Congruence of rituals and theatre.

Author(s): Tudor Cosmin Ciocan / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2015

I have started this research as a response to a pejorative question that religious rituals are merely theatrical, and the personnel involved nothing else but actors; beyond this there is nothing any religion suggests, e.g. healing, divine touch, blessings et.al. This paper is about rituals and their meanings and roles played as in social drama and theatre play. Considering the relationship between ritual and theatre to be reciprocal I will use their functions to evaluate the process of religious ceremonies and the role they play for adherents/participants, as if they would be attending a play. Religious Studies and Drama joint study offers the opportunity to combine two complementary humanities subjects, as both drama and religion are mainstays of cultural practice.

Scientific Consensus, Public Perception and Religious Beliefs

Author(s): Mihai A. Gîrţu,Tudor Cosmin Ciocan / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2014

Starting from the recent public debate over global warming we discuss the scientific consensus and public perception on climate issues. We then turn to the ongoing debate on diets and nutrition, comparing scientific perspectives, public views and religious standpoints.

Józef Kloch. Kościół w Polsce wobec Web 2.0. Wydawnictwo Jedność, Kielce 2013, ss. 334.

Author(s): Paweł Mąkosa / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2015

The book “Church in Poland towards Web 2.0” is devoted to the modern technologiesin activities of the Catholic Church in Poland. The main value of thebook is empirical research conducted on a very large group of respondents. Veryimportant are also insightful analysis of the results and a very accurate postulatesformulated for the Church in Poland.

Jarosław Woźniak. Rozwój mediów w przekazie wiary w archidiecezji lubelskiej po roku 1989. Wydawnictwo Gaudium, Lublin 2015 ss. 250.

Author(s): Mirosław Chmielewski / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2015

In his monograph entitled Development of the media at the service of faithtransmittance in the Archdiocese of Lublin after 1989, Rev. dr Jarosław Woźniakaims to answer the main research question of how the Archdiocese of Lublin hasresponded to the contemporary challenges of media communication. The methodologyhe uses relies on the pastoral paradigm, with its three cornerstone principles:to observe – to assess – to act. The way in which the author of the monographapproaches the exploration of his research material leads him to assume a tri‑partitestructure of his text.Apart from these three core components, the monograph also includes an introduction,conclusions, four annexes and a list of references. Chapter one offersa synthetic outline of the teaching of the Catholic church on mass media. Chapter2 relies on archive materials and the sources created by the author of the monograph.Both these sources are used in order to depict the evolution of the activitiesundertaken by the Archdiocese of Lublin in the domain of media communication.Chapter 3 lists recommendations and tasks for the future development of theArchdiocesan media in the evangelizing activities of the Church. The monographalso includes a vast archival documentation, which is divided into four annexes.A definite advantage of the monograph is that it presents an outline of the historicalevolution of the Archdiocesan media and that it develops valuable practicalrecommendations, which are worth elaborating an extrapolating on the area ofpastoral practices in the domain of media.

Predchalcedónska soteriologická kristológia pápeža Leva Veľkého v kontexte dobových teologicko-kultúrnych diskurzov

Author(s): Miloš Lichner / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 01/2018

Pope St. Leo the Great has substantially influenced the text of the Confession of the Faith accepted by the Council of Chalcedon and used by Eastern and Western Christian Churches. In this study, we analyse Leo‘s pre-Chalcedonian Homiletic Christology. As part of our research, we are interested in his thoughts about the two natures of the Incarnation of the Word of God in his homilies. In addition to this, our study offers relevant source translations into the Slovak language. This way, we intend to enrich the previously missing translations of Church Fathers that are necessary for creation of our own Slovak theological dictionary. The homiletic work of this important pope and theologian allows us not only to perceive the versatility of cultural and educational skills of Church Teachers, but it can also provide methodological bases for the research of spirituality of everyday life at any time during the development of Christian culture in the European environment.

Bevezetés a rövid tartamú lelkigondozásba Rolf Theobold Kurzzeit-Seelsorge. Ein Praxisbuch című könyve alapján. II. rész

Author(s): Eszter Nagy / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 6/2022

The central question of the book by Rolf Theobold is: how can we engage in pastoral conversations that aim to solve problems, despite the short time available? Another truth regarding the practice of short-term pastoral care is that every journey begins with taking the first step. Neither the counsellor, nor the counselee can expect an instant solution for all problems in one go. An initial impulse is needed on the way to a solution, so the main focus will not be on an immediate cure, but on an immediate word of encouragement and support. According to Gunther Schmidt, feedback on the experiences gained on the way to a solution is just as important as the acceptance that a changed perception of the problem is already leading to real change. We also need to learn the tendency towards developing solutions, similarly to the qualities we learn from birth. In addition to the many practical suggestions in Rolf Theobold’s book, it is also necessary to reflect on the author’s own conviction that short-term pastoral care cannot be limited to superficial “think positive” (good) advice, but also requires a deep faith and trust in God.

К истории исправления богослужебных книг по политическим причинам

Author(s): Aleksandr Kravetskii / Language(s): Russian Issue: 02/2024

History of the Correction of Liturgical Books for Political ReasonsThe article deals with materials related to the exclusion of expressions offensive to Muslims from liturgical books sent to Orthodox Slavs in the Balkans, and aims to introduce such materials into scholarly discourse. In order to avoid problems with Turkish customs officers, the Synod proposed to refrain from sending the Menaia and the Great Eu- chologion (Trebnik) to the southern Slavs and to exclude references to the Bulgarian martyr George the New from other books, as the very title of the service to this martyr refers to Yavuz Sultan Selim as 'impious king'. It is significant that the service to George the New containing extremely insulting anti-Muslim statements was composed in Russia, while Bulgaria used a different version of the same service, which was devoid of any derogatory characteristics of Muslims. The article confirms the assumption that it was primarily due to political concerns that harsh statements directed against non-believers were removed from liturgical books.

Éducation et intelligence artificielle: le role de la famille

Author(s): Martín Carbajo-Núñez / Language(s): French Issue: 25/2024

This article examines the ‘exciting opportunities and serious risks’ of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of education. Pope Francis states that artificial intelligence ‘radically affects the world of information and communication and, by extension, certain foundations of life in society’. How should children be educated in this new existential context? The first part focuses on the growing use of artificial intelligence systems, highlighting how they can bring a significant change in the way we understand education. The second part provides guidance on how parents can use artificial intelligence in the family environment for educational purposes, using as a horizon the humanism of fraternity inspired by Francis of Assisi.

Formy pomocy w aspekcie psychologicznych i somatycznych następstw terminacji ciąży

Author(s): Mariusz Ostaszewski / Language(s): Polish Issue: 25/2024

The termination of a pregnancy is not without its consequences for the health and life of the woman, as well as for other persons: those connected with and involved in the decision. Medical and psychological research shows the devastation that abortion inflicts on various areas of life and the disorders it causes. There is no doubt that efforts to help those affected by abortion are a priority task for all those who can diagnose the problem (on a psychological, physical or spiritual level) and then effectively support its resolution, which psychotherapists, doctors and clergy do. This article focuses on the experience of trauma and suffering of a woman with post-abortion syndrome, the psychological consequences after the termination of pregnancy (PAD: Post Abortion Distress and PAS: Post Abortion Syndrome) and the ways to help on therapeutic grounds, especially spiritual (‘Rachel’s Vineyard’), with reference to the precious document ‘Evangelium vitae’ by Pope John Paul II.

Bp Andrzej F. Dziuba, Homilie. Z nauczania pasterskiego 2019–2020, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego: Warszawa 2022, ss. 311

Author(s): Władysław Wyszowadzki / Language(s): Polish Issue: 25/2024

„Svůj pokoj vám dávám…“ Potenciál a výzvy současného pohřbu v Českobratrské církvi evangelické

Author(s): Jana Hofmanová / Language(s): Czech Issue: 2/2024

This article presents results of qualitative research (2023) and offers an interpretation of funerals in the ECCB on the basis of how the clergy themselves approach their preparation and how they perceive their role. Funeral service is seen as a ritual that, through the liturgy but also through the perceptive presence of the ministers, offers authentic participation, as well as a certain grounding in tradition and reframing of the loss experienced. Unlike civil funerals, however, the central theme is not the personality of the deceased, but the Word of God; or rather, the setting of human life in Gospel hope. According to ministers, the task is to comfort and enable bereaved to deal well with a difficult period in their lives which is easier when there is a pastoral relationship and safe space. The ministers focus on the bereaved and on their own authenticity, yet the presence of the deceased and their accompaniment is sometimes surprisingly peripheral to the whole event.

Triptic editorial: Maxim (Iuliu-Marius) Morariu

Author(s): Iulia Medveschi / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 4/2024

In the book Maica Domnului: Taina discretei însoțiri (2022), Father Maxim Morariu emphasizes the twofold role of The Virgin Mary, as witness and as a bridge to Christ, "guided by values that determine Her unwavering fidelity and complete sacrifice" (p. 22). For this prolific writer, reading and meditation go hand in hand. This can be seen in the book Evanghelie și actualitate (2023). The 49 meditations dedicated to the Sunday Gospels together with the six occasional thoughts (do not appear) as a mere association and/or stringing together of random thoughts, but in the denouement at the end of the soul/spiritual ease of Father Maxim during the pandemic period (2020-2021). The analysis of the revealed text is accompanied by words of patristic wisdom, historical accounts and moralizing advice. Finally, with the third project, twinned with the previous one and entitled Evanghelia - editoriale în har (2023), the young author offers us a way to access the spiritual content of the Gospel or rather he urges us to feast ourselves with the eternal Word of God.

Egy amerikai magyar véleménye Páskándi Géza Vendégség c. drámájáról (Szent-Iványi Sándor lancasteri [AEÁ] unitárius lelkész levélváltásai Páskándi Gézával)

Author(s): Tamás Kálnoki Kis / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 3/2023

In 2012, a letter written by Szent-Iványi Sándor to Mikó Imre, dated July 11, 1975, was published on pages 276-282 of the 3rd issue of Keresztény Magvető. The editor, historian and theology professor Kovács Sándor, noted in a footnote that no biography has yet been written about Szent-Iványi Sándor's life. He believes that the letter, discovered in the Securitate archives, adds valuable insights to our understanding of this renowned church leader and politician, complementing both church and cultural history. We agree with Professor Kovács Sándor's observation. In our contribution, we hope to offer additional insight into the late renowned Unitarian pastor by publishing five letters written by Szent-Iványi Sándor to Páskándi Géza and two (reply) letters from Páskándi Géza to Szent-Iványi Sándor.

Kněz jako prostředník na cestě k zbožštění v učení Řehoře Naziánského

Author(s): Taras Klok / Language(s): Czech Issue: 4/2024

The article presents the teaching of Bishop Gregory the Theologian about the priesthood (ἱερωσύνη) as a mediation between God and people intending the divinization of people. Based on some of Gregory’s writings, especially his Homily 2, the author considers how Gregory came to the priestly ministry and сonducted it in the fourth century context and some of Gregory’s biographical data. Special attention is paid to Gregory’s theological understanding of the main functions of priesthood and the terminology he uses for their description. The author also discusses Gregory’s requirements for candidates for the priesthood and the principal virtues, which, in his opinion, a priest should possess. Gregory’s thoughts on the priesthood will be relevant and useful to all who are interested in the Church Father’s writings, especially for those who are preparing for or already performing a priestly ministry.

Poslední z Kassiánových Rozmluv a její význam pro mnišský život

Author(s): Marta Lucie Cincialová / Language(s): Czech Issue: 4/2024

The last of Cassian’s Conferences may be regarded as the culmination of his spiritual teaching. In the 24th Conference, Cassian develops the theme of the inner and outer dimensions of ascetic mortification and the experience of relationships with those closest to the members of the communities, i.e. their parents and relatives. Cassian also arrives at a balanced assessment of the two forms of monastic life: in a hermitage and in a cenobium.

A bibliolog írásmegértés Modern „midrás” mint egy lehetséges módszer a katekézisben

Author(s): Edit Somfalvi / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 1/2024

This research delves into the bibliolog approach to interpreting the Holy Scriptures, a technique often termed as “modern midrash” and not widely recognised in Hungarian-speaking regions. Originating from America, bibliolog diverges from the European tradition of bibliodrama or biblical drama, focusing instead on seeking to grasp the biblical narrative and can simultaneously embody the roles of active participants and keen observers, fostering personal introspection in real time. The paper elucidates how the bibliolog method can serve as a potent instrument in both religious and ecclesiastical pedagogy, enhancing catechetical practices. It underscores the method’s potential to cultivate a conscious connection with God and to nurture a community of devoted followers of Christ across diverse age groups, all while fostering self-awareness and spiritual commitment.

Dar szensztackiego systemu wychowawczego w diecezji koszalińsko-kołobrzeskiej

Author(s): Zygmunt Czaja / Language(s): Polish Issue: 12/2024

The Schoenstatt Movement, centered around the Sanctuary of Our Lady Thrice Admirable on Góra Chełmska in Koszalin, has a fruitful presence in the life of the Koszalin-Kolobrzeg (Kołobrzeg) Diocese. People constituting institutes, associations, leagues and pilgrimage movements effectively implement the Gospel into personal and social life. They do this using the guiding stars of the Schoenstatt educational system through: the pedagogy of the ideal, the pedagogy of bonds, the pedagogy of covenant, the pedagogy of organic development and the pedagogy of trust. Thousands of people implementing this educational proposal are a concrete response to a world running away from God.

Aneks 4 – Fotografie

Author(s): Wojciech Parfianowicz,Karolina Pawłowska,Katarzyna Matejek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 12/2024

A korai anya–gyermek kapcsolat és annak kihatása a gyermek lelki fejlődésére és a felnőtt létre a kötődéselmélet fényében, különös tekintettel a lelkipásztor szolgálatára A romániai református lelkipásztorok kötődési mintái. II. rész

Author(s): Eszter Nagy / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 3/2023

The primary objective of my research was to contextualise the psychological dimensions of attachment theory within a theological framework. Specifically, I aimed to scrutinise the broad spectrum of interpretations stemming from Bowlby’s work from a practical-theological perspective, with a particular focus on pastoral and pastoral-theological aspects. In doing so, I intend to construct a meaningful bridge between the realms of psychology and theology. In our contemporary, postmodern landscape, ministers assume a pivotal role as credible emissaries of certain values within the church community. The values they represent and the manner in which they do so are significantly influenced by their individual characteristics, including their prevailing attachment patterns and the emotions they experience in the course of their vocation. The first part of my research provided a concise overview of John Bowlby’s attachment theory and the various attachment patterns it delineates. In this subsequent section, I present the findings of an empirical study conducted among active ministers within the Reformed Church in Romania, with a particular emphasis on the identification of insecure attachment patterns among this group. Ministers were invited to fill in the questionnaire anonymously and voluntarily, offering insights into their personalities and attachment patterns. The outcomes of this analysis also furnish valuable insights for the pastoral community at large.

„Minden hozzátartozik…” Kutatási jelentés a 21. századi erdélyi lelkipásztori szerepek felméréséről

Author(s): Szabolcs Ferenc Kató,Dénes Kiss,Róbert Zoltán Bálint / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 4/2024

What responsibilities do Protestant pastors in 21st -century Transylvania fulfill, and how should theological education adapt to meet these needs? To address these questions, the Protestant Theological Institute of Cluj-Napoca and the Institute of Religious Studies initiated a research project aimed at mapping the duties and roles of ministers within the region. The initial phase of the study involved in-depth interviews with Protestant leaders and ministers representing a variety of congregational backgrounds across Transylvania. This paper presents preliminary insights and syntheses findings from these interviews, providing direct quotations that illustrate the diversity and complexity of pastoral tasks. Building on these interviews, a comprehensive questionnaire will be distributed to a broader group of Protestant ministers. The second phase of this research is expected to yield a nuanced understanding of pastoral responsibilities within the Protestant churches, with attention to regional, generational, and congregational etc. differences. The outcomes of this research are anticipated to contribute to the evolution of a modern theological curriculum that aligns more closely with current pastoral realities and supports churches in refining their missional strategies.