Page 171 [171]
ABSTRACTS
me
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE IN THE 1950s — THE EXAMPLE
OF THE REFORMED CONGREGATION IN SZONY
Anna Bokor
Research of the Hungarian churches after the second world war has yet been
focused primarily on the leadership of the churches. Nevertheless, the nation¬
alisation of church property and schools, the replacement of church leaders and
growing state control over churches all affected the lives of the congregations
and believers. The history of the Reformed Congregation in Szény in the 1950s
offers a basis for comparison for the research of congregations during this era.
Tackling mental and financial difficulties and keeping church members togeth¬
er in spite of all these obstacles can be well demonstrated through the example
of this congregation. The thriving youth ministry that was extraordinary in the
fifties displays the cohesive strength of the congregation.
FOLK THEOLOGY OF THE HIDDEN APPEARANCE OF DISEASE-DEMONS
Viktor Holló Csanádi
In my study, I present the exploration of the disease-demonic manifestations
hidden in Hungarian folk narrative memories, but no longer uttered, and the
theological context of the exorcist methods associated with them. The roots of
the associated folk beliefs can be traced back to ancient cultures, and the folk
customs that emerged from them have evolved into their present form through
a number of mediating channels. In these processes, there is an eruption from
the church and a transformed infiltration into it, through a close and reciprocal
relationship. Understanding these phenomena and their manifestations today,
linked to the disease-demon images, is of little studied but verifiable importance
in the pastoral care of small town churches.
s" 169 "