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Paradoxality of Desire , Shame, Longing: Ephrem the Syrian on the Sinful Women in Jesus’ Genealogy (Mt 1)
Evangelist Matej v Jezusovem rodovniku (Mt 1,1-17) izpostavlja štiri nenavadne ženske figure – Tamaro, Rahábo, Ruto in Batšébo –, ki so v zgodnjekrščanski tradiciji pogosto ostale obrobne zaradi svojih moralno ali etnično problematičnih ozadij. Prispevek predstavlja obravnavo njihove vloge v delih Efrema Sirskega, v Komentarju Prve Mojzesove knjige (Comm. in Gen.) in v deveti himni O Kristusovem rojstvu (HNat 9), pri čemer je posebna pozornost namenjena emotivnemu izrazju in njegovi vlogi pri razkrivanju globljih teoloških pomenov. Efrem namreč prve tri ženske slavi zaradi njihove ljubezni do Kristusa, kar odpira interpretativne ravni tudi za vprašanje sramu in drzne ljubezni, poželenja in hrepenenja. Efrem ne obsoja dejanj ta teh žena, temveč jih vidi kot orodje odrešenja. Analiza osvetljuje tudi, kako sirščina kot jezik subtilno izraža paradokse človeških čustev, pri čemer se telesno poželenje prepleta z duhovnim hrepenenjem. Prispevek tako osvetljuje specifično sirsko dojemanje emocionalnih transformacij prav preko rabe paradoksa, kar ostaja relevantno tudi v sodobnih razpravah o vlogi čustev v teologiji, psihologiji in literarnih vedah.In the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1–17), the Evangelist Matthew highlights four unusual female figures—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba—who have often remained marginal in early Christian tradition due to their morally or ethnically problematic backgrounds. This study examines their role in the works of Ephrem the Syrian, specifically in the Commentary on Genesis (Comm. in Gen.) and in the ninth hymn On the Nativity of Christ (HNat 9), with particular attention to emotional expression and its theological significance. Ephrem praises the first three women for their love of Christ, which opens interpretive possibilities for exploring themes of shame and bold love, desire and longing. Rather than condemning the actions of these women, Ephrem presents them as instruments of salvation. The analysis also highlights how the Syriac language subtly expresses the paradoxes of human emotions, where carnal desire intertwines with spiritual longing. In doing so, the study illuminates the specifically Syriac perception of emotional transformation through the use of paradox—a perspective that remains relevant for contemporary discussions on the role of emotion in theology, psychology, and literary studies
Ekumenske izkušnje iz zgodovine: poljski primer
From its outset, the ecumenical movement struggled with a problem of memories, particularly concerning collective memories of nations. The first ecumenical gatherings had to bridge the wounds of remembrance of people who belonged to different and often hostile nations. Nevertheless, this early experience had helped elaborate teaching that later became a theological ‘vaccine ’ for the following decades of ecumenical strivings. Ecumenism needs this vaccine, since existential and spiritual clashes of fidelity to Jesus’s call to unity and loyalty to national identity still happen. The article aims to showcase the work of two Polish ecumenists who advocated for Christian unity and, at the same time, for reconciliation between Poland and its neighbours during the communist epoch. An extensive outline of the ecumenical theory on nationalism, nation, relationships between nations and the Church, and reconciliation among nations precedes the presentation.Od svojega začetka se je ekumensko gibanje soočalo s problemom spominov, zlasti kolektivnih spominov narodov. Prva ekumenska srečanja so morala premostiti spominske rane ljudi, ki so pripadali različnim in pogosto sovražnim narodom. Kljub temu je ta zgodnja izkušnja pomagala oblikovati nauk, ki je pozneje postal teološko »cepivo« za naslednja desetletja ekumenskih prizadevanj. Ekumenizem to cepivo potrebuje, saj se eksistencialna in duhovna trenja med zvestobo Jezusovemu klicu k edinosti in zvestobo narodni identiteti še vedno pojavljajo. Članek želi predstaviti delo dveh poljskih ekumenistov, ki sta si prizadevala za krščansko edinost in hkrati za spravo med Poljsko in njenimi sosedami v času komunistične dobe. Predstavitvi sledi obsežen oris ekumenske teorije o nacionalizmu, narodu, odnosih med narodi in Cerkvijo ter o spravi med narodi
Romanje v digitalni dobi: duhovni pluralizem in z umetno inteligenco podprta transformacija na poti Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago has emerged in late modernity as a ritual space where diverse spiritual, religious, and secular orientations converge. This article explores the Camino as a site of spiritual pluralism and self-transcendence, highlighting its transformative potentialf or pilgrims independent of doctrinal belief. Drawing on empirical studies, we demonstrate that the pilgrimage experience fosters exceptional human experiences (EHEs), personal growth, and a shift in values toward universalism and benevolence. Embracing an integrative perspective on spirituality, we propose a framework for designing ethically grounded, AI-guided pilgrimage companions that support rather than commodify the journey. Instead of serving merely logistical functions, such AI systems can nurture reflection, facilitate encounters with diverse spiritual perspectives, and reinforce the Camino’s communitarian and existential ethos. This vision invites further interdisciplinary research on how digital tools can enhance spiritually meaningful human experiences.Camino de Santiago se je v pozni moderni dobi uveljavil kot ritualni prostor, kjer se srečujejo pripadniki različnih duhovnih, religijskih in sekularnih usmeritev. Članek raziskuje Camino kot prostor duhovnega pluralizma in samo transcendence ter poudarja njegov transformativni potencial neodvisno od romarjevega prepričanja. Na podlagi empiričnih študij pokažemo, da romanje spodbuja izjemne človekove izkušnje (IČI), osebnostno rast ter spremembo osebne hierarhije vrednot v smeri univerzalizma in benevolence. V okviru integrativne perspektive duhovnosti predlagamo zasnovo etično utemeljenih, z umetno inteligenco (UI) podprtih romarskih spremljevalcev, ki ne komodificirajo poti, temveč jo podpirajo.Takšni UI-sistemi ne opravljajo le logistične funkcije, temveč lahko spodbujajo refleksijo, omogočajo srečevanje pripadnikov različnih duhovnih usmeritev in krepijo skupnostni ter eksistencialni značaj Camina. Ta vizija odpira prostor za nadaljnje interdisciplinarne raziskave o tem, kako lahko digitalna orodja poglabljajo duhovno osmišljene človekove izkušnje
Nutrices from Poetovio and Their Potential Influence on the Veneration of the Virgin Mary
Nutrice, ki jim pripisujemo predrimski izvor, veljajo za najpomembnejši kultv Petovioni. Njihovega izrednega pomena ne potrjuje samo število spomenikov, kjerso ali epigrafsko ali ikonografsko (pogosto tudi oboje) izpričane, temveč tudi dejstvo, da so predrimski kult vzeli za svojega tudi italski priseljenci in da se je razširil med pripadniki vseh družbenih razredov; na votivnih spomenikih so namreč kot dedikanti dokumentirani tako člani municipalne elite kakor tudi osvobojenci, sužnji in peregrini. Tako antični kultikakor tudi takratna filozofska misel so vplivali na oblikovanje krščanske misli, zato se zdi samoumevno, da je kult Nutric s svojim sporočilom in zakoreninjenostjo v okolje vplivalna češčenje Marije, ko se je postopoma razširilo tudi na naš prostor. Ostaja pa vprašanje, kako ta vpliv dokazati.The Nutrices, traditionally attributed a pre-Roman origin, are regarded as the most significant cult phenomenon in Poetovio. Their exceptional prominence is attested not only by the considerable number of monuments on which they appear – epigraphically, iconographically, or, in many cases, both – but also by the adoption of their cult by Italian settlers and its dissemination across all strata of society. Votive dedications identify dedicants ranging from members of the municipal elite to freedmen, slaves, and peregrini. Both ancient cults and contemporary philosophical thought significantly shaped the development of early Christian theology. In this context, it appears almost self-evident that the cult of the Nutrices, with its enduring presence and deeply rooted local significance, played a role in shaping the veneration of Mary as it gradually spread to this region. Nonetheless, the critical question remains: how can such an influence be substantiated
Possibilities for Establishing Spiritual Care in the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia
Prispevek obravnava duhovno oskrbo v Armadi Republike Severne Makedonije (ARSM) kot doslej neurejeno, a pomembno področje vojaške organizacije z vidika celostne skrbi za pripadnike oboroženih sil in človekovih pravic. S pomočjo zgodovinske, deskriptivne in analitične metode ter deduktivnega pristopa je predstavljena analiza zgodovinskega razvoja, pravnega okvira in stališč pripadnikov ARSM do duhovne oskrbe. Posebna pozornost je namenjena primerjalni analizi ureditev v Republiki Hrvaški in Republiki Sloveniji, kjer duhovna oskrba že deluje na temelju ustavnih določb in mednarodnih sporazumov. Ugotovitve kažejo, da v Makedoniji obstaja pravna in družbena podlaga za uvedbo vojaške duhovne oskrbe, vendar primanjkuje politične volje in institucionalne pobude.The article deals with spiritual care in the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia (ARSM) as a hitherto unregulated but important area of military organisation in terms of holistic care for members of the armed forces and human rights. Using historical, descriptive and analytical methods, as well as a deductive approach, the paper presents an analysis of the historical development, the legal framework and the attitudes of ARSM members towards spiritual care. Particular attention is paid to a comparative analysis of the arrangements in the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Slovenia, where spiritual care is already in place on the basis of constitutional provisions and international agreements. The findings show that there is a legal and societal basis for the introduction of military spiritual care in the Republic of Macedonia, but that there is a lack of political will and institutional initiative
Kompetence za aktivno dolgoživost: Primerjalna raziskava v Nigeriji, Pakistanu in Italiji
Moving beyond the traditional focus of active ageing, this paper introduces the construct of active ageing for longevity from the perspective of learning across the life cycle under LifeComp, the European framework of life competences. It aims to compare active ageing policies, programmes, and competences across Nigeria, Pakistan and Italy, and align them with the new construct. Drawing from the international comparative framework of macro, meso, and micro levels, this study analyses active ageing at three levels using the method of document analysis. The key findings show that across the three countries, the focus of active ageing remains on health, well-being, civic participation, and financial security, guided by the WHO framework, with limited evidence of transformation in either policies, service provision or competence development from a pedagogical perspective. The study showcases the scope of integrating life competences from a pedagogical standpoint in supporting the transition period from work to retirement. Članek na podlagi evropskega okvira za življenjske kompetence LifeComp uvaja konstrukt aktivnega staranja za dolgoživost z vidika učenja v celotnem življenjskem ciklu, ki presega tradicionalne osredotočenosti na aktivno staranje. Namen članka je primerjati politike, programe in kompetence aktivnega staranja v Nigeriji, Pakistanu in Italiji ter se uskladiti z novim konstruktom. Raziskava temelji na mednarodno primerjalnem okviru makro, mezo in mikro ravni ter analizira aktivno staranje na treh ravneh z metodo analize dokumentov. Ključne ugotovitve kažejo, da je v vseh treh državah poudarek aktivnega staranja na zdravju, dobrem počutju, državljanski udeležbi in finančni varnosti, ki jih opredeljujejo smernice Svetovne zdravstvene organizacije (WHO), medtem ko so dokazi o spremembah v politikah, zagotavljanju storitev in razvoju kompetenc s pedagoškega vidika omejeni. Raziskava s pedagoškega vidika prikazuje obseg vključevanja življenjskih kompetenc pri omogočanju lažjega prehoda od dela do upokojitve.
Karierne poti žensk v visokem šolstvu: Primerjalna analiza Združenih držav, Italije in Portugalske
This article outlines comparative research on women’s career trajectories in higher education across three nations. Framed by critical feminist theory (CFT) and utilising a qualitative comparative analysis research design, the authors examine macro, meso, and micro levels through document, policy, and practice analysis within the socio-cultural and political contexts in the United States, Italy, and Portugal. CFT is constructive in examining how gender is socially constructed, prioritises the voices of marginalised women through empowerment and agency, and works to dismantle patriarchal power systems. Additional qualitative research is required to gain perspective and a holistic understanding of the complexities of women’s intersectionalities and career experiences in higher education. The study offers similarities and differences in the national cases and recommendations for practice and future research. The researchers suggest investigating how anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) sentiment and policy reversals in the United States and other nations affect gender equity in higher education faculty and leadership careers.Članek predstavlja primerjalno raziskavo kariernih poti žensk v visokem šolstvu v treh državah. Raziskava temelji na kritični feministični teoriji in za preučevanje makro, mezo in mikro ravni uporablja kvalitativno primerjalno analizo dokumentov, politik in praks v družbeno-kulturnem in političnem kontekstu Združenih držav Amerike, Italije in Portugalske. Kritična feministična teorija je ključnega pomena pri preučevanju spola kot družbenega konstrukta, v ospredje postavlja glasove marginaliziranih žensk in si prizadeva odpraviti patriarhalni sistem. Raziskava razkriva podobnosti in razlike med državami ter podaja priporočila za prakso in nadaljnje raziskovalno delo na tem področju. Za boljši vpogled in celostno razumevanje vse kompleksnosti, ki jo zajema vprašanje intersekcionalnosti žensk in njihovih kariernih izkušenj v visokem šolstvu, so potrebne dodatne kvalitativne raziskave. Potrebno je raziskati tudi to, kako nasprotovanje raznolikosti, pravičnosti in vključevanju ter politični preobrati v ZDA in drugih državah vplivajo na enakost spolov z vidika zaposlenih v visokem šolstvu
Patriotism and “Civic” Friendship
John Rawls je v Teoriji pravičnosti približno takole povezal moralno poljubnost in nezasluženost: če si ne morem lastiti zaslug za določeno svojo lastnost, potem tudi nisem (bolj kot drugi) moralno upravičen do koristi, ki izvirajo iz njenega imetja. Državljanstvo se tipično podeljuje na podlagi določil, ki so v zgornjem pomenu moralno poljubna, najpogosteje kraja rojstva oz. državljanstva staršev. In čeravno je torej državljanstvo (točno določene države) v zgornjem pomenu besede moralno nezasluženo, le redki teoretiki problematizirajo nacionalno zakonodajo in ukrepe oblasti, ki sistematično favorizirajo domačine pred tujci oz. lastne državljane pred državljani drugih držav. V pričujočem članku kritično obravnavam poskuse, da bi po zgledu prijateljstva, kjer pristranskost po splošnem mnenju ne le, da ni moralno problematična, temveč velja za prototip moralno vzornega medčloveškega razmerja, tudi domoljubje utemeljili na vzajemni skrbi in spoštovanju med sodržavljani. Če lahko namreč prijateljstvo generira medsebojne obveznosti in moralne razloge za delovanje, čeprav je izbira prijateljev v osnovi moralno poljubna, zakaj ne bi tudi v domoljubu videli človeka, ki – vsaj v političnih skupnostih, urejenih po demokratičnih načelih – v nekem smislu prijateljuje z vsemi svojimi sodržavljani in ima zato določene obveznosti izključno ali vsaj prvenstveno do njih? Toda že po nekoliko temeljitejši analizi normativne podstati običajnega, medosebnega prijateljstva se tovrstno \u27državljansko prijateljstvo\u27 celo v moralno idealiziranih političnih tvorbah izkaže za potencialno nevarno teoretsko utvaro. Lahko si, skratka, oddahnemo, ne bo nam treba po vsej sili \u27prijateljevati\u27 z neznanci in političnimi eksoti.In his theory of justice, John Rawls connected moral arbitrariness and undeservedness roughly as follows: if I cannot take credit for a certain property of mine, then I am not (any more than anyone else) morally entitled to the benefits of possessing, and making use of, that trait. Citizenship is typically assigned based on features that are morally arbitrary in the above sense, most commonly the place of birth and/or one’s parents’ nationality. And yet, although citizenship (of a particular country) is morally undeserved in the above sense, only a few theorists question the national legislation and the social policies that systematically favour natives over foreigners. In this article, I critically examine attempts to base patriotism on mutual concern and respect, considered constitutive of personal friendships, where bias towards someone is not only morally unproblematic but hailed as morally exemplary. Indeed, if friendship can generate mutual moral obligations and moral reasons for action, even though friendships are typically formed in a morally arbitrary way, why not also see in a patriot a person who (at least within political communities governed by democratic rule) in some sense “befriends” all her fellow citizens and, as a result, owes certain obligations just or primarily to them? However, a more thorough inquiry into the normative basis of ordinary, interpersonal friendship reveals this kind of “civic friendship” as a misconceived and potentially dangerous theoretical fiction, even in morally idealized political formations. In short, we can relax, as Slovene citizens we will not need to “befriend” strangers and political foes after all
Bridging the Gaps in Methods for Enhancing Working Memory
Delovni spomin igra ključno vlogo pri številnih kognitivnih procesih, kot so učenje, reševanje problemov in odločanje. Ima omejeno kapaciteto, kar postane še posebej opazno pri nevroloških in psihiatričnih motnjah ter s staranjem, zaradi česar so znanstveniki v zadnjih petdesetih letih intenzivno iskali načine za njegovo izboljšanje. S farmakološkimi pristopi so sprva preučevali vpliv specifičnih farmakoloških sredstev na delovni spomin pri živalih, pozneje pa tudi pri ljudeh. Vzporedno s tem so psihologi razvijali vedenjske treninge, katerih učinkovitost se je pokazala zlasti pri osebah s kognitivnimi primanjkljaji. Nevroznanost je z razvojem nevroslikovnih metod omogočila boljše razumevanje možganskih mehanizmov delovnega spomina, kar je vodilo v razvoj neinvazivnih tehnik stimulacije možganov in s tem novih načinov za izboljšanje delovnega spomina. V zadnjem desetletju se v ta namen uporabljajo tudi sodobne tehnologije, kot sta virtualna resničnost in igrificirani kognitivni trening. Doslej razviti pristopi za izboljšanje delovnega spomina so večinoma temeljili na disciplinarno specifičnih okvirih, pri čemer je bilo celostno povezovanje različnih znanstvenih področij razmeroma redko. To kaže na vrzeli pri povezovanju različnih metod ter potrebo po bolj celostnih rešitvah. Namen tega članka je prikazati obstoječe znanstvene in metodološke vrzeli pri pristopih za izboljšanje delovnega spomina z analizo njihovega razvoja skozi čas ter osvetlitvijo potenciala prvoosebnega raziskovanja in interdisciplinarnih pristopov, kot je nevrofeedback. Članek tako prispeva k razumevanju možnosti za oblikovanje bolj celostnih pristopov, ki bi lahko učinkoviteje naslovili raznolike potrebe uporabnikov.Working memory plays a crucial role in many cognitive processes, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Its limited capacity becomes especially evident in neurological and psychiatric disorders as well as with ageing, prompting researchers over the past fifty years to explore ways to enhance it. Initial pharmacological approaches examined the effects of specific agents on working memory in animals and later in humans. In parallel, psychologists developed behavioural training programs, which are particularly effective for individuals with cognitive impairments. Advances in neuroscience and neuroimaging have deepened our understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying working memory, leading to the development of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. In recent years, modern technologies such as virtual reality and gamified cognitive training have also been introduced. However, most existing approaches remain grounded in discipline-specific frameworks, with limited integration across scientific fields. This highlights a gap in methodological and conceptual coherence, and points to the need for more holistic solutions. This article aims to identify these gaps by analysing the historical development of methods to enhance working memory and highlighting the potential of first-person research and interdisciplinary approaches such as neurofeedback. It contributes to a better understanding of how more comprehensive strategies could address the diverse needs of users more effectively