https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15199 2026-06-15T07:40:50Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15297 Title: Teilhard de Chardin on insects in the phenomenon of Man Authors: Scerri, Hector Abstract: This article offers a revised version of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s account on insects in The Phenomenon of Man. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15290 Title: Retrieving the tradition : excerpts from past issues of Melita Theologica : Joseph Lupi, 'The Homily' Authors: Lupi, Joseph Abstract: This article outlines the history of the sermon or homily. The way a sermon was, if even, delivered has changed over the years, the largest change being a change from the Latin language to that in which worshippers could actually understand. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15253 Title: Reclaiming the human genome : a philosophical perspective Authors: Buttigieg, Jean Abstract: The human genome sequence has become central to ethical and policy debates on the application of genetic research to biomedicine and biotechnology. It is also shaping contemporary ideas about our humanness with scholars using the powerful scriptural metaphor of the “Book of Man” to refer to the human genome and likening its decoding to the search for the “Holy Grail.” While HUGO declared that those who participate in genetic studies should receive some benefits from participation, both UNESCO and the World Medical Association have declared the human genome as common heritage of mankind, and condemned any commercial benefit from the human genome in its natural state. The World Medical Association has even urged medical organizations around the world to lobby against gene patenting. In this article, the author discusses the concept of common heritage, and it's interpretations in the Philosophical and Theological spheres. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15252 Title: Unveiling reason : a foundation for the Church’s pastoral response today Authors: Delicata, Nadia Abstract: In this paper, the author will concentrate on “reason” in an attempt to understand the moral, spiritual, properly “human” crisis of the times. The questions posed will proceed as follows: What is reason? Is the human truly “reasonable”? How do we unveil reason after its eclipse? In conclusion, as the problem of “reason” is revealed as inherently emerging from and constructing “culture” - in the classical Hellenistic sense of paideia - the author will offer general pastoral orientations as the Church confronts and learns from the challenges posed by contemporary “digital culture.” 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z