Journal index

Steiner József534 -- 537

Translated by Székely György, Gondáné Kaul Éva, Pálhegyi Kriszta, Daray Erzsébet. Harmat–KIA, Budapest 2020, ISBN 978-963-288-034-1, 568 old.

Református Szemle 113.5 (2020)ReviewPractical theology, Missiology, Spirituality
Kovács Kristián25 -- 35

Following the democratic transformations of 1989, the churches in Hungary had to face the altering of their former social position. While the churches were not neglected anymore, they were unprepared to occupy their places in the civil society. The change was especially challenging for local congregations who had to fight the eroding folk church structures. Should the church wish to occupy a prominent position in the civil society, serious social commitment and proper mediation of the Gospel are both equally important. The church needs to take a proactive role.

Református Szemle 111.1 (2018)Research articleSystematic theology
Fazakas Sándor480 -- 499

This lecture endeavours to answer the following questions: In what sense was the 500th anniversary of the Reformation different from any previous celebrations? What is the relationship between modernity and the Reformation? Does the Reformation have a formative role in the contemporary society? This study breaks with the traditional and linear interpretation of modernity and offers reverse methodology. Starting from the vantage point of the modern society, it examines the religious and theological impulses, and those interfaith dynamics that can have a role in shaping/modelling a peaceful coexistence of cultures and religions. These impulses are: the necessary interaction between various branches of science and religion in the academic setting; the value of the spiritual/theological interpretation of reality in our society; the freedom of conscience and religious thought in the secular state and in the church; and the preservation of self-identity in the age of mass manipulation. Pondering over these issues can and will make our celebration more relevant in the contemporary setting.

Református Szemle 110.5 (2017)Research articleSystematic theology, Church history
Székely Csilla Imola249 -- 267

This paper presents a summary of Sándor Makkai’s lifework (1890–1951) focusing on his frequent appeals to reform. This study concentrates on those publications in which he reassesses national, ecclesiastical and personal issues. I offer a review of the situation of the church, the theological education, the components of the national pedagogy and minority politics. We also perceive his major achievements as a pastor, as a theological professor and as the bishop of the Transylvanian Reformed Church District. He was critical towards the practices and beliefs of his age, and his reforms aimed to reach the most divergent issues. He raised existential questions, encouraged the members of his nation of a minority status. He superseded his age with his vision, so that some of those still wait to be accomplished. Sándor Makkai was the loud conscience of his generation.

Református Szemle 110.3 (2017)Research articlePractical theology
Szűcs Ferenc, Juhász Tamás267 -- 278

Nachdem der Generalkonvent der Ungarischen Reformierten Kirche am 11. November 2015 eine Erklärung betreffend die europäische Flüchtlings- und Migrationsfrage verabschiedet hat, befasste sich auch der Synodalrat der Reformierten Kirche in Rumänien in seiner Sitzung am 26. November 2015 mit diesem Problem. Der Synodalrat beschloss, in dieser Frage eine öffentliche Debatte zu eröffnen. Nach deren Abschluss wird die Synode um Stellungnahme gebeten. Zum Einstieg veröffentlichen wir die genannte Erklärung des ungarisch-reformierten Generalkonventes, sowie je einen Beitrag der Theologieprofessoren i. R. Juhász Tamás und Szűcs Ferenc.

Református Szemle 109.3 (2016)Source editionSystematic theology
Makkai Péter481 -- 503

The integration of people with disabilities is one of the often emerging issues on various forums of the modern democratic society. Governments, local authorities, churches and civil society try to do their best in order to integrate people with disabilities within the educational system, cultural and social life, as well as employment. In the public opinion these efforts are linked with the modern concept of democratic values, equal opportunities and human dignity. It is interesting to see how important the role of disability was in the relationship with the Lord in the narratives about the patriarchs and the elected people of Israel. In the present study we follow the trace the stories of the patriarchs and prophets to find out how disability influenced their life and election.

Református Szemle 107.5 (2014)Research articleOld Testament, Spirituality