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The proliferation of miracle-working images in Italy from the end of the fifteenth century on has been well documented, as has the concomitant emergence of the sanctuary church. Less attention, however, has been given to the fortune of these sites in the later sixteenth century, when the zeal they incited in local populations was viewed by Catholic Church authorities as a powerful tool for engaging the faithful at a pivotal time of Catholic renewal—if harnessed correctly. According to visitation reports, superstitious practices were not uncommon, and greater scrutiny was afforded to both new prodigies and established cults; but the Catholic Church hierarchy continued to defend the veneration of miraculous images, and the latter years of the cinquecento saw the renovation of a number of key image shrines, including the focus of the current study. Situated in western Umbria, the Santuario di Mongiovino was the subject of an extensive decorative campaign during the 1560s to 1580s, and involved artists, such as Niccolò Circignani, who would also work on papal projects in Rome. Drawing on a range of textual sources, as well as a close analysis of the decorative reframing of the cultic image, I argue that the iconographic program employed at the site should be viewed in relation to contemporary debates around the use of religious imagery in churches. In particular I posit that the concerns voiced in the written record at the time, whether in treatises or visitation reports, may also have informed the way in which miraculous images were presented to the faithful, resulting in solutions that helped to underline the Catholic Church's position on the cult of saints, the role of images in devotion, and the primacy of Christ in the bestowing of grace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a mathematical theory of public opinion based on Zaller (1992). We show how our theory can provide a rigorous account for various empirical implications identified by Zaller (1992). We then show that it can also account for empirical regularities on information and response volatility identified by Alvarez and Brehm (2002), media influence and polarization (Zaller, 1992), as well as media slant, priming, framing, and agenda setting. We then derive the "miracle of aggregation" argument due to Page and Shapiro (1992) and apply it to the study of polarization, media influence, and opinion change (Stimson, 2015 [2004]). Our theory provides a general framework for studying public opinion in a rigorous fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This practice note discusses graduate students’ reflections on experiences with using solution-focused approaches with children in Child Protective Services, specifically scaling and miracle questions. Miracle and scaling questions are considered child-centered questions because they are non-judgmental and creative, explore children’s needs, wishes, and hopes from the child’s point of view, and facilitate listening to children’s voices. Scaling questions were found to be supportive, encouraging, and non-threatening; miracle questions were easy to understand by children and are resource-, future- and outcome-oriented. Children are creative and playful, so using creative and playful questions contributed to children becoming visible in sharing their perspectives on matters related to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Han Yu 韓愈 was a prominent literatus in the Tang dynasty and an influential figure in the history of Chaozhou culture. From the Song dynasty, the Neo-Confucian teachings became popular, and Han Yu was revered as a significant pioneer; hence, his position was raised to a new height. In Chaozhou, local officials and the literati continuously emphasized Han Yu's significance to Chaozhou culture and education and built many temples and academies devoted to him. As a deity, Han Yu was viewed as a representative of Confucianism and was typical of orthodoxy sacrifices. The present article clarifies the origination and transmission of the Han Yu belief in the Chaozhou region and explores the process of deification and the spread of Chinese popular religion. Although local officials and the literati spared no efforts in promoting the Han Yu belief, the belief never became popular among Chaozhou people. Local officials and the literati focused on different aspects of the Han Yu belief. They stressed the orthodoxy of the belief and were never concerned with miracles. What they were concerned with and endeavored for somewhat hampered the spread of the belief among the masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Historiolae in the Hebrew Bible" argues that certain biblical texts can be considered as Historiolae. Historiolae are performative texts that bring the power of storytelling and its characters into the present. The author demonstrates that various biblical texts, such as the victory over Leviathan and the miracles during the conquest of Canaan, function as Historiolae. These texts from ancient Israel between the 8th and 2nd centuries BCE exhibit features of Historiolen, which resolve mythological events narratively and emphasize ritual contexts. [Extracted from the article]

There are many verses in the Qur’ân that deal with natural events. It has been seen that some of these verses have been the subject of scientific interpretations in the last century. For example, it is emphasized in the twenty-second verse of Surah Al-Hijr that the winds are sent as fecundators. According to the scientific understanding of interpretation, the fecundation event mentioned in the verse points to a natural fact confirmed by current scientific data. Accordingly, rain clouds are formed by “condensation nuclei” etc. consisting of salt and dust particles lifted by the winds from the land and sea and carried to the upper atmosphere. The fact that this event, which could not have been known at that time, is clearly stated in the Qur’ân is one of the scientific miracles of the Qur’ân. In this study, an attempt has been made to examine such verses, which have been the subject of scientific interpretation, from a different perspective and to reveal that they constitute evidence of the prophethood of Muhammad. This perspective can be expressed as examining the relevant verses by reading them backwards, taking into account their historical background, sociological and psychological dimensions. What is meant by reading them backwards is; is the examination of the verses in question based on the possibility that they were uttered by someone claiming prophethood. When a verse that is the subject of scientific interpretation is to be examined from this perspective, certain stages should be followed. The first of these stages is to delve into the historical background of the verse in question. The historical background can generally be expressed as the place and time of the revelation of the verse and the socio-cultural and socio-psychological conditions prevailing in the area of Hijaz at that time. After the revelation environment is determined, in the second stage, the situations of the Prophet Muhammad and someone claiming prophethood should be examined in order for the verse to be the source of the examined verse. After these two examinations, the reference of the examined verse to the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad should be revealed through a comparison. This suggested reference should be explained and justified. In the study, some verses were examined with an approach whose general framework is summarized above. As a method in the study; Analysis and comparison method was generally preferred. Accordingly, it was determined that each of the examined verses pointed to the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad to different degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much academic research has been conducted on the rich and bewildering variety of sources underlying the book of Tobit. In this study, yet another literary type from the Hebrew Bible which has received little scholarly attention will be suggested. In Part 1 of the following study, "the prophetic miracle story," found among the historical traditions of Northern Israel in 2 Kgs 1–8, will be investigated according to its characteristic features. The correspondence between these features and those of the accounts of the miraculous healings of Sarah and Tobit in the book of Tobit will then be demonstrated, and it will be suggested that this literary type forms a model for the accounts of the healing of Tobit and Sarah in the book of Tobit. In addition to this, the influence of other themes from 2 Kgs 1–8 on the book of Tobit will be proposed. In Part 2 of this study, certain attested forms of healing from the author's Hellenistic cultural background will be investigated. It will be suggested the book of Tobit could represent the author's response to these Hellenistic types of healing in the revival and development of the earlier prophetic miracle story from 2 Kgs 1–8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes evidence related to the latrine in late antique literature. It shows that the latrine was commonly seen as a demonic domain in both pagan and Christian thought of the period. The Christians gave the moral value to the latrine and associated it with the humankind's sinful nature. However, there are two narratives from Greek collections of miracles that enter into the dialogue with the discourse on the latrine and exploit it for their own ends. These narratives are found in the Miracles of Cyrus and John by Sophronios of Jerusalem and the anonymous Miracles of Artemios. They depict the saintly epiphanies which take place in the latrine, thus exploiting its significance to the extreme. It is argued that they use this setting as a tool to show the elevation of a sinful individual from the lowest moral degradation through the intrusion of a divine agent who comes to his rescue. However, it is achieved in a subversive way. The miraculous process involves not only the appearance of the saints in the latrine, but even the suggestion that they use the latrine and thus degrade their position in favor of the miracle recipient. The article thus sheds new light on the concept of the sainthood, which, by employing scatology, reveals its subversive nature: the saints in the miracle collections are presented as trickster figures who are prone to reverse every situation and combine opposites, here linking the most sacred with the most profane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider reduced generalized jet schemes L Z (Y) along Z of a infinitesimal deformation Y of a complete intersection variety X over the same fat point Z. By definition, these reduced generalized jet schemes L Z (Y) live over the so-called reduced auto-arc spaces A Z , which were originally introduced by H. Schoutens and later studied by the author. Some well-known results of M. Mustaţǎ on classical jet schemes of locally complete intersections carry over to this case. For example, as a consequence of miracle flatness and some generalizations of the aforementioned results of M. Mustaţǎ, it is shown that the reduced generalized jet space, denoted L n (X n) , of a flat deformation X n → D n along ▪ is usually a global flat deformation over A k n of the classical jet scheme L n (X) provided the base scheme X is a locally complete intersection and the fibers are all of minimal dimension. Similar interesting relativized versions of those aforementioned results are also explored. Also, the initiation of the so-called regulated defect of a formal deformation in analogy to log canonical threshold is introduced. In the end, the situation is studied when the base scheme X is an algebraic curve, and the notions of so-called strong/weak deformations is introduced in this context. Finally, a so-called deformed motivic volume is defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Islamic Civilization Studies / İslam Medeniyeti Araştırmaları Dergisi (IMAD) is the property of Islam Medeniyeti Arastirmalari Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The successful economic performance of Pacific Asia is often held as a source of inspiration for aspiring catching-up countries. Notwithstanding, recent literature suggests that a key to the understanding of successful long-term economic performance lies not only in the ability to generate economic growth, but in limiting incidences of economic shrinking. Such analyses to explain the Asian economic miracle are however in short supply. This study highlights the significance of economic shrinking in Asia in a comparative perspective to demonstrate how and why resilience to economic shrinking was a significant aspect of the successful development of the region. To approach the question of why some countries became more resilient than others we propose a social capability framework and apply it to a sample of 26 developing countries between 1964 and 2018. We construct a social capability index on which we develop a set of simple OLS regressions to estimate the impact of social capabilities on shrinking patterns. We demonstrate that poorly endowed countries do not lack the ability to generate growth, but their limited resilience prevents them from catching up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the connection between Hume's view of "laws of nature" and his view of miracles by addressing three foci. First, it presents arguments that Hume construed "laws of nature" as merely beliefs in perfect or imperfect causal uniformity. So construed, laws of nature can be violated, so miracles are possible. Second, it shows that Hume's criteria for evaluating human testimony are found in the popular textbooks of logic of the time. Hume explicitly used these criteria to criticize nonbiblical reports of miracles. Finally, the article shows that Hume took John Tillotson's examination of transubstantiation to reduce scripture to apostolic testimony and to collapse the distinction between divine and human testimony. This implies that educated Christians entertain inconsistent beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I show that David Hume's argument of Section 10 of the Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding does not encourage dogmatism. Instead, it suggests a program for how to categorically deny the existence of miracles without bringing about the stagnation of science. In recognizing the entailments of Hume's notion of proof while realizing his commitments regarding the laws of nature, we must acknowledge that miracles are possible. Yet this is consistent with Hume's claim that we are never justified in believing the testimony affirming them. This conclusion is strengthened when we realize that only a doxastic notion of lawlikeness is at work in Hume's argument rather than a robust, efficacious notion of metaphysical laws. When properly understood, we see that the course he advocates does not impede the advances of science, as has sometimes been suggested. Instead, Hume's deliberate use of specific examples of two very different sorts propounds a procedure for dealing with purported miracles that is much richer than merely denying them, and tells us when revisions to our conception of the laws of nature are necessary and when they are not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts a qualitative analysis of teleological verses in the Qur'an, which reveals that they only demonstrate the power of God to resurrect, and the will of God to punish/ reward as He pleases, not His perfection. Subsequently, a quantitative analysis of the term most used to refer to teleological proofs ("āya," sign) is conducted. It demonstrates that the term most frequently denotes miracles, emphasizing the power of God, and punishment, underscoring the will of God. The locational proximity of the putative teleological verses to eschatological ones corroborates that the overall objective of these verses is eschatological. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the film "Children of Men" as a melodramatic narrative that critiques the relationship between the state, global migration, and the future of humanity through the symbolic power of a miraculous baby. Topics include the portrayal of the state's violent repression versus the baby's power to unify, the cultural significance of melodrama in the film, and the intersection of neoliberal globalization and securitized national identity.

In this article, I attempt to make theological sense of the following attitude towards Divine healing: although followers of Jesus should hope for, pray for, contend for, and seek Divine healing with the expectation that in all things God is enacting his good purposes, they should not be surprised when Divinely caused healing does not come about. To "not be surprised" is not, in this case, a lack of faith in God's desire or power to heal. We can have complete faith in God's power and his intention to do good while recognizing God has other purposes that make Divinely caused healing the exception rather than the rule. To not be surprised that healing hasn't yet come is to hold steady in our minds that God is powerfully active in salvation history in ways that do not always include immediate elimination of pain and suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern analogies to healing claims within the Gospels render them plausible as historical experiences. Such experiences are widespread today. Philosophic and theological explanations of such experiences vary, but the emergence of patterns of such experiences in theistic contexts helps support the case for a theistic explanation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article responds to Craig Keener's closing article in a special issue, originating with a Holy Spirit Symposium, Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today, Biola University, October 27, 2023. Keener argues that the Holy Spirit empowers the church for cross-cultural evangelism through the spiritual gifts of tongues and prophecy. My response asks what empowered evangelism looks like in medicalized cultures like that of the United States. I argue that the church can more effectively cross the cultural barriers of medical science by learning to prophesy in "medical tongues"—communicating the gospel in the language, and backed by the evidence, of medical science. It is insufficient for Christians to testify to miracles; the church also needs to make it a priority to document miracles medically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article responds to Craig Keener's opening article in a special issue, originating with a Holy Spirit Symposium, Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today, Biola University, October 27, 2023. Keener presents historical, theological, and philosophical reasons to accept intellectually that miracles are credible. My response shifts focus to three psychological and pastoral questions. First, given that many Christians do affirm belief in miracles, why do relatively few Christians—at least in the Global North—pray regularly, expectantly, and persistently for miraculous healing? Second, what are the costs of this gap between beliefs and practices? Third, how might more Christians move from believing in miracles to contending for miracles? I argue that it is insufficient for Christians to believe in the credibility of miracles; the church needs to make it a priority to contend for miracles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Økonomi & Politik is the property of Djøf Forlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article is devoted to the “Travel Book” which was written by John Mandeville in the middle of the 14th century and remained extremely popular over the next few centuries. The author of the article describes the handwritten and the first-printed traditions of the existence of the “Book”, dwells on the circumstances of its origin, on the problem of its authorship and on the content of its two parts. Based on the analysis of numerous miracles, both quite real and fictional, which John Mandeville mentions while describing his adventures in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and distant exotic countries, the author of the article comes to the conclusion that the “Travel Book” was not a typical medieval travelogue, but it rather belonged to the genre of didactic literature. John Mandeville tried to teach his contemporaries a lesson about what it means to be a true Christian, how a person can approach the Lord and His plan for creating everything on earth, what ideas and values ру should share at the same time. In particular, Mandeville constantly returns to the idea of a new Crusade, which remained extremely popular in the middle of the 14th century, but he criticizes it on the grounds that Europeans should not plan to conquer foreign lands (even the Holy Land) without solving their own internal, primarily moral, problems.

This article argues for the urgent decolonization of twelve-step recovery. Highlighting the whiteness of many mainstream recovery rooms, the author discusses the impact of racial trauma and systemic oppression on the sobriety of melanated individuals, proposing that if the voices of people of the global majority can be brought into consciousness then this may create a more inclusive, holistic and liberating path to healing for everyone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study considers how Joseph Ratzinger focusses the whole of theology in a Christocentric way. His Christocentrism is not opposed to its being theocentric, because when the believer contemplates Jesus Christ in his works and actions and attitudes, he finds, indeed he sees, not only the concrete, material, historical humanity of Jesus, but his true identity as the Son of God in the Spirit. One learns to read the mystery of God in the very history of Jesus. The study presents a series of moments in the life of Jesus in Ratzinger's work Jesus of Nazareth (2007-2013): the miracles, the kingdom of God, the prayer of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount and conversion, the Baptism of Jesus and his temptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theistic arguments which appeal to gaps in our scientific knowledge are frequently labelled 'God of the gaps' (GOG). While many regard such arguments as obviously fallacious (an argument from ignorance), some disagree. Drawing on critics and defenders, this article examines the logical validity of GOG, stated in two distinct formulations: (1) It is not proven that 'God is active in this corner of nature' is false; therefore God is indeed here; (2) it is not proven that 'there is a natural cause for this event' is true; therefore there is no natural cause or explanation. The difference is more than semantic; while the perceived wisdom mostly targets the first version, recent advocates match the second more closely. Neither formulation of GOG is fallacious once the logical structures and implicit premises are identified; the first version is best categorized as an assertion of burden of proof, and the second an instance of denying the consequent. As their merits are assessed against well-known objections, the second version is found to be considerably stronger than the first. It can be a solid argument, assuming that its empirical premises are supported by strong evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the idea, occasionally discernible in Leibniz's writings, that civil bodies can achieve a real or substantial union through the 'mystical body' of the Church. The starting question is: can the 'person' of the state attain real internal union even if it is not a natural person? This theme is examined in light of Leibniz's interest in the ontology of complex aggregates (including civil 'bodies' or 'persons'), the miracle of the Eucharist, the mystery of transubstantiation, and the unity of the Church. Since his very early Demonstrationes Catholicae, he had strived to demonstrate that the body of the Church, despite being—so to speak—'scattered', can be regarded as a Respublica with a strong internal degree of unity, primarily due to the communion that the faithful share through the Eucharist. This article thus analyses both early and mature texts in which Leibniz discusses the bond established among the faithful by the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, arguing that he experimented with the idea that the spiritual union possible within the Church's 'mystical body' and its aggregative capacity could transform European Christian states not only politically but also substantially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samguk yusa 三國遺事 (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), compiled by Iryŏn 一然 (1206–1289), a prominent Buddhist monk in Koryŏ, stands as one of Korea's most valued historical classics. This classic weaves together a collection of captivating and unconventional narratives—marked by their peculiarity, miracles, and wonder—diverging from the usual societal norms. Unlike traditional historical chronicles such as Samguk sagi 三國史記 (Histories of the Three Kingdoms), Samguk yusa presents a diverse mosaic woven with historical anecdotes, legends, and folklore, especially emphasizing connections to Buddhism. The tales of miraculous events hold historical significance, serving as reflective mirrors that not only shaped the beliefs of pre-modern Korean Buddhists but also influenced the wider population of that era in Korea. This paper delves into the cultural significance and societal roles of miracles and wonders within pre-modern Korean society, particularly through a thorough exploration of narratives and accounts within the Samguk yusa. Through these miraculous stories, the Samguk yusa not only validates the spiritual power of Buddhism but also redefines concepts like filial piety and national protection by integrating them into the Buddhist framework. This ensured Buddhism's enduring significance in Silla society and reinforced the importance of the supernatural as an integral part of a holistic view of history and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the archetype of the limping hero and heroine in literature, particularly through the character in Wharton's final short story. It discusses Wharton's conflicted relationship with ghost stories, reflecting her love for literature despite her fear of the supernatural. The article examines how limping characters, such as Jacob and Oedipus, symbolize suffering and transformation in their journeys toward self-knowledge.

This is a study of the Qurʾanic revelation theology of al-Muʾayyad fī l-Dīn al-Shīrāzī (d. 470/1078), the highest-ranking Fatimid dāʿī and Ismaili philosophical theologian of his era. Al-Muʾayyad's theory of Qurʾanic revelation features the following distinctive elements: (1) he distinguishes three levels of God's speech to challenge the views of Sunnī kalām; (2) he reinterprets the popular belief of the Qurʾān's pre-existence in the Guarded Tablet through Ismaili Neoplatonic thought to posit the Universal Intellect and Universal Soul as Revelatory Principles; (3) he argues for the nonverbal and spiritual nature of divine inspiration (waḥy) granted to the Prophets and situates the Prophet Muhammad as the actual composer of the words of the Qurʾān; (4) he defends the literary inimitability of the Arabic Qurʾān while denying the existence of miracles in the physical world; (5) he posits two earthly manifestations of Qurʾanic revelation – the Silent Scripture (the Qurʾān as a recited text) and the Speaking Scripture (the Imam of the time); (6) he situates Ismaili Qurʾanic hermeneutics known as taʾwīl as a revelatory exegesis that decodes the symbolic meaning behind the Qurʾān and facilitates the spiritual reintegration of the believer's soul to the celestial words of God in the spiritual world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note, we provide an adaptation of the Kohler-Jobin rearrangement technique to the setting of the Gauss space. As a result, we prove the Gaussian analogue of the Kohler-Jobin resolution of a conjecture of Pólya-Szegö: when the Gaussian torsional rigidity of a domain is fixed, the Gaussian principal frequency is minimized for the half-space. At the core of this rearrangement technique is the idea of considering a "modified" torsional rigidity, with respect to a given function, and rearranging its layers to half-spaces, in a particular way; the Rayleigh quotient decreases with this procedure. We emphasize that the analogy of the Gaussian case with the Lebesgue case is not to be expected here, as in addition to some soft symmetrization ideas, the argument relies on the properties of some special functions; the fact that this analogy does hold is somewhat of a miracle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on countering the view that Christianity is a simplistic and ideologically confined worldview, arguing that such a perception overlooks the complex interactions between Christianity, science, and historical failures of religious institutions. Topics include the responses to criticisms of Christianity, the role of Christian thought in the development of modern science.

Copyright of Annals of Philosophy / Roczniki Filozoficzne is the property of John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Faculty of Philosophy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article tries to present and systematize the Late Antique miracles with the participation of plants and animals. The main source material is drawn from the collections of miracles such as the works of Gregory of Tours and Gregory the Great. The distinction will be made between the miracles that happened during the lifetime of a saint or after their death and between the miracles in which the plants and animals are objects or subjects of a miracle, or both at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After his conversion, every year on the feast of St Felix, which is celebrated on January 14, Paulinus of Nola wrote a work of praise in honour of his patron - the Natalicium. In the extant Natalicia (14 or 15), the miracles performed by Felix assume a significant position. Many of them are related to nature. The aim of this article is to show, through an analysis of the Natalicia, how nature is subjected to the miraculous actions of the saints, using St Felix as an example. From the presentation in this article of the miracles and extraordinary events that took place during the life of St Felix or after his death at his tomb, it is evident that Paulinus held the figure of St Felix in particularly high regard, referring to him as his father, protector and patron. Paulinus sets out to demonstrate the greatness of St Felix and his special place in the pantheon of saints by describing the miracles. Nevertheless, Paulinus consistently emphasises that the saint is merely an intermediary, and that the capacity to perform miracles ultimately resides with God, who is the Lord and Creator of all creation. Therefore, if Felix is depicted as governing over nature, which he does in a manner contrary to natural order, this is a consequence of Felix's proximity to God. It is notable that Paulinus introduces a unique perspective in this regard, as there existed a precedent in pagan poetry for portraying miracles associated with animals. Nevertheless, Paulinus, while adhering to the literary tradition and language of Virgil, establishes a distinct tone and character. Natalicia exemplify Paulinus' profound convictions, unwavering faith, and profound devotion to Felix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Babylon Center for Humanities Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Babylon Center for Humanities Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Babylon Center for Humanities Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Babylon Center for Humanities Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper focuses on a recurring scene in fiction about emigration, the crossing of physical and geographical borders. The practice of crossing borders is an act of separation from the home, the familiar, and can be understood as a trigger for the later consequences of emigration, since this act creates the situation in which the emigrant experiences himself as a stranger, as a different person in the destination. In the literature on Eastern Europe, there have been many texts that thematize the act of crossing borders, but this thesis will focus on how the first—and to this extent most prominent— border crossing leading to emigration can be linked to the phenomenon of the miracle and, at the same time, to the region of Banat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Reform movement on the ecclesiastical censorship of science, philosophy and magic has been an enduring theme in the historiography of early modern Italy. In this paper, I consider how the Church's desire to defend the truth of miracles from Protestant criticisms on the one hand and their efforts to centralise the process of verifying miracles on the other affected the investigation of philosophical works. Taking the case of Girolamo Cardano, whose works were the subject of intensive investigation by the Catholic Church from the 1570s, I examine the issues that censors flagged as points of concern. One recurring theme was the fact that his accounts of the cosmos appeared to offer natural explanations for miracles and the actions of the martyrs. Although the intellectual problems raised by Cardano's work were far from new, I suggest that the events of the sixteenth century raised their salience with Church authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: of the paper is to present and criticize the statements of the new science of theology (New Kalam) in the field of prophecies and the effect of its supplanting the old science of theology in solving objections and problems, and to explain the motives and consequences resulting from such innovative opinions. This paper deals with the position of the new science of Kalam (Islamic theology) regarding prophecies. Its pioneers criticized selection, the miracle, supernaturalty, and other concepts adopted by ancient theologians. They also developed a new approach to proving prophecy that is compatible with their modern vision and environments and time. Their critisizm started by denying the rational evidences upon which old Kalam built its conclusions, and by highlighting some of old Kalam problems as they claim, New Kalam pioneers agreed on the liberal view of the statements of ancient theology and urged its renewal through religious expansion with the help of modern sciences. They made this renewal process completely open, so there is no specific approach through which this upgrade must follow, evaluated, or controlled. Even a single issue has led so often to multiple and varying results, some of which may be due to false premises or a relative view, and they did not stipulate at all that the science of Kalam provides certain or definitive knowledge at all in the first place. Methods: of induction, deduction, comparison, and criticism. Conclusion. The definitions from which those who advocate the new science of theology started and the introductions from which they started are false introductions, or for which there is no evidence. The positions of the advocates of renewing the science of theology have varied regarding the issue of prophecy, whether in the concept of revelation, the concept of prophecy, or acceptance of the miracle, and some of them went on to renew it to understand these issues. Some of them focused on other cultural topics, such as women’s rights. Recommendation: the necessity of making comparisons between those who advocate ancient and new theology in more specialized topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The given text discusses various topics related to Benedictine monks and their practices. It mentions the monks' contributions to waterworks, farming, and architecture, highlighting their ecological responsibility. The text also introduces a book by Torvend that explores the intersections of ecology and Benedictine traditions. Additionally, it mentions two volumes of "The Dialogue on Miracles" by Caesarius of Heisterbach, providing a brief overview of the content and structure of the work. The text concludes with a review of a book by Evan B. Howard, which delves into the engagement of Christians with the world. [Extracted from the article]

The British Archaeological Association is a registered company and charity that promotes the study of archaeology and preservation of antiquities. They organize lectures, conferences, and study days, publish a journal, and have a governing body. In 2023, they held council meetings and an online AGM, and had a membership of 780 individuals. They organized a conference in Chichester, expressed gratitude to contributors, and participated in the Leeds International Medieval Congress. They also published the Journal of the British Archaeological Association, awarded scholarships, and reported their financial information. As of December 31, 2023, their net movement of funds was £33,561, resulting in a fund balance of £611,904. Their balance sheet shows fixed assets valued at £518,193 and current assets of £109,205. Their charitable expenditure for the year was £104,024, and their investments were valued at £518,193, with various funds and unit trusts listed. Two previous funds were merged into one ESG Income and Growth Fund. [Extracted from the article]

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This research, titled “Examples of the revelation of verses on reality according to the scholar Muhammad alAmin bin Abdullah al-Harari (d. 1441 AH) through his book Tafsir al-Hada’iq al-Ruh wa al-Bayyhan fi Rawabi Ulum al-Qur’an, an applied study,” SARA MADAWI Ali AL JABER aims to provide an overview of the personality of Imam al-Harari, his interpretation, and the approach that He followed it, clarifying the features of revelation, its benefits and controls, and showing the multiple aspects on which Imam Al-Harawi revealed the verses, through the methods of description, analysis and extrapolation limited to examples, not all, and the most prominent results were that the revelation of the verses of the Holy Qur’an on reality has interested scholars throughout the ages. Islam, including Imam Al-Harari in his interpretation of Gardens of the Spirit and Contemporary Basil, in order to come up with rulings on the calamities that occurred, and that the contemporary issues dealt with in the work are doctrinal, social, economic, military, issues related to women, and issues related to scientific miracles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into the concept of miracles from the perspective of the Catholic Church, tracing the evolution of human consciousness from fear to awe to curiosity, leading to the phenomena of mythologization, religious experiences, philosophical explanations, and rational understanding of everyday events through science and technology. The relevance of the study is due to the great influence and role of the Catholic Church in the modern world. Miracles as one of the key phenomena related to Catholic values are examined. By means of categorial and discourse analyses, along with the case study method, the work highlights the theological interpretation of miracles, distinguishing between official Christian doctrines and vernacular religious practices. It explores the process of institutionalization of religion and the significance of miracles within the context of Catholicism, emphasizing their role as divine revelations and signs of the supernatural. The article discusses the theological views on miracles of such thinkers as Augustine of Hippo and St. Thomas Aquinas, underscoring how miracles attest to faith and the resurrection. Contemporary examples of miracles recognized by the Catholic Church, such as those at Lourdes and involving figures like St. Padre Pio and Carlo Acutis are outlined. The process of canonization and the phenomenon of stigmata are described. The discussion extends to the philosophical debates on miracles, contrasting rationalistic criticisms from figures like David Hume and Baruch Spinoza with the religious significance attributed to miraculous events. The article also critiques the positivist perspective that subjugates religion to reason and science, emphasizing the enduring nature of miracles in religious discourse despite scientific advancements. In conclusion, the study advocates for a reconnection with the miraculous, religious, and metaphysical realms, positing that embracing mystery and awe can imbue life with meaning, wonder, and purpose, countering the secularization thesis that diminishes the role of miracles and spirituality in the modern world.