" Constantine´s Christianity for the (Dis)integrated EU. Déjà vu of Constantine’s Roman governance reflecting of the mistrial of Jesus for EU? "

Author(s): Radka MacGregor Pelikánová / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2017

Two thousand years ago, a horrific mistrial occurred demonstrating, among other features, many failures of proper governance and administration and constituting a total violation of the rule of law. Seventeen centuries ago, the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great embraced Christianity and overcame the immediately threatening disintegration of the Roman Empire. His administration and integration drive could be seen as addressing the faults of the mistrial of Jesus Christ. His approach to governance and justice under the auspices of Christianity allowed overcoming a set of crises and many disintegration issues linked to ineffectiveness, inefficiency and corruption, denoting him as an illustrious and just leader of a united Empire spreading over a large part of Europe and part of Africa and Asia. Seven decades ago, a modern European integration around the common market was launched and progressively expanded to other spheres. One decade ago a set of crises hit and challenged the European integration. The current post-Lisbon EU, constitutionally defined by the TEU, TFEU and Charter and strategically by Europe 2020, faces many issues which were greatly addressed by Constantine. Hence, the question emerges – is the post-Lisbon EU inspired by the lesson of Constantine? Namely, do its leaders, as well as the constitutional and strategic frameworks, encompass Christianity and Christian principles, especially those implied by the mistrial of Jesus? Or are we departing from Christianity and denying that Christianity is the glue and fundament of European, indeed Western, civilization and a great guidance for EU integration?

"A vallási élet elemi formái"-tól "A média rítusai"-ig: durkheimi fogalmak a kommunikációelméletben

Author(s): Eszter Bartha / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 18/2012

The essay gives a critical review of The Rituals of the Media by Lajos Császi. It seeks to showhow the Durkheimian sociology of religion can be applied to the modern communicationtheory and what perspectives such a combination can store for sociology. The mediahas a significant impact on the formation of public opinion; therefore, its rituals deservea special attention. However, the opinion forming power of the media depends on thesocial structure and the movement of the masses. Today even ordinary people can broadcastInternet TV-programmes and we have not even mentioned the technical possibilitiesoffered by the various social network sites. It is not only the technical competence, whichdetermines whether a given opinion will remain embedded in a narrow subculture or itsucceeds to move the masses, which was a well-loved catchword of the 20th century

"Będziecie moimi świadkami po krańce ziemi" (Dz 1,8). Łukaszowa wizja świadectwa z perspektywy Dziejów Apostolskich

Author(s): Krzysztof Mielcarek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 28/2015

Because of the richness of Lukan theology regarding witness, the author was unable to cover all of its aspects. Thus the study touches only upon its major threads. Besides the obvious issues of the apostles role as witnesses, the content of their witnessing, and its recipients – the study presents some other personalities involved in transmitting the Good News of God’s salvation to humanity. Indeed, the greatest stress is placed on the testimony of God himself. Despite being a constant Mystery for humankind, He never ceases being involved in their history and witnessing to his salvific plans. Although there are only a few texts within Acts that connect the persons of the Trinity to witnessing, one should consider them as fundamental to a full Lukan theology of witness.

"Boże narodzenie" jako punkt odniesienia do pracy międzyprzedmiotowej uczniów na zajęciach językowych – propozycje studentów kierunku pedagogiczno-językowego

Author(s): Marek Krawiec / Language(s): Polish Issue: XXI/2019

The author of this article demonstrates that Christmas, due to its multidimen-sional character, can be the basis for cross-curricular work of foreign language learners. By analyzing examples of cross-curricular activities suggested by university students who specialize in pedagogy and language, he argues that Christmas can be an adequate topic for the introduction of cross-curricular content in a foreign language class and for the development of different learners’ skills both at the primary and secondary levels. On the basis of the material collected from university students, he draws a conclusion that information from various school subjects can be integrated around Christmas within the monodisciplinary model which has been suggested in scholarly literature and which is discussed together with other models in the theoretical part of this article.

"Continuities and discontinuities. Educational program of The Planned Parenthood Association in Krakow (1957 – 1993)"

Author(s): Barbara Klich-Kluczewska / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2014

The article presents the program of sexual education prepared and offered by Krakow Branch of the Planned Parenthood Association in the wider context of socio-political situation in Krakow (1956 – 1989). Since the beginning of the Association’s existence, the special attention was paid to the development of educational program, which concerned the different aspects of „family life“. The article is going to answer the questions about its goals, the educational tools used to achieve them and its social targets. To accurately determine the position of the Association in the city‘s community I will analyse its foundation and activities in wider context of the pre-war traditions of the organisation and the activities regarding premarital counselling undertaken by the Krakow Catholic Church.

"Dotykanie wieczności" w poezji siostry Urszuli Michalak. Recenzja ksiązki s. Urszula M i c h a l a k, Prawie przedwieczór, Lublin: Związek Literatów Polskich 2019.

Author(s): Mirosława Ołdakowska-Kuflowa / Language(s): Polish Issue: 3/2020

"Dzieje Kościoła i parafii w Purdzie Wielkiej", Andrzej Kopiczko, Olsztyn 2014

Author(s): Marek Jodkowski / Language(s): Polish Issue: 22/2015

"Enneady" Plotyna inspiracją dla św. Jana od Krzyża w nauce o drodze do kontemplacji?

Author(s): Stanisław T. Zarzycki / Language(s): Polish Issue: 3/2021

Taking into account the influence of Neoplatonism on Christianity in antiquity and in the Middle Ages, the author asks about the possible influence of Plotinus’ Ennead on the doctrine about the path to contemplation of St. John of the Cross. He first introduces the Plotinian vision of reality, according to which, from one principle, from the One in the process of emanation, beings emerged: mind; the individual soul and the soul of the world. Then it shows man and his return to the Absolute through asceticism, contemplation and Plotinian ecstasy. Analyzing the Enneads of Plotinus and their interpretation in the field of spiritual doctrine in famous commentators (A. Bord, J. Baruzi, M. de la Corte, B. Salmona, L. Bouyer), he compares the descriptions of selected moments of the spiritual path to contemplation and ecstasy in two spiritual masters and interprets them taking into account the doctrinal and spiritual differences between Neoplatonism and Christianity. By identifying the few similarities in the descriptions, especially concerning the way of purification, and taking into account the fundamental and more detailed differences, one inclines with Bord to accept the possible inspiration of Ennead Plotinus only in certain aspects of the description of the spiritual experience of the Carmelite mystic.

"Fate attenzione come ascoltate" (Mc 4,24). Insegnamento sulla preghiera della Lectio divina

Author(s): Gabriel Pisarek / Language(s): English,Italian Issue: 2/2013

The prayer with the use of the word of God, Lectio divina, is one of the best methods to enter into the dialog with God. It has it roots in the deep Christian tradition and it keeps to be relevant even today. Over the years it assumed its classical division to: lectio, meditatio, oratio and contemplatio. From time immemorial the Church encourages people to practice this form of prayer. It was also fostered by the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, by the teaching after the Council, as well as by the popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. These encouragements bear the fruits in the life of numerous Christian communities and in the life of many people, because it seems be a form of prayer suitable for both: individual people and communities. This form of prayer finds also its place in many theological publications especially those concerning Christian spirituality. The best example for everyone wanting to practice Lectio divina was given by Mary, because it cannot be treated only as a method of prayer. It is something more; it is a style of life that forms the relationship with God and with other people as well. The life of Mary is distinguished exactly by this style.

"Food for Peace": The Vegan Religion of the Hebrews of Jerusalem

Author(s): Shelley Elkayam / Language(s): English Issue: XXVI/2014

A debate over the morality of Kosher slaughter [Shechita (Hebrew: שחיטה)] has raged in Poland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Denmark, where the Jewish ritual slaughter was outlawed. The more the debate goes on, the more awareness arises to Shechita as a basic Jewish religious practice. Yet veganism is a Hebrew religious operation too. This article discusses Hebrew vegan belief in terms meaningful to Jews, yet considering its utopian nature, in terms applicable to others as well. Both Shechita and veganism have universal Hebrew claims. Yet both claims are to be studied. Within this vast theme, I will analyze here veganism only, with respect to its utopian role and as a theological structure of one, yet global, community: the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem. They believe themselves to be the descendants of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob Israel. They are Jewish by their cultural nature: they observe Shabbat, Torah and a weekly fast. In 70 A.D. after the Romans destroyed the second temple they escaped and fled southward and westward to various nations in Africa two millennia ago where they were sold as slaves and were enslaved in America. They left America in 1967 led by their spiritual leader Ben Ammi, defined their departure as an exodus from America. Via Liberia – where they became vegans – they arrived in Israel in 1969, established an urban kibbutz, a collective communal living which is located in a desert region. Like most Jews, their diet has tremendous importance, but unlike most Jews they are vegan. The African Hebrews have very specific vegan dietary practices. Their tradition includes teaching and studying a special diet, which is vegetarian, organic and self-produced. They observe Shabbat strictly. On Shabbat, they fast and cleanse. This mirrors their spiritual outlook that eating is a hard labor of which they are obliged to rest from by the Ten Commandments. This article presents a breakthrough idea that fasting on Shabbat indeed reflects an ancient Israelite religious tradition. “Food for Peace” s a metaphor for the theology of the Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem unfolding their messianic utopia through which they believe people may achieve inner peace and even world peace, encompassing decades of powerful hopes, realities and nutritious lifestyle.

"Gepredigt wird an einem Sonntag sächsich, am anderen deutsch. Die Predigtsprache der evangelischen Kirche A.B. in Siebenbürgen im 19. Jahrhundert.

Eine Übersicht aufgrund der Protokolle der Gesamtkirchenvisitation von Bischof G.D. Teutsch in den Jahren 1870-1888

Author(s): Gerhild-Ingrid Rudolf / Language(s): German Issue: 59/2016

Both the German language and the Evangelical A. C. (meaning Lutheran) confession are constitutive components of the identity of the autochthon minority of the Transylvanian Saxons. During Reformation in the 16th century, Latin was replaced by the vernacular languages, which for the Germans in Transylvania was the Saxon dialect. In the middle of the 19th century a change occurred from Transylvanian Saxon to standard German as the language of sermon. This change took place gradually and at a slow pace. The Reports of Bishop Georg Daniel Teutsch on his General Church Visitation during the years 1987–1888 give evidence about this process, which is most interesting from the sociolinguistic viewpoint. The present paper investigates the bishop’s Reports, looking for Teutsch’s comments on the use of languages in the evangelical church and bundles the conclusions of the Saxon church leader.

"Gott hat sein Evangelium auch durch die Musik gepredigt". Martin Luther, die Musik und das Kirchenlied

Author(s): Wilhelm Hüffmeier / Language(s): German Issue: 10/2016

The article presents origins of the Evangelical church music in the XVI century. Pastor Dr Martin Luther is regarded as the father this music. The poet H. Heine described the hymn “A mighty fortress is our God” as Mar-seillaise of the Reformation. Luther was brought up in his school musical circle and recommended teaching music at schools of all levels. The Reformer, apart from prefaces to all kinds of songbooks, wrote four texts dedicated to the essence of Evangelical song where we find a thesis that music is a good deed of the God -Creator Himself what makes that music in its very nature is a good instrument to proclaim the Gospel. In one of his letters Luther wrote indeed that apart from theology music is the best art bringing consolation for the heart. His first song, Luther wrote not earlier than in 1523 in parallel to the undertaken efforts to reform Evangelical liturgy. Apart from the so-called propaganda songs of Reformation Luther’s favourite songs were paraphrases of psalms. In addition, another form of religious song created in the times of Reformation are catechism songs. The article also depicts the person of Elisabeth Cruciger, the first Reformation singer. Reformation triggered a mighty movement that intro-duced national languages to the liturgy and church services. This movement also transformed music giving it specific feature of piety emerging from the spirit of Evangelical church reformation in the XVI century.

"H – jak hostes"

Author(s): Michał Zioło / Language(s): Polish Issue: 672/2018

Żyli dawno temu, a ja podziwiałem ich zaradność, przedsiębiorczośći ciekawość – ten popęd rasowych podróżników, popęd osobny, jakwykłada Kołakowski, do innych niesprowadzalny przez swoją bezin‑teresowność. Podziwiałem ich za te pół kroku przede mną: pojawiamsię gdzieś, desantuję, spuszczam, ląduję, a oni już tu byli. Dzielni, bezcienia wątpliwości, bo musieli udźwignąć nie tylko obcość odwiedza‑nych krain, ale i późniejszą obcość wśród swoich – wyzywających ichod Niemców lub, co gorsza, od Francuzów, którzy, jak podaje definicjarasowa Bartka Zwycięzcy, są Niemcami o zabójczo zmodyfikowanymgenie podłości. Jednym słowem, to psiajuchy

"Homerocentony" jako najbardziej skrajna próba hellenizacji chrześcijaństwa

Author(s): Marek Gilski / Language(s): Polish Issue: 3/2021

This article presents and evaluates one of the attempts to Hellenize Christianity. It concerns the Homerocentos, works written in Christian circles from the 4th century onwards, which convey the message of the Gospel almost exclusively using the vocabulary of the Iliad and the Odyssey. The text includes a discussion of the technique of creating these works, their content, form, and theology. The analysis of Homerocentos leads to the following conclusions: a) it is impossible to understand and properly interpret Christianity without the knowledge of Homeric poems; b) the Gospel is only a new interpretation of the Iliad and the Odyssey; c) Christianity does not bring new content, but only organizes what is available in culture.

"Hours of trial" in the life and activity of Polish sercans in the post-war years

Author(s): Sławomir Kamiński / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2004

"Godziny próby" w życiu i działalności polskich sercanów w latach powojennych.

"Idea samozbawienia i jej kulturowe konsekwencje. Od gnozy do New Age" - konferencja na Katolickim Uniwerystecie Lubelskim Jana Pawła II

Author(s): Agata Nowakowska / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2013

"Ja przez Prawo umarłem dla Prawa" (Ga 2,19a). Śmierć "dla Prawa" jako element nawrócenia/powołania Pawła Apostoła

Author(s): Andrzej Posadzy / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2019

The letter to the Galatians has been a subject of keen interest to theologians and biblical scholars for many centuries. Against the background of the general issues of the Epistle, the question raised in this study is whether the author’s personal reflections can be found in the text and whether Paul, writing it, did not include autobiographical elements in it. When reading Paul’s confession in the Letter to the Galatians: „I have died for the law through the law”, the question seems to be whether the Apostle mentions here events from Damascus, or rather it is a kind of biographical note, Paul’s personal confession, in which he clearly separates himself from his of the Pharisaic past? Then you can ask: what „Law” does the Apostle mean and what does it mean to him to die for the „Law”? The analysis of the fragment shows that, fi rst of all, the law is legalism for Paul, and life according to the law has nothing to do with life for God and the concept of the universality of salvation. It can be said that dying for the Law is really a conversion. Therefore, the studied passage can be boldly called the autobiographical note. Paul’s conversion was also to be made in the hearts of all Christians.

"Kościół Katolicki : istota : rzeczywistość : posłannictwo", Walter Kasper, Kraków 2014

Author(s): Jerzy Buczek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 22/2015

"Love Thy Neighbor" - A Missiological Mandate

Author(s): Ilie Soritau / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2020

Persecution and discrimination is an everyday activity. Among the persecuted and the discriminated are the blacks and also the Roma, known in other places by the name gypsies. In the United States and other parts of the world, the whites are persecuting and discriminating against blacks but, in Europe, whites are persecuting and discriminating against the Roma people. Unfortunately, to this day, the Roma people are considered still to be of a lower class or, even worse, a more inferior human being. It is a shame to live in a society that considers itself to be one of peace and unity and to accept these things and allowing them to take place. In this article, special attention will be given to the persecutions and discriminations that the Roma people were facing. Then a descriptive analysis of their contributions and influences on many nations at different times and dates and, in the end, an attempt to best present solutions for such things to cease. In particular, how the churches and humanity will apply it to their ministries and life for the persecution and discrimination of these people to stop and for reconciliation to take place. It is time to move from theory to practice.

"Mesjańskie fragmenty" Biblii hebrajskiej w przekładzie Tanach Izaaka Cylkowa

Author(s): Piotr Goniszewski / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2017

In this article we will present how Isaac Cylkow, a representative of Progressive Judaism, reflects and comments on selected Messianic prophecies in his translation of the Hebrew Bible into Polish. The first point will be presented a short description of Judaism during the Haskalah. The second point will contain basic information about the life and scientific work of the Rabbi Isaac Cylkow. The third will discuss the hermeneutics of Isaac Cylkow four selected fragments of the Hebrew Bible, which in Jewish and / or Christian Tradition have been or are interpreted as messianic prophecies. These texts will be: Gen 49.10; Num 24.17; Is 7:14; Ps 110.4.