A Comparison of the Georgian Baptist Church and the Lord's Army in Romania Danut Manastireanu (original) (raw)
Church and State in an Eastern Orthodox Context
Jurnal Teologic, 2011
As Romanian Baptists continue to seek and find inspiration for their context by looking to their western brethren they should remain mindful that part of their identity is shaped by the Byzantine past and current Orthodox culture of their country. The Gospel has the power to go beyond culture and is capable of reshaping it. Therefore, this should not be seen as a disadvantage or a discouragement, but as an opportunity for Baptists in Romania to engage creatively and contribute to both worlds from their own walk with God as Baptist believers and disciples of Jesus Christ.
International journal for the Study of the Christian Church, 2013
In 1979-80 conversations were held between representatives of the Orthodox Church of Georgia and the 'Evangelical Christians-Baptists' of Georgia in a situation of oppression by the Communist state. The agreed document that emerged from this dialogue is printed here, and is preceded by an article which expounds it from a Baptist perspective, sets it in the wider context of Baptist theological and ecumenical theology, and relates it to the practices of the present-day Baptist Church of Georgia. The stated purpose of the dialogue was to achieve reconciliation and unity between Orthodox and Baptist Christians in Georgia, first by agreeing substantial matters of doctrine and then by adopting a common liturgy and common sacramental life. Among the range of subjects reviewed, including the Blessed Virgin Mary, the saints, nationalism, confession and icons, the discussion on baptism is perhaps the most adventurous, and remains promising though flawed. The document does not represent the views of the present-day Orthodox Church of Georgia, and its contents clearly reflect the political pressures under which it was composed. However, it is of historical interest, and some will see it as a sign of hope for cooperation in the mission of God.
The Romanian Orthodox Church and Democratization: Twenty Years Later
This article starts by presenting the legacy of the communist past, as relating to the use of nationalism by the Romanian Orthodox Church and its reluctance to confront its collaboration with the communist regime. Its second part discusses religious education in public schools, arguably the religious denominations' most important achievement after 1989, before, in the third part, examining the different models of church–state relations embraced by the Romanian Orthodox Church during the reigns of its two post-communist patriarchs, Patriarch Teoctist (Arǎpaşu) and Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea). It argues that although marred by its communist past for almost the first decade and a half after 1989, the church, like the country itself, has transformed in the process of accession to the European Union. In particular, it argues that the search for a model of church–state relations has evolved in the view of the country's dominant church, from one of establishment to one of partnership.
The Romanian Orthodox Church and democratisation: twenty years later
International Journal for The Study of The Christian Church, 2010
Presents the legacy of the communist past, as relating to the use of nationalism by the Romanian Orthodox Church and its reluctance to confront its collaboration with the communist regime. Discusses religious education in public schools, arguably the religious denominations’ most important achievement after 1989, and examines the different models of church-state relations embraced by the Romanian Eastern Orthodox Church during the reigns of its two post-communist patriarchs, Patriarch Teoctist (Arapasu) and Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea). Although marred by its communist past for almost the first decade and an half after 1989, the church, like the country itself, has transformed in the process of accession to the European Union. The search for a model of church-state relations has evolved in the view of the country’s dominant church, from one of establishment to one of partnership.
Church History: Studies in Christianity and Culture, 2021
Contextualizing Bethune in religious, rather than broader, terms further endears her to a core constituency of the faithful, but that presentation is repetitive. Still Bethune's wisdom will shine through to a wider circle of admirers. Her unwavering faith extends to her optimistic view of American democracy, despite its troubled race relations. She acknowledged that the dreams of Black Americans for justice and equality were a long way from being realized. Jongintaba quotes prolifically from her speeches at home and abroad to endorse his central metaphor of a spiritual village and finds several examples to confirm that notion. It is the backdrop for all her numerous accomplishments and informs her world view, he argues. This hopeful rendering extends not only to Black Americans but outward to the world. The bibliography is impressively ample, but the absence of an index dilutes that strength. Some casual readers who are among the many who revere Bethune may welcome this book as a tribute and reference point. It is something that the author clearly intends. Despite its limitations, Jongintaba can be counted among recent researchers who are bringing Bethune the scholarly attention she deserves. If this book ignites further study or helps to expand the legacy of this singular and most consequential American woman, it is to be commended.
The Romanian Orthodox Church and Post-communist Democratisation
Europe-Asia Studies, 2000
TEN YEARS OF POST-COMMUNISM have made it evident that the kind of democracy Romania will ultimately have will be determined by a number of political actors, including the Orthodox Church, the country's largest religious denomination, claiming the allegiance of four in ve citizens. 1 Since 1989 the Church has tried to become one of the dominant forces in transition by imposing its views on democracy through direct and indirect political engagement. This article begins by looking at the Church's pre-1989 position in Romania, and then considers the interplay between the Church and the Romanian state in the democratisation process. We assess the efforts of the Orthodox Church to carve a new role for itself in the new democracy, its political representation, in uence on the new educational curricula and homosexual rights, as well as the issue of restitution of property to the Greek Catholic Church.
Religious Attitudes in Moldova: The Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia and The Baptist Community
GRUPĖS IR APLINKOS, 2010
This chapter examines the history and present-day status of two religious and cultural groups in the Republic of Moldova: the Baptist community and the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia. 1 The lifestyle of the two communities will be discussed in terms of their members' dominant values, beliefs, worldviews and behaviours. The article offers a brief analysis of the specific nature of communication and relationships, both inside and outside the groups, as well as the attitudes towards them by government organisations, the media and other religious groups in Moldova. Since the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia (MCB) has broken away from the Metropolitan Church of Moldova (MCM), we also consider the conflict between the two Churches from a historical perspective by assessing its nature and effects both on believers and on the general image of Orthodoxy.
Sectarianism and Renewal in 1920s Romania: The Limits of Orthodoxy and Nation-Building
2021
The Romanian Orthodox Church expanded significantly after the First World War, yet Protestant Repenter and schismatic Orthodox movements such as Old Calendarism also grew exponentially during this period, terrifying church leaders who responded by sending missionary priests into the villages to combat sectarianism. Several lay renewal movements such as the Lord's Army and the Stork's Nest also appeared within the Orthodox Church, implicating large numbers of peasants and workers in tight-knit religious communities operating at the margins of Eastern Orthodoxy. Bringing the history of the Orthodox Church into dialogue with sectarianism, heresy, grassroots religious organization and nation-building, Roland Clark explores how competing religious groups in interwar Romania responded to and emerged out of similar catalysts, including rising literacy rates, new religious practices and a newly empowered laity inspired by universal male suffrage and a growing civil society who took control of community organizing. He also analyses how Orthodox leaders used nationalism to attack sectarians as 'un-Romanian', whilst these groups remained indifferent to the claims the nation made on their souls. Situated at the intersection of transnational history, religious history and the history of reading, Sectarianism and Renewal in 1920s Romania challenges us to rethink the one-sided narratives about modernity and religious conflict in interwar Eastern Europe.
The Orthodox Church of Georgia: a Voice of Unity? (IECS Report 4)
Throughout history, the Georgian people have often dealt with outside threats, and Orthodox Christianity was one of the main factors which preserved a sense of distinctiveness among Georgians during times like these. The OCG has naturally been cast in the role of a guardian of the Georgian identity and independence. In the last decades the church has been able to claim as such a privileged position in society and in the political sphere. Geographically outside of Europe and rarely making headlines in the West, Georgia is usually out of sight and thus out of mind. Yet for those with an interest in Orthodox Christianity, for its intersection with the political sphere and specific positions with regard to ecumenism, the Orthodox Church of Georgia represents a fascinating case. The present text explores the role of Georgian Orthodoxy in relation to society, the state, and other Christian churches in the context of Georgia’s Soviet history. (http://www.ru.nl/ivoc/english/publications/reports/)
Ecumenical Convergences: Romanian Evangelicals Exploring Orthodoxy
Religion, 2021
Historically, in Romania, the relations between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the evangelical communities have been characterized by tension and mutual distrust. That is why, unfortunately, there has been no official dialogue between the two communities so far. The present article investigates the theoretical possibility for such an ecumenical dialogue to occur by analysing the contributions of several evangelical theologians who published research studies on theological topics specific to Eastern orthodox theology. Their positions were analysed from the perspective of an inclusive theology which allowed us to identify some common themes for both traditions: the authority in interpreting the Scriptures, salvation as a process, and the Church understood through the application of a perichoretic model. All these convergent themes could constitute the basis for a future official ecumenical dialogue between the evangelicals and the orthodox from Romania.
The Construction of Orthodox Churches in Post-Communist Romania
Europe-Asia Studies, 2007
Against the background of church – state relations in contemporary Romania, this article explores the question of the construction of places of worship by the Romanian Orthodox Church after 1989. Besides providing and analysing general figures, it focuses on the proliferation of Orthodox churches in state-owned and state-operated institutions, and on the issue of funding. It also offers an examination of relevant legislation and its implications on church construction.
Ecumenism Begins at Home: Orthodoxy and the Romanian Greek Catholic Church
Ecumenism, 2023
This article examines the relations of the Romanian Orthodox Church (RoOC) towards the Romanian Greek Catholic Church (rgcc), a Byzantine rite church formed around 1700. Until World War ii, the rgcc was a substantial ecclesial entity, but in 1948 the new communist leaders of Romanian dissolved the ugcc and seized its properties, allowing the RoOC the use of most religious properties. Former rgcc clergy who did not join the RoOC were persecuted, but the church survived underground, emerging in 1989 with considerably fewer adherents than in 1948. Attempts by the rgcc to recover properties seized in 1948 were met with strong resistance by RoOC hierarchy and parishes. Notwithstanding the involvement of the RoOC in ecumenical undertakings, it has not acted in accordance with Christian principles and in conflict with its commitment to ecumenism, by supporting the dissolution of the rgcc, and its opposition to the restoration of seized properties.
Orthodox Religion and Politics in Contemporary Eastern Europe, 2018
This book explores the relationship between Orthodox religion and politics in Eastern Europe, Russia and Georgia. It demonstrates how as these societies undergo substantial transformation Orthodox religion can be both a limiting and an enabling factor, how the relationship between religion and politics is complex, and how the spheres of religion and politics complement, reinforce, influence and sometimes contradict each other. Considering a range of thematic issues, with examples from a wide range of countries with significant Orthodox religious groups, and setting the present situation in its full historical context, the book provides a rich picture of a subject which has been too often oversimplified.
Reshaping Ecumenism in Times of Transformation, 2021
The fall of the Communist regime marked a historical moment in Eastern Europe dividing the contemporary life of the society into two periods. Before and after now define life in a society with high expectations, which, at the same time experiences the disappointment of unfulfilled promises and desires at a social, political and economic level. Hope and disappointment also character- ize the evolution of the ecumenical initiatives in post-Communist Romania. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the evolution of the ecumenical theology and the ecumenical involvement of the Romanian Orthodox Church (ROC) after the fall of Communism. On one hand, it will emphasize the ecu- menical openness of the Romanian Orthodox theology, and the theology of hope for Christian unity. On the other hand, it will touch on the current ecu- menical crisis and its consequences for the unity of the pan-orthodox commu- nion and for the ecumenical relations within the Romanian context.