analysis are complementary, offering a richer perspective on the biblical text.
Copyright (c) 2025 Diogo Cavalcanti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This article addresses Christian discipleship and the biblical Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), with emphasis on the work of the third Person. Using theological description and analytical investigation, and with the doctrine of the Trinity as a framework, it examines the concept of mathētēs and the ontological identity of the Trinity as set forth in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, then analyzes key elements found in Jesus’ teachings on discipleship. It highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in maintaining humanity’s connection with the triune God, which results in four essential aspects for the follower of Jesus: justification, sanctification, the endowment of charismatic missionary capacities (spiritual gifts), and missionary action in fulfilling the Son’s commission. Finally, it concludes—based on the analysis of Jesus’ evangelical commission— that all three Persons of the Trinity play a vital role in forming disciples for God’s kingdom, which establishes the connection between the divine Persons and the disciple, whose bond is promoted by the economic action of the Holy Spirit, who uses the disciple-making ministry to form other new disciples.
Copyright (c) 2025 Agenilton Corrêa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Profile of Satan in the Prologue of Job: Traces in favor of Traditional Exegesis
This article reconsiders the role of the Satan in the prologue of the Book of Job in light of the traditional interpretation, which sees this figure as a real adversary with ontological depth. While modern scholarship often portrays him as a neutral or subordinate celestial figure, such readings may rest on assumptions not fully grounded in the text. Through close textual, narrative and theological analysis, the study proposes that Satan plays a central role in a cosmic conflict, acting as an accuser who tests the integrity of the righteous and raises implicit questions about divine justice. By situating the prologue within wisdom literature and the broader biblical canon, the article seeks to contribute to a deeper theological reading of this complex figure.
Copyright (c) 2025 Karl Günther Boskamp Ulloa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Cómo el Pensamiento Cristiano ha sido Condicionado por la Filosofía y cómo Puede Dejar de Serlo
Raúl Kerbs, in How Christian Thought Has Been Conditioned by Philosophy and How It Can Stop Being So, analyzes the influence of Greek philosophy on Christian theology, highlighting how the notion of a timeless God has persisted in theological thought from the pre-Socratics to modernity. Through a historical-critical approach, he examines the impact of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, the Reformers, and modern thinkers such as Kant and Schleiermacher, showing how theology has subordinated biblical authority to philosophical concepts. The work highlights the difficulty of separating Christian theology from its philosophical heritage and emphasizes the need for an independent biblical interpretation.
Copyright (c) 2023 Editor Theologika; Ronald Aquije Herencia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Gender ideology has gained significant influence in contemporary society, promoting values such as “inclusion,” “equality,” and “progress.” Its impact has extended to various spheres, including Christian circles, raising questions about the compatibility between its principles and biblical doctrine. This study aims to analyze the macrohermeneutical presuppositions of gender ideology—particularly in the areas of ontology, epistemology, and metaphysics—and contrast them with the principles of the biblical worldview. Through a comparative and hermeneutical approach, the fundamental differences between both perspectives are examined. The findings show that gender ideology is based on philosophical presuppositions that are fundamentally opposed to those of the Bible, making reconciliation between both views highly challenging. The study concludes that adopting the principles of gender ideology within Christianity would compromise the doctrinal and theological coherence of the faith. Finally, the need for further studies in disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology is proposed, but always from a biblical perspective, to strengthen the Christian stance in response to contemporary challenges.
Copyright (c) 2024 Samuel E. Ricra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
En el ámbito de la erudición bíblica, particularmente dentro de la comunidad adventista del séptimo dia, la doctrina del santuario ha desempeñado un rol significativo para el estblecimento del origen, identidad y misión adventista. Vários libros se han publicado hasta la fecha sobre este tema, pero parece no existir uno como A Song for the Sanctuary.
Copyright (c) 2023 Editor Theologika https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
From Doing Theology to Being a Theologian
From Doing Theology to Being a Theologian: Principles and Methods of Theology de Zoltán Szallós-Farkas explora la integración de la teología sistemática y la espiritualidad cristiana. Los ocho capítulos del libro abordan presuposiciones teológicas, métodos epistemológicos e implicaciones interdisciplinarias, con la naturaleza trinitaria de Dios como fundamento. Esta obra sirve como un recurso valioso para académicos interesados en la relación entre la teología y la espiritualidad.
Copyright (c) 2024 Editor Theologika; Frank M. Hasel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
God’s Presence in the Sanctuary: A Theology of His Nearness
Este estudio explora la doctrina del santuario desde la perspectiva de la presencia y cercanía de Dios, destacando su papel central en la teología bíblica y la escatología adventista. Se analiza cómo el santuario celestial y su tipología en el santuario terrenal revelan la proximidad divina a la humanidad, particularmente en el contexto del conflicto cósmico y la redención. Además, se examina la obra mediadora de Cristo en el santuario celestial y su relación con el juicio escatológico. Finalmente, se resalta la consumación de la cercanía de Dios en la restauración final del orden cósmico y la redención completa de la humanidad.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ángel Manuel Rodríguez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The use of μονογενής in Gregory of Nazianzus’ Five Theological Orations
Gregory of Nazianzus, a pivotal figure in 4th-century Trinitarian theology, significantly influenced the development of Christian doctrine. This article focuses on Gregory’s interpretation of the term μονογενής (“only-begotten”) as applied to the Son of God within the Trinitarian framework, particularly as articulated in his Five Theological Orations. The analysis reveals that Gregory employed a literal interpretation of μονογενής, meaning “originated” and “offspring,” to describe the Son’s relationship with the Father. This interpretation reflects a broader Greek philosophical view of the divine as existing in a non-temporal, incorporeal realm, which Gregory acknowledges as ultimately mysterious and beyond full human comprehension. This framework, while influential, is not explicitly supported by Scripture. Consequently, this article advocates for a re-evaluation of the μονογενής concept based solely on Scripture, challenging the presuppositions that influenced the classic Trinitarian doctrine.
Doctrine of the Trinity, Christology, Patristics, Philosophical presuppositions, Aristotelianism
Copyright (c) 2024 Walter A. Steger https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Interpretações alegóricas do santuário e suas implicações
This study examines allegorical interpretations related to the biblical theme of the sanctuary, aiming to explore their causes, occurrences, and implications. Using bibliographic review as the research methodology and adopting a biblical-historicist-canonical approach, the text begins by addressing the origins and characteristics of allegory and its configuration as an interpretative method opposed to the biblical claims of literalness and historicity. It then highlights, through sampling, the most notable instances of sanctuary allegorization both within and outside the Adventist sphere, pointing out the convergence of their interpretative inconsistencies in terms of “spiritualization,” while acknowledging that their eclectic formulation prevents precise classification. Finally, the study underscores the main implications of this perspective and practice, emphasizing their hermeneutical and theological effects on the Seventh-day Adventist doctrinal system, with a direct impact on the sense of identity, unity, and mission of the remnant people.
Copyright (c) 2024 Carlos Flavio Teixeira https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This study explores the relationship between the Day of Atonement and God's law, emphasizing its significance in biblical theology and eschatology. It analyzes how Israel’s sanctuary purification rituals exemplified divine justice and mercy, foreshadowing the eschatological judgment and the vindication of God’s character. Through a typological approach, the article examines the sanctuary’s role in the divine covenant, the nature of sin and its atonement, and the relevance of these principles for contemporary Christian faith.
Day of Atonement, God's law, sanctuary, divine judgment, eschatology
Copyright (c) 2024 Roy E. Gane https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Concept of “Present Truth” in the Present Truth, 1849–1850
This article examines the concept of “present truth” in The Present Truth (1849–1850), edited by James White. It explores how early Sabbatarian Adventists connected time and truth within the framework of 19th-century epistemology. Present truth was understood as restorative, doctrinally systematic, participatory, future-oriented, mission-driven, and communitarian. The article concludes that this concept played a crucial role in theological development, eschatological urgency, and identity formation within early Seventh-day Adventism.
Present truth, Sabbatarian Adventism, eschatology, restorationism, identity formation
Copyright (c) 2024 Dan-Adrian Petre https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Misión y mensaje indeseados, resultados inesperados
This study examines the book of Jonah from a theological and missional perspective, highlighting the universality of God’s call to salvation. It analyzes the prophet’s resistance to his mission, God’s compassionate character, and the effectiveness of the redemptive message even in hostile contexts. Through an eschatological reading, the article draws parallels between Jonah’s mission and the contemporary mandate to proclaim salvation. The role of preaching in executing the divine plan and its relevance for the modern church is emphasized.
Jonah, mission, salvation, divine judgment, eschatology
Copyright (c) 2024 Merling Alomía https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Revisando algunas tendencias teológicas e intelectuales contemporáneas
Este artículo examina las tendencias teológicas e intelectuales contemporáneas que desafían la percepción de la religión, especialmente en el contexto cristiano. Explora ataques recientes al carácter de Dios y la religión por parte de figuras prominentes como Richard Dawkins y Sam Harris, que utilizan argumentos de la ciencia y el neoteísmo para criticar la fe religiosa. El artículo también analiza el resurgimiento del interés por las interpretaciones patrísticas de las Escrituras, el debate sobre la doctrina del infierno, la creciente defensa del universalismo, y el atractivo del catolicismo romano para algunos evangélicos. Finalmente, aborda la espiritualidad moderna como una búsqueda de experiencias trascendentales, destacando la importancia de una representación auténtica del carácter de Dios frente a un mundo relativista.
Copyright (c) 2024 Jiří Moskala https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
¿Emanó Jesús de Dios Padre? Revisando el Evangelio de Juan
This article explores the validity of emanation language to describe the relationship between the Father and the Son, focusing on the Gospel of John. While the term “emanation” carries metaphysical implications, the study analyzes key Johannine texts where Jesus is said to “come forth” from the Father. Through exegetical and theological insights, the research concludes that such expressions relate to Jesus’s incarnation and mission, not his eternal origin. The findings affirm Jesus’s full divinity and unity with the Father, challenging interpretations that suggest subordination or emanation.
Copyright (c) 2023 Ekkehardt Mueller; Joel Iparraguirre https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Pre-Advent Judgment in the Context of God’s Salvation and Sanctuary
This article explores the pre-Advent judgment within the framework of divine salvation, interpreting it through the lens of Israelite sanctuary sacrifices. It addresses God’s responsibility as judge, the dynamics of salvation, and the vindication of His character in judgment. Through the typology of the Day of Atonement, the article argues that this judgment affirms divine justice, the moral transformation of believers, and the imminence of final redemption within an eschatological context.
Copyright (c) 2023 Roy E. Gane https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This article is the second and final part of a study examining the literary structure of Daniel 10–12. The first article identified seven passage sections and highlighted the literary elements supporting its structure. This second part analyzes the markers that define the central section, specifically Daniel 11:16–31, which addresses the theme of the Roman kings. Special attention is given to the oracle predicting the death of the Messiah (11:22b), emphasizing the unique themes and key phrases surrounding this declaration in the section on Imperial Rome (11:16–31). Additionally, internal divisions are proposed for each of the seven sections of Daniel 10–12. Finally, inferences are drawn to guide selecting the most suitable hermeneutical approach for studying the text.
Copyright (c) 2024 Héctor Urrutia-Hernández https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This study is presented in two parts, with the current article focusing on the macrostructure of Daniel 11:2b–12:3. By analyzing the Hebrew text, this article aims to uncover the underlying literary structure of this passage, which is crucial for achieving a coherent interpretation. The proposed structure identifies seven sections within Daniel 10–12, forming a chiasm centered on the pericope concerning the Roman kings (11:16-30). This central section notably highlights the Messiah’s death (11:22b), underscoring its pivotal role in the revelation and its significance throughout the entire book of Daniel.
Daniel 11:2b–12:3, literary structure, preterism, futurism, historicism
Copyright (c) 2023 Héctor Urrutia-Hernández https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Este artículo examina la relación interdependiente entre el ministerio pastoral y la teología, sosteniendo que los pastores inherentemente funcionan como teólogos a través de sus roles en la predicación, enseñanza y reflexión teológica. El artículo discute la naturaleza esencial de la teología en el ministerio, destacando su impacto en la preparación de sermones, el trabajo misionero y la apologética. Enfatiza la necesidad de una educación teológica continua y el diálogo entre pastores y teólogos para mantener una práctica pastoral efectiva y orientada a la misión.
Educación teológica, ministerio pastoral, teólogos, teología, apologética
Copyright (c) 2023 Ángel Manuel Rodríguez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
La naturaleza del Espíritu Santo en el Antiguo Testamento
Este artículo examina la naturaleza del Espíritu Santo en el Antiguo Testamento, abordando los desafíos de conceptualizar al Espíritu como una Persona. Mediante el análisis de varios pasajes, el estudio explora el término hebreo rûaḥ y sus implicaciones, revelando tanto los aspectos divinos como personales del Espíritu Santo. El artículo concluye que el Antiguo Testamento proporciona conocimientos fundamentales sobre la doctrina del Espíritu Santo, destacando su identidad como distinto e integral a la Deidad.
Espíritu Santo, Antiguo Testamento, rûaḥ, naturaleza divina, personalidad
Copyright (c) 2023 Elias Brasil de Souza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Psalms 22, 23, and 24: A Messianic Trilogy?
Scholars are studying the final form of the Psalter in its canonical context. In this article, Psalms 22, 23, and 24 are analyzed considering their canonical context and their final form. As a result of this research, the work/ministry of the Messiah is evident. Though these psalms are connected to the experience of David, hints pointing to the ministry of the Messiah are developed. It is concluded that Psalm 22 is the Psalm of the Cross, Psalm 24 is the Psalm of the Crown, and Psalm 23 is the Psalm of the Paschal Lamb.
Psalter, Messiah, cross, crown, paschal lamb
Copyright (c) 2023 Richard M. Davidson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Aquí continuamos con el desafío de recorrer por las profundidades del texto sagrado y las interpretaciones teológicas que han configurado y continúan configurando nuestra comprensión del mundo espiritual y religioso. El primer artículo, escrito por Richard M. Davidson, “Psalms 22, 23, and 24: A Messianic Trilogy?”, presenta una revisión de estos salmos dentro de su contexto canónico. Este estudio ilumina cómo estos textos, más allá de su conexión con la experiencia personal de David y su aplicación práctica contemporánea, se revelan como sumamente fundamentales para comprender la obra redentora del Mesías por la raza humana. El segundo, de Héctor Urrutia-Hernández, analiza el complejo texto de “Daniel 11:2b–12”, intentando descifrar su estructura literaria y su significado profético. A través de un análisis detallado, además de considerar diferentes opiniones de autores cuyos enfoques de interpretación son distintos, este estudio identifica marcadores literarios y paralelismos temáticos que refuerzan la imagen del Mesías como figura central de Daniel 11, descartando así cualquier interpretación que aplique estos textos hacia el pasado o hacia el futuro solamente. El tercer artículo, por Elias Brasil de Souza, explora la naturaleza del Espíritu Santo en el Antiguo Testamento, Mediante la revisión de varios pasajes, el autor analiza el término hebreo rûaḥ y sus implicaciones para entender al Espíritu como persona y ser divino. En el cuarto artículo, Ángel Manuel Rodríguez discute brevemente la conexión vital entre el ministerio pastoral y la teología, destacando su impacto, por ejemplo, en la predicación y preparación de sermones, la enseñanza y la apologética. Enfatiza también la necesidad de una educación teológica continua y el diálogo entre pastores y teólogos para mantener una práctica pastoral efectiva y orientada a la misión. Para terminar este número, Joel Iparraguirre reseña una importante obra sobre la doctrina del santuario que ha capturado la atención de la academia y que sin duda contribuye a la teología bíblica. Esperamos que estos trabajos contribuyan a la reflexión y edificación intelectual y espiritual de la comunidad de creyentes en estos tiempos desafiantes. Y si alguno desea compartir con nosotros sus conocimientos e investigaciones, no dude en contactarnos.
Copyright (c) 2023 Alvaro Rodríguez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Deconstrucción cristocéntrica como método bíblico
El objetivo de este estudio es revelar los beneficios positivos del posmodernismo, particularmente al mostrar que la deconstrucción de Jacques Derrida contiene elementos útiles para una deconstrucción bíblicamente fiel y centrada en Cristo de las tradiciones teológicas cristianas. Además, este artículo quiere mostrar que tal deconstrucción bíblicamente orientada no solo es beneficiosa para la iglesia cristiana, sino que es el único método que conducirá a una mayor claridad sobre las doctrinas actuales y la recepción de una mayor luz. Este método no es una deconstrucción aplicada a la Escritura sino de la Escritura a las interpretaciones, creencias y prácticas cristianas tradicionales.
Jacques Derrida, deconstruction, theological method, hermeneutics, Fernando Canale
Copyright (c) 2023 Silvia Canale Bacchiocchi
Theology and Deconstruction in Fernando Canale: An Analysis
The methodological nature of theology has been studied from different perspectives. In line with these studies, the purpose of this article is to make a bibliographical review of Fernando Canale’s work to precisely describe the methodological and rational processes involved in the theological task. Based on the knowledge of these methodological processes, this article also seeks to analyze the concept of “deconstruction” outlining the uniqueness of its use in the theological realm in contrast to its application in the realm of philosophy. More similar to Heidegger than to Derrida, Canale formulates the concept of “theological deconstruction” as a critical method of scrutiny that must direct its analysis towards the most fundamental hermeneutical presuppositions of theology.
Fernando Canale, theological method, deconstruction, hermeneutics, presuppositions
Ellen G. White and the Original Biblical Languages
An adequate interpretation of the Biblical text requires a detailed exegetical analysis of its original languages: Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Translations into modern languages are unable to convey some nuances of these languages, causing the reader to be unable to perceive some details. In the present paper it is shown that the Christian writer Ellen G. White, despite having no knowledge of the original biblical languages, conveyed in her writings details and nuances present in the Hebrew and Greek text of the Bible. The verses of Exodus 5:5, Matthew 2:9, and Romans 16:7 are studied, showing how Ellen G. White’s interpretation of these texts reveals certain nuances of the original biblical text.
Exodus, Sabbath, Gospel of Matthew, Junia, Epistle to the Romans
Peckham, John C. The Doctrine of God: Introducing the Big Questions