Paul Negrut | Universitatea Emanuel din Oradea (original) (raw)

Papers by Paul Negrut

Research paper thumbnail of Church and mission: an Eastern European perspective

Transformation, 1999

East West Process or Goals and results relationships It can't be done It can be done: '... more East West Process or Goals and results relationships It can't be done It can be done: 'Just Do It!' Given word does Given word is binding not have a high value Passive resistance Contractual commitment Indirect Direct communication communication and dealing and dealing ...

Research paper thumbnail of Orthodox and Evangelicals: Cooperation or Confrontation?

The issue concerning the relation between Orthodox and Evangelicals is very complex due to the fa... more The issue concerning the relation between Orthodox and Evangelicals is very complex due to the fact that neither the Orthodox, nor the Evangelicals represent monolithic churches that speak with one universally recognized voice. Additionally, the nature of the relationship between them is significantly different in the Orthodox Diaspora than in Orthodox countries. Within the limits of this paper, it is impossible to explore all possible relations between all Eastern Churches and all Evangelical Churches with their distinctive theologies, missiologies and practices. The alternative, then, is an over-generalized approach which does justice neither to the Orthodox, nor to the Evangelicals due to the fact that it overlooks exactly the specific aspects of the Orthodox-Evangelical relations in each country. Aware of the risk of such an approach, I will explore in this paper the Orthodox-Evangelical relations from a threefold perspective: methodological, theological, and sociological.

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Religious Beliefs, Practices, and Metaphors in the Coping Strategies of Rare Disease Patients in Romania

Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks, 2013

Most rare diseases are chronic and some are life threatening, and as a consequence their impact o... more Most rare diseases are chronic and some are life threatening, and as a consequence their impact on the lives of patients and their families is significant. Also, rare diseases are really not that rare. Some studies have estimated that as many as 25 million North Americans and 30 million Europeans are affected by one of the 5,000–6,000 types of rare diseases identified by that time, most of which are of a genetic origin (Haffner et al., 2002; Haffner, 2006). In Romania, unofficial reports suggest that around 1,300,000 individuals suffer from rare diseases (approx. 6–8 percent of the entire population), many of whom are lacking a correct diagnosis or adequate treatment and care (National Plan for Rare Diseases in Romania 2010–2014).

Research paper thumbnail of The development of the concept of authority within the Romanian Orthodox Church during the Twentieth Century

Adopting the presupposition that religious authority is a relational category, both its nature an... more Adopting the presupposition that religious authority is a relational category, both its nature and forms of expression are explored within the context of the specific goal of the ecclesial community as defined by the Orthodox paradigm of revelation-co nununion-deif"i cation. Accordingly, the role of authority in Orthodoxy is to enable the people of God and the entire creation to grow towards eschatological self-realization, that is, theosis. The key to understanding authority from a relational perspective is the concept of 'space', which provides for both freedom and relatedness between the elements involved. However, since the concept of space is a dynamic category due to its organic link with concrete historical communities, it follows that every community is challenged by both internal and external factors to re-evaluate its approach to the question of authority. Such a process has taken place within the Romanian Orthodox Church during the twentieth century. More precisely, four events have influenced the Romanian Church's view of authority: the translation of Scripture into modern Romanian by Fr. D. Comilescu; the tension between Scripture and Tradition emphasized in the work of Fr. T. Popescu; the emergence of the 'Lord's Army', a renewal movement founded by Fr. I. Trifa; and, finally, the encounter between the Church and dictatorial Nazi and Communist r6gimes. The thesis falls into four major sections in an investigation of the impact of these events on the Orthodox approach to the question of authority of : (a) Scripture, from the perspective of the space between epistenw and praxis ; (b) Tradition, from the perspective of the space between the Apostolic and ecclesiastical traditions; (c) the Church, from the perspective of the space between both the'Head'and the'Body', and the'Spirit' and the 'Institution'; and finally, (d) the Church and the State, from the perspective of the space between history and eschata. Additionally, I would, like to thank Professor Colin Gunton of King's College London for having allowed me to attend the weekly seminars of the Research Institute in Systematic Theology. Both the papers presented and the discussions which followed have borne fruit in important points of clarification and in stimulation for further research. I would also like to thank Mr. Mohan Uddin, research student at London Bible College for having proofread my thesis and Mr. George Ille also a student at the same College for having helped me with the formatting of the thesis. Most significantly, for their unfbdling love, support and understanding, I owe a great debt to my wife, Delia Negrut, and to our special daughters, Anna-Salome and Lois-Paula.

Research paper thumbnail of The Synergistic-Generative Knowledge of God in the I-Thou Encounter

Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, Sep 2, 2022

This paper applies the transdisciplinary methodology to knowing God by introducing the synergisti... more This paper applies the transdisciplinary methodology to knowing God by introducing the synergisticgenerative knowledge, real, reality, perception and hidden third, in the interpersonal dialogue I-Thou. The first part of the paper explores the revealing dialog between Deus and Imago Dei who travel together an epistemic path in which the dialectic of transcendence and immanence, the knowable and the unknowable, progressively and dynamically change their boundaries communicating generatively-synergistically through the transdisciplinary window of knowledge. From this perspective, the idea of levels of reality is essentially structuring in transdisciplinarity because it presupposes a different logic and conceptual framework depending on the specific way of being of each level. The transdisciplinary approach uses the concept of "epistemic window" to explain how knowledge and communication become possible when we operate with ontologically different reality levels. The last part of the paper illustrates from some Biblical records the way in which this epistemic approach connects the transdisciplinary triade, real, reality, and perception to the semiotic triade sign, signifier and significant through the hidden third, thus opening the window for a seminal dialog between science and religion. Such an approach enhances knowledge and integrative education specific to a knowledge based-society. In conclusion, the semiophysical seven pillars model of knowledge, real, reality, perception, sign, signifier, signifcant and the hidden third, opens the window for a dynamic dialog between science and religion.

Research paper thumbnail of The Synergistic-Generative Knowledge of God in the I-Thou Encounter

Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala

This paper applies the transdisciplinary methodology to theological epistemology by introducing t... more This paper applies the transdisciplinary methodology to theological epistemology by introducing the synergistic-generative knowledge, real, reality, perception and hidden third, in the interpersonal dialogue I-Thou. It explores the epistemic approach to Yeshua ha Mashiah as the hidden third who opens the transdisciplinary window to knowing God. The transdisciplinary epistemic window allows for a top-down and bottom-up movments to better understand the epistemic role of Jesus Christ in knowing Deus absconditus. Being simultaneous filius hominis and Filius Dei, Deus and Imago Dei, He plays the role of the hidden third between Deus and Imago Dei in the I-Thou salvific encounter.

Research paper thumbnail of Moral considerations on infertility and artificial reproductive technics

Journal of ethics in entrepreneurship and technology, Sep 9, 2022

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to offer a Christian perspective on the ethical issues relat... more Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to offer a Christian perspective on the ethical issues related to natural procreation and artificial reproduction methods. Design/methodology/approach-This paper uses descriptive and comparative methodology between the ethical aspects specific to natural procreation and artificial reproduction. Findings-Religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping the moral perspective when an infertile couple is confronted with the choice between natural procreation and artificial reproduction. Originality/value-This paper survey a broad bibliography and offers a critical evaluation of the moral aspects specific to different methods of reproductive technologies compared to the natural procreation approach.

Research paper thumbnail of an Associated Institution

Adopting the presupposition that religious authority is a relational category, both its nature an... more Adopting the presupposition that religious authority is a relational category, both its nature and forms of expression are explored within the context of the specific goal of the ecclesial community as defined by the Orthodox paradigm of revelation-co nununion-deif"i cation. Accordingly, the role of authority in Orthodoxy is to enable the people of God and the entire creation to grow towards eschatological self-realization, that is, theosis. The key to understanding authority from a relational perspective is the concept of 'space', which provides for both freedom and relatedness between the elements involved. However, since the concept of space is a dynamic category due to its organic link with concrete historical communities, it follows that every community is challenged by both internal and external factors to re-evaluate its approach to the question of authority.

Research paper thumbnail of Searching for the True Apostolic Church: What Evangelicals Should Know About Eastern Orthodoxy

Recent years have witnessed a surge of Western Christians joining the Orthodox Church. With its e... more Recent years have witnessed a surge of Western Christians joining the Orthodox Church. With its emphasis on mystical union with God, its rich history, and its beautiful icons (sacred images) and liturgies, Orthodoxy appeals to those who long for a deeper sense of wonder in their worship and faith. Yet behind the appeal lie some hard realities. The Orthodox world is not monolithic, and one cannot become Orthodox in general. The Orthodox tradition is not entirely apostolic, and consequently the claim to represent the true church of Christ is triumphalistic. Orthodoxy follows a different theological paradigm; for example, within Orthodoxy the doctrine of salvation has a different meaning than within Catholicism or Protestantism. Protestant evangelicals who have joined the Orthodox church often display an inadequate understanding of the faith they have embraced.

Research paper thumbnail of The development of the concept of authority within the Romanian Orthodox Church during the Twentieth Century

Research paper thumbnail of Church and mission: an Eastern European perspective

… : An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies, 1999

East West Process or Goals and results relationships It can't be done It can be done: '... more East West Process or Goals and results relationships It can't be done It can be done: 'Just Do It!' Given word does Given word is binding not have a high value Passive resistance Contractual commitment Indirect Direct communication communication and dealing and dealing ...

Research paper thumbnail of The role of religious beliefs, symbols and metaphors on the coping strategies of rare disease patients in Romania

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Religious Beliefs, Practices, and Metaphors in the Coping Strategies of Rare Disease Patients in Romania

Chronic Illness, Spirituality, and Healing, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Church and mission: an Eastern European perspective

Transformation, 1999

East West Process or Goals and results relationships It can't be done It can be done: '... more East West Process or Goals and results relationships It can't be done It can be done: 'Just Do It!' Given word does Given word is binding not have a high value Passive resistance Contractual commitment Indirect Direct communication communication and dealing and dealing ...

Research paper thumbnail of Orthodox and Evangelicals: Cooperation or Confrontation?

The issue concerning the relation between Orthodox and Evangelicals is very complex due to the fa... more The issue concerning the relation between Orthodox and Evangelicals is very complex due to the fact that neither the Orthodox, nor the Evangelicals represent monolithic churches that speak with one universally recognized voice. Additionally, the nature of the relationship between them is significantly different in the Orthodox Diaspora than in Orthodox countries. Within the limits of this paper, it is impossible to explore all possible relations between all Eastern Churches and all Evangelical Churches with their distinctive theologies, missiologies and practices. The alternative, then, is an over-generalized approach which does justice neither to the Orthodox, nor to the Evangelicals due to the fact that it overlooks exactly the specific aspects of the Orthodox-Evangelical relations in each country. Aware of the risk of such an approach, I will explore in this paper the Orthodox-Evangelical relations from a threefold perspective: methodological, theological, and sociological.

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Religious Beliefs, Practices, and Metaphors in the Coping Strategies of Rare Disease Patients in Romania

Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks, 2013

Most rare diseases are chronic and some are life threatening, and as a consequence their impact o... more Most rare diseases are chronic and some are life threatening, and as a consequence their impact on the lives of patients and their families is significant. Also, rare diseases are really not that rare. Some studies have estimated that as many as 25 million North Americans and 30 million Europeans are affected by one of the 5,000–6,000 types of rare diseases identified by that time, most of which are of a genetic origin (Haffner et al., 2002; Haffner, 2006). In Romania, unofficial reports suggest that around 1,300,000 individuals suffer from rare diseases (approx. 6–8 percent of the entire population), many of whom are lacking a correct diagnosis or adequate treatment and care (National Plan for Rare Diseases in Romania 2010–2014).

Research paper thumbnail of The development of the concept of authority within the Romanian Orthodox Church during the Twentieth Century

Adopting the presupposition that religious authority is a relational category, both its nature an... more Adopting the presupposition that religious authority is a relational category, both its nature and forms of expression are explored within the context of the specific goal of the ecclesial community as defined by the Orthodox paradigm of revelation-co nununion-deif"i cation. Accordingly, the role of authority in Orthodoxy is to enable the people of God and the entire creation to grow towards eschatological self-realization, that is, theosis. The key to understanding authority from a relational perspective is the concept of 'space', which provides for both freedom and relatedness between the elements involved. However, since the concept of space is a dynamic category due to its organic link with concrete historical communities, it follows that every community is challenged by both internal and external factors to re-evaluate its approach to the question of authority. Such a process has taken place within the Romanian Orthodox Church during the twentieth century. More precisely, four events have influenced the Romanian Church's view of authority: the translation of Scripture into modern Romanian by Fr. D. Comilescu; the tension between Scripture and Tradition emphasized in the work of Fr. T. Popescu; the emergence of the 'Lord's Army', a renewal movement founded by Fr. I. Trifa; and, finally, the encounter between the Church and dictatorial Nazi and Communist r6gimes. The thesis falls into four major sections in an investigation of the impact of these events on the Orthodox approach to the question of authority of : (a) Scripture, from the perspective of the space between epistenw and praxis ; (b) Tradition, from the perspective of the space between the Apostolic and ecclesiastical traditions; (c) the Church, from the perspective of the space between both the'Head'and the'Body', and the'Spirit' and the 'Institution'; and finally, (d) the Church and the State, from the perspective of the space between history and eschata. Additionally, I would, like to thank Professor Colin Gunton of King's College London for having allowed me to attend the weekly seminars of the Research Institute in Systematic Theology. Both the papers presented and the discussions which followed have borne fruit in important points of clarification and in stimulation for further research. I would also like to thank Mr. Mohan Uddin, research student at London Bible College for having proofread my thesis and Mr. George Ille also a student at the same College for having helped me with the formatting of the thesis. Most significantly, for their unfbdling love, support and understanding, I owe a great debt to my wife, Delia Negrut, and to our special daughters, Anna-Salome and Lois-Paula.

Research paper thumbnail of The Synergistic-Generative Knowledge of God in the I-Thou Encounter

Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, Sep 2, 2022

This paper applies the transdisciplinary methodology to knowing God by introducing the synergisti... more This paper applies the transdisciplinary methodology to knowing God by introducing the synergisticgenerative knowledge, real, reality, perception and hidden third, in the interpersonal dialogue I-Thou. The first part of the paper explores the revealing dialog between Deus and Imago Dei who travel together an epistemic path in which the dialectic of transcendence and immanence, the knowable and the unknowable, progressively and dynamically change their boundaries communicating generatively-synergistically through the transdisciplinary window of knowledge. From this perspective, the idea of levels of reality is essentially structuring in transdisciplinarity because it presupposes a different logic and conceptual framework depending on the specific way of being of each level. The transdisciplinary approach uses the concept of "epistemic window" to explain how knowledge and communication become possible when we operate with ontologically different reality levels. The last part of the paper illustrates from some Biblical records the way in which this epistemic approach connects the transdisciplinary triade, real, reality, and perception to the semiotic triade sign, signifier and significant through the hidden third, thus opening the window for a seminal dialog between science and religion. Such an approach enhances knowledge and integrative education specific to a knowledge based-society. In conclusion, the semiophysical seven pillars model of knowledge, real, reality, perception, sign, signifier, signifcant and the hidden third, opens the window for a dynamic dialog between science and religion.

Research paper thumbnail of The Synergistic-Generative Knowledge of God in the I-Thou Encounter

Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala

This paper applies the transdisciplinary methodology to theological epistemology by introducing t... more This paper applies the transdisciplinary methodology to theological epistemology by introducing the synergistic-generative knowledge, real, reality, perception and hidden third, in the interpersonal dialogue I-Thou. It explores the epistemic approach to Yeshua ha Mashiah as the hidden third who opens the transdisciplinary window to knowing God. The transdisciplinary epistemic window allows for a top-down and bottom-up movments to better understand the epistemic role of Jesus Christ in knowing Deus absconditus. Being simultaneous filius hominis and Filius Dei, Deus and Imago Dei, He plays the role of the hidden third between Deus and Imago Dei in the I-Thou salvific encounter.

Research paper thumbnail of Moral considerations on infertility and artificial reproductive technics

Journal of ethics in entrepreneurship and technology, Sep 9, 2022

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to offer a Christian perspective on the ethical issues relat... more Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to offer a Christian perspective on the ethical issues related to natural procreation and artificial reproduction methods. Design/methodology/approach-This paper uses descriptive and comparative methodology between the ethical aspects specific to natural procreation and artificial reproduction. Findings-Religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping the moral perspective when an infertile couple is confronted with the choice between natural procreation and artificial reproduction. Originality/value-This paper survey a broad bibliography and offers a critical evaluation of the moral aspects specific to different methods of reproductive technologies compared to the natural procreation approach.

Research paper thumbnail of an Associated Institution

Adopting the presupposition that religious authority is a relational category, both its nature an... more Adopting the presupposition that religious authority is a relational category, both its nature and forms of expression are explored within the context of the specific goal of the ecclesial community as defined by the Orthodox paradigm of revelation-co nununion-deif"i cation. Accordingly, the role of authority in Orthodoxy is to enable the people of God and the entire creation to grow towards eschatological self-realization, that is, theosis. The key to understanding authority from a relational perspective is the concept of 'space', which provides for both freedom and relatedness between the elements involved. However, since the concept of space is a dynamic category due to its organic link with concrete historical communities, it follows that every community is challenged by both internal and external factors to re-evaluate its approach to the question of authority.

Research paper thumbnail of Searching for the True Apostolic Church: What Evangelicals Should Know About Eastern Orthodoxy

Recent years have witnessed a surge of Western Christians joining the Orthodox Church. With its e... more Recent years have witnessed a surge of Western Christians joining the Orthodox Church. With its emphasis on mystical union with God, its rich history, and its beautiful icons (sacred images) and liturgies, Orthodoxy appeals to those who long for a deeper sense of wonder in their worship and faith. Yet behind the appeal lie some hard realities. The Orthodox world is not monolithic, and one cannot become Orthodox in general. The Orthodox tradition is not entirely apostolic, and consequently the claim to represent the true church of Christ is triumphalistic. Orthodoxy follows a different theological paradigm; for example, within Orthodoxy the doctrine of salvation has a different meaning than within Catholicism or Protestantism. Protestant evangelicals who have joined the Orthodox church often display an inadequate understanding of the faith they have embraced.

Research paper thumbnail of The development of the concept of authority within the Romanian Orthodox Church during the Twentieth Century

Research paper thumbnail of Church and mission: an Eastern European perspective

… : An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies, 1999

East West Process or Goals and results relationships It can't be done It can be done: '... more East West Process or Goals and results relationships It can't be done It can be done: 'Just Do It!' Given word does Given word is binding not have a high value Passive resistance Contractual commitment Indirect Direct communication communication and dealing and dealing ...

Research paper thumbnail of The role of religious beliefs, symbols and metaphors on the coping strategies of rare disease patients in Romania

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Religious Beliefs, Practices, and Metaphors in the Coping Strategies of Rare Disease Patients in Romania

Chronic Illness, Spirituality, and Healing, 2013