This thesis deals with relationship of music and theology. It stems from history of development of the philosophic judgement on the notion of ?musica? in antiquity as well as from the contemporary conceptions and definitions of music. Subsequently it proceeds to the presentation of selected writings of both historical and contemporary theologists? dealing with the subject of the art of music. Based on their analysis this thesis comes to the conclusion that a relationship between theology and music indeed exists and their dialog mutually enriches both of these disciplines. Music transcends the limited capabilities of speech and with its own instruments it speaks about the infinite God. This central thought at which the thesis arrives, is concretely documented in musical activities and pieces of work by selected composers of classical music.

The work deals with the history of teaching religious-legal subjects of theology and law in the Czechlands in the years 1918-1989. The author examines the structure of all subjects thematically related to canon law and describes changes depending on the legislative and historical contexts of individual time periods. The work also maps the roles of different lecturers at universities that have been providing religious-legal subjects. Moreover, the author mentions major publications of those teachers. In its conclusion the thesis presents structured medallions of the teachers mapping their studies, subsequent exposure to individual universities, their publishing and other relevant activities in ecclesiastical structures. Complete lists of religious-legal subjects are then included in separate annexes chronologically grouped separately for each university.

The Meaning and Impact of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Concept of "an adult person"and "a non-religious interpretation" on Czech Post-War Christian Theology, Ecclesiology and a Christian Preaching. In this diploma thesis I deal with a debate held in religious studies in the Czech region on a meaning and impact of Dietrich Bomhoeffer's concepts of "an adult person" and "a non-religious interpetation". For a deeper understanding of concepts itself the thesis presents context of Bonhoeffer's life and work. This part discusses what he intended to say by using his concepts although he wasn't able to finishe them. The aim of my thesis is to answer two religious studies questions related to Dietrich Bonhoeffer'concepts with respect to Czech region only. The first query is: Became a human being in a religious field mature (Is he grown up of religion)? A situation of Czech society provides unique conditions of secularisation for a verification of Bonhoeffer's theses. To prove them I will examine only Czech sociologists, religious scientists and psychologists of religion. I will examine the second research problem (What does Bonhoeffer's claim for non-religious interpretations mean for Czech Christian religious tradition?) within the writings of Chech non-catholic theologians. Their own contributions to...

As people have currently a longer life expectation than was previously experienced, it means that many could face a prolonged retirement period of 30 years or even longer. Life changes as an unavoidable element of life may create rather drastic challenges. The approach towards retirement may cause stress and uncertainty for some people, as well as the realisation that necessary changes need to occur. This study focuses on research regarding the life transition to retirement and the challenges each person faces during this phase of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions that retired people had of their life in retirement, with the purpose of formulating guidelines for the development and implementation of a coaching model for retirement. For the purpose of this study, the following four tasks of practical theological interpretation, as explained by Osmer, were followed:  Descriptive-empirical task – “What is going on?”  Interpretative task – “Why is this happening?”  Normative task – “What ought to be happening?”  Pragmatic task – “How might we respond?” An empirical qualitative study was done with retired people by way of focus groups. What transpired was that the reality of a longer life expectancy, the continuation of an active lifestyle and the turbulent economic climate could all have an influence on the quality of retirement. The results from the empirical study suggested that it is essential to follow a holistic approach in the preparation, planning and adaptation process regarding retirement. From the interpretative task regarding life coaching, it transpired that coaching is one of the fastest growing disciplines with worldwide recognition. Life coaching is being used as a method to facilitate purpose-driven change on personal, spiritual and professional levels. From the interpretative task regarding retirement it was established that retirement is a concept that is undergoing vast changes, while various perceptions regarding retirement are being upheld. On account of the longer life expectancy that is currently observed, retirement is nowadays being perceived more as a transition from full-time employment to a lesser work-orientated existence. The normative task focused on the aspects of life coaching by showing examples of prominent leaders in the Bible and how their behaviour can possibly enrich and form the life of the life coach, and can be applied as an example to imitate. Although no logical concept for retirement is detailed in the Bible, the elderly are highly regarded and they can live with an unfailing, hopeful future expectation of eternal life and the second coming of Jesus Christ. The conclusion of the study is that, through good planning and preparation for the life phase of retirement, retirement coaching can be instrumental in a more positive attitude towards retirement and good emotional, intellectual, spiritual, physical, social and financial adjustment in retirement. With reference to the results of the descriptive-empirical task, the interpretative tasks and the normative task, practical-theoretical guidelines were formulated in the pragmatic task of a life coaching model with a view to retirement. / MA (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

As people have currently a longer life expectation than was previously experienced, it means that many could face a prolonged retirement period of 30 years or even longer. Life changes as an unavoidable element of life may create rather drastic challenges. The approach towards retirement may cause stress and uncertainty for some people, as well as the realisation that necessary changes need to occur. This study focuses on research regarding the life transition to retirement and the challenges each person faces during this phase of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions that retired people had of their life in retirement, with the purpose of formulating guidelines for the development and implementation of a coaching model for retirement. For the purpose of this study, the following four tasks of practical theological interpretation, as explained by Osmer, were followed:  Descriptive-empirical task – “What is going on?”  Interpretative task – “Why is this happening?”  Normative task – “What ought to be happening?”  Pragmatic task – “How might we respond?” An empirical qualitative study was done with retired people by way of focus groups. What transpired was that the reality of a longer life expectancy, the continuation of an active lifestyle and the turbulent economic climate could all have an influence on the quality of retirement. The results from the empirical study suggested that it is essential to follow a holistic approach in the preparation, planning and adaptation process regarding retirement. From the interpretative task regarding life coaching, it transpired that coaching is one of the fastest growing disciplines with worldwide recognition. Life coaching is being used as a method to facilitate purpose-driven change on personal, spiritual and professional levels. From the interpretative task regarding retirement it was established that retirement is a concept that is undergoing vast changes, while various perceptions regarding retirement are being upheld. On account of the longer life expectancy that is currently observed, retirement is nowadays being perceived more as a transition from full-time employment to a lesser work-orientated existence. The normative task focused on the aspects of life coaching by showing examples of prominent leaders in the Bible and how their behaviour can possibly enrich and form the life of the life coach, and can be applied as an example to imitate. Although no logical concept for retirement is detailed in the Bible, the elderly are highly regarded and they can live with an unfailing, hopeful future expectation of eternal life and the second coming of Jesus Christ. The conclusion of the study is that, through good planning and preparation for the life phase of retirement, retirement coaching can be instrumental in a more positive attitude towards retirement and good emotional, intellectual, spiritual, physical, social and financial adjustment in retirement. With reference to the results of the descriptive-empirical task, the interpretative tasks and the normative task, practical-theoretical guidelines were formulated in the pragmatic task of a life coaching model with a view to retirement. / MA (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The Concept of Love in the Epistles of John : Comparison with the Concept of Apostle Paul This thesis concerns the concept of love in John's Epistles. It tries to compare this concept with the way Paul uses the notion of love in his Epistles. It is primarily based on the biblical text, and it gives voice to commentaries in the second plan. Initially, the thesis summarises the development, the situation and the form of the community in John's concept. Subsequently it analyses John's Epistles' language with regard to the Gospel of John and Paul's Epistles. Another part of the thesis studies what were the sources of the author of John's Epistles and how he understood the theology of love which is examined in several points. At first the identity of God is described as the starting point. It is followed by the changed human identity, which puts man into a new situation. Subsequently it is described how does the author understand his own notion of love and what practical conclusions does he draw. The same outline is followed in the description of Paul's understanding of the notion of love. Finally, both concepts are compared and summarised in several points. The goal of the thesis is to cover both authors' basis, opinions and conclusions of understanding the notion of love to show the differences and the...

This thesis, called The Relationship between Redemption and Emancipation in the Political Theology of J. B. Metz, concerns the political theology of J. B. Metz. The first part summarizes the influences, which shaped his theological thinking and it presents his concept of political theology. The next part asks a question about the relationship between the ideas of redemption and emancipation in Metz's theology. This is based on the interpretation of a chapter from his book, Glaube in Geschichte und Gesellschaft, which concerns the topic. But before the interpretation of Metz's text, the problems of relationship between the two terms and of their origin are described. The extent of the field of meaning of the term "emancipation" is illustrated by the examples of the thinking of Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx and Jürgen Habermas. A large part is dedicated to the figures of the Frankfurt school, Theodor Adorno and Walter Benjamin, and their specific approach to the idea of emancipation and the Enlightenment tradition. The final thesis rejects the opinion, that the ideas of emancipation and redemption in Metz's theology coincide too much and it puts stress on the importance of the term "history of suffering" for solving this problem of Metz's theology. Keywords political theology, J. B. Metz, emancipation,...

(in English): The aim of the thesis is to analyze three selected works of Charles Péguy: Le Mystère de la charité de Jeanne d'Arc, Le Mystère du porche de la deuxième vertu and Le Mystère des saints Innocents. The particular Mysteries will be divided into main thematic units and their primary development lines will be researched. Subsequently, there will be observed the thematic evolution of all three works and their interconnection. Both their differences and their common topics will be assessed. It will be reflected what suffering and hope mean to the author and in which manner are these key themes expressed in the text. Then the concentration will be focused on the nature and development of the main characters, and their connection to the author's life. Equally, it will be necessary to mention the author's theology, his attitude towards the church practice of that time and the resulting influence on his work. Finally, there will be synthesized the message of this three selected works.

The task of diploma thesis "Old Testament Interpretation and the Postmodern Conditions" is to critically reflect the course and current issues of Old Testament research. This reflection is based on the analysis of research situation and chosen approaches to the Old Testament. The thesis shows, that the Old Testament interpretation must be based on lively dialogue. It doesn't mean just the dialogue with the biblical texts or the state of current research, but also with the situation of the world often called as "postmodern". The important assumption of this diploma thesis is that the authentic interpretation includes also the constant and deep self-examination of interpreter and his place in the society. It doesn't mean, that the interpretation ought to be the self-presentation of interpreter. On the contrary, it should remain critical and solid, but also enacted in deep solidarity with the neighbour and shared world. The results of this diploma thesis show the importance of keeping the critical grounds of Old Testament research and interpretation. Only the intensive and unappealing criticism could be a basis for the future quality and solidness of the research and upholding its matter in wider research community and society. Another important aspect is the solidarity with the world. It means that...

In five chapters, this thesis traces the question of humanity in the thought of the French philosopher Emmanuel Lévinas, mainly in his works De l'évasion (1935), De l'existence à l'existant (1947), Totalité et infini (1961) and Éthique comme philosophie première (1982), which represent various stages of his philosophical development. It offers an exposition of Lévinas's most original concepts, follows their development and sketches their parallel and/or polemic concepts in the European thought, placing them within the context of Lévinas's life-work. For Lévinas, the question of humanity appears as a transpostition of the question of God, who can not become an object of rational inquiry. In conclusion, the question of humanity becomes the theological issue par excellence. This study tries to show how theology can draw inspiration from Lévinas's concepts in various manners: (1) methodology: Lévinas shows what happens to our thought when we follow the principle Sein-lassen in questionning God and when we take this principle as a basis of our theological research; (2) re-thinking: Lévinas offers a critical revision of traditional theological concepts and endows them with existential meaning, (3) marginalized phenomena: Lévinas thoroughly analyzes phenomena, which has been neglected or marginalized by the...