Draft:Institute for Research on Theology and Spirituality of the Far East


Institute for Research on Theology and Spirituality of the Far East (fr. Institut de Recherche sur la Théologie et la Spiritualité de l'Extrême-Orient) is a think tank established by the Grand Chancellor of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Opole (Poland), Bishop Andrzej Czaja, in 2020. The institute brings together scholars specializing in theology, spirituality, culture, and languages of both the Far East and the Near East.[1]

The official name of the association is the "Institute for Research on Theology and Spirituality of the Far East." The association is also referred to by equivalent abbreviations used interchangeably: "Shenxue," "Shingaku," 神學, "Sinhag," 신학, "Dharmashaasr," धर्मशास्र, and "Lahut," لاهوت.

The headquarters of the Institute is located at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Opole. Structurally, the governing bodies of the Institute are the Management Board and the Audit Committee, both elected for a 5-year term.

Objectives of the Institute and Methods of Implementation

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According to the Statute of the Institute, its objectives are:

  1. To address the needs of Christians in understanding Eastern spirituality, striving to achieve a close connection between faith and life, in accordance with canon 328 of the Code of Canon Law;
  2. To analyze the religiosity, theology, philosophy, spirituality, and wisdom of the Far East for the needs of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church and its members;[2]
  3. To demonstrate the value of Asian theology, explore its potential applications for Christians, and examine any potential risks associated with unwise integration;[3]
  4. To integrate the community of individuals interested in the intersection of European and Asian cultures, primarily on religious, philosophical, and spiritual levels;[4]
  5. To collect, publish, and disseminate materials to its members who, being Christians, have contact with Far Eastern martial arts, engage in meditation methods inspired by Hinduism, Buddhism, Zen, transcendental meditation, yoga, etc., and to help in understanding the complexities of religious-philosophical issues at the intersection of Christianity and Far Eastern spiritual proposals;[5]
  6. To provide theological evaluation and develop pastoral proposals regarding the spirituality, philosophy, and religions of the Far East, responding to current needs;
  7. To assess phenomena related to Asian theologies, philosophies, and spiritualities that affect Christians;
  8. To study the forms and quality of inculturation, contextualization, accommodation, creolization, and hybridization of Christianity in the cultural, political, artistic, and spiritual environment of Asian nations;
  9. To cooperate with other entities that have similar goals.

The Institute for Research on Theology and Spirituality of the Far East has its own publishing house, website, YouTube channel, Facebook page, and Facebook group.

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References

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Notes
  1. ^ "W Opolu powstał Instytut Badań nad Teologią i Duchowością Dalekiego Wschodu" (in Polish). eKAI.pl. Katolicka Agencja Informacyjna. 23 May 2020. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  2. ^ Grytz-Jurkowska, Karina (4 Jun 2020). "Chińskie dylematy" (in Polish). No. 23/2020. Gość Niedzielny. Gość Gliwicki. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Czy katolik może posługiwać się feng shui i ćwiczyć jogę? Zbada to specjalny instytut" (in Polish). Stacja7.pl. Portal Stacja7.pl. 21 May 2020. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  4. ^ Kerner, Andrzej (11 Oct 2021). "Teologia azjatycka w Polsce" (in Polish). Gość Niedzielny. Gość Opolski. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  5. ^ Klejnowski-Różycki, Dariusz, ed. (2021). Study of Asian Theology. Opole: Institute for Research on Theology and Spirituality of the Far East. ISBN 978-83-962508-0-3.