Studium

This study examines the Reformed population in Romania based on the 2021 census and traces changes since 1992. Four dimensions are analysed: population size, territorial distribution, ethnic composition, and educational attainment. Results show a significant decline in Reformed adherents, while their proportion within the Hungarian minority remains stable. Territorial concentration has increased, particularly in historical strongholds, accompanied by ruralization. The number of non-Hungarian Reformed has grown steadily.

A grateful, but also difficult, research task is undertaken by those who deal with the lesser-known details and contradictions of the Islamic religion, as well as with the topic of Muslim sacred cult. In this study, I considered it my task to draw attention to the contradictions found in the Quran, and also to describe in detail the types of Muslim prayers, and – knowing the limitations of the scope of the studies – I wish to introduce the details of my research area so far to those interested in Islam as the 2nd largest world religion.

If we are to summarise János Vásárhelyi’s ministry in Bistrița, Dej, and later in Cluj, we may say that he ranked among the most versatile and outstanding ministers of his time. He carried out his preaching ministry with devotion, diligence and conscientiousness, continually seeking self-improvement and showing an extraordinary capacity for work. He was active in every branch of home mission work and its organization; he founded congregations and guided the life of those entrusted to his care with foresight and wisdom.

The parable of the unjust judge has traditionally been interpreted as conveying the assurance that persistent prayer will be heard – a reading that integrates seamlessly into Luke’s theological trajectory. Yet this does not necessarily imply that such a message constitutes the parable’s original intent. The allegorical construal of the judge’s figure – despite its scandalous implication of likening God to a negative character – has the effect of smoothing over interpretive tensions and eliding the inner contradictions that resist such a straightforward resolution.

The surviving pieces of Pastor Mihály Basa’s correspondence are mostly of an administrative nature. They concern the organization of congregational services, as well as the appointment and activities of those performing such duties. Standing somewhat apart from these few letters is a greeting addressed to Alexander von Bach, the Imperial Minister of the Interior. In terms of its theme, even this more personal letter relates to the question of service.

In my study, I present the ministry of Bishop János Vásárhelyi in Dej, where he served as minister responsible for home missions and as inspector of schools. The years he spent in Dés were a period of inner renewal and strength for him, while at the same time he organised the congregation’s charitable service, launched youth work, reorganized the Association of the Confirmed and revitalised the church life of the congregation in Déscichegy (Viile Dejului).

Following the defeat of the Revolution and War of Independence of 1848, Mihály Basa continued his pastoral ministry at his new place of service in Harasztos (now Călărași). His work proved fruitful. The life of the community showed signs of growth and change, and he faithfully and devotedly fulfilled the duties that came with his position as dean. He had to deal with spiritual, communal, personal, and administrative matters. In making decisions, he always sought to serve and defend the cause of his Mother Church. His service was valued and recognised by his contemporaries.

In this paper, I compare Paul Johannes Tillich’s existentialist theology with the traditionalist Protestant theological position, as reflected especially in the Second Helvetic Confession and its commentaries. The comparison starts from Tillich’s interpretation of God and existence, which I contrast with sections from the Second Helvetic Confession. One of the main goals of this paper is to bring Paul Tillich’s theology closer and interpret it through the traditional (primarily Reformed) Protestant perspective.

In 2019, an exceptionally rich array of biblical archaeological finds came to light. The discovery of Herodotus’ seafaring ship (baris) confirmed the credibility of the ancient historian. In Jerusalem, material evidence of the Babylonian siege of 586 BC was unearthed, including seal-impressed vessels and traces of exotic vanilla. At the city gate of Lachish, tangible traces of King Hezekiah’s religious reforms were discovered. The excavation of the Jerusalem pilgrimage road (from Siloam to the Temple Mount) corroborated the account of Josephus Flavius.

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.