My study offers a constructive exploration of divine judgment as salvific rather than destructive which I describe aphoristically as iudicandus est salvandus ('to be judged is to be saved'). My provocation to Christian eschatology is that human beings are not saved from judgment, but are saved within it. In chapter 1, I introduce the context of the study and propose the concept of salvific judgment. In chapter 2, I engage in an exploration of the symbols and problems of judgment through a reappraisal of De novissimis ('concerning the last things'), the last section found in traditional works of dogmatics. This is followed, in chapter 3, by a critical engagement with the soteriological optimism posited by four twentieth- and twenty-first century theologians: Sergei Bulgakov, Hans Urs von Balthasar, J.A.T. Robinson, and Marilyn McCord Adams. In chapter 4, I explore four versions of the purpose of judgment: (1) as retributive with a dual outcome, engaging the work of Paul O'Callaghan; (2) as retributive and universalist, in conversation with Sergei Bulgakov; (3) as non-retributive, rectifying, and universalist, exploring the oeuvre of Jürgen Moltmann; and (4) as non-retributive, constitutive of personhood, and quasi-universalist, investigating the eschatological thought of Markus Mühling. In chapter 5, I propose to approach divine judgment as the event of absolute recognition. I posit that it is within the eschatic recognition of God, the self, and the other that transformation and glorification occur in a way that avoids a dual outcome of salvation and damnation. I then explore the problems concerning eternal life ('heaven') in the received tradition and propose that life in the eschatic realm of God is not eternal stasis, but the semper novum. I also explore this understanding of eternal life as it relates to the communion of saints. I conclude by arguing that we may approach divine judgment with faith, hope, and love – not only for ourselves, but for the human race as a whole.

In accordance with cultural and literary theology the purpose of the study is to research Leonardas Andriekus’ (1914-2003) personality, his cultural and literary activities. In this work there are used biographical, cultural theology, literary theology and correlation methods. Searching for an appropriate theoretical base it was chosen Lev Karsavin’s (1992) a theory of a personality, philosopher Maceina’s considerations and theoretical insights while analysing Christian universalism and theology of culture (1991, 1993), Joseph Ratzinger's (1999) concept of death and eschatology as well Paul Tillich’s (1995) theology of culture. In the study there has been examined the formation of Christian universalism and concept of a universal personality in Lithuania, a paradigm of theology of culture, concepts of the theologies of art and literature. Andriekus’ life since his birth till the magazine “Aidai “ was moved into Lithuania also has been analysed. There has been disclosed Andriekus’ personality formation and his determination to the priesthood, which later was leading him towards the cleric path. There also have been highlighted Andriekus’ cultural ties with compatriots. In the work there is also being analysed his relationship with Lithuanian artists, writers and other representatives of culture. There have been presented his activities as a leadership of Lithuanian Writers' Society. There has been analysed his relationship with the magazine “Aidai” where he was working... [to full text] / Tyrimo tikslas remiantis kultūros teologija ir literatūros teologija ištirti Leonardo Andriekaus (1914-2003) asmenybę, jo kultūrinę veiklą bei literatūrinę kūrybą. Darbe naudojamasi biografiniu, kultūros teologijos, literatūros teologijos ir koreliacijos metodais. Ieškant tinkamo teorinio pagrindo, buvo pasirinktos Levo Karsavino (1992) asmenybės teorija, filosofo Maceinos svarstymai bei teorinės įžvalgos analizuojant krikščioniškąjį universalizmą ir kultūros teologiją (1991; 1993), Josepho Ratzingerio (1999) mirties ir eschatologijos samprata bei Paulo Tillicho (1995) kultūros teologija. Tyrime išnagrinėtas krikščioniškojo universalizmo formavimasis ir universalios asmenybės samprata Lietuvoje; išanalizuota kultūros teologijos paradigma, meno teologijos ir literatūros teologijos samprata. Ištirtas Andriekaus gyvenimas nuo jo gimimo iki žurnalo „Aidai“ perkėlimo į Lietuvą. Atskleistas asmenybės susiformavimas ir apsisprendimas kunigystei, kuris vėliau vedė link dvasininko kelio. Išryškinti Andriekaus kultūriniai ryšiai su tėvynainiais. Analizuoti jo santykiai su lietuvių menininkais, rašytojais, kultūrinininkais. Pristatyta jo veikla vadovaujant Lietuvių rašytojų draugijai. Analizuoti jo santykiai su žurnalu „Aidai“, kuomet jis buvo bendradarbis ir vyr. redaktorius. Išnagrinėta Andriekaus publikuota ir nepublikuota poezija. Analizuotas universalus laikas per kairos ir chronos prizmę; sakralios erdvės, kur įvairūs Palestinos vietovardžiai siejami su Lietuvos vietovardžiais... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

This study considers the visual representation of the alchemical idea of the philosopher’s stone (lapis philosophorum) in the Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Columbus 2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Columbus 2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Cuaron 2004), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Newell 2005), andHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Yates 2007). The lapis philosophorum was believed to turn base metals into gold and produce an Elixir of Life. As such, it is envisioned as the ultimate alchemical idea, and this study emphasises how the lapis can function as a signifier for an alchemical worldview within the Harry Potter films. Because the concept and symbolism of the Harry Potter films is largely based on JK Rowling’s (1997; 1998; 1999; 2000; 2003; 2005; 2007) original novels, this study provides a detailed comparison of how alchemical imagery is used in the novels and contrasts this with the visual imagery of the films. This study undertakes a hermeneutic analysis of the transmission of alchemical ideals from the literary to the visual medium. It also provides a detailed analysis of interrelated visual icons in the Harry Potter films that represent the idea of the lapis as an embodiment of alchemical perfection. In addition, by studying the interplay between alchemical imagery in the Harry Potter novels and films, and comparing the worldviews represented by each, this study is able to analyse the dynamics of the hermeneutic process. This study concludes with a consideration of how alchemical theory relates to the discipline of hermeneutics, how it influences the process of interpretation, and ultimately the relationship between the alchemical worldview and current perspectives on authorship. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Visual Arts / unrestricted