As a key contributor to the current discussion of the Catholic theology of religions, Gavin D'Costa's writings represent a consistent attempt to utilize the resources of the doctrine of the Trinity to address a number of issues regarding the theological significance and function of religions in the salvific plan of God. The aim of this thesis is to examine critically his Trinitarian theology of religions through the lens of a main proponent of patristic theology, Basil of Caesarea, and through a historical-systematic study, address the question of whether his underlying Trinitarianism is consonant with classical Trinitarian theology. After a discussion of Vatican II and post-Conciliar sources, the main contours of D'Costa's theology are highlighted through an interpretive grid of particularity/universality (Christology/Pneumatology) with a second-order universality/particularity. Despite his distancing from the three-fold typology of exclusivism-inclusivism-pluralism, we analyzed that much of his theology continues to fall within the category of traditional inclusivism, particularly since his recent proposal of the limbo of the Fathers contained serious difficulties pertaining to his intention to maintain a singular OT Judaism-Christianity relationship. Next, we examined the main features of Basilian Trinitarianism, and proposed that three major themes are of relevance for a comparative analysis with D'Costa's theology, namely, (1) the doctrines of divine simplicity and inseparable operations, (2) the enlightening work of the Spirit, and (3) the theology of baptism and theosis. Throughout the discussion, in recognition that Basil's thought is part of the patristic theological matrix of his time, we will also reference the writings of other Church Fathers, including Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Augustine. We concluded that while in Basil's theology, economy, relationality and ethics are intricately woven into each other, D'Costa's system, despite its significant merits, was at risk of disaffiliating the connections between the three.

What happens when teachers are required to implement a mandatory mathematics literacy curriculum whose purposes and pedagogy is distinctly different from that of mathematics curricula of the past? More specifically: How do teachers beliefs and understandings of the curriculum affect the implementation pathway of a mathematics reform intended for ALL? In 2006 the national Department of Education of South Africa introduced a new curriculum into the mathematics landscape, namely Mathematical Literacy. This curriculum, which is markedly dissimilar in pedagogy, politics and purposes from past mathematics curricula, was introduced as a mandatory alternative to mathematics in the senior secondary phase of schooling; not as an integral component of mathematics curricula but as a unique subject of its own. It recognizes that every adult and therefore every child can and should do some form of mathematics. This research focuses on the implementation of this new curriculum in a context were mathematical literacy levels are not only unacceptably low among pupils leaving secondary schooling but also among many teachers charged with delivering mathematics education to the learners in South Africa. The three research questions guiding this study are: 1) What do teachers understand to be the purposes, problems and possibilities contained in the mathematical literacy curriculum? 2) How do teachers proceed to implement the mathematical literacy curriculum in their classrooms? 3) Why do teachers implement this curriculum in the ways they do? In other words, what explains the implementation pathways followed by the mathematical literacy curriculum in real classroom contexts? A review of the literature on curriculum and policy implementation revealed broad encapsulating themes that provide lenses for reform failure. It also provided a perspective that calls for domain specific research. Following on this, the study articulated a broader conceptual framework premised on the perception that a deep understanding of a curriculum is required, for contemporary reforms in mathematical literacy, especially if the goal is to pursue deep change in instructional practices and beliefs. Within this framework, three propositions were generated and then later tested against the emerging data: Proposition one: Teachers may not have a deep understanding of the purposes, problems and possibilities contained in the Mathematical Literacy curriculum. Proposition two: Teachers implement the Mathematical Literacy curriculum in their classroom using beliefs and pedagogies that are already entrenched in their practice. Proposition three: Teachers implement mathematical literacy only because it is a mandatory subject and not because of any strong conviction of the inherent value of this curriculum. A qualitative research design was used which included two in-depth case studies against the backdrop of a snapshot survey of fifty-four mathematical literacy teachers as an embedded unit of analysis. Using evidence from an array of data collection instruments, the study found that the two educators had a superficial understanding of the intentions of the curriculum both in terms of required pedagogy and purpose of the reform. For both educators the teaching of mathematics in context was outside their paradigm of understanding as was their limited grasp of the 'spirit' of this new reform. What was further revealed was that educators teaching mathematical literacy felt and expressed an overwhelming threat to the status of their professional teaching identity. The explorative study concludes with implications for future studies and professional teacher development. It also further expands on why a strong theory of action is mandatory if the challenges of complex curriculum change are to be met. / Thesis (PhD (Education Policy Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Education Management and Policy Studies / unrestricted

The southern Mozambique/ South Africa borderland is a landscape epitomised by fluctuation, contradiction and constant transformation. It is a world betwixt-and-between Mozambique and South Africa. The international border, imposed on the landscape more than a century ago, gives life to a new world that stretches across and away from it. The inhabitants of this transitional zone constantly shape and reshape their own identities vis-à-vis people on the opposite and same side of the border. This border, which was delineated in 1875, was to separate the influence spheres of Portugal and Britain in south-east Africa. On the ground it divided the once strong and unified Mabudu-Tembe (Tembe-Thonga) chiefdom. At first the border was only a line on a map. With time, however, it became infused with social and cultural meaning as the dividing line between two new worlds. This was exacerbated by Portuguese and British colonial administration on opposite sides of the border, Apartheid in South Africa and socialist modernisation and war and displacement in Mozambique. All these events and factors created cultural fragmentation and disunion between the northern and southern sides of the borderland. By the end of the Mozambican War in 1992 the northern side of the borderland was populated by displaced refugees, demobilised soldiers and bandits, as well as returnees from neighbouring countries. Many of these people did not have any ancestral ties to the land nor kinship ties to its earlier inhabitants. Whereas a common Thonga identity had previously united people on both sides of the border, South African policies of Apartheid increasingly promoted the Zulu language and culture on the southern side of the border. The end of warfare in Mozambique and of Apartheid in South Africa facilitated contact across the border. Social contact between the inhabitants of the borderland is furthermore fostered by various economic opportunities offered by the border, such as cross-border trade and smuggling. The increase in social and economic contact has in turn dissolved differences between the inhabitants of the borderland and promoted homogeneity and unity across the political divide. Fragmentation and homogeneity characterises daily life in the borderland. Inhabitants of the frontier-zone play these forces off against each other, now emphasising the differences across the border, later emphasising the similarities. The borderland is a world of multiple identities, where ethnicity, citizenship and identity, already fluid and contextual concepts in their own rights, become even more so as people constantly define and redefine themselves in this transitional environment. / Thesis (DPhil (Anthropology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Anthropology and Archaeology / unrestricted

Bibliography: leaves 127-134 / Integrating psychology and spirituality to open up discussion on spiritual identity and its effects on the whole person was birthed in a counselling context, as individuals sought answers for various problems, having an effect on their psychological and spiritual well-being. The body, soul and spirit approach unfolded, as we explored their identity, more specifically, their spiritual identity, thus integrating psychology and spirituality. The aim was to explore how the discovery of their spiritual identity had an effect on them holistically. I chose a qualitative research design because my research questions required the collection and analysis of rich, in-depth data regarding participants’ psychological and spiritual journeys (Phipps, & Vorster, 2011; Ryan, 2006). My data collection method was twofold, using both in-depth interviews (narrative storytelling), as the initial stage for the individual to tell their story and the effects on their psychological and spiritual well-being, as well as semi-structured interviews (brainstorming), as the second stage in the research. The objective was to see what effects the problem had on them as a whole person. I used two stages of data analysis to reach this objective namely a collaborative deconstruction technique, together with the individual as the first stage and secondly a thematic analysis to interpret the main messages, patterns that repeated, as well as the highlights, having an effect on them as a whole. The results confirmed that individuals “discover” their spiritual identity when their self-identity reaches a limit of coping with problems and have more positive effects on them as whole persons. The significance of the research is that it has contributed to a more integrated counselling approach, within psychology, for counsellors and psychologists, to explore spiritual identity with the individual. Through the integration of seeing individuals as whole beings, including a spiritual dimension, awareness was created within the counselling context of the value of seeing individuals in a more integrative and holistic manner. Such a psycho-spiritual integrative approach is more relevant in the field of counselling in journeying with individuals in wholeness and affecting their dimensions of body, soul and spirit positively in the context of identity. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

This project focuses on an ideal solution for restoring the roof of Notre-Dame in Paris, which burned down together with its spire on April 15, 2019. The main motive behind the design was to create a quiet space that will serve as a memorial of the fire and reflect the unity of the society that contributed to the rebuilding found. The primary step of the whole reconstruction is to find an adequate way of renewal and its ethical boundaries. Main attention is focused on the roof and on the spire of the cathedral. As a tribute to medieval builders who consecrated their lives into this magnificent piece of work. The exterior of the new design has the same silhouettes and proportions that it has got eight centuries ago, but with a touch of a modern day aesthetics. When designing the interior of the roof, it was really important to maintain a clear representation of Gothic architecture – the balance between darkness and light. The space is divided into two parts. The first part represents darkness, as an obstacle, which each of us has to overcome. The second part is full of natural light that seems to tear the roof of the cathedral and illuminates the entire space inside. At the heart of the design is a gem that matters the most, life. The spire of the cathedral is designed with four pillars that symbolize the connection of mind-spirit-body with physical world The idea of the spire reflects these seemingly different things, but together they unite into one piece.

The subject of the diploma thesis is the design of a new Roman Catholic church with conveniences, which will be located in the city of Brno - Líšeň, in the northwestern part of the cadastral area Líšeň, on a sloping plot, between Horníkova and Molákova streets, near the youth center ("Saleska"). The church will serve the Roman Catholic Congregation of the Selesians, who are attended to the education and work with children and youth. The church will be dedicated to the third Divine Person of the Holy Spirit. The main aim of the church is to be a place of meeting in the community of believers, but also a quiet and peaceful place to meet God. The proposal will also consider the construction of a vicarage, which should be a meeting place for parishioners at various events with the possibility of accommodating the Salesians. The idea is proceeded on the main symbols of the Salesians. The design is based on the idea of a home, a circle, which symbolizes the family atmosphere. It is derived from three pillars. The sense, the religion and the kindness, standing on a triangular background that serve as points to create a community bounded by circles. This fellowship is defined by three circular segments in the form of reinforced concrete framework structures, each of them represents one of the divine persons of the Holy Trinity. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The gaps among the structures serve for such an illumination, which does not distract the attention from the church to the outside environment and preserves the peace and the spirituality in the interior.

An atom, a cell and a solar system have very little in common. My science teachers from high school will confirm that I am very far from being an expert on the matter but nontheless, I have studied these three systems in separate classes: chemistry, biology and astronomy. So I believe they must be fairly unrelated from each other! All they have in common is that they are studied through a magnifying lens by people who are better than me in maths. But onceyou look through the lens, you should see a main body and smaller objects rotating around it. The electrons around the protons, the cytoplasm around the nucleus and the planets around the sun. The key element they have in common is structure. Perhaps this is too abstract, even for an abstract, so let’s bring things back to earth. Structures play a fundamental role in shaping the world around us and this thesis aims to understand to what extent and how they influence people’s daily lives. The case study is based on the new town of Arborea in Sardinia, originally designed and owned by a private company to make an efficient and innovative industrial food production system. It aims to show how the ambition to produce was ingrained in the buildings and societal structures and how the surroundings affected the people who moved there. Everything was studied in detail:from the road grid to the houses, the church’s positioning and even selecting people from the north of Italy who were deemed most suitable to work there. The use of structuration theory will be key to uncover the different layers and relations that still shape the community today. 35.000 cows, 3800 people, a history of cultural clashes, a productive system, a very fascist background, a ’sex patrolling’ priest, a dozen volunteering organisations will all feature in thethesis and together enable to draw a picture of the new town.

Si les membres des « Ordres du roi », expression désignant, sous l’Ancien Régime, l’Ordre de Saint Michel créé en 1469 par Louis XI, et l’Ordre du Saint-Esprit créé en 1578 par Henri III, sont connus et précisément recensés, l’histoire de l’art, en l’occurrence l’examen des toiles, gravures ou sculptures produits entre les XVe et XVIIIe siècles, et en particulier des portraits peints et gravés de chevaliers, permet de progresser dans la compréhension de la fonction et du fonctionnement de ces deux institutions. L’invention et le recours aux ordres de chevalerie par des puissances étatiques centralisatrices ne peuvent être dissociés du processus qui vit en Europe, du Moyen Âge à nos jours, l’affirmation et l’ascension progressive de l’individu, sinon de l’individualisme, face à la collectivité, aux corporations, aux « castes » d’un « vieux monde » solidement organisé. Loin de servir cette vaste émancipation, comme on le conçoit a priori, les ordres de chevalerie agissent à son encontre en permettant certes aux chevaliers décorés d’assouvir leur désir de distinction, mais uniquement de façon superficielle – en leur offrant la possibilité de ressembler au roi –, sans conséquence sur l’ordonnancement des affaires de l’État. À partir de l’étude du don du cordon bleu aux fils de France, des insignes accaparés et des signes que l’on prend pour des insignes alors qu’ils n’en sont pas et de l’altération, par accident, par intention ou par incompréhension des motifs visuels des Ordres du roi, il s’agit de démontrer comment ces derniers constituent des outils de neutralisation d’ordre esthétique, par le pouvoir, des ambitions aristocratiques. / If the members of the "Orders of the King", which refer, under the Ancien Régime, to the Order of Saint Michael created in 1469 by Louis XI of France, and the Order of the Holy Spirit created in 1578 by Henry III of France, are well known and precisely identified, history of art, through the examination of canvases, engravings or sculptures produced between the 15th and the 18th centuries, and in particular painted and engraved portraits of knights, paves the way to a better understanding of the Orders in terms of roles and operation. The invention and the use of chivalric orders by a centralized state is intimately linked to the process that led in Europe, from the Middle Ages to present days, to the rise of the individual, if not the rise of individualism itself, in a strong society made up of corporations and “castes”. These orders were not founded to strengthen this dynamics of emancipation, as one could think. Even if the knights were given the right to stand out from the crowd, thanks to insignias that give them the illusion to look like the king, it was only in a superficial way, without affecting the affairs of the state. Our thesis, which consists in demonstrating how the “Orders of the King” were used as a tool of aesthetic neutralization, by the King, of aristocratic ambitions, relies on the study of the Sons of France’s Cordons Bleus – the ribbon from which the Cross of the Holy Spirit was hung was blue –, insignias that are not precisely insignias of the Orders of the King, and the modification by accident, intent or misconception of the Orders of the King’s symbols and representations.

This diploma thesis deals with the description of the ethical themes in the Apostle Paul's authentic letters. At the very beginning of the description and of the ethical themes analysis, there is the historical context and events in Saint Paul's life depicted - his missionary travels and the ethical issues of his time. Further, there is the basis of Paul's ethics explained. In the following third chapter, the main ethical themes are being described thouroughly, e.g. love, freedom or conscience. There are also such topics as marriage, sexual ethics or the moral life in church community. In the fourth chaprer, we can learn about the current Paul's ethical principles within the context of fellow feeling or love to women. In conclusion, there are Paul's ethical principles and connection between faith and sense summarized. Key words: Ethics, love, freedom, conscience, marriage, sexual ethics, Spirit, body, sense and faith.

In this dissertation we propose a novel ontological point of view representing inner dimension of being and its interaction based on the phenomenology, quantum physics, psychoanalytic methodology and cognitive metaphor theories. Empirical findings about the phenomenology of interaction, gained from the associative experiment, open a new dimension of scientific research and interreligious discussion. Comprehension system of inner semantics leads us to a deeper understanding of the world of being. Essential Self interaction. described by cognitive metaphor and allows us identification of universal structure hidden beyond the language. Acquired linguistic data suggest that mind's metaphoric self-reflection semantics closely correlate with a concept of entangled quantum particles and light binding phenomena. This theory gave us a unique opportunity to visualize the probabilistic picture of mind itself within an interdisciplinary approach of cognitive and philosophical studies. In this work, we combine theory of physics and philosophy of language. Language, as a bridge between the two worlds: quantum and material, offers us the possibility of insight into inner reality and approach our awareness of being in a clear and undistorted form. Speech as a speech of being is woven into the context of...