https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/69942 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:24:30 GMT 2026-04-27T00:24:30Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/95955 Title: Faith and paradox in Tomáš Halίk : theological perspectives on Christianity in a secular age Abstract: This dissertation is based on three works of Tomáš Halík and explores how while faith is paradoxical in its nature and demands radicality, it nonetheless can be professed and lived by anyone, believers and unbelievers alike. Faith and the lack of it are of great concern to the Czech theologian. He illustrates how paradox is essential to understand faith even though these might seem confusing. Halík explains that the notion of paradox paves the way for seekers and non-believers to accept God’s invitation through obedience. The aim of this dissertation is to try to demonstrate ways Christ can be known through faith in a secular age. This leads to that decision taken by a person while trusting in Him and submitting oneself to His will. This cannot take place if not through obedience to the Word of God which is the root of faith. Thus, the seed received begins to sprout. The believer delves deeply into the content of faith and seeks to understand its profound meaning and consequently, internal transformation takes place. It is achieved through the constant abandonment of oneself to the Holy Trinity. This happens through the grace of the Spirit as St Paul reminds all in Romans 5,5. This dissertation deals with two interrelated research questions in particular. How is God constantly sustaining believers and unbelievers in life experience? And how does the Czech theologian manage to unfold paradoxes found in the Bible in such a way to show God’s love for humanity? This research shows that Halík’s intention to include topics like patience and reverence in front of the Word of God; God’s exceptional love for humanity and the writer’s experience as a Catholic priest in a secular underground suppressed church is a clear move to substantiate his claim on the stance of believers and unbelievers in the eyes of God. This study will be treating the importance of faith which involves a living and a personal act from the believer. Finally, the study will analyse the theme of love which enables humans to see rightly the love God has for all humanity, thus learning to love God who humans do not see. In this sense, paradox is essential to understand faith even though these might seem confusing. Paradox paves the way for seekers and non-believers to accept God’s invitation to love deeply. Description: M.A.THEOLOGY Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/95955 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92826 Title: The ethics of compulsory vaccination in children Abstract: The choice of whether to vaccinate a child is inevitably an ethical one. Parents are required to make decisions on behalf of their children, not only for the best interests of the child, but also to contribute to the overall health of the public, through herd immunity. However, some parents may choose not to vaccinate their children, often due to the fear of possibly harming their child. Thus, if required, governments have the responsibility to implement vaccine policies for the benefit of the general population, which may be coercive in nature. The first chapter of this dissertation includes the historical perspective of vaccines and the use of vaccination in Malta. This chapter will also include a brief description of the vaccination health policy in Malta. Moreover, this will be followed by a discussion about the complicated circumstances that surround the reasons why parents hesitate or refuse to vaccinate their children. These reasons include concerns and exemptions, which could be religious or medical in nature. Furthermore, the relationships between parents, their paediatrician and healthcare providers are explored. The provision of assistance and reassurance by health professionals is vital, as this will have a direct impact on the attitude of parents towards vaccinations. The final chapter will focus on court cases, reinforcing mandatory vaccination, autonomy, the best interests of the child, bio politics and the future of compulsory vaccination. There are a multitude of ethical factors that should be considered with childhood vaccinations. This dissertation will be examining the two main areas of potential conflict; the child's right to protection from diseases versus the parental right to decide on behalf of their children, and the rights of society to be protected versus the rights of the child or parents to personal autonomy. Description: M.A.BIOETHICS Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92826 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91056 Title: Mystagogical catechesis through sacred art : the iconographic cycle at the MSSP oratory church Abstract: Sacred art has been used as a window for worship since the time of the undivided Church, and although its development in both East and West gave rise to cultural particularities, the theology beneath it is by and large the same. One aspect of the use of sacred art is in the context of Mystagogical Catechesis. This has always been a significant factor in Christian art and spirituality, as all images and symbols are regarded as theology in colour. Furthermore, the comprehension of these mysteries is important for the Christian telos - the believer, through faith, understands the importance and desires to delve more deeply into the mystery. Humanity journeys towards God in the communion of faith which is manifested in the sacraments. The Church leads the faithful to initiate this relationship with the transcendent through liturgical catechesis and to make visible what is invisible with the guidance of the Scriptures. In the context of a renewed appreciation of Mystagogical Catechesis, it is compared to the 'Image of God,' perfectly seen in Jesus Christ, who is the true revelation of the mystery. The 'icon' of the Father is mirrored in the Son to reveal what is hidden. Thus, a sacred image is an essential aspect for the senses to perceive to open the window of the mystery which is still relevant today, for the spiritual journey to be complete. As a case study, I will be taking up the cycle of the six contemporary icons at the Missionary Society of Saint Paul (hereafter referred to as MSSP) Oratory in Birkirkara, written by Nathanael Theuma in 2014. This cycle, depicting the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, is an invitation to enter into the process of transformation in Christ. Description: B.A.(HONS)THEOLOGY Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91056 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/73334 Title: Rediscovering Christ as the good news to a secular society Abstract: The Christian religion was and remains a dynamic characteristic of Western society. However, empty churches and declining numbers of people who profess their faith tend to confirm the ever widening gap between faith and culture. The question arises whether Christianity is still relevant in today’s secular society. This research, through its various reflections and analysis, attempts to give a logical reason for the apparent decline of Christianity in Western secularised society, laying particular emphasis on the Roman Catholic Church. Beyond research and analysis, the ultimate goal is to present Christianity where Christ is the centre and focus of one’s faith, and an invitation to experience Trinitarian love, through the encounter with Christ, which strengthens faith and builds hope in an otherwise alienated world. Description: M.A.THEOLOGY Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/73334 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z