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In South Africa, the implementation of serious games and gamification (collectively referred to as gaming) in the design of curricula, being presented in schools and institutions of higher education, is mostly a novelty. As we are (should be) in a transitional phase with education, especially on two levels, namely, with the decolonisation of education and preparing education for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it would be fitting and high time to fully implement gaming into the curricula. This article takes a look at the implementation of a serious game on an undergraduate level at a residential university. It focuses in a pragmatic way on applying the serious game on biblical languages – Greek, Hebrew and Latin – proposing that they should be presented to the student as paper behind the glass.

The paper analyzes gardens and landscapes of the Renaissance, Mannerism and Baroque with particular attention to moral themes and Christian symbols. I follow the development of moral topography in the gardens by examples of Villa Hadriana, Villa d’Este in Tivoli, Versailles, Tsarskoye Selo, Désert de Retz, Sanspareil, Regaleira. The two types of gardens are identified: architectural (Castelo Branco, Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga) and landscaping (Bomarzo, Cetinale, Esztergom, Buçaco, Kuks, Valsanzibio). The paper then turns to “sacred mountains” created in the foothills of Italian Alps as a symbolic barrier at the border of Protestant lands. The interplay of gardens themselves and their descriptions, such as in “The Path of Purification”, the treatise by Francesco de’ Vieri on Pratolino, 1587 and in the inscriptions in Valsanzibio, is also discussed. Further in the paper I wonder about how moral programs of gardens can be studied and incorporated in the history of ideas and religiosity. The work is based on the materials of author’s travels and is illustrated with his photographs. Translations into Russian are by B. Sokolov. В работе анализируются садовые и ландшафтные памятники Ренессанса, маньеризма и барокко, программа восприятия которых основана на моральной тематике и христианских символах. Прослежено сложение моральной топографии в саду (вилла Адриана, вилла д’Эсте в Тиволи, Версаль, Царское Село, Дезер де Ретц, Санпарей, Регалейра), описаны ансамбли двух типов – архитектурные (Каштелу Бранку, Бон Жезуш ду Монте в Браге) и ландшафтные (Бомарцо, Четинале, Эстергом, Бусаку, Кукс, Вальсанзибио). Рассмотрена идеология создания «священных гор» в предгорьях итальянских Альп как символического барьера на границе протестантских земель, показано взаимодействие сада и текста о нём (трактат Франческо де Вьери «О чудесных устройствах в Пратолино», 1587; «путь очищения» и надписи в Вальсанзибио). Поднимается вопрос о способах изучения моральных садовых программ и включения их в контекст истории идей и религиозной жизни. Работа выполнена по материалам путешествий автора и иллюстрирована его фотографиями. Переводы текстов сделаны автором.

This paper explores the integration of biblical wisdom with contemporary leadership theories to inform effective leadership practices. Drawing upon themes and principles from the Bible, the paper proposes a synthesis of biblical insights and modern leadership approaches. It examines the biblical foundations of leadership and presents a model linking biblical themes to relevant leadership theories. The paper suggests that future research should empirically validate these connections through various methods. By investigating the interplay of biblical principles and leadership practices, researchers can build theory informing a more comprehensive understanding of faith-based leadership. Practically, integrating biblical wisdom with contemporary leadership theories can provide valuable insights for leaders seeking to navigate modern organisations while remaining faithful to their spiritual convictions. Research under the proposed rubric may contribute to refining a theologically-grounded and empirically-validated model of leadership that promotes individual, organisational, and societal flourishing.

Abstract The argument of this paper is that Bathsheba, in the stories of 2 Samuel 11-12 and 1 Kings 1:1-2:25, when read in narrative criticism emerge as an empowered survivor of sexual violence. The prophet Nathan, who became Bathsheba’s confidant, contributed to Bathsheba regaining her honor that was lost due to David’s rape. From a trauma studies perspective, Bathsheba experienced posttraumatic growth (PTG), which is the ability to overcome post-traumatic syndrome disorder (PTSD). This paper is useful in illustrating the narrative’s strategic tactics to get out of a helpless situation. The courageous attitude in expressing bitter experiences, good relationships with the environment, appreciation of life, the opening of new opportunities, and connection with God are factors of Bathsheba’s PTG. Abstrak Argumentasi tulisan ini adalah Batsyeba dalam kisah 2 Samuel 11-12 dan 1 Raja-raja 1:1-2:25, yang dibaca dalam kritik narasi (narrative criticism), akan tampil sebagai penyintas kekerasan seksual yang berdaya. Nabi Natan, yang menjadi lingkungan terdekat Batsyeba, berkontribusi bagi Batsyeba untuk mendapatkan kembali kehormatan yang pernah hilang darinya karena rudapaksa Daud. Dalam kacamata studi trauma, Batsyeba mengalami posttraumatic growth (PTG), yaitu kemampuan mengatasi posttraumatic syndrome disorder (PTSD). Tulisan ini bermanfaat dalam menggambarkan taktik strategis narasi untuk keluar dari situasi tak berdaya. Sikap berani dalam mengungkapkan pengalaman pahit, relasi baik dengan lingkungan, penghargaan terhadap hidup, terbukanya kesempatan baru dan hubungan dengan Allah menjadi faktor PTG Batsyeba.

This paper, taking into account previous partial studies, formulates the methodology, aspects, and aims of a pioneering study of emotions in all the major literary genres of the Old Testament books. Special attention is given to the literary representation of the emotional state of female characters in Old Testament narratives and poems. In light of previous representations of emotions in the Old Testament, the study proposes an integrated analysis of the selected texts that combines linguistic-literary, historical-anthropological, and ethical-moral aspects. The focus is on the study of emotions in the relationships between male and female persons and between humans and God. The analysis of the selected texts takes into account the broader textual and intertextual relationships in relation to similar texts in the Old Testament. The paper focuses on how partial, often abstractly cognitive and allegorical methods can be complemented by a more holistic approach at both the diachronic and synchronic levels in assessing the authenticity of the emotions of the acting subjects. From a methodological point of view, it is also important to pay attention to the relationships between the explicit and implicit representation of the emotions of the main and secondary characters.

This paper presents the pre-Islamic Jews’ and Christians’ conception of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. The first part of the paper presents Jewish views of the Temple Mount, pointing out that Jews hoped, and still do, to rebuild the Temple, and that there was a widespread belief in rabbinic Judaism that in the centre of the Temple stood a stone called the šǝtiyyâ, which marked the centre of the world, and from which the world was created. The second part of the paper analyses the notion of the eternal desolation of the Temple Mount among Syriac Christians, which developed in close contact with rabbinic Judaism. The article shows that the Christian thesis on the eternal destruction of the Jewish Temple is closely related to the Christian critique of rabbinic Judaism as such and of religious practices of Jews. In the course of the development and construction of the Christian earthly Jerusalem, Christians developed a distinctive system of beliefs that integrated some of the characteristics that Jews ascribed to the Temple, including the belief in the Temple as the centre of the world. In the conclusion, the article sketches the basic tensions between Judaism and Christianity regarding the future of the Temple Mount at the beginning of the 7th century. When Muslims conquered Jerusalem and entered into the world of these tensions, they forever changed it through the deliberate use and refutation of Christian and Jewish belief in accordance with their own religious teachings.

The paper outlines the historical background of the phenomena of starets (starchestvo) in monasticism, which has its roots in the early days of monastic life in Egypt and is primarily linked to the education of young monks under the guide of an experienced teacher. Particular attention is paid to the development of the phenomena in Russia, which, although with a time lag, initially imitated the Byzantine tradition, but nevertheless in the 18th and 19th centuries developed original traits, especially around the monastery of Optina Pustyn and the figure of the starets Macarius, who opened the monasticism ≫outwards≪ and became a spiritual guide of the laity – the intelligentsia and the common people. The monastery's connection with the world later led to specific forms of elderhood in which also diocesan priests and even lay people, men and women, were recognised as starets. Of course, this was largely connected with the historical situation in Russia, with the communist persecution of monks and the closure of monasteries. Particularly outstanding are the so-called ≫yurodiviy≪ (fools for Christ), who are an unique embodiment of God's wisdom and its redemptive power. The paper attempts to present the basic traits of the spirituality of the starets and the relationship with his spiritual sons and daughters from the perspective of Russian scholars. We can see a deeply Trinitarian and Christologically rooted spirituality, which presupposes a kenotic attitude of the starets in order that the person who is led by him reach God through him. Far from any spiritual manipulation and domination, the unique aim of the starets is to lead the spiritual son or daughter to theosis, divinisation, i.e., to freely accept the grace of salvation.

In this paper, icons are understood as holy images in a broad sense, including murals, mosaics and miniatures. An icon is considered as a channel of communication with the sacred reality revealing itself through the icon. The numinous experience of ascetics during their devotional prayers in front of icons is described and conceptualised. This experience is categorised following its increasing intensity: (1) visions of a tunnel extending beyond the icon; (2) gleaming of icons; (3) apparitions of Christ or saints depicted on the icon; and finally, as a climactic point, (4) rapture or ‘energy discharge’. In particular, the images of a tunnel, transcending the icon and extending beyond its surface, can be found in some miniatures, frescoes, and icons of the 13th – 15th centuries as well as in some patterns of spatial ornamentation in Serbian and Bulgarian churches. The author argues that images of glowing icons reflect real ecstatic experience evoked when praying in front of icons. Then the paper turns to icons that represent apparitions of Christ or other holy figures to ascetics praying in front of their icons. Finally, the topic of ‘hidden’, i.e., veiled or curtained icons in Cypriot monasteries is explored. This tradition, which implies that a person can be “punished” for looking at or touching a miraculous icon, has, as the paper suggests, a completely different meaning. It is not addressed to all pilgrims, as it was customarily understood, but only to ascetics. According to Gregory Palamas, a true ascetic is able to sense uncreated energies, and this ability is a danger and a grace at the same time. Статья рассматривает икону как канал связи с сакральным миром, который являет себя через неё, и ставит задачу описать нуминозный опыт подвижников во время предстояния иконе. Этот опыт классифицируется, в порядке возрастания его интенсивности, следующим образом: (1) ощущение туннеля, уходящего за икону; (2) свечение иконы; (3) явление Христа или святого, изображённого на иконе; (4) в пределе, как возможность – энергетический удар. Материал для описания этих явлений содержится в самих иконах, свидетельствах адептов, а также в преданиях и легендах вокруг чудотворных икон. «Икона» понимается в статье в широком смысле, включая фрески, мозаики и миниатюры. Автор привлекает внимание к изображениям туннеля, уходящего как бы за плоскость иконы, на ряде миниатюр, фресок и икон XIII–XV вв. Указывается также на пространственный орнамент в сербских и болгарских церквях, среди примеров которого есть и изображения туннеля как такового. Автор обращается далее к теме изображения свечения иконы на самих же иконах, приводит примеры таких сюжетов и высказывает мнение, что эта тема возникла как отображение реального опыта подвижников. Далее рассматриваются иконы, на которых отображено явление Христа, Богоматери или святых подвижникам во время их предстояния перед иконой. Наконец, автор исследует тему сокрытых, то есть закрытых покрывалом или занавешенных, икон в кипрских монастырях. Предполагается, что эта традиция, подразумевающая, что человек может быть «наказан» за взгляд или прикосновение к чудотворной иконе, имеет совсем другой смысл и обращена не к каждому паломнику, как это принято считать, а к подвижникам: именно они способны ощущать нетварные энергии особенно остро, как об этом писал св. Григорий Палама, – и это не только опасность, но и благодать.

The article begins with the history of St. Andrew Stratelates Church in Veliky Novgorod. It is shown that today’s church dedicated to St. Andrew was originally built as a chapel of the Boris and Gleb Cathedral in Novgorod Detinets. The St. Andrew Stratelates Church now stands alone in the south-eastern part of Novgorod Detinets, but until 1682 it was the southern chapel of the Boris and Gleb Cathedral. Its earliest part was erected at the former location of cathedral’s staircase tower. The initial church, as the paper suggests, was constructed to commemorate the capture of Swedish Landskrona fortress in 1301 by the army of Prince Andrey III Alexandrovich. It was later rebuilt by Euthymius II, the Archbishop of Novgorod, likely in 1441, simultaneously with rebuilding the Boris and Gleb Cathedral “on its old foundation”. Then the paper turns to the description and analysis of what remains today of the initial iconographic program of the original St. Andrew Stratelates Church, namely a composition with nine images of saints in the lower part of the northern wall, which belongs to the earliest period of painting. On the right we see the Apostle Peter, an Archangel (Michael?) and the Apostle Paul being blessed by Christ. In the background stand a few praying figures: St. Andrew Stratelates, the patron saint of the church, as well as the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles St. Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich, passion bearers princes Boris and Gleb, and two unidentified holy women. The composition was likely to be created after 1494, when the Boris and Gleb Cathedral in Novgorod burned again. Although the origins of the mural remain unknown, a connection with the capture of the Landskrona fortress is a likely possibility. Indeed, St. Andrew Stratelates Church was first constructed in 1302, i. e., a year following the capture of Landskrona, and it was initially integrated into the Boris and Gleb Cathedral which speaks for itself in view of military overtones of the cult of Boris and Gleb. В статье рассматривается история церкви Андрея Стратилата в Великом Новгороде и содержание её интерьерной декорации. Автор показывает, что современный храм, посвящённый святому Андрею, первоначально был построен как южный придел Борисоглебского собора в новгородском Детинце. В статье аргументировано предположение о том, что церковь Андрея Стратилата была построена в воспоминание о взятии в 1301 г. шведской крепости Ландскрона и первоначально могла быть деревянной (обыденной). Далее автором производится идентификация персонажей первоначальной росписи храма. Эти росписи составляют часть композиции, находящейся на северной стене. Справа представлены: апостол Пётр, архангел (Михаил?) и апостол Павел, благословляемые Христом. За ними изображены в молении: патрон храма-Андрей Стратилат, равноапостольный великий князь Владимир Святославич, князья-страстотерпцы Борис и Глеб и две святые женщины, которых не удалось идентифицировать. Композиция создана, скорее всего, после 1494 года, когда новгородский Борисоглебский собор горел в очередной раз. Уточнить, по какому поводу создана эта фреска, на данный момент вряд ли возможно. Однако можно с большой долей уверенности указать на связь между взятием новгородским князем Андреем Александровичем крепости Ландскрона, военным характером культа святых Бориса и Глеба, ремонтом в 1302 г. Борисоглебского собора и возникновением церкви Андрея Стратилата.

This paper aims to uncover the underlying Neoplatonic ideas embedded in Russian Orthodox iconography and theology. The focus is on two earlier figures of Neoplatonism, namely, Iamblichus and Plotinus. In Iamblichus, his determination of religious practices or theurgy as imperative for union with God is emphasised. This includes his utilisation of symbols and icons for heightening the worshipper's faith, a practice that Russian Orthodoxy largely appropriated into a Christian context. However, the understanding of Beauty that both Iamblichus and Russian Orthodoxy incorporated is propelled out of Plotinus' ontology set in the Enneads. The suffusion of Plotinean ontology and Iamblichean theurgy resulted in the Orthodox portrayal of a divine ladder symbolising assimilation with God. This theological symbolism is markedly adopted by central figures of Eastern Orthodox theology and artistically rendered in Orthodox icons, such as the 12th-century icons Ladder of Divine Ascent and the Faith, Hope, and Love. Both icons are also closely intertwined with the theological texts of Eastern Orthodoxy, especially the Philokalia, which is permeated with Neoplatonic themes that portray a deep historical trajectory of influence that this paper hopes to have better elucidated.

‘Connected or committed critic?’ Theologically pondered on the issue of ‘Insider’- or ‘Outsider’ critic in South Africa: During the beginning of 2023, a conference was organised by a study group to be held in Stellenbosch later that year with the focus on the ideology of apartheid in South Africa, with special reference to prof. B.B. Keet, one of the first theologians to oppose this ideology. The author of this article was invited to attend the conference and present a paper. Unfortunately the conference did not take place, for various reasons, and subsequently the author decided to finalise his paper and present it as an article for publication. The author decided to look into the matter from two opposing views which were called ‘connected critic’ (criticism of the insider) on the one hand, and ‘committed critic’ (criticism of the outsider) on the other hand. Which road should be followed by prophetic theologians in their church, when they become convinced that their church is contradicting the Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ? Should they stay inside the church (connected critic) and contribute their criticism from there, or should they leave the church while raising their voice from outside the church (committed critic)? Contribution: The article starts with an introduction that investigates the views of Keet. Then three other voices are analysed, namely those of prof. W.D. Jonker of Stellenbosch (connected critic), Beyers Naudé of Johannesburg (committed critic) and at last the voice of the author himself (connected critic). In the end, the author explains why he had chosen for the option to be a connected critic. In a final conclusion, a few remarks are made as far as the future of South Africa is concerned.

Rooted in the field of cathedral studies, this paper draws into dialogue three bodies of knowledge: Edward Bailey’s notion of implicit religion that, among other things, highlights the continuing traction of the Christian tradition and Christian practice within secular societies; David Walker’s notion of the multiple ways through which in secular societies people may relate to the Christian tradition as embodied within the Anglican Church and John Fisher’s notion of spiritual wellbeing as conceptualised in relational terms. Against this conceptual background, this paper draws on data provided by 1234 participants attending one of the Christmas Eve carol services in Liverpool Cathedral to explore the perceived impact of attendance on the spiritual health of people who do not believe in God and yet feel that Liverpool Cathedral is their cathedral, and it is this sense of belonging that brings them back at Christmas time. Contribution: Situated within the science of cathedral studies, this paper links in an original way three fields of discourse: Edward Bailey’s notion of implicit religion, David Walker’s notion of the four ways of belonging to God facilitated by the Anglican Church and John Fisher’s conceptualisation and operationalisation of the notion of spiritual wellbeing. The hypothesis developed from this original integration of theoretical perspectives is then tested empirically on data provided by 404 participants at carol services who do not believe in God.

Abstract This paper aims to analyze the text of Luke 17:11-19 about the ten lepers from the perspective of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Maumere. The author conducts this research by using qualitative method. The data is taken from depth interviews and participatory observation at Flores Plus Support-Maumere Peer Support Group (KDS). By using a reader-oriented approach, this paper analyzed the experiences of PLWHA and their perspectives on the account of the ten lepers. The findings showed that for HIV survivors in Maumere, peer groups play an important role in raising their hopes in the midst of high rate of stigma and discrimination. In the eyes of PLWHA, the role of KDS can be juxtaposed with the “group” of the ten lepers in Luke’s story. Abstrak Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis teks Lukas 17:11-19 tentang kesepuluh orang kusta dari perspektif Orang dengan HIV/AIDS (ODHA) di Maumere. Untuk membahas masalah ini penulis melakukan penelitian kualitatif dengan wawancara mendalam dan observasi partisipatoris di Kelompok Dukungan Sebaya (KDS) Flores Plus Support-Maumere. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan reader oriented artikel ini menganalisis pengalaman para ODHA dan sudut pandang mereka tentang kisah kesepuluh orang kusta. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa, bagi para ODHA di Maumere, kelompok sebaya memainkan peran penting untuk membangkitkan harapan mereka di tengah tingginya stigma dan diskriminasi. Dalam kacamata para ODHA, peran KDS dapat dibandingkan dengan “paguyuban” sepuluh orang kusta dalam kisah Lukas.

Abstract Pastoral counseling is an important part of church life. Pastoral counseling does not solely focus on overcoming problems and finding ways to overcome these problems, but also on the relationship between the counselor and the counselee. There are three contexts that need to be considered in the relationship, namely community life, spiritual relationships or friendships and pastoral conversations. Good communication skills are needed to build and maintain these relationships. Good communication is necessary because pastoral counseling should aim at liberating service. In a modern perspective, counseling ministry is not enough to simply read a passage of the Bible and people start talking to each other. Counseling ministry also needs other approaches that support it, such as medical, psychological, and other approaches. This paper aims to provide an understanding of the importance of communication in pastoral counseling. Communication techniques that support pastoral counseling will be put forward to provide the practical side of this paper. The method used is a qualitative method based on literature study. Abstrak Konseling pastoral adalah bagian penting dalam kehidupan gereja. Konseling pastoral tidak semata-mata fokus pada upaya mencari jalan keluar untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut, tetapi juga pada relasi antara konselor dengan konseli. Ada tiga konteks yang perlu diperhatikan dalam relasi tersebut, yaitu kehidupan komunitas, relasi atau persahabatan spiritual dan percakapan pastoral. Kemampuan berkomunikasi yang baik diperlukan untuk membangun dan menjaga relasi tersebut. Komunikasi yang baik diperlukan karena konseling pastoral harus bertujuan pada pelayanan yang membebaskan. Dalam perspektif modern, pelayanan konseling tidak cukup hanya dengan membaca bagian Alkitab dan orang mulai berbicara satu dengan yang lain. Pelayanan konseling juga membutuhkan pendekatan-pendekatan lain yang mendukungnya, seperti pendekatan medis, psikologi, dan yang lainnya. Tulisan ini bertujuan memberikan pemahaman tentang pentingnya komunikasi dalam konseling pastoral. Teknik berkomunikasi yang mendukung konseling pastoral akan dikemukakan untuk memberikan sisi praktis dari tulisan ini. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan berbasis pada studi pustaka.

At the center of Trstenjak's life and work is man. This is why anthropology has a special place in his scientific interest, not as a specific discipline, but as a search for an answer to the question who a human being is and how to live together in interpersonal relationships, in society and in culture. In the paper, we discuss Trstenjak's scientific and human-experiential ≫reflections≪ of society and culture. We are particularly attentive to his understanding of man as a person and as a being of symbol, not of reason. His approach has a strong and a weak side. The strong one seems to be his fundamental intuition about the person and the symbol that enabled him to have a deep insight into the soul of man, nation, and culture. The weakness of the approach, however, is some of its limitations and ambiguities, so we critically confront Trstenjak's thought with authors who have deepened the theme of the person and the symbol. In the next part of the paper, we discuss his thoughts on the Slovenian man, family and nation. We believe that his thoughts are still relevant and worthy of attention. The paper concludes with a reflection on the importance of Trstenjak's thoughts for our times. This, we believe, cannot be shown without taking into account his reflection on the five great thinkers who for him were a key mental reference and the challenge of how to face the choices of life.

The subject of research in this paper is the relationship between religion and politics in the current Bosnian moment. The research sample is limited to the appearance and analysis of cases/examples of the relationship between religion and politics in a period of one month of the current year. More precisely, from the end of January to the end of February 2023. The paper follows and analyzes the dynamics of three characteristic phenomena of the relationship between religion and politics in the public space, with an emphasis on the relationship between religious themes and political actors.

In this paper, we present the influence of religion on the revolutionary movement that led India to political independence in the last century. The most credit for the changes has Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who achieved political changes through satyagraha without violence. After introducing the term satyagraha, the authors outline Gandhi's life and his spiritual development, which enabled him to think and act nonviolently. The sources of his spirituality are highlighted as the Bhagavad-gita, the Bible and Leo Tolstoy's prose. He was also influenced by Jain religious practice, especially the principle of ahimsa practiced by Mohandas' mother. The paper concludes with an outline of the influence of satyagraha in India and beyond after Gandhi's death.

This paper aims to explore the true meaning of the Mysterium Paschale, namely Christ's passion, death, and resurrection, based on the liturgical celebration of the Sacred Triduum where the Church solemnly celebrates the greatest mysteries of redemption, namely the special celebrations of the memorial of the Lord, crucified, buried, and risen. This paper is designed as a hermeneutic qualitative research. The theological examination leads the author to some critical findings. First, the Sacred Triduum should be seen as one liturgical celebration that lasts three days. The Sacred Triduum shows an unseparated sequence of liturgical celebrations. Then, the Sacred Triduum regarded as one liturgical celebration reveals in turn a unified theological meaning, namely Mysterium Paschale which consists of the mystery of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. By looking at the unity of the celebration of the Sacred Paschal Triduum and of its theological meaning, it is recommended that the faithful may prepare for the celebration thoroughly and be able to participate in the celebration of the Sacred Paschal Triduum as a whole so that they can experience the Easter Mystery as the culmination of the history of our redemption.

In this paper I will discuss the visual category of “reverse perspective”, i.e., the principle of constructing pictorial space in the icon. I will show that in Russia one of the most basic terms in Western art history, i.e., perspective, was thoroughly reworked, even turned on its head as suggested by the terminology, in order to serve a project of modern Orthodoxy. The main proponent of the theory of “reverse perspective” was Florensky, who in his essay of that title, written in 1919, uses several different definitions of the term. In the first section of the paper, I will mention briefly six such definitions, all of which are still current in contemporary scholarship. In the second and third sections, I will suggest a possible theologically-grounded elaboration of one of Florensky’s ideas of what constitutes “reverse perspective”. According to the interpretation proposed here, “reverse perspective” becomes the visual analogue of two basic Christian dogmas – that of a timelessly eternal God and that of “theosis” or “deification”. In the last section, I will give a short background to the relationship between art history and theology, which lies at the heart of my approach.

This article aims to investigate the rational arguments presented by Abū al-Muʿīn al-Nasafī for justifying prophecy as a significant phenomenon in human history. The study begins by analysing al-Nasafī’s definition of prophecy, followed by examining its linguistic, philosophical, and theological implications. The possibility and necessity of prophethood are explored from two distinct perspectives: natural reason and divine wisdom. In terms of natural reason (ʿaql), prophethood falls under the category of possibilities (mumkināt), which implies that its existence is not impossible according to reason. When it comes to the divine wisdom of God, prophethood is considered a necessity (wājib), as it would be inconceivable for God to abandon humanity without guidance in the realm of existence. The author presents numerous arguments supporting both categories. For instance, several factors justify the rationale behind the institution of prophecy, such as the limitations of the human mind in acquiring knowledge, the need to express religious knowledge with clarity and precision, and the significance of preserving this knowledge for future generations. Al-Nasafī argues that prophetic reality provides the most plausible explanation for our body of knowledge in various fields such as astronomy, more precisely “science or knowledge of the stars” (al-ʿilm bi al-nujūm), and medical science held by humanity. Moreover, essential skills and crafts passed down from generation to generation, such as farming and dressmaking, that are essential for human survival, can only be attributed to prophetic reality. Al-Nasafī also maintains that the institution of prophecy is the exclusive factor that can adequately explain the presence of various languages throughout the world. According to him, the first human language was taught by a prophet, and all subsequent languages are derived from this original language. The second part of the paper centres on al-Nasafī’s criteria for validating the authenticity of a prophetic assertion. In al-Nasafī’s view, miracles constitute the most critical means by which an individual claiming prophethood can demonstrate their claim. Following, the paper highlights al-Nasafī’s differentiation between magic tricks or illusions executed by skilled magicians and miracles performed by prophets. Although magicians can manipulate and fool their audience using sleight of hand, the allure and mystique surrounding their illusions start to fade away once the causes or mechanics of those illusions become apparent. Conversely, as miracles are investigated and pondered over, they become increasingly precise and powerful. Lastly, as per al-Nasafī, merely having an intellectual understanding or belief in God alone is inadequate to achieve the happiness promised by the religion. Only through the institution of prophethood, one can comprehend the meaning (ḥikma) of our existence or life on Earth and acquire the benefits that pertain to both this world and the afterlife. By offering a thorough analysis of the concept of prophecy and al-Nasafī’s rational arguments in support of it, this paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the notion of prophecy and its rational justifications in Islamic thought.

Using a religious studies methodology, this paper offers a detailed contextual mapping and a structural configuration of how collective violence is justified in Orthodox Christianity. The research design is explanatory, whereby the functional perspectives of doctrine, ethics and worship are all investigated and probed as phenomena of lived religion and orthopraxy. While predominantly initiatory and pedagogical, the paper also proposes a systematic platform for advanced research on this subject, by flagging contexts, themes and areas of inquiry that a researcher might examine in order to untangle the inner workings of the justification of violence in the mind of the Orthodox. Given the ongoing Russian War on Ukraine, relevant samples are drawn from this case. Contribution: This paper outlines the Orthodox Christian justification of violence from the perspectives of doctrine, ethics and ritual and identifies pivotal areas of ambiguity between orthodoxy and orthopraxy.

In the last decades since the Willingen Conference of 1952, the concept of missio Dei has been extensively studied in the field of theology, especially by missiologists. Such commendably extensive scholarship, however, seems to have taken great pains not to unequivocally identify salvation (Σωτηρία) as signifying a transitional phase in attaining the Kingdom of God (βασιλεία) as the definitive objective of the missio Dei. This paper finds it somewhat concerning that literature on missio Dei seem uninterested in distinguishing salvation as a mechanism by which the definitive objective of missio Dei (the all-embracing kingdom of God) is to be attained. Consequently, based on a literature review, it is argued here that the history of salvation in its entirety is to be regarded as the decisive key to enable entry into the kingdom of God as the definitive objective of the missio Dei. In other words, it addresses what appears to be a lack of emphasis that underscores salvation as not an end in itself, but a means to an end. While the limited scope of this paper is to distinguish between salvation as a precursor and the kingdom of God as the ultimate goal of missio Dei, it warrants future research that will expand and test the novelty of their claims. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The scope of this paper extends theological anthropology as it addresses human participation in the attainment of the primary ends of God’s mission, or missio Dei, as it were.

This article employs content analysis to explore lessons that can be drawn from the Global North to confront sexual harassment in higher education (HE) in Africa and Zimbabwe in particular. The slow progress in both the formulation and implementation of policies directed at mitigating sexual harassment in Zimbabwe’s tertiary institutions is a slow and worrisome journey despite a well-crafted roadmap. This article, using appreciative inquiry (AI) as a lens, presents what developed countries have put in place to deal with sexual harassment. Proposals show that policies and guidelines on sexual harassment remain paper exercise in the developing countries, and are not backed by fair reporting mechanisms and education on how to deal with sexual abuse. The study suggests that policies must not remain paper exercise and therefore have to be implemented. Universities in the Global South may partner with those from the Global North and share notes and best practices on how sexual harassment can be mitigated. Contribution: The article provides insights on how universities can improve sexual harassment policy frameworks and practices to create safe and inclusive campus environments for females so as to protect students’ well-being for sustainable development.

Religion mediates and shapes how people negotiate and navigate their existential realities. Christianity accentuates the belief in Jesus Christ and prescribes how that belief should influence the worldview and actions of people. One of the challenges of the reception of Christianity in Africa is that African Traditional Religion remains the cosmic lens through which Christians confront their spiritual and ethical dilemmas and choices vis-à-vis the exhortations of the Bible message. This paper examines the force of the Christian message for African Christians. It looks at how the Christian message was presented, how African Christians appropriate the gospel message and how they fill the ‘gaps’ in their practice of Christianity. As movies bring to bear stories about lived realities and shape attitudes and behaviour, this paper also examines the reception of the Biblical message by reviewing a selection of African movies. I argue that Christianity must provide answers to the critical questions and unmet needs essential to Africans. To achieve this would require paying attention to what Michel Foucault describes as the ‘insurrection of subjugated knowledges,’ which take into account naïve knowledges operating at local or regional levels but serve as the local discursivities that amplify how the ‘subjugated knowledges’ influence the reception of the Biblical message in the African cultural matrix. Contribution: This paper reveals the enduring cross-pressures of Africans as they are invited to subjugate their primordial knowledges and practices to the orthodoxy of mainstream Christianity. It cites the examples of neo-Pentecostal and para-Christian enactments as offering possible insights into a need for Christianity to be more responsive and functionally relevant to the African reality. Such an approach resonates with the orientation of HTS Teologiese Studies (HTS) towards scholarship that is discursively dynamic and contextually sensitive to the multilayered contexts, cultures and cosmologies of the African Christian.

The practice of religions and spirituality is common in Africa. In many ways, religion may be considered as a routine of life, living and practising it either as inherited or borrowed. Religious pluralism is a reality in Africa, dating back to the 1st century up to the 19th century when Africa became a bedrock of traders and colonisers both from Europe and Asia. The paper explores plural religiosity with a view to developing a conducive atmosphere that may promote a suitable inter-religious dialogue in Africa. Largely, the most pronounced and practised religions are Christianity symbolised by the cross, Islam symbolised by the crescent, and African indigenous religion that does not have a common symbol nor sacred scriptures. We note that, for generations, religions have caused division among communities, but have in the recent years developed the quest to create good relations and dialogue with each other. Because of the diverse nature of insecurity in Africa, it is hoped that inter-religious dialogue may cause community cohesion, integration, inclusivity, and co-existence. In the wake of different types of inter-religious dialogue that are globally being researched, this paper suggests a specific inter-religious dialogue that Africans can exercise: ‘dialogue for life’. Contribution: Inter-religious dialogue for life is contextual in that, it touches upon the life situations of ordinary people in society. The author argues that, by embracing it religiously, inter-religious dialogue for life shall address crucial issues such as poverty, radicalisation, terrorism, climate change, bad governance, and human trafficking that adversely affect African society.

African spiritualities and leadership have shared a profound connection throughout history. With Africans predominantly embracing spirituality, their engagement with national political leadership takes on a spiritual dimension. However, spiritualising contests for secular power often lead to manipulation, deception and other various consequential issues. Thus, this paper investigates the impact of African spiritualities on political leadership and vice versa, shedding light on the prevalent use and abuse of African traditional and Christian religions by prominent African politicians. While much has been written about religion and politics, less attention has been given to transforming these dynamics. This paper seeks to bridge that gap by examining the inherently influential role of African spiritualities on political leadership, highlighting manipulative tendencies that serve selfish interests. Various factors, including knowledge gaps, economic vulnerabilities, susceptibility to corruption and the co-optation of spiritual leaders, contribute to these abuses. The paper concludes with recommendations for mentorship, education, discipleship, enlightenment and empowerment of both current and emerging spiritual leaders to counteract self-centred political manipulation and promote inclusive transformation. Interdisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This paper interfaces African spiritualities and politics with leadership for inclusive transformation.

From a shariah perspective, the rights and obligations of parties in exchange contracts are determined based on the different underlying contractual structures. Among the key shariah principles that provide conceptual premises for determination of yield-entitlement from an investment, include the principles of al-kharaj bil-dhaman and al-ghunm bil-ghurm. According to these two principles, in order to be entitled to a financial return or yield, the owner of an underlying asset, activity or capital must bear the related market as well as ownership risks. These two principles have a great bearing on how the shariah-compliant banking and financial activities are conducted. In the context of Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs), the requirement of dhaman exposes IFIs to a new form of risk i.e., ownership risk. To this effect, IFIs in different capacities need to assume ownership-risk to justifiably claim a financial return from a financing activity. Notwithstanding this, in the customary practices of IFIs, there are noted discrepancies in the application of the dhaman principle. The objective of this paper is to examine the application of the dhaman principle in different contractual structures of IFIs, followed by highlighting the existing gaps between the theory and practice in applying this concept. The research adopts a qualitative research approach in order to examine the issue. The paper is based on a review of relevant literature and adopts a textual analysis method. The paper argues that if there is a discrepancy in application of dhaman principle, the shariah status of the resulting yield may be affected. Among the key implications of such a discrepant application of dhaman concept include allocation of yield to a non-deserving party; the party which practically shifts the underlying dhaman of the relevant contract rather than absorbing it. As a policy recommendation, the paper suggests strategies to re-align the practice of Islamic banking with its theories, particularly, with reference to directing the relevant risk to the one who claims the yield.

This paper aims to explain the role of liturgical formation in the context of implementing the liturgical renewal of the Second Vatican Council. The author wants to analyze the latest document of Pope Francis, Desiderio Desideravi, which speaks about the liturgical formation of the faithful. This paper is designed as a document analysis. developing their liturgical competence, namely the ability to understand and experience the deep meaning of liturgical simbols. This document also presents Pope Francis' efforts to support the spirit of liturgical renewal of the Second Vatican Council. Discussions about the liturgy cannot be separated from the understanding of the Church (ecclesiology). This document states that the spirit of liturgical renewal is inseparable from the understanding of the Church as the People of God.

This paper aims to present, based on the Church’s current teaching on synodality, the attempt at synodality of the Catholic Church in Czechoslovakia, which was entitled The Decade of Moral and Spiritual Renewal of the Nation. The paper briefly analyses this little-known event based on contemporary testimonies and their expert processing. It begins by clarifying the concept of synodality to gain a deeper understanding of the theological significance of this task that God asks us to do. Then we present the main actors of the Decade of Moral and Spiritual Renewal of the Nation, its content, and a summary of its effects on walking together of the Church in Czechoslovakia in the still totalitarian atmosphere of the 1980s. At the same time, the paper attempts to compare this event with the current course of the Synod on synodality. The successes and failures of the Decade of the Spiritual Renewal of the Nation, as well as the catechetical work of the so-called underground Church in Slovakia, show that it is necessary to look at man and history not as the addressees of one’s agenda, but as those with whom one wishes to have a relationship characterised by mutuality and dialogue.

The paper is divided into two parts. The first part explains the concept of solidarity and fraternity on a theoretical level, especially in the light of Catholic social teaching. The second part analyzes the principles of solidarity and fraternity in Croatian society during the National Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In addition to solving the national question under a specific aspect of brotherhood, this term was understood in the spirit of the communist ideology of brotherhood and unity of the Yugoslav peoples, and the ideology of solidarity was present predominantly in the form of self-governing socialism. The paper, therefore, shows how socialist Yugoslavia had many characteristics of a totalitarian system defined by communist ideology.

Abstract There has been only a limited focus on healing ministries in Protestant Christian congregations in the Nordic context. This contribution argues that the field of diaconia should learn more about healing in the congregational context. This paper empirically investigates healing-hands experiences related to sources from the Christian faith and practices in Norway. We conducted 12 semistructured interviews with both the providers and recipients of perceived healing hands. The informants came from Protestant communities. The findings indicate that healing hands are perceived as atransfer of external power, transmitting both energy and a “heightened clarity of thought providing insights.” The recipients perceive the energy as “warmth” and the providers often perceive it as “electricity.” The recipients described the warmth as relieving stressors such as acute physical pain and long-term stressful experiences. The outcomes could not be predicted or controlled. The findings indicate that the healing-hands phenomenon is not part of the formal work of churches, although treatment may occur in congregational places and private homes. The informants linked the perceived power to the Christian God, but there was no consensus among the informants on how to understand healing hands within the framework of theological language. This paper discusses healing hands and Christian communities of healing ministries in terms of tensions and possibilities.

Some writers have suggested that the classical Sunni kalām theory of divine attributes, which states that the attributes are 'neither God' nor 'other than God,' should be interpreted to mean a denial of the law of excluded middle. Some also seek to build a new kalām without such a principle. Although the author holds such a view to be unintelligible on its own grounds, it also has no basis in the classical kalām theory. This paper shall present a detailed investigation into the meaning of ghayr, and demonstrate, with ample textual evidence, that the classical theory of divine attributes only means a denial of identity along with the denial of metaphysical separability from the divine essence. This paper demonstrates how the term ghayr applies in contexts of metaphysics, theology, and natural philosophy as well. The formula that ‘something is not identical with’ nor ‘other than’ is applied equally to any property of a subject which is necessary and inseparable from it. That is, it applies equally to created beings as well. The paper shall begin with a linguistic discussion of the term ghayr, in order to demonstrate that it is not a negation in the Arabic language, but actually an adjective which also functions to form an exceptive clause. This proves that the formula on the divine attributes does not imply a rejection of excluded middle even at the basic linguistic level. Then the paper will discuss the term ghayr in technical contexts. This discussion does not limit itself to any school, but the discussion is based on four main sources: (1) the Maqālāt of al-Kaʿbī of the Muʿtazilī school; (2) the Maqālāt of al-Ashʿarī, (3) the Kitāb al-Tawḥīd and (4) the Taʾwīlāt of al-Māturīdī. Much attention is given to the latter because of claims by some that Māturīdī has a unique position on ghayriyya which implies the rejection of the law of excluded middle. There is no indication at all that such a formula implied a denial of the laws of logic. Claims to the contrary have failed to provide any linguistic or textual evidence for their interpretation, let alone philosophical justification for such a farfetched view.

Al-Ījī presents the final stage of Ashʿarism, and his arguments reflect the traditional and philosophical approaches in the school. This paper presents the main arguments that al-Ījī deployed to refute the Muʿtazilites’ ethical realism. Its aim is to present the exact form of al-Ījī’s arguments, explain them, discuss the objections, and then evaluate their strengths. The paper’s aim is to explain the Muʿtazilites’ arguments; nevertheless, it gives some clarifications when it is needed to understand al-Ījī’s arguments in a better way. In the beginning, the paper draws a distinct line between the Ashʿarites’ and the Muʿtazilite ethical understandings. It defines the focus of the controversy and prepares the groundwork for theological arguments. Al-Ījī’s arguments are divided into three categories. In the first one, we present al-Ījī’s general argument, which is a polemic argument whereby al-Ījī tries to negate the freedom of human choice in order to cast doubt on the Muʿtazilite ethical foundations. We discuss its critique, and then reveal al-Ījī’s real position on human power and freedom of choice. The second category contains three arguments against the intrinsic ethical value: two of the arguments were adopted by al-Ījī and the third was attributed to other Ashʿarites in a general way. The first two arguments deal with the intrinsic ethical values of lying and truth-telling, while the third one is based on the Ashʿarite famous assertion: ‘an accident cannot subsist on another accident.’ The final category is dedicated to discussing al-Ījī’s argument against the Muʿtazilite theory of ethical aspects. A sufficient account of the theory and its partisans is provided before discussing al-Ījī’s argument. Moreover, a brief introduction of Al-Ījī’s and the Muʿtazilites’ conception of divine ethics is discussed in the folds of the argument. Some divine qualities, such as justice and wisdom, are defined from the Ashʿarites’ and the Muʿtazilites’ perspectives. As a result, the paper gives a clear account of al-Ījī’s arguments against the Muʿtazilites’ ethical realism; it presents and evaluates the objections and defines the strengths and the defects in the arguments. Finally, it proposes a better way to understand the Ashʿarites’ ethical arguments in their right context.

This paper analyzes Girīdī (the Cretan) Sirrī Pasha’s (1844-1895) translation of Sharḥ al-ʿAqāʾid al-Nasafiyya by al-Taftāzānī (d.792/1390). The paper begins with contextualizing this translation by alluding to the background of Sirrī Pasha and his other works. I particularly pay attention to the translator’s prolegomenon which reflects his conception of kalām. Then the paper shows how a translation expands this classical Māturīdite kalām text for the nineteenth century Ottoman readers, by including all different opinions from other commentaries and glosses on Sharḥ al-ʿAqāʾid. Collection of views in the translation enables us to compare all different positions. Sirrī Pasha did not only translate the text and quoted other interpretations but put forward his own comments. Thus, I call it “commentarial translation”. This study also analyzes the views on the concept of human free will, which was regarded as the main conflict between Māturīdī and Ashʿarī schools. Sirrī and his sources hold fast to the Māturīdī position in their discussion of the particular free will (al-irāda al-juzʾiyya).

After the Second World War, Europe faced the question of what kind of political future to choose. Exactly five years after the end of the war, Robert Schuman proposed a declaration that opened the way for European integration: the European Community, later renamed the European Union, was created. This paper presents the circumstances of the creation of the Schuman Declaration and the vision that led him and other founding fathers to the realization of a completely new way of connecting European states. Three of the founding fathers of the European Community, Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide de Gasperi, were devout Christians. In the paper, we show their understanding of the relationship between democracy, European integration and Christianity. According to Schuman, European institutions need a spirit, Europe needs a soul. What does this mean and how is it that only a few of the later European political leaders paid attention to this aspect? The last part of the article regards the efforts of Pope Francis to make Europe a place of peace and economic development, and furthermore, to strengthen the essence of its identity, encourage creativity and recognize its responsibility to its own nations and citizens, as well as responsibility to others in a globally connected world. The series of speeches by Pope Francis on Europe, including in the European Parliament, shows his closeness to the vision of Schuman and the founding fathers of the European Union on the one hand, and on the other hand, he directs attention to the present and the future.

The aim of this paper is to address the issues dealing with politics and religion in the Middle East, focusing on secularism vs. Islamism; the aftermath of the Arab Spring, and the Shia and Sunni split, as key themes for the purpose. Via analysis of the complexity of the Middle East, the Secular-Islamist Conflict, the Arab Spring and its outcomes, the article explains how the Arab Spring hardened the traditionally fluid relationship between the politics and Islam. It argues that Islam has never actually left the political realm, as there is still political contestation about the role of Islam in public life. The paper then deals with the complexity of the Shia and Sunni relationship and the split between the two, giving the explanation for such occurrences on the three levels – doctrine, legitimacy, and power.

The paper introduces the concept of Velayat-e faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist) as actual political system in Iran. The Farsi concept transfers the authority, political and religious, to the Shia clergy called ruling faqih (ruling jurist). It means that the religious leader (Vali-e faqih) is in fact the supreme leader in Iran. He gets his authority from God and he has already been appointed by the Hidden Imam and he would just be discovered by Maraj-e taghlid. Shia Islam knows a particular meaning of the concept Velayat-e faqih, started by Islamic Revolution in 1979. The paper presents the interpretation of the doctrine formulated by the dissident Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The presentation is based on his book Islamic Government: Governance of the Jurist. The paper compares different views of Velayat-e faqih and it describes the relation of the actual Iranian understanding of Velayat-e faqih with traditional Shia custom and practice. This paper is written in English but it is based on the Farsi bibliography and is supported by the life experience of the political system.

This paper discusses the ritual of Magwee or Manyue, a celebration of the first month for babies in Chinese tradition. The purpose of this essay is to find the theological meaning behind the Chinese ritual and at the same time to work out a model of inculturation of the Christian faith. The paper uses a qualitative approach with interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The author finds the possibility of inculturating faith and liturgical inculturation based on the Magwee ritual. The essence of the Magwee ritual as a celebration of gratitude for the newborn is maintained, but this ritual needs to be placed in the context of the liturgical celebration of the Catholic Church. In the context of inculturating faith, the Magwee ritual needs to be reflected in the light of the Bible. The Magwee Ritual is not just a traditional ritual but reaches its fullness in the spirit of Christ.

This paper deals with a marriage ritual of the Dayak Barai tribe, known as Tikah Kawitn. The purpose of this paper is to explore the local wisdom and values behind the marriage customs of the Dayak Barai tribe and to find their relevance for appreciating and living the values of Catholic marriage. This paper uses the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method. The author finds that the Dayak Barai tribe values the nobility of traditional marriages. It can be seen in pre-wedding rituals and marriage ceremonies designed with symbolic actions. The Tikah Kawitn ritual also contains the essential values of marriage as taught by the Catholic Church, namely monogamy, not being divorced, directed at heredity, and the welfare of the household. The author concludes that the values of the traditional marriage of the Dayak Barai tribe, tikah kawitn, can contribute to the process of deepening and appreciating the nobility of the Catholic Church's marriage, especially for the Dayak Barai tribe who are Catholic.

Abstract This paper explores the impact of social innovation education on professionals working in diaconia and the wider social economy within various welfare-state contexts. Welfare states have demonstrated an increasing interest in the development of social innovation. There is a wide variety of models of welfare states in Europe, and different countries are at various stages of incorporating the concept of social innovation into their social-service provisions. Nevertheless, our social innovation education program participants shared many common challenges and learnings. This paper focuses not only on the theoretical framework around the concepts of social innovation in the context of the welfare states, it also shares valuable insights that emerged because of implementing a social innovation education program for 2 years (2021–2022) and argues for the relevance of social innovation education for leaders of diaconal organizations.

The Black Notebooks [Schwarze Hefte] are personal notebooks that Heidegger wrote from the beginning of the 1930s to the end of the war. The first notebook has been lost, but transcripts of the next fourteen, which originated in the decade 1931–1941, were published in 2014 in three consecutive volumes of the philosopher’s Gesamtausgabe (more recently, further notebooks up to 1970 have been published). Their publication triggered a new wave of public polemics about his Nazism and anti-Semitism. This paper evaluates Heidegger’s multistage and multilayered relationship to Judaism and National Socialism, and the most prominent modern interpretations of that relationship, especially in light of the Black Notebooks. Among such readings, some of the most profound and lucid are those of the editor of the German edition of the Notebooks, Peter Trawny, and the Spanish philosopher Jesus Adrian Escudero. Many early reactions to the first publication of the notebooks were characterized by a combative outrage that was not supported by serious study and understanding of the material in question. This paper studies the reasons why that initial, sensationalist reaction stimulated precisely the opposite effect from what might be expected: Instead of jeopardizing Heidegger’s well-established place in the Western philosophical canon, the controversies of 2014 triggered a kind of renaissance of interest in his life and work.