Papers by Corneliu Ben Buzguta
Journal For Freedom of Conscience (Jurnalul Libertății de Conștiință), 2024
Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's... more Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. " (Luke 20:25).
This article presents a theological examination of the distinction Jesus makes between the power of God and worldly, politico-military authority, particularly as manifested in the Roman Empire. Grounded in Gospel texts, particularly Luke 20:25 and Matthew 20:25–28, the analysis explores the contrasting values of divine power, which is characterized by love, peace, and reconciliation, against earthly power, defined by authority, coercion, manipulation, and brute force. The article delves into the meanings of political power, ideologies, and the dangers of religious nationalism and extremism, drawing conceptual boundaries between these forms of influence. Using the Roman Empire as a case study, the article reveals how Jesus critiques political authority in favor of the Kingdom of God, whose values stand in direct opposition to the ideologies of worldly power. This exploration further addresses the risks of ideological extremism, particularly within religious contexts, and emphasizes the theological importance of distinguishing between worldly governance and divine sovereignty. Ultimately, the Kingdom of God, as portrayed in the Gospels, is a realm of love, justice, and peace, while worldly systems often promote conflict and division. The article concludes by offering a model for Christians, based on Christ’s teachings, to navigate the tensions between faith and political ideologies, keeping in focus the priorities of God's
RAIS Conference Proceedings 2022-2025 , Proceedings of the 37th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
This article explores the significant role that positive psychology plays in the development of c... more This article explores the significant role that positive psychology plays in the development of character. It begins by thoroughly examining the foundational principles of positive psychology, including its origins, key concepts, and the major figures who have shaped the field, such as Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. This foundational understanding is crucial because it sets the stage for understanding how positive psychology differs from traditional psychology by focusing not just on alleviating mental illness, but on fostering well-being, flourishing, and the cultivation of strengths and virtues. The article proceeds to explore the core concepts and theories within positive psychology that directly contribute to character building. These include the study and application of character strengths and virtues, which are central to positive psychology's approach to human development. For example, the VIA Classification of Character Strengths, developed by Peterson and Seligman, categorizes virtues into broad categories such as wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. The article analyzes how these strengths are not just inherent qualities but can be developed and enhanced through specific interventions and practices. In addition to theoretical exploration, the article emphasizes practical applications, showing how positive psychology interventions are used to cultivate these strengths in real-world settings. It examines interventions such as gratitude exercises, mindfulness practices, and strengths-based approaches, which have been empirically shown to foster character development. By highlighting the effectiveness of these interventions, the article demonstrates how positive psychology provides concrete tools for individuals to build stronger, more resilient, and virtuous characters.
Scientia Moralitas International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research , 2024
This article examines the foundational role of Christian love, or agape, in defining Christian mo... more This article examines the foundational role of Christian love, or agape, in defining Christian morality. Agape, understood as an unconditional, self-giving love that reflects God's nature and commands, serves as the ethical cornerstone for both personal and societal relationships. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, and the Apostle John, the New Testament portrays agape as a divine command and the ultimate reflection of God's character. Jesus' Great Commandment and radical calls to love one's enemies highlight agape as central to moral living, while Paul and John extend its theological and ethical dimensions, presenting it as the fulfillment of divine law and the hallmark of Christian discipleship. The study also explores theological perspectives on agape from key Christian thinkers, including Augustine of Hippo, Maximus the Confessor, Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Paul Fiddes. Their reflections emphasize agape as central to Christian ethics-whether as rightly ordered love, a cosmic force of unity, a gift of grace, or a relational participation in God's Trinitarian life. Together, these perspectives reinforce the indispensability of agape to Christian moral thought. Finally, the article discusses the ethical implications of agape. On a personal level, it fosters humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Socially, it drives movements for justice, as exemplified by Martin Luther King Jr.'s advocacy for nonviolent resistance. Globally, it inspires action against poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, offering a framework for addressing contemporary ethical dilemmas. In conclusion, Christian love is not merely a component of Christian morality but its essence and foundation, calling individuals and communities to reflect God's transformative love in all aspects of life.
Philological and Theological Horizons / Orizonturi filologice și teologice, 2023
În acest articol voi analiza conceptul de bunăstare din perspectiva psihologiei pozitive și a teo... more În acest articol voi analiza conceptul de bunăstare din perspectiva psihologiei pozitive și a teologiei publice. Pornind de la unele specificații generale, introductive a noțiunii de bunăstare umană, vom analiza acest concept din perspectiva psihologiei pozitive cu elementele specifice acestei abordări și mai apoi din punctul de vedere a teologiei publice. Conceptul de bunăstare are în vedere promovarea de virtuți și valori organizare într-unu sistem. Astfel voi explora cele 6 virtuți importante care formează caracterul, din perspectiva psihologiei pozitive. Din perspectiva teologiei publice voi cerceta care sunt virtuțile creștine organizate într-un sistem de valori și vom arăta ce este specific caracterului creștin.
Cuvinte-cheie: bunăstare, psihologie, teologie virtuți, interdisciplinar
Journal for Freedom of Conscience (Jurnalul Libertății de Conștiință), 2023
The Theological Conflicts and Controversies of the 20th Century Viewed as a Pedagogue of the Cris... more The Theological Conflicts and Controversies of the 20th Century Viewed as a Pedagogue of the Crisis of Christianity Today. This paper investigates the theological turmoil and controversies of the 20th century and examines them as a pedagogy for understanding the current crisis in Christianity. After presenting the historical context of the 20th century, the article explores the characteristics of Christianity at the turn of the century and introduces liberal theology and its distinctive features. The phenomenon of fundamentalism and the theological directions promoted as a reaction to liberal theology are then analyzed. The controversy between the liberal and fundamentalist currents is highlighted, with a mention of the existing animosities between them. The article continues by defining and discussing evangelicalism and evangelical theology. This dynamic and diverse interdenominational Protestant movement is presented as different from the two previous currents. Crisis theology, also known as neo-orthodoxy or dialectical theology, is presented as a more moderate alternative approach to the liberal-fundamentalism controversy. Neo-orthodoxy is also much more academic, highlighting its relevance in the current context. The last chapter focuses on the pedagogy of the past and its relevance in addressing new research directions. It emphasizes the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past in the face of the current crisis of excessive digitalization.
Keywords: liberal, fundamentalist, evangelical, neo-orthodoxy, crisis.
Conference Presentations by Corneliu Ben Buzguta
RAIS Conference Proceedings 2022-2025 , Proceedings of the 36th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
This paper delves into the philosophical underpinnings and theological significance of the concep... more This paper delves into the philosophical underpinnings and theological significance of the concepts of Eros and Agape, exploring their origins, and implications in their respective contexts. In examining Plato's dialogues "Symposium" and "Phaedrus," the fundamental aspects of Eros in his philosophy are investigated, discussing its enduring influence and relevance today. Following this, the concept of Agape in Christian thought is explored, focusing on its presentation in the New Testament and the innovative perspectives it brought to the understanding of love. Key aspects of Agape love in Christian thought are identified, illustrating how Agape reconsiders religious and moral values, transforming traditional thinking. The paper concludes by discussing the opposition and similarities between Eros and Agape, emphasizing that interdisciplinary research on love is prolific and remains open to new avenues of investigation. Both concepts challenge individuals to transcend immediate desires and embrace a more expansive vision of love, encompassing personal growth and selfless devotion. The ongoing dialogue between Eros and Agape continues to enrich our understanding of love and its role in the human experience, providing practical guidance for living a life grounded in love, wisdom, and compassion.
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Papers by Corneliu Ben Buzguta
This article presents a theological examination of the distinction Jesus makes between the power of God and worldly, politico-military authority, particularly as manifested in the Roman Empire. Grounded in Gospel texts, particularly Luke 20:25 and Matthew 20:25–28, the analysis explores the contrasting values of divine power, which is characterized by love, peace, and reconciliation, against earthly power, defined by authority, coercion, manipulation, and brute force. The article delves into the meanings of political power, ideologies, and the dangers of religious nationalism and extremism, drawing conceptual boundaries between these forms of influence. Using the Roman Empire as a case study, the article reveals how Jesus critiques political authority in favor of the Kingdom of God, whose values stand in direct opposition to the ideologies of worldly power. This exploration further addresses the risks of ideological extremism, particularly within religious contexts, and emphasizes the theological importance of distinguishing between worldly governance and divine sovereignty. Ultimately, the Kingdom of God, as portrayed in the Gospels, is a realm of love, justice, and peace, while worldly systems often promote conflict and division. The article concludes by offering a model for Christians, based on Christ’s teachings, to navigate the tensions between faith and political ideologies, keeping in focus the priorities of God's
Cuvinte-cheie: bunăstare, psihologie, teologie virtuți, interdisciplinar
Keywords: liberal, fundamentalist, evangelical, neo-orthodoxy, crisis.
Conference Presentations by Corneliu Ben Buzguta