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Can the Christian moral conscience form the crucial element for a diversified unity of Christian churches? This paper presents the role of Christian conscience in the ecumenical dialogue highlighting its relation with the various ecclesial courses forming the moral rule and the achieved points of convergence. The coming back of the discernment of the conscience in the ecumenical area confirms the interest for the centrality of the Christian conscience already present in the praxis of Christian ecclesial tradition. A possible renewal of the ecumenical dialogue on moral questions can start from this understanding conscience rooted in the central and original nucleus of faith related to the various ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper briefly examines the influence of Blaise Pascal on theology, showing the themes and areas in which the French thinker has been taken up and employed as a source of inspiration. In particular, an essential comparison is offered between the project of Pascal's Apologia and the characteristics of contemporary fundamental theology. Finally, the question is posed whether Pascal's method of awakening Christian faith in the disengaged milieu of French libertines is still relevant today in the climate of religious indifference typical of post-modern society. It is suggested that the anthropological problem posed by Pascal, can still continue to interrogate contemporary man, showing him how the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ is capable of satisfying his existential anxieties and fulfilling to his highest aspirations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the historical context when Luther uttered the proverbial words «Here I stand». They were expressed at the Worms Diet in 1521 and for the first time they affirmed the right to a free conscience invoking God's word the Agostinian monk felt prisoner of. This restraint leads him to an interior freedom responding only to God. This act and that appeal to conscience became an icon, a reference point for all those fighting for freedom and it was represented by the posterity in prints, paintings, sculptures, cinematography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Which are the foundations of ethical consciousness in Mediterranean antiquity according to the Hebrew and Greek roots outside the Bible and the biblical corpora? This work intends to outline a few general lines. Our attention is focused on the term syneidêsis in both biblical and extra-biblical Greek contexts without neglecting the comparison with the notion of heart in the biblical scriptures. The paper conclusion concerns the meaning of syneidêsis in the New Testament and exemplifies the eloquent case of Corinthians 8 and 10. Finally, some hermeneutical observations are proposed on the existential values implied in the notion of conscience ranging from the New Testament to contemporary life and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is going to analyse the sources of Pope Francis's thought in order to highlight its complexity and originality. Considering the origin of Bergoglio's intellectual biography this paper intend to highlight the role of both Latin American and European intellectuals influencing his life and education. The significant meeting between Bergoglio and Gaston Fessard represented the link with the dialectic vision of Romano Guardini and the thought of Alberto Methol Ferré. Looking at these and other intellectuals who considered church and life as complexio oppositorum Pope Francis is able to express an original and rich reflection facing the main challenges of our time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bible role in catechistic praxis. The Theological Faculty of Triveneto has reflected on the pragmatic dimension of the Holy Scripture for longer than ten years. This paper analyses a specific dimension of this reflection: the Bible role in the catechistic praxis. The first part of this work considers two main subjects which are present in documents as well as in the studies. We may begin either from the kerygma to reach its actuation or we start from the experience to enlighten it with the Scripture. The second part shows how the biblical text teaches a method rather than suggesting steps and instruments for this path. This catechistic sphere can be seen in its pragmatic dimension which should not limit the Bible use during a meeting. For the style it represents the Bible should be considered our guide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holy Bible in pastoral theology. Interdisciplinary elucidations and their actuation. This paper analyses the relationship between pastoral theology and Holy Bible in interdisciplinary terms so that it might be reconsidered and founded according to methods respectful of the «intrinsic hospitality of the Bible for its readers and their past». In the light of recent developments of the synchronic-pragmatic methods of Bible exegesis and on a few theological pastoral reflections in French style (Étienne Grieu) a number of methodological elements useful for pastoral theology are considered. We try to show their possible actuation considering the theological pastoral formation course for sixth year seminarians held in Treviso and Vittorio Veneto. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rediscovering the vocation to listening. Challenges from theology and pastoral praxis. This article analyses meaning and implications of listening in ecclesial everyday life at both individual and collective level. It begins with the challenges of Francis's teachings and with his role in the synodal course. First of all, a few short proposals of anthropological type are outlined to highlight a number of peculiar features which anticipate their meanings: listening is better than hearing as it is an act of will with both cognitive and relational implications. Secondly, the meaning of listening is approached in the genesis of individual faith as well as of the church itself. Then this paper pauses on the pastoral praxes of interpersonal listening and on its community and synodal dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theological formation in dialogue. First, this paper considers The proposal for an integrated rethinking of theological studies in Italy presented by the Italian Theological Association in December 2021. Then it intends to focus on one theoretical turning point entailed in this proposal. This means considering the role of philosophy in the curriculum of theological studies when it faces other emerging interlocutors such as natural sciences, social sciences and mass culture. In the light of some recommendations in Veritatis gaudium three possible suggestions are outlined for a rethinking of theological studies: a better balance between philosophy, sciences and theology; a more adequate distribution of these disciplines; the presence of both general and synthetic moments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religionspädagogik in the German-speaking world. After a few terminological references, this paper considers the history of pedagogy i.e the teaching of religion as a discipline (Religionspädagogik). Then a few short reflections are outlined on how this subject matter is currently considered while some notes are conveyed on its fundamental theoretical role. The article ends with a few remarks on its current developments and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Master's Degree Program in Religious Studies (inter-university, Ca' Foscari University of Venice-University of Padua). The University of Padua-Ca' Foscari University of Venice MA programme in Religious Studies aims to provide students with the level of knowledges and skills required to investigate in an advanced and critically sophisticated way the religious traditions of interest by means of the appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches but also the tools of disciplines such as philology, linguistics, history, philosophy and ethnography. This brief paper is going to present the objectives of the MA programme, its entry requirements, and the career opportunities for MA graduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the political debate on Zan's draft-law, this paper focuses on sexual identity and analyses the relation between body, society and self. It outlines the origin of two feminist theoretical perspectives enhancing their achievements and the new political meaning of sexual difference. This essay intends to combine the achievements of the two paradigms as a challenge to the thought and the movement changing society. If the gender ethics asks for the inclusion of non-conforming bodies, genders and sexualities, the ethics of sexual difference strengthens the bond between body and symbolic order, political action and personal experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we are going to analyze some aspects of Guardini's and Pope Francis's thought highlighting similarities and differences. They develop a "realistic" thought which understands reality in its polar tensions. Due to the dialectic structure of truth they wondered if they could acknowledge reality while respecting its complexity. This attitude is open and incomplete and leads to dialogue and encounter aiming to renew the lasting opening to the other and to reality. Guardini's and Francis's reflection can contribute to the culture of dialogue and encounter in current times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the synodal dimension inside the churches which refer to religious reforms in the XVI century. They debate on the value of the diocesan and national synod in the Anglican Communion, as it is defined in the ethic instances which caused a comparison with consequences in the ecumenical dialogue. Then we pass to present the theme in Lutheran, Calvinist and reformed churches which developed multiple traditions on the Synod also as a consequence of historical events when these churches had to face political power. This necessarily brief survey goes back to pages of historical references and of a theological debate on Synod. It shows how the knowledge of plural solutions is important for the church and consequently for the ecumenical course where this knowledge is thought and lived in the Synod and by the Synod inside the churches founded in the XVI century. Thus a new frontier can be opened for ecumenism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper faces the theme of the priest's theological competence and inquires which theology is currently necessary to the church and consequently to an ordinate ministry serving a conscious faith. The first part offers a number of considerations on the dialogic relations between Christian faith and cultural order. Then the article focuses on the instructions entrusted to the theological reflection by two determining cultural aspects: technical evolution and the complexity of social life. Finally the third part of this paper points out why an adequate practice of ecclesial presidency fundamentally needs a theological competence matching the cultural challenges our epoch presents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution begins analyzing the meaning of globalization as differing from “globalism”, ideological plan and story-telling. The questions regard the current situation of globalization which is now put out or temporarily blocked. Then the paper goes on describing a new feature of capitalism: its universal control and supervision. Considering the reduced individual liberty (also due to Covid-19 epidemics) this paper enlightens the urgent demands of today’s mankind leading to a deep reflection and an ethic integration of economy differing from any moralistic shortcut. Finally this paper outlines a few points of view for the reopening of a route looking forward to an eco-friendly future for man and the earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obedience of faith. Authority and obedience form an always-extant binomial in the church life. In some way this problem touches all believers, groups, communities, the whole church and especially the Roman Pope with the bishops in communion with him. There will be a constant challenge: it is the hearing of and the answer to a word addressed to each and to all of us. It is the word of God’s love made flesh in Jesus. This paper considers the new testamentary root of the “faith obedience” and on its use in the recent church teaching. Then the article lingers on the obedience of faith based on Jesus’ filial obedience and the believer’s communion to the obedient Christ as a way leading to live their parentage. Finally this paper enlightens how the obedience of faith has necessarily an ecclesiastical character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution intends to proceed along a few research lines touching some key points of women's experiences in the church history with an outlook on current times. From Mary Magdalene to Christian martyrs, from prophetesses to Beguines, never weakened instances have found women as original interpreters in contexts evolving from past centuries to current times. "Virile" women, visionary women, women outside monasteries: this paper presents three Christian figures, three outlined pathways going back to distant roots and bearing the footmarks of ancestor women who are still able to inspire, narrate and dwell a female faith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper suggests the importance of reading Pope Francis’s Laudato si’: on the care of the common home as an overall and organic, a polyphonic and wisdom text; an invitation to see the true consequences of an ecological conversion in every life context as well as in every intellectual research. The criticism to the current development model is expressed among other things with a necessary reference to shared collective goals which must be considered before researching the means to obtain them and before considering the highly distorting effects of an economic activity following the profit maximization principle as the only parameter for the choice and evaluation of an economic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents five synods held in Aquileia area from the end of the IV century to the end of the VI century. First the Aquileia synod of 381 is analyzed. It was summoned in the context of the Arian dispute and may be considered the western bishops' permanent assertion of orthodoxy. Secondly this study examines the synod probably held in Aquileia in 447 which considered the readmission into the catholic communion of the clerics passed to the Pelagian movement. Finally the Aquileia synod of 557 and the synods held in Grado (579) and Marano (590) are considered as they ratified and strengthened the stance of the Aquileia churches against the Apostolic See and in favour of Theodore of Mopsuestia, Theodoret of Cyrrhus and Ibas of Edessa who were sentenced post mortem at the Constantinople Council (553): it was the so called Three-Chapter Schism which in the exacerbated situation due to the social and political situation after the Langobards' invasion separated these churches from the Roman church for a century and a half. From this excursus we can see how the Aquileian churches were involved in the great doctrinal debates of that period: from Trinitarian theology to Soteriology and Christology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a theological-pastoral analysis of an experiment concerning a structured process of discernment in community. It was carried out in cooperation with the Cei - National Office for the Pastoral Care of Vocations; this project involved three experimental groups and was monitored. The analysis results befit the anthropological and methodological observations Giovanni Grandi of the University of Trieste has reported in his study. They further confirm the fruitfulness of the discernment processes at various levels: the personal growth of involved people; an effective reading of reality; the development of a true synodality. The original purpose -- evaluation and improvement of pastoral and vocational planning -- appears to be achieved thanks to the care of its fundamental coordinates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the anthropological approach to a community-discernment itinerary and its methodological structure (the proposal "Discernment in Community" of the "Moral exercises" series). This study highlights: a) the main results of an experimentation monitoring the activity carried out with some target groups in the summer 2020; b) the methodological issues and the different phases of this proposal; c) the profile of the groups that participated at the activities and the survey; d) the main investigated dimensions (the value of silence, the ways of listening and sharing, the perceptions of safety and participation) and e) the main results inferred from this monitoring. This study was carried out with the cooperation of the Cei -- National Office for Pastoral Care of Vocations and is completed with the theological-pastoral study by Assunta Steccanella of the Facoltà teologica del Triveneto. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution analyses the text of Acts 15 in order to outline the characteristics of the first assembly in Jerusalem which can be still currently used for a good synodal practice of the churches. After recalling the community character of the Christian mission and after analyzing the assembly antecedents, this paper examines: the terms "apostles and elders"; Peter's and James's speeches; the apostolic decree. According to Luke there are various mission typologies but there is an only one action of the Spirit working in history for the faith of all peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capitalism resembles more and more a religion. A religion that, in the West, has taken the place of Christianity, flying, like the cuckoo, into its nest. Capitalism has always had a complex relationship with Christian humanism. Much has been written and discussed on the alleged Christian nature of the spirit of capitalism (Weber, Fanfani). Forgetting so to say that capitalism is somehow ‘Christian’ is tautological, being something born and raised in Europe, and therefore in Christianity. The most interesting things, on the other hand, begin to surface when we try to ask ourselves ‘second’ and still little explored questions: what has entered into capitalism about Christianity? What is left out? How did he get in? This paper is an attempt to give some initial answers to these questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“Exaggerate” with the Scripture: Rm 8,31-39 and the quote of Psalm 44,23. The article examines Rm 8,31-39 according to the literary and rhetorical analysis aiming to clarify its function: the logical progression between the judicial lexicon (vv. 31-34) and that of Christ’s love (vv. 35-39) allows recognizing in the passage the peroratio of Rm 1-8. In the light of this acquisition the paper continues examining the rhetorical function of Sal 44,23 cited in Rm 8,36: with the hyperbole the passage exaggerates the trial experience of the believers in order to highlight the overabundance of God’s victory in Jesus. The peroratio aims to summarize the main themes of the argument and move the listeners’ feelings. This has relevant hermeneutical consequences in relation to spiritual readings that claim to go beyond the “letter” of a biblical text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reflection on a few theological questions. According to the Second Vatican Council biblical hermeneutics need to hold human language in due consideration. This is because the biblical writer is a “real author”. This statement is in line with the understanding of the historical and relational nature of the Divine Revelation. As a consequence the study of the Bible necessarily must use linguistic studies. Influenced by these studies synchronic-pragmatic methods of reading the Bible have been developed during the last decades. Without denying the permanent need for a diachronic approach to the Scripture this paper explains the importance to be given to these recent methods because they emphasize the communicative and pragmatic dynamic inherent to the biblical text itself. Finally in this context the councilar statements on the “reading in the Spirit” are also considered. The here supported thesis says that this practice cannot go beyond the hermeneutical process outlined above but represents a dimension permeating its whole process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new methods of text analysis and narrative examination allow a better appreciation of Jesus' parables for both their pedagogical value and theological research. Examining the main interpretations of the exegetical and theological research on Kingdom parables (from A. Jülicher to P. Ricoeur) this paper proposes a reflection on further developments particularly referring to the interpretation of P. Sequeri and C. Theobald. For their images and methods the parables represent the revelation concept asking for the subject's self-involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I will discuss the historical and theological problem about the influence of Christianity in the cultural and political formation of the Europe. In this regard, I will propose several considerations in the range of the history of medieval political philosophy. By focusing on the most important theological, philosophical and juridical medieval concepts, I will try to offer a specific outlook that allows to consider the role of Christianity in Europe. For this reason I will consider Pierre Legendre's dogmatic anthropological approach. Legendre uses the most important historical and philosophical studies in order to offer a unique key of reading to approach on the general problem we are discussing in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An encyclical calling on many people. The debate on Laudato si'. On the base of a mostly Italian press review - both digital and on paper - this contribution surveys the dynamics public opinion must face with Laudato si' and what people suggest for the church involvement in this public debate. First of all this paper considers the polemic preceding its publication which mostly developed in the United States area. Then this contribution surveys the effects that the encyclical has generated at its issuing (June 2015) and analyzes the themes and propositions the world media mostly underlined. Eventually it mentions the embargo breach. Finally this article describes the lasting encyclical consequences and focuses on the Summit of Paris - on climate changes - held from the 30th November to the 12th December 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essay presents Nietzsche's youthful work On truth and Lies in a Nonmoral sense, aiming to highlight how the debated subject anticipate and prepare the later reflections of the German philosopher. In particular this paper considers the theme of truth and a few related questions anticipating the subsequent trends present in the XX century philosophy and problematizing their results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The category of citizenship may work as a link between the idea of the subject’s moral dignity and his ability to build relationships in everyday life. Following H. Arendt, this article intends to investigate the consistency of the concept of citizenship intended as identity and involvement in social and political life. This paper tries to detect the meeting point between individuals and community ensuring a real integration. We propose to find this point in a shared culture. This is the base for an effective integration which will obtain a mutual recognition. At this point the models of citizenship merely based on birth cannot be considered satisfying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today we tend to observe with greater caution – if not with suspicion – the Council idea of dialogue both in a civil and ecclesiastical context. We must not re-think this idea abstractedly; we must begin from experiences as a means to reach a good understanding. This reflection suggests to reconsider authority as a figure separated from power. The task of all dialogues must lead both parties to a mutual understanding which presumes a mutual attitude to listening and meeting. This contribution proposes to renew an evangelical inspiration to dialogue and to find an authority including all human relations while averting from clericalism and authoritarianism. This paper invites to a historically considered pathway and to a theological-systematic reflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Same-sex parents families are an unexpected reality. Before a moral valuation of homosexuality and assisted reproductive technologies, a critical examination of empirical and theoretical justifications carried out by the supporters of this family type is necessary. Several discussions have been produced about the psychological and sociological empirical researches. Rather, this paper critically reviews the use of some theoretical concepts, such as nature and culture, diversity and multiplicity, gender and gender differences, body and mind: according to the meaning the same-sex parenting supporters give, those themes should account for same-sex parenting in a more general and foundational framework. Actually, same-sex parenthood claims not only a social and legal agreement, but also involves cultural and philosophical premises and consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to face the problems connected to the exercise of the ecclesiastical ministry, since the XII century canonists and theologians have always very neatly separated the power based on the sacrament of order from a power independent from the sacrament itself. In recent years, this distinction between potestas ordinis and potestas iurisdictionis was disputed. Without proposing a theory on potestas sacra this paper reviews a few contrasting evaluations regarding Laurent Villemin's book which maintains the need to go beyond the distinction ordo - iurisdictio. The lively debate on this theme - only apparently secondary - witnesses the need of a dialogue between theologians and canonists in order to understand and better practice the church ministries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I examine the relationship between Omniscience, God knows all the objective facts about his creation, and subjectivity knowledge. Some philosophers of religion claim that subjective knowledge is incompatible with the existence of an omniscient being. God knows of every true proposition that it is true, and of every false proposition that it is false but the problem is that knowing all the facts about his creatures is not enough to know everything there is to know about his creatures because there is more to know about them than the facts. I discuss one reply to this argument and I then argue that there is a sense in which God can know what we know and that sense allows for the compatibility of subjective knowledge with the existence of an omniscient being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From Rerum novarum to Caritas in veritate: contents and history in the Christian social doctrine. The social moral theology and Christian social doctrine are often overlapping. However their relationship, which is essential, is not pure coincidence. This paper articulates theological approach of reading - in the various steps of social doctrine (of which the Magisterium is competent) - in the light of Caritas in veritate method's, required for the social teaching (n. 31): the wisdom's dimension (namely synthesis). From this invitation, internal to the «doctrina» itself, it traces the long journey of the social encyclicals, taking matter/history as criterion of reading, which animated the interest of the church to social issues, as criterion materially and historically required for the social witness of faith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interesting and fruitful collaboration between the Theological Faculty of the Triveneto and the Department of Astronomy (now Department of Physics and Astronomy) of the University of Padova took shape and consolidated during the last ten years. This paper reviews its milestones and highlights its most significative outcomes, in particular the signature of the Memorandum of Understandings («Convenzione») between the Theological Faculty of Triveneto and the University of Padova, the Symposia jointly organized in 2009 and 2014, the annual Cycle of seminars dedicated to the High School teachers of the Veneto Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Catholics in the political history of America. In two and a half centuries of United States history, Catholics have made a long journey from scant and often discriminated minority to become a quarter of the national population and a fully integrated component in the wider society. That evolution has been matched with an increased role of Americans within the international Catholic community. For a long time United States bishops distinguished themselves for a virtually complete agreement with the country's policies and the faithful for a solid electoral bond with the Democrats. Over the last decades, however, the former have often embraced countercultural stances and the latter have joined, by large numbers, the Republicans, therefore Catholics, almost equally divided between the two parties, are today one of the main swing groups in elections. The paper explores the political history of American Catholics and outlines some possible scenarios for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Humanism or new civility. Simone Weil's legacy. This essay conjugates theoretical reflection and historical reconstruction. The first part refers to the note contained in her Cahiers and analyses Weil's critic both to Humanism and Renaissance. Then with a flash-back it concentrates on the years spent in Marseille and London when she was engaged in the Resistance movement. She identifies power with the evil of Europe and considers the «priority of obligation» as its real antidote. The last part of this article highlights how her thought and religious reflections had been built up since her juvenile years around the notion of work. This explains why her last paper - L'Enracinement - invites Europe to found its own renewal on the spirituality of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]