TeoRel, Revista de Estudios Religiosos y Teológicos
TeoRel, Journal of Religious and Theological Studies TeoRel, Journal of Religious and Theological Studies (ISSN-e 2981-4022), is published to disseminate research in the fields of theology and religious studies conducted by faculty, researchers, and students of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the Adventist University Corporation, as well as by interested individuals. The journal aims to foster reflection on these areas of knowledge, contributing to the resolution of social conflicts and the building of peace in local and international social contexts. By promoting a theological and critical study of religion—a fundamental factor in society—TeoRel hopes to contribute to the development of the region, the country, and the world.
The Construction of Nomological Sexual Models and the Time of the End
Sexuality was bestowed by God upon humankind as a gift, intended for the relationship and enjoyment between a man and a woman within the framework of a monogamous, heterosexual, and enduring marriage. Sin, however, degraded all things, including sexuality. What had originally been holy and dignified became corrupted, and this situation compelled God to establish norms to delineate the boundaries between good and evil, norms that constitute the foundation of the nomological sexual model. Toward the end of time, it will be essential to recover the constitutive elements of the protological sexual model in order to present them to twenty-first-century Adventist youth, who live within a relativistic and permissive society. For young people who do not accept “because the Bible says so” as a sufficient answer, teaching grounded in love, obedience, and a balanced conception of the body may serve as the path toward restoration.
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Comparative analysis between the pre-Hispanic Andean worldview and Seventh-day Adventist theology: Similarities, differences, and challenges for current missionary contextualization
The pre-Hispanic Andean cosmovision, characterized by animistic polytheism and the supreme deity Viracocha, raises questions regarding its potential convergences with Seventh-day Adventist theology, particularly in terms of evangelistic contextualization within contemporary Peruvian communities. This study examines theological bridges across three axes: theology (conception of God), anthropology (view of the human being), and cosmology (understanding of the world), identifying analogies that facilitate Christian assimilation. Employing a comparative hermeneutical approach, it analyzes Andean myths, colonial chronicles, and Adventist biblical doctrines, highlighting similarities such as divine creation, environmental stewardship, moral equilibrium (hucha vs. sin), and the tripartite cosmic structure (Hanan Pacha, Kay Pacha, Uku Pacha) with an emphasis on cyclical renewal. The findings reveal convergences in respect for nature, community (ayni), and healthy living, which promote respectful integration, although challenges like syncretism demand sensitive intercultural dialogue. These analogies facilitate contextualization and allow Adventist theology to serve as a bridge to harmonize ancestral traditions with theocentric Christian principles.
Importance of training spiritual leaders
The training of spiritual leaders constitutes an essential component for the edification of the church and the effective fulfillment of its evangelistic mission. The purpose of this article is to analyze the importance of training spiritual leaders in the local church, based on biblical-theological foundations and theoretical contributions on leadership. This research corresponds to a qualitative study based on the review of academic, theological, and biblical sources related to the topic. Among the main findings, it is evident that Jesus Christ represents the supreme model of leader formation by selecting, instructing, accompanying, and commissioning the twelve disciples for the purpose of continuing the expansion of the gospel. Likewise, the local church is identified as the primary setting where spiritual leadership is cultivated, strengthened, and promoted for the advancement of evangelistic work. It is concluded that the training of spiritual leaders is decisive for ministerial continuity and the integral growth of the church.
Salvation in Adventism: the Historical Tension Between Grace and Obedience
This article analyzes Adventist soteriology as a synthesis between the heritage of the Reformation, specifically the Lutheran and Arminian-Wesleyan traditions, and its unique eschatological worldview. Through a historical-theological and phenomenological approach, it examines the tensions between the unmerited nature of justification, progressive sanctification, and the role of divine law. The study uses data from contemporary pastoral praxis to illustrate how these doctrines shape the identity and experience of the believer. It concludes that Adventist originality lies in articulating salvation as a pilgrimage of grace that, without falling into legalism, empowers the individual in anticipation of Christ’s return.
Más allá de la mirada: la compasión de Jesús como respuesta teológica al abandono espiritual
El artículo realiza un profundo análisis exegético y teológico de Mateo 9:36, donde se presenta la compasión de Jesús como fundamento de su liderazgo pastoral y respuesta a una humanidad espiritualmente abandonada. A través del estudio del verbo griego, se evidencia que la compasión en Jesús no es solo un sentimiento pasivo, sino una fuerza visceral que lo impulsa a actuar en favor de los marginados y desorientados. El pasaje se sitúa estratégicamente como una bisagra literaria entre los milagros realizados por Jesús y el envío misionero de los discípulos, lo que resalta que su compasión no solo precede la misión, sino que la motiva. El estudio intertextual conecta la imagen de las “ovejas sin pastor” con textos proféticos como Ezequiel 34 y Números 27, posicionando a Jesús como el Pastor-Mesías prometido. Esta imagen se convierte en una crítica al liderazgo religioso de su tiempo, caracterizado por su legalismo e insensibilidad espiritual, y propone una alternativa encarnada en el amor activo de Cristo. En este contexto, la compasión no es solo una emoción, sino un criterio teológico que estructura toda la praxis pastoral y misionera. Por tanto, el texto convoca a los líderes cristianos contemporáneos a una reforma de su práctica pastoral, basada en un liderazgo empático, encarnacional y comprometido con el sufrimiento humano. A la luz de los desafíos actuales, donde muchas personas viven como “ovejas sin pastor”, el artículo llama a recuperar un ministerio fundado en la ternura, la cercanía y la acción redentora.
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Exegetical Analysis of Acts 1:8: Biblical Foundations for Contemporary Christian Mission
This exegetical study analyzes the words of Jesus as recorded by Luke in Acts 1:8, which establish the essential elements of the Christian mission for both the early Church and the contemporary Church. It examines the historical, literary, and grammatical context of the passage, delving into the terms of the original text, their meaning, their theological implications, and their relevance to the universal Christian mission.
The priesthood and the mission of the church: an exegetical-theological analysis of 1 Peter 2:9
The article explores the identity and mission of the Christian church from an Adventist perspective, based on a theological analysis of the biblical passage 1 Peter 2:9. The study focuses on three key terms: xxxxxx, xxxxxx, and xxxxx, examining their semantic and morphological meanings in the context of the New Testament. The methodology employed includes a detailed exegetical analysis of the original Greek terms, their usage in the Septuagint, and in classical Greek literature, as well as their relation to concepts from the Old Testament. The morphological and semantic analysis of the Greek term xxxxxxxxx reveals profound theological implications that enrich the understanding of the Christian priesthood in the NT context. The conjunction xxxxxxx serves as a linguistic element of great relevance for accurately understanding the theological intentionality of the biblical text in which it is inserted. The verb xxxxxxx, attested in 1 Peter 2:9, constitutes a grammatically significant form whose
Luke 4:18 and the praxis of Spiritual Care: A Perspective from Contemporary Chaplainyc
This article seeks to explore how Luke 4:18 offers a biblical-theological model for spiritual care in the context of contemporary chaplaincy, particularly in hospital settings. Starting from Jesus’ programmatic declaration in the synagogue of Nazareth, it argues that this passage not only reveals the essence of the Messiah’s mission but also provides a practical guide for spiritual accompaniment in contexts of suffering, vulnerability, and pain. The study’s methodology combines an exegetical-theological analysis of Luke 4:18 with a contextualized pastoral application to the realities of chaplaincy ministry. Key expressions from the passage” proclaim good news to the poor,” “heal the brokenhearted,” “set the oppressed free” are examined and linked to specific functions of the chaplain’s role in hospital environments. The relevance of this article lies in demonstrating the continuity between Jesus’ mission and the present-day role of chaplains, who embody the presence of the Gospel in spaces where proclamation does not come from a pulpit but through attentive presence, empathetic listening, and the shared hope of the Kingdom. In conclusion, Luke 4:18 not only inspires a compassionate vision of spiritual care but also demands a praxis that unites word and action, faith and accompaniment. The hospital corridor thus becomes a new kind of pulpit from which the good news of the Kingdom is proclaimed to those who need it most
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The Priesthood and the Mision: A Pre-Exodus Perspective 19:6
The pre-Exodus period, narrated in Genesis, establishes the theological foundations of the priesthood and the mission of God’s people, reflected in figures such as Abraham and Melchizedek. Abraham, as an intercessor, prefigures the priestly function of interceding for others, while Melchizedek symbolizes a universal priesthood that will culminate in Christ. This concept emphasizes the mission as a means of blessing the nations, as reflected in the call of the Adventist Church to undertake global missionary work. On the other hand, the patriarchs (Isaac, Jacob, Joseph) exemplify faith and perseverance in adverse contexts, reinforcing the connection between priestly identity and practical mission. Their ability to uphold the worship of the true God in pagan environments inspires the contemporary church to live out its faith in a secularized world. Adventist theology links these narratives with its emphasis on the celestial priesthood of Christ (Heb 8:1- 2) and its eschatological mission, proclaiming the message of the three angels (Rev 14:6-12) as a continuation of the redemptive plan initiated in Genesis. At the end of the research, an analysis is conducted on how pre-Exodus figures, such as Abraham, Melchizedek, and the patriarchs, established the foundations for understanding Israel’s priestly mission and for the church today
Worshipers in Spirit and Truth: A Theological Reflection on John 4:24 and Implications
The study of John 4:24 analyzes its theological and literary significance, exploring its historical-cultural context and the influence of the Old Testament and Greco-Roman thought. The claim that “God is spirit” transforms worship, decoupling it from physical places and focusing it on a direct relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. This concept aligns with OT eschatology, which heralded a time when the Spirit would renew the worship of His people. Literarily, the passage is part of the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, where she is guided from misunderstanding to revelation. Linguistically, terms such as spirit and truth reinforce that worship is spiritual and ongoing. Theologically, it reflects a Trinitarian structure: The Father seeks worshippers, the Son reveals the truth, and the Spirit empowers. Thus, John 4:24 lays a solid foundation for Christian worship, connecting it to Trinitarian fellowship and the eschatology of redemption in Christ.
Legislation for Foreigners, Orphans, and Widows: An exegetical and Theological Study in the Pentateuch
Legislation for foreigners, orphans and widows in the Pentateuch sought to ensure that these vulnerable groups were treated with compassion and justice within Israelite society. These laws reflect a concern that included protection and justice, economic provision, inclusion in celebrations, warnings against abuse; as well as some specific considerations about marriage, stutus and inheritance. Thus, this legislation not only had a practical purpose of social protection, but was deeply intertwined with the religious, ethical and historical identity of the Israelite people.
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Centros de Influencia como estrategia para el plantío de iglesias
Durante años la iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día (IASD) ha desarrollado Centros de Influencia (CI) con el propósito de impactar positivamente la vida de los habitantes urbanos y transformar las ciudades a través del servicio y el evangelismo. A pesar de los desafíos que presentan estos entornos, Dios tiene un amor especial por las ciudades y sus habitantes, como se ilustra en Jonás 4:11: “¿Y no tendré yo piedad de Nínive, aquella gran ciudad?” Su deseo es que todos reciban su mensaje de esperanza y salvación. Los CI tienen como objetivo principal comprender las necesidades locales a través de estudios de campo. Este análisis permite identificar los desafíos específicos de cada comunidad y proporcionar respuestas efectivas y contextualizadas. Según Gary Krause, “Lo que todos tienen en común es un plan para atender las necesidades físicas y espirituales de las personas, plantar nuevos grupos de creyentes y guiar a las personas a Jesús”. De este modo, estos centros no solo ofrecen asistencia en áreas clave como la salud, la educación y el bienestar social, sino que también funcionan como plataformas para la formación de nuevos grupos de creyentes y el fortalecimiento de la fe. Los CI representan una oportunidad única para que los miembros de la iglesia se involucren activamente con su comunidad a través del servicio. Al brindar apoyo práctico y solidario, se fomentan relaciones auténticas basadas en el amor y el ejemplo de Cristo, fortaleciendo así la misión de la iglesia en el contexto urbano.
El impacto de los Centros de Influencia en la misión urbana adventista
Los Centros de Influencia (CI) representan una estrategia clave dentro de la misión urbana adventista, combinando evangelismo, servicio comunitario y principios bíblicos para impactar positivamente a las ciudades. A medida que las sociedades evolucionan, los métodos tradicionales de evangelización enfrentan nuevos desafíos, lo que hace necesario adoptar enfoques innovadores y contextuales. Este estudio analiza el papel fundamental de los CI en la expansión de la misión urbana adventista, abordando su origen, fundamentos teóricos, base bíblica y estrategias de implementación. Se examina cómo estos centros han servido como espacios de conexión entre la iglesia y la comunidad, proporcionando servicios como educación, salud y asistencia social. Asimismo, se destacan las enseñanzas de Elena G. de White, quien promovió la importancia de establecer estos centros en ciudades para atraer a las personas a Cristo de manera práctica y significativa. A través de un enfoque integral, este artículo busca demostrar que los CI no solo facilitan la predicación del evangelio, sino que también fortalecen la iglesia y generan comunidades más saludables y resilientes.
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Service as a Spiritual Tool for Social Transformation
This article explores the deep interconnection between social transformation, spiritual tools, and service from a Christian perspective. It is established that service, when based on a strong spiritual connection, can be a powerful tool to generate significant change on both an individual and societal level. The article begins by defining the key concepts: social transformation as profound changes that alter the structures and norms of a society, spiritual tools as instruments to connect with the transcendental, and service as altruistic actions that seek collective well-being. Through examples such as the teachings of Jesus Christ and contemporary cases of service, the relationship between these concepts is illustrated. It is highlighted that service, guided by values such as love, compassion, justice and social responsibility, has the potential to build a more just, inclusive and ethical society. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating spirituality with service actions to generate significant social transformation. Readers are invited to reflect on their own commitment to service and to take actions that contribute to a more compassionate and equitable world
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Intertextualidad entre el apócrifo de segundo de Esdras versus el libro Bíblico de Esdras
Este estudio busca hacer un comparativo por contraste mostrando las diferencias y similitudes entre el texto apócrifo del segundo libro de Esdras versus el texto Bíblico correspondiente al libro de Esdras. Dado la brevedad de la investigación, no se pretende agotar todos los contrastes entre los dos textos; pero si hacer un acercamiento a los argumentos que se hallan en cada uno de ellos, con la finalidad de obtener una visión holística tanto en su forma y estilo como en el contenido de los argumentos expresados en cada pasaje. Este estudio se abordará en cuatro secciones. En la primera sección se presentará algunas consideraciones sobre la literatura apócrifa. En la segunda sección será dedicada a evidenciar las diferencias intertextuales de los dos libros. Una tercera sección abordara las similitudes que se observan; y en la última sección (cuarta,) se expresarán las conclusiones a las que se llegan en esta sencilla investigación.
El origen del mal a través de los escritos de Ellen G. White
Es esencial para los seres humanos conocer las razones por las cuales el mundo actual está cada día mas sumergido en el mal, la injusticia y el egoísmo. La Biblia y los escritos del espíritu de profecía nos muestran el origen del mal en el universo, y cual ha sido su consecuencia en el ser humano.
Resumen: Dios el Espíritu Santo, siendo la presencia misma de Cristo: “Pues el tomará de lo mío y os lo hará saber” … (Jn 16:14). Imparte: justicia, luz, mucho amor, poder, gozo y paz a través de los dones y talentos entregados para la salvación de los hombres; Ha tenido una labor incansable, dónde solo en la disposición del corazón humano podrá tener los efectos de una verdadera, reforma y un poderoso reavivamiento. Estos elementos son adecuados para transformar el corazón irregenerado, y para la renovación de la imagen de Dios en el hombre. Así los propósitos de Cristo obrando por medio del Espíritu se lograrán, Y la promesa de: “He aquí yo estoy con vosotros todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo”. (Mt 28:20). Se cumple, porque Dios es Amor.
Los 144.000 desde la perspectiva de Ellen G. White
Un acercamiento al pensamiento de Elena G. White sobre los 144.000, el cual ha sido objeto de estudio a través del tiempo. Sujeto a diferentes interpretaciones, la escritora presenta su posición y recomendaciones a quienes se interesan en estudiar este tema.
Los dinosaurios desde los escritos de Ellen G. White
El don profético empleado por la escritora Ellen G. White, no utiliza el termino dinosaurios, es importante tener en cuenta implicaciones indirectas y analogías literarias, debido a que no aborda detalladamente los temas de la ciencia natural o la paleontología, por lo que estudio verificará la existencia de estos seres según la evidencia de sus escritos en fuentes primarias.
El carácter en los escritos de Ellen G. White
El presente artículo busca mirar el carácter desde la perspectiva de la escritora estadounidense Ellen White, la cual mostrara a través de la revelación dada por Dios, que el carácter es algo que se debe trabajar desde ahora, sobre todo mirando que el carácter es un proceso no un estado. también miraremos cuan miserable sería el cielo, si algunos de estos miserables fueran al cielo.
El fin de la ley es Cristo: Estudio teológico de Romanos 10:4
En este estudio de el objetivo es presentar una aclaración según lo que han dicho varios autores del tema, para generar un interés profundo en las enseñanzas de Jesús y el objetivo de su ministerio con respecto a la Ley. ¿Qué concepto tiene Pablo acerca de la Ley? ¿Cuál era el pensamiento de pablo con respecto a Cristo y la Ley? ¿Cómo influye esto en el pensamiento de los creyentes de hoy y en el pasado como afectó el pensamiento judeo-cristiano? In this study, the objective is to present a clarification according to what several authors on the subject have said, to generate a deep interest in the teachings of Jesus and the objective of his ministry with respect to the Law. What concept does Paul have about the Law? Law? What was Paul's thought regarding Christ and the Law? How does this influence the thinking of believers today and in the past as it affected Judeo-Christian thinking?
Psalm 128 teaches that a godly life, based on fear of the Lord, obedience, and responsibility, brings divine blessing and prosperity. Additionally, it highlights the value of family and honest work as essential components of a life blessed by God. This Psalm offers valuable theological perspective on how to live in harmony with divine will and experience God's blessing in daily life.
Armageddon exegetical analysis Rev 16:12-16
Armageddon has always been in the crosshairs of final event scholars, they all have divided thoughts when interpreting this event, some literally or symbolically due to its demand and little mention in the book. Armageddon, a term that has only one mention in the New Testament, is a concept that develops in the context of the last plagues Rev 15:1-16:21, which is commonly associated with the final battle, however, the subject has been so commented and little landed that his interpretations reflect a tension between the symbolic and the literal. Through the exegetical analysis, an intertextual analysis of the relationship between the symbolic and the literal is made.
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Armageddon from the perspective of Adventist pioneers
Armageddon has always been in the sights of final event scholars, all of them have divided thoughts when interpreting this event, some in a literal or symbolic way due to its exigency and little mention in the book. Within the Adventist pioneers there is a strong inclination towards a literal interpretation of the passage due to the events of their own time among the nations of the east, as well as statements of interpreting it in a symbolic and spiritual sense due to explorations made within the same scripture that served as a reference. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to detail a historical review of the interpretation of the Adventist pioneers; within which the literal and symbolic aspects present in the interpretation of the Adventist pioneers in the years 1840 to 1906 are identified.
The present research makes a brief study of geographical, historical, cultural and religious of one of the nations that has kept secrets since its beginnings. Archaeologists are still surprised by the findings of the Egyptian culture. Its political and social organization always had a strong religious aspect. Even their great constructions tell us about the conception of religion in their daily life. The deities in ancient Egypt were very diverse, although in the biblical account we do not get to know their names, the Bible presents the religious notions of Egypt. The biblical authors present in several passages of the Bible Egypt and its Pharaoh as nations that are against the divine designs. At the end of the investigation, a theological analysis is made on why God sends 10 plagues to the Egyptians, giving the reader a new perspective on the Exodus story. In short, God is the only God and outside of Him there is no other deity, any manifestation of a being who perceives himself as a god and influences his nation for his subsequent worship will have to face the creator of the universe.
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Biblical Perspective on Divorce and Remarriage
Scripture provides clear instructions for moral situations such as divorce and remarriage; situations that have also been practiced in an ecclesiological context. It is necessary to go to the Bible, through exegesis in key passages and a bibliographic review, to analyze how the issue of remarriage was specifically handled and in which cases divorce was allowed in both testaments. Thus, when approaching the Old Testament, it is notable that the separation of the couple could only occur when there was death or divorce due to infidelity. However, there are factors that could conflict with orders in the Pentateuch, such as the death of one who commits adultery. On the other hand, in the New Testament the Apostle Paul gives some guidelines addressing these decisions of separation and new marriage practiced since his time, influencing the present.
Paraphrase of the story of Jesus in Embera Katío
In this research, the Embera-Katio cosmogony and the importance of translating the Bible into their vernacular language are analyzed. For this, its geographical location, its development in the last fifty years and the oral transmission of history in Colombia are analyzed. On the other hand, the cosmogonic story is mentioned, which allows us to understand some spiritual practices that are usually carried out. Finally, the influence that the Bible has had in challenging the thinking of scholars around removing the customs and beliefs of the Embera-Katio is analyzed.
Comparative analysis between the different accounts of the creation of the cosmos in the cultures of the Middle East
This article makes a presentation of the different accounts of the creation present in the Ancient Near East (ANE) and then compares them with the creationist account of Genesis 1. It is found that although there are similarities between Gen 1 and the creation accounts of the ANE, the differences between them indicate that there is no dependency, and that the biblical creation reflects a God of love who with care and meditation decides to create the earth and humanity so that they live in communion with him.