Studium

“A bomb in the Theologians’ Playground”

Contributor

Karl Barth’s Letter to the Romans is the theologian’s best-known and most influential work. In any case, it cannot be ignored when examining theological developments in the 20th century. This presentation will focus on where this epoch-making work can be placed between a hermeneutical manifest and classical commentary literature. Of particular interest are the intertextual aspects of Barth’s work, which this paper emphasizes.

Global Processes in the Contemporary Christian Church

Contributor

In the 21st century, the global center of gravity of Christianity is shifting from the Northern Hemisphere to the Global South, with significant growth in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In contrast, Europe and North America are experiencing decline due to increasing secularization and religious disaffiliation. Migration is giving rise to new, culturally diverse diaspora congregations around the world. The increasingly popular digital space offers new opportunities for Christian mission, yet it cannot replace personal community.

The Homecomings of Miklós Bánffy

Contributor

Miklós Bánffy (1873–1950) as member of the Count Bánffys of Losoncz family was born in Kolozsvár, and returned there twenty-six years after his death. The writer, artist, politician and cultural organizer, who had a wide-ranging and rich life, repeatedly returned to his native town to start life anew, and these homecomings continued after his death through the wavering successes of his memory and his legacy care.

The Early Years of the Ministry of János Vásárhelyi. Chaplaincy and Ministry in Beszterce (Bistrița)

Contributor

This study examines the formative pastoral ministry of Bishop János Vásárhelyi during his early career, spanning his one-year assistantship in Cluj-Napoca (Kolozsvár) and seven-year ministry of the Reformed Congregation in Bistriţa (Beszterce). Vásárhelyi prioritized preaching as fundamental to effective pastoral ministry while implementing comprehensive home mission programs including adult and youth Bible studies, Sunday school, religious education, and devotional services.

The Destiny of a Reformed Minister in the 19th Century

Contributor

This study examines the journalistic contributions of Mihály Basa, a Reformed minister whose written works demonstrate significant engagement with contemporary educational discourse. Basa’s publications reveal a sustained commitment to popular education advocacy, positioning him as a prominent voice in Transylvanian educational reform movements. His comprehensive reform proposal systematically addressed critical educational challenges facing Transylvania during his era. His recommendations reflect both pedagogical insight and practical consideration of regional educational needs.

Paraliturgical Elements in Funeral Ceremonies of the Sepsi Reformed Deanery

Contributor

This study examines the funeral customs within the Reformed Deanery of Sepsi through empirical research conducted across seven congregations. Data collection involved structured interviews with pastors using a standardized questionnaire, supplemented by insights from congregation members who provided additional contextual information. The research addresses several theoretical dimensions of Reformed funeral practices, including the liturgical nature of funeral services, the historical evolution of ceremonial elements, and the service-oriented characteristics of these rituals.

“The Youth is the Pledge of the Future!”

Contributor

This article examines the establishment and significance of the Reformed Study Fund, which enabled Hungarian students to pursue theological education at the Free University in Amsterdam or the Theological University in Kampen. Established in 1921, this fund continued the tradition of the 1761 Bernardinum Scholarship, which facilitated Hungarian and Palatine students’ studies in Utrecht.

The Destiny of a Reformed Minister in the 19th Century

Contributor

This study provides insight into the life trajectory, pastoral development and ministry of Mihály Basa, a Reformed minister, whilst examining the civil and ecclesiastical conditions of 19th-century Transylvania and the intellectual endeavours of the period. The paper pays tribute to Basa’s unwavering faith and resolute action during the turbulent 1848–1849 revolution and war of independence.

The History and Context of Protestantism in the Korean Peninsula until the Early 20th Century

Contributor

This study examines the emergence and spread of Protestantism in Korea from the late 19th to early 20th century. Christianity, particularly Protestantism, exerted significant influence on Korea’s social and political development, especially in education, healthcare and modernisation. Schools and hospitals established by American and European missionaries contributed substantially to the widespread acceptance of Christianity.

Is there a Connection between the Nicene Creed, Eusebius of Caesarea, Anti-Judaism and Anti-Semitism?

Contributor

In this paper, I examine Nicaea, Constantine and Eusebius through the lens of anti-Judaism – a concept distinct from anti-Semitism. Whilst church historians often distinguish sharply between these phenomena, I argue against completely separating Nazi racial anti-Semitism from traditional Christian anti-Judaism. Such separation risks absolving churches of their complicity in Jewish suffering throughout history.