OAR@UM Collection:
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41250
2024-03-29T05:57:44ZThe constitution and religion in Malta between 1921 and 1974
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32704
Title: The constitution and religion in Malta between 1921 and 1974
Abstract: Malta had eight Constitutions between 1921 and 1974 Of these, the
most important, in so far as religious matters are concerned, are the Self Government
(1921), the Independence (1964) and the Republic Constitution
(1974). What these three Constitutions have in common is that they all
recognize the right to freedom of conscience and worship. In fact, the
formulation which the Constitution of 1921 gives of this right is retained in
subsequent Constitutions. For this reason, it may sound somewhat strange
to speak of the constitutional history of this right in Malta. Yet, it is
possible to see this right in a historical perspective, because the context
varies from one Constitution to the other. The 1921 Constitution contains
only one section on religion which, in the first place, affirms everyone's
right to freedom of conscience and worship and, secondly, prohibits
religious discrimination in any public career. While declaring the Roman
Catholic religion as the religion of Malta and guaranteeing freedom and
independence to the Roman Catholic Church, the 1964 Constitution
includes freedom of conscience and worship as well as equality of
treatment, prohibiting religious (and other forms of) discrimination, among
the fundamental human rights. The 1974 Constitution does substantially the
same except that it practically abolishes the special guarantee which the
Roman Catholic Church enjoyed under the previous Constitution.1985-01-01T00:00:00ZThe form and function of the nativity stories in Luke
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32700
Title: The form and function of the nativity stories in Luke
Abstract: The purpose of this essay is to explore the form of Lk. 1:5 - 2:52 and
its function in the Gospel. Although some good work has been done
showing how the content of the first two chapters fits within the author's
theological plan, not much attention has been devoted to the relationship
of the form of Lk. 1 - 2 to the author's purpose.
As a point of departure, I will suggest that the author intended his
gospel to be recited in worship, not piece meal, a few verses at a sitting, but
as a whole, from beginning to end. Whereas many have suggested that Lk.
1 - 2 represents a translation of a Hebrew original, or on the other hand, the
product of the creative spirit of the author, I will try to show that these
chapters are best understood in connection with the worship of the
Christian community - that the language and the form of the material is
liturgical, and was intended to serve a special function in the recitation. of the
gospel.1985-01-01T00:00:00ZSin and holiness
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32698
Title: Sin and holiness
Abstract: Sin seems to be quite a serious topic, particularly for Christians. But no
one who reflects on sin is indifferent to it. Even advertisements indicate
this. Perhaps you might have seen an ad which goes something like: 'Drink
Maxwell Coffee - It Tastes So Good It's Sinful'. Today when belief is
undergoing an enormous amount of critical inspection, the notion of sin,
like most doctrines of faith, has come under severe re-examination. Hence a
thorough re-thinking of the concept of sin has become one of the most
urgent concerns of moral theology and such related human sciences' as
psychology and sociology. But sin is a negation, and a negation has
meaning only in relation to the positive it negates. Thus any discussion of
sin would be lacking and perhaps even depressing unless it is considered in
the context of grace which redeems and saves. In other words, it makes little
sense to speak of sin without remembering man's call to holiness. The
concern to discern the ferments of good and evil within modern man has
long caused many people to direct at him and his environment a questioning
gaze. It is the gaze of historians and sociologists, theologians and
psychologists but above all of pastors. However, as a psychologist vitally
interested in spirituality, I would like, in this article, to consider the theme of
sin and holiness from a psycho-theological perspective. Discernment of the
particular sins requires a full study of the corresponding virtues themselves.
Therefore while looking at the question of sin in general, we shall also
explore as Christians, what we are called by God to be and to become.1985-01-01T00:00:00ZEtica, cultura e religione
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32684
Title: Etica, cultura e religione
Abstract: La societa contemporanea, sia quella orient ale che occidentale, sia
quella borghese che comunista, e stata colpita da una crisi di valori, soprattutto morali, che non conosce precedenti nella storia. Nessuna altra epoca
storica ha sperimentato una cosi radicale esplosione di iminoralita e di
amoralita come la nostra. L'epoca in cui viviamo, come ha ben intuito
Nietzsche, e caratterizzata daI completo nichilismo. Nichilismo significa che
la morale cristiana e tramontata e che una nuova morale non e ancora sorta.
"Che cosa significa nichilismo? Che i valori supremi sono svalorizzati.
Manca lo scopo. Manca la risposta alIa domanda: 'Perche?' "1985-01-01T00:00:00Z