" 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.

"Christianity. Fundamental Teachings" by the Churches in Turkey as an Example of an Ecumenical Catechism

Author(s): Sławomir Pawłowski / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2022

The booklet entitled Christianity. Fundamental Teachings, published by the Joint Commission of Churches in Turkey in 2018, expresses the shared beliefs of the Christian Churches in Turkey. It can be seen as a landmark in inter-church efforts to draw closer together. Trying to explain Christianity to non- Christians, the booklet presents the key elements of the Christian faith in a clear and easily comprehensible way. This article provides a synthetic presentation of the content of this booklet and shows issues that are important in the Turkish context. Since the call for “an ecumenical catechism” resonates from time to time in the international and inter-church areas, this joint publication of the Churches in Turkey can be a good example of such a catechism for other Churches worldwide. Moreover, this booklet can serve as a good teaching tool for Christians or non-Christians. Thus it is worth studying, translating, commenting on and implementing after being appropriately adjusted to other social, cultural and religious contexts.

"Communiones" mszalne dawniej i dziś

Author(s): Piotr Towarek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 21/2020

This article presents an outline of the history of shaping communio chants (one of the Proprium Missae chants for Communion): from Christian antiquity (Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom, Apostolic Constitutions), through the Middle Ages (Ordo Romanus Primus), the post-Tridentine period (Communiones totius anni by Mikołaj Zieleński), to the reform of the Second Vatican Council, to which we owe the collection of antiphonae ad communionem (Graduale romanum, Graduale Simplex, Missale romanum, Ordo Cantus Missae) in liturgical books, and indirectly also contemporary chants and songs intended for the communionprocession.

"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.

"Dead Souls" and "Open Vessel." Is There a Need for a "New" Meaning of the Hebrew Word nefeš?

Author(s): Janusz Lemański / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2022

The noun nefeš is ascribed the sense of “corpse” in several instances of the Hebrew Bible. All of them are analysed to trace the possible development of the semantic field of this word. It leads to the conclusion that this implied sense arose from the shortening of longer phrases (nefeš 'ādām; nefeš mēt). The noun nefeš used in them, however, retains its basic meaning of “person,” and its reference to a corpse is only apparent from the context. In a similar sense, the author also reads the use of the abbreviated version, which represents a person and not just a corpse (synecdoche) – a person who dies and gradually passes into the hereafter.

"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

"Holy Seed" in Isaiah 6:13: Echo of an Exclusive Concept of Israel’s Identity

Author(s): Grzegorz Szamocki / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2022

The last phrase in Isa 6:1–13, in which critical exegesis sees an element of a post-exilic suplement to an existing text, communicates the thought of surviving the announced destruction of the little remainder referred to as the “holy seed.” The problem considered in the presented study is the meaning of the term “holy seed” in Isa 6:13bβ, the possible context and the historical motive for inserting this phrase into the text of Isa 6, as well as the place of this complementary interference in the historical process of formation of Isa 6. The article presents literary and historical-critical analyses of the terms “seed” and “holy people” relating to the people of God and Israel, especially the expression “holy seed,” which in the Old Testament, apart from Isa 6:13bβ, occurs only in Ezra 9:2, while it appears more often in the Book of Jubilees and in the Aramaic Levi Document. The results of the research lead to the thesis that the supplement in Isa 6:13bβ is a testimony to the last interferences in the composition of Isaiah, behind which stood literati from the Zadokite circles of the Hasmonean period. The prophetic statement in Isa 6:13bβ redefines Israel as God’s people, separate from other nations. For this people there is hope for survival in a small remnant that remains aware of its election and holiness, and faithful to the covenant. This remnant of the people will prove to be the holy seed.

"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