TEOCON - Revista Teologia Contextual é um periódico do Programa de Pós-graduação em Teologia da Faculdade Teológica Sul Americana. Tem por objetivo promover a reflexão teológica, em perspectiva interdisciplinar, na análise dos fenômenos religiosos, tendo como base o respeito à diversidade e o diálogo inter-religioso. Para isso, visa estabelecer o intercâmbio científico em âmbito nacional e internacional de estudiosos em Teologia, Ciências da Religião e áreas afins que contribuam para a reflexão e debates teológicos da contemporaneidade. A revista é de periodicidade anual, mas recebe colaborações em fluxo contínuo, enviadas pelo sistema da revista. Cada número apresenta uma seção de temática livre e uma seção de resenhas. Para submeter seu texto, acesse a seção de Submissões Online.
Faculdade Teológica Sul Americana - FTSA
Os direitos autorais dos artigos publicados na TEOCON - Revista Teologia Contextual permanecem com os autores. Ao submeter um manuscrito, os autores concordam com os seguintes termos: Primeira Publicação: Os autores concedem à TEOCON - Revista Teologia Contextual o direito de realizar a primeira publicação do trabalho, garantindo à revista o direito de disseminar e distribuir o artigo em todos os formatos e meios, incluindo impressos e digitais. Direitos do autor: Após a publicação, os autores têm autorização para assumir contratos adicionais para distribuição não-exclusiva da versão do trabalho publicada nesta revista (ex.: disponibilizar em repositórios institucionais ou publicação como capítulo de livro), com reconhecimento de autoria e publicação inicial nesta revista.
A essência dos cuidados paliativos: uma jornada da história aos princípios, da ética à simbologia cristã
Este artigo explora a profundidade e a abrangência dos Cuidados Paliativos (CP), que representam uma filosofia de cuidado centrada na dignidade humana diante de doenças graves e ameaçadoras à vida, e que inclui e valoriza o cuidado espiritual. Os CP surgem historicamente como uma resposta humanizada aos excessos da medicina tecnologicista, resgatando a antiga tradição de cuidado aos moribundos presente nos hospices medievais, ligados à igreja cristã. Sua essência é definida pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) como o cuidado ativo e total focado no alívio do sofrimento, visando a melhor qualidade de vida possível para o paciente ou a paciente e seus familiares. Os CP atuam na prevenção e alívio de sintomas físicos (como a dor), mas também nos problemas psicossociais e espirituais. A ética é um pilar central dos CP, que promove a ortotanásia, morte natural, sem prolongamento artificial da vida, combatendo a obstinação terapêutica (distanásia). Os princípios bioéticos, autonomia, beneficência e não-maleficência), guiam a prática, enfatizando o respeito às vontades da paciente ou do paciente e o foco na sua dignidade. A dimensão espiritual é reconhecida como essencial, abrangendo a busca humana por sentido, significado e transcendência.
Copyright (c) 2026 Clarissa Sanchez (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Between Resistance and Rebirth: A Jungian Reading of the Problem of Love in the Book of Jonah Espanhol:
Inglês: The biblical narrative, marked by tensions, ambivalences, and unpredictability, offers a privileged symbolic material for understanding the movements of human consciousness and its search for meaning. Despite the relevance of this field, there remains a gap in research that deeply articulates Analytical Psychology and Biblical Literature, especially in readings of the Book of Jonah as a psychic experience of transformation. This article employs the symbolic-interpretative method proposed by Carl Gustav Jung and further developed by Marie-Louise von Franz, approaching the Book of Jonah through the narrative structure of fairy tales and the archetypal dynamic between ego and Self. The analysis draws on authors such as Robert Alter, Edward Edinger, and Hans de Wit, combining literary criticism and symbolic psychology to reveal the therapeutic character of the narrative. As a contribution, the research demonstrates that biblical fiction may be understood as “healing fiction,” insofar as it exposes the dilemmas of the inflated ego, resistance to the inner call, and the possibility of psychological rebirth through the integration of divine mercy. The tale of Jonah is thus interpreted as a process of archetypal formation that leads consciousness toward the experience of compassion and the expansion of existential meaning. It is concluded that a symbolic reading of the Book of Jonah offers a fertile path for dialogue between Jungian Psychology and biblical spirituality, contributing both to the academic field and to Jungian clinical practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Laís Mendes de Souza Vieira Sales (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Da Kenosis ao cuidado: Jesus como Bom Pastor e a Gênese da ação pastoral
O presente artigo propõe uma reflexão teológico-antropológica sobre a pastoral cristã a partir de João 10, destacando o modelo de Jesus como o Bom Pastor. As notas exegéticas evidenciam três dimensões essenciais do cuidado pastoral: conhecer, importar-se e estar disponível. O primeiro movimento, “conhecer a humanidade”, fundamenta-se na imago Dei e na ética da alteridade, mostrando que o cuidado nasce do reconhecimento da dignidade divina em cada pessoa. O segundo, “importar-se com a humanidade”, desenvolve a kenosis de Cristo como paradigma do esvaziamento voluntário e da compaixão. O terceiro, “disponível para a humanidade”, relaciona-se à presença encarnada e comunitária do pastor, que se faz próximo e solidário. A síntese teológica final apresenta a pastoral como participação da Igreja na missio Dei, expressão do amor trinitário. Conclui-se que a pastoral não é técnica, mas identidade e vocação eclesial.
Copyright (c) 2026 André Sodré Santana, Dr. Flávio Henrique de Oliveira Silva (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
LEX ORANDI, LEX CREDENDI: liturgy as a fundamental theological paradigm
Copyright (c) 2025 Creômenes Tenório Maciel (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UNDER THE VIRGIN’S FEET: THE DEMON AS A SIGN OF OTHERNESS
This article examines the demonic figure beneath the feet of the image of Nossa Senhora do Socorro do Rio do Peixe (Socorro, São Paulo, Brazil) as a symbolic expression of otherness. Through an iconographic analysis articulated with the theoretical framework of monstrosity, the study explores how the visual representation participates in a Eurocentric symbolic order that associates evil with the foreign and the cultural Other. Drawing upon traditional European Christian iconography, it elucidates the construction of a visual hierarchy in which the Virgin and Child subjugate a demonic figure characterized by grotesque and exotic—indeed, monstrous—features. The identification of such traits in the figure of the devil, linked to the notion of alterity, enables a critical deconstruction of the symbolic matrices from which this imagery emerged. Ultimately, the article advances a critical interpretation of the Christian imaginary, emphasizing its role in the production and perpetuation of structures of symbolic and social power.
Copyright (c) 2026 Augusto Pellatieri Belluzzo Gonçalves, Breno Martins Campos (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Religião na modernidade, democracia e a tentação nacionalista
O presente artigo analisa a presença religiosa protestante e evangélica na modernidade ocidental, sua contribuição para a cultura democrática. Por um lado, uma performance em meio ao delicado processo de secularização; por outro lado, as condições, igualmente delicadas e controversas para a assimilação de sentimentos nacionalistas eivados de ideias religiosas, em geral, extraídas de doutrinação bíblica descontextualizadas. O resultado se explicita na atualidade da política brasileira com forte polarização e impossibilidade de diálogo. Assim, a tentação nacionalista de vertente religiosa evangélica tornou-se uma realidade concreta e desafiadora da normalidade democrática.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ronaldo de Paula Cavalcante (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The trajectory of Moses as a hero:an interpretation in light of Joseph Campbell's monomyth
O artigo tem como objetivo analisar a trajetória de Moisés sob a perspectiva da jornada do herói, compreendendo-a não apenas como narrativo histórica, mas como representação simbólica do processo de amadurecimento espiritual. A pesquisa adota como metodologia a análise literária aplicada ao texto bíblico. A estrutura do estudo baseia-se na teoria de Joseph Campbell, especialmente no conceito de monomito, que descreve o ciclo universal da jornada do herói em suas fases de partida, iniciação, retorno e morte. Os resultados evidenciam que a vida de Moisés reflete as fases do ciclo heroico - chamado, iniciação, retorno e morte -, revelando nele um herói que amadurece espiritualmente ao enfrentar crises, provocações e limites pessoais. Conclui-se que sua jornada, marcada tanto por êxitos quanto por falhas, constitui-se um paradigma universal da caminhada humana rumo à maturidade espiritual, tornando-se espelho de nossa própria experiência existencial.
Copyright (c) 2026 André Jorge Catalan Casagrande (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A TEOCON - Revista Teologia Contextual é um periódico do Programa de Pós-graduação em Teologia da Faculdade Teológica Sul Americana. Tem por objetivo promover a reflexão teológica, em perspectiva interdisciplinar, na análise dos fenômenos religiosos, tendo como base o respeito à diversidade e o diálogo inter-religioso. Para isso, visa estabelecer o intercâmbio científico em âmbito nacional e internacional de estudiosos em Teologia, Ciências da Religião e áreas afins que contribuam para a reflexão e debates teológicos da contemporaneidade. As colaborações são recebidas em fluxo contínuo enviadas pelo sistema da Revista. Cada número apresenta uma seção de temática livre e uma seção de resenhas.
Copyright (c) 2025 Éder Wilton Gustavo Felix Calado (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Church, Culture And Reformation: The Translation Of The Gospel At The Angolan Crossroads Between The Reformed Legacy And African Identity.
traditions within the context of the contemporary Angolan church. Drawing on a contextual theological approach, it proposes a hermeneutic of inculturation that encourages the integration of Christian faith with local cultural identity. The aim is to overcome the imposition of Eurocentric ecclesiological models and to promote an authentic and relevant Christian experience within the African context. The discussion addresses the theological ethnocentrism inherited from colonial missions, the translatability of Christianity—understood as its ability to be expressed in diverse cultures—and the global nature of the faith, which recognizes the legitimacy of multiple ways of living the Gospel. Based on these reflections, the text advocates for the development of an African ecclesiology that combines biblical fidelity with an appreciation for local cultural expressions, contributing to a more incarnational, plural, and contextually engaged Angolan church.
Copyright (c) 2025 Joao Andre Florentino (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
“How much land does a man need?": Liev Tolstoy, Matthew 6.19-21 and the environmental question
The interweaving of Leo Tolstoy's short story, "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" (1886), and the rich teachings of Jesus, taken from the book of Matthew 6.19-21, support the article's critique of the environmental problem and human greed in the face of wealth accumulation. The aim of the study is to analyze the disconnect between the values ​​necessary for survival and what constitutes true human wealth in the face of issues such as unbridled consumerism and environmental sustainability in the current global ecological crisis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Idail dos Santos Costa (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The text is a review of the book: BARRO, Jorge Henrique. Pastoral a Caminho: Teologia e práxis pastoral a partir do chamado e ministério de Moisés. Rio de Janeiro: Thomas Nelson Brasil, 2022.
Copyright (c) 2025 André Jorge Catalan Casagrande (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Theodicy and Anxiety: contributions of Augustine of Hippo athought on the problem of evil in coping with anxiety
Anxiety has always been present in the history of mankind, and nowadays, its eff ects are increasingly accentuated and the number of those aff ected by it, increases signifi cantly, mainly due to the social impositions of this time. There are diff erent ways and levels by which anxiety aff ects the individual, in its most diverse areas, such as: personal, family and social. A very common cause among anxiety disorder suff erers is the inability to cope with chaos, suff ering or any manifestation of what has been called evil. Theodicy is concerned with working on the attributes of God and his relationship to existence and the problem of evil. In fact, one of the anxieties that affl ict the human being is the complexity of the origin, existence, advancement and the most diff erent materializations of evil. The complexity in relating the goodness and the power of God with the existence and reality of evil, has plagued many people, but it has also motivated theological and philosophical thinkers to work on elaborations around this problem, however, very few have reached the level of contribution in this. area like Augustine of Hippo, who lived in the fourth century and who has been considered one of the greatest collaborators in the development of Christianity.The purpose of this text is to presente a refl ection on a possible contribution of the theological-philosophical elaboration of this Catholic bishop on the problem of evil to those who suff er from anxiety disorder, such as the unfolding of the inability to deal with the most varied forms of suff ering.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elias Rangel Torralbo (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Kenosis and Secularization as the core of postmodern Christianity inVattimo´s thought
When reflecting on Christianity in post-modernity, through Gianni Vattimo's philosophical hermeneutics, we can visualize the parallel between his concept of “Weak Thought”, the theory of the kenosis of the Messiah Jesus and the process of secularization in modernity. In this context, this article aims to reflect on the transvaluation or overcoming present in this symmetry of ideas. Thus, demonstrating how the example of the emptying of divine power, left by the humanity of Jesus, a crucial and transformative element of human experience, is present in the philosophy based on the weakening of being as a key to reading postmodernity announced by Vattimo. A reflection that glimpses basic precepts of Christianity from its origins to post-modernity or late modernity as Vattimo preferred. A Christianity experienced in multifaceted ways, without blocking structures, whose search for redemption, for “religare”, is established in the finding of meaning in incarnated life and finds in the process of secularization the possibility of realizing the Christian message.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mauro Sérgio Rota Teixeira (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The raven Moses: the christian religion on animal farm, by GeorgeOrwell
In the plot of Animal Farm, George Orwell exposes the betrayal of democratic ideals that characterizes every totalitarian regime, especially when it originates from a spontaneous popular revolution. The characters in the story, crafted so well that none of them seem out of place, invite us to reflect on their representations and their speeches. Among them, I highlight in this paper the character of Moses the raven who, while not a main protagonist, is closely tied to the theme of the revolution as he represents Christianity during a period of sociopolitical deconstruction and reconstruction. Through his appearances in the narrative, Moses illustrates how religion was viewed from a socialist perspective in terms of his stance and conduct at the time of the book’s publication in 1945. Thus, through the subtle mentions of the raven, I emphasize perspectives on Christianity as a utopia via the message of a paradise-like mountain where all animals would go after death and as an institution historically detached from sociopolitical reality due to its worldview or alliances. Therefore, I bring into discussion the relevance of the critique made in the early 20th century of Christianity, concerning its value and usefulness in sociopolitical issues—an absence that, however, contradicts the ethos pointed to in its creed, which emphasizes love for one’s neighbor, fraternity, and justice in the world with hope for its transformation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ricardo Lopes Dias (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An inventory of the top 25 evangelical influencers on Instagram and the main topics addressed by each of them, according to artificial intelligence.
This work aims to carry out an inventory of the 25 main evangelical infl uencers in Brazil and the main topics addressed by each of them, with the intention of understanding the relationship between infl uencers, followers and content presented with a special focus on Instagram. To collect data on the topics addressed by them, the Microsoft Copilot Artifi cial Intelligence tool was used, as well as data capture with the respective profi les of these infl uencers on Instagram. For data collection, the Microsoft Copilot Artifi cial Intelligence tool was used, as well as the capture of data with the respective profi les of these infl uencers on Instagram. As a starting point, we used the survey released in September 2023 by anthropologist Juliano Spyer, through the consultancy Nosotros, which at the time analyzed 44 evangelical infl uencers on various digital social media. Given the volatility of the number of followers of these digital celebrities, the 25 main infl uencers found in September 2024 were listed only, all with more than 2.5 million followers. The research aims to off er new resources for those who seek in their research to understand the power of infl uence of digital social media in religious mobilization, but also in the political-social environment, of a certain spectrum of Brazilian Protestantism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marcelo de Araújo Silva, Marcos Rodrigues Simas (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Creativity, innovation, and theology: a discourse beyond doing
This essay-article investigates the intersection of creativity, innovation, and theology, highlighting a multidimensional field that goes beyond conventional practices and offers a reflection on human creation and expression. The connection between the Holy Spirit and creativity suggests that it is a characteristic of the divine nature, reflected in the human ability to create and transform. Thus, creativity is seen as an expression of the connection with God and His continuous action in the world. The article argues that innovation and artistic expression can be understood as means of spiritual engagement, reflecting God's creative nature. In this context, art is conceived as a vehicle to manifest and reveal His Presence in creation. It concludes that the intersection of creativity, innovation, and theology offers a broader understanding of creativity itself, encouraging its exploration as a form of collaboration with the action and manifestation of the Holy Spirit of God.
Copyright (c) 2025 Israel de Alcântara Braglia (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The article explores the silent crisis of character infi ltrating society and the church. In a world dominated by the culture of appearance, charisma, competence, credentials, and celebrity are often prioritized over the foundational Christian virtue of integrity. This has led to erosion of trust in leadership and distortion of authentic Christian witness. Drawing on biblical principles and examples, the article examines the critical importance of character in Christian leadership, highlighting the pitfalls of charisma without integrity, competence without character, credentials without authenticity, and celebrity without a moral foundation. By contrasting fl awed leadership with Christ’s example, it underscores the need for leaders who refl ect God’s heart through service, humility, and truth. The article addresses how to approach leadership failures with grace and truth, emphasizing confrontation, genuine repentance, healing, and careful reintegration. It advocates for a leadership model centered on biblical integrity, sustained through devotion, accountability, and emulation of Christ. The conclusion reinforces that integrity is the backbone of authentic leadership, shaped by daily acts of faithfulness and alignment with God’s will. It calls Christian leaders to prioritize integrity over reputation, trusting that God will exalt the faithful. The biblical mandate to “walk with integrity” is presented as the foundation for a life and legacy that glorifi es God and impacts others for eternity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jorge Henrique Barro (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Alcoholism among the deaf: aspects of the integral mission ofthe church, history, legislation and prevention
This approach considers the perspectives of the Church’s Integral Mission in the face of alcohol abuse in society, with the main objective of pointing out paths and possibilities for preventive work in relation to dependence or addiction to this substance. Several diffi culties arise when addressing the subject, from the lack of reliable information to the absence of guidance and adequate training for those involved, which is why educational awareness is considered a preventive strategy for the risks of alcohol use, before they manifest themselves. The missionary approach that the church can make to a deaf community is relevant and necessary, both for spiritual and social inclusion. Meeting the needs of this social group strengthens the awareness of integration and belonging. The text is organized into three parts: it presents historical notes regarding the deaf; it addresses the legislation regarding deafness; it promotes refl ections and strategic indications on the prevention of alcohol abuse among the deaf, with applicability in public or private space.
Copyright (c) 2025 Wander de Lara Proença, Antônio Sérgio Costa Lima (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Church of Corinth and the opposition to the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is a fascinating piece of writing that reveals his pastoral actions amidst conflicts and opposition. The church’s problem with the apostle’s authority and his gospel is evident. This article, therefore, aims to investigate the Church of Corinth and the opposition to the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians. To this end, it analyzes the context of the city of Corinth, covering cultural, religious, social, and moral issues, as well as the foundation of the community in this city. It then investigates the problems within the church and the central factor of these problems, understanding the influence of Greek sophistic thought in the community. Finally, it highlights Paul’s response to his accusers, dismantling pride and the cult of personalities
Copyright (c) 2025 Adriano Masiero Neto, Lucas Merlo (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The nebulous matrix of brazilian religious imaginary and the construction of intolerance: a study of the relations between neo-pentecostalism and afro-brazilian religions
The article aims to relate the discrimination against Afro Brazilian religions to the use of religious imagery by sectors of Brazilian NeoPentecostalism. Through a literature review based on theology and sociology of religion, data on religious discrimination in Brazil will be presented, the nebulous matrix of the Brazilian religious imaginary and its meaning will be identifi ed, and the use of this nebula by neo-Pentecostal sectors in the construction of the Other will be evidenced, subsequently influencing the discriminatory religious discourse and practice. It is hoped that the article can point out the origin of the discrimination suff ered by Afro-Brazilian and contribute to the deconstruction of demonization, moving towards religious plurality and diversity in Brazil.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jonas Brustulin Ramos, Faculdade Teológica Sul Americana - FTSA (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Rethinking the foundations of pastoral counseling: toward anautonomous fi eld of knowledgeomous field of knowledge
Pastoral counseling faces an epistemic dilemma, oscillating between dogmatic “biblical” methodologies and integrationist proposals that uncritically incorporate psychological sciences. This research proposes a theoretical foundation for pastoral counseling based on a biblical reading directed by the practice of counseling and pastoral care, seeking elements that support its identity and methodologies as na autonomous fi eld of knowledge. Through theoretical and documentary analysis, with a qualitative and hermeneutic approach, epistemic foundations and biblical traditions of care in the Old and New Testaments were investigated. The results show that pastoral counseling has a defi ned object of study and distinctive methodologies, meeting the criteria for constituting na autonomous disciplinary fi eld. Distinctive characteristics that diff erentiate it from psychological approaches were identifi ed and, based on this, a dialectical stance is proposed that maintains the tension between biblical tradition and contributions from contemporary sciences, overcoming both dogmatic fundamentalismo and uncritical integrationism. It is concluded that pastoral counseling, grounded in biblical tradition and open to critical dialogue, has the potential to constitute itself as na autonomous disciplinary fi eld, off ering a unique contribution to the integral care of human beings in contemporary times.
Copyright (c) 2025 Eduardo Sales de Lima (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Slave of Christ: the true christian identity
The objective of this article is to present some results of a larger research, whose purpose was to verify how the translation of the lexeme δούλος (slave) from the New Testament in Greek to the New Testament in Portuguese occurred. 22 biblical editions were compared. In the Greek New Testament, δούλος is used by Jesus Christ and the Apostles to characterize the Christian identity, that is, the way of life Christians must assume once they accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Data analysis allowed to conclude that, in general, the term δούλος is not translated as “slave”, as it would be desirable. Therefore, fundamental aspects of Christian identity were masked or subverted by the translations. Since it is not simply a translation error, but rather an ideological stance due to the socio-historical context in which the biblical translations were made, answers are sought to explain such posture and we also seek to rescue the lost meanings of Christian identity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Luiz Carlos Migliozzi Ferreira de Mello (Autor) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0