Search

After situating the encyclical Spe salvi in the double context of the theology of hope and the thought of Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI, the paper deals with two particularly important topics of the encyclical. The first concerns the profound relationship between faith and hope, taking into account the two biblical texts that are used as a reference by Benedict XVI, namely: Eph 2:12 and Heb 11:1. The second topic dealt with in the paper relates to the places where hope is learned (prayer, action, suffering). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

«Altruism studies», as a sub-discipline has produced in the last 20 years a considerable amount of research in the attempt to better know that human behavior, often seen as «enigmatic». Theology applied to understand neighbor's love can make good use of such research in order to update its own approach. The present paper tries to offer a systematic review of essays and articles published since 2010 in order to answer central questions still looming in the scientific study of altruism and of great importance for Christian anthropology. Concluding remarks will make the point on the impact that these series of studies has for a theology of love engaged on interdisciplinary dialogue with humanities and sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nihilism is a reality, difficult to define, but it is before us, and in the manner that it establishes rupture between the human spirit, the truth and the good supposes a threat for the humanity itself. In this paper, the observations of authors like M. Scheler, J. Maritain, H. Arendt, E. Levinas, M. Heidegger and others are studied. After referring to the nihilist pretension of the existence of a formal art without moral content, it collects the diagnostic of W. Kasper, and the calls of attention about the nihilist phenomenon in the encyclical Fides et Ratio of John Paul II, and recently of Benedict XVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debate that carne about as a consequence of the speech given by Benedict XVI in Regensburg has not only given a new impulse to the relationship of Christianity and Islam, but it has also caused a new internal debate within the countries of Christian origin. In this paper we offer a summary of the main opinions formulated until now, which are useful to re-think and re-shape the current dialogue between faith and reason, modernity and Christianity, Europe and its Christian roots, non-Christian cultures and the Catholic Church, a debate in which many well-known intellectuals of diverse creeds have spoken. In this article we underline the precedents there are for the present Pope's stance, the first responses to his speech, and the subsequent interventions that have turned this discussion into a «Globalized discourse». [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of Bioethics is to regulate the use of biotechnology in the field of human life. On this basis, this study analyzes various ethical models, showing how only a personalist anthropological basis is in keeping with the dignity of the human person. But, as only Revelation can give the whole truth about the value and meaning of human life, and this is the object of Moral Theology, this paper also shows the importance of the service which Theology provides for Bioethics. The distinction and relations between Moral Theology and Bioethics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has two parts. The first one analyses testimony from the point of view of Scripture, the Fathers, the Second Vatican Council and some post-conciliar documents (the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the encyclical Novo millennio ineunte, by John Paul III and the encyclical Deus caritas est, by Benedict XVI). The second part presents a contemporary reflection on testimony, outlining a series of themes. Starting with testimony as a dimension of theology itself, this paper then looks as the relations between faith, testimony and experience, the testimony of Christ and Christian experience, and, finally the place for testimony in relation with the Church, the transmission of faith, worship and charity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]