Boldișor Adrian
Universitatea din Craiova, Facultatea de Teologie Ortodoxa, Faculty Member
The interreligious dialogue has a very important place in all the meeting agendas from all over the world, regardless the topic addressed. Having a concrete dynamic, this kind of theological problematic follows the general spiritual... more
The interreligious dialogue has a very important place in all the meeting agendas from all over the world, regardless the topic addressed. Having a concrete dynamic, this kind of theological problematic follows the general spiritual movement of communities and their unresolved necessities. Although the interreligious dialogue has an old history, it developed today on the basis of actual issues of violence and disagreements between peoples. Therefore, because religion has an essential place in the life of human communities from all over the world, the dialogue with people of other faiths and ideologies must be necessarily promoted. In this context, the Orthodox Church representatives participated at many meetings in the purpose to promote and sustain the interreligious dialogue, bringing in actuality their bi-millenaries theological experience, based on the Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. From the orthodox point of view, the liberty is the greatest gift which God has given to man and also a free world cannot exist without love between people. This love has its fundament and purpose in the Holy Trinity.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Baptism has been a focus of significant discussion in the ecumenical movement, as the different churches seek a common understanding of Baptism, with the goal of mutual recognition. The Orthodox Church has been involved in these... more
Baptism has been a focus of significant discussion in the ecumenical movement, as the different churches seek a common understanding of Baptism, with the goal of mutual recognition. The Orthodox Church has been involved in these conversations from the beginning. The present article is an attempt to trace the participation of the Orthodox representatives in these dialogues on Baptism, both at the level of the World Council of Churches and in bilateral dialogues. It explains the Orthodox understanding of Baptism as a Sacrament, how this understanding is reflected (or not) in ecumenical agreements on Baptism. It will also review official Orthodox responses to some of these agreements. The author attempts to demonstrate that the Orthodox Church’s contributions to these sometimes-difficult dialogues have shown a commitment to seeking a common understanding of Baptism. Finally, this paper will examine the present state of ecumenical dialogue on Baptism, and evaluate its prospects for the ...
Research Interests:
Mircea Eliade"s ideas developed in the scientific and literary works had considerable influence over the past century, both among historians of religions, imposing the discipline that he promoted in many prestigious universities from... more
Mircea Eliade"s ideas developed in the scientific and literary works had considerable influence over the past century, both among historians of religions, imposing the discipline that he promoted in many prestigious universities from America and from around the world, and among other researchers in related fields of the history of religions. The question today is about what is left of Eliade"s work after a careful analysis according to the grids of thought of our century. The question that has not yet found a definitive answer is of special interest, because the themes dealt by the Romanian scientist are universal and permanent. Among them, the problem of the timeliness of myth occupies the essential rank closely related with all the concepts developed by Eliade in his works. In this sense, the relationship between the man of archaic societies, often called homo religious, and the Christian man is also defined by how the myth is perceived by the two of them. Through its exact understanding human religiosity from forever and everywhere can always be redefined.
Research Interests:
Coincidenţa contrariilor reprezintă un punct esenţial în gândirea umanităţii, echivalând, în cele din urmă, cu dorinţa omului de a aduna într-un tot unitar pe cele ce se opun în univers. Această preocupare a stat la baza scrierilor unor... more
Coincidenţa contrariilor reprezintă un punct esenţial în gândirea umanităţii, echivalând, în cele din urmă, cu dorinţa omului de a aduna într-un tot unitar pe cele ce se opun în univers. Această preocupare a stat la baza scrierilor unor gânditori importanţi, între care se numără Sfântul Dionisie Areopagitul, Meister Eckhart, Nicolaus Cusanus sau Mircea Eliade. Deşi au scris în perioade de timp diferite şi au aparţinut unor tradiţii diferite, operele lor stau mărturie faptului că motivul coincidentia oppositorum a fost şi continuă să fie o constantă în viaţa omului în dorinţa acestuia de a atinge Absolutul.
Research Interests:
În lucrarea noastră despre însemnările lui Mircea Eliade cu privire la Sfântul Grigorie Palama şi la isihasm am încercat să propunem o altfel de abordare a învăţăturii ortodoxe, aşa cum a fost ea formulată în secolul al paisprezecelea.... more
În lucrarea noastră despre însemnările lui Mircea Eliade
cu privire la Sfântul Grigorie Palama şi la isihasm am încercat să
propunem o altfel de abordare a învăţăturii ortodoxe, aşa cum a
fost ea formulată în secolul al paisprezecelea. Dacă abordarea
teologică este cea care scoate la iveală frumuseţea învăţăturii
ortodoxe, ideile Sfântului Grigorie Palama fiind o continuare a
tradiţiei creştine din primele secole, încercarea de a compara
aceste învăţături, ca şi a tradiţiei isihaste, cu alte învăţături şi
tradiţii, este un subiect spre care se îndreaptă tot mai mulţi
cercetători. Mircea Eliade, dincolo de formarea sa în spaţiul
creştinismului ortodox, aşa cum remarcă din ce în ce mai mulţi
cercetători ai operei sale, este un istoric al religiilor a cărui
abordare este atât nouă, cât şi continuatoarea vechii cercetări
fenomenologice. Mai mult decât atât, chiar dacă sunt destule
voci care contestă acest lucru, Mircea Eliade rămâne unul dintre
cei mai mari istorici ai religiilor din toate timpurile.
În analiza operelor la care ne-am oprit în studiul nostru,
Eliade scoate în evidenţă asemănările, dar mai ales deosebirile
ce există între învăţătura isihastă şi anumite practici specifice
altor tradiţii religioase. Astfel sunt însemnările despre Yoga, în
care savantul, analizând practicile indiene, le compară cu cele
din isihasm, subliniind diferenţele aşa cum se desprind din
studiul celor două tradiţii. O părere asemănătoare se desprinde şi
din analiza luminii mistice, prezentă în majoritatea religiilor
lumii. Eliade evidenţiază asemănările, dar şi deosebirile cu
privire la felul în care lumina mistică este percepută în
creştinism şi în alte tradiţii. Studiul istoric asupra isihasmului şi
a personalităţii Sfântului Grigorie Palama, prezent în Istoria
credinţelor şi ideilor religioase, se îmbină cu studiul
fenomenologic din celelalte surse.
În ceea ce priveşte operele publicate după dispariţia savantului de origine română, Enciclopedia religiilor şi
Dictionarul religiilor, se pot observa atât continuităţi cât şi
discontinuităţi. Dicţionarul cuprinde, în mare parte, gândirea lui
Culianu şi mai puţin pe cea a maestrului său, deşi urme ale
acesteia sunt încă evidente. În Enciclopedie, capitolele despre
Sfântul Grigorie Palama şi isihasm sunt semnate de cercetători
ale căror opere au fost folosite de Eliade în scrierile precedente,
subliniind astfel legăturile cu preocupările savantului în acest
domeniu.
Dincolo de concluziile studiului, trebuie să spunem că
această cercetare este importantă şi dintr-un alt punct de vedere:
în disciplina Istoria religiilor, a compara mai multe religii sau
părţi din tradiţiile religioase ale lumii rămâne o metodă
esenţială, evidenţiind importanţa creştinismului în lumea
contemporană.
cu privire la Sfântul Grigorie Palama şi la isihasm am încercat să
propunem o altfel de abordare a învăţăturii ortodoxe, aşa cum a
fost ea formulată în secolul al paisprezecelea. Dacă abordarea
teologică este cea care scoate la iveală frumuseţea învăţăturii
ortodoxe, ideile Sfântului Grigorie Palama fiind o continuare a
tradiţiei creştine din primele secole, încercarea de a compara
aceste învăţături, ca şi a tradiţiei isihaste, cu alte învăţături şi
tradiţii, este un subiect spre care se îndreaptă tot mai mulţi
cercetători. Mircea Eliade, dincolo de formarea sa în spaţiul
creştinismului ortodox, aşa cum remarcă din ce în ce mai mulţi
cercetători ai operei sale, este un istoric al religiilor a cărui
abordare este atât nouă, cât şi continuatoarea vechii cercetări
fenomenologice. Mai mult decât atât, chiar dacă sunt destule
voci care contestă acest lucru, Mircea Eliade rămâne unul dintre
cei mai mari istorici ai religiilor din toate timpurile.
În analiza operelor la care ne-am oprit în studiul nostru,
Eliade scoate în evidenţă asemănările, dar mai ales deosebirile
ce există între învăţătura isihastă şi anumite practici specifice
altor tradiţii religioase. Astfel sunt însemnările despre Yoga, în
care savantul, analizând practicile indiene, le compară cu cele
din isihasm, subliniind diferenţele aşa cum se desprind din
studiul celor două tradiţii. O părere asemănătoare se desprinde şi
din analiza luminii mistice, prezentă în majoritatea religiilor
lumii. Eliade evidenţiază asemănările, dar şi deosebirile cu
privire la felul în care lumina mistică este percepută în
creştinism şi în alte tradiţii. Studiul istoric asupra isihasmului şi
a personalităţii Sfântului Grigorie Palama, prezent în Istoria
credinţelor şi ideilor religioase, se îmbină cu studiul
fenomenologic din celelalte surse.
În ceea ce priveşte operele publicate după dispariţia savantului de origine română, Enciclopedia religiilor şi
Dictionarul religiilor, se pot observa atât continuităţi cât şi
discontinuităţi. Dicţionarul cuprinde, în mare parte, gândirea lui
Culianu şi mai puţin pe cea a maestrului său, deşi urme ale
acesteia sunt încă evidente. În Enciclopedie, capitolele despre
Sfântul Grigorie Palama şi isihasm sunt semnate de cercetători
ale căror opere au fost folosite de Eliade în scrierile precedente,
subliniind astfel legăturile cu preocupările savantului în acest
domeniu.
Dincolo de concluziile studiului, trebuie să spunem că
această cercetare este importantă şi dintr-un alt punct de vedere:
în disciplina Istoria religiilor, a compara mai multe religii sau
părţi din tradiţiile religioase ale lumii rămâne o metodă
esenţială, evidenţiind importanţa creştinismului în lumea
contemporană.
Research Interests:
The monumental Encyclopedia of Religion (16 volumes), whose editor-in-chief was Mircea Eliade and which appeared in 1987, did not enjoy a welcome as expected, criticisms soon coming from researchers in several scientific fields. These... more
The monumental Encyclopedia of Religion (16 volumes), whose editor-in-chief was Mircea Eliade and which appeared in 1987, did not enjoy a
welcome as expected, criticisms soon coming from researchers in several
scientific fields. These criticisms related to the method used and the deep
imprint that Eliade had on the work. The opinions echoed earlier criticisms
of Eliade and his research method with reference to the field of History of
Religions. If in the middle of the last century Eliade was considered one of
the greatest historians of religions, with the passage of time his authority in
the field decreased. The same can be seen in the influence that the Eliadian
work had, including the Encyclopedia of Religion.
welcome as expected, criticisms soon coming from researchers in several
scientific fields. These criticisms related to the method used and the deep
imprint that Eliade had on the work. The opinions echoed earlier criticisms
of Eliade and his research method with reference to the field of History of
Religions. If in the middle of the last century Eliade was considered one of
the greatest historians of religions, with the passage of time his authority in
the field decreased. The same can be seen in the influence that the Eliadian
work had, including the Encyclopedia of Religion.
Research Interests:
With a length of over 60 years (first issue appeared in 1950), the magazine ,,Mitropolia Olteniei” had an important contribution to the study of history and philosophy of religions. In this review have been approached numerous issues of... more
With a length of over 60 years (first issue appeared in 1950), the magazine
,,Mitropolia Olteniei” had an important contribution to the study of history
and philosophy of religions. In this review have been approached numerous
issues of dogmatic theology, moral, religious and history and philosophy of
religions. This study approached topics ranging from religions of Dacians
and neighboring peoples to the important topics as inter-religious dialogue
for modern society. If publications are spread over period of 60 years, one
can deduce easily that in a relatively short period, this article will return
among these studies with names and their articles who will continue to bring
their contribution to the history and philosophy of religion.
,,Mitropolia Olteniei” had an important contribution to the study of history
and philosophy of religions. In this review have been approached numerous
issues of dogmatic theology, moral, religious and history and philosophy of
religions. This study approached topics ranging from religions of Dacians
and neighboring peoples to the important topics as inter-religious dialogue
for modern society. If publications are spread over period of 60 years, one
can deduce easily that in a relatively short period, this article will return
among these studies with names and their articles who will continue to bring
their contribution to the history and philosophy of religion.
Research Interests:
The master-disciple relationship has raised upovertime a great interest among researchers who were bent both on areas of secular life and those inreligious life. A brief lookinto the history and philosophy of religion reveals that masters... more
The master-disciple relationship has raised upovertime a great interest
among researchers who were bent both on areas of secular life and those
inreligious life. A brief lookinto the history and philosophy of religion
reveals that masters and disciples were present ineach cultural and religious
area. The relationship that has been established between them has depended
on thenatureof the religion inthe midst of whichwas manifested. The fact
that the same relationship is also found inthesecular society should not be
overlooked, where one can seeall its forms, from the totalattachment of the
discipletowards the master,tothe radical contesting of the master and the
permanent parting from him.
The lines above are only an introduction to the phenomenological
study of the master-disciple relationship as manifested over time. The
cultural and religious are as where we can see this relationships how that the paideic modelis one of the most spread and popular images in the human
history. But the modern, contemporary times seem to departand forget the
importance of the master in people's lives. However, in the religious world
the master-disciple relationship cannot disappear, because it is a part of the
very constitution and manifestations of homo religiosus who is present in all
the religions of the world.
among researchers who were bent both on areas of secular life and those
inreligious life. A brief lookinto the history and philosophy of religion
reveals that masters and disciples were present ineach cultural and religious
area. The relationship that has been established between them has depended
on thenatureof the religion inthe midst of whichwas manifested. The fact
that the same relationship is also found inthesecular society should not be
overlooked, where one can seeall its forms, from the totalattachment of the
discipletowards the master,tothe radical contesting of the master and the
permanent parting from him.
The lines above are only an introduction to the phenomenological
study of the master-disciple relationship as manifested over time. The
cultural and religious are as where we can see this relationships how that the paideic modelis one of the most spread and popular images in the human
history. But the modern, contemporary times seem to departand forget the
importance of the master in people's lives. However, in the religious world
the master-disciple relationship cannot disappear, because it is a part of the
very constitution and manifestations of homo religiosus who is present in all
the religions of the world.
Research Interests:
According to our understanding, when we discuss about the religious life in Romania, one must take into account, first of all, the characteristics of this people, its culture and traditions that are over two millennia old. The... more
According to our understanding, when we discuss about the religious life in
Romania, one must take into account, first of all, the characteristics of this
people, its culture and traditions that are over two millennia old. The
similarities and differences with the organization and functioning of other
religious systems in Europe and around the world cannot and must not
exclude the defining elements of a people that has asserted its origins and
defended its spiritual integrity over the centuries. In our country there is a
close connection between the history, culture, spirituality and education of
this people of Latin origin and mostly of Orthodox faith. Starting from these
realities, the Romanian Orthodox Church had an important role in
preserving the values and national identity in the face of the frequent
stepsons of history. Regarding interreligious education in Romania, it is
done in public schools, with the discipline of Religion, where, especially in
high school, there are classes in the History of Religions in which one learns
about religious traditions around the world and how to to interact with
people belonging to other denominations, religions and ideologies. The
phenomenon of migration increases in our country from one year to another
producing important changes in terms of economic, cultural, social and
religious realities. Taking into account all these realities, the state must
promote policies that protect migrant populations and defend human rights
for these communities. At the same time, they must be actively involved in
protecting families where one or more members are working abroad and in
the process of educating children who remain in the care of relatives.
Romania, one must take into account, first of all, the characteristics of this
people, its culture and traditions that are over two millennia old. The
similarities and differences with the organization and functioning of other
religious systems in Europe and around the world cannot and must not
exclude the defining elements of a people that has asserted its origins and
defended its spiritual integrity over the centuries. In our country there is a
close connection between the history, culture, spirituality and education of
this people of Latin origin and mostly of Orthodox faith. Starting from these
realities, the Romanian Orthodox Church had an important role in
preserving the values and national identity in the face of the frequent
stepsons of history. Regarding interreligious education in Romania, it is
done in public schools, with the discipline of Religion, where, especially in
high school, there are classes in the History of Religions in which one learns
about religious traditions around the world and how to to interact with
people belonging to other denominations, religions and ideologies. The
phenomenon of migration increases in our country from one year to another
producing important changes in terms of economic, cultural, social and
religious realities. Taking into account all these realities, the state must
promote policies that protect migrant populations and defend human rights
for these communities. At the same time, they must be actively involved in
protecting families where one or more members are working abroad and in
the process of educating children who remain in the care of relatives.
Research Interests:
The interreligious dialogue is not a new theme in the history of Christianity, the possibility of its realization being analyzed from the early centuries. Nowadays, the way that other religions are viewed has changed essentially, the... more
The interreligious dialogue is not a new theme in the history of Christianity,
the possibility of its realization being analyzed from the early centuries.
Nowadays, the way that other religions are viewed has changed essentially,
the religious, political, economic and social realities, being completely
different than in the beginning. However, a correct handling of interreligious
dialogue cannot disregard the past, more than that, the ideas from the works
of the Holy Fathers, church writers, theologians and old thinkers remain
valid and are used as themes in the current discussions of the interreligious
dialog. Among them, an important place takes Cantemir, the Prince of
Moldavia, who lived for a long time in Constantinople. His works, which
deals with the history of the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic doctrine, have
their basis in the personal experience and in the depth knowledge of the
main Islamic sources that helped him to give to posterity the representative
works for the knowledge of the Muslim religion and relations between
Christianity and Islam during the development and decay of the Ottoman
Empire.
The way he presents the relation between Christianity and Islam,
approaches him to the other Christian writers of his time which are
addressing the same topic, highlighting the sadness of an era in which the
great Christian empire fell under Ottoman rule and also the hopes of the
Orthodox worldwide Christians to release the Christianity, having central
the idea of approaching the apocalyptic time when Christianity will triumph.
the possibility of its realization being analyzed from the early centuries.
Nowadays, the way that other religions are viewed has changed essentially,
the religious, political, economic and social realities, being completely
different than in the beginning. However, a correct handling of interreligious
dialogue cannot disregard the past, more than that, the ideas from the works
of the Holy Fathers, church writers, theologians and old thinkers remain
valid and are used as themes in the current discussions of the interreligious
dialog. Among them, an important place takes Cantemir, the Prince of
Moldavia, who lived for a long time in Constantinople. His works, which
deals with the history of the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic doctrine, have
their basis in the personal experience and in the depth knowledge of the
main Islamic sources that helped him to give to posterity the representative
works for the knowledge of the Muslim religion and relations between
Christianity and Islam during the development and decay of the Ottoman
Empire.
The way he presents the relation between Christianity and Islam,
approaches him to the other Christian writers of his time which are
addressing the same topic, highlighting the sadness of an era in which the
great Christian empire fell under Ottoman rule and also the hopes of the
Orthodox worldwide Christians to release the Christianity, having central
the idea of approaching the apocalyptic time when Christianity will triumph.
Research Interests:
Besides dialogue with the Jews, Christians were most involved in the dialogue with Muslims. This dialogue was accentuated and became visible especially in modern and contemporary times, with the increase in violence, which had often... more
Besides dialogue with the Jews, Christians were most involved in the
dialogue with Muslims. This dialogue was accentuated and became visible
especially in modern and contemporary times, with the increase in violence,
which had often religious justifications on the part of those involved. The
dialogue between Christians and Muslims took a new direction after the
attacks of September 11, 2001, in New York and after those that followed in
Europe and all over the world. It was discussed in those days and immediately
after about the validation of the well know theory of clashes of civilizations,
formulated by Samuel Huntington, in his book written in 1996. Starting from
these events, within the dialogue between representatives of Christianity and
of Islam, there were many other intensive moments that had to be resolved
through a profound theological analysis and with understanding and respect
from the followers of the two monotheistic religions.
dialogue with Muslims. This dialogue was accentuated and became visible
especially in modern and contemporary times, with the increase in violence,
which had often religious justifications on the part of those involved. The
dialogue between Christians and Muslims took a new direction after the
attacks of September 11, 2001, in New York and after those that followed in
Europe and all over the world. It was discussed in those days and immediately
after about the validation of the well know theory of clashes of civilizations,
formulated by Samuel Huntington, in his book written in 1996. Starting from
these events, within the dialogue between representatives of Christianity and
of Islam, there were many other intensive moments that had to be resolved
through a profound theological analysis and with understanding and respect
from the followers of the two monotheistic religions.
Research Interests:
The Syncretism, specific of old and new religious currents, is a phenomenon closely linked to millenarian movements and the emergence of so-called prophets that say that transmit divine messages being dependent at the same time, important... more
The Syncretism, specific of old and new religious currents, is a phenomenon
closely linked to millenarian movements and the emergence of so-called
prophets that say that transmit divine messages being dependent at the same
time, important social changes, economic political and, not least, religious.
In the history of religions, syncretism is determined by several factors,
among which are the changes in social, political, economic, and new
philosophical and religious synthesis, the term acquiring a cosmopolitan
sense. Syncretism occurs when two or more social groups with different
religions, contact, assimilating their members and various other religious
characteristics specific groups and, for the most part, are foreign to their
own beliefs. Religious syncretism has grown particularly intense during the
first four centuries of the Christian era, but its traces can envision more or
less pronounced in all religious history of humanity, with respect to the
merger of two or more deities or acceptance of new forms and often
contradictory in different parts of religious worship of pagan deities
specifically different.
closely linked to millenarian movements and the emergence of so-called
prophets that say that transmit divine messages being dependent at the same
time, important social changes, economic political and, not least, religious.
In the history of religions, syncretism is determined by several factors,
among which are the changes in social, political, economic, and new
philosophical and religious synthesis, the term acquiring a cosmopolitan
sense. Syncretism occurs when two or more social groups with different
religions, contact, assimilating their members and various other religious
characteristics specific groups and, for the most part, are foreign to their
own beliefs. Religious syncretism has grown particularly intense during the
first four centuries of the Christian era, but its traces can envision more or
less pronounced in all religious history of humanity, with respect to the
merger of two or more deities or acceptance of new forms and often
contradictory in different parts of religious worship of pagan deities
specifically different.
Research Interests:
The current phenomenon of migration is a consequence of contemporary globalization, having a major impact on interreligious dialogue. In the beginning of our article, we give a short introduction regarding the most major migrations in the... more
The current phenomenon of migration is a consequence of contemporary
globalization, having a major impact on interreligious dialogue. In the
beginning of our article, we give a short introduction regarding the most
major migrations in the Christian history. We can say today there is no
nation on earth that has not experienced migration. Within the Orthodox
world, we speak about migration using the word diaspora, those who are
outside the national territory of the Church. In connection with the
phenomenon of migration and the attitude that Orthodox Christians must
have in this regard, the Holy and Great Synod of Crete was also expressed
in 2016. In the same time, the phenomenon of migration grows in Romania
from one year to the next, producing important changes regarding the
economic, cultural, social and religious realities. We will explain in short
what was the reaction of the Romanian Orthodox Church to these new
situations.
globalization, having a major impact on interreligious dialogue. In the
beginning of our article, we give a short introduction regarding the most
major migrations in the Christian history. We can say today there is no
nation on earth that has not experienced migration. Within the Orthodox
world, we speak about migration using the word diaspora, those who are
outside the national territory of the Church. In connection with the
phenomenon of migration and the attitude that Orthodox Christians must
have in this regard, the Holy and Great Synod of Crete was also expressed
in 2016. In the same time, the phenomenon of migration grows in Romania
from one year to the next, producing important changes regarding the
economic, cultural, social and religious realities. We will explain in short
what was the reaction of the Romanian Orthodox Church to these new
situations.
Research Interests:
The discussions about the relationship between the gospel and culture did not emerge from the experience of the Orthodox Christians, but have their starting point in Western Christian culture, as did the controversy over the relationship... more
The discussions about the relationship between the gospel and culture did not emerge from the experience of the Orthodox Christians, but have their starting point in Western Christian culture, as did the controversy over the relationship between grace and nature or between Scripture and Tradition. The issues on the relationship between the Gospel and culture is, in the end, a fruit of the Western missionary movement in territories such as Africa, Asia or Latin America. In their approach, the missionaries considered their religion and culture to be superior to other religions and cultures, thus mistaking Christianity with various forms of the Western culture. Not few were the times when this has led to rejection actions of the Christian faith by those among whom the Good News was preached, as a result of the fact that it was assimilated with a foreign culture by its own tradition. 2 Orthodox Churches, not having missionary actions like the Western ones, had no dilemma of the relationship between the Gospel and culture. The only issue, however, that raises questions and quite hot debates, is around the diaspora, a kind of reality present in most Orthodox countries. Another issue is that many of the Orthodox Churches are assimilated to a certain type of traditional culture in the midst of which they emerged and developed. Thus, topics related to "ethnocentrism" and "nationalism" were debated. During these discussions, culture has become a kind of "mother" that comprises and protects all elements of peopleʼs lives. The issue of encountering a "global or globalizing culture" that wants to become universal is also something that Orthodox Churches have to face, although its traces show it as having local roots. Globalizing culture is more about political and economic power than about true cultural realities. 3 Gospel and culture should not be perceived as static realities. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a simple text, but it is the life of the
Research Interests:
In this academic article, we articulate the relation between hermeneutics as a method and History of Religion as a study filed. In introduction, the word hermeneutics is explained both from an etymological point of view and from a... more
In this academic article, we articulate the relation between hermeneutics as a
method and History of Religion as a study filed. In introduction, the word
hermeneutics is explained both from an etymological point of view and
from a mythological one. Throughout history, theologians and historians
used this concept in their research. In special, the author Mircea Eliade, as
an historian, used in his studies about religion the method of hermeneutics.
We present in a creative way the most important critics on this system of
analysis and complete with an open conclusion about using or not
hermeneutics as a method in the study of religion history.
method and History of Religion as a study filed. In introduction, the word
hermeneutics is explained both from an etymological point of view and
from a mythological one. Throughout history, theologians and historians
used this concept in their research. In special, the author Mircea Eliade, as
an historian, used in his studies about religion the method of hermeneutics.
We present in a creative way the most important critics on this system of
analysis and complete with an open conclusion about using or not
hermeneutics as a method in the study of religion history.
Research Interests:
Many pages have been written about the relationship between Mircea Eliade and I.P. Culianu, but the subject is still open for the future. The master-disciple relationship they established during time was often scattered with moments of... more
Many pages have been written about the relationship between
Mircea Eliade and I.P. Culianu, but the subject is still open for the future.
The master-disciple relationship they established during time was often
scattered with moments of tension. Anyway, every time we remember the
name Culianu, it will stand beside his master’s name from Chicago, whose
place he took after the latter’s disappearance.
The way in which Christianity is analysed in their work occupies a
certain place. And thus, because along with a few other situations, their
visions regarding this theme seem contradictory. These pages want to be a
preamble of a work about the Christian values in Mircea Eliade’s thinking,
which we have in progress.
Mircea Eliade and I.P. Culianu, but the subject is still open for the future.
The master-disciple relationship they established during time was often
scattered with moments of tension. Anyway, every time we remember the
name Culianu, it will stand beside his master’s name from Chicago, whose
place he took after the latter’s disappearance.
The way in which Christianity is analysed in their work occupies a
certain place. And thus, because along with a few other situations, their
visions regarding this theme seem contradictory. These pages want to be a
preamble of a work about the Christian values in Mircea Eliade’s thinking,
which we have in progress.
Research Interests:
In 1910, delegates from all over the World met together for ten days in Edinburgh, for the First World Missionary Conference. For many people, these conferences marked the first step of the end of the colonial missionary era. The... more
In 1910, delegates from all over the World met together for ten days in Edinburgh, for the First World Missionary Conference. For many people, these conferences marked the first step of the end of the colonial missionary era. The importance of Edinburgh 1910 must be seen in the following the conference. On the 6th of August 2010, the Committee in charge with organizing the meeting, celebrated a century from the first missionary Conference in Edinburgh and presented the conclusions of these meetings in which it was stressed the necessity of a good understanding between the Christians and the people belonging to other confessions. In the same time, it was pinpointed the opportunity of spreading the message of Jesus in the entire world, focusing on love commandment as we can see from the pages of the Holly Book.
Research Interests:
The analysis performed in connection with religious education in Romania has pointed out that after fatal atheist communist period in which religious denominations were excluded from social life and religious education was restricted and... more
The analysis performed in connection with religious
education in Romania has pointed out that after fatal atheist
communist period in which religious denominations were
excluded from social life and religious education was restricted
and then completely excluded from public education in most
cases being only present in families who passed it on ancestral
beliefs, in our time, with the establishment of democratic regime
in Romania, religion has regained the place it deserves in
society. In the last 25 years were made considerable efforts to
correct the mistakes of the past and at the same time, attempt to
respect religious freedom, as they are present throughout
Europe, without abandoning the Romanian national values.
Religious education has come to be again part of the
educational structures, being introduced in the public schools,
although currently there are voices that want to exclude it from
the everyday life of people. This is just another atheist challenge
that Romanian society should respond promptly and seriously,
showing that Romanian national values have been built on
traditional religious values. With these values the Romanian
people appears before Europe, trying to meet the challenges of
any kind in the world today.
education in Romania has pointed out that after fatal atheist
communist period in which religious denominations were
excluded from social life and religious education was restricted
and then completely excluded from public education in most
cases being only present in families who passed it on ancestral
beliefs, in our time, with the establishment of democratic regime
in Romania, religion has regained the place it deserves in
society. In the last 25 years were made considerable efforts to
correct the mistakes of the past and at the same time, attempt to
respect religious freedom, as they are present throughout
Europe, without abandoning the Romanian national values.
Religious education has come to be again part of the
educational structures, being introduced in the public schools,
although currently there are voices that want to exclude it from
the everyday life of people. This is just another atheist challenge
that Romanian society should respond promptly and seriously,
showing that Romanian national values have been built on
traditional religious values. With these values the Romanian
people appears before Europe, trying to meet the challenges of
any kind in the world today.
Research Interests:
When someone tries to present the spiritual characteristics of a people, his findings will be both appreciated and criticized. It is very difficult to talk about the people among whom you were born and have lived without falling into... more
When someone tries to present the spiritual characteristics of a people, his
findings will be both appreciated and criticized. It is very difficult to talk
about the people among whom you were born and have lived without falling
into overrating or underestimation errors of the role and the place it had and
it played in human history, in general, and that of each individual, in
particular.
From these positions, two of the brand personalities of our people:
Mircea Eliade (world famous scientist, one of the greatest historians of
religions from all times) and Fr Dumitru Stăniloae (the greatest modern
Romanian Orthodox theologian whose work is globally recognized by
representatives of all Christian denominations) wrote about Romanian culture and spirituality and the role they occupy in the history of Europe.
Beyond the differences in thinking between the two, remains the common
place where the theologian and the historian of religion complement each
other: the culture and spirituality of the Romanian people.
findings will be both appreciated and criticized. It is very difficult to talk
about the people among whom you were born and have lived without falling
into overrating or underestimation errors of the role and the place it had and
it played in human history, in general, and that of each individual, in
particular.
From these positions, two of the brand personalities of our people:
Mircea Eliade (world famous scientist, one of the greatest historians of
religions from all times) and Fr Dumitru Stăniloae (the greatest modern
Romanian Orthodox theologian whose work is globally recognized by
representatives of all Christian denominations) wrote about Romanian culture and spirituality and the role they occupy in the history of Europe.
Beyond the differences in thinking between the two, remains the common
place where the theologian and the historian of religion complement each
other: the culture and spirituality of the Romanian people.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This study is an analysis of the relationship between homo religiosus and the Christian man, as it emerges from Mircea Eliade's work. His ideas concerning the dialectics sacred-profane are related to homo religiosus, the man of... more
This study is an analysis of the relationship between homo religiosus and the Christian man, as it emerges from Mircea Eliade's work. His ideas concerning the dialectics sacred-profane are related to homo religiosus, the man of the traditional societies. According to Eliade's vision, one can use the term homo religiosus only within the context of his universe. Many mythical themes are present in the modern world, but it is difficult to identify them, going through the process of desacralization. The " mythical " elements became Christian from the very beginnings and they are still significant for Christianity which characterizes itself by rendering value to history. The issue that Eliade analyses is whether Christianity can develop the sacred horizon of the archaic societies. As a conclusion of this research, one cannot say that there is a separation of homo religious from Christian man. The reader's impression is that the scientist refers to Christianity as having lost the real meaning, as it was discovered in its early beginnings. Although the modern man still keeps the Christian elements, is far from what represented the Christian man from his early centuries. However, there are many common points of homo religiosus with the archaic societies. The critics treat the issue from some perspectives which are different from the ideas of the scientist from Chicago: either as being based on the protestant theology of " God's Death " as the cases of Kenneth Hamilton and J. J. Altizer, either from partial position, the accusations not having a real basis. Dubuisson's case is this way. This work was meant to be a step of an approach that attempts to discover correspondence between the scientist's ideas and Christianity.
Research Interests:
Interreligious dialogue is a constant on the agendas of the meetings of the organizations around the world, either religious or secular structures. Although in the past there were situations where its role and importance were contested... more
Interreligious dialogue is a constant on the agendas of the meetings of the organizations around the world, either religious or secular structures. Although in the
past there were situations where its role and importance were contested bringing
as arguments doctrinal or other reasons, interreligious dialogue is possible because,
in essence, any dialogue involves people, so it is a human act. Man is fulfilled
through dialogue, knowing better both himself and those around him.
In interreligious dialogue, the need and importance of discussions on human
rights are related to the fact that people live in a multi-religious world in which
representatives of different spiritual traditions live together in the same territories.
Anthropological issues are often addressed to solve current issues, having in center
the importance of establishing peace on earth and respecting globally the equality
between people. Hence, they seek practical and concrete solutions to solve social,
economic and even political matters that are troubling the today world more than
ever. Finally, questions about the man and the rights he has are of great interest
nowadays, regardless of religious tradition to which he belongs.
past there were situations where its role and importance were contested bringing
as arguments doctrinal or other reasons, interreligious dialogue is possible because,
in essence, any dialogue involves people, so it is a human act. Man is fulfilled
through dialogue, knowing better both himself and those around him.
In interreligious dialogue, the need and importance of discussions on human
rights are related to the fact that people live in a multi-religious world in which
representatives of different spiritual traditions live together in the same territories.
Anthropological issues are often addressed to solve current issues, having in center
the importance of establishing peace on earth and respecting globally the equality
between people. Hence, they seek practical and concrete solutions to solve social,
economic and even political matters that are troubling the today world more than
ever. Finally, questions about the man and the rights he has are of great interest
nowadays, regardless of religious tradition to which he belongs.
Research Interests:
In a world where increasingly more voices from different geographical areas talk speak about equality between people, religions are called to uphold and preach human dignity and rights of all people, without taking account of race, sex or... more
In a world where increasingly more voices from different geographical areas talk speak about equality between people, religions are called to uphold and preach human dignity and rights of all people, without taking account of race, sex or religion. In the interreligious dialog, the meetings between representatives of Christianity and Islam have multiplied considerably and they deal with themes analyzing preaching and defending human rights at all levels of life. From the preceding discussion it is clear that the human rights issue is quite sensitive, especially after the latest political, economic and social events that have shaken the world in which we live. After the period of time that the proclamation and recognition of global human rights were made as contained in the various international documents, it was passed into a new phase where the followers of different religions should work together for human dignity and human rights.
Research Interests:
Baptism has been a focus of significant discussion in the ecumenical movement, as the different churches seek a common understanding of Baptism, with the goal of mutual recognition. The Orthodox Church has been involved in these... more
Baptism has been a focus of significant discussion in the ecumenical movement, as the different churches seek a common understanding of Baptism, with the goal
of mutual recognition. The Orthodox Church has been involved in these conversations
from the beginning. The present article is an attempt to trace the participation of the Orthodox representatives in these dialogues on Baptism, both at the level of the World Council
of Churches and in bilateral dialogues. It explains the Orthodox understanding of Baptism as
a Sacrament, how this understanding is reflected (or not) in ecumenical agreements on Baptism. It will also review official Orthodox responses to some of these agreements. The author attempts to demonstrate that the Orthodox Church’s contributions to these sometimes-difficult dialogues have shown a commitment to seeking a common understanding of Baptism.
Finally, this paper will examine the present state of ecumenical dialogue on Baptism, and
evaluate its prospects for the future.
of mutual recognition. The Orthodox Church has been involved in these conversations
from the beginning. The present article is an attempt to trace the participation of the Orthodox representatives in these dialogues on Baptism, both at the level of the World Council
of Churches and in bilateral dialogues. It explains the Orthodox understanding of Baptism as
a Sacrament, how this understanding is reflected (or not) in ecumenical agreements on Baptism. It will also review official Orthodox responses to some of these agreements. The author attempts to demonstrate that the Orthodox Church’s contributions to these sometimes-difficult dialogues have shown a commitment to seeking a common understanding of Baptism.
Finally, this paper will examine the present state of ecumenical dialogue on Baptism, and
evaluate its prospects for the future.
Between Mircea Eliade and Rudolf Otto many connections can be made concerning the idea of sacred. Even though, the scientist of Romanian origin perceives the sacred reality differently from the German theologian. If the latter puts an... more
Between Mircea Eliade and Rudolf Otto many
connections can be made concerning the idea of sacred. Even
though, the scientist of Romanian origin perceives the sacred
reality differently from the German theologian. If the latter puts
an emphasis on the irrational side of the divine, the former
argues that the sacred has to be perceived twofold: as irrational
and rational in the same time, the concept of coincidentia
oppositorum best embodying the sacred reality. The sacred’s
materializations are the hierophanies, the history of religion
being nothing else than a sum of hierophanies. Finally, for
Eliade, the ascred is connected to the life of homo religiosus.
connections can be made concerning the idea of sacred. Even
though, the scientist of Romanian origin perceives the sacred
reality differently from the German theologian. If the latter puts
an emphasis on the irrational side of the divine, the former
argues that the sacred has to be perceived twofold: as irrational
and rational in the same time, the concept of coincidentia
oppositorum best embodying the sacred reality. The sacred’s
materializations are the hierophanies, the history of religion
being nothing else than a sum of hierophanies. Finally, for
Eliade, the ascred is connected to the life of homo religiosus.
Research Interests:
Nowadays, in the context of the growing migration of the Muslim population in Europe, caused by the wars in Syria and other areas, the question is increasingly being asked whether there is a danger of „Islamization of Europe” following... more
Nowadays, in the context of the growing migration of the Muslim
population in Europe, caused by the wars in Syria and other areas, the
question is increasingly being asked whether there is a danger of
„Islamization of Europe” following the „clash of civilizations”. The last
formula is not new. It created a real dispute in the past. But the discussions
must also take into account other questions that are currently being asked: is
there still a Christian Europe? Is it possible to speak of an intrinsic conflict
between Christianity and Islam, which erupts at certain periods of time?
In this study we will focus on the topic of „clash of civilizations”,
the impact that this formula had in the world at the end of the twentieth
century and the connotations it has for our times. The topic of research starts
from the realities that no one can dispute, globally emphasizing the
problems that affect people: conflicts in various territories, difficult
economic situations in certain regions of the world, reaching financial crises
and important social changes, in which the majority populations have to live
with minorities that, most of the time, they do not know and do not accept.
population in Europe, caused by the wars in Syria and other areas, the
question is increasingly being asked whether there is a danger of
„Islamization of Europe” following the „clash of civilizations”. The last
formula is not new. It created a real dispute in the past. But the discussions
must also take into account other questions that are currently being asked: is
there still a Christian Europe? Is it possible to speak of an intrinsic conflict
between Christianity and Islam, which erupts at certain periods of time?
In this study we will focus on the topic of „clash of civilizations”,
the impact that this formula had in the world at the end of the twentieth
century and the connotations it has for our times. The topic of research starts
from the realities that no one can dispute, globally emphasizing the
problems that affect people: conflicts in various territories, difficult
economic situations in certain regions of the world, reaching financial crises
and important social changes, in which the majority populations have to live
with minorities that, most of the time, they do not know and do not accept.
Research Interests:
The History of Religious Beliefs and Ideas represents the Eliadian opus magnum, as the Romanian scholar notes in the pages of his Journal. The work, published in three volumes, contains, from a historical perspective, the ideas about... more
The History of Religious Beliefs and Ideas represents the Eliadian opus
magnum, as the Romanian scholar notes in the pages of his Journal. The
work, published in three volumes, contains, from a historical perspective,
the ideas about the sacred and the profane that Eliade developed in previous
works from a phenomenological perspective. Although criticisms have been
leveled at Mircea Eliade’s presentation of religious data in this monumental
work, The History of Religious Beliefs and Ideas remains a point of
reference for both the study of the history of religions and the analysis of
Eliadian thought and contribution to discipline.
magnum, as the Romanian scholar notes in the pages of his Journal. The
work, published in three volumes, contains, from a historical perspective,
the ideas about the sacred and the profane that Eliade developed in previous
works from a phenomenological perspective. Although criticisms have been
leveled at Mircea Eliade’s presentation of religious data in this monumental
work, The History of Religious Beliefs and Ideas remains a point of
reference for both the study of the history of religions and the analysis of
Eliadian thought and contribution to discipline.
Research Interests:
Within the historical approach on interreligious dialogue, it should not be overlooked that the representatives of Orthodox Churches were actively involved in promoting and supporting interreligious dialogue by participating in the... more
Within the historical approach on interreligious dialogue, it should not be overlooked that the representatives of Orthodox Churches were actively involved in promoting and supporting interreligious dialogue by participating in the meetings that have focused on relations with people of other religions. In this context, the Orthodox Churches come with a whole tradition that stretches to the early centuries, the relations with Jews and Muslims being an integral part of the history of Orthodox Christianity. The Orthodox Christians, with their bi-millennium tradition, where there are different interpretations of other religions, bring to the modern world an approach that takes into account personal relationship with people of other religions. Analyzing how the representatives of the Orthodoxy and the Islam in Romania are trying to find solutions to the many problems facing the world today, we can say that lately in Romania, the interreligious, intercultural and interethnic dialogue incr...
Research Interests:
Pluralism (in all its forms) is closely linked to the idea of globalization, together they are some of the greatest challenges of our times. Pluralism, with its meanings in our daily life, with its advantages and disadvantages that has... more
Pluralism (in all its forms) is closely linked to the idea of globalization, together they are some of the greatest challenges of our times. Pluralism, with its meanings in our daily life, with its advantages and disadvantages that has carried along recent history, "is not an ideology, not a new universal theology, and not a freeform relativism. Rather, pluralism is the dynamic process through which we engage with one another in and through our very deepest differences". 2 Over time, pluralism has become more and more a kind of ideological matter, becoming increasingly difficult to spot and define. From a religious point of view, pluralism refers both to the pluralism of religions; a type of reality present throughout the world, and to the pluralism of the possibilities of religious engagement in solving the problems that people's lives raise. Pluralism is closely linked to current democratic systems and regimes that place particular emphasis on freedom and equality, integrating diversity and differences of all types. Nowadays a mono-ethnic or mono-confessional community is no longer possible; the world is much more open than it used to be in the past. In connection with these kind of realities, the Orthodox Church has always advocated for the freedom of the human being, respect for the laws of the state, encouraged the actions that plead for peace in every corner of the world, and also highlighted the importance of particularities in the regions where different populations live. Any form of isolation or exclusion of a person or group of people from public life is a renunciation of the missionary character of the Church. 3 The involvement of the Orthodox Churches in the current world
Research Interests:
The Orthodox Church has been given the fullest of truth by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, truth honored and valued in the communion of the Saints. For men, to grasp divine truth is a progressive process part of a permanent... more
The Orthodox Church has been given the fullest of truth by the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit, truth honored and valued in the
communion of the Saints. For men, to grasp divine truth is a progressive
process part of a permanent development. Each and every person walks
along this path together with other people, without being the same as the
others. Every person is offered and understands truth according to their
own religious experience and skills to understand. Ultimate truth exists
and it has been revealed completely, but the way in which it is grasped
varies from one person to another. “This is not a narrowly doctrinal
vision of theological truth. However, it is an essentially spiritual vision
for worldly reality, one that removes arrogance from authority and opens
new ways of approaching believers of other religions. It presupposes
magnanimity and charity, faith and hope, tolerance and reconciliation. It
opposes forceful conversion and conflinct, imposition and intolerance,
aggression and violence”.85 This approach prevents us from assigning to
God intentions and plans which are exclusively ours. Thus, whenever we
have a dialogue with those of different beliefs and ideologies, we must
always start from God’s sacrificial love for all men.
inspiration of the Holy Spirit, truth honored and valued in the
communion of the Saints. For men, to grasp divine truth is a progressive
process part of a permanent development. Each and every person walks
along this path together with other people, without being the same as the
others. Every person is offered and understands truth according to their
own religious experience and skills to understand. Ultimate truth exists
and it has been revealed completely, but the way in which it is grasped
varies from one person to another. “This is not a narrowly doctrinal
vision of theological truth. However, it is an essentially spiritual vision
for worldly reality, one that removes arrogance from authority and opens
new ways of approaching believers of other religions. It presupposes
magnanimity and charity, faith and hope, tolerance and reconciliation. It
opposes forceful conversion and conflinct, imposition and intolerance,
aggression and violence”.85 This approach prevents us from assigning to
God intentions and plans which are exclusively ours. Thus, whenever we
have a dialogue with those of different beliefs and ideologies, we must
always start from God’s sacrificial love for all men.
Research Interests:
Lucrările în care Pr. Dumitru Stăniloae analizează spiritualitatea românească, fie că este vorba de cele din perioada interbelică sau de cele de dinainte şi după 1989, reprezintă încercări ale marelui teolog, o voce respectate în toate... more
Lucrările în care Pr. Dumitru Stăniloae analizează spiritualitatea
românească, fie că este vorba de cele din perioada interbelică sau de
cele de dinainte şi după 1989, reprezintă încercări ale marelui teolog, o
voce respectate în toate mediile culturale din ţară şi străinătate, de a
schiţa caracteristicile esenţiale ale poporului român şi drumul pe care
acesta trebuie să-l urmeze în cadrul noilor structuri europene fără a-şi
pierde identitatea culturală şi spirituală. Ideile Pr. Stăniloae trebuie
analizate în această direcţie şi comparate cu ale altor gânditori din
perioadele în care a fost tratată tema elementelor specifice româneşti
care să facă posibilă viaţa acestui popor într-un mediu de multe ori ostil.
Pe de altă parte, gândirea teologului român se dovedeşte a fi unitară,
ideile formulate în perioada de tinereţe fiind preluate şi amplificate
structural la vârsta maturităţii. Însemnările Pr. Stăniloae referitoare la
satul românesc pot fi extinse asupra tuturor caracteristicilor spirituale
naţionale, reprezentând cheia de înţelegere a perspectivei marelui
teolog: „Se cuvine să vedem spiritualitatea satului românesc aşa cum a
fost trăită în tot cursul istoriei poporului român, spre a încuraja
persistarea în ea, împotriva ispitelor influenţelor străine care ameninţă
să ne desfiinţeze ca neam cu propria noastră fiinţă”.
românească, fie că este vorba de cele din perioada interbelică sau de
cele de dinainte şi după 1989, reprezintă încercări ale marelui teolog, o
voce respectate în toate mediile culturale din ţară şi străinătate, de a
schiţa caracteristicile esenţiale ale poporului român şi drumul pe care
acesta trebuie să-l urmeze în cadrul noilor structuri europene fără a-şi
pierde identitatea culturală şi spirituală. Ideile Pr. Stăniloae trebuie
analizate în această direcţie şi comparate cu ale altor gânditori din
perioadele în care a fost tratată tema elementelor specifice româneşti
care să facă posibilă viaţa acestui popor într-un mediu de multe ori ostil.
Pe de altă parte, gândirea teologului român se dovedeşte a fi unitară,
ideile formulate în perioada de tinereţe fiind preluate şi amplificate
structural la vârsta maturităţii. Însemnările Pr. Stăniloae referitoare la
satul românesc pot fi extinse asupra tuturor caracteristicilor spirituale
naţionale, reprezentând cheia de înţelegere a perspectivei marelui
teolog: „Se cuvine să vedem spiritualitatea satului românesc aşa cum a
fost trăită în tot cursul istoriei poporului român, spre a încuraja
persistarea în ea, împotriva ispitelor influenţelor străine care ameninţă
să ne desfiinţeze ca neam cu propria noastră fiinţă”.
Research Interests:
Theology and Phylosophy
A prezenta relaţia dintre Mircea Eliade şi Nicolae Steinhardt este ca şi cum ai încerca să urmăreşti traiectoria a două astre care, fără a se întâlni prea des şi fără a face parte din aceeaşi "galaxie", s-au infl uenţat atât de mult... more
A prezenta relaţia dintre Mircea Eliade şi Nicolae Steinhardt este ca şi cum ai încerca să urmăreşti traiectoria a două astre care, fără a se întâlni prea des şi fără a face parte din aceeaşi "galaxie", s-au infl uenţat atât de mult (deşi, în anumite situaţii, atât de tragic!). Rămân multe răni nevindecate (ex.: cum ar putea cineva să fi e acuzat la 12 ani de muncă silnică pentru că a citit o carte?; de ce Occidentul nu a avut nicio reacţie în urma celebrului proces din 1960?) şi multe întrebări fără răspuns (ex.: de ce Eliade nu aminteşte nimic în Jurnalul şi în Memoriile sale despre procesul intelectualilor români în care, fără voia lui, a fost implicat? probabil-acesta ar fi un răspuns-ca să nu le facă şi mai mare rău celor implicaţi). Mai presus de toate rămâne însă o capodoperă şi o mărturie vie peste ani: Jurnalul fericirii. Nicolae Steinhardt l-a cunoscut pe Mircea Eliade încă din adolescenţă, ei urmând acelaşi liceu bucureştean, Spiru Haret, fi ind însă cu cinci ani mai tânăr. Printre amintirile sale din aceşti ani, Steinhardt creionează şi un portret al viitorului savant de origine română: fără a excela la toate materiile, Eliade "aparţinea totuşi tipului de elev excepţional; câtuşi de puţin celui tocilar, căci avea preferinţe, iar subiectele care nu-l atrăgeau nu se sfi a să le trateze cu făţişă desconsideraţie. Amănuntele acestea erau ştiute de toată şcoala, Eliade fi ind (precum Noica, Elian, Vanici, Brezianu, Acterian) una din vedetele cursului superior" 1. S-au reîntâlnit de câteva ori în perioada interbelică, apoi de două ori la Paris: în 1978, când s-au revăzut după o lungă perioadă de timp, şi în 1980, când Steinhardt a stat câteva luni în apartamentul lui Eliade din capitala Franţei.
Research Interests:
Concerning the investigation method adopted by Mircea Eliade, we can talk about certain tendencies the Chicago scholar used in his studies. The hermeneutics, the phenomenology or the history of religion are parts of what we can call "the... more
Concerning the investigation method adopted by Mircea Eliade, we can talk about certain tendencies the Chicago scholar used in his studies. The hermeneutics, the phenomenology or the history of religion are parts of what we can call "the Eliade method". If this method is still actual or not, remains to be discussed but the way in which the Romanian scholar revolutionized the research of the religious deeds at least for a few decades, represent a truth upon which it has to be reflected permanently, for a better understanding of what really means the religious phenomena.
Research Interests:
În anul 1942 Pr. D. Stăniloae publica cartea Poziţia Domnului Blaga faţă de Creştinism şi Ortodoxie, o "reacţie" la ideile pe care filozoful Lucian Blaga le formulase în cărţile sale, mai ales în Trilogii. Atitudinea Pr. Stăniloae nu este... more
În anul 1942 Pr. D. Stăniloae publica cartea Poziţia Domnului Blaga faţă de Creştinism şi Ortodoxie, o "reacţie" la ideile pe care filozoful Lucian Blaga le formulase în cărţile sale, mai ales în Trilogii. Atitudinea Pr. Stăniloae nu este singulară, dar este cea care a stârnit controverse dintre cele mai interesante. Ideile de bază ale acestei cărţi, ca şi ale articolelor ce s-au scris după, au în centrul lor definirea religiei şi caracteristicile fenomenului religios, poziţiile fiind diferite: teologică şi filozofică. Deşi discuţiile nu au fost "prietenoase", de multe ori ironia punându-şi pecetea pe scrisul celor antrenaţi în disputa de idei, consecinţele acestei controverse au avut o valoare pozitivă, punând faţă în faţă doi dintre cei mai mari gânditori români ce au creat în domenii diferite: teologic şi filozofic.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Simbolismul religios a trezit mereu interesul cercetătorilor din domenii diferite de activitate, lumea întreagă reprezentând un mare simbol ce trebuie să fie descifrat. În dorința de a înțelege sensurile universului înconjurător,... more
Simbolismul religios a trezit mereu interesul cercetătorilor din domenii
diferite de activitate, lumea întreagă reprezentând un mare simbol ce trebuie să fie
descifrat. În dorința de a înțelege sensurile universului înconjurător, oamenii de
știință au folosit descoperirile din domenii conexe pentru a-și formula propriile
teorii. În acest sens, se pot realiza conexiuni pertinente între felurile în care
istoricul religiilor Mircea Eliade și teologul ortodox Alexander Schmemann au
definit simbolul și felul în care acesta este prezent în viața de zi cu zi a oamenilor,
redefinind astfel și strânsa legătură ce există între istoria religiilor și teologie ca
discipline de studiu academic.
diferite de activitate, lumea întreagă reprezentând un mare simbol ce trebuie să fie
descifrat. În dorința de a înțelege sensurile universului înconjurător, oamenii de
știință au folosit descoperirile din domenii conexe pentru a-și formula propriile
teorii. În acest sens, se pot realiza conexiuni pertinente între felurile în care
istoricul religiilor Mircea Eliade și teologul ortodox Alexander Schmemann au
definit simbolul și felul în care acesta este prezent în viața de zi cu zi a oamenilor,
redefinind astfel și strânsa legătură ce există între istoria religiilor și teologie ca
discipline de studiu academic.
Research Interests:
In these discussions between Mircea Eliade and Thomas Altizer we can recognise two important things: there are some points of contact between these two thinkers and some differences. The problem lies in determining whether or not these... more
In these discussions between Mircea Eliade and Thomas Altizer we can
recognise two important things: there are some points of contact between these two
thinkers and some differences. The problem lies in determining whether or not these
points of contact are simply two different ways of understanding the same concepts.
On the one hand,“Death of God” theology was in vogue in the United States
in the 1960s, but today has few adherents. However, a new evaluation of this
theological movement is necessary because we need to understand its possible impact on
the renewal of Christianity. On the other hand, Eliade was considered an important
scholar in the field of history of religions. In our time, many critics contest his influence
in this field and criticize him for the fact that he relativizes Christianity. This new
interpretation of both scholars was an opportunity to link the research in the theology
with that in the history of religions, an important motive for our time. In ecumenical
discussions, the link between research in both these fields is so important. The concept of
coincidentia oppositorum, the understanding of the sacrality of our time, in different
religions, and the new language for discussing with people of different faiths are the main
preoccupations of the ecumenical movement.
recognise two important things: there are some points of contact between these two
thinkers and some differences. The problem lies in determining whether or not these
points of contact are simply two different ways of understanding the same concepts.
On the one hand,“Death of God” theology was in vogue in the United States
in the 1960s, but today has few adherents. However, a new evaluation of this
theological movement is necessary because we need to understand its possible impact on
the renewal of Christianity. On the other hand, Eliade was considered an important
scholar in the field of history of religions. In our time, many critics contest his influence
in this field and criticize him for the fact that he relativizes Christianity. This new
interpretation of both scholars was an opportunity to link the research in the theology
with that in the history of religions, an important motive for our time. In ecumenical
discussions, the link between research in both these fields is so important. The concept of
coincidentia oppositorum, the understanding of the sacrality of our time, in different
religions, and the new language for discussing with people of different faiths are the main
preoccupations of the ecumenical movement.
Research Interests:
Simbolismul religios a trezit mereu interesul cercetătorilor din domenii diferite de activitate, lumea întreagă reprezentând un mare simbol ce trebuie să fie descifrat. În dorința de a înțelege sensurile universului înconjurător,... more
Simbolismul religios a trezit mereu interesul cercetătorilor din domenii
diferite de activitate, lumea întreagă reprezentând un mare simbol ce trebuie să fie
descifrat. În dorința de a înțelege sensurile universului înconjurător, oamenii de
știință au folosit descoperirile din domenii conexe pentru a-și formula propriile
teorii. În acest sens, se pot realiza conexiuni pertinente între felurile în care
istoricul religiilor Mircea Eliade și teologul ortodox Alexander Schmemann au
definit simbolul și felul în care acesta este prezent în viața de zi cu zi a oamenilor,
redefinind astfel și strânsa legătură ce există între istoria religiilor și teologie ca
discipline de studiu academic.
diferite de activitate, lumea întreagă reprezentând un mare simbol ce trebuie să fie
descifrat. În dorința de a înțelege sensurile universului înconjurător, oamenii de
știință au folosit descoperirile din domenii conexe pentru a-și formula propriile
teorii. În acest sens, se pot realiza conexiuni pertinente între felurile în care
istoricul religiilor Mircea Eliade și teologul ortodox Alexander Schmemann au
definit simbolul și felul în care acesta este prezent în viața de zi cu zi a oamenilor,
redefinind astfel și strânsa legătură ce există între istoria religiilor și teologie ca
discipline de studiu academic.
Research Interests:
From a problem that concerned only a small number of people, migration has become a constant concern both nationally and internationally. The concrete realities in different regions have become over time subjects of analysis and... more
From a problem that concerned only a small number of people, migration has become a constant concern both nationally and internationally. The concrete realities in different regions have become over time subjects of analysis and reflection in order to find solutions that meet the many theoretical and practical issues raised by migration. In Romania people are increasingly discussing about migration and its implications on all sectors of human life. In this context, the Romanian Orthodox Church is called by his priests, to contribute to the integration of people of other nationalities, cultures and beliefs that are established here and at the same time, to help her spiritual children living and working in different parts of the world to preserve and to confess their Orthodox Christian faith. Moreover, it should take care of their families in the country and to contribute to the education of children, whose parents are away, in the spirit of the Christian tradition.
Research Interests:
With a history of 2000 years, the dialogue between Orthodoxy and Judaism experienced difficult times that have left deep scars in the hearts of the followers of the two religions. In the modern and contemporary period, without forgetting... more
With a history of 2000 years, the dialogue between Orthodoxy and Judaism experienced difficult times that have left deep scars in the hearts of the followers of the two religions. In the modern and contemporary period, without forgetting the past, it is trying to find bridges between the two religions with the purpose to help the faithful to respond responsibly to the challenges of the present and future. The themes that have been analyzed in the past are of a great interest to our times: the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, the place and the role of the Bible in the two monotheistic traditions, Jerusalem as a Holy City, the religious freedom, the quality and the responsibility of elected people, the problem of religious freedom. Finally, only through sincere cooperation one can find relevant answers to the faithful of the both religions.
Research Interests:
Despre afinitățile elective dintre Mircea Eliade și diferiți oameni de cultură români și străini s-au scris multe pagini de-a lungul timpului. Cei interesați de opera savantului nu pot trece cu vederea legăturile spirituale și... more
Despre afinitățile elective dintre Mircea Eliade și diferiți
oameni de cultură români și străini s-au scris multe pagini de-a
lungul timpului. Cei interesați de opera savantului nu pot trece
cu vederea legăturile spirituale și culturale cu Nae Ionescu,
Mihail Sebastian, Emil Cioran, Constantin Noica, Goethe, C.G.
Jung, Marcel Proust, Raffaele Pettazzoni etc. Și numărul
acestora poate crește cu multe alte nume din țară și din
străinătate, dovedind faptul că Mircea Eliade a fost și rămâne o
personalitate care a marcat istoria și cultura națională și
universală și ale cărui idei încă fecundează spiritele preocupate
de viața religioasă, de literatură sau de științele secolului în care
trăim.
Pornind de la aceste date, în cartea de față încercăm să
creionăm felul în care ideile lui Eliade pot fi așezate alături de
cele ale unor gânditori din arii diferite de cercetare, având în
centru teme ce se regăsesc atât în lucrările savantului de origine
română, cât și operele acestor personalități. În acest sens, ne-am
oprit la câteva nume importante: Rudolf Otto, Sfântul Dionisie
Areopagitul (alături de Meister Eckhart și Nicolaus Cusanus),
Pr. Alexander Schmemann, Thomas J.J. Altizer, Sfântul
Grigorie Palama (și isihasmul), I.P. Culianu, Marin Sorescu,
Constantin Brâncuși, Nicolae Steinhardt, Pr. Dumitru Stăniloae.
oameni de cultură români și străini s-au scris multe pagini de-a
lungul timpului. Cei interesați de opera savantului nu pot trece
cu vederea legăturile spirituale și culturale cu Nae Ionescu,
Mihail Sebastian, Emil Cioran, Constantin Noica, Goethe, C.G.
Jung, Marcel Proust, Raffaele Pettazzoni etc. Și numărul
acestora poate crește cu multe alte nume din țară și din
străinătate, dovedind faptul că Mircea Eliade a fost și rămâne o
personalitate care a marcat istoria și cultura națională și
universală și ale cărui idei încă fecundează spiritele preocupate
de viața religioasă, de literatură sau de științele secolului în care
trăim.
Pornind de la aceste date, în cartea de față încercăm să
creionăm felul în care ideile lui Eliade pot fi așezate alături de
cele ale unor gânditori din arii diferite de cercetare, având în
centru teme ce se regăsesc atât în lucrările savantului de origine
română, cât și operele acestor personalități. În acest sens, ne-am
oprit la câteva nume importante: Rudolf Otto, Sfântul Dionisie
Areopagitul (alături de Meister Eckhart și Nicolaus Cusanus),
Pr. Alexander Schmemann, Thomas J.J. Altizer, Sfântul
Grigorie Palama (și isihasmul), I.P. Culianu, Marin Sorescu,
Constantin Brâncuși, Nicolae Steinhardt, Pr. Dumitru Stăniloae.