The Phenomenon of Social and Pastoral Service in Eastern Slovakia and Northwestern Czech Republic during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison of Two Selected Units of Former Czechoslovakia in the Context of the Perspective of Positive Solutions

This research was funded by Scientific Grant Agency VEGA project No 1/0880/21 "Transformation of the Nitra Region in Changing Socioeconomic Conditions with Special Focus to the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemics" and with the support of International Scientific Research Project: Pastoral practice, psychology and philosophical-theological-social fragments in the light of the 21st century (contract number: 010-2021). Cooperation among: Sociedad Hispanica de Amigos de Kierkegaard (Spain) and College of Applied Psychology in Terezin (Czech Republic), 2021-2022.This study seeks to explain the differences in the perception of social and pastoral service after the first and second wave pandemic in 2020 among the inhabitants of two neighbouring states, both parts of the former unified Czechoslovakia. Our research study compares subjective perception, needs, and participation among inhabitants of eastern Slovakia and north-western Czech Republic in social and pastoral service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of a healthy population from the Czech Republic (n = 496) and Slovakia (n = 484) over 16 years of age, of which 63% (n = 617) were women and 37% (n = 363) men. The level of education ranged from primary to postgraduate. The research sample consisted of 623 (63.6%) participants with religious affiliation and 357 (36.4%) without religion. The level of perception, needs, and participation of the participants in social and pastoral service was obtained based on a non-standardised questionnaire. The results of our study confirmed several differences in the areas studied.Vedecka grantova agentura MSVVaS SR a SAV (VEGA) 1/0880/21International Scientific Research Project: Pastoral practice, psychology and philosophical-theological-social fragments in the light of the 21st century 010-2021Sociedad Hispanica de Amigos de Kierkegaard (Spain)College of Applied Psychology in Terezin (Czech Republic

Homo culturalis versus cultura animi

This article was published with the support of International Scientific Research Project: Pastoral practice, psychology and philosophical-theological-social fragments in the light of the 21st century (contract number: 010-2021). Cooperation among: Sociedad Hispanica de Amigos de Kierkegaard, University of Granada (Spain) and College of Applied Psychology in Terezin (Czech Republic), 2021-2022.Aim. Presented study deals with the cultural dimension. It analyses external and internal human activities, that are creating the polarity develop values. The aim of the study is to clarify and connect the theoretical level of thinking with the reality of life practice, which shows the true meaning of human existence. Concept. The study highlights the importance of human thinking and decision making. Through the actions, one develops and creates the values of human dignity. The study focuses on the importance of two dimensions (horizontal and vertical dimensions of man), the relationship of man to God. Human culture includes behaviour that can be learned and is shaped by the environment in which one lives. This contribution is to clarify a culture of thinking that is a reflection of the soul of human being. Since culture is not only a matter of individual dispositions but also of social reality, it is right to underline this dual aspect of the plurality dimension (Binetti et al., 2021). Conclusion. The study identifies a fundamental aspect of the culture’s values, which show the potential of the soul of every human being. Human values influence thinking and actions of human being, thus creating the image of God.International Scientific Research Project: Pastoral practice, psychology and philosophical-theological-social fragments in the light of the 21st century 010-202

Fenomen ludzkiego poznania przejawia się w sferze komunikacji społecznej

This scientific contribution on human cognition and knowledge, which, among other things, is ma- nifested in the social sphere of communication, intends to clarify not only the importance of mystery but also the phenomenon of the human being and its limited capacity. The presented study aims to draw the attention of readers who specialize mainly in applied, specialized cognitive psychology to elementary processes that allow information to be captured, registered, evaluated and subsequently transmitted in the world of the media. All of this thanks to the diverse variability manifested in hu- man perception (psychological experiences, events, perceptions,...); visualization capacity (memory, fantasy...); imagination (reconstructive, creative, hallucinations...) and especially thinking, the basic process of intellectual understanding

The Blessed Pope John Paul II and his Close Relationship to the Czech Nation

Who amongst us is unfamiliar with the personality of the Blessed Pope John Paul II, who deeply engraved himself into the hearts of the people of the whole world? This charismatic personality of Slav origin influenced the history of many nations, including the Czech Republic, which he visited a total of three times in his capacity as a successor to the Apostle Peter. This also testifies to his close relationship to the nation of Saint Wenceslas, which has announced its adherence to the Christian faith for centuries. We are, however, well aware that the recent communist past and the subsequent freedom of 1989 have profoundly affected the religious situation in the Czech Republic so that a spiritually developed country has became a place of consumerism and atheism. This was also a reason that Christ’s messenger came amongst us, so that he could once again direct us towards the source that nourished our ancestors, i.e. the faith of our holy fathers. Although several years have passed since the last time he visited us the words of this Polish Pope remain in our hearts, where they constantly resonate, that is they remind us of where to look for the true answer to every posed question. This article is intended to point out and at the same time remind us of the living link to this great pilgrim, who expressed his affection for the Czech nation in such a distinctive manner

Biskup i jego najbliżsi współpracownicy kapłani uczestniczący w odkupicielskim posłaniu Chrystusa

During his work Jesus Christ chose his closest collaborators as his disciples. He entrustedthem with their mission, to continue with the teachings of his part in the redemption of the Word in his name. The successors of the Apostles – the bishops and his aides the priests continue in this mission to save immortal souls. An advantage of the IInd Vatican Council was that it shone a clear light on the relationship between the bishop and the priests. While the Council of Trent defined the Bishop in relation to the priest, the IInd Vatican Council defined the priest in relation to the Bishop. The priest receives the right to the reception of the sacrament of the priesthood and through this sacrament attains a special relationship with Christ, in whose priesthood he participates. But he also enters into a close relationship with the Bishop who annointed him as his fellow-worker

Wiem, to znaczy, że jestem lub nieprzezwyciężone poczucie wartości samego siebie (refleksja antropologiczno-psychologiczna)

The intention of the presented scientific contribution is to show, from an anthropological - psycho- logical point of view, the insurmountable value of the human being and its greatness. On the basis of eight established aspects, we recognize the diametrical differences between humans and other living organisms. Only humans (homo) can carry a number of attributes that are derived from their unique universal capabilities, as proven by the eight subchapters of this study. There is no doubt that knowing the value of the self in relation to our own self-worth (I know, therefore I am) is undoubtedly the most fundamental goal of our human “path”

Profil osobowy Franciszka kardynała Tomaska Prymasa czeskiego i świadectwo jego życia w 20 lat po śmierci (4.8.1992)

This article by a Slovak theologian who has lived in the Czech Republic for twenty years provides a wide public with a profile of the personality of Cardinal František Tomášek, the Czech Primate, who died twenty years ago. The study is divided into three main chapters, which are intended to give the public a comprehensive picture of a man, who clearly influenced the running of the Catholic Church over several decades, but also society in former Czechoslovakia. The first chapter outlines a brief chronology of the teacher – arch (bishop) cardinal, acquainting the reader with a distinguished man, a European personality, which is exactly what the unforgettable František Tomášek was. The middle chapter focusses on the significant, decisive and influential moments for the spiritual father of the nation, which were crucial for the establishment of the freedom of the whole of Czechoslovakia and in which we can recognize the pinnacle of the archbishop’s life. The third and last chapter outlines the specific personality traits of the Czech Cardinal, based on his exceptionality which is worth following

Philosophy of Education in Postmetaphysical Thinking

Aim. The aim of the article is to define the possibilities of education in the concept of postmetaphysical thinking. The definition takes into account the need to understand education as an open process of developing an authentic personality. The new understanding of education helps to orient the educational process in the family and school towards the person of the pupil and the development of his real possibilities. Concept. The article is built around a comparison of metaphysical and post-metaphysical thought. It describes the fundamental differences between both types of thinking, with a focus on the importance of others and openness in the interpretation of fundamental pedagogical categories. Attention is paid to the understanding of the pupil, the teacher, the process of education, and the goal of education. The pupil is interpreted as a person who has individual and original abilities. The process of education is understood as the development of the individual abilities of the pupil. The objective of education is determined on the basis of the pupil's abilities. The aim of upbringing is not predetermined. The openness of pedagogical practice necessitates the openness to continuous updating of educational and training methods. Results and conclusion. Creation of a basic framework for the innovation of pedagogical practices. The proposed framework views pedagogical success as a means of finding a sense of self, leaves room for alternative solutions, and emphasises the importance of students' individual abilities. It allows for pedagogy based on acceptance of otherness. Through the pedagogy thus interpreted, it creates a path for creative solutions to educational problems while developing not only the individual abilities of students but also their capacity for tolerance, which is a prerequisite for the functioning of a democratic society, through the pedagogy thus interpreted. Cognitive value. The article presents problems that arise when using classical pedagogy, i.e. pedagogy based on metaphysical thinking. The aim of classical pedagogy is the passive passing of knowledge and the production of graduates with the same abilities and knowledge. Pedagogy based on a postmetaphysical approach educates pupils whose value is based on human nature. Each pupil is accepted according to his individual abilities. He is an original and authentic human being

Happiness or Quality of Life? Or Both?

Aim. The aim of the article is to look for an answer to the question of whether it is worthwhile to deal only with happiness and to leave the exploration of quality of life as something which is not viable, or if it makes sense to deal with both phenomena. If so, what is the relationship between them? At the same time, we ask ourselves whether happiness and quality of life are perceived equally by people and are therefore interchangeable. Results. The answer is also confirmed by measuring the number of published articles monitored in the Web of Science. The quantification of happiness and quality of life implies that their correlation is high but not so high that they can be identified as the same. At the same time, if happiness and quality of life are different phenomena, it makes sense to deal with both. Method. The research was conducted using the face-to-face interview method. Conclusion. Happiness and quality of life, in terms of attention given to them by researchers, are quite different.  We think mistakenly that they are the same on account of the preponderance of impression given to happiness in public space

Social Media and Students’ Wellbeing: An Empirical Analysis during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Various forms of social media (SM) appear to be very popular among young people because they provide information and entertainment, including a wide range of web technologies such as blogs, wikis, online social networks, and virtual networks. SM plays a huge role in the lives of children and teenagers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the computer becomes not only a means of entertainment or leisure, but also a necessary and everyday means of education and communication with other people. Thus, COVID-19 has brought a radical change, not only in the daily schedule and leisure time of pupils and students, but also in the perception of the procedures used by this specific group in the online space. Through our own research, using structured interviews and a questionnaire, we examine the use of SM as a tool to promote sustainable well-being in a group of high school students from various schools in central Slovak Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia). The research confirms that during the pandemic, the use of SM by the young respondents contributes significantly to well-being. This is the case when SM is used by high school students as a tool in promoting: (1) personal interests; (2) motivation; (3) communication and interpersonal connectivity; (4) preferred forms of online education; and (5) online games. The article presents a set of recommendations regarding the use of SM as a tool for sustaining the well-being of young people during the pandemic