https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32591 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:40:08 GMT 2026-04-10T10:40:08Z 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. Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32704 1985-01-01T00:00:00Z 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. Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32700 1985-01-01T00:00:00Z 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. Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32698 1985-01-01T00:00:00Z 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?' " Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32684 1985-01-01T00:00:00Z