bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Money Supply on Real Output and Price in China
Authors: Chang Chih‐Hsiang , Chan Kam C. , Fung Hung‐Gay 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOver the past 30 years, China has achieved remarkable long‐term economic growth. Using quarterly data, we study the effects of money supply on real output and inflation in China between 1993 and 2008. To this end, we use money supply shocks after filtering out the expected component of the money supply. Our findings provide evidence supporting the asymmetric effect of positive and negative money supply shocks on real output and inflation in China. That is, real GDP growth in China responds to negative money supply shocks but not positive money supply shocks. In addition, inflation responds to positive money supply shocks but not negative money supply shocks. We conclude that the People's Bank of China's policy of steady monetary growth appears to be appropriate. Our study offers important policy implications for China.
Minimum Wage Regulation in China and Its Applications to Migrant Workers in the Urban Labor Market
Authors: Du Yang , Pan Weiguang 
Published: March 2009

AbstractUsing data at micro and city levels, the present paper explores the policy evolution of the minimum wage system in China, and examines its coverage for migrant workers. The analysis indicates that minimum wage policy has been substantially improved in terms of both coverage and the level of the minimum wage standard, but that the current policy tool that relies on the monthly wage rate is not effective. Because migrant workers tend to work more hours, use of an hourly wage rate is more appropriate than a monthly wage rate.
Karl Pearson and the Origin of Kurtosis
Authors: Fiori Anna M. , Zenga Michele 
Published: March 2009

Summary Although the kurtosis index proposed by Karl Pearson in 1905 is introduced in statistical textbooks at all levels, the measure is not easily interpreted and has been a subject of considerable debate. In this study, the theoretical development of kurtosis is surveyed from a historical perspective of Pearson's work on evolution. It surprisingly emerges that there was no emphasis in Pearson's papers on kurtosis as measuring (in part) tail heaviness. However, it is found that Pearson used to frequently adjust the formalisation of kurtosis depending on his changing needs. This complex development partly explains the confusion that would surround kurtosis in subsequent literature. Our conclusion is that most misunderstandings arise from improper use of the kurtosis coefficient outside the Pearson system of frequency curves.
Tracking Global Christianity's Statistical Centre of Gravity, AD 33‐AD 2100
Authors: Johnson Todd M. , Chung Sun Young 
Published: March 2009

AbstractChristians, at any given time in history, have definable geographic locations and a demographic or statistical centre. A single geographic point is here identified as the statistical “centre of gravity” of Christianity for each of 25 different dates in Christian history, beginning with AD 33 (the traditional date for the origin of the church) and projecting to AD 2100 (one hundred years into the future). The methodology for locating these points utilizes demographic and religious affiliation statistics relating to 21 United Nations regions. By connecting these points, a line is formed that can be viewed as the “trajectory” of global Christianity. In the early Christian centuries the trajectory moved around the eastern Mediterranean but, after AD 600, the trajectory was astonis hingly consistent, moving both north and west until AD 1500 when it began to move slowly to the south. After 1900, the trajectory moved precipitously to the south, and then, after AD 1970, definitively back to the east. By AD 2100, the statistical centre of gravity of Christianity is likely to be in northern Nigeria. This trajectory is tracked detail throughout Christian history, and historical comments and interpretation are provided, with one map, one graphic, and two tables. Brief consideration is given to the implications of the present southeastern trajectory of Christianity for theology, translation and mission.
Mission from the Margins
Authors: Wickeri Philip L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper proceeds from the premise that we are living in a time of fundamental change in the shape and structure of world Christianity. The background of this crisis is traced to the beginnings of the modern missionary movement, and it it discussed particularly as it has affected our understanding of the “missio Dei” and the teaching of mission at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Today, the crisis may be described in terms of the churches' relationship to globalization, on the one hand, and to religious and cultural pluralism on the other. The contrast between a Christian visum of the oikoumene and the neo‐liberal ideology of globalization, undergirded by American empire, has shaped the crisis in all of its forms. Mission from the margins suggests that the cutting edge for mission today and throughout the history of the Christian churched comes from movements emerging outside established Christian centres ‐ the African Initiated Churches, Pentecostal) all over the world, the rural churches of China. The “missio Dei” needs to be reshaped in the encounter of historic churches in the North with these movements in the South. This will help Christians resist the forces of globalization and empire, and to respond anew to the gospel message for today. This will also entail the recovery and renewal of missioiogy, mission studies and questions related to Christianity in a world of religious pluralism as these subjects relate to theological education in Europe and North America.
Howthe Study of Popular Religions can Help us in our Theological Task
Authors: NiLes Damayanthi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAt a time when inclusion is becoming more important not only for our academic integrity but also for our very survival, popular religions push in a healthy direction. In a world bereft of peace and torn apart with conflicts between “those within”and “those forced outside”, and at a time when “enemy” images abound, popular religions call for the admission of greater pluralism and inclusion. If our theological constructions are not to be monologues but dialogues for life that include all of creation, then our engagements in the study of popular religions could aid us in our theological, as well as our missiological tasks.This article explores how popular religions may help Christian theology take seriously multiple voices, and so create a truly liberative theology. The article looks at how the study of religion in the past impacts on the study of popular religion. It then identifies some of the difficulties inherent in the study of “popular religion”. Finally, the article explores how popular religions may be used in the construction of Christian theology, and the implications of this for Christian mission.
Healing Relationships in Society: the Struggle for Citizenship in Brazil
Authors: von Sinner Rudolf 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe article describes the transition to democracy in Brazil and the churches ‘role in what is generally called democratic consolidation, in and after this transition. The key term is “cidadania” (citizenship), which is the real participation of citizens in democracy, in which they are conscious of their citizenship and strive to exercise their rights and duties. Today, this participation is being complicated by continuously strong social and economic disparities, as well as by an ambiguous cultural model that runs contrary to the equality of all and a positive notion of law.During the military regime (1964‐85), the Roman Catholic Church took a very critical dance over against the state and provided, especially through the famous Base Ecclesial Communities (CEBs), the most important space for opposition. The Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB) made a significant move towards a more critical accompaniment of the state's policies following the transfer of the 5th general assembly of the Lutheran World Federation from Porto Alegre to Evian, France, in 1970.After the transition to democracy, the impact of CEBs declined and the Roman Catholic hierarchy tended to return to more spiritual tasks. Even so, the National Bishops' Conference continues to be an important organ commenting frequently on public issues, as does the IECLB leadership. The IECLB is especially strong in providing an ecclesial model that fosters democracy and approximates ecclesial and secular citizenship. The biggest Pentecostal church in Brazil, the Assemblies of God, contributes more indirectly to citizenship by restoring the lives of marginalized people who become “decent and honourable”.The final part of the article reflects on theological challenges, the concretisation of liberation, a vision for the whole of society, congruence between ecclesial and secular citizenship and the relationship between society and the image of God. If churches would cooperate more ecumenically, they could make an even stronger contribution to cidadania in Brazil, and live out their mid/urn to the world as citizens of both the heavenly and the earthly kingdoms.
Towards a New Christian Sexual Ethics in the Light of Hiv/Aids
Authors: Zimmermann Armin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAccording to various statistics, about 90% of the HIV infections in Africa, south of the Sahara are got through unprotected sexual intercourse. This clearly suggests that the key to a reduction of the HIV infection rate is a change in our sexual behaviour. In this article, therefore, I want to propose some guidelines “Towards a New Christian Sexual Ethics in the Light of HIV/AIDS”, and take into consideration various aspects of an African context. Next to upholding the positive value of our sexuality as part of God's good creation, we have to empower women to determine for themselves if, when, how and with whom they want to have sexual contact. We have to emphasise values like intimacy, love, commitment and responsibility, and we should discourage casual sex and prostitution. We may also have to reconsider the relationship between sexual relationships and activities and marriage. While confirming marriage as the ideal context of sexual relationships and activities, we may encourage people to practice their sexuality only within long‐term permanent relationships that should be characterised by the principles stated above.However, since we know that humans are not perfect, we have to reckon with people who are either unwilling or unable to follow the proposed guidelines, and at this point we, as churches and Christians, cannot avoid the discussion about condoms. According to my point of view, there is no alternative than to advise those unwilling or unable people always to consistently and correctly use condoms, while at the same tune we should encourage them to change their behaviour.One of the greatest problems to introducing the proposed guidelines is certainly the widespread difficulty there is to talk about sexual matters. This is something that we have to overcome in order to save people from dying, and to lead them into real loving relationships.
Missiology as Global Conversation
Authors: Kim Kirsteen 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe United College of the Ascension (UCA) is continuing the tradition of Selly Oak, Birmingham, UK, where UCA is situated and where mission education and training has been taking place in an ecumenical setting since 1912. The college, which is sponsored by the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (Anglican) and the Methodist Church of Great Britain, works in close cooperation with the University of Birmingham, and particularly its Centre for Missiology and World Christianity. The UCA Mission Programme (UCAMP) is an imaginative and flexible programme of mission preparation, reflection and exposure for people crossing boundaries in mission in different directions. Such people include the missionaries and mission partners of a number of different organizations, clergy on sabbatical, those called from overseas to ministry and mission in the UK, and scholarship holders and visiting fellows invited as a result of partnership links with churches worldwide. Utilizing the varied mission experiences participants represent, and the international nature of the college community, mission studied at UCA have evolved to become a global conversation of (contextual) theologies. UCAMP is structured around a core course of biblical and theological studies, the history of mission, cross‐cultural communications, social and global studies, and religious studies. UCAMP also includes personal and professional development, and the opportunity to tailor programmes to vocational and personal interest by drawing on the rich resources of UCA, Selly Oak and the multi‐cultural city of Birmingham. UCAMP provides an up‐to‐date model of mission education and training for the 21st century.
WE CAN EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD: THE RELATION BETWEEN FAITH AND HEALING
Authors: Jakob Beate 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAs signs of the eschatological breaking in of the kingdom, of God, the healing of physical and psychological diseases was an essential part of Jesus Christ's mission. Through Jesus people came into contact with the healing power of God that healed them with regard to different dimensions of their lived. Jesus charged and empowered his disciples to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. Whereas the apostles and the early church continued to heal, Jesus' command to heal wad neglected over the centuries. Yet, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the churches rediscovered their specific task in the field of healing, and the connection between faith and healing was pointed out by epidemiological studies.During consultations in Ghana and in Chile, members of Pentecostal, charismatic and historical churches affirmed their conviction that the Holy Spirit is acting in reconciling and healing today, and they agreed on an extended definition of health and healing. All healing comes from God, but there are different approaches to health and healing. Today, Christians often do not expect God to heal them and Christian communities face many obstacles on their way to becoming healing communities.Personal experiences in Ghana and in Chile are given as examples of healing communities.At the beginning of the third millennium, the traditional churches in Europe are losing members, whereas new religious movements outside the main churches are growing. There is some evidence that people are attracted by these movements because in them the healing power of faith is visible and can be experienced. Therefore, healing is essential for Christian mission today.
PENTECOSTALS, HEALING AND ECUMENISM
Authors: Anderson Allan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe significant Pentecostal participation in the recent (2002‐3) conferences on faith and healing in Ghana and Chile is placed within the historical context of Pentecostal ecumenical involvement throughout the history of Pentecostalism. Pentecostals have dialogued and cooperated with‐the ecumenical movement, with whom there has sometimes been an uneasy (and even hostile) relationship. However, Pentecostalism has not lived up to the high ecumenical ideals of its founders. Real ecumenism is defined by the unity of all Christians, and Pentecostalism's tendency to exclusivism and divisiveness on the one hand, and the World Council of Churches' (WCC) reluctance to involve them on the other have impoverished the global church. These problems have been exacerbated by Pentecostal identification with “conservative” evangelicalism and by the ostracism of those Pentecostal) who have participated in the ecumenical movement. Yet, the Charismatic movement since the 1960s, and an increasing number of joint dialogical conferences have weakened the polarisation.The subject of healing, particularly that of “divine healing” of physical illness, has always been central to Pentecostal beliefs and practices, but it is one where there are at least as many questions as answers. This was reflected in the consultations. The differences were surprisingly few, and both Pentecostal and older church representatives expressed serious concerns regarding the practices of dome Charismatic “healers”. The WCC, which historically has tended to concentrate on medical missions, has long recognized the importance of Pentecostalism to the subject of healing. This was especially true in the South, where healing is far more important to the Christian community than it is in the North. In the Accra consultation, this was illustrated by the exposure visits undertaken by participants to healing and “deliverance” centres, and the case studies presented of healing practitioners.
‘Mission‐Shaped Presence’in Europe
Authors: Jackson Darrell 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn describing ‘mission‐shaped presence’ and contrasting it with ecclesial forms of Christian presence, I suggest that mission‐shaped presence is essential to the theological renewal of current eccle‐siopraxis.My treatment falls into three sections. Initially I attempt an impressionistic portrait of important distinctions between two forms of Christian presence; one is characterized as ecclesial, the other as missionaL Secondly, I offer several brief descriptions of what may be called forms ofmis‐sion‐shaped presence. Finally, I theorize sociogically about this dialectic using the work of Anthony Guldens on structuration, and the way in which this beau upon an understanding of the institutions of modernity.This leads us to conclude that mission‐shaped forms of Christian presence, though vitally important, are transitional forms that stimulate and orient the journey towards a truly post‐modern expression of the church of Jesus Christ. From this perspective, the process of reflexive action within these forms of mission‐shaped presence is arguably more important than the particular forms themselves.
A New Confession of Faith With an Eco‐Theology and a Father‐Centred Trinitarianism: a Critical Study of the 2ist Century Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church of Korea
Authors: Hwang Jae‐Buhm 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA mainstream Korean Protestant church has recently produced a noticeable confession of faith that includes two distinctive elements: eco‐theology and Father‐centred trinitarianism. The eco‐theoiogical position of the confession emphasizes the whole creation's participation in God's saving works, and declares humans'solidarity with all other creatures. However, this results in weakening the Reformed doctrine of God's free and covenantal dealing with humans. The confession also includes a thorough trinitarianism that turns out to be a Father‐centred trinitarianism. This significantly weakens the Christology and pneumatology of the confession, and may reflect a Confucian and patriarchal way of thinking by the Korean church.
Choosing Life or Second Life? Discipleship and Agency in A Mediated Culture
Authors: Halt Gary P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLiberationist theologies gave rue to a re‐emphasis on Christian life as being primarily historical life, and Christian spirituality as rooted in faithful and honest attention to the immediacy of historical reality. However, for many people living in media‐saturated, overdeveloped societies, any distinction between actual reality and a mediated pseudo‐reality is blurred. Another facet of life in a media‐saturated context is that of being regularly confronted with impressions of destitution, violence and ecological degradation, whilst at the same time being further distanced from the realities represented through communications media and their ‘virtualizing’ tendency. This rapid change in our relation to reality has, I suggest, profound theological and missiological consequences. The ways in which electronic media have modified life, including religious life, are complex and varied. Consumption of electronic media does not seem to have replaced religion as such but it has tended to shape religious life in its own image. With particular reference to Slavoj Zizek's reading of “the Real” after “9/11”, I have attempted to sketch how some of these sweeping social and cultural changes may impact on the interpretation of Christian discipleship and mission. In the end, either the Christian life is vulnerable to potentially disruptive reality, or it is at risk of collapsing into a version of the pursuit of happiness mediated by and through late‐capitalist culture.
Getting Saved in El Salvador: The Preferential Option for the Poor
Authors: Wadkins Timothy 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis essay it an ethnographic analysis of the Evangelical1and Pentecostal movement that, like elsewhere in Latin America, are sweeping across El Salvador and threatening to upset the historic dominance of the Roman Catholic Church in the region. Based on the latest information from country‐wide surveys, as well as extensive interviews with clerical leaders, church members, social scientists, politicians, converts and critics, the essay looks deeply into this revival from the standpoint of what most Salvadorian Catholics, liberal Protestants and Liberationists see as its greatest weaknesses, viz. its first‐world missionary antecedents and its passivity toward political and social engagement. The essay concluded by contending that despite the often warranted criticism, this revival it nevertheless producing important social capital, particularly among El Salvador's poor. There is evidence that it could, over time, have a dramatic impact on the political and economic structures of Salvadorian society, even in radical ways envisioned by liberation theologians.
A Postcolonial Theological Project: Creating Space for the Studies of World Christianity
Authors: Pang Samuel Yunsang 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this global and culturally pluralistic context we are in, what is being proposed here is that our theological focal point should be on humanity as a relation of beings in dialogue, who are attempting to be open toward the future and to overcome the limits of each other. In this sphere, what is important is the necessity of how to think and act truthfully and faithfully in the continuation and the development of dialogical relations. The partners in dialogue, or interlocutors in dialogue, should accept each other as those who have an inalienable right and an unconditional obligation, and learn from each other in developing “togetherness”. In a way, togetherness is the beginning and end of dialogical relation, even in ever changing situations, which means that the temporal togetherness is also to be open and dialogued in the future dialogue. This is a dialogical event in which the meaning of truth defines and confirms itself because the truth of being is actualized in the figure of dialogical relation.
Mission as Transformation: An Exploration of the Relationship Between Mission and Development
Authors: Si Oliver Byar Bowh 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article attempts to articulate a theology that explores the relationship between mission and development. It conceptually engages in theological themes, especially the concepts of love, justice and freedom. It also discusses the meaning of missio Dei and its relation to the church. Moreover, it examines the relation between mission as liberation and Sen's philosophy of development. It is hoped that Sen's revolutionary idea of development based on the concept of “freedom” will offer a significant contribution to the understanding of a contemporary theology of mission. The essay is written from an activist theological approach to mission as transformation.