A Comparison of the Georgian Baptist Church and the Lord's Army in Romania Danut Manastireanu (original) (raw)
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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.