Bøker av Yordan Kalev Zhekov

The present research project explores the origins and development of the doctrine of the two aeons. There are two general lines of investigation, namely in the prophetic and Apocalyptic eschatology on one hand, and in the New Testament on the other hand, against the background of the first century Rabbinical Judaism.First, the concept of the two aeons is clearly present in the prophetic and Apocalyptic eschatology. Both prophets and Apocalyptists viewed the newness of the new age and its blessings and the corruption of the present age. The Apocalyptists developed the concept of the two aeons extending its scope on God's work in the new age from nationalistic to universalistic.Second, the first century Rabbis preserve the three dimensions of the two aeons and point to a clear overlapping place between them. Jesus, the Gospel writers, and Paul present their eschatology within the already existing framework of the two aeons. They also introduce some purely new characteristics of the concept related to the death and the resurrection of Christ. They view the inauguration of the future aeon in the present aeon through the event of Christ. The future aspect and the aeon to come is also plainly preserved. Therefore the 21st century man can enter the future age and become a part of the future humanity and world through faith in Christ.

Academic research in alcohol addiction presents diverse results and subject inadequacies. This study identifies conscience and its influence through spirituality on successful recovery as promoting unity and adequacy in the field. The purpose of the study is to analyze the relationship between conscience, spirituality, and recovery from alcohol addiction. This threefold framework underlines the conceptual importance of cognition, affect, behavior, spirituality, and character in addiction studies. Narrative analysis (NA) is employed for designing the present research. It is utilized for collection, examination, and formulation of the results derived from the participants' stories. Semi-structured interviews are used within the NA framework to provide the data from the twelve participants. The latter are selected as a homogeneous group based on characteristics of their addiction, spirituality, and recovery. The analysis of narratives defines conscience with its cognitive, emotive, and conative elements as related to spirituality. The conscience's nature and functioning undergo deterioration during addiction and complete rejuvenation through participants' spiritual transformation of a transcendent divine experience. Spiritually empowered conscience supports progressive recovery from alcohol addiction. The conscientious approach to self, life, and others is shaped by virtue and spiritual commitment.

Christian marriage is a permanent union which requires the commitment of both spouses for its maintenance through fulfillment of its stipulations. The failure of the fulfillment of the latter provides legitimate grounds for divorce and remarriage of the innocent party. This work employs a fourfold approach for the development of NT ethical argumentation based on Richard B. Hays' Moral Vision of the New Testament. The author establishes the proper contextual grounds for the NT study through formulation of the Old Testament perspective on marriage as covenant. The relevant NT passages are examined through historical-critical and narrative-critical methods. A critical study of the main Christian traditions leads to an ecumenical formulation of the theological conclusions. Pragmatic implementation of the thesis follows an examination of the contemporary pluralistic context and applications in both Christian communities and the larger society within its legislative system.

Synopsis:Academic research in alcohol addiction presents diverse results and subject inadequacies. This study identifies conscience and its influence through spirituality on successful recovery as promoting unity and adequacy in the field. The purpose of the study is to analyze the relationship between conscience, spirituality, and recovery from alcohol addiction. This threefold framework underlines the conceptual importance of cognition, affect, behaviour, spirituality, and character in addiction studies. Narrative analysis (NA) is employed for designing the present research. It is utilised for collection, examination, and formulation of the results derived from the participants'' stories. Semi-structured interviews are used within the NA framework to provide the data from the twelve participants. The latter are selected as a homogeneous group based on characteristics of their addiction, spirituality, and recovery. The analysis of narratives defines conscience with its cognitive, emotive, and conative elements as related to spirituality. The conscience''s nature and functioning undergo deterioration during addiction and complete rejuvenation through participants'' spiritual transformation of a transcendent divine experience. Spiritually empowered conscience supports progressive recovery from alcohol addiction. The conscientious approach to self, life, and others is shaped by virtue and spiritual commitment.Author Biography:Yordan Kalev Zhekov holds two master''s and a doctorate in theology, as well as a master''s in addiction psychology and counselling. He continues his research in developing conscience therapy on the professional doctorate programme at Middlesex University, UK. Dr. Zhekov works in the field of homelessness and as a substance misuse counsellor. He is the author of Defining the New Testament Logia on Divorce and Remarriage in a Pluralistic Context (2009).

Christian marriage is a permanent union which requires the commitment of both spouses for its maintenance through fulfillment of its stipulations. The failure of the fulfillment of the latter provides legitimate grounds for divorce and remarriage of the innocent party. This work employs a fourfold approach for the development of NT ethical argumentation based on Richard B. Hays' Moral Vision of the New Testament. The author establishes the proper contextual grounds for the NT study through formulation of the Old Testament perspective on marriage as covenant. The relevant NT passages are examined through historical-critical and narrative-critical methods. A critical study of the main Christian traditions leads to an ecumenical formulation of the theological conclusions. Pragmatic implementation of the thesis follows an examination of the contemporary pluralistic context and applications in both Christian communities and the larger society within its legislative system.