Universiẗat, Staatsexamensarbeit, 2007--Köln.

Zugl.: Copenhagen, Univ., Diss., 2006

Jiří Dynda Gods and Demons: The Construction of the Slavic Paganism in the Medieval Textual Sources PhD Thesis, Faculty of Arts, Charles University Abstract The thesis focuses on the analysis of ways of discursive construction of Slavic paganism in medieval written sources. Three chapters attempt to answer the basic research question: how are the elements of Slavic paganism (and especially its concept of divinity) described before; shortly after; and long after Christianization. In other words, how paganism was portrayed as an active external enemy, as a defeated enemy, and as an internal enemy of medieval Christianity. The discourses analysis is applied to more than a dozen case studies of specific sources or their groups. These written sources are analysed also in comparison with other textual, archaeological and ethnographic sources. By thorough identification of several discursive strategies (idolatric, demonological, ortho-practical, euhemeristic and Graeco- Roman interpretation) in the sources the thesis is directed towards a detailed knowledge of the specifics of the Christian perspective (interpretatio Christiana) on the Slavic pagan religions. Thus, the thesis contributes to the possibilities of their understanding. In particular, the concept of divinity in functioning pagan societies in comparison...

The diploma thesis on the topic "Spirituality of Young Romanies" disserts on spirituality amongst them. The spirituality is pursued in general and its levels, possibilities of saturation and ties to institutions are comprised. A chapter describing the history of the Romanies and phenomena associated with the spirituality of the Romanies is included. The aim of the thesis is to find out whether the phenomena are still relevant in connection with Romany religiosity and whether they differ in the Ústí nad Labem Region and in the East of Slovakia, where these traditions are still represented in the majority society. In my theses I also trace whether there is syncretism. For the practical part, I have chosen quantitative research with the technique of a questionnaire survey.

This doctoral thesis discusses the manifestations of animism among Khmers in Cambodia and in south Vietnam. The subject is viewed from the culturally-anthropological perspective and attention is paid primarily to the specifics that are present in the everyday life of Khmers. The paper characterizes the manifestations of animism within the scope of the selected hypotheses and perceives this topic through various ethnological paradigms. The doctoral thesis marginally introduces animism as a phenomenon, the Khmer as a people, animistic rituals, and traditional Khmer feasts. Furthermore, the paper focuses on the importance of the shaman and other spiritual figures in the Khmer religious conception, the topic of healing, rites of passage, specific Khmer supernatural entities, and places where they are worshipped. The entire thesis includes the comparison of theoretical knowledge with the results of empirical research in selected areas. Using specific examples, it is demonstrated that animism is a part of syncretism, which is still an important component of the Khmer culture and significantly influences important life decisions. Rather than a unified discourse that would strictly subscribe to linear composition, the doctoral thesis is a prolegomenon to the phenomenon of animism in the Khmer culture and...

This thesis aims to present society of Universalia which first appears in era of the First republic and uses it's journal Logos in attempt to prove whether Universalia is society of alternative spirituality. Thesis is also interested in some authors of spiritual articles in this periodical and tries to describe impact of these authors on the community of Universalia. The introduction of this thesis describes society of Universalia and its purpose. Another chapter mentions many traditions which Universalia follows-up. Ensuing is the presentation of Logos journal, which serves as communication stream for its members and other societies. Focus point of the thesis lies in analysis of spiritual articles in Logos journal. Forty-two specific articles have been chosen to introduce its authors and try to derive from their contents, whether they aim to create comprehensive picture of spiritual live. The attachments bring some of to this day unpublished research instruments, such as complete bibliography of Logos journal or list of texts published by Universalia.

Univ., Diss./98--Zürich, 1997.