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Dr. WN Sisto

D'Youville College, Health Humanities, Faculty Member

D'Youville College, Liberal Arts, Faculty Member

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Dr. Sisto is an accomplished Catholic theologian and Professor of Religious Studies at D’Youville University in Buffalo, NY. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of St. Michaels College in Toronto, which he earned in 2013. Dr. Sisto specializes in the theology of Sergius Bulgakov and his research focuses on applying Bulgakov's Sophiology to contemporary issues while elucidating Bulgakov's thought. He has authored over a dozen peer-reviewed articles and published his book on Bulgakov's Mariology in 2017 through Routledge. Dr. Sisto is presently contracted with Lexington Books to write his latest book, titled "The Sophiology of Cybernetic Ethics".
Dr. Sisto is also dedicated to the study of Religion and Health, evident through his extensive teaching portfolio encompassing multiple courses on the topic. Also, he authored two seminal works on the topic: "Death and the World Religions: How Religion Informs End-of-Life Decisions" in 2015 and "Philosophical and Religious Perspectives on Bioethics" in 2023.

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Papers by Dr. WN Sisto

Russian Mariology and Bulgakov

The formative events

The Mother of God in the Theology of Sergius Bulgakov, 2017

The Beginning of the End: Bulgakov and the Ascension

Irish Theological Quarterly, 2018

This paper analyzes Sergius N. Bulgakov’s unique interpretation of the Ascension of Jesus Christ.... more This paper analyzes Sergius N. Bulgakov’s unique interpretation of the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Drawing from the Orthodox liturgy and the New Testament, Bulgakov argues that the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven is the beginning of the end times. It is a foretaste of the general Resurrection, but also it reveals that humankind and God are inextricably linked through the created Sophia. The created Sophia allows for human nature to encounter the power and glory of God and survive.

Encountering god : a comparative study of the doctrine of the divine energy in maximus the confessor and Gregory Palamas

Making the New Evangelization Credible: Mary in the Ecumenical Movement

Marian studies, 2013

Making tbe New Euangellzatlon Credlbte l l1 "credible testimony of the Gospel."3The message of th... more Making tbe New Euangellzatlon Credlbte l l1 "credible testimony of the Gospel."3The message of the Gospel is obscured by denominationalism.a Competition, in-fighting, and proselytism among different denominations weaken our ability to evangelize, because for many this is evidence that christians are hypocrites.It is no wonder why st. paul insists: ?o 4 you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together" (Eph 4:34).perhaps it is more ttran a coincidence that the decline of interest in the ecumenical movement5 in the U.S. Christian Churches parallels the growth in religious "nonesi people who do not associate with any otgantzed religion.According to a recent pew study that sur_ veyed forty-six million people, "nones" are one of the fastest growing groups inAmerica.In fact, one third of adults under the age of thirry have no religious affiliation.6 In our secular society, christianity is ceasing to be relevant.It is for this reason that I think the Pope is correct in renewing his plea that the r Pope Benedict xvl, Missionary Intentions 2o09 (pontifical sociery of the Mis. sionary Childhood, January 2OO9), accessed September 6. 2ol3_hup: / /www.vati_ can.va,/roman-curia./congregations/ce%ng/p_missionary_works/infantia/documents/ rc_ic_infantia_ do c _2OO9O 32 4_bolerin I 5p I 8_en. html. arhe editors at the Nattonal catbottcReporterfugltlrght that forthe firsr tlrne since Pew researchers started surveying d;1s retigrous affiliation ofAmericans, the United states is no longer maioriry protestant. (cf. NCR Editors,"Editorial: New Evangelization Requires Bishops'self-Examination: Nailonat catbollc Reporter [october 27,2ol2l, accessed February l2,20l jhttp://ncronline.orglnews/ tican/editorial_e vangelization-requires-bi shopso/oE2o/B0%99-self-examination.) rThe fact thatValterAltman, the moderator of the 29August 2012 Central Com_ mittee meeting of the vorrd council of churches, began his speech with questions about the relevance of ecumenism today is evidence of this. He said: "Irt usnot fool ourselves: the question at stake was whether our ecumenical journey as the wodd council of churches was in irremediable decline. Thank God, we managed to go through the turmoil, with relatively little damage.vaters are calmer now, but is there still wind swelling to push our boat forward? our ship will not capsize, but will it be able to advance significantly?Are we condemned to watch silently the sea around uswhat we have !s6n safling the.changing landscape'_without being capable of moving forward?" (w'alterAltman, "Moderator's Address: signs of a way Forward, [world

The Soul of the Human Race: The Mother of God in the Theology Of Sergius Bulgakov

This dissertation examines the role of the Mother of God in Sergius Bulgakov's Sophiology. It pla... more This dissertation examines the role of the Mother of God in Sergius Bulgakov's Sophiology. It places Bulgakov's Mariology within the contexts of the Russian Religious Renaissance and Russian Sophiology. With respect to Russian Sophiology, Bulgakov systematically develops the insights on Mary proffered by Vladimir Solov'ev and Pavel Florensky. I demonstrate that his The Burning Bush (1926) should be seen as the fullest development of Sophianic Mariology initiated by Solov'ev. The influence of the Russian Religious Renaissance is evident in his emphasis on sexuality. Bulgakov incorporates the popular theory from this movement that each person 1 Rowan Williams observed in his book, Sergii Bulgakov: Towards a Russian Political Theology, that no secondary source has yet adequately treated Sergius Bulgakov's Mariology.

Cyborg Enhancements: Sergius Bulgakov and His Sophiological Perspective

Cyborg Technologies: Bulgakov and His Sophiological Perspective, 2023

Although Bulgakov did not write about cyborg ethics, his thesis that humankind is the hypostasis ... more Although Bulgakov did not write about cyborg ethics, his thesis that humankind is the hypostasis of the creaturely Sophia provides a dynamic framework to assess the morality of technological alterations to the human body. As the hypostasis of the creaturely Sophia, the human person has limitless possibilities, including miracle-working. And thus, Jesus Christ's miracles reflect capacities that God intends for all human persons, with the greatest miracle being the resurrection of the body. Bulgakov's thought on miracles offers both a defense of cybernetic modifications and a norm for their limits. This article resources Bulgakov's sophiology to provide an Eastern Christian perspective on cybernetic enhancement technologies. It also engages Bulgakov's sophiology with current scholarship on cybernetic enhancement technologies.

Marian Dogmas and Reunion: What Eastern Catholics Can Teach Us about Catholic Ecumenism

Journal of Ecumenical Studies, Mar 22, 2011

Introduction The role that the humble peasant girl Mary of Nazareth played in the history of Chri... more Introduction The role that the humble peasant girl Mary of Nazareth played in the history of Christianity is possibly one of Christianity's greatest ironies. Her simple, yet profound faith in God gave birth to Christianity; however this faithful woman has occupied one of the most controversial and contentious places within the Christian tradition. Beloved among Catholics and Orthodox, she is the object of hyperdulia; she is the greatest disciple of Christ, who intercedes for humankind before Jesus Christ. However, for many Protestants and Anglicans she is merely a woman, and the attention that the Catholic Church has paid to her represents a gross exaggeration and betrayal of the gospel. Catholic attention toward Mary was seen as idolatry. Mary's role in the economy of salvation is at the same time responsible for the Christian faith and for its division. Nonetheless, this past century has witnessed a renewed interest in the Mother of Jesus among all Christian churches. Within the Catholic community Marian devotion and doctrine are no longer exalted above the church but are subsumed into ecclesiology. (1) In Reformation churches, Mary's example of discipleship in the Second Testament has received renewed interest. Among many Protestant Christians, Mary is looked upon with admiration as a great example of faith in Jesus Christ, who was justified by her faith. She is a "witness to God's sovereign, electing grace." (2) For this reason, especially among feminist Protestant theologians, her active role during the ministry of Jesus and at the crucifixion is emphasized. (3) Due in part to the ecumenical movement, openness and dialogue have replaced traditional antagonism over Mary's place in the Christian church. In 2003, Christianity witnessed one of most important agreed statements on this topic: Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ, authored by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC). What is interesting about this document is that it legitimized authentic Marian devotion and doctrine. Not only is the traditional typological approach to Marian texts in the Scriptures employed, but the Anglicans also proclaim with the Catholics that both Marian dogmas--the Assumption of Mary and her Immaculate Conception--are consonant with the scriptures. Nevertheless, the ARCIC document raised an important question for consideration, namely, "whether it would be a condition of the future restoration of full communion that they [the Anglicans] should be required to accept the definitions of 1854 and 1950." (4) In other words, does union with the Catholic Church presuppose promulgation of Catholic dogma? These questions touch upon the methodology of Catholic ecumenism that has implications for all Christian churches in dialogue with Rome. Although the Catholic magisterium has never officially promulgated an ecumenical method with regard to these questions, I will demonstrate that in the Catholic Church's practical dealings with the Ukrainian Catholic Church it has developed an ecumenical method relevant to this discussion. Although this essay will draw upon documents and statements relevant to all Eastern Catholics, it will focus solely on the Ukrainian Catholic Church, not other Eastern Catholic churches. The practical dealings of the magisterium with the Ukrainian Catholic Church illustrate an ecumenical method in place that is reminiscent of the method proposed by Karl Rahner and Heinrich Fries in the mid-1980's, albeit with an important qualification. Rahner and Fries suggested that reunited churches not require the profession of Catholic dogmatic teachings, though these dogmas could not be denied. (5) However, unlike Rahner and Fries, the magisterium requires the Ukrainian Catholic Church to accept formally the teaching of the Immaculate Conception, yet the Ukrainian Catholic Church is not only permitted but encouraged to express its own understanding of Mary's sinless conception by the magisterium that is authentically Eastern and ironically at odds with the 1854 dogmatic definition of Pope Plus IX. …

Jacob’s Ladder: On Angels. Trans. Thomas Allan Smith (review)

Toronto Journal of Theology, 2012

Buddhists and Dying: How to Effectively Care for Buddhists at the End of Life

Journal of US-China Public Administration, 2015

Since Elisabeth Kübler-Ross has written groundbreaking text On Death and Dying (1969), numerous s... more Since Elisabeth Kübler-Ross has written groundbreaking text On Death and Dying (1969), numerous studies have documented effective strategies for helping the terminally-ill cope with dying. Yet, few studies have examined the role that religion plays in a person's coping with death and how healthcare providers can help facilitate positive religious coping. This paper addresses this lacuna in death studies. Drawing from textual analysis of primary and secondary literature and qualitative interviews with Buddhist masters, this paper examines what Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist religion does well with regard to helping its congregants cope with dying, and offers practical guidelines as to how healthcare providers can use this information to help their patients achieve what they define as a good death. Specifically, the Buddhist religious tradition helps Buddhists die well because it addresses what Charles Corr defines as the four dimensions of a person: the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. This paper argues that sensitivity to this idea and successful coordination between religious practices and medical treatments shall result in better care for Buddhist patients.

The Beginning of the End: Bulgakov and the Ascension

by Dr. WN Sisto and Walter Sisto

The Beginning of the End: Bulgakov and the Ascension, 2018

This paper examines the distinctive interpretation of the Ascension of Jesus Christ by Sergius N.... more This paper examines the distinctive interpretation of the Ascension of Jesus Christ by Sergius N. Bulgakov. By drawing from both the Orthodox liturgy and the New Testament, Bulgakov posits that the Ascension of Jesus Christ marks the commencement of the end times. He contends that it offers a preview of the general Resurrection while also revealing the inherent interconnectedness between humankind and God through the created Sophia. Bulgakov asserts that the created Sophia permits human nature to encounter God's power and glory while still being able to survive.

Encountering God: A Comparative Study of the Doctrine of the Divine Energy in Maximus the Confessor and Gregory Palamas

MELITA THEOLOGICA, 2014

and assistant professor of Religious Studies at D'Youville College, Buffalo, NY. He has published... more and assistant professor of Religious Studies at D'Youville College, Buffalo, NY. He has published articles on Sergius Bulgakov and on ecumenical trends. 1 Both theologians are popular today, especially in the English speaking Orthodox world. Commenting on Maximus' popularity, Andrew Louth wrote, "he is frequently dubbed the greatest of Byzantine theologians, "

Making the New Evangelization Credible: Mary in the Ecumenical Movement

Marian Studies, 2013

Making tbe New Euangellzatlon Credlbte l l1 "credible testimony of the Gospel."3The message of th... more Making tbe New Euangellzatlon Credlbte l l1 "credible testimony of the Gospel."3The message of the Gospel is obscured by denominationalism.a Competition, in-fighting, and proselytism among different denominations weaken our ability to evangelize, because for many this is evidence that christians are hypocrites.It is no wonder why st. paul insists: ?o 4 you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together" (Eph 4:34).perhaps it is more ttran a coincidence that the decline of interest in the ecumenical movement5 in the U.S. Christian Churches parallels the growth in religious "nonesi people who do not associate with any otgantzed religion.According to a recent pew study that sur_ veyed forty-six million people, "nones" are one of the fastest growing groups inAmerica.In fact, one third of adults under the age of thirry have no religious affiliation.6 In our secular society, christianity is ceasing to be relevant.It is for this reason that I think the Pope is correct in renewing his plea that the r Pope Benedict xvl, Missionary Intentions 2o09 (pontifical sociery of the Mis. sionary Childhood, January 2OO9), accessed September 6. 2ol3_hup: / /www.vati_ can.va,/roman-curia./congregations/ce%ng/p_missionary_works/infantia/documents/ rc_ic_infantia_ do c _2OO9O 32 4_bolerin I 5p I 8_en. html. arhe editors at the Nattonal catbottcReporterfugltlrght that forthe firsr tlrne since Pew researchers started surveying d;1s retigrous affiliation ofAmericans, the United states is no longer maioriry protestant. (cf. NCR Editors,"Editorial: New Evangelization Requires Bishops'self-Examination: Nailonat catbollc Reporter [october 27,2ol2l, accessed February l2,20l jhttp://ncronline.orglnews/ tican/editorial_e vangelization-requires-bi shopso/oE2o/B0%99-self-examination.) rThe fact thatValterAltman, the moderator of the 29August 2012 Central Com_ mittee meeting of the vorrd council of churches, began his speech with questions about the relevance of ecumenism today is evidence of this. He said: "Irt usnot fool ourselves: the question at stake was whether our ecumenical journey as the wodd council of churches was in irremediable decline. Thank God, we managed to go through the turmoil, with relatively little damage.vaters are calmer now, but is there still wind swelling to push our boat forward? our ship will not capsize, but will it be able to advance significantly?Are we condemned to watch silently the sea around uswhat we have !s6n safling the.changing landscape'_without being capable of moving forward?" (w'alterAltman, "Moderator's Address: signs of a way Forward, [world

On the Acquisition of the Holy Spirit: Sergius Bulgakov and the Theotokos

Logos: A Journal of Eastern Christian Studies, 2013

Українське резюме на ст. 32) The pneumatology and Mariology of Sergius Bulgakov, widely believed ... more Українське резюме на ст. 32) The pneumatology and Mariology of Sergius Bulgakov, widely believed to be the most important Russian theologian of the twentieth century, is here examined to discover the links between the Holy Spirit and the Mother of God, and the implications for the divinization of humanity, especially as we share in the sufferings of Mary and Christ, and "so complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions." These connections are developed in Bulgakov's controversial sophiology whose development and implications for both Trinitarian theology and ecumenical methodology are discussed.

Book Review: Unfading Light: Contemplations and Speculations

Theological Studies, 2013

Book Review: Catholic High Schools: Facing the New Realities. By James L. Heft, S.M

Theological Studies, 2014

Book Review: Icons and the Name of God

Theological Studies, 2013

Books by Dr. WN Sisto

The Mother of God in the Theology of Sergius Bulgakov : The Soul Of The World

Routledge, 2018

Russian Mariology and Bulgakov

The formative events

The Mother of God in the Theology of Sergius Bulgakov, 2017

The Beginning of the End: Bulgakov and the Ascension

Irish Theological Quarterly, 2018

This paper analyzes Sergius N. Bulgakov’s unique interpretation of the Ascension of Jesus Christ.... more This paper analyzes Sergius N. Bulgakov’s unique interpretation of the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Drawing from the Orthodox liturgy and the New Testament, Bulgakov argues that the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven is the beginning of the end times. It is a foretaste of the general Resurrection, but also it reveals that humankind and God are inextricably linked through the created Sophia. The created Sophia allows for human nature to encounter the power and glory of God and survive.

Encountering god : a comparative study of the doctrine of the divine energy in maximus the confessor and Gregory Palamas

Making the New Evangelization Credible: Mary in the Ecumenical Movement

Marian studies, 2013

Making tbe New Euangellzatlon Credlbte l l1 "credible testimony of the Gospel."3The message of th... more Making tbe New Euangellzatlon Credlbte l l1 "credible testimony of the Gospel."3The message of the Gospel is obscured by denominationalism.a Competition, in-fighting, and proselytism among different denominations weaken our ability to evangelize, because for many this is evidence that christians are hypocrites.It is no wonder why st. paul insists: ?o 4 you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together" (Eph 4:34).perhaps it is more ttran a coincidence that the decline of interest in the ecumenical movement5 in the U.S. Christian Churches parallels the growth in religious "nonesi people who do not associate with any otgantzed religion.According to a recent pew study that sur_ veyed forty-six million people, "nones" are one of the fastest growing groups inAmerica.In fact, one third of adults under the age of thirry have no religious affiliation.6 In our secular society, christianity is ceasing to be relevant.It is for this reason that I think the Pope is correct in renewing his plea that the r Pope Benedict xvl, Missionary Intentions 2o09 (pontifical sociery of the Mis. sionary Childhood, January 2OO9), accessed September 6. 2ol3_hup: / /www.vati_ can.va,/roman-curia./congregations/ce%ng/p_missionary_works/infantia/documents/ rc_ic_infantia_ do c _2OO9O 32 4_bolerin I 5p I 8_en. html. arhe editors at the Nattonal catbottcReporterfugltlrght that forthe firsr tlrne since Pew researchers started surveying d;1s retigrous affiliation ofAmericans, the United states is no longer maioriry protestant. (cf. NCR Editors,"Editorial: New Evangelization Requires Bishops'self-Examination: Nailonat catbollc Reporter [october 27,2ol2l, accessed February l2,20l jhttp://ncronline.orglnews/ tican/editorial_e vangelization-requires-bi shopso/oE2o/B0%99-self-examination.) rThe fact thatValterAltman, the moderator of the 29August 2012 Central Com_ mittee meeting of the vorrd council of churches, began his speech with questions about the relevance of ecumenism today is evidence of this. He said: "Irt usnot fool ourselves: the question at stake was whether our ecumenical journey as the wodd council of churches was in irremediable decline. Thank God, we managed to go through the turmoil, with relatively little damage.vaters are calmer now, but is there still wind swelling to push our boat forward? our ship will not capsize, but will it be able to advance significantly?Are we condemned to watch silently the sea around uswhat we have !s6n safling the.changing landscape'_without being capable of moving forward?" (w'alterAltman, "Moderator's Address: signs of a way Forward, [world

The Soul of the Human Race: The Mother of God in the Theology Of Sergius Bulgakov

This dissertation examines the role of the Mother of God in Sergius Bulgakov's Sophiology. It pla... more This dissertation examines the role of the Mother of God in Sergius Bulgakov's Sophiology. It places Bulgakov's Mariology within the contexts of the Russian Religious Renaissance and Russian Sophiology. With respect to Russian Sophiology, Bulgakov systematically develops the insights on Mary proffered by Vladimir Solov'ev and Pavel Florensky. I demonstrate that his The Burning Bush (1926) should be seen as the fullest development of Sophianic Mariology initiated by Solov'ev. The influence of the Russian Religious Renaissance is evident in his emphasis on sexuality. Bulgakov incorporates the popular theory from this movement that each person 1 Rowan Williams observed in his book, Sergii Bulgakov: Towards a Russian Political Theology, that no secondary source has yet adequately treated Sergius Bulgakov's Mariology.

Cyborg Enhancements: Sergius Bulgakov and His Sophiological Perspective

Cyborg Technologies: Bulgakov and His Sophiological Perspective, 2023

Although Bulgakov did not write about cyborg ethics, his thesis that humankind is the hypostasis ... more Although Bulgakov did not write about cyborg ethics, his thesis that humankind is the hypostasis of the creaturely Sophia provides a dynamic framework to assess the morality of technological alterations to the human body. As the hypostasis of the creaturely Sophia, the human person has limitless possibilities, including miracle-working. And thus, Jesus Christ's miracles reflect capacities that God intends for all human persons, with the greatest miracle being the resurrection of the body. Bulgakov's thought on miracles offers both a defense of cybernetic modifications and a norm for their limits. This article resources Bulgakov's sophiology to provide an Eastern Christian perspective on cybernetic enhancement technologies. It also engages Bulgakov's sophiology with current scholarship on cybernetic enhancement technologies.

Marian Dogmas and Reunion: What Eastern Catholics Can Teach Us about Catholic Ecumenism

Journal of Ecumenical Studies, Mar 22, 2011

Introduction The role that the humble peasant girl Mary of Nazareth played in the history of Chri... more Introduction The role that the humble peasant girl Mary of Nazareth played in the history of Christianity is possibly one of Christianity's greatest ironies. Her simple, yet profound faith in God gave birth to Christianity; however this faithful woman has occupied one of the most controversial and contentious places within the Christian tradition. Beloved among Catholics and Orthodox, she is the object of hyperdulia; she is the greatest disciple of Christ, who intercedes for humankind before Jesus Christ. However, for many Protestants and Anglicans she is merely a woman, and the attention that the Catholic Church has paid to her represents a gross exaggeration and betrayal of the gospel. Catholic attention toward Mary was seen as idolatry. Mary's role in the economy of salvation is at the same time responsible for the Christian faith and for its division. Nonetheless, this past century has witnessed a renewed interest in the Mother of Jesus among all Christian churches. Within the Catholic community Marian devotion and doctrine are no longer exalted above the church but are subsumed into ecclesiology. (1) In Reformation churches, Mary's example of discipleship in the Second Testament has received renewed interest. Among many Protestant Christians, Mary is looked upon with admiration as a great example of faith in Jesus Christ, who was justified by her faith. She is a "witness to God's sovereign, electing grace." (2) For this reason, especially among feminist Protestant theologians, her active role during the ministry of Jesus and at the crucifixion is emphasized. (3) Due in part to the ecumenical movement, openness and dialogue have replaced traditional antagonism over Mary's place in the Christian church. In 2003, Christianity witnessed one of most important agreed statements on this topic: Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ, authored by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC). What is interesting about this document is that it legitimized authentic Marian devotion and doctrine. Not only is the traditional typological approach to Marian texts in the Scriptures employed, but the Anglicans also proclaim with the Catholics that both Marian dogmas--the Assumption of Mary and her Immaculate Conception--are consonant with the scriptures. Nevertheless, the ARCIC document raised an important question for consideration, namely, "whether it would be a condition of the future restoration of full communion that they [the Anglicans] should be required to accept the definitions of 1854 and 1950." (4) In other words, does union with the Catholic Church presuppose promulgation of Catholic dogma? These questions touch upon the methodology of Catholic ecumenism that has implications for all Christian churches in dialogue with Rome. Although the Catholic magisterium has never officially promulgated an ecumenical method with regard to these questions, I will demonstrate that in the Catholic Church's practical dealings with the Ukrainian Catholic Church it has developed an ecumenical method relevant to this discussion. Although this essay will draw upon documents and statements relevant to all Eastern Catholics, it will focus solely on the Ukrainian Catholic Church, not other Eastern Catholic churches. The practical dealings of the magisterium with the Ukrainian Catholic Church illustrate an ecumenical method in place that is reminiscent of the method proposed by Karl Rahner and Heinrich Fries in the mid-1980's, albeit with an important qualification. Rahner and Fries suggested that reunited churches not require the profession of Catholic dogmatic teachings, though these dogmas could not be denied. (5) However, unlike Rahner and Fries, the magisterium requires the Ukrainian Catholic Church to accept formally the teaching of the Immaculate Conception, yet the Ukrainian Catholic Church is not only permitted but encouraged to express its own understanding of Mary's sinless conception by the magisterium that is authentically Eastern and ironically at odds with the 1854 dogmatic definition of Pope Plus IX. …

Jacob’s Ladder: On Angels. Trans. Thomas Allan Smith (review)

Toronto Journal of Theology, 2012

Buddhists and Dying: How to Effectively Care for Buddhists at the End of Life

Journal of US-China Public Administration, 2015

Since Elisabeth Kübler-Ross has written groundbreaking text On Death and Dying (1969), numerous s... more Since Elisabeth Kübler-Ross has written groundbreaking text On Death and Dying (1969), numerous studies have documented effective strategies for helping the terminally-ill cope with dying. Yet, few studies have examined the role that religion plays in a person's coping with death and how healthcare providers can help facilitate positive religious coping. This paper addresses this lacuna in death studies. Drawing from textual analysis of primary and secondary literature and qualitative interviews with Buddhist masters, this paper examines what Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist religion does well with regard to helping its congregants cope with dying, and offers practical guidelines as to how healthcare providers can use this information to help their patients achieve what they define as a good death. Specifically, the Buddhist religious tradition helps Buddhists die well because it addresses what Charles Corr defines as the four dimensions of a person: the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. This paper argues that sensitivity to this idea and successful coordination between religious practices and medical treatments shall result in better care for Buddhist patients.

The Beginning of the End: Bulgakov and the Ascension

by Dr. WN Sisto and Walter Sisto

The Beginning of the End: Bulgakov and the Ascension, 2018

This paper examines the distinctive interpretation of the Ascension of Jesus Christ by Sergius N.... more This paper examines the distinctive interpretation of the Ascension of Jesus Christ by Sergius N. Bulgakov. By drawing from both the Orthodox liturgy and the New Testament, Bulgakov posits that the Ascension of Jesus Christ marks the commencement of the end times. He contends that it offers a preview of the general Resurrection while also revealing the inherent interconnectedness between humankind and God through the created Sophia. Bulgakov asserts that the created Sophia permits human nature to encounter God's power and glory while still being able to survive.

Encountering God: A Comparative Study of the Doctrine of the Divine Energy in Maximus the Confessor and Gregory Palamas

MELITA THEOLOGICA, 2014

and assistant professor of Religious Studies at D'Youville College, Buffalo, NY. He has published... more and assistant professor of Religious Studies at D'Youville College, Buffalo, NY. He has published articles on Sergius Bulgakov and on ecumenical trends. 1 Both theologians are popular today, especially in the English speaking Orthodox world. Commenting on Maximus' popularity, Andrew Louth wrote, "he is frequently dubbed the greatest of Byzantine theologians, "

Making the New Evangelization Credible: Mary in the Ecumenical Movement

Marian Studies, 2013

Making tbe New Euangellzatlon Credlbte l l1 "credible testimony of the Gospel."3The message of th... more Making tbe New Euangellzatlon Credlbte l l1 "credible testimony of the Gospel."3The message of the Gospel is obscured by denominationalism.a Competition, in-fighting, and proselytism among different denominations weaken our ability to evangelize, because for many this is evidence that christians are hypocrites.It is no wonder why st. paul insists: ?o 4 you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together" (Eph 4:34).perhaps it is more ttran a coincidence that the decline of interest in the ecumenical movement5 in the U.S. Christian Churches parallels the growth in religious "nonesi people who do not associate with any otgantzed religion.According to a recent pew study that sur_ veyed forty-six million people, "nones" are one of the fastest growing groups inAmerica.In fact, one third of adults under the age of thirry have no religious affiliation.6 In our secular society, christianity is ceasing to be relevant.It is for this reason that I think the Pope is correct in renewing his plea that the r Pope Benedict xvl, Missionary Intentions 2o09 (pontifical sociery of the Mis. sionary Childhood, January 2OO9), accessed September 6. 2ol3_hup: / /www.vati_ can.va,/roman-curia./congregations/ce%ng/p_missionary_works/infantia/documents/ rc_ic_infantia_ do c _2OO9O 32 4_bolerin I 5p I 8_en. html. arhe editors at the Nattonal catbottcReporterfugltlrght that forthe firsr tlrne since Pew researchers started surveying d;1s retigrous affiliation ofAmericans, the United states is no longer maioriry protestant. (cf. NCR Editors,"Editorial: New Evangelization Requires Bishops'self-Examination: Nailonat catbollc Reporter [october 27,2ol2l, accessed February l2,20l jhttp://ncronline.orglnews/ tican/editorial_e vangelization-requires-bi shopso/oE2o/B0%99-self-examination.) rThe fact thatValterAltman, the moderator of the 29August 2012 Central Com_ mittee meeting of the vorrd council of churches, began his speech with questions about the relevance of ecumenism today is evidence of this. He said: "Irt usnot fool ourselves: the question at stake was whether our ecumenical journey as the wodd council of churches was in irremediable decline. Thank God, we managed to go through the turmoil, with relatively little damage.vaters are calmer now, but is there still wind swelling to push our boat forward? our ship will not capsize, but will it be able to advance significantly?Are we condemned to watch silently the sea around uswhat we have !s6n safling the.changing landscape'_without being capable of moving forward?" (w'alterAltman, "Moderator's Address: signs of a way Forward, [world

On the Acquisition of the Holy Spirit: Sergius Bulgakov and the Theotokos

Logos: A Journal of Eastern Christian Studies, 2013

Українське резюме на ст. 32) The pneumatology and Mariology of Sergius Bulgakov, widely believed ... more Українське резюме на ст. 32) The pneumatology and Mariology of Sergius Bulgakov, widely believed to be the most important Russian theologian of the twentieth century, is here examined to discover the links between the Holy Spirit and the Mother of God, and the implications for the divinization of humanity, especially as we share in the sufferings of Mary and Christ, and "so complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions." These connections are developed in Bulgakov's controversial sophiology whose development and implications for both Trinitarian theology and ecumenical methodology are discussed.

Book Review: Unfading Light: Contemplations and Speculations

Theological Studies, 2013

Book Review: Catholic High Schools: Facing the New Realities. By James L. Heft, S.M

Theological Studies, 2014

Book Review: Icons and the Name of God

Theological Studies, 2013

The Mother of God in the Theology of Sergius Bulgakov : The Soul Of The World

Routledge, 2018