Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai
Not a member yet
8263 research outputs found
Sort by
Natural Sciences in the Education of Protestant (Evangelical and Reformed) Higher Schools in the Hungarian Kingdom in Early Modern Age. A Comparison
Full text linkThe Reformation, being one of the most significant streams of thought in the early modern age, was closely associated with considerable changes exhibited in various facets of life, including education. Placing schools under Protestant management had a significant effect on the curriculum to some extent also in the use of innovative methods in education. The aim of this study is to highlight an important quality of Protestant education, which started in the early modern ages in the areas of Upper Hungary and manifested itself by strengthening the status of natural sciences in curriculum. The article focuses on a number of related problems. In the first place, I focus on a time horizon for implementing individual natural science courses in Protestant schools and their status in relation to other courses. In addition, I pay attention to discussing the teaching method adopted used at the time, the use of new methods and teaching aids, and then mention the distinguished personalities that were essential during the process of development and implementation of these courses in schools, as well as further related issues
Schriftexegese als Voraussetzung für Emil Brunners frühe dialektische Eschatologie anhand des Beispiels 1. Joh 1,1–4
Full text linkDialectical Eschatology Using the Example of 1 John 1:1–4. In my article, I would like to show Emil Brunner’s thoughts and central statements that he makes in his unpublished sermons, mainly in Obstalden Etc., between 1912 and 1924 about dialectical theology. As early as 1916, Brunner uses, for example, dialectical eschatology based on 1 John 1:1–4, and not only in the later discussion with his opposing colleague Karl Barth (1934). A detailed exegesis results in the resolution of what was the scope of this central New Testament text in the early Brunner view. In his sermons, he reflects several modern arguments for his time and defines, for example, the old person now, in this time, as thesis, the new person in eternity as antithesis, and the “Ewigkeitsmensch” in the present time as synthesis.
 
Theology as Congregational Theology. Critical Evaluation of Experiences in Anabaptism
Full text linkThis year we celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism. One of the basic principles of the Anabaptists was their desire to practise theology as congregational theology. It was not the individual theologian and preacher but the congregation as a “discerning community” that was responsible for critically examining how the Word of God should be interpreted and what the theological foundation was to which the faith community should orient itself.
Can we learn from the Anabaptists to practise theology in a way that is true to life and relevant to everyday life? And what would be the outstanding features of this approach that differ from today’s largely academic theology, and could they enrich it? The search for such approaches has broken out worldwide, especially today, since, in the words of the American-Croatian theologian Prof. Miroslav Wolf, university academic theology is suspected of having lost both the academic community in which it arises and the church, its primary customer. Whereas just a few decades ago most pastors were prepared for their ministry at theological colleges, today’s congregations tend to opt for their own young people without theological training when in doubt
Outcome Studies in the Field of Pastoral Counselling: A Focused Review of Research Published between 1990 and 2020
Full text linkThis literature review examines the empirical evidence of the impact of pastoral care, focusing on the areas that have been studied in terms of measurable and verifiable outcomes. By analysing 34 international studies published between 1990 and 2020, we assessed the methodological diversity and empirical depth of research in this field. The review encompasses qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies alike, including small- and large-sample investigations. Our findings suggest that while the impact of pastoral counselling is empirically measurable and verifiable, significant methodological limitations persist, particularly regarding measurement precision and the identification of influencing factors. Compared to psychotherapies integrating religiosity and spirituality, pastoral care research is less extensive and often based on smaller, less differentiated samples, with limited attention to the professional competence levels of care providers. Most outcome studies have been conducted in hospital contexts involving patients with physical or mental health conditions and their relatives. Results highlight the need for further empirical work using more rigorous and diversified methodological approaches, broader research settings, and assessment tools adapted to the qualification level of pastoral care providers, in order to establish a more comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of pastoral care effectiveness
JOSEPH RATZINGER’S CONCEPTION OF REVELATION AND ITS ECUMENICAL IMPLICATIONS (II)
Full text linkJoseph Ratzinger’s Conception of Revelation and its Ecumenical Implications (II). The article is an exposition of Joseph Ratzinger’s concept on Revelation, from the early analysis in his habilitation thesis to his later, more mature reflections. The works under analysis paint an image of an innovative thinker, who challenged both a Platonizing tendency of bracketing history as a meaningful category for the disclosure of Truth and a radical rationalization of history as a global event of total Revelation. Instead, Ratzinger proposed a concept of Revelation as a personal, concrete event of the self-communication of a personal God, who remains close to his creatures through a mysterious presence in the Church, in a process which simultaneously judges and redeems history itself.
Cuvinte-cheie: Joseph Ratzinger/Papa Benedict XVI, Revelaţie, tradiţie, ecleziologie, ecumenis
ELECTROCHEMICAL pH-STAT AS ACIDITY MONITORING SYSTEM IN HIGH IONIC STRENGTH SOLUTIONS. I. DESIGN CHALLENGES AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Full text linkQuantifying acidity has evolved from early attempts in the 1300s to the modern glass electrode pH sensor, which is difficult to implement for monitoring acid concentration in highly saline solutions. In this study a membrane-based filter-press electrochemical reactor functioning as a pH-stat that correlates current with acid concentration was tested. The behavior of HBr in KBr solutions was characterized, after which spectroscopic measurements of Alizarin Red S provided calibration curves used to validate glass electrode data. Reactor design principles and challenges were discussed, after which its behavior under non-polarized and polarized conditions was studied, concluding with two pH-stat tests, where different HBr concentrations were simulated by changing the acid molar flow rate, with pH values corroborated by spectroscopic measurements. A linear relationship was demonstrated between steady state current and acid molar flow rate. Imperfect membranes resulted in systematic errors between the amount of acid introduced and that neutralized. Preliminary results confirmed the feasibility of the electrochemical cell as an acid monitoring system, with future upgrades including PID control and design optimization
STUDY OF ELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF VI-B GROUP METAL OXIDES IN TUNGSTATE MELT
Full text linkThermodynamic assessment of the probability of interaction of metal oxides of group VI-B with tungstate melts, the results of the study of the acid-base properties of tungstate melt by potentiometric method. Analysis of the presented experimental data on the study of the electrochemical behavior of chromium, molybdenum and tungsten under equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions allows us to conclude that it is possible to implement multi-electron reversible equilibria and electroreduction processes involving oxide forms of chromium, molybdenum and tungsten (VI) in tungstate melts. The mechanism and final product of electroreduction of oxide forms of metal (VI) depend on the acid-base properties of the medium. By setting the latter, it is possible to control the electrode process
SELF-EXPLORATION AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION: REFLECTIVE JOURNALING IN MALAY ART SONG: ‘ENIGMA HATI’ BY MARZELAN SALLEH
Full text linkReflective journaling emerges as a strong instrument for artists seeking self-discovery and artistic progress in the arena of music, where emotion and creativity intersect. This research endeavors to investigate the utilization of reflective journaling within the framework of acquiring proficiency in performing the Malay art song “Enigma Hati,” composed by Marzelan Salleh. The objective of this study is to provide insight into the various advantages of engaging in reflective journaling in the context of music performance. Specifically, it seeks to emphasize the potential of reflective journaling to improve musicians’ understanding of their performance process, strengthen their self-awareness, and boost their overall set of skills. Through the utilization of a first-person standpoint, the researcher-singer explores the profound influence of reflexive practices, underscoring their effect on the behaviors, thoughts, values, and identity of a performer. The study not only highlights the importance of engaging in reflective journaling but also examines other facets of music performance, encompassing the difficulties associated with phrasing, dynamics, spoken dialogue, and high notes. The researcher demonstrates the potential to address these problems and achieve emotionally impactful performances through diligent practice and the application of mental imagery techniques. In summary, this research offers a thorough exploration of the realm of music and the utilization of reflective journaling as a methodological approach. This analysis emphasizes the essential significance of emotional attachment, technical expertise, and imaginative interpretation in the execution of art songs, while also demonstrating the transformational and empowering potential of reflective journaling as a means for musicians to enhance their pursuit of artistic excellence
The “Syllabus Theological Pendulum”
Full text linkThe Transylvanian Reformed theologians of the late seventeenth century were constrained by Cartesian philosophy and may be said to represent the orthodox theology of contemporary Calvinism. In 1673, at the Synod of Radnót (Iernut), János Pósaházi, a Hungarian minister and Principal of the Reformed Theological Seminary, allied himself with Reformed Bishop Mihály Tófeus and presented his Syllabus of 76 theses to refute the theology of Cocceius, a famous Cartesian theologian of the Netherlands. Cocceius became known for developing federal (or covenant) theology, based on the rationalistic principles of Descartes, which were questioned by the Dutch Gisbertus Voetius, the famous contemporary orthodox Calvinist thinker of the times. Both Cocceius and Voetius and their successive students were mentors of Pósaházi, and for a whole generation of Transylvanian pilgrims who studied in the Low Countries during that century. Pósaházi’s Syllabus gained significance amid a theologically relevant controversy, in a historically, as much as a philosophically, crucial moment, in the philosophical milieu of Transylvania specifically and Hungary in general. This historical moment coincides with the Cartesian theory of the conservation of momentum. We can see the discussion of both the Cartesian and the Pascalian ego being dealt with in the philosophical and theological discourse of the time. With Descartes, there developed both a brand-new rationalism and idealism on the one hand and, with Pascal, a metaphysical existentialism and personalism on the other. Both of those orientations – whether directly or indirectly – heavily influenced successive theological developments, especially in the realms of the Reformed churches of both the Netherlands and Hungary, and Transylvania in particular
THE KEY FACTORS FOR A SUSTAINABLE SMART CITY – A CASE STUDY OF 22 INTERNATIONAL SMART MUNICIPALITIES
Full text linkArticle History: Received: 20 January 2025; Reviewed: 24 February 2025; Accepted: 10 March 2025; Available online: 26 March 2025.
This article examines the core components and global initiatives driving smart city development, focusing on sustainability and safety & health. Drawing insights from literature and case studies of 22 international smart cities, the main objective of the research is to identify key projects shaping Smart Environment/ Sustainability and Smart Living/ Safety & Health. Notable examples include Tel Aviv-Yafo’s solar roof and Dubai’s Smart Healthcare Model.
The findings emphasize a global commitment to citizen-centric, environmentally conscious urban environments, showcasing diverse approaches and technological innovations. The article offers actionable insights for aspiring smart cities, emphasizing a phased, collaborative approach and technological integration. Key observations include the global movement towards sustainability, diverse smart city initiatives, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. The presented model serves as a blueprint for cities, addressing specific steps like assessment, goal setting, and learning from global best practices. Beyond current practices, the article suggests future research directions, including assessing long-term impacts, addressing privacy concerns, and exploring governance models. The article advocates ongoing research to guide policymakers in the dynamic landscape of smart cities, promoting sustainability and innovation.
JEL classification: O38, H11, I18, Q5