Modernity, particularly the 20th century, has produced various often conflicting visions of general happiness and other social utopias or dystopias, while digital technology is already creating new imaginary societies.

Due to the excessive development of technical culture, man is increasingly alienated from nature and himself. Theology, and especially Orthodox theology, should not withdraw from contemporary culture and its various expressions, nor be limited to a kind of museum-like tradition as a fossilized monument and remnant of the past. Theology must engage with and creatively converse with our times.

Faithfulness to the biblical patristic tradition means critical dialogue, assimilation, and transformation of the world. Inspiring theology is the vital breath that gives meaning to life and human relationships. However, it needs to emerge from pre-modern security and confessional introversion to engage fruitfully with the contemporary pluralistic world and culture.

In the pages of this book, focusing on the theology of otherness and the person, as well as the recent adventures of Religious Education, we trace an attempt at a creative relationship between theology, culture, and education in the modern world.

Contents

Preface

1. Theology and Culture

2. Free Will and Human Freedom

3. The Anthropological Significance and Relevance of the Theology of the Person

4. Theology and Artificial Intelligence

5. "Beauty Will Save the World"

6. "The Duty of Happiness"

7. "The Dream of a Buffoon"

8. The Orthodox Church in Dialogue

9. Orthodoxy and Islam: Then and Now

10. Educational Issues

11. Humanistic Education and Training

12. A Poetic "Book" at the Heart of the Holy Bible

13. The Holy Bible in Education

14. Religious Symbols in Education

15. The Theology of Otherness and the Religious Education Curriculum in Greece

16. Respect for Religious Otherness and Modern Religious Education

17. Pluralism or Confessional Mentality in Religious Education

18. Human Rights – Children's Rights in Education, Especially in Religious Education Curricula

19. Vacillations and Impasses in Religious Education

First Publications

Name Index