Search

Can the Christian moral conscience form the crucial element for a diversified unity of Christian churches? This paper presents the role of Christian conscience in the ecumenical dialogue highlighting its relation with the various ecclesial courses forming the moral rule and the achieved points of convergence. The coming back of the discernment of the conscience in the ecumenical area confirms the interest for the centrality of the Christian conscience already present in the praxis of Christian ecclesial tradition. A possible renewal of the ecumenical dialogue on moral questions can start from this understanding conscience rooted in the central and original nucleus of faith related to the various ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper briefly examines the influence of Blaise Pascal on theology, showing the themes and areas in which the French thinker has been taken up and employed as a source of inspiration. In particular, an essential comparison is offered between the project of Pascal's Apologia and the characteristics of contemporary fundamental theology. Finally, the question is posed whether Pascal's method of awakening Christian faith in the disengaged milieu of French libertines is still relevant today in the climate of religious indifference typical of post-modern society. It is suggested that the anthropological problem posed by Pascal, can still continue to interrogate contemporary man, showing him how the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ is capable of satisfying his existential anxieties and fulfilling to his highest aspirations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the historical context when Luther uttered the proverbial words «Here I stand». They were expressed at the Worms Diet in 1521 and for the first time they affirmed the right to a free conscience invoking God's word the Agostinian monk felt prisoner of. This restraint leads him to an interior freedom responding only to God. This act and that appeal to conscience became an icon, a reference point for all those fighting for freedom and it was represented by the posterity in prints, paintings, sculptures, cinematography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Which are the foundations of ethical consciousness in Mediterranean antiquity according to the Hebrew and Greek roots outside the Bible and the biblical corpora? This work intends to outline a few general lines. Our attention is focused on the term syneidêsis in both biblical and extra-biblical Greek contexts without neglecting the comparison with the notion of heart in the biblical scriptures. The paper conclusion concerns the meaning of syneidêsis in the New Testament and exemplifies the eloquent case of Corinthians 8 and 10. Finally, some hermeneutical observations are proposed on the existential values implied in the notion of conscience ranging from the New Testament to contemporary life and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is going to analyse the sources of Pope Francis's thought in order to highlight its complexity and originality. Considering the origin of Bergoglio's intellectual biography this paper intend to highlight the role of both Latin American and European intellectuals influencing his life and education. The significant meeting between Bergoglio and Gaston Fessard represented the link with the dialectic vision of Romano Guardini and the thought of Alberto Methol Ferré. Looking at these and other intellectuals who considered church and life as complexio oppositorum Pope Francis is able to express an original and rich reflection facing the main challenges of our time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bible role in catechistic praxis. The Theological Faculty of Triveneto has reflected on the pragmatic dimension of the Holy Scripture for longer than ten years. This paper analyses a specific dimension of this reflection: the Bible role in the catechistic praxis. The first part of this work considers two main subjects which are present in documents as well as in the studies. We may begin either from the kerygma to reach its actuation or we start from the experience to enlighten it with the Scripture. The second part shows how the biblical text teaches a method rather than suggesting steps and instruments for this path. This catechistic sphere can be seen in its pragmatic dimension which should not limit the Bible use during a meeting. For the style it represents the Bible should be considered our guide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holy Bible in pastoral theology. Interdisciplinary elucidations and their actuation. This paper analyses the relationship between pastoral theology and Holy Bible in interdisciplinary terms so that it might be reconsidered and founded according to methods respectful of the «intrinsic hospitality of the Bible for its readers and their past». In the light of recent developments of the synchronic-pragmatic methods of Bible exegesis and on a few theological pastoral reflections in French style (Étienne Grieu) a number of methodological elements useful for pastoral theology are considered. We try to show their possible actuation considering the theological pastoral formation course for sixth year seminarians held in Treviso and Vittorio Veneto. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rediscovering the vocation to listening. Challenges from theology and pastoral praxis. This article analyses meaning and implications of listening in ecclesial everyday life at both individual and collective level. It begins with the challenges of Francis's teachings and with his role in the synodal course. First of all, a few short proposals of anthropological type are outlined to highlight a number of peculiar features which anticipate their meanings: listening is better than hearing as it is an act of will with both cognitive and relational implications. Secondly, the meaning of listening is approached in the genesis of individual faith as well as of the church itself. Then this paper pauses on the pastoral praxes of interpersonal listening and on its community and synodal dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theological formation in dialogue. First, this paper considers The proposal for an integrated rethinking of theological studies in Italy presented by the Italian Theological Association in December 2021. Then it intends to focus on one theoretical turning point entailed in this proposal. This means considering the role of philosophy in the curriculum of theological studies when it faces other emerging interlocutors such as natural sciences, social sciences and mass culture. In the light of some recommendations in Veritatis gaudium three possible suggestions are outlined for a rethinking of theological studies: a better balance between philosophy, sciences and theology; a more adequate distribution of these disciplines; the presence of both general and synthetic moments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religionspädagogik in the German-speaking world. After a few terminological references, this paper considers the history of pedagogy i.e the teaching of religion as a discipline (Religionspädagogik). Then a few short reflections are outlined on how this subject matter is currently considered while some notes are conveyed on its fundamental theoretical role. The article ends with a few remarks on its current developments and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Master's Degree Program in Religious Studies (inter-university, Ca' Foscari University of Venice-University of Padua). The University of Padua-Ca' Foscari University of Venice MA programme in Religious Studies aims to provide students with the level of knowledges and skills required to investigate in an advanced and critically sophisticated way the religious traditions of interest by means of the appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches but also the tools of disciplines such as philology, linguistics, history, philosophy and ethnography. This brief paper is going to present the objectives of the MA programme, its entry requirements, and the career opportunities for MA graduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the political debate on Zan's draft-law, this paper focuses on sexual identity and analyses the relation between body, society and self. It outlines the origin of two feminist theoretical perspectives enhancing their achievements and the new political meaning of sexual difference. This essay intends to combine the achievements of the two paradigms as a challenge to the thought and the movement changing society. If the gender ethics asks for the inclusion of non-conforming bodies, genders and sexualities, the ethics of sexual difference strengthens the bond between body and symbolic order, political action and personal experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we are going to analyze some aspects of Guardini's and Pope Francis's thought highlighting similarities and differences. They develop a "realistic" thought which understands reality in its polar tensions. Due to the dialectic structure of truth they wondered if they could acknowledge reality while respecting its complexity. This attitude is open and incomplete and leads to dialogue and encounter aiming to renew the lasting opening to the other and to reality. Guardini's and Francis's reflection can contribute to the culture of dialogue and encounter in current times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the synodal dimension inside the churches which refer to religious reforms in the XVI century. They debate on the value of the diocesan and national synod in the Anglican Communion, as it is defined in the ethic instances which caused a comparison with consequences in the ecumenical dialogue. Then we pass to present the theme in Lutheran, Calvinist and reformed churches which developed multiple traditions on the Synod also as a consequence of historical events when these churches had to face political power. This necessarily brief survey goes back to pages of historical references and of a theological debate on Synod. It shows how the knowledge of plural solutions is important for the church and consequently for the ecumenical course where this knowledge is thought and lived in the Synod and by the Synod inside the churches founded in the XVI century. Thus a new frontier can be opened for ecumenism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution intends to proceed along a few research lines touching some key points of women's experiences in the church history with an outlook on current times. From Mary Magdalene to Christian martyrs, from prophetesses to Beguines, never weakened instances have found women as original interpreters in contexts evolving from past centuries to current times. "Virile" women, visionary women, women outside monasteries: this paper presents three Christian figures, three outlined pathways going back to distant roots and bearing the footmarks of ancestor women who are still able to inspire, narrate and dwell a female faith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]