Diakonia - Evangélikus Szemle, 1982
1982 / 1. szám - Summary
Diakonia Lutheran Review Summary In his article ’Present State of the Chris ti a n -Marx is t Dialogue’ Gyula Nagy, professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of the Lutheran Theological Academy in Budapest provides information on the latest developments in this dialogue in Hungary. He analyses some deeper roots in this process in contemporary Hungarian society, as well as the different forms and the main practical and theoretical aspects that are highlighted today. He concludes that the dialogue between Christians and Marxits, and a common ethical responsibility and cooperation are among the most important factors in finding peaceful solutions for a world that is living in apocalyptic danger. In an interview with historian László Makkal (Professor of Theology and Dean of the Reformed Theological Academy at Debrecen) Pastor Imre Veöreös, editor of this journal discusses Reformed—Lutheran relations. They find that notwithstanding many good personal contacts and the basically common course followed today, the two churches are not close enough in brotherly relationship. In the common heritage the emphasis is not so much on what is identical, but rather on that which has become specifically characteristic. In the course of the interview both parties try to find a way of eliminating the dividing obstacles by understanding and appreciating their role in local history. Upholding a sense of identity and cherishing common traditions need to be brought into balance. It is equally important that both churches should be able to appreciate and learn from each other’s values. There are some promising initiatives in this respect. Professor Makkai briefly reviews Calvinism all over the world and within it the role of the Hungarian Reformed Church. He speaks also about the tasks Protestantism is faced with today. Pastor Zoltán Doha’s essay gives one Publication of the Lutheran Church in Hungary Responsible Editor: Dr. Zoltán Káldy Editor: Imre Veöreös Editorial and Publishing Office: H—1088 Budapest, Puskin u. 12. Subscriptions to above address. Annual subscription 110. — Forints. an idea how interesting and exiciting theological research is today. The author who is writing a commentary on the Bible book ’The Acts of the Apostles’ allows the reader a glimpse into his workshop. His essay ’... without Hindrance’ refers to the last words in this New Testament book and it examines whether the last words cor- correspond with the introduction of the book. While explaining his affirmation according to Luke’s understanding of the history of salvation, he also points out some important questions of criticism encountered in the scientific examination of the Acts. Sociologist Miklós Tomka (Vice President of the Research Committee: Sociology of Religion at the International Sociological Association) outlines the essence and the functions of sociology of religion and defines its place in scientific taxonomy. The essay is in Hungary the first basic introduction to this specific subject. The functions and the significance of religious research are addressed from three different angles: as an aid to self-understanding for religious groups and institutions, as creator of a critical perspective for judging existing circumstances and as a means of providing sociotechnics. Data and sociologic knowledge provide a solid and reality centred basis for all Christian-Marxist dialogues. The biologist member of our staff writes about wound healing and the possibility of the regenaration of lost limbs. He illustrates with vivid examples the extraordinary capability living creatures have for restoring minor or more serious lesions within certain limits. The biologist author also tries to connect wound healing, or regeneration with the processes of molecular biology i. e. he tries to find an explanation for the regenerating function of the genes that control normal development. Besides these selected articles a table of contents may also be found in English and in German.
