Abstract: This chapter presents some reflections arising from the approach to the intellectual itinerary of Darío García Garzón. After a brief reconstruction of the biographical profile of this Colombian queer/marica theologian, his writings (2004-2012) are studied to point out the exercise of contextualization of the “queer” that he carried out in the Colombian territories, through reflections on the Deleuzian fold (Le Pli). The importance of his creole-mestizo-baroque hermeneutic proposal for the critique and reformulation of the “habitus of theologization” in the approach to sex-gender dissidence is recognized.

Abstract: This study explores the genesis, evolution, and contemporary relevance of the Ignatian Leadership as a transformative model that combines corporative management principles with the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the organisational tradition of the Jesuits. Using a qualitative approach, we carried out an exhaustive review of 54 documents and interviews with experts, thus incorporating different phenomenological perspectives. The results reveal that this leadership was founded to renew the apostolic mission of the Society of Jesus, modernise its educational management approach, and empower laypeople and Jesuits in managerial roles. The model is based on Ignatian spirituality, particular with regard to the principle of discernment, and focuses on serving others and contributing to the common good. Over time, it has transcended the Jesuit sphere, becoming a model that can be applied in various contexts, one that promotes counter-cultural practices, organisational transformation and contemporary forms of leadership. This shift of focus not only paves the way for institutional change but also guides individuals towards a more authentic and meaningful life.

Abstract: This study examines four block-printed Indic-script Mahāpratisarā Dhāraṇī amulets from the late Tang to early Song periods, revealing a more complex history of dhāraṇī practices in China than previously understood. By analysing seed syllables and Indic scripts on the Xu Yin, Li Zhi-Shun, Ruiguang Si, and Hangzhou amulets, it highlights their ritual, symbolic, and textual significance. The findings challenge assumptions that these texts were static, showing instead their evolution across time and space. This research opens new directions for understanding Chinese Buddhist practice through dhāraṇī materiality, language, and visual culture.

Abstract: This study explores the publication and dissemination of the Pilu Canon 毗卢藏, engraved by followers of Bao'en Wanshou Hall in Houshan Village, Fujian, during the Yanyou reign of the Yuan Dynasty. Funded through donations, this canon was part of a broader initiative to republish the four major Buddhist canons. Its engraving style blends influences from Yan Zhenqing, Ouyang Xun, and Zhao Mengfu, with rounder characters and more spacious layouts compared to earlier Song editions. The project, supported by the White Lotus Society, involved various engravers and resulted in diverse transcription practices. Although no complete set survives, scattered volumes are housed in different institutions. The Pilu Canon provides valuable insights into the evolution of Buddhist scripture layout, the White Lotus Society's influence, and the interaction between Buddhist texts and secular society in medieval China.

Abstract: This study directs its focus towards contemporary Taoist hermits in the Zhongnan Mountains and Huashan, located in Shanxi Province, China. Initially, it delves into the motivations underlying the adoption of a hermitic lifestyle among these Taoists. Subsequently, it analyzes the diverse means by which these hermits sustain their livelihoods in the mountainous regions. Next, it conducts an examination of the various religious practices and extraordinary experiences of these Taoist hermits. Also, this study contends that some Taoist hermits do not live in complete isolation from secular society; rather, they sustain a tangible connection with the external world. This study unveils a distinct contemporary Chinese Taoist group, which has hitherto been overlooked by previous scholarship that predominantly concentrated on the scrutiny of urban or rural Taoist groups in contemporary China.

Abstract: This paper covers the evolution of legal education from its religious and cultural origins to contemporary influences, providing a broad framework for exploring the complexity between religious norms and modern legislation. The concept of ”education” presents a range of information that we can view from a general perspective as a form of training for individuals, as well as for professionals who apply the law. Through our study, we propose an analysis of the concept of ”legal education” as found in the fields of history and law, thus demonstrating the interdisciplinary approach of this endeavor.Starting from the general-specific connection, we initiated an analysis of the concept of legal education from the perspective of canon law and common law to outline a comprehensive opinion on the foundation we are presenting for discussion within our paper.The material we propose begins with the origin and evolution of the term "legal education" and continues with a brief terminological analysis. We further address the role of legal education throughout the ages, from antiquity to the present day, and the place, religious implications, and influence of religious texts on justice and legal education in each era.The chosen method is qualitative research through observation. In this context, we defined the subject of the research (legal education), analyzed the concepts (on the one hand, the concept of educating individuals about rules, norms, and justice, and on the other, the training of future professionals/public officials who interpreted and/or applied the law), and systematized the collected data to identify the utility of the concept of legal education in each era.By examining the information contained in this paper, we open up a topic that can be further developed by those interested in our subject.

Abstract:

In a world increasingly defined by isolationist values and ideological extremism, the question of how to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose is pressing. Political policies and economic structures certainly influence societal well-being, but they often lack the moral and ethical frameworks needed to address issues like individualism and extremism at their core. The Bible and theological higher education, by contrast, offer an alternative approach, encouraging community-centered values, critical engagement with belief systems, and an ethos of compassion. Through this essay the author explores the unique role of the Bible and theological higher education in counteracting the spread of individualism and extremism, while also examining why political and economic measures may provide limited assistance in achieving these ends.

Abstract: This article aims to examine how social media has changed the way human beings perceive themselves, exerting a tyrannical influence over personal image, leading people to aesthetic procedures and surgeries. It happens through the imitative dimension of human beings. Social media has created idealized world(s) where people see images of faces, bodies, and lives they perceive as perfect, leading them to question such aspects about themselves in comparison to the presented ideal. These idealized world(s) foster a contemporary Gnosticism, where people start seeing their own faces and bodies as flawed or inferior compared to these idealized images. This gives rise to a tyranny of social media over personal image, reshaping how individuals view themselves and pressuring them to conform to these idealized world(s). Theology has a mission to help people appreciate the beauty and goodness of real bodies and guiding them toward the fruition of being bodily beings.

Abstract: The negative effects of drug are the focus of the attention of researchers and practitioners when called upon to provide effective responses based on drug use trend analysis and estimates of the costs and correlates of the illicit drug use. At individual level, drug use has serious damaging effects on personal health, social life, the educational and professional course, and turns the life of a drug user in an obstacle race, in which life is threatened with each new bad decision. Both practitioners and decision-makers at global and European level become more concern as the age of onset for drug use decreases and illicit drug use becomes one of the major causes of preventable losses in society. This purpose of the paper is to generalize the concept of social and economic correlates of drug use, with a special focus on family, and to place it in relation to the dynamic phenomenon of drug use, in the specific geographical area of Bucharest and Ilfov. Applications of the concept are included to emphasize the link between evidence and practice. The paper builds on the analysis of academic investigations conducted by various authors and publications of relevant institutions.

Abstract: In recent years, authoritative scientists and thinkers have shown a renewed interest in the question concerning the relationship between the religious vision of reality and the scientific description of the world. They speak of “anthropic coincidences”, reasoning on the fact that many characteristics related to the laws of physics seem to exactly coincide with what is required for the emergence of life. The paper discusses some of these themes, in particular considering examples taken from physics, and evaluating possible theological interpretations, which also refer to Scripture. It is then considered the question of why something exists and not nothing, the struggle between good and evil, and the antagonism in nature between different forces that oppose each other.

Abstract: Exiled from the amphitheater of public universities, theological education at the university level în Romania remained confined to historical models hermetically isolated from everything that modern education meant. The air of change, felt in the interwar period (when the German model, infiltrated through the Faculty of Chernivtsi, tried to give a new vision) was quickly suppressed by the communist fog.In a so declared freedom of expression and in a sort of self management and determination, the universitarian education was in fact restrained to the single two enclaved universities (Sibiu and Bucharest), and having less and less contacts with the theological universities form Europe and from the entire world. So, the Romanian theological education remains unchanged from the beginning of 20th centrury and oriented more to the past than towards the future. And this situation, even today is quite similar. Although the number of disciplines has increased since the beginning of the last century, in reality the process is not due to a normal and natural growth in response to the modern systems of university education, but it was the result of the segmentation of some fundamental disciplines and the emergence of complementary disciplines.Starting from this reality, because of a considerable personal experience, our article proposes some reflections on this issue, suggesting few solutions, and even some structural changes in the architecture of theological education, aimed at improving the quality of graduates.

Abstract:

Adventist Education Values and Romanian Individualism. Societies develop based on values ​​adopted over time. The Enlightenment was the one that produced the change from collectivism to individualism, which marked the transition from agrarian to industrial societies. Individualistic values ​​favored economic development, but they also brought with them a series of shortcomings. Although some studies place Romania among the specifically collectivist countries, some of the values ​​that underlie the Romanian education system are typically individualistic. Like any education system, the Adventist one is based on a series of values. Its challenge in Romania is to have an answer to the shortcomings of individualism.

Abstract:

In the 76 years that have passed since the adoption of the United Nations Charter, the international society continues to face disputes and situations regarding interstate relations that it tries to resolve by peaceful means or, as the case may be, by resorting to force. Conflicts are an inevitable reality of relations between states, as inevitable as in the case of interpersonal relations. Often, states can pursue the same finality, but the ways of achieving the goal pursued or the claims that are raised differ, a factor that can lead to the arisal of conflicts.In the process of peaceful settlement, states enjoy full freedom of choosing the means of peaceful settlement, in such a way that they correspond to the characteristics of the dispute and ensure its resolution. Thus, the subjects of international law have a wide range of possibilities, starting from simple consultations and up to jurisdictional means. Peaceful settlement instruments can be used at any time, regardless of the order, but states have the obligation to act in good faith in order to find a solution to end the conflict.

Abstract:

The paper discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) use in education. After presenting the concept of artificial intelligence, the paper details the numerous benefits of integrating AI into educational practices. The ability of computer systems to simulate human intelligence opens up significant opportunities for personalized learning, enhances the efficiency of instructors, provides rapid feedback to students, and much more. Using AI to perform various educational activities, whether in teaching or administration, involves employing algorithms trained on large datasets to automate different tasks. These tasks include grading, providing personalized feedback, predicting student behavior, selecting candidates in the admission process, and others. Despite their utility, these algorithms are often complex and not fully understood by the users, which presents certain challenges. In light of these challenges, the paper also addresses several ethical issues associated with AI in education, such as algorithmic transparency, privacy protection, algorithmic bias, and the digital divide. Various institutions and international organizations have responded to these concerns by developing guidelines to protect the beneficiaries of the educational system. However, implementing these guidelines in practical and effective ways remains a significant challenge. Moreover, the paper highlights the importance of continuous dialogue between educators, policymakers, and technologists to ensure that AI in education is used responsibly and ethically. It underscores the need for ongoing research and development to improve the transparency and fairness of AI systems and to bridge the digital gaps that may exacerbate educational inequalities.

Abstract: In the contemporary context, education finds itself at the intersection of fundamental transformations driven by technological advancements and the imperatives of sustainability. This paper explores how the values of modern education can integrate religious diversity, addressing the challenges and opportunities of the digital era and the transition towards a green economy.This research examines three main axes: the integration of religion in modern education, investigating how religious pluralism can be promoted within an educational framework that values cultural and spiritual diversity, thereby contributing to the formation of tolerant and empathetic global citizens; the impact of technology on education and religion, through analyses of how digital technology influences the educational process and religious practices, discussing the opportunities and risks posed by new technologies. Additionally, we explore how technology can facilitate interreligious dialogue and collaborative learning; and education for sustainability, addressing the importance of education for sustainable development, emphasizing the role of religious values in promoting responsible ecological behaviour. We study examples of best practices in ecological and sustainable education, highlighting the contributions of various religious traditions to environmental protection.Through this multidisciplinary approach, the paper aims to provide a holistic view of how education for the future can be configured to address both individual and societal needs in a world marked by rapid technological changes and urgent environmental issues. Finally, educational strategies are proposed to harmoniously integrate religion, technology, and sustainability, thereby preparing future generations for the complex challenges of the 21st century.

Abstract: The research examines how human rights education fosters democratic citizenship by raising awareness of rights and responsibilities, through the promoting of democratic values, and the active participation of citizens in the democratic processes. Through a theoretical framework, the essay explores how human rights education develops citizens equipped to support human rights and democratic principles. It is considered that the key elements of human rights education are inclusive curricula and participatory teaching. Several challenges to human rights education are presented, such as political resistance, cultural traditions, and limited resources. The essay proposes several solutions to the challenges, such as advocacy, policy reforms, collaboration between governments and specialized NGOs, as well as the use of digital technologies, that would aid in consolidating robust and resilient democratic societies.

Abstract:

This paper explores how rights and protections, even citizenship, could be constructed around the vulnerable child, rather than being derived solely from state or nation. It provides examples of emerging ‘alternative communities’ doing just this and asks what role the church could have in reimagining and modelling communities that transcend borders, proclaim the gospel, and redefine family and mission.

Abstract: While many experts in Roma studies are writing about conversion of Romas in Europe and about the "new religion" impact in their social life, there are also some academic articles which are expressing the lack of conversion narratives. Understanding the excitement of various researchers seeing the social transformation, it looks like there is only side of the phenomena, and there is no, or very little, research referring the role of conversion in such transformation. The main objectives in this qualitative study, is to explore the role o narrative conversion and the role of conversion in social transformation of Roma communitas. Data are generated from in-depth of semi structured interviews and analysed through the biblical doctrinal lens of conversion.Trough the findings, we understand that Roma evangelicals should be aware that not the religious sift is the key of individual and community change, but the proper implementation of Biblical values.

Abstract:

The essay examines the challenges and opportunities that Christian education faces in balancing religious teachings with the demands of secular democratic values. It explores how Christian schools nurture students in Christian virtues, while equipping them to participate actively and responsibly in a pluralistic, but democratic, society. It also points to the role of the curriculum design, dialogical teaching, and civic engagement in integrating Christian virtues with civic responsibilities. By analyzing these pedagogical strategies, the essay argues that Christian education can train and prepare individuals, who are committed to their faith, but also are well-prepared for life in a secular democracy.

Abstract: Religious globalisation is now a structural factor, and with immigrants it will also increase in the future. It is essential to be better prepared for this scenario, and to counter fanaticism through interreligious dialogue. In these reflections I will refer to the reports on multi-religiousness published in the last 5 years by the Dossier Statistico Immigrazione, drawing inspiration from them not only for the statistical aspects. According to the Ecri (European Commission on Racism and Intolerance, established within the Council of Europe) the communities most exposed to hate speech and acts of hatred are the Muslim and Jewish ones. The dimension of Italian Islam, the second Italian religious reality after Catholicism, is therefore a reality that cannot be ignored and must be the subject of reflection as an integral part of the social fabric.