Asian Horizons

The Dynamics of Catholic Moral Teaching

Joby Jose Kochumuttom — 2026-05-13

Isaac Arickappallil, Pneumatology of Mar Narsai, Bengaluru: Dharmaram Publications, 2025

Naiju Jose Kalambukattu — 2026-05-13

Paulachan Kochappilly and Sebeesh Jacob Vettiyadan, ed., Indian Christian Theological Aesthetics and Art: Soundarya Leela, Bengaluru: Dharmaram Publications, 2025

Naiju Jose Kalambukattu — 2026-05-13

Peter Lombard’s Theology of Marriage: Insights from the Sentences

Yuan Jin — 2026-05-13

This article explores Peter Lombard’s understanding of marriage, examining his theological framework, perspectives on matrimonial consent, and the significance he attributes to this sacred union. Through a comprehensive examination, this article elucidates the complexities and intricacies of Lombard’s thought, delving into the sacramental nature of marriage, marital duties, and the indissolubility of the marital bond. The analysis not only highlights Lombard’s distinctive theological stance but also facilitates a deeper understanding of the historical development of Catholic teachings on marriage. Furthermore, this article explores Lombard’s interaction with societal conventions, legal implications, and the practical application of theological principles in the matrimonial context of his time. By integrating historical theology with the analysis of social and legal dimensions, this study contributes a more nuanced appreciation of the interplay between Church teachings and marital practices in the medieval period.

Invoking the Hidden Resilience of Vulnerable Love the Fundamental Aspects for an Ethics of Growth in the Light of Pope Francis’ “Logic of Pastoral Mercy and Discernment” in Amoris Laetitia

Roger Burggraeve — 2026-05-13

Pope Francis has elucidated a definitive direction in his exhortation, The Joy of Love (2016), following the dual synods on marriage and family held in 2014 and 2015. With this, he advances a long-standing process of evolution toward a tentative ‘conclusion.’ The process commenced with Casti Connubii (1930) and persisted — not without challenges, complex twists, and turns — through Gaudium et Spes (1965) of Vatican II, Humanae Vitae (1968), Familiaris Consortio (1981), and the ‘theology of the body’ of John Paul II (1979-1984). Nonetheless, substantial work remains to be undertaken, particularly concerning sexual difference and homosexual commitments, and this ongoing process is unlikely to reach finality. The exhortation presents a dual challenge: firstly, to assess and deepen Christian reflections on marriage and family; secondly, to scrutinize the issues posed by so-called “irregular” forms of relationships, such as pre- and non-marital cohabitation, civil marriage, remarriage following divorce, or new relationships lacking legal recognition (AL, 53, 78, 293). Both challenges are addressed in this discourse, with an emphasis on cultivating an ethics of growth and discernment as a manifestation of what Pope Francis terms the “logic of pastoral mercy” (AL, 307-312), initially concerning marriage itself, but also, and notably, regarding various forms of relationships and cohabitations that either do not, or no longer, align with the bonds of marriage.

Proposals for the use of Scripture in Catholic Moral Education

Edwin B. Odulio — 2026-05-13

This paper examines the importance of Scripture in teaching Christian morality within Philippine religious education. It discusses how the sacred texts are predominantly used as introductory narratives to start a lesson, as historical sources of moral wisdom, and as bases or supports for teaching Christian moral obligations. An assessment of these approaches was made to evaluate their potential and limitations. Drawing on a review of Scripture as an inspired, symbolic, and religious text, this study proposes ways Scripture can be used and interpreted to enrich the teaching of Christian morality.

Can Anything Change in Catholic Moral Teaching?

Dery Davis K — 2026-05-13

This article examines whether change is possible within Catholic moral teaching, with particular attention to the relationship between doctrinal continuity and development. Drawing on the concept of aggiornamento articulated by Pope John XXIII, it situates moral teaching within evolving historical and cultural contexts. It argues that while the objective content of the faith, grounded in the deposit of revelation, remains unchanged, the Church’s understanding and pastoral application of moral principles develop over time. Through an analysis of key moral issues—contraception, organ transplantation, homosexuality, and capital punishment—the article identifies a pattern of organic growth marked by both continuity and discontinuity. It concludes that such developments represent not a rupture in doctrine, but a deepening of the Church’s engagement with enduring moral truths.

Homosexuality and Erroneous Cognition: A Philosophical–Theological Inquiry Toward a Holistic Understanding of Human Sexuality

Nithun Varghese — 2026-05-13

Contemporary discussions on homosexuality are often shaped by sociopolitical movements, psychological theories, and cultural narratives that risk obscuring deeper anthropological and philosophical questions concerning human sexuality. This paper seeks to revisit prevailing understandings of homosexuality through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates philosophical inquiry, Indian theories of erroneous cognition, religious traditions, and Catholic theological anthropology. Drawing from classical Western philosophy, selected psychological and biological studies, and Indian philosophical accounts of error (khyāti), the study critically examines the conceptual foundations underlying contemporary interpretations of homosexual orientation and identity. Particular attention is given to the distinction between sexual inclination, behaviour, and identity, while situating human sexuality within its relational, unitive, and procreative dimensions. From a Catholic philosophical and theological perspective grounded in natural law and personalist anthropology, the paper argues that the absolutisation of sexual orientation as a defining identity reflects a partial and incomplete understanding of human sexuality. At the same time, the study emphasises the ethical and pastoral importance of empathy, respect, and compassion toward persons who experience same-sex tendencies. By engaging both Eastern and Western philosophical frameworks, this paper aims to contribute to a more nuanced, dialogical, and holistic discourse on human sexuality within contemporary theological and ethical debates.

Exploring Language Influences on the Social and Emotional Development of Deaf Young Adults

Biju Lawrence Moolakkara — 2026-05-13

This multiple case study explores the influence of language acquisition and communication modalities on the socio-emotional development of Deaf young adults in Kerala, India. Given the global discourse on language deprivation, this research investigates how varied communicative backgrounds shape identity formation, social integration, and psychological well-being. Employing a qualitative multiple case study design, data were collected from nine Deaf young adults (aged 22–50) through semi-structured interviews. The analysis followed a systematic approach of within-case profiling and cross-case synthesis, adhering to reflexive thematic analysis principles to preserve the integrity of individual lived experiences. Findings indicate that early linguistic accessibility is the primary determinant of socio-emotional stability. Participants categorised their experiences into three distinct themes: the inadequacy of non-verbal “ad-hoc” communication in hearing-dominant spaces, the development of bicultural resilience through Deaf identity, and the critical role of Deaf Associations as “lifeline” support systems. The study reveals that for Deaf young adults, the Deaf community serves as the primary protective framework for mental health, often compensating for systemic gaps in educational and clinical services. The findings suggest that the transition into adulthood for Deaf individuals in Kerala is heavily mediated by the quality of their linguistic environment. Policy recommendations include a paradigm shift from oralist-centric educational models to bilingual-bicultural approaches and the provision of linguistically accessible mental health services. This study advocates for viewing Deafness not as a medical deficiency but as a culturally and linguistically distinct identity requiring targeted socio-political support.

Between Data and Doxology: An Anthropological, Epistemological, and Contemplative Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Philip A. Amartolos — 2026-05-13

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into daily life poses a challenge that is simultaneously anthropological, theological, and moral. Drawing on patristic and ascetic sources alongside contemporary cognitive science, this paper argues that AI does not merely reshape behaviour but structurally undermines the conditions necessary for contemplative life and the soul's ordered orientation toward truth, reality, and union with God. Cognitive offloading, digital amnesia, “clip thinking,” and the erosion of embodied multisensory perception do not leave the inner life untouched; they degrade the very faculties through which watchfulness, discernment, and prayer are exercised. Surveillance capitalism further compounds this harm by commodifying attention and dissolving the relational depth on which authentic personhood depends. The result is a morally weakened human being through the quiet attrition of capacities which Christian traditions have always regarded as constitutive of the image of God. Yet the paper does not end in diagnosis. It argues that genuine hope exists, but that hope requires a two-tiered response: macro-level regulatory and ecclesial frameworks that constrain AI's most corrosive deployments, and secondly, a renewed pastoral theology capable of accompanying persons navigating digital fragmentation toward reintegration and healing.

Diversity of Karnatak Classical Music in Christian Thematic Kriti-S of George Panjara: A Study

Anjo P. Thomas — 2026-05-13

As a consequence of the widespread practice of Karnatak classical music among practitioners in South India, the Christian music community in Kerala does not possess a comprehensive historical connection to Karnatak music in comparison to the timelines documented for traditional Karnatak music. Nonetheless, its development can be traced back to the post-trinity period. The Christian community originating from South India has adopted Karnatak music as a means of connecting their faith through their musical traditions. This adoption has resulted in the emergence and evolution of a distinctive style of Christian Karnatak music that integrates elements of the classical tradition with Christian themes and lyrics. In this study, the contributions of George Panjara, one of the Christian composers and lyricists from Kerala, have been examined. Additionally, this paper analyzes two selected compositions by George Panjara to illustrate his contributions to this field, highlighting his brief biographical sketch, the wisdom of raga bhava, various classical elements, diversity, and the innovative application of the knowledge of the composer.