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This article provides an overview of the life and teachings of St. Bonaventure, a theologian and spiritual leader in the Franciscan tradition. It emphasizes his belief in loving God with both the heart and mind and his holistic approach to theology and ministry. Bonaventure's theology was inspired by virtues such as grace, devotion, wonder, joy, piety, love, humility, wisdom, and inspiration. The article also highlights his deep connection to St. Francis of Assisi and his emphasis on simplicity and remaining connected to the teachings of Jesus and his apostles. Additionally, it mentions Bonaventure's role in promoting Christian unity during the Second Council of Lyons. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the intertwined relationship between migration and Christian mission throughout history. Topics include the prevalence of migrants among early Christians, their pivotal role in spreading Christianity, and the ethical imperative for Christians to reject demonization of migrants in the present day, emphasizing that such attitudes poison not only society but also the essence of Christian faith.

The article delves into the transformative aspects of narrative spiritual care, emphasizing the practice of double listening and the use of "beautiful questions" by spiritual caregivers to unveil the unspoken dimensions of individuals' stories. It explores the significance of narrative therapy, the empowering nature of narrative spiritual care, and the role of beautiful questions in helping people recall their strengths and values, ultimately contributing to a fuller sense of self.

Pastoral care and leadership are two central tasks of the pastoral profession. Nevertheless, their relationship to each other remains underdetermined in the theorizing of the respective sub-disciplines as well as in practical theology as a whole. This paper attempts to constructively define the relationship by understanding pastoral care primarily as a leadership task, namely as the organization and staging of pastoral care. Then he unfolds the thesis that the neglect of this ecclesial cybernetic dimension of pastoral care, but also of ecclesial cybernetics as a whole, results in a weakening of both theory and practice of the common priesthood of the believers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "The History of Diakonia: The Years from 1999 to the Present" describes the development of the journal Diakonia from 1999 to 2022. Veronika Prüller-Jagenteufel took over the editorial office in 1999 and outlined the self-understanding of Diakonia. The journal pursued church and socio-political goals and saw itself as part of a community. Two conferences were held to complement the discourse. After various changes in the editorial team, the journal evolved into an online project called "feinschwarz.net". Klaus Vellguth took over the editorial office and enabled a relaunch of the journal. In the future, each issue is intended to focus on a pastoral, value-oriented, church-political, or societal topic. Diakonia is aimed at academic libraries, theological institutions, theologians, full-time pastoral staff, committed Christians, theology students and teachers, as well as anyone who cares about the practical relevance of church action. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers reflections on the welcoming nature of church spaces as public places where anyone can walk in, sit, listen, and participate without needing a ticket or making a purchase. Topics include the contrast between church spaces and other public spaces like parks or museums; the idea of sharing in communal activities without prior arrangements; and the author's personal experience of wanting to share their love for cycling with others despite feeling shy.

The article offers reflections on the role of mystery in progressive Christianity. Topics include the author's gratitude for the nuanced and three-dimensional nature of their faith, concerns about the lack of impassioned and bold responses from progressive Christianity to divisive issues, and reflections on how mystery can sometimes lead to a reluctance to engage deeply with scripture, tradition, and doctrine.

The article offers information on the author's experience as a "missional coach" for a six-church parish in upstate New York. Topics include the author's initial expectations and challenges, the ordinary tasks and limited time constraints of the role, and the unique aspects of rural ministry, such as long driving distances and unfamiliar worship practices.

A recent report from the University of South Africa examines the correlation between spousal homicide resulting from domestic violence and the Christian doctrine that prohibits divorce in Nigeria. The research suggests that the conservative view of divorce in Nigerian churches dissuades women from leaving abusive relationships and treats divorcees with contempt and segregation. The report proposes a reconsideration of the divorce prohibition as a potential solution to spousal homicide in Nigeria. This article contributes to the discourse on domestic violence and its impact on women's health in Nigeria. [Extracted from the article]

To aid in this process, the diocese streamlined its synod questionnaire to a single, two-part question: "Based on your personal experience, what fills your heart and what breaks your heart about the Catholic Church?" Osheim cites the example of a U.S. diocese that, in announcing the synod, said the feedback it received would be factored into future decisions around parish mergers and closures. Pope Francis has convened the Synod of Bishops repeatedly throughout his papacy, tackling a range of issues including family life (2014-15), youth (2018), and the pastoral challenges of the Amazon region (2019). But this was the first time in the history of the body, instituted by Pope Paul VI in 1965 as the Second Vatican Council drew to a close, that an assembly of the Synod of Bishops would be preceded by such an extensive consultation of the whole church. [Extracted from the article]

In the article, the author discusses the developments in teaching and research in homiletics in South Africa. Topics include the declining church membership in some urban areas due to secularisation, the religious groups in the country like Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and the Christian churches like the African Independent Churches (AIC), Charismatic churches, and neo-Pentecostal churches.

The article discusses about missionary responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. Topics discussed include reorganization of Vatican Curia and creation of the Dicastery of Evangelization, the apostolic constitution praedicate evangelium, history of early missionary formation in Europe and support for evangelization.

The article discusses emerging trends in North American homiletics, as of May 2022. Topics discussed include Interdisciplinary engagement which reminds preachers and scholars that preaching needs to engage the world, ways ethical tasks are performed in the center of the practice of preaching in many pulpits, and number of preachers that have increased from minority communities.

The article "Helpless Theologians? Milestones towards a diaconally oriented scientific theology" discusses the role of diaconia in scientific theology. It emphasizes that diaconia can be considered not only in practical theology but also as a specific pastoral place of action. The article also discusses the challenges that theology and its diaconal structural principle face in light of changes in the university landscape. It emphasizes that theology should engage with current social issues and demonstrate a diaconal basic orientation in its research. Furthermore, it addresses the importance of teaching and learning in theological education and emphasizes the hope of students that the connection between theory and practice will be addressed. The article criticizes the increasing administrative orientation at universities and advocates for a diaconal science that promotes freedom, equality, and tolerance. [Extracted from the article]

The article gives an introduction to the topic of sexualized violence in the context of the Protestant Churches in Germany. Following a presentation of the available statistics, several subjects related to the topic are explored: Power, the function of theological teachings regarding sin and justification in relation to this issue, as well as various ways that redress for the different dimensions of these teachings has been pursued. In the concluding section several practical consequences for Protestant theology and church are suggested. It is argued that this topic is not simply to be 'worked through' in the sense of getting past it, but at this time an adequate reaction requires more far reaching investigation and reflections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Claremont School of Theology explores the relationship between trauma studies and spirituality, particularly within the context of Christian spirituality. The study suggests that diverse forms of spirituality can play a role in addressing suffering, especially among marginalized communities. The researchers propose a practical theology that combines trauma studies with Christian spirituality to promote posttraumatic growth and resiliency. The study highlights the potential for emergent forms of Christian spirituality to renew the practice and study of Christian spirituality. [Extracted from the article]

The Crisis of the Pastorate and Pastoral-Theological Crisis Management Insofar as practical theology as a 'theory of the practice' must inevitably relate to challenges of practice, every discussion of theory must at the same time also address certain questions concerning practice that arise in relation to the given theoretical problems. The article looks at debate over the pastoral profession in relation to some currently much-discussed perspective and tries in so doing to question typical constructions of alternatives in order to instead contribute to balanced judgements. Concluding remarks discuss the relation between crisis and reflections on crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pretoria explores the effects of near-death experiences (NDEs) and their potential connection to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While many studies have focused on the positive aspects of NDEs, this research highlights the need to address the negative or traumatic aspects experienced by some individuals. The study suggests that NDEs may provide evidence of symptoms related to PTSD and calls for the development of therapeutic interventions for those who have negative NDEs. The research emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the potential distressing effects of NDEs. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses wisdom of author Arthur Koestler and Soren Kierkegaard on revolutionary freedom. Topics discussed include Koestler's 1940 novel "Darkness at Noon" and Kierkegaard's novel "Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing," different ways a Christian can betray discipleship through compromise and muddled thinking and greatness of an achievement.

Three million Episcopalians in the U.S. constitute a denomination that is modest in size when compared to such Protestant giants as Methodism or the assorted Baptists, who together total almost 40 million, or a little less than the nation's nearly 50 million Roman Catholics. The financially penalized cathedral was the site, early in 1966, of a special conference which, in addition to metropolitan church people, drew attendants from a wide variety of areas. The Triennial General Convention is the Episcopal church's equivalent of Congress. It legislates ultimate control over the 7,500 churches and 10,000 clergy-as well as control of an annual national budget now exceeding $14 million.

The article opines that to understand the gospel, one needs to understand its culture and need to do cultural hermeneutics. Topics include evangelists also enculturated as they also have a cultural accent and a cultural flavor, and which affects their understanding and application of the gospel, and the rhetorical method is usually one that one is so used to in his culture, denomination, or tradition.

The article features Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement. Presently, there are 200 Worker hospitality houses worldwide. In 1998, she was nominated for canonization by Cardinal John O'Connor. She converted to Catholicism in 1927 while living in another bungalow a short distance down the Raritan Bay beach in New York. Day adheres to the belief that the very ground of the Christian life consists of feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger and sheltering the homeless.

Contends that Catholic bishops must rethink the manner in which they govern the Church amid the sexual abuse scandals involving their fellow bishops in the U.S. Opinion on a policy adopted by the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference in Dallas, Texas, which will remove from active ministry any priest who has sexually abused a minor; Theological implications of the ordination of a priest; Hierarchical philosophy on which Catholicism is based.

An interview with Devon Anderson, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Excelsior, Minnesota, is presented. When asked about task force for paid family leave, she refers to comprehensive mandatory paid family leave policy for Episcopal Church employees. She also pays attention to mandatory family leave policy and theology of the Episcopal Church on family leaves.

As people of faith, our theology should be evident in our daily lives and in particular should inform our response to contemporary social issues, including those issues that evoke controversy because of their seemingly political nature. There are some Christians who argue that church leaders should not be intervening in the political arena, strongly asserting that politics is the sole domain of elected officials. While it is safe to assume that church leaders from most denominations respect the legitimate role of government. Nonetheless scripture exhorts Christians and Christian leaders to make the church's prophetic voice known, particularly in matters of injustice. This includes challenging unjust laws and structures that oppress the poor and marginalised. The words of the Old Testament prophets and the teachings of Jesus make clear God's concern for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the stranger. This paper uses a practical theology lens to examine how the Christian church in general is responding to one of the more critical social issues affecting humanity: how we deal with the mass migration of people and, in particular, refugees who are fleeing persecution and conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information on the separation of Father S.J. Curci from the Society of Jesus. It is informed that Father Curci's "separation" form the Society of Jesus forms the principal topic of conversation throughout the political circles of Italy. To close observers of things, this development appears to be more important than the petty squabbles and quarrels between the different parliamentary factions which fill the newspapers. Father Curci, indeed, was and is considered the first writer, as well as the first preacher, of the Italian clergy.

The article discusses the evangelistic program called Radical Time Out (RTO) founded by Manny Mill, a formerly incarcerated person. Topics discussed include the sense of family and all-inclusive nature of the program, ordinances and policies which omit the extension of grace to ex-offenders, and the greatest challenge of working with formerly incarcerated people which are understanding them as a person and knowing how to show love and care based on what they need.

The article discusses issues related to Cathechism of the Catholic Church and Catholic teachings and devotions. It highlights the positive attitudes with good feelings and definitions that the Catholic Church is promoting including words unconditional love, care, empathy, generosity and peace. An overview on the sacramental and extra-sacramental gifts of the Church, is also provided.

In this article author talks about being adopted since the postwar boom an unbridled consumption, symbol of an absolute freedom, found, assumed and claimed. Topics include examines in this world, marketing semantics worship greatness and everything is big as consumption, distribution, surfaces and big not meaning so much size as mass, opulence, abundance as some would say.

That is, the outpouring of God's Spirit meant that we can all hear from God in ways that are phenomenologically equivalent to the ways the Bible characters heard. Hence, the only way God "speaks" today is via the Scriptures: God's voice is heard through studying the Bible, listening to sermons and reading books that expound the Bible. Scripture assures us that God does what he says he will do: the word from God's mouth does not return to him "empty" but "achieve[s] the purpose" it was sent for (Isa. 55:11); 'God is not a human, that he should lie ... Does he speak and then not act? The problem boils down to how we view the relationship of our Spirit-talking experiences to Scripture: how do our Spirit encounters compare with those in the Bible?. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents personal accounts and anecdotes of Protestant pastors seeking to better promote communication and community for members of their congregations who are scientists. Topics cited include the Pascal Project of Brick Presbyterian Church of New York City, adult education classes on science and religion at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church of Houston, Texas, and a special sermon series offered at New Hope Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The article explores clerical sexual misconduct involving adults (CSMIA). Topics discussed include language and definitions surrounding CSMIA, consent, celibacy and vulnerability, the behaviour and role of the professional/cleric, and the use of clerical positional power as a tool for the abuse by both male and female clerics.

In the article, the author discusses the history of Christian life in order to have an understanding of faith as obtained from rudimentary experiences and practices as of mid-May 2014. He tells such stories in five objects, including the Stone of Anointing at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Israel. The other objects include the Kebaro (drum) at the Aksum Museum in Aksum, Ethiopia, the Gold censer, and the tattoo photo collage at the Flatirons Community Church in Colorado.

The article focuses on issues related to the canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church. It highlights the move of Pope Francis to appoint Donald Cardinal Wuerl to replace Raymond Cardinal Burke as the only American who serves in the Congregation for Bishops. Issues concerning the different views of the two cardinals on the controversial application of canon 915 are presented.

The article focuses on the significance of wonder in Christian faith and its enhancement. The association of wonder with religion in the context of Christian life is discussed. Considering an appreciation of artistic and natural beauty as way towards religious devotion is noted. Presenting the wonder of the life of saints whose Christian vision inspires people to reflect on the history and the world in freshly way is stressed.

The article focuses on nine U.S. men and women who will be starting their three-and-a-half year service as Maryknoll Lay Missioners (MKLM) in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Topics discussed include the decision of couple Peter and Melissa Altman to bring their young children, the integral role that families have played in MKLM, and the Maryknoll charism of bringing the developing world's faith to the U.S. An orientation program with an emphasis on prayer and spirituality is also mentioned.

In this article author talks about the mystical elements and knowledge behind Hinduism major form of temple worship. Topics include considered that for the puja to be powerful a known process must be followed and a number of important ingredients need to be present; and reports that Hinduism is to conduct pujas in languages other than Sanskrit.

The article informs about introduction of ethics classes as an alternative to religiosity classes has reduced the religiosity of adult students. Topics include ethics education has pushed back traditional gender roles and increased labor market participation and wages; and option to choose between religious education and ethics classes was not at the expense of general ethical attitudes with impact of ethics education on religiosity separately from societal development.

The article explores The poems struggle to make sense of this preoccupation. The speaker is aware that the glamorous sheen of the heightened past has a dangerous hold on him. He tries tempering his romantic notions with harsh statistics and realities. Yet his imagination transforms every subject it lights upon. Cruising parks and bathhouses are likened to places of worship.

Abstract: 50 years after the first discovery, X-ray Astrophysics is a well-established discipline, with a continuous development of detection/observation techniques. These can find application on both large observatories and thematic space missions. I will recall the main milestones of X-ray Astrophysics and review some of the hottest topics of High Energy Astrophysics, included some open problems of Fundamental Physics, that can be addressed with measurements in the X-ray band. I will show which proposed missions and which concepts of new missions could be more attractive for a future development of this discipline. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present an overview of selected high value scientific results and prospects for future advances from NASAʼs “Dark” missions, i.e., those covering dark matter (DM) and dark energy (DE). This includes current missions HST, Chandra, Swift, GALEX, Suzaku, Fermi, and future missions JWST and WFIRST. These missions and earlier ones, such as WMAP, have brought about a revolution in our understanding of the fundamental properties of the universe – its age, rate of expansion, deceleration history, and composition (i.e., relative mix of luminous matter, dark matter, and dark energy). The next chapters in this story will be written by JWST and WFIRST. JWST was the highest priority of the 2000 Decadal Survey. It will observe in the near and medium infrared, and revolutionize our understanding of the high redshift universe. WFIRST is the highest ranked large space mission of the 2010 Decadal Survey. It is a NASA observatory designed to perform wide-field imaging and slitless spectroscopic surveys of the NIR sky (0.7 – 2.5μ). WFIRST will: (i) measure the expansion history of the universe, and thereby constrain dark energy, (ii) find Earth-like planets around other stars using microlensing, and (iii) perform surveys that are ∼100 times more sensitive than current NIR surveys. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article defines and describes Vatican 2 ecclesiology and how the elements of the Council's teaching in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium and other conciliar documents were implemented or resisted in the past 50 years. It explores the texts of Lumen Gentium and the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et Spes to identify trajectories coming from these documents. It notes how the sacred Council imparted increased vigor to the Christian life.

Objective: Whereas accident rates and fatal accident rates for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) were investigated sufficiently, resulting consequences for the occupants remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to classify HEMS accidents in Germany to prognosticate accident severity with regard to the helicopter model used. Methods: German HEMS accidents (1 Sept. 1970-31 Dec. 2009) were gathered as previously reported. Accidents were categorized in relation to the most severe injury, i.e., 1) no; 2) slight; 3) severe; and 4) fatal injuries. Only helicopter models with at least five accidents were analyzed to retrieve representative data. Prognostication was estimated by the relative percentage of each injury type compared to the total number of accidents. Results: The model BO105 was most often involved in accidents (38 of 99), followed by BK117 and UH-1D. Of N = 99 accidents analyzed, N = 63 were without any injuries (63.6%), N = 8 resulted in minor injuries of the occupants (8.1%), and N = 9 in major injuries (9.1%). Additionally, N = 19 fatal accidents (19.2%) were registered. EC135 and BK117 had the highest incidence of uninjured occupants (100% vs. 88.2%) and the lowest percentage of fatal injuries (0% vs. 5.9%; all P > 0.05). Most fatal accidents occurred with the models UH-1D, Bell 212, and Bell 412. Discussion: Use of the helicopter models EC135 and BK117 resulted in a high percentage of uninjured occupants. In contrast, the fatality rate was highest for the models Bell UH-1D, Bell 222, and Bell 412. Data from the present study allow for estimating accident risk in HEMS missions and prognosticating resulting fatalities, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]