Studia Warmińskie

A Critical Approach to homo theoreticus in Victory by Joseph Conrad

Katarzyna Sokołowska — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In Victory (1915) Conrad portrays Axel Heyst, an ambiguous protagonist, who after his father’s death decides to follow his sceptical philosophy and practises radical detachment. However, an encounter with Lena and the assault of Mr. Jones’s gang put Heyst in a quandary about whether he should reevaluate his assumptions and take action. Peter Sloterdijk’s concept of homo theoreticus, typical of modern subjectivity, who privileges disinterested observation over taking a position and encourages withdrawal into the noetic sphere of one’s thoughts sheds light on Heyst’s preference for reducing his life experience to contemplation and accounts for his self-conceptualization as the observing ego who refuses to act. However, the destabilisation of the dichotomies of the inner and the outer, the objective and the subjective, the intellectual and the sensual invalidates the project of establishing the coherent theoretical self. Unable to sustain his stable identity, Heyst chooses suicide as an extreme form of detachment.

Theology towards the Problem of the Existence of Extraterrestrial Civilizations

Tadeusz Pabjan — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The hypothetical existence of extraterrestrial civilizations is an issue that has been studied by representatives of natural sciences for a long time. The high probability that there are other – apart from Earth's inhabitants – intelligent beings in the universe resulted in a large-scale search for scientific evidence for the existence of aliens, which began in the mid-20th century. These searches did not bring the expected results: scientists failed to confirm the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations or establish contact with their representatives. What is the theological interpretation of this issue? Are the current failures in the scientific search for intelligent life in space a sufficient reason to completely ignore the possibility of the existence of "other children of God" in theological analyses? The article is an attempt to answer these questions. It presents arguments that taking up this issue is beneficial for theology for many reasons, and that this problem should not be omitted within this discipline. Several specific issues that arise in this context and require theological reflection are also indicated (e.g. the problem of the salvation of aliens and the hypothesis of the re-incarnation of God on one of the extrasolar planets).

Religious and Philosophical Perspectives on Human Dignity in Dietrich von Hildebrand’s Thought

Dariusz Barbaszyński — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigates the concept of human dignity in the thought of Dietrich von Hildebrand, a German philosopher and theologian. The focus is put primarily on Hildebrand’s religiosity, which has considerable impact on his interpretation of many philosophical issues. That is why he presents the phenomenon of human dignity also in a religious context, writing about it when analysing the metaphysical situation, in which man can experience the dimension of depth – the fundamental meaning of human life. The dimension of depth is not an abstract absolute, a goal of philosophical cognition; it is God, who is eternal and reveals his spiritual-corporeal essence in the Christian message. Hildebrand particularly emphasises the importance of the spiritual dimension of the divine, which is discovered by man also in their human spirituality as the image of God – imago Dei. The meaning of human dignity derives from the fact that man is a spiritual being and a person. Dignity thus understood is called by Hildebrandt an ontological value, which, strictly speaking, is not a moral value, but a good exhibiting an ethical meaning. He also writes about the philosophical meaning of human dignity. It can be said that it is a concretisation of the religious understanding of dignity. The philosophical dimension of human dignity is realised first and foremost in man’s capacity to discover and have moral values. This potential, according to Hildebrand, is realised in acts of human freedom, and human freedom has a moral meaning because it reveals to man the metaphysical, transcendent aspect of their being.

Tomáš Halík's Vision of Christianity

Karol Jasiński — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The main purpose of the paper, which a point of reference are the relevant works of the Czech philosopher and theologian Tomáš Halík, is to critically present his vision of Christianity. Its essential element is to describe it primarily by the biblical metaphor of 'the way', i.e. a path of wandering, seeking and following, rather than as an organised religion expressed in institution and cult. Halík thus postulates the need to move from the Christianitas civilisation to a Christianity as a way of human spiritual development and from an ideologised and closed Catholicism to a catholicity open to cultural and religious dialogue. He also points to the need to value a different type of theology in Christianity, which should be less rationalist and more hermeneutic.

Phenomenological Revision of Social Creativity in Educational Institutions during the War in Ukraine after February 24, 2022

Serhii Terepyshchyi — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents a phenomenological study of social creativity within Ukrainian educational institutions during the war that began on February 24, 2022. Involving 153 participants across ten regions, the research explores how educators and students adapted to the challenges of conflict through innovative teaching methods and student-led initiatives. Grounded in the philosophies of Husserl, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty, the study identifies key themes of resilience, community solidarity, and innovation born out of necessity. The findings reveal that social creativity served as a means of transcendence, enabling individuals to assert agency and find meaning despite adversity. Educators embraced hybrid learning models and community-based teaching, while students engaged in peer teaching and digital resource creation. These efforts not only maintained educational continuity but also strengthened communal bonds. Aligning with prior research on displaced scholars and adaptive education in conflict zones, the study underscores the critical role of creativity in fostering resilience and sustaining education during crises. It highlights the importance of nurturing creativity within curricula to prepare individuals for complex and unpredictable realities. The insights offer a hopeful outlook for the future of Ukrainian education and provide valuable lessons for other societies facing similar challenges.

Translating of Knowledge Cultures in the Context of Epistemic Justice

Lesya Panchenko , Nadiia Grygorova — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The article considers the situation of the need to translate first the culture of knowledge, and only then the text created on its basis. This problem is considered on the basis of the concept of paradigms of scientific knowledge by the American historian of science Thomas Kuhn and the concept of epistemic cultures by the German philosopher of science Karin Knorr Cetina. The causes of epistemic injustice are traced as deliberate or unforced losses of knowledge during its transmission at the individual, community and institutional levels. The purpose of the article is to consider, using the example of epistemic culture as a subject of professional translation, a more general situation of caring for epistemic justice in the translation of cultures of knowledge. It was found that the translation of a scientific text from or into a foreign language is not only a matter of linguistics, but also of that science, the issues of which are subject to translation. Professional translation of a scientific text requires taking into account the entire integrity of the specific academic experience that the author invested in a certain scientific text. Moreover, the establishment of epistemic justice thanks to the adequate translation of not only the scientific text, but also the culture of knowledge (epistemic culture) that lies at its foundation, not only preserves the accuracy of the scientific message, but also often draws attention to those aspects of scientific research that previously remained unnoticed.

The Influence of the International Economy on the Development of Democratic Values in Modern Educational Practices

Anastasiia Kostenko, Oksana Kuzmenko — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the urgent and crucial impact of the international economy he the development of democratic values in contemporary educational practices . The progressive development of the economy leads that changes in other spheres of society, in particular in education, where implementing democratic values becomes critical factor in a quality educational process. The role of value orientations and political trust in the context of the educational environment is considered, and theoretical approaches of renowned researchers such as John Dewey, Bruno Latour, Jürgen Habermas, and Anthony Giddens are analyzed. It is concluded that effective implementation of democratic values in education requires a comprehensive approach that considers the influence of the international economy, the interaction between structures and agents, and the importance of communication and network connections. Such an approach will contribute that forming a democratic, socially responsible, and economically developed society.

Bioethical Discourse of Humanitarian Security

Oleksandr Horban, Ruslana Martych — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The article analyses the phenomenon of human security as a state of protection of human life, culture, values and ideals, promotion and development of rights and freedoms. Bioethics in scientific research and practice applies the principles of general ethics to the phenomenon of human life, and the relevant bioethical discourse is a basic and integral part of the content of human security. The bioethical discourse of human security is represented in several research areas: security of physical and mental health; security of the possibility of free self-identification of individuals, social groups and states; security of citizens and countries in terms of development opportunities and, in general, the ability to choose the future. The report also identifies significant threats to human security: the difficult demographic situation; migration processes; and the lack of a secure picture of the future. An important aspect of the current scientific discourse on human security is the shift in the focus of its formation from state-centred to human-centred. Actors and threats are being redefined. If earlier the categorical apparatus describing human security was dominated by political, legal, socio-economic terms and concepts that described international security relations and threats at the state level, then modern research focuses on the dominance of bioethical discourse related to the personal security of the individual, which is dominant in relation to the security of the state.

Improving the Diagnosis of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Anxiety-depressive Disorders Using the Methods of Phenomenological Philosophy: Experience of Interdisciplinary Practices in Ukraine

Sergii Rudenko, Mykhailo Tasenko — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The article discusses the potential advantages of using phenomenological psychopathology methods to improve the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety-depressive disorders, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. It highlights the limitations of relying solely on the diagnostic criteria set out in International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems, 10th revision (ICD-10), arguing that they may not reflect the subjective, lived experience of mental disorders. The authors note a significant increase in the number of diagnosed mental and behavioural disorders in Ukraine since the Russian invasion. The number of cases of PTSD has quadrupled compared to pre-war levels. Common triggers include fear, anxiety, witnessing violence, personal harm, loss of loved ones, isolation, and displacement. The study used analytical, comparative, and interdisciplinary methods to explore how the approaches of phenomenological philosophy and phenomenological psychopathology can complement traditional psychiatric interviewing. Phenomenological psychopathology is an interdisciplinary field that aims to study changes in dimensions such as lived time, space, body, and self that manifest in mental illness. The main methods include semi-structured phenomenological interviews that allow patients to describe their subjective experiences. The authors argue that the combination of phenomenological methods with standard psychiatric diagnostic methods in Ukraine will allow for a more complete and accurate diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions exacerbated by the war. This interdisciplinary, patient-centred approach promises to improve the quality of mental health care as the country recovers. However, they acknowledge that the application of these methods in Ukraine is currently fragmented. The authors suggest that the methods of phenomenological psychopathology are a valuable but underutilised tool for addressing the challenges facing the mental health system in Ukraine.

Philosophical Aspects of Critical Pedagogy of Paulo Freire in the Context of Students’ Academic Integrity

Oksana Petinova, Olha Nesterova — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The topic of academic integrity and ethics and culture of behavior is recognized as relevant in various communities and the scientific community. Homo digital, possessing a high level of critical thinking, should become the model of personality in the new paradigm of education. In the article, the authors analyze the philosophical aspects of Paulo Freire's critical pedagogy through the prism of academic integrity in the context of the modern development of the philosophy of education. They conclude that education is a means of liberating a person, and academic integrity is a way to achieve the same goal. Academic integrity is indirectly supported by the correct choice of communication methods, as well as procedures for creating new knowledge and the image of the world, which is personalized by a specific student. Various practices involved in the processes of perception allow a multidimensional understanding of the realities of the world. The authors emphasize that the concept of education, developed by the Brazilian pedagogue and philosopher F. Freire, involves a highly personal perception of the real world and educational content through a critical approach, which is supported by comparing the new knowledge acquired by the student with personal life experience.

The Potential of Science Education for Development of Responsible Citizenship in Ukraine

Denys Svyrydenko, Frol Revin — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Our research focuses on how sociocultural processes can foster responsible citizenship in Ukraine through scientific literacy within an overarching philosophical narrative. In particular, the authors aim to outline various dilemmas, beginning with the ambiguities that science education faces when confronting notions of good citizenship within differing sociocultural contexts. Hence, we focus on the ethical and moral aspects of citizenship within a science education agenda that is not reducible to the learning of scientific facts. We show that it is an essential instrument for developing critical rationality, moral judgment and civic involvement. This agenda is centered around the development of scientific literacy, motivating students to engage in their own auto-didactic pursuit of scientific inquiry. The authors maintain that this sense of curiosity and critical engagement is bound to translate into an ability to make sense of difficult ethical and social Ukrainian terrain as well as positively influence approaches to pedagogical education. We further examine Ukrainian science education curriculum in the context of the broader national and global challenges of attaining scientific literacy as a foundational pillar of any future learning and teaching. More specifically, the authors propose a policy rooted in evidence-based inquiry as a centerpiece of all progressive education to allow students to develop the tools they need to become better informed, active citizens able to bring about positive societal shifts. The findings of our study relate to the call for educational reform in Ukraine through the modernization of both its physical and pedagogical infrastructure. The case is made for creating a strong foundation of scientifically-minded attitudes amongst the well-informed citizenry, which will lead to a generation able to consider and address complex ethical and social issues. The research interprets its results in terms of a broader philosophical and educational discourse with a view as to how military conflicts can affect the producing an informed population able to direct its concerted efforts towards the development of sustainable, equitable progress that serves both the individual and society at large.

Challenges to the Loss of Educational Capital in Ukraine through the Lens of Identity Threats

Oksana Yakymchuk — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The vision of the future is not clear for Ukrainians. However, despite the challenges, we should not lose our prudence regarding the prospects that await us in the post-war world. The war provoked many problems, not the least of which was the loss of human and educational capital due to the mass departure of Ukrainians abroad. The educational category of migrants deserves more careful attention, namely schoolchildren, students, teachers, scientists, etc. This category of citizens of Ukraine is significant for the further existence of Ukrainian identity. This category is an expression of the nation, a guarantee of its further prosperity. Ukraine is currently losing educational capital, not only due to external circumstances but also due to the desynchronization of citizens' values and the formality of the actions of state institutions. No matter how many pompous and pathetic appeals to treat with understanding and take into account the circumstances, a person, being inclined to find a comfortable environment for the realization of his values, begin to look even more actively for a better environment where they are acceptable. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this issue, not only as a study of it at the theoretical (philosophical) level but also from the perspective of developing practical actions that can change the situation in order to secure the future from dispersion and loss of Ukrainian identity.

Sacra virginitas on the Example of St Agnes the Roman in the Light of Selected Early Christian Sources (4th–5th Century)

Maria Piechocka-Kłos — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this publication is to present the figure of St Agnes in the context of an analysis of the issue of sacra virginitas in selected early Christian
sources. In the study, the timeframe of the source research refers to works written in the fourth and fifth centuries. The first part analyses two tests from among the great ecclesiastical writers, while the second part analyses two texts from the field of Christian poetry in the style of classical poetry. First, reference was made to the rhetorical text of St Ambrose De virginibus and Letter 130. To Demetriades (On the Preservation of Virginity) written by St Jerome. The epigram of Pope Damasus and Hymn XIV from Liber Peristephanon by Prudentius were then analysed. A concise study of historical biographical data, supplemented by legendary threads preserved in
the traditional accounts of St Agnes, will help to present more fully the issue under study. This study is certainly an interesting addition to the research on the figure of St Agnes and the concept of sacra virginitas.

Why did Prince Edmund Radziwill (1842–1895) not Become Bishop of Wrocław?

Marek Jodkowski — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Prince Edmund Radziwill descended from the germanised Radziwill line. He was a priest of the diocese of Wrocław, but in 1870 moved to the archdiocese of Gniezno and Poznan. He was then given the post of vicar in Ostrów Wielkopolski. He
became involved in politics in Upper Silesia, gaining the support of the Centre party. For a number of years, he was the party’s deputy in the German Parliament. Despite his conciliatory approach, however, he faced criticism from both the Centrists and the Poles. In 1881, he became a candidate for Bishop of Wrocław. That same year, the Bishop of Chelm also sought his nomination as his coadjutor. However, due to the prince’s pro-Polish statements, his commitment to nationality, as well as his Polish origins, his candidature was rejected by the Prussian authorities.

Activation of Minilateral Alliances with the Participation of European Countries and Ukraine in the Context of Russia’s Armed Aggression: Security Dimension

Teresa Astramowicz-Leyk, Yaryna Turchyn, Olha Ivasechko, Oleh Tsebenko — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the analysis of the activities of minilateral alliances, the member states of which are Ukraine and European countries seen through the prism of the security dimension. The definition of minilateralism, the origins of the concept, its strengths and weaknesses are presented. The authors focused on the importance and priorities of mini-alliance cooperation, in particular, the security dimension of Ukraine's cooperation within such alliances as: "The Lublin Triangle", "Associated Trio", "Quadriga", Tripartite Alliance, The Romania-Republic of Moldova-Ukraine Alliance, the Great Britain-Poland-Ukraine Alliance. The criteria of political, economic, military, and sanctions support of Ukraine by the countries-participants of minilateral alliances during the war are presented. The key challenges to the functioning of alliances and promising areas for further cooperation are highlighted. The authors used systemic, institutional, comparative and statistical methods, as well as method of document analysis and case study, to characterize the process of current activation of minilateral alliances within the Ukraine-European countries framework. The research paper summarizes the positive consequences of Ukraine’s minilateral cooperation with European countries, which contribute to overcoming modern security challenges.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Vilnius (1991–2008) – History of the Consular Mission and Actions for Polish Education and Culture in Lithuania

Danuta Kamilewicz-Rucińska — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Vilnius, as an independent diplomatic mission, operated for 17 years (1991–2008). In the context of the host country – Lithuania – the Polish national minority not only makes up the highest percentage, but also maintains a strong presence as a lively community that proudly identifies with their Polish heritage, its presence was exceptionally important, challenging, and necessary. In line with the provisions of Polish law, international law, European Union law, and international customs, the Consulate General in
Vilnius, acting in support of Polish education and culture in Lithuania: undertook actions to strengthen ties between the Republic of Poland and individuals of Polish descent or declaring affiliation with the Polish Nation residing in Lithuania; worked towards the interests of the Polish national minority and the rights and freedoms of individuals belonging to this minority; supervised, within its competence, the
implementation of international agreements; through cooperation with Polish organizations, associations, as well as individual entities, developed and deepened economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation between the Republic of Poland and Lithuania. Currently, all activities aimed at Polish culture, education,
schooling, and the Polish language in Lithuania have been taken over by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vilnius. The Consulate General, functioning as an independent administrative entity, played a vital role in advocating for the rights of the Polish minority in Lithuania. It served as an important and necessary voice, reflecting the concern of Polish diplomacy towards efforts to provide education to the Polish national minority in their native language. It contributed to enhancing the overall well-being of Poles in Lithuania.

The Faith Journey of the Royal Official from Capernaum in Jn 4:43-54

Aleksandra Nalewaj — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to attempt to show the faith process of the royal official from Capernaum in the light of Jn 4:43-54. The article consists of three parts. The first part focuses on literary issues such as the separation of the pericope Jn 4:43-54 from the larger literary section and its place in the current Gospel setting, the context of the story and the literary structure. The second section takes a closer look at the profile of a possibly pagan courtier, while the third illustrates his journey of faith in Jesus. The anonymous official who, without seeing signs and wonders, believed in the healing power of Jesus' word at a distance appears as a model of faith.

The Trinitarian Dimension of the Life of the Baptised

Anna Klich — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The subject of this theological and exegetical study is the Trinitarian dimension of the baptised in the pericope Rom 8:14-17, as read in the light of other Old and New Testament texts and of the witness of the living tradition of the Church. The aim of this article is to examine what are the essential dimensions of the life of the baptised indicated by St. Paul in the Letter to the Romans (8:14-17), and how, in a mystical way, he shows the action of the Holy Spirit in the baptised person. The first stage of the exegetical analysis determines the literary context of the pericope, allowing it to indicate the essential specificity of a Christian, that is, the acceptance of the Holy Spirit as a guide in their way of life. The Holy Spirit makes known the gift of adoption bringing the believer into a relationship with God the Father that is similar to that between the Father and the Son. The dignity of God’s children is bound up in their inheritance of eternal life. The second part of this article explains the dimension of cooperation between the Christian and God and the relationship between conscious co-suffering with Christ and sharing in God’s glory with him. Finally, it must be emphasised that God, who gives his Holy Spirit to his children and wants to be intimate with them, is active in the process of becoming like Christ. On the part of humankind, cooperation is needed. This consists primarily of attentive listening to the Holy Spirit and of conscious union with Christ, especially in the tribulations of everyday life. This process leads to becoming with Christ co-heirs to eternal glory.

Marian Rusecki’s Axiological Argumentation for the Credibility of Christianity and the Church

Jacenty Mastej — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this project is to present the axiological argumentation for the credibility of Christianity and the Church, contained in the scientific work of Fr prof. Marian Rusecki. The implementation of the undertaken task begins with a discussion of axiological principles. Then, the values to which the theologian refers in building axiological argumentation are dealt with: the dignity of the human person, truth, goodness, love and holiness. For the professor, Christianity is the value of the highest importance, because it is the carrier of revealed values, unites them in itself and realises them in a saving way. The theological and fundamental argumentation built by M. Rusecki is about showing that Christianity, faith in Jesus Christ, is an absolutely unique value for man, because it gives him the highest good: God and salvation. Rusecki’s axiological argumentation for the credibility of Christianity and the Church is of a personalistic nature. In building an axiological argument, the professor from Lublin refers to the category of a sign, which has two elements: visible and invisible. He considers their complex structure: natural and supernatural to be a specific feature of Christian values. Therefore, full axiological diagnosis requires the participation of reason and faith. The highest value in Christianity is Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God. He is a personal and absolute value, because in Him the completeness and personal realisation of the dignity of the human person, truth, goodness, love and holiness are shown.

Polemic against the Waldenses in Expositio Symboli Apostolorum by Johannes Marienwerder

Marek Karczewski — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The main theological work of Johannes Marienwerder (1343–1417) is Expostio Symboli Apostolorum. In it, Johannes included a comprehensive exposition of the truths contained in the Apostolic Symbol. The situation of the Catholic Church at the end of the 14th century was very complex. Many attempts were made to renew the Church. There was growing opposition to its official doctrine and structures. The Waldenses movement was still active in Bohemia and the German-speaking areas. The article presents the topic of Johannes Marienwerder’s polemic against the Waldenses in Expositio Symboli Apostolorum. Three issues are discussed: Johannes Marienwerder’s relationship to the Waldenses – historical background; a general
characterization of heresy and heretics; and a critique of the views of the Waldenses.

From Contestation to Affirmation. Warmian Bishop Philipp Krementz in the face of the Dogma of Papal Infallibility

Marek Andrzej Żmudziński — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The proclamation of the dogma of papal infallibility has raised many questions and doubts in the Church. Already during the preparations and deliberations, a number of bishops were asking that the conditions of this infallibility be abandoned or at least defined in accordance with doctrinal and historical tradition. In essence, the idea was to anchor the teaching authority and competence of the pope in the infallibility of the entire Church and the college of bishops. Bishop Philipp Krementz was among those clearly opposed to the new dogmatic formula. However, after the dogma was promulgated and a moderate interpretation developed, he accepted the new truth and became its defender. The article describes this breakthrough on the theological, episcopal and diocesan levels. In doing so, it reveals the figure of the Warmian bishop as an informed transmitter of the faith, a loyal member of the episcopal college and a responsible shepherd of the local Church.

Parish Catechesis. Current State and Challenges

Anna Zellma — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study attempts to identify the current state of parish catechesis in the opinion of catechists from various dioceses in Poland. The analysis was conducted based on empirical material obtained from survey questionnaires sent electronically through the directors of catechetical papers/departments of diocesan curia to all catechists in Poland (985 completed questionnaires were received). The results of the survey made it possible to diagnose the current state and challenges of parish catechesis. The hypothesis was confirmed: parish catechesis in Poland does not cover all its forms; in fact, it is centered around sacramental catechesis. The vast majority of catechists are involved in the parish in various forms of catechesis that prepare children and adolescents for the sacraments of Christian initiation. Respondents declared that they conduct meetings for children and youth and their parents related to preparation for the sacraments of Christian initiation. A high percentage of catechists had positive experiences related to cooperation with the pastor in the parish where they worked. The respondents also indicated the need for various forms of adult catechesis in the parish, especially evangelization meetings, biblical meetings, formation meetings, carried out in small groups. The experience of catechists in parish catechesis is a reliable source of information that can be used in the future to revitalize and improve parish catechesis.

The Archetype of the Homiletic Text. Conceptualizing the Phenomenon

Michał Klementowicz — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study discusses the homiletic text as archetype. It is intended to contribute to the ongoing discussion of the genre distinctiveness of the word proclaimed in the liturgy as well as to make more objective and consistent so-called “homiletic textology”. As a crucial element in the argumentation, the notion of an archetype is
described in both general and specific terms. A utilitarian perspective is taken on the archetype of the homiletic text, with particular concern for the principle of „information management” contained in the kerygma of God’s Revelation. The handling of content in a homily is analyzed with attention to its novelty, relevance and acceptability, all of which, in turn, assists effective communication with the audience present at the celebration.

Religiosity of Children Preparing for the First Holy Communion. An Empirical Study

Sylwia Mikołajczak — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The article presents the results of an empirical study on the religiosity of children preparing for their first Holy Communion. The study examined, among other things, their regularity and motivation for attending Sunday Mass, daily prayer, religious practices, as well as the reasons why students want to receive the Lord Jesus in the sacrament of the Eucharist. The research was carried out by a diagnostic survey method, using a questionnaire technique. The research tool used to gather data was a survey questionnaire, consisting of fifteen questions. On the basis of it, 81 third-grade students of Elementary School No. 12 in Olsztyn, attending religious instruction and preparing to receive their first Holy Communion, were surveyed. The collected research material made it possible to conclude that the majority of respondents regularly attend Sunday Mass, and the motivation for going to church is the desire to meet the Lord Jesus. However, the company's own research shows that students who declare regular prayer or reading of the Holy Scriptures - constitute a minority of the surveyed sample.

Prevention of Alcohol Dependence in Curriculum Assumptions and in Selected Religious Education Textbooks

Adam Przemysław Bielinowicz, Beata Bilicka — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The analysis of curriculum documents and textbooks for teaching religion is one of the many research tasks of catechetics, because based on the content of these studies, not only the faith of the catechized is formed, but also their worldview and moral attitudes. The purpose of this article is to try to answer the question: to what extent is a religious lesson a support in activities that help the young generation live in sobriety? The answer to this question is possible thanks to the analysis carried out and the identification of specific provisions relating to the issue of alcohol prevention in curriculum documents and in selected methodological guides for teaching religion. In addition, the conclusion of the article presents conclusions and postulates regarding the content discussed and attempts to identify missing issues.

Draft of the Diocesan Program for Awakening Priestly Vocations. Basics and Proposals (Including American)

Antoni Bartoszek — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents a draft of an inter-diocesan program designed to awake priestly vocations. The author presents the draft in the context of a radical decline in the number of candidates for the sacrament of Holy Orders and the prospect of parish mergers and even church closures. The present considerations are not limited to presenting pastoral techniques to encourage young people to open their hearts to God's call. Above all else they present the importance of rediscovering the beauty and value of the two related sacraments: Eucharist and the ministerial priesthood. Deep theological analysis of these sacraments as well as spiritual reflection on them can contribute to enthusiasm of the community of believers regarding concern for priestly vocations. This enthusiasm can lead to a new commitment of the diocesan priestly community, parish communities and their families, as well as the sick offering their sufferings for vocations. These engagements, translated into concrete pastoral initiatives (drawn from the Polish and American experience to date), may open the hearts of young people to accept the gift of the priestly vocation. The most important conclusion of the present analyses is: concern for vocations is an activity with the following characteristics: it is broad, i.e., interdiocesan; it is long-term, i.e., designed for many years; and, above all, it is deepened, i.e., built on the theology of the sacraments instituted in the Upper Room at the Last Supper by the Lord Jesus.

Great Musical Forms Dedicated to St Teresa of Avila

Piotr Towarek — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The article discusses a selection of the great musical forms dedicated to St Teresa of Avila (d. 1582). The intensification of the musical creation of mass and oratorio-cantata in honour of the Saint took place after her beatification (1614) and canonisation (1622). This process was linked to the distribution of the mystic's writings, especially among the European aristocracy of the 17th-18th centuries, which resulted in piety and the need to commission musical works from composers' workshops. This is exemplified by Baroque motets (Charpentier), as well as oratorios (Badia, Gaffi), hymns, litanies and antiphons from this period (Tůma, Brentner, Reichenauer, Scheibl). These compositions testify to the development of the cult of St Teresa in the countries of Europe, but especially in the Habsburg monarchy, which is also confirmed by the classicist Theresienmesse of 1801 (M. Haydn). We find similar traces of the memory of the Saint in the mass works of 20th century composers. (Dieboldt, Wiltberger, Surzyński, Walkiewcz, Heuler, Civil y Castellví, Willan, Coelho, Cols, Rubbra. From the same time, and also from the 21st century, come oratorio and cantata compositions born in the space of Spanish musical culture (Halffter, Nieto, Martínez Garvín, Villar Pérez, Balada, de Olavide, García Morante, Díez, Otero, Arzamendi), as well as those shaped on Italian (Menotti), British (Oldham), Puerto Rican (Sierra) or Polish (Małkowicz) grounds. These works, based on texts by St Teresa of Jesus, constitute a very important source of knowledge of her writings, theological thought and spirituality. The collection of selected Theresian compositions gathered in this article enriches the image of the mystic of Avila, entering the current of research in the field of aspectual hagiology.

Pastoral Inspirations of Blessed Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński, Primate of Poland, Left to the Church in Warmia

Sławomir Ropiak — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this paper is to present the teaching of the new Blessed to the Church in Warmia. They can be characterized by a few core ideas, which include: spiritual and pastoral service of the Primate of Poland towards the Diocese of Warmia, priestly formation enlivened by the message from Stoczek Warmiński, Marian devotion deepened in the silence of the retreat, a great sign in [heaven] the sky in Gietrzwałd,
honor to St. Wojciech Bishop Martyr, spiritual and pastoral heritage of the coronation of Marian images. The relics of the beatified Stefan Wyszyński were brought to Olsztyn and Stoczek Klasztorny.

Developmental Needs of Small Children. Threats and Potential Consequences of Transferring Children to Nursery

Urszula Dudziak — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A child’s proper development requires love expressed through close parental care and contact that allows for the establishment of bonds. Many parents place their children in a day nursery due to the economic needs of society, their career development, the desire to increase the family’s financial standard, impatience with
their own children, ignorance of the rules of care and upbringing, and the belief that
professional educators can perform educational tasks better. Politicians compete to highlight the growing number of such facilities and funds allocated for their maintenance. However, it is questionable whether separating parents who go to work and children who are placed in a day nursery has a positive effect on the children’s
development process. Is this practice an expression of parental care, or does it cause
conscious or unconscious harm to the younger generation? What do people who care about the child’s best interest focus on, and how can they create the best conditions for their development? What steps can be taken to make the initial stages of a child’s life as appropriate as possible, considering it is the foundation of shaping proper attitudes in the future? This article is based on a review of both theoretical and empirical
publications, which supports the presented conclusions and postulates.

Concern for Marriage and Family in the Ministry of the Police Pastor

Wojsław Czupryński — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid changes taking place in so many areas of life bring with them a sense of confusion and uncertainty. This also applies to the family environment of policewomen and policemen, who, due to the nature of their work, are even more vulnerable to the effects of negative socio-cultural phenomena. Police pastoral care, if it wants to be effective and reliable, must grasp the essential elements of the processes taking place. The directions of police pastoral care in the service of families were pointed out. The restoration of trust in the Church, patiently accompanying police families, was considered a priority. The entire pastoral care of the police, as well as the pastoral care of police families, should take on an evangelistic character. Systematic formation should be valued, which leads to a living faith and a personal relationship with God, and deepens the bond with the Church community. In view of contemporary cultural and religious changes, kerygmatic preaching, the communal dimension of the transmission of faith, and spiritual direction and family counseling should be considered important.

Coping with Stress by Members of the Domestic Church Community

Cezary Wojciech Opalach — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents the results of an empirical verification of the hypothesis that members of the Domestic Church (DK) community present more effective styles of coping with stressful situations. The research was conducted on a group of 30 married couples belonging and not belonging to this community, based on the Coping with Stress Questionnaire (CISS), by Norman S. Endler and James D. A. Parker.

They confirmed the hypothesis and proved that DK members most often use a task-oriented strategy and least often an avoidance-oriented strategy, in the form of involvement in substitute activities.

The primary source of the obtained data seems to be DK membership, which allows to use prayer and marital dialogue, high level of religiosity, communication competence and life wisdom in the fight against stress, even with a lower level of education than in the control group. However, it cannot be ruled out that, with regard to some of these factors, DK membership only plays a mediating role and that the correlations obtained are most correlated with intelligence and personality. Further empirical research is needed to conclusively resolve these doubts.

Mentoring to Support Family Volunteer Coordinators

Renata Pomarańska — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Mentoring as a way to support family volunteering coordinators in fulfilling their various roles. It presents the specificity of family volunteering, which is particularly related to the minors of volunteers, which requires appropriate formal and legal activities. Attention was also paid to the family dimension of volunteering and some tasks that could be carried out by families within it were identified. Finally, the focus was on mentoring as a form of support which, due to its individual approach, can meet the diverse and non-standard professional needs of family volunteering coordinators.

The Christian Family in the Process of Recognizing and Shaping a Child’s Priestly Vocation in the Context of Progressive Secularization in Poland

Paweł Rabczyński — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Christian family, alongside the parish community and the seminary, is the primary environment for the discernment and formation of a priestly vocation. It educates and accompanies the called person at all stages of his formation. The progressive secularisation in Poland, combined with growing individualism and
relativism, makes it necessary to recall and promote the Christian model of the family. According to God’s design, it is built on the marriage covenant, a lifelong community between man and woman, which leads to the birth and upbringing of offspring. The discovery and formation of the child’s priestly vocation takes place through the fulfilment of the fundamental tasks of the Christian family, which are: the creation of a community of persons, service to life, participation in the development of society, and participation in the life and mission of the Church. In the family the child learns human and Christian values and experiences that every priestly vocation is born of God’s initiative and is a work of His love.

Święty Bonawentura, „Psałterz Maryjny”, tekst włoski ks. kanonik Paolo Angelici, Camerino 1874, tłum. ks. kanonik Tadeusz Piotr Marcinkowski, Warmińsk Wydawnictwo Diecezjalne, Olsztyn 2023, ss. 216 (Saint Bonaventure, The Marian Psalter) (Rev. Sławomir Ropiak)

Sławomir Ropiak — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Jonathan Sacks, „Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times”, New York Basic Books, 2020, 366 p. (Byron V.E. Hyde)

Byron Hyde — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

60 Years of „The Studies of Warmia” (Rev. Paweł Rabczyński)

Paweł Rabczyński — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Year of Nicolaus Copernicus in the Archdiocese of Warmia. Summary of the Celebrations

Tomasz Garwoliński — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Report on the Organisation of the National Family Knowledge Olympiad in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie District in 2017/2018–2023/2024. Figures

Maria Piechocka-Kłos — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Report on the XXIV Interdisciplinary Days of the Faculty of Theology Entitled „Science vs Theology. Contemporary Faces of an Old Dispute (10–11 May 2023)”

Ewelina Marta Mączka — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000