Conscientious Objection in Current Czech Law

Author(s): Damián Němec / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2016

Starting with a short analysis of the basis for conscientious objection in Czech constitutional law the author presents three areas of realization of the objections regulatedby Czech legislative: in military service, where it practically lost its originally wide importance, in the guarantee of the seal of the confessional and of pastoral secrecy which canonly be realized in the penal law by clergymen of certain (not of all) registered Churchesand religious societies, and finally in the area of healthcare where it can be applied notonly by patients, but also by the healthcare personnel, even by providers of healthcare.The third area consequently finds the widest application in daily life.

Is atheism winning in Europe? The future of Christianity in the Western world

Author(s): Andrzej Kobyliński / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2016

The main purpose of this article is to analyze the deep extinction of Christianity in Europe and to present the possibility of continuation of the Christian religion in those societies that are largely atheistic or agnostic. Atheism is undoubtedly a great challenge for the future. In some countries, today you can see the vision of the reality dominated by an atheistic culture and its worldview. Extremely interesting remarks on Christianity and an atheism can be found in the writings of the German philosopher Karl Rahner (1904-1984) and French mystic Madeleine Sémer (1874-1921). In the work of these two authors there is extremely penetrating diagnosis of the modern times and the prospect of transformation of the Christian religion in the Western world.

Az ortodox főrabbi a vallási terrorizmusról

Author(s): Dezső Tamás Ziegler / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 2/2017

Beliefs in Manifestations of the Supernatural as an Element of Contemporary Religiosity

Author(s): Anna Małgorzata Królikowska / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2016

The article aims to show the belief in manifestation of the supernatural, i.e. miracles, visions, prophecies, and Satan’s activity as a compound of the quite influential current in contemporary religiosity in Poland, also in the institutional dimension. These phenomenon oblige us to revise the earlier opinion which linked the “miracular susceptibility” merely with the folk religiosity. In studying these phenomena a character of an approach adopted by a researcher is particularly important. The approaches which suspend judgement and hold back from immediate reduction, allow to understand the entirety of the intrinsic meanings, experiences and narratives concerning the phenomena being discussed, as well as indicate their external references. In the article, phenomenology is being identified as the theoretical and methodological orientation that can carry out these tasks.

Religijno-moralna sytuacja polskich rodzin na Białorusi

Author(s): Volha Yakimenka / Language(s): Polish Issue: 3-4/2016

This article is an analysis of the religious and moral situation of Polish families in Belarus since the beginning of Christianity in these lands. It was carried out based on the Catholic model of marriage and family, taking into account the religious and historical conditions of family life of Poles on the territory of modern Bela-rus. The reflections made on the issues discussed difficult history of the Catholic Church and the traditions of cultural and religious Polish families closely associated with the Church. These reflections presented their contemporary religious and moral level.

Metodologiczne implikacje wpływu traktatów medytacyjnych Zhiyi na rozwój buddyzmu chan

Author(s): Kamila Nowak / Language(s): Polish Issue: 3/2016

The paper elaborates on the meaning of the meditation techniques described by Zhiyi in the field of Chan Buddhist studies. In order to show the importance of considering these techniques in the study of Chan Buddhism, in the first part of the paper the author discusses the historical connections between the Tiantai and Chan schools, presenting the influence of Tiantai on the development of Chan Buddhism. In the second part the author presents a contextual analysis of the main meditation practice of the Caodong school, that is silent illumination technique, based on the technique described by Zhiyi and called six wondrous dharma gates. The aim of the analysis is the show the usefulness of considering Zhiyi’s works in Chan studies methodology. This usefulness results from the ability to clarify the obscure, metaphor-laden, poetical sentences typical of Chan, based on Zhiyi’s precise language.

Is Atheism a Religion? On Socio-Anthropologic Cognitive Imperialism and Problems That Follow

Author(s): Radosław Tyrała / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2017

The aim of the article is to show problems of a conceptual nature with defining non-religious people,as well as some ethical consequences of these problems. In the beginning I point to the frequent phenomenon of treating atheism as a kind of religion. I identify the sources of this phenomenon in a tendency among sociologists of religion to use inclusive and functional definitions of religion. From the point of view of the researcher of non-religion and non-religiousness it is a problem. Therefore,I call for using in this context definitions of religion suggested by researched actors themselves, which often have substantive character. In research practice it usually means using self-declaration as a definitional criterion of non-religion.

KOLEKCJE MUZYCZNE W BIBLIOTECE WYDZIAŁU TEOLOGICZNEGO UNIWERSYTETU OPOLSKIEGO

Author(s): Bożena Smentek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 39 (2)/2014

Musical collection has been presented in the Library of the Faculty of Theology of the Opole University since the beginning of its functioning. However, it regained its interests when the new field of study – musicology was introduced at the Faculty. The library has tried to expand the profile of collections meeting the new needs and expectations of musicology students. At present, the musical collection comprises a large number of documents with a separate section in the open-shelf access area in the reading room available to students, academic staff and everyone interested.

„PIELGRZYM” - MIESIĘCZNIK PARAFII PW. WNIEBOWZIĘCIA NAJŚWIĘTSZEJ MARYI PANNY W KATOWICACH

Author(s): Agata Muc / Language(s): Polish Issue: 39 (2)/2014

In the 1990s of the last century an expansion of Polish parish press took place what was evidenced by the considerable growth of the number of magazines published by the Catholic Church parishes. One of the periodicals that started to be printed in that time was Th e Pilgrim – a monthly of the Parish of Assumption of Virgin Mary in Katowice („Pielgrzym” – miesięcznik parafi i Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny w Katowicach). Since its beginning it has been prepared by the parishioners and the priests and has presented texts of theological character and related to current issues and events both in the Church and parish life.

WSPÓŁPRACA BIBLIOTEKI TEOLOGICZNEJ W KATOWICACH Z BIBLIOTEKAMI TEOLOGICZNYMI SŁOWACJI - WYJAZD SZKOLENIOWY W RAMACH PROGRAMU ERASMUS

Author(s): Agata Muc,Bogumiła Warząchowska / Language(s): Polish Issue: 39 (2)/2014

Biblioteka Teologiczna od czasu powołania jej w strukturach Wydziału Teologicznego Uniwersytetu Śląskiego współpracuje ze wszystkimi bibliotekami teologicznymi w Polsce i z wieloma bibliotekami uczelni teologicznych w Europie. Szczególną uwagę zwraca owocna kooperacja z najbliższymi sąsiadami, do których należą biblioteki uczelni słowackich. Głównym celem wzajemnych kontaktów jest wymiana międzybiblioteczna bieżącej produkcji wydawniczej, a także uzupełnianie księgozbioru o brakujące tytuły i tomy.

BIBLIOTERAPIA W BIBLIOTEKACH KOŚCIELNYCH – NIEPRAKTYKOWANA, ALE POTRZEBNA I ATRAKCYJNA FORMA ZAJĘĆ Z CZYTELNIKIEM

Author(s): Małgorzata Chudy / Language(s): Polish Issue: 38 (1)/2014

Bibliotherapy is a branch of knowledge of an interdisciplinary nature. It is a therapeutic method using selected literature which has healing values. It consists in the relationship between a bibliotherapist and a patient, adapted to the recipient’s perceptive abilities and interests. A bibliotherapist should have certain qualities. Th e core of his work is a proper selection of the text. Bibliotherapy affects the recipient in a gentle, hidden and unconscious manner. Religious literature – the sacred helps a confused man to rediscover the meaning of life and gather new spiritual strength. The working tool of bibliotherapy is a well-designed lesson programme. It consists of a number of activities, among which a text plays a leading role. Bibliotherapy is an interesting and effective method. Theological libraries would benefit by applying it during lessons for readers. Using the competence of librarians – theologians and educators one can support those in need of help in a simple and effective way.

TRADYCJE KULTUROWE BYTOMIA I UDZIAŁ KOŚCIOŁA LOKALNEGO W ICH KSZTAŁTOWANIU

Author(s): Stanisław Korfanty / Language(s): Polish Issue: 37 (2)/2013

Bytom to miasto, którego historia sięga średniowiecza. Przez kolejne stulecia ulegało ono wpływom różnych kultur. Wiąże się to z zawiłymi losami miasta, które zostało założone w granicach państwa polskiego, a od XIII wieku wielokrotnie zmieniało swoich właścicieli, trafi ając kolejno pod panowanie króla czeskiego, Habsburgów, Prus, Rzeszy niemieckiej. Po II wojnie światowej ponownie zostało włączone do państwa polskiego. Jednak przez kolejnych sześć wieków nie zatarła się polskość znacznej części mieszkańców miasta. Niewątpliwie wynika to z głęboko zakorzenionej tożsamości narodowej Polaków, której wyrazem były działania zmierzające do utrwalenia i zachowania oraz przekazania kolejnym pokoleniom kultury polskiej, a zwłaszcza ojczystej mowy, która stanowi podstawowy czynnik identyfi kujący naród. Niewątpliwie nieocenioną rolę w zachowaniu kultury słowa pełni pismo. Bytom jako miasto pogranicza pełnił szczególne zadanie obrony polskiej kultury i tożsamości przed wpływami kultury innych narodów.

ANKIETA BETH (BIBLIOTHÈQUES EUROPÉENNES DE THÉOLOGIE) WŚRÓD BIBLIOTEK FEDERACJI FIDES

Author(s): Jerzy Witczak / Language(s): Polish Issue: 32-33/2011

Stowarzyszenie BETH – Bibliothèques Européennes de Théologie, do którego należy Federacja FIDES, na swoim 38. Wa lnym Zgromadzeniu w Pradze, 19-23 września 2009, postanowiło przeprowadzić ankietę wśród wszystkich swoich członków, tzn. wśród bibliotek, wchodzących w skład poszczególnych organizacji członkowskich. Ankieta miała na celu zgromadzenie informacji na temat stanu europejskich bibliotek teologicznych i kościelnych, a w szczególności ustalenie danych liczbowych, charakteryzujących wielkość i jakość zbiorów.

Wpływ opinii biegłych badających domniemany cud na podjęcie decyzji biskupa diecezjalnego o wszczęciu postępowania kanonizacyjnego

Author(s): Tomasz Karpeta / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2017

Every beatification, especially every canonization inevitably entails the absoluteness of the papal primacy, mainly his infallibility. From the early years of the Church, there has been a strong correlation between recognizing the holiness of candidates’ life and recognizing the signs of God performed after the candidates’ death. And so it is up to this day. A miracle, consequently, being the evidence in the canonization law, is also the subject of proving. Therefore,before any miracle is announced, it is necessary to first prove it, in order to obtain an absolute moral certainty about the authenticity of the particular phenomena, which is alleged to exceed the laws of nature. This is why the expert witnesses are appointed, to analyze an alleged miracle in solely human terms and give the final opinion about its authenticity. Such proving begins on premises of the diocese, where the miracle was alleged, and then the investigation proceeds to the Congregation premises, where further consultations are being held.

Męka Chrystusa w śpiewach Wielkiego Piątku

Author(s): Grzegorz Karwowski / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2017

The article discusses an important matter of singing traditional Polish Len-ten songs in the contemporary liturgical celebrations. The author raises the problem of continuous topicality of these old Polish melodies and simultaneously presents their today’s value. The whole teaching of the Church and the dogmas are focused in all these liturgical chants and hymns. The author would like to protect all these pearls of sacred music from falling into the oblivion. In the presented article the attention is focused on the fact that the typical Polish traditions such as: devotion of Lenten Lamentations, the chants which are sung during the Stations of the Cross and the Cross adoration should be cultivated.Their great popularity and the unique atmosphere they create is achieved by the artistic value of the songs and their undoubted prayer charm.

JĘZYK SŁÓW KLUCZOWYCH CZY JĘZYK DESKRYPTOROWY? OPRACOWANIE RZECZOWE NA PRZYKŁADZIE „BIBLIOGRAFII TEOLOGII MORALNEJ I ETYKI”

Author(s): Dorota SZUMILAS / Language(s): Polish Issue: 26-27/2008

Twórcą Bibliografii teologii moralnej i etyki jest ks. prof. Stanisław Warzeszak, wykładowca Papieskiego Wydziału Teologicznego w Warszawie i Uniwersytetu Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego. Pracę nad bibliografią ksiądz profesor rozpoczął w 1993 r. w programie MAK. Z założenia bibliografia była tworzona jako baza danych i tylko w takiej wersji pozostała. Obecnie posadowiona jest na serwerze Biblioteki UKSW (http://www.biblioteka.uksw.edu.pl/), stanowiąc element jej systemu informacyjnego online2 i zawiera ponad 0 tys. rekordów.

Kreacja Boga i jego wyznawcy w poezji Zygmunta Marka Piechockiego z tomu Moje herezje

Author(s): Katarzyna Krysińska / Language(s): Polish Issue: 4/2016

The subject of the article is the creation of God and His follower and the relationship between man and his Saviour emerging from the poems of Lubusz author Sigmunt Marek Piechocki. The subject of the research is the 2006 volume, entitled My heresies. The texts are the a dialogue with the convention of such speaking of God, in which searching for Him is brought to the forefront.What seems particularly important is the author’s personal experience of redemptive events. Or rather – experiencing, because it is a process, and the faith penetrating lines does not come automatically. The lyrical I seems to be a wanderer, who is still on the road, a student going to the Emmaus in the company of God, an apostle. What is the role of the question in this pilgrimage? How can we understand the title of the volume? In this article I will try to consider these and similar issues.

Dzień Pański jako determinanta przepowiadania homilijnego

Author(s): Edward Wiszowaty / Language(s): Polish Issue: 4/2016

For many priests the requirement of preaching a homily it remains a challenge. This happens for many reasons. Older priests – trained on the traditional schema of preaching – believe that the most important thing is to teach the truths of faith and morals, the younger ones – often do not understand the essence of the homily. For them it is also hard to break habits and clichés. In the light of the teaching of Vatican Council II the homily is an integral part of the liturgy, and thus, by its very nature, is subject to the dynamics and character of the Lordʼs day – Sunday – when it first of all should be preached. Therefore,the submitted paper an attempt was taken up to make the paschal, community friendly, joyful and eschatological dimension of the homily closer to readers.These are also important signs of the weekly memorial of the Lord. Taking into account the paschal dimension in the homily will allow the participants the Mass to recognize that they really take part in the mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ, leading the faithful to participate more fully in the Eucharist. This in turn enables them to true brotherhood among themselves,that is why the homily should also be an encouragement, especially for small communities (families) to live the day together. Homilies preach the good news of salvation, which takes place today, hence its joyful character. Every Sunday is also the time of joyful expectation of the coming of the Lord, so the homily must focus the minds of the gathered to the mystery of His second coming.

Opus Aid “Ad gentes” in service of the missions

Author(s): Zbigniew Sobolewski / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2016

The Opus Aid „Ad Gentes” is an organisation which made its impact on the Polish missionary society. Numerous initiatives for the missions made it recognisable and trustworthy for the faithful who supports the missions by its means. The Opus, being a branch of the Commission of the Polish Episcopate for Missions, collaborates willingly with another organisations, associations,foundations and church movements which bring material and spiritual help for missions. The Opus is an important partner for the missionaries in their evangelization, charitable, educational and medical service.

Domus ecclesiae – chrześcijańskie miejsce kultu

Author(s): Dariusz Zalewski / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2015

The religious experience of the ancient people was inseparably connected with a sacred space. Ancient religions were primarily religions of worship; however, the center of worship were altars and temples, it means the deity houses, in which the man met with gods. The first Christian communities met at the homes of their members. At the turn of the second and the third century,some houses were transferred to permanent Church’s disposal. These houses,called domus ecclesiae, were already formed as separate, special places, dedicated to Christian prayer meetings. They did not differ in their outside appearance from other houses; however, the interior was adapted to the needs of worship. Due to the existing for the first three centuries prohibition of the Christian religion throughout the Roman Empire, church houses were destroyed by the authorities. The oldest domus ecclesiae, which was preserved in a good condition by chance, is a Christian home in Dura Europos. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the oldest outdoor example of an early Christian architecture with the partially preserved paintings.