Accusing witches in the twenty-first century

The article is devoted to the study of the role of the World Russian People’s Council and the Interreligious Council of Russia in establishing interfaith dialogue in post-Soviet Russia. The speeches of delegates at council meetings and sessions of the World Russian People’s Council are analyzed. The importance of interfaith dialogue at the site of the World Russian People’s Council was confirmed by the participation of the highest clergy and clergy of different confessions of the Russian Federation and the Commonwealth of Independent States at the cathedral meeting “Russia: the path to salvation” (1998). The importance of the agreement on the establishment of the Interreligious Council of Russia (1998) for the representation in it of the “traditional religions” of the Russian Federation: Orthodoxy, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism is noted. The assessments of publicists and researchers in relation to the Interreligious Council of Russia, including critical ones, are given. It is noted that the interaction of the Russian Orthodox Church with representatives of other confessions continued at the 5th and 6th World Russian People’s Councils in 1999 and 2001. The conclusions indicate that the activities of the World Russian People’s Council and the Interreligious Council of Russia at the turn of the XX—XXI centuries showed the importance of cooperation and respectful relations between representatives of Orthodoxy, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and other confessions.

Enlightenment is considered the beginning of the process of secularization . Examining this process, in his work A Secular Age, Charles Taylor presents a view on religion which is closely connected with the philosophy of culture. According to Taylor, religion is always expressed in historical and cultural contexts, and the most important feature of the modern culture is a bent to impersonality, which creates the “Immanent Frame .” This is Taylor’s term for the overall context of thinking and acting among people in the modern West, where traditional religion is almost completely absent in the public sphere . According to Taylor’s view, religion can be, however, redefined as a set of beliefs, practices, and institutions that still exists in our contemporary society. He supplements the traditional meaning of religion in terms of belief in the transcendent with one related to the practical context. Thus, by analyzing the concept of the immanent frame against the background of the Western tradition and culture, Taylor explains to us the new shape that the idea of immanence takes on in the twenty-first century. His defense of the need for religion seems, however, problematic. Taylor reduces religion to the context of our everyday life, based on customary behavior, tradition, and social rules, but his concept of inner transcendence seems to remain without foundations, as his communitarian vision of man does not allow finding a place on which a sought-for God can be based. Indeed, Taylor does not attempt to find a metaphysical foundation for moral values and spirituality, but rather he offers a description of our secular modernity in which religion becomes a part of the material world.

Introduction. The spiritual quest of humanity and the reevaluation of the role of religious factors in society, driven by global transformations, necessitate an examination of the distinctive features of religious worldviews. Interdisciplinary research conducted within the frameworks of linguistic culturology, theolinguistics, and religious conceptology enables the analysis of language as a means of recording, preserving, and transmitting the most significant aspects of culture, thereby revealing the essential characteristics of such a unique phenomenon as the Mari ethnic religion. The texts of Mari prayers have not previously been examined as objects of linguistic and culturological inquiry by scholars. The aim of this study is to identify the semantic content of words and constructions expressing devotional invocations in the prayer texts of the Mari ethnic religion. Materials and Methods. The study used prayer texts recorded and published between the 19th and 21st centuries. A linguocultural analysis comparing the Mari people’s religious and linguistic worldviews revealed that lexical units and syntactic structures representing ritual practices reflect the distinctiveness of their ethnic religion. The application of comparative-historical and contrastive methods to a corpus of prayer texts enabled the identification of linguistic elements demonstrating the influence of Islamic and Christian traditions on the Mari religious system. Results and Discussion. For adherents of the Mari ethnic religion, who continue to observe ancient religious rites, it is essential to use indigenous linguistic structures and forms to express their prayerful supplications, gratitude to the gods, and to experience a sense of connection with acts of the divine. A comprehensive analysis of sacred texts within the Mari traditional religion has revealed that when articulating requests in prayer texts, a categorical tone is avoided: imperative mood forms function in conjunction with linguistic devices that soften their meaning. Such forms include verbs in the subjunctive mood and compound verbs. Semantically, this emphasizes the absolute free will of the gods, underscores the enduring connection between the celestial and the earthly, and consequently, in the Mari worldview, affirms the unchanging support of individuals, families, clans, and the people by higher powers. Borrowed verbs and their modifiers serve as indicators of Mari-Turkic linguistic and cultural contacts, demonstrating that the Mari ethnic religion is an open system characterized by syncretism. Conclusion. The findings of the study contribute to a deeper understanding of the meaning of religious rituals, as well as the role and significance of linguistic structures functioning within Mari sacred texts, while also helping to eliminate distorted interpretations of the foundational tenets of the Mari traditional religion. This, in turn, make a meaningful contribution to the fields of religious studies, theolinguistics, and linguoculturology, as well as to the strengthening of interethnic and interfaith harmony. The conclusions regarding the specific features of linguistic forms' functioning should be taken into account when translating texts from Mari into Russian and other languages, which represents one of the prospective directions for further research.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced in China for thousands of years. In the past decade, there have been intensive debates in China about the nature of this ancient practice and its future development. Some critics argue that TCM theories are inaccurate descriptions of the human body that verge on imagination, and so have no place in modern healthcare systems. Other, however, say that TCM has a lot to offer to Western science and medicine and that emerging analytical tools hold great potentials in bridging the gap between the two worlds with contrasting philosophy and approaches. In a forum chaired by National Science Review's Executive Associate Editor Mu-ming Poo, five panelists from diverse backgrounds discussed the differences between TCM and Western science and medicine, recent progress in TCM research, and key challenges in modernizing this ancient practice. Hongxin Cao Director of Science and Technology Bureau, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China Aiping Lu Dean of the School of Chinese Medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University Yiling Wu President of Hebei Academy of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine Boli Zhang President of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and President of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Liping Zhao Professor and former deputy director of the Shanghai Center for System Biology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Mu-ming Poo (Chair) Neuroscientist and Director of Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Neurosciences in Shanghai

In his polemical tract, The Present State of Ecclesiastical Architecture in England published in 1843, AWN Pugin condemned the ‘vogue’ for whitewashed church interiors that had characterised Protestant iconoclasm: for him, the return to colour and darkness was an indispensable backdrop to the reawakening of ritual, tradition and the sacred. In 19th-century Christian theologies, colour (or the lack of it) was profoundly important: no decorative scheme was ever applied without considering the religious implications. The long history of whiteness as a trope in Christian visual culture has been well documented but little attention has been paid to its meaning in late modernity. In the 21st century, whiteness is understood as a polyvalent and freighted concept, bearing implications that reach beyond the religious and into secular critical discourses. In this essay, I explore the contemporary vogue for whiteness as a motif in church architecture, focusing on its political and cultural significance in relation to the decline of traditional Christian worship and the rise of ‘believing without belonging’.

Actually, Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the New World and the godfather of American Indians (Native Americans), never set foot on the territory of the contemporary United States. However, since 1937, Americans have been celebrating the federal holiday named Columbus Day. From the 1960s, commemoration of October 12 has been subject to gradually increasing criticism by ancestors of Native Americans. On the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World the counterproposal was presented to commemorate this day as the Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In the 21st century, Columbus has become for many the symbol of extermination performed by white colonizers in the New World during the Age of Discovery. His monuments were stained with red paint as a symbol of blood shed by colonizers. According to some opinion poll from 2017, the US society is divided almost in half on which of these two holidays should be commemorated. The purpose of this paper is to present the changes regarding the image of Columbus and the history of colonialism by comparing scientific and educational perspectives in Italy and Poland in the 21st century.

America has conducted itself in the post-Cold War era with the understanding that fostering democracies and encouraging military establishments subject to the of are vital to US national security interests. [1] In this regard, the warfighting unified commands mirror the overall US national security policy of peacetime engagement not only by maintaining close contacts with allies and friendly governments for the purpose of imparting values and ideals associated with democratic principles, but by focusing this commitment through detailed engagement plans. For example, in document entitled Strategy of Cooperative Regional Peacetime Engagement, General Charles E. Wilhelm, Commander in Chief of US Southern Command from 1997 to 2000 (now retired), set out his vision for Latin America and the Caribbean as a community of democratic, stable, and prosperous nations...served by professional, modernized, interoperable security forces that embrace democratic principles, demonstrate respect for human rights, are subordinate to civil authority, and are capable and supportive of multilateral responses to challenges. [2] In addition, recognizing that there is legal dimension to almost every aspect of the US Southern Command engagement plan, the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate developed and published first-ever legal engagement strategy in 1998. [3] The intent of the legal engagement strategy is to promote the concept of professional law-based militaries that operate in accordance with the of law, respect internationally recognized human rights, [4] and are subordinate to and controlled by democratically elected civilian governments. In short, the US Southern Command legal engagement strategy is blueprint for democracy-building in the context of the of law. In the quest for war avoidance, this legal engagement plan is unique force multiplier and contributes to the shaping dimension of the National Military Strategy. The Importance of the Rule of Law in War Avoidance In his groundbreaking book about warfare in the 21st century, Race to the Swift, Richard Simpkin argues that democracies must find politico-legal devices to confront the enemies that threaten today's societies, and that the armed forces of democracy must carry out their duties in conformity with the of law. Simpkin states, Democratic governments rest on the of law, and must so rest. [5] The term rule of law was initially coined to refer to the common system of jurisprudence with particular emphasis on equality before the courts. The more modern common meaning, however, encompasses those rules and legal standards of behavior recognized and practiced between states in the context of the community of nations, and connotes consistency in the application of democratically passed and impartially implemented and enforced national laws and regulations. In the words of University of Virginia professor John Norton Moore, the importance of the of is central to international relations: Law... is vitally important. Even in the short run, the [rule of] serves as standard of appraisal for national actions and as means of communicating intentions to both friend and foe, and perceptions about lawfulness can profoundly influence both national and international support for particular actions. [6] In tandem with Professor Moore's admonishment, the Clinton Administration's Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, said that of all the problems facing the Southern Hemisphere, none is more important than improving adherence to the of law. Where justice is absent, Albright writes, peace and stability of nation and its neighbors come under threat; where justice is partial, citizens who do not have access to equal treatment lose faith in their government, and the forces of extremism grow strong; and where justice is unprofessional, crime flourishes, corruption grows, and economies suffer. …

It is stated that the topic of the relationship between science and religion is regaining relevance, since science begins to claim the status of a new "religion of the 21st century." The evolutionary paradigm, outgrowing the framework of science, begins to transform into something like a new religious ideology. Science tries to create projects of salvation of mankind and projects of immortality competing with traditional religions. The example is a technoproject known as transhumanism, the purpose of which is proclaimed as the improvement of man on the basis of the latest technologies and the transition from humanity to the "highest race" — posthumanity. A peculiar convergence is stated between neo-occult teachings on the evolution of human races and counter-intentions on the part of science. It is proved that good intentions to improve homo sapiens with the help of high-hume technologies can lead to a violation of fine balance and a breakdown into one of the opposite poles of psychopathology of altered states of consciousness. The prospects for the techno-evolutionary development of mankind in the aspect of the appearance of such a symptom of schizophrenic disorders as a multiple personality are analyzed. It is concluded that destructive changes in the psyche will occur not in the line of a single highway, but in polar opposite directions: 1. in the direction of simplifying the human personality, when meaningful actions are reduced to automatics of machine-like behavior, 2. in the direction of excessive complication of the psyche, which generates symptoms of schizophrenic splitting.

Entering the teaching profession in the twenty-first century comes with many challenges and even more opportunities to meet the learning needs of Australian students. Learning to Teach in a New Era provides a fundamental introduction to educational practice for early childhood, primary and secondary preservice teachers. Closely aligned with the Australian Curriculum and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, this text builds on foundational knowledge and provides guidance on professional development throughout your career in education. Organised in three sections – professional knowledge, professional practice and professional engagement – and thoroughly updated, this text introduces educational policy and the legal dimensions of education; encourages the development of practical skills in pedagogy, planning, assessment, digital technologies and classroom management; and supports effective communication and ethical practice. This edition features a new chapter exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing, enabling teachers to create respectful and culturally responsive classrooms.

Religion in the Twenty-First Century

This article explores the potential democratization effects decentralization may have on democratic systems in the Andes region.

Sericulture, the ancient practice of cultivating silkworms for silk production, has a rich and storied history spanning thousands of years. This traditional industry, long associated with cultural heritage and luxury, has shown remarkable adaptability in the face of 21st-century demands. Technological advancements, such as genetic modifications in silkworms and the mechanization of silk reeling, have significantly improved the efficiency and quality of silk production. Simultaneously, shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainable and ethically produced textiles have prompted the sericulture industry to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as organic farming and waste recycling. This article delves into the current global trends shaping the sericulture industry, focusing on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and market dynamics. It explores how technological innovations are driving the industry forward, enabling it to meet the demands of modern consumers and compete in a globalized market. The article also highlights the growing importance of sustainability in sericulture, examining how practices such as organic silk production and circular economy principles are being integrated into the industry, these positive developments, sericulture faces significant challenges that could impact its future prospects. Climate change poses a substantial threat to mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing, as these processes are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Additionally, the industry faces stiff competition from synthetic fibers, which offer similar qualities at a lower cost, potentially eroding silk's market share. Labor shortages in traditional sericulture regions further complicate the industry's outlook, requiring innovative solutions to attract and retain skilled workers, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of sericulture and its future prospects. It offers recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to ensure the continued relevance and growth of sericulture in the global economy. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing sustainability, the sericulture industry can thrive in the 21st century and beyond.

Abstract. Parker M, Hope T (Institute of Health Sciences, Headington, Oxford, UK). Medical ethics in the 21st century. J Intern Med 2000; 248: 1–6.Objectives. To foresee how medical ethics may develop in the 21st century.Design. We have looked into our crystal ball to see what factors are likely to drive medical ethics over the next few decades. We have given examples of how such factors might affect specific issues.Results. Those factors that we identified as likely to shape the future of medical ethics are: Globalization. Medical ethics is likely to have to grapple increasingly with ethical issues arising from the huge discrepancies in the level of health care available in different countries. Increase in longevity. We predict that there will be, at least amongst the richer nations, a significant increase in life expectancy. This will result in issues of resource allocation becoming increasingly problematic within medicine. Child enhancement. Developments in genetics combined with control of reproduction will make it possible to select our children for a broad range of characteristics. There are optimistic and pessimistic predictions as to how such power will be used. In either case, this area will be an important focus of concern in medical ethics. The biological determination of behaviour. Genetic research will lead to an increasing sense that undesirable behaviour is genetically determined. This will lead to a re‐examination of such concepts as criminal responsibility. Therapeutic research and clinical practice. We predict that an increasing amount of clinical practice will be within the setting of clinical trials. The ethics of therapeutic research and clinical practice will need to be brought within a coherent framework.

At the turn of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the landscape of religions and the dynamics of beliefs are reshaped by several movements. On one side, a ‘return of magic’ in contemporary societies and the rise of a modern witchcraft, and in parallel, and on another side, the rise and expansion of forms of ‘spirituality’. These two movements, both featuring in a specific manner the new face of the sacred, are often considered isolated from each other by social sciences and humanities, and religious studies, they, however, significantly crossover. As a result, modern witchcraft is turning more ‘spiritual’, whereas spirituality is – to a certain extent – becoming more ‘witchy’. With reference to the empirical examples of the emerging movements Magic for resistance and Witches 2.0, this article aims at demonstrating that the issue of politics and empowerment facilitate the cross-fertilization of the two movements in the context of high digitization.

The term “energy” has multiple meanings in linguistic usage. “Getting energy” could mean filling a container with diesel fuel as well as walking in fresh air. If there is no energy, it is negative condition in both cases. In this technical age energy is a decisive factor in prosperity. Conceptual definitions are elaborated on here. The main focus of this paper is on energy scenarios to the middle of the 21st century. It shows that rebuilding the energy business in this century is mandatory. Deviations from the scenarios will be caused by general political and economic conditions. The global trend to solar energy will continue increasingly. Agricultural engineering research and development activities should take this into account.