Diakonia - Evangélikus Szemle, 1992
1992 / 3. szám - Summary, Aus dem Inhalt
79 D1AK0NIA Lutheran Review Summary Our journal is now being published four times a year instead of hitherto twice which enables us to realize our old plan to address a topic of special interest in the first part, while the second part will follow the usual pattern. Close on half of this issue is devoted to poverty, our first topic. Today insufficient financial means is creating the greatest problem both for society and for many hundreds of thousands individually. The issue begins with several Bible quotations on poverty followed by professor of theology András Reuss’ article tracing the question of poverty through the history of theology. The current situation is explored by four sociologists: Tamás Kolosi, István György Tóth, Beáta Soltész and Judit Lafferthon. Also in Hungary the changed political system is linked with deep economic crisis. The socioeconomic change has increased impoverishment and social inequality, though the very fact of changing the economic structure enables reversal of the course. Each level of society is under strong pressure for conformity. From the point of view of organising the society basically it is a question of finding the right proportion between individual and collective action. Various courses are being recommended. Most economists favour developing the market economy as soon as possible arguing that the economy, in its present state, does not allow for an all-out settlement of poverty. On the other hand, the majorty of sociologists consider the establishment of a welfare state the only viable course. Theology is the most extraordinary adventure for the thinker. It is a venture into another reality where holy is touched by profane. In his essay editorQuarterly publication of the Lutheran Church in Hungary Editorial and Publishing Office: H—1088 Budapest, Puskin u. 12. Editor: Imre Veöreös Assistant Editor: László Bízik Subscriptions to above address Annual subscription: 280,— Forints. pastor László Bízik considers the basic inner motives behind theological statements. The reconciliation of contradictions between statements made in faith and the obviously simple; the luxury of fallibility with the claim of infallibility; freedom experienced in fellowship from the shackles of individuality; responsibility capable of answers even contradicting rigid theology; the audacity of doubting with acceptance; the sense of futility with profitoriented thinking for the sake of stirring up the stagnant water of local theology. The abortion law now in the making, a neurotic issue in local legislation, is explored in three essays. Sociologist Rudolf Andorka examines the demographic impact of induced abortion, the effect of the law on the number of abortions, and the expected tendency following the ruling. He concludes that the law should not be used as a demographic policy tool. — Systematic professor András Reuss addresses the ethical connections of the matter, considers and instantly rejects the arguments in favour of liberalization and subjects any indications for debating the law to God’s unconditional life-affirming will. One should aim at creating a child- friendly society. — From the viewpoint of the practising clergyman, László Bízik focuses on sinful man rather than on matters of principle. For him comforting, proclaiming the forgiveness of sins and extending the solidarity of love to the living as well as to the as yet unborn is what is important. Besides the papers reviewed above, also a full Table of Contents is included in the English and German languages.
