Applicability of the Hebrew Bible to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Growth.

Since the new millennium, biblical scholars have begun to reread certain writings in the Hebrew Bible through the concepts of post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic growth. Some scholars believe such a reading is legitimate, whereas others think it problematic, and still, others hold a midway perspective. This article argues for the midway, the position that accepts the applicability of the Hebrew Bible to today's psychological concepts but calls for caution. Because ancient Israelites reacted to traumatic events and distinguished the human mind from the body like modern people, it is reasonable to approach their thoughts and emotions in the Hebrew Bible through today's psychological concepts. However, the cultural differences between today's society and ancient Israelites in understanding and reacting to traumatic events should be considered.

Cremation in Interwar Romania: The Case of the Potter's Field.

This article aims to analyse the activities of Potter's Field practice in Romania as part of the Patriarch Miron Orthodox Association. From its very beginning it was orientated against the apparition of cremation in Romania, realized in the first cremation at the Cenușa Crematorium in Bucharest (1928). The target was to 'save' poor people from cremation, considering that the cremation aimed to remove from the local authorities the pressure of supporting the costs of burials for unidentified bodies and bodies that were unclaimed by families ('the social cremations'). Therefore, the Potter's Field practice developed in Romania in an original way in comparison to other countries. This situation indicated a way of translating cremation into reality in Romania and expressed some of its particularities in this country (the implication of the authorities, cremation as a personal choice or the forms of criticism by the religious environments).

Saints, demons, and faith - A review of the historical interaction between Christianity and epilepsy.

The view that epilepsy is caused by demonic possession prevailed throughout the Middle Ages and re-emerges in rare cases of misguided exorcisms even in modern Western societies. This review reflects on the biblical sources of the demonic understanding of seizures and the subsequent marginalization of people with epilepsy. While the development of science led to a decline in beliefs of supernatural causes of seizures, the link between Christianity and epileptology is sustained through recurrent considerations of epileptic phenomena among religious figures. The influence of epilepsy on the legacy of historical persons of Christianity should be regarded with caution because of limited clinical evidence in historical documents. However, it should be acknowledged that religious experiences, as well as general religiosity, can be important in modern-day epilepsy care as they are shown to have psychological, societal, and even clinical implications. Further studies should expand our knowledge on the contemporary importance of the Christian tradition for people with epilepsy.

When a Pandemic Strikes the Vineyard: Searching for the Meaning of Pastoral Care During COVID-19.

A student asked, "What is pastoral care amid the COVID-19 pandemic?" The student and the professor embarked on a conversational journey to explore the layers of suffering during the pandemic that prompted the question and to interpret the neoliberal characteristics of the relational pains in the experience. Through the participatory case study of this conversation, this article puts the pandemic experience of the student in dialogue with the Matthean passage on the vineyard workers to expose the limits of the neoliberal rationality that feeds into the suffering during the pandemic. The ensuing theological reflection culminates in a conversation about the understanding of the Matthean evil eye, Emmanuel Levinas's understanding of the face, and Bruce Roger-Vaughn's concept of third-order suffering. The reflection concludes with an answer to the question about pastoral care during COVID-19.

At the dinner table with Adam and Eve.

Parents of children with atopic dermatitis often believe that dietary factors influence the course of a child's eczema. This is not a new phenomenon. In this paper, we examine two old documents that explore the relationships between diet and health. The first document is 125-years-old and real; the second document is a fictional one that we composed in the style of Mark Twain's Extracts from Adam's Diary, which Twain humorously suggested was from the time of Genesis.

Animal origin of 13th-century uterine vellum revealed using noninvasive peptide fingerprinting.

Tissue-thin parchment made it possible to produce the first pocket Bibles: Thousands were made in the 13th century. The source of this parchment, often called "uterine vellum," has been a long-standing controversy in codicology. Use of the Latin term abortivum in many sources has led some scholars to suggest that the skin of fetal calves or sheep was used. Others have argued that it would not be possible to sustain herds if so many pocket Bibles were produced from fetal skins, arguing instead for unexpected alternatives, such as rabbit. Here, we report a simple and objective technique using standard conservation treatments to identify the animal origin of parchment. The noninvasive method is a variant on zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS) peptide mass fingerprinting but extracts protein from the parchment surface by using an electrostatic charge generated by gentle rubbing of a PVC eraser on the membrane surface. Using this method, we analyzed 72 pocket Bibles originating in France, England, and Italy and 293 additional parchment samples that bracket this period. We found no evidence for the use of unexpected animals; however, we did identify the use of more than one mammal species in a single manuscript, consistent with the local availability of hides. These results suggest that ultrafine vellum does not necessarily derive from the use of abortive or newborn animals with ultrathin hides, but could equally well reflect a production process that allowed the skins of maturing animals of several species to be rendered into vellum of equal quality and fineness.

Reading the Bible, Stressful Life Events, and Hope: Assessing an Overlooked Coping Resource.

Many people rely on religion to deal with the stressors in their lives. The purpose of this study is to examine a religious coping resource that has received relatively little attention-reading the Bible. We evaluated three hypotheses: (1) reading the Bible moderates the relationship between stress and hope; (2) people who read the Bible more often are more likely to rely on benevolent religious reappraisal coping responses; and (3) individuals who rely on benevolent religious reappraisals will be more hopeful about the future. Support was found for all three hypotheses in our analyses.

Space and motion in nature and Scripture: Galileo, Descartes, Newton.

In the Scholium to the Definitions in Principia mathematica, Newton departs from his main task of discussing space, time and motion by suddenly mentioning the proper method for interpreting Scripture. This is surprising, and it has long been ignored by scholars. In this paper, I argue that the Scripture passage in the Scholium is actually far from incidental: it reflects Newton's substantive concern, one evident in correspondence and manuscripts from the 1680s, that any general understanding of space, time and motion must enable readers to recognize the veracity of Biblical claims about natural phenomena, including the motion of the earth. This substantive concern sheds new light on an aspect of Newton's project in the Scholium. It also underscores Newton's originality in dealing with the famous problem of reconciling theological and philosophical conceptions of nature in the seventeenth century.

Cystic Anomaly Manifestation Within the Axillary Fossa: A Case Report of Clinical Significance.

Ganglion cysts represent a small group of lesions that can arise from almost any joint in the body. Demonstrating a predilection for the joints in the hand and wrist, ganglion cysts in the glenohumeral joint are extremely rare. Due to the vivid array of masses that can be found in the axillary fossa, forming a free-from-error work-up to the correct diagnosis can be quite confounding. In this paper, we present a case of a paralabral cyst of the shoulder joint, located in the axilla. With there being only eight other such cases published in clinical literature, we believe this case report to be of unique importance in gaining further insight into the genesis and treatment of this pathology.

Translating leprosy: the expert and the public in Stanley Stein's anti-stigmatization campaigns, 1931-60.

This article examines three campaigns through which patient activist Stanley Stein sought to combat the stigmatized connotations of the word "leprosy." In 1931, soon after starting the first patient newspaper at the U.S. national leprosy hospital at Carville, Stein became convinced of the necessity of finding an alternative to "leprosy." His ensuing campaign to promote the use of the words "Hansen's Disease" to describe the condition from which he and fellow Carville patients suffered became his most passionate and life-long project. In the 1950s, Stein became involved in efforts to change the translation of "leprosy" in the Bible. Finally, in 1960, he waged a campaign to de-stigmatize encyclopedia entries on leprosy. These campaigns illustrate how even elevation of the medical expert and a seeming disdain for the public can function as a protest of medical authority and reveal a presumption that a significant degree of authority actually resides with the public.

Exploring church members' perceptions towards physical activity, fruits and vegetables consumption, and church's role in health promotion: implications for the development of church-based health interventions.

Background: The study explored the perceptions of church members towards physical activity (PA), the consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV), and the church's role in health promotion prior to the development of a church-based intervention for physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption in Lagos, Nigeria. Method: Sixteen focus group discussions (FGD) and eleven key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted. Eight FGDs among adults and four among the youth and the elderly church members. Key informant interviews were held among church leaders and members of the church medical advisory. Study findings were categorized under thematic headings. Based on the data analysis, several key themes were identified: the knowledge of the concept of health and common health problems, opinions of physical activity, opinions of healthy eating and fruit and vegetable consumption, types and attitudes towards existing church-based health programs and the role of the church in health promotion and church-based health programs. Within each theme, several childthemes were noted such as the challenges with fruit and vegetable consumption, biblical support for physical activity and fruit & vegetable consumption, the role of the church leaders, program sustainability and barriers to participation. Results: The participants perceived health not only as the absence of disease but as general well-being of the body and soul. Health was also related to the ability to perform religious activities. Common health problems included a mix of communicable and non-communicable diseases. They are aware that physical activity, fruits and vegetables are essential for healthy living. The youth saw it as a means of improving their physical appearance however the elderly expressed concerns about the possibility of associated trips and falls. Overall, they viewed fruits and vegetables as healthy foods while processed western foods were perceived as unhealthy. Fruits and vegetables were seen as beneficial primarily to aid food digestion, boost immunity, improve youthfulness, aid weight control and to prevent chronic disease. The study participants agreed that the church, as an institution, has a significant role to play in promoting the health of her members. Instituted health committees embedded within existing church structures often lead church-based health-promoting activities and are imperative for sustainability. Types of health programs included health talks, screening programs for common NCDs, sport competitions, distributions of FV during church ceremonies such as harvests, Lenten seasons, Love feasts and church bazaars. Health outreaches were seen as a means of evangelism, and it was unanimously agreed that the Bible supports PA and healthy eating. Generally, the respondents had positive attitudes towards church-based health programs and they advised that future programs include the use of technology and should be integrated into existing church activities to improve participation. The participants also noted that the opinion of the church leaders influences the behaviours of church members and their support is critical in the development and implementation of church-based health programs. Conclusion: Church members are aware that physical activity and the consumption of fruits and vegetables are important for healthy living and expressed support for church-based health programs. They believe that the Bible supports the promotion of PA and FV consumption as healthy behaviours. Program integration, the use of technology and support of church leaders and existing church medical advisory groups are imperative for developing and sustaining church-based health programs.

Growing Old in the Bible Belt: Resources for Aging LGBT Adults Living in the South.

There has been an increase in the literature about LGBT older adults in recent years; however, there is a need for further sociological quantitative research examining the impact of geographic region on LGBT aging. Utilizing data from a nationwide survey, this study focuses on the availability of LGBT-specific resources for LGBT aging adults living in the South. We examine the effects of community type and sociodemographics on the availability of LGBT-specific resources as well as the type of resources available. Findings reveal that in the South, community type, having a partner, household income, and education affect the LGBT-specific resources available. Of particular interest, LGBT-affirming faith organizations are identified as the resource most frequently available for LGBT aging adults in this region often referred to as the Bible Belt. Overall, this study sheds light on the LGBT-specific resources that are available to provide social support and help meet the unique needs of LGBT adults aging in the South.

The Genesis of Iconographic Exegesis.

The article presents the genealogy and maps Iconographic Exegesis or Biblische Ikonographie. From social-material lenses, it addresses the foundation and development of the perspective, often construed as the explanation of the Bible with contemporary pictorial material. Starting with Othmar Keel and the Fribourg Circle's works and reaching scholars from other academic environments, such as South Africa, Germany, the United States, and Brazil, the paper describes the transformation of the perspective from research interest to research circle and its formalization as a subspecialization within Biblical Studies. The outlook highlights commonalities and particularities of the perspective and its enabling factors and comments on its characterization and definition.

Christian physicalism and the biblical argument for dualism.

This paper examines whether biblical descriptions of the intermediate state imply dualism of the sort that rules out physicalism. Certain passages in the Bible seem to describe persons or souls existing without their bodies in an intermediate state between death and resurrection. For this reason, these passages appear to imply a form of dualism. Some Christian physicalists have countered that the passages in question are in fact compatible with physicalism. For it is compatible with physicalism that, although we are necessarily constituted by physical bodies, we can continue to exist without our current bodies in the intermediate state by being constituted by replacement bodies. I argue that broadly Gricean considerations significantly weaken this response. In its place, I propose a new, linguistic objection to the biblical argument for dualism. The linguistic objection says that biblical descriptions of an intermediate state cannot imply dualism in the sense that contradicts physicalism because physicalism is defined by a concept of the physical derived from modern physics, and no term in the biblical languages expresses that concept. I argue that the linguistic objection is less vulnerable to Gricean considerations than the constitution objection. On the other hand the linguistic objection also makes concessions to dualism that some Christian physicalists will find unacceptable. And it may be possible to reinforce the biblical argument for dualism by appeal to recent research on 'common-sense dualism'. The upshot for Christian physicalists who wish to remain open to the biblical case for an intermediate state is therefore partly good, partly bad. The prospects for a Biblical argument for dualism in the sense that contradicts physicalism are limited but remain open.

Daniel: psychological development of a master biblical dream interpreter.

This article describes the growth and development of Daniel as a master Biblical dream interpreter. In his clinical use of dreams, he is compared to a contemporary Jungian analyst who faces difficult clinical dilemmas such as interpreting a dream that is forgotten, understanding the difference between a 'big dream' and a personal dream, as well as the situation when a dream is interpreted within a dream. Daniel's technique is compared to traditional Jewish dream rituals. Although the Book of Daniel is usually considered as a series of disconnected episodes, the author argues that the sequence of chapters reveals the process of Daniel's individuation as described by Neumann's concept of centroversion.

Cet article décrit la croissance et le développement de Daniel en tant qu'interprète biblique spécialiste du rêve. Dans son utilisation clinique des rêves, il est comparé à un analyste Jungien contemporain, face à de difficiles dilemmes cliniques tels qu'interpréter un rêve qui est oublié, comprendre la différence entre un « grand rêve ¼ et un rêve personnel, ainsi que la situation dans laquelle un rêve est interprété dans un rêve. La technique de Daniel est comparée aux rituels traditionnels juifs concernant les rêves. Bien que le Livre de Daniel soit généralement considéré comme étant une suite d'épisodes décousus, l'auteur soutient que la séquence des chapitres révèle le processus de l'individuation de Daniel telle que décrite par Neumann par le concept de centroversion.

El presente artículo describe el crecimiento y desarrollo de Daniel como maestro Bíblico intérprete de sueños. En su clásico uso de los sueños, es comparado con un analista Junguiano contemporáneo quien se confronta con difíciles dilemas clínicos, tales como, la interpretación de un sueño que es olvidado, comprender la diferencia entre un 'gran sueño' y un sueño personal, así como también la situación en la que un sueño es interpretado dentro del sueño. La técnica de Daniel es comparada con el ritual tradicional Judaico de los sueños. Si bien el Libro de Daniel es considerado usualmente como una serie de episodios desconectados, el autor argumenta que la secuencia de los capítulos revela el proceso de individuación de Daniel tal como es descripto por Neumann y su concepto de centroversión.

Medicinal plants of the Bible-revisited.

BACKGROUND: Previous lists number from 55 to 176 plant species as "Biblical Medicinal Plants." Modern studies attest that many names on these lists are no longer valid. This situation arose due to old mistranslations and/or mistakes in botanical identification. Many previously recognized Biblical plants are in no way related to the flora of the Bible lands. Accordingly, the list needs revision. METHODS: We re-examine the list of possible medicinal plants in the Bible based on new studies in Hebrew Biblical philology and etymology, new studies on the Egyptian and Mesopotamian medicinal use of plants, on ethnobotany and on archaeobotany. RESULTS: In our survey, we suggest reducing this list to 45 plant species. Our contribution comprises 20 "newly" suggested Biblical Medicinal Plants. Only five species are mentioned directly as medicinal plants in the Bible: Fig (Ficus carica), Nard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Hyssop (Origanum syriacum), balm of Gilead (Commiphora gileadensis) and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum). No fewer than 18 medicinal plants are mentioned in old Jewish post-Biblical sources, in addition to those in the Bible. Most of these plants (15) are known also in Egypt and Mesopotamia while three are from Egypt only. Seven of our suggested species are not mentioned in the Bible or in the Jewish post-Biblical literature but were recorded as medicinal plants from Egypt, as well as from Mesopotamia. It is quite logical to assume that they can be included as Biblical Medicinal Plants. CONCLUSIONS: All our suggested Biblical Medicinal Plants are known as such in Ancient Egypt and/or Mesopotamia also. Examination of our list shows that all these plants have been in continuous medicinal use in the Middle East down the generations, as well as being used in the Holy Land today. Precisely in King Solomon's words, "That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done. And there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

The enduring legacy of Alfred Gilman senior (1908-1984) to pharmacology and clinical medicine.

Alfred Gilman was best known for his co-authorship with Louis Goodman of the seminal textbook on pharmacology The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics in 1941. The book made the discipline of pharmacology relevant to clinical medicine by providing a link between the basic medical sciences and the practice of medicine. Gilman was also instrumental in establishing the use of chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer and made important contributions in areas related to renal function, acid-base balance, and diuretics. During the 1960s, he created a first rate department at the newly formed Albert Einstein College of Medicine. A superb lecturer, he commented incisively on issues related to pharmacology, therapeutics, and pathophysiology. Dr Gilman also provided a key link between academia and the pharmaceutical industry by serving as a consultant to several drug firms. The legacy of Alfred Gilman senior was continued by his son, Alfred Goodman Gilman, who became a Nobel Laureate.

[Place and role of the body in Christianity]. / Place et rôle du corps dans le christianisme.

Christianity has always been opposed to dualistic models devaluing the human body. The human person is created in God's image to be resurrected on the last day; his or her body is worthy of respect. It is in the body, or more precisely through it, that the human person is called to glorify and reveal the presence of God, manifested in the love between human beings.

"But Oh! What Tales": Portraying the Middle East in U.S. Homophile Periodicals of the 1950s and 1960s.

This essay examines Middle East representations in U.S. homophile periodicals from 1953 to 1964. The essay uses more than 120 Middle East-related items that were published in ONE, Mattachine Review, and The Ladder to address the periodicals' engagement with the region (particularly ancient history and biblical themes) and discuss the types of sexual "knowledge" that the homophile periodicals created about the region. It then assesses the role of periodicals as a genre in the creation of a transnational homophile community, showing both their potential for democratizing participation in this community and their limits. The essay argues that the periodicals made visible the process of assembling a homosexual identity and the fragmentary nature of the parts it strove to unify. Though the views of key U.S. homophile organizations became hegemonic in the international gay rights movement, the periodicals show a more complex, ambivalent, and contested process.

Honoring Jehovah's Witnesses' advance directives in emergencies: a response to Drs. Migden and Braen.

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions out of obedience to the Bible's command to all Christians to abstain from blood. The Witnesses take this scriptural injunction seriously and, of their own initiative, execute advance medical directive cards to communicate their refusal to medical personnel in the event of their incapacity. In portraying the Witnesses' refusal of blood as the uninformed result of their subjugation by the Watchtower Society, Migden and Braen distort the facts about Jehovah's Witnesses, the basis for their refusal of blood, and their use of the blood refusal card. Further, not only does Migden and Braen's analysis subordinate patient values to professional preference in all cases, but the heightened scrutiny protocol they propose is useless because it cannot possibly be implemented in the hypothetical they posit. Finally, their legal analysis is not well founded and practitioners who choose to follow it will do so at their peril.