Abstract: Despite Greece’s historical and geographical significance in the Mediterranean, there is currently no national digital repository offering systematic access to Arabic chronicles, diplomatic letters, and travelogues from the eighth to sixteenth centuries. This absence critically impedes rigorous Arabological and Islamological research within Greek academia and restricts the educational landscape to predominantly Eurocentric perspectives. The Hellenic Digital Library of Arabic Historical Sources (HDB-AHS) is proposed as a targeted solution, presenting a trilingual (Greek–English–Arabic) digital platform designed to aggregate, preserve, and openly disseminate these vital sources. The article outlines a six-phase implementation plan combining IIIF, TEI-XML, FAIR/CARE principles, and open licensing with a robust rights-clearance framework for modern copyrights and sensitive materials. Beyond academic benefits, the project aspires to act as a meeting point of cultures—offering concrete tools for building bridges, combating intolerance, and fostering intercultural understanding. In a world that is rapidly changing, the creation of such an inclusive and responsibly curated digital resource is vital not only for advancing research but also for supporting dialogue and mutual respect across societies. HDB-AHS provides a blueprint for similar initiatives in underrepresented fields.

Abstract: The increase in global demand for mineral resources with the energy transition and military expansion is likely to intensify the consequences of mining, such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil, water and air contamination, violation of civil, political and labour rights, loss of livelihoods, and health damage. The paper analyses responses of the Catholic Church to the challenges which arise from mining. Based on a series of consultations with cross-continental actors, its aim is to offer a typology of responses in order to better understand what is currently taking place and inform the work of other actors in addressing the socio-ecological consequences of mining. The paper examines five types of intertwined responses: 1) Accompaniment of mining-affected populations, which is the starting point of all responses; 2) Mediation of experience through theological and organizational resources and international policy frameworks; 3) Documentation of what is happening, or likely to happen; 4) Education and formation to address the structural causes of social and ecological degradation at a multi-scalar level; and 5) Advocacy for policy and institutional change, including alternative modes of economic development. The paper concludes by discussing some shortcomings in these responses, as well as avenues for broad-based coalitions.

Abstract: This is an examination of the growth of the Hebrew Catholic movement, and how the combination of the Holocaust and Vatican II addressed Jewish converts to Catholicism.

Abstract: This study examines the leadership practices of Local Government Unit (LGU) officials in Malita and their influence on employees' perceptions of readiness for work-from-home (WFH) arrangements. Amid the increasing adoption of remote work policies in the public sector, understanding leadership's role in facilitating successful transitions to WFH settings is crucial. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with LGU employees and officials to assess key factors such as communication strategies, decision-making processes, and support mechanisms. Findings reveal that transparent communication, adaptive leadership styles, and robust technical support significantly enhance employees' confidence and capability for remote work. Conversely, challenges such as inadequate digital infrastructure and resistance to change hinder readiness. The study underscores the need for targeted training programs, infrastructure investment, and a culture of flexibility to optimize the implementation of WFH arrangements. These insights offer actionable recommendations for LGUs navigating the shift toward hybrid and remote work models.

Abstract: Education is a fundamental theme in Jewish culture. In the Old Testament we find didactic and pedagogical ideas expressed in different ways, e.g. in the figurative language of parables, regarding wisdom texts, etc. The Holy Scripture reveals a creative God who transformed a tribe of nomads into an organized people through a long process of education. In order to contemplate God as the educator of the Jewish people, several perspectives can be followed, but we will limit ourselves to presenting a few ideas that are related to education in the biblical context of ancient Israel, God's Pedagogy in the Bible and Divine Pedagogy which is the foundation for the education of children and young people today. The perspectives of Old Testament concerning to religious education are as relevant today as they were then, in the time of the patriarchs, kings or Old Testament prophets.

Abstract: This article presents a theological examination of the distinction Jesus makes between the power of God and worldly, politico-military authority, particularly as manifested in the Roman Empire. Grounded in Gospel texts, particularly Luke 20:25 and Matthew 20:25–28, the analysis explores the contrasting values of divine power, which is characterized by love, peace, and reconciliation, against earthly power, defined by authority, coercion, manipulation, and brute force. The article delves into the meanings of political power, ideologies, and the dangers of religious nationalism and extremism, drawing conceptual boundaries between these forms of influence. Using the Roman Empire as a case study, the article reveals how Jesus critiques political authority in favor of the Kingdom of God, whose values stand in direct opposition to the ideologies of worldly power. This exploration further addresses the risks of ideological extremism, particularly within religious contexts, and emphasizes the theological importance of distinguishing between worldly governance and divine sovereignty. Ultimately, the Kingdom of God, as portrayed in the Gospels, is a realm of love, justice, and peace, while worldly systems often promote conflict and division. The article concludes by offering a model for Christians, based on Christ’s teachings, to navigate the tensions between faith and political ideologies, keeping in focus the priorities of God's Kingdom and the power of divine love.

Abstract:

The church talks a great deal about transformation but often seems unsure about what precisely its end goal should look like. In imagining a new order, God’s kingdom come, it is sometimes rather vague about how it might get there. Our unequal world is still crying out for good news, for the church to fulfill its calling. Imagination is key to our ability as a church to hear and understand scripture and live out the gospel – but how do we examine and interrogate it? This article proposes that a sociotechnical imaginary can be a useful paradigm in our efforts to understand imagination and embody its imaginings. It will also set out a situated understanding of transformation as a method of integral mission with radically different implications for the privileged and the oppressed and offer a possible vision of a gospel-imagined end state towards which we might direct our course.

Abstract: This booklet, Building Bridges: A Peace Education Manual for Church Youth Leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo, represents a vital resource for fostering a culture of peace and reconciliation in a nation grappling with complex social, political, and environmental challenges. By addressing foundational aspects of peacebuilding and conflict resolution through the lens of biblical values, this manual equips youth leaders with the tools and understanding necessary to become catalysts for transformation in their communities.

Abstract:

According to specific theories which are developing a special sociological methodology, sports in general manifest as a complex social phenomenon and its study allows us to investigate aspects of the social organization of modern societies. Sports are not an autonomous event of human activity. We can observe an institutional subset of sports in the wider set of society and the dynamics that develop within its contexts. The stadium, as a point of reference for a sports club, is considered an element that actually contributes to the construction of the public space. Through contemporary narratives, we will also try to approach the very special “language” of the “sports fan religiosity”.

Abstract: This article describes the leadership and organizational elements that have made the Seven Mountains Mandate (7MM), a very adaptable, simple to explain, and feasible to implement message and portable practice, which can start at a local level to be expanded progressively to regional and national dimensions, one of the main doctrines of the Apostolic Restoration Movement (ARM). A new classification of apostolic networks is proposed in this article and a partial map of some of the networks that participate in the expansion of the 7MM is presented. Additionally, by using definitions from network leadership theory, it is shown how different types of leaders that function as horizontal connectors in apostolic networks, such as conveners, catalysts, mobilizers, facilitators, weavers, provocateurs, illuminators, hosts, and curators contribute to the diffusion of the 7MM by promoting its global widening, deepening, and lengthening (WDL). The article first describes the evolution of the church from denominations to networks, and how the ARM adopted the network organizational structure that serves as a channel for the diffusion of the 7MM. Cases from the USA, Guatemala, Zambia, and Venezuela are used as examples to demonstrate how the 7MM expansion or widening (W), its contextualization and adaption or deepening (D), and its sustainability, reproduction, and evolution, or lengthening (L), occur globally based on the network nature of the ARM and the network leadership enacted in the process.

Abstract: Food waste is a real environmental challenge worldwide. It is a major sin in Islam; yet it is ubiquitous in Muslim society, a society where the majority of people say that Islam is critical in their life. Ingrained in moral aspects of overconsumption, a conundrum this paradox study tries to unravel is why plate waste is prevalent in the Arab Muslim society, despite the teaching of the Quran [Muslim’s holy book] and Sunna [teaching and acts of prophet Muhammad] against wanton waste. The influence of religiosity on environmental concern and intentions to reduce food waste in Islam and Christianity has been widely examined. However, our understanding of why religious people waste food remains limited. This serendipitous qualitative inquiry is the first to examine food waste from the nexus triad -food waste, hospitality, and religion, and comprehensively. Findings suggest that the conception of contemporary Arab hospitality, entrenched in Karam/generosity, and entangled with the interpretation of sin and God’s mercy, is a major contributing factor to plate waste perpetuation. The gravity of food waste warrants a new conceptualization of Arab generosity. Suggestions for plate waste prevention in this cultural context, grounded in the interviews and the Quran, are presented.

Abstract: This research paper examines the role of the Muslim World League (MWL) as a soft power tool in serving Muslims globally. The study delves into the activities, strategies, and influences of the MWL, particularly in the past decade, from 2014 to 2024. Given the evolving dynamics of global geopolitics, the MWL's initiatives in fostering religious diplomacy, cultural exchange, and humanitarian efforts are critically analyzed. The Secretary General, Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, plays a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the organization's objectives internationally. Using a blend of descriptive and analytical methodologies, this paper investigates how the MWL leverages soft power to address issues faced by the Muslim community worldwide. The research also uncovers the interconnected factors influencing the effectiveness of the MWL's programs and policies. Through a comprehensive review of literature, examination of previous studies, and an analysis of the theoretical frameworks, this study identifies gaps and offers insights for future research. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the MWL's impact on global Muslim populations and the broader implications for international relations and soft power theory.

Abstract: The research aims to study the economic struggles faced by Muslims residing in non-Islamic countries, where they encounter challenging circumstances in abiding by national tax laws and Islamic Sharia principles. The economic conditions not only make it arduous to adhere to their religious obligations but also put the Muslim community in disadvantageous position. The study primarily focuses on exploring the treatment of the third pillar of Islam, known as "Zakah,” and how it loses its relevance due to various reasons that exist in the non-Islamic societies. The research delves deeply probes into the reasons and examines why an investment in precious metals is comparatively less fruitful for a Muslim than for a non-Muslim due to Zakah obligations. It also investigates how Zakah fund, in the absence of a monitoring authority is unable to make a difference in the poverty conditions of Muslims in a non-Islamic societies non-Islamic societies.

Abstract: This study explores religious diversity in Romania and how the trends of indices of religious fractionalization and polarization manifest at the county level in the post-communist period. The county is selected as the relevant level for analysis due to its spatial confessional dynamics being more clearly visible. Recent studies have revealed that erosion of diversity represents an important aspect for any country and needs to be considered as an important aspect of democracy. This paper highlights that religious polarization and fractionalization in Romania has been generally maintained, although the regions of Transylvania, Banat, Dobrogea and Western Moldova remain areas where there are different confessions. Besides the general aspect of religion diversity depending the ethnic trends, there is a rise of Pentecostals and Baptists at the county level. This aspect can inform policymakers to create new institutions for dialogue between majority Orthodox communities and Protestants so that potential conflicts do not appear between the Orthodox and emerging religious communities, but also to ensure objective, cultural, religious coherence.

Abstract: This article discusses the relationship between the discourse of evangelical churches and the production of conservative neoliberal political rationalities. We start from the premise that the Large Evangelical Corporations (in Brazil), operate within the neoliberal logic, and offer biographical solutions to social exclusion systems, indicating the individual and spiritual causes for poverty and suffering, while identifying the "deserving" of blessings, suggesting elevation through personal responsibility. In this turn, they merge self-entrepreneur individualism with rhetoric that interweaves elements of conservative communitarianism, such as tradition, naturalizing gender roles, and cultivating traditional family models, seen as key to rehabilitating the wider society. We hypothesize that, in the Brazilian case of the state of Rio de Janeiro, evangelical churches are central parts of this gear, acting as one of the main "resonance machines" (Connolly) of neoliberal policies, providing individualized solutions for structural systems of social exclusion, in a pedagogical, efficient and extensive manner. In this sense, this work benefits from fieldwork and interviews conducted in the state of Rio de Janeiro with its large evangelical churches.

Abstract: A traditionally salient topic of empirical investigation in the sociology of religion, this paper seeks to offer a recent investigation into the intergenerational transmission of religion and the parental forms of religious engagement that predict adult engagement with religion. The study of this paper explores the intergenerational transmission of religion, focusing on the parental forms of religious identity and engagement that influence religious identity, beliefs, and practices in adulthood. By analyzing the 2018 GSS dataset in the United States with multiple regression analyses, I find strong parental and childhood influences on adult religiosity, religious service attendance, and belief in God. Indeed, this engagement often mirrors parental engagement for these variables. However, while paternal religious identity often predicts these religious variables, I find that the religious identity and engagement of parents generally does not predict religious identity in adulthood. Ultimately, while these results generally show strong predictive mechanisms of intergenerational transmission, they also illustrate that these relationships are variably dependent on the form of parental and adult religious engagement and which parent participates or is associated with that engagement.

Abstract: This article presents the development of a Faith-Informed Advocacy Model that integrates faith-based principles and values into advocacy efforts within Christian social work. Drawing from the intersection of Christian ethics and social work principles, this model provides a framework for Christian social workers to engage in advocacy work that is grounded in their faith and guided by ethical principles. The article includes case studies that illustrate the application of the model in real-world scenarios.

Abstract: Amidst the transformative backdrop of the post-Covid-19 context, the researcher embarks on a qualitative exploratory study to investigate the intricate interplay of religiosity, educational engagement, and campus life among college students at St. Michael's College, Iligan City. Guided by a theoretical framework integrating Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, Fredricks et al.'s engagement theory, and Pascarella & Terenzini's educational impact theory, this study delves into the dynamic fruition of religiosity in response to the pandemic's impact. Employing purposeful and maximum variation sampling, the investigation unravels narratives from interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. Through thematic analysis, themes of "Adaptive Integration," "Religious Resilience," "Community Nexus," "Challenges of Synchronization," and "Identity Negotiation" emerge. In the discourse of these themes, strategies students employ to navigate challenges arising from this confluence are unearthed. Rooted in a deep understanding of the context, this study presents implications for fostering holistic growth within an inclusive educational environment. As the findings and insights are presented, stakeholders are invited to reimagine the role of religiosity, educational engagement, and campus life in shaping the holistic student experience in a world forever changed.

Abstract: The closure of Black churches raises concerns about the socioeconomic impact on African American communities. This pilot study uses Social Capital theory to highlight the relationship between the Black church and socioeconomic outcomes within the community. Based on survey responses from approximately 60% of African American participants, it was revealed that religious communities have a positive impact on their socioeconomic status. These findings have reinforced the strong connection between faith and success, noting that active involvement in religious services or activities could lead to higher annual incomes. Individuals who earned a higher income also reported more frequent participation in weekly religious services and activities. Furthermore, a chi-square test of independence showed a significant relationship between the frequency of religious participation and the likelihood of receiving a scholarship or grant funding from religious organizations. Therefore, the study provides evidence highlighting the church's critical role in fostering positive economic outcomes and social networks within African American communities. These findings provide a framework for additional research in this field to explore further the impact of religious communities on various aspects of African American life.

Abstract: Human perception of nature and God have always been inextricably linked. In order to understand nature and its inherent processes, including various natural hazards, the reasons for their origin were often attributed to God's will, suffering for sin and the similar. Fear of material and human losses prompted a man to pray and offer sacrifices/gifts and other rituals to appease the "wrath of the gods". The progress of civilization and technology has not alleviated the destruction and trauma that natural disasters inflict on all aspects of social life. A major obstacle to this is the exponential population growth in vulnerable areas. The frequency of natural disasters and the fatalistic attitudes that limit the effective fight against them have motivated religious communities and individuals to cooperate with international and international organizations and institutions to reduce the risk of local disasters. Believers thus receive the necessary psychological and financial assistance and support from religious communities during all phases of disaster management. Therefore, the subject of this paper is a comprehensive examination relationship between the degree of religiosity of the population and how this connection impacts the policy of reducing disaster risk. The aim of the research is to scientifically describe the nature of the relationship between the degree of religiosity of citizens and different segments of disaster risk reduction.