ADDICTION, NARRATIVE AND SPIRITUALITY: THEORETICAL-METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES AND OVERVIEW

Author(s): Srđan Sremac / Language(s): English Issue: 14/2010

In the article the author presents different theoretical and methodological approaches to substance addiction: biological, socio-cultural, psychological, and narrative theories. The author argues that we have to develop a comprehensive theory of addiction that should include not only biomedical, psychological and socio-cultural factors but spiritual aspects of the individual as well. A more holistic and yet fully empirical model of research in addictiology as a human science must indeed include the spiritual dimension. Therefore, a comprehensive theory of addiction has to address all aspects: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual for effective treatment and recovery.

Islamic Coping, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Islam Oriented Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IO-TF-CBT) in Post-Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Period

Author(s): Metin Çınaroğlu / Language(s): English Issue: 52/2024

The Great Southeast Turkey Earthquakes (GSTE) of February 2023 were not only a physical disaster but also seem to have triggered the onset of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among survivors in Kahramanmaraş and surrounding areas. This review emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate clinical interventions in PTSD therapies, addressing the psychological impacts left by the earthquakes. The Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) models implemented after the 1999 Marmara earthquake failed to integrate cultural and Islamic thoughts effectively. With this critical perspective, the article advocates for a holistic healing process that integrates Islamic coping mechanisms with clinical psychology. The importance of religious and spiritual practices in PTSD recovery, especially reliance on Allah, patience, the concept of ummah, prayer, almsgiving, and belief in destiny, is highlighted. While analyzing the potential effectiveness of Islamic approaches in PTSD rehabilitation, the study criticizes the inadequacies of current clinical practices and advocates for the adoption of faith-integrated therapeutic strategies. It proposes a structured methodology for Islamic-Oriented TF-CBT that integrates spiritual practices with scientifically supported psychological interventions, highlighting the gaps in current practices. The aim is to bridge the gap between Islamic practices and clinical psychology, offering a treatment approach compatible with the religious values and traditions of the Muslim population affected by the GSTE. This critical perspective strengthens the call for progress towards cultural competency in mental health services, ensuring that PTSD treatments adapt to the diversity and complexity of earthquake victims. The article emphasizes the need to comprehensively address the psychological needs of individuals affected by the GSTE, particularly those battling PTSD. Recognizing PTSD as not only an individual disorder but also a societal issue, the study suggests that treatment processes should consider not only the individual but also the community. The importance of community-based interventions is highlighted, discussing the current shortcomings and areas for development in this field. In conclusion, the article underscores the significance of cultural sensitivity and community-based approaches in PTSD treatment, calling for more research and implementation in this area.

RELIGIOZNI RAZVOJ I VRIJEDNOSTI U SREDNJOJ ODRASLOSTI

Author(s): Borjana Bogićević / Language(s): Serbian Issue: 10/2008

James Fowler defined a religious development of each individual through six hierarchical stages. His theory originates from framework of North American protestant culture. The present research investigates applicability of Fowler`s religious development model in multicultural European society tested on the sample of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (male and female) of different religions aged between 40 and 60. Furthermore this research also investigates whether the religion and religious development correlate with certain values. Two instruments were used in determining the stage of religious development as well as the scale of values. Results of the analysis show that Fowler`s model is applicable in case of multicultural sample of middle-aged individuals. Results also show that correlation between religion, stage of religious development and some values does exist. Furthermore the research showed different stages of religious development among different religions. From the results we concluded that Fowler`s model is biased in favor of more liberal views of religion and religious practice. However the problem of validity of instruments for measurement of religious development remains.

ISPITIVANJE SOCIJALNIH ASPEKATA LEČENJA NARKOMANIJE – RELIGIJA KAO ČINILAC INTEGRACIJE

Author(s): Višnja Baćanović / Language(s): Serbian Issue: 10/2008

This paper is a part of paper which was presented as final graduation paper on department of Sociology on Faculty of Philosophy in Novi sad, 2005. In this paper are presented theoretical background for empirical examination of social dimension of drug addiction and main institutional models of healing and place and role of religion in this processes. Hypothesis which was made and tested is that drug addiction has social couses and success of healing depends on the measure of integration in society trough therapy group which has a function of primary group. Presumption is also that religion is a crucial couse for the group cohesion and integration. Different healing programs were compared by this categories and relations between them.

РЕЛИГИЈА И КОЦКА

Author(s): Lidija Osojnik / Language(s): Serbian Issue: 8/2007

The structural, functional, emotional, compassion, value system and practical meaning of religion and its relationship with the states of mind and thought which is present in the games of chance have not been studied or researched or are rare. Our literature has only in the last five years occasionally presented a brief and not a thorough review of gambling and commenting as almost a social-economic phenomenon. Such an impression is a product of rare studies which hardly include other aspects and dimensions of gambling. The gambling and games of chance is rarely explained in psychological, anthropological, philosophical anthropological, cultural, political or religious perspectives and dimensions. Even though this is exactly the task of this study, prior to any analysis an overview of gambling as a social phenomenon must be made. In other words, the base of the study should be what is already known, which represents the mean of acquiring other less known facts.

PSYCHOLOGY AND PASTORING

Author(s): Andrej Kiš / Language(s): English Issue: 7/2007

Pastoring has been around for a long time, much longer than the discipline of modern psychology, at least as far as careers are concerned. While the work of a pastor is largely concerned with the responsibility of providing spiritual direction, psychology is largely concerned in understanding the abstract and concrete functionings of the mind and brain respectively. These two disciplines have generally been at odds with each other, often distrusting and suspicious of each other, they have at best created an uneasy alliance. Ideally, students being trained in the art of pastoring would be offered more classes in psychology and counseling. Likewise, it would benefit the psychology student to be exposed to more courses on spirituality, and ethics. This leads to the question of why it is necessary to study psychology. What can psychology contribute to pastoral work? Answering this question will be the focus of this chapter. However, answering this question will be difficult because the topic itself could be a book. Whole sections would have to deal with counseling, an area of psychology we won’t be able to discuss here.

PREVENCIJA SUICIDA I DRUŠTVENO–PSIHOLOŠKI ČINIOCI

Author(s): Monika Tokai / Language(s): Serbian Issue: 4/2005

The phenomenon of suicide begins along with the history of humanity. The suicide in a sense of self destruction is a very complex phenomenon with no concrete cause or motive, it is a result of many different circumstances. This act is caused by diverse factors, such as: external and internal ones, i.e. social, biological and psychological factors and characteristics. Many philosophers, theologists, psychologists and other scientists tried to understand it, but, it is still an enormous secret, full of mystic and for many people it is understandable, opposite to that great existential force that lives in a human being. This is the reason why all of us have to fight the suicide, i.e. to prevent it in a way of a socially organized fight.

Ezograżyna to ja i ty

Author(s): Olga Drenda / Language(s): Polish Issue: 827/2024

Zaułki psychologiczne rozważań o kobiecie w liturgii

Author(s): Dariusz Kuncewicz / Language(s): Polish Issue: 59/2022

The response to the needs of the times of the modern world may be the result of a prudent view of the reality in which a person lives and which they do not choose. It can, however, be the consequence of naïve acquiescence to the world and of fitting in with its clamour. And yet it is neither a matter of superficial equality nor an empty gesture. There is no reason why the risk of a superficial reading of the world’s needs should omit the question of admitting women to the ministry of lector and acolyte. After all, the demand for simple gender symmetry, blurring and negation of differences resounds very clearly today. At a deeper level, this cry is a reminder of the imbalance in the mutuality of appreciation, but also of the dependence in life – each person placing themselves equally on the scales (in accordance with the command: “Be subject to one another”). And it is not a question of taking something off one scale pan, but of making the weight of the other one similar. Following the words of Benedict XVI, the recognition of women’s contribution must be derived from obedience to the truth and the example of Mary, who balances emotions and reason, embracing the totality of human life. In this perspective, increasing the space for the presence of women would be linked to their ability to perceive and to call for the continuity and value of humanity.

Rola interioryzacji w nauczaniu według św. Augustyna

Author(s): Dorota Anna Kowalewska OSA / Language(s): Polish Issue: 4/2023

The article presents the role of interiorization in teaching as it appears in the writings of St. Augustine. It is based on an analysis of selected of his works and other sources interpreting his teaching in various contexts. The article defines the concept of interiorization, first referring to the teaching of John Paul II, and then showing the way that St. Augustine understood this issue. Based on the source texts, concepts such as knowledge and wisdom, inner and outer man, and reason and heart are distinguished. The insufficiency of words in the pedagogue’s process of conveying values is also indicated. The analysis made it possible to determine the goal of teaching, which, according to St. Augustine, is to gain wisdom through love. In the final part, the concept of the “Inner Teacher” is presented, which helps to internalize the knowledge of non-sensory things. The article is an at- tempt to draw attention to the role of interiorization in teaching and it indicates practical implications for the success of the educational process.

Volume și broșuri de propagandă antireligioasă apărute în România (1950-1990). Bibliografie adnotată (III)

Author(s): Dragoș Popescu / Language(s): Romanian,Moldavian Issue: 1/2023

Volumes and Brochures of Antireligious Propaganda Published in Romania (1950-1990). Annotated Bibliography (III)

Cosmological Freedom and the Sons of Knowledge

Author(s): Mikolaj Martinjak / Language(s): English Issue: 53/2023

the way that Gnosticisim is understood and interpreted depends on many factors. in books, encyclopedias, and articles, it is commonly described as a dualistic system that separates body and mind, material and spiritual or knowledge and ignorance. this article offers a brief overview and possible interpretations of two gnostic cosmogonical myths: Sethian, described in the Apocryphon of John, and the valentinian myth found in irenaeus’s Adversus Haeresies and hippolytus’s Refutatio omnium haeresium. these myths or cosmogonies are used as an example of the secret knowledge that could bring cosmological freedom. events in the divine pleroma and the actions of Sophia in myths are examined as the basis of a gnostic dogma that the sons of knowledge follow to achieve their freedom.

Experimenty s náboženskou symbolikou v katolických ášramech v Indii

Author(s): Zdeněk Štipl / Language(s): Czech Issue: 4/2023

The paper deals with the religious symbolism that emerged in Catholic ashrams in India. Drawing on material gathered during field research, it examines how originally Hindu symbols are integrated into Christian symbolism, what meaning they take on in that symbolism, and what this newly created symbolism brings to the ashram communities and to the Indian Church. A brief introduction to the subject of Catholic ashrams from a historical perspective is followed by a description of the symbolism under study, accompanied by an interpretation of its meaning as conceived by its creators. For the sake of clarity, examples of this symbolism are grouped into three categories: architecture, the figure of Christ, and ritualism. The understandings of the symbolism by permanent members of the ashrams, temporary visitors, and its critics are summarized so that the two main research questions can be answered: whether the integration of the component symbols adopted from the religious tradition of Hinduism into the symbolic system of Christianity has led to a change in the meaning of the component symbols and of the whole system, and whether a new religious identity of the ashram members has also been formed through this new religious symbolism.

Mythological Number Seven In Turkmen Culture

Author(s): Gökçimen Ahmet / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

Numbers are the symbolic codes of mythology. They carry the mysteries of archaic beliefs and traditional life from past to present. Seven appears in all works of folk literature. The number seven is one of these special numbers. There is information about seven in all societies, beliefs and cultures around the world. People make use of the number seven to explain the creation of the universe, the sky, heaven and hell, etc. Seven is the number of nursery rhymes. Many societies do not perform important rituals without repeating them seven times. Among Turkic peoples, seven is very important for Turkmens. In Turkmen mythology, seven is very special. It stands out more than numbers like three, five, nine and forty. Seven is present in all traditions from birth to death. In child rituals, marriage and death, the number seven is present as a formula. With this formula, the message is emphasized. People understand situations, behaviors and names better with seven repetitions. Seven is found as a stylistic number in fairy tales, epics and legends. In Turkmen society, there are even sevens explaining positive and negative situations and behaviors. These sevens bear the traces of mythology and cultural identity. Many Turkmen rituals are not complete without being performed seven times. This article first provides general information about the number seven. Then examples of seven in Turkmen culture, folk literature and beliefs are given. In these sevens, family, lineage, badly behaved women, and traditions of entertaining good guests are included. Finally, examples of the number seven, which has mythological roots in Turkmen culture, are evaluated. It is stated that they are soci­ological, religious and cultural codes.

The attractiveness of Hesychast spirituality today: insights from modern psychology, philosophy and sociology

Author(s): Victor Nechaev / Language(s): English Issue: 1-4/2023

The Hesychast spirituality (HS) is traditional for Eastern Christianity systemthat integrates and organizes beliefs, experiences, and practices with the aim ofspiritual transformation1. In the 20th century, due to the massive migration of theOrthodox population, Orthodox Christianity from the local context relocated to theWest2. In this background, established local Orthodox parishes have become not onlyhomes for Orthodox immigrants but areas of multiple conversions to Orthodoxy, andnowadays, this process is in its climax; Typically, Orthodoxy becomes a consciouschoice of educated adults from Western backgrounds, often after the long spiritualsearch. However, the principles of asceticism, regular prayer, active church life, eudemoniclife principles, and mystical experience habitual for HS are often in opposition tothe principles of individualism, rationalism, and materiality in the modern West,which creates a certain tension. Based on that discovery, I intend to demonstrate thatthe pricey processes that comprise one of the most complicated spiritual systems are notas contradictory to modernity as they appear. Instead, many of the HSʹs fundamentalprinciples now actively resonate with common life concepts. To that end, in this article,I will define HS and describe the contemporary context in which it operates. Second, I willdiscuss the links between HS, positive and cognitive psychology, namely the concepts ofself-transcendence, virtue development, and meaning in life. Third, I will present threeactual examples of how HS is linked to current philosophy, sociology, and literature.

The role of lay people in religious education. The competency of correlation of the religious education teacher

Author(s): Tibor Reimer / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

The quality of religious education in schools is primarily a matter of the quality of the religious education teachers. In this paper we want to explore different profession- al perspectives on the acquired competences of the religious education teacher and we want to focus our attention on his specific competency of correlation to linking faith and the life of pupils, Church and school, and Church and society. Therefore, we understand the religious education teacher as a “tightrope walker” who is able to maintain a balance between these different environments.

Lay persons in catechesis. Experience and challenges in the case of Slovenia

Author(s): Tadej Stegu / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

Unlike in most other countries, religious education did not return to public schools in Slovenia after the fall of communism. The Catholic Church intensively introduced and developed catechesis in parishes. The new Slovenian Catechetical Plan opens the door to consider the various forms of catechesis already taking place in parish communities and to a lifelong model of catechesis that is not confined to the peri- od of childhood and adolescence. The article analyses the development of the field of catechesis in Slovenia and the role of lay catechists. It highlights the main trends and challenges in catechesis and some of the existing solutions that no longer look only at the age of candidates but take into account their maturity and readiness when preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation. The analytical research is further illuminated by the author’s personal experience as a layperson involved in catechesis.

Феномените на страха в дискурса на религиите

Author(s): Lyubomir Grigorov / Language(s): English,Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

This article revolves around the question of how different religions view fear. Is it just one side of the coin or does it have a much higher purpose and answers existential questions? The paper attempts to provide an answer, and it considers some other questions in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism.

Anoniminių alkoholikų 12 žingsnių programos sąsajos su katalikiškąja sutaikinimo sakramento samprata

Author(s): Artūras Lukaševičius / Language(s): Lithuanian Issue: 118/2024

The article explores the links between the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the Catholic concept of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The practical aspects of the Catholic Church's teaching on the Sacrament are discussed using the five-part division of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is widely used in pastoral ministry. The similarity between the examination of conscience before confession and the Fourth Step of AA is shown. The second and third parts of the Sacrament of Reconciliation have no direct counterparts in the wording of the 12 Steps, but similar provisions can be found in the more detailed descriptions of the Steps. The fourth part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation has many similarities to the Fifth Step in the AA programme. The main difference is that in AA this step is not a sacramental confession. The last part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation has close parallels in the Ninth Step of AA. It is concluded that there are significant links between the AA 12-step programme and the Catholic concept of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They are two ways of nurturing the spiritual life.

Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Tevbe Algısına Yönelik Metaforik Bir Araştırma

Author(s): Esra İrk,Sümeyye Yıldırım,Ümran Erkorkmaz Çoban / Language(s): Turkish Issue: 49/2024

Repentance is a concept that expresses a person’s regret towards his bad behavior, turning to God and correcting themselves. In other words, it means giving up one's sins with a firm determination and making an effort to exhibit righteous behavior. Repentance includes features such as regret, sincerity, awareness, determination to give up wrong behavior, and the continuity of good action at both cognitive and behavioral levels. Religious belief, religious feelings and thoughts, love and fear of Allah, expectations and concerns about death and the afterlife, and the accumulation of spiritual states under the influence of conscientious feelings and thoughts play a role in the process of repentance to a certain extent. The tendency towards repentance may occur suddenly or after long-term emotional experiences and inner experiences. In this respect, it can be said that the time of repentance is related to the person's awareness that he has committed a sin. In repentance, there is a mutual turning between Allah and the individual. While a person's giving up his sin and turning to Allah constitutes the individual aspect of repentance, Allah's acceptance of the repentance of his servant who turns to him constitutes the divine aspect of repentance. Based on the sincere regret felt after sin and the intention and effort to display good behavior after repentance, it can be said that repentance has a constructive and structuring contribution in human-to-human and human-to-God relations. Therefore, it is very important for every age group to understand the nature of the effect of repentance. Although there are studies examining the concept of repentance in the literature, no study has been found using metaphors on how this concept is perceived by university students and what are the underlying meanings of this perception. Therefore, it is thought that this study will contribute to this gap in the literature and be a guide for researchers. The main purpose of the research is to reveal university students' perceptions of the concept of repentance through metaphors. The study group of the research consists of a total of 174 students who are studying in various faculties of Bursa Uludağ University and Bursa Technical University during the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. Of the participants in the research, 113 (%57,7) are female and 83 (%42,3) are male. In this study, the metaphor technique based on the phenomenology pattern, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. A semi-structured form was preferred as the information collection method. Data was collected via Google Forms. The questionnaire form used in the research consists of two parts. In the first part, there was a 4-item personal information form that included questions of age, gender, faculty type and grade level and purposing to reveal the demographic characteristics of the students. In the second part, there was a question asking the students participating in the research to produce metaphors in order to reveal their perceptions of the concept of repentance. In the research, participants were asked the question, "If you were to compare repentance to an image, what would it be like?", and they were requested to fill in the blanks to complete in the sentence, "Repentance is similar to... (metaphor), because....(metaphor reason)...". MAXQDA 24 program was used to analyze the data obtained, and a content analysis technique was utilized. At the end of the research, it was seen that 70 different metaphors were generated by 196 university students. In the research, two themes related to the metaphors produced regarding the concept of repentance were identified: The themes were religious function of repentance and the psychological function of repentance. For the theme of the religious function of repentance (%60,2), three codes were identified: Path to spiritual purification, encounter with the sacred, and stability to good behavior. What is meant by the metaphors collected under these codes is that repentance is seen both as a way for the person to purify his sins and as a tool for meeting the sacred, and that it provides a function to direct the person to correct behavior by drawing a line against the continuation of the sins committed. For the theme of the psychological function of repentance (%39,8), three codes were also identified. These codes were; psychological relief, a new beginning, and confrontation with oneself. It was observed that the participants who produced the metaphors listed under these codes saw repentance as a new opening, expansion and freedom area, and evaluated it as a healing and developing situation. It was expressed that repentance is an effective experience in controlling emotional and psychological stress sources. In addition, it was determined that the metaphors were concentrated in the codes of the path of spiritual purification, confrontation with oneself and a new beginning. The metaphor of “water” was the most repeated metaphor by 31 participants. After the “water” metaphor, purification (f=12), eraser (f=12), regret (f=11), apology (f=10), cleaning (f=10) and return (f=10) were the most repeated words.