In “Science as a Vocation,” Max Weber identifies a trajectory within modernity of increased rationalization, which results in a dangerous loss of meaning, a marginalization of religion, and a disenchanted view of the world. Weber’s misunderstanding of religion as premodern and “magical” results in his underestimating how religion can contribute to “re-enchanting” a field of knowledge, specifically medicine. This article proposes to turn to a theology of the Holy Spirit as “giver of life” for resources to “re-enchant” medicine. Re-enchantment does (...) not require returning to a magical view of the world but retrieving a real sense of God at work in the world, thereby enabling the health care worker and scientist to arrive at a deeper understanding of vocation. (shrink)

El presente artículo trata los elementos órficos que pueden encontrarse en las Dionisíacas de Nono, un poema épico griego de época imperial (s.V). En su canto sexto podemos leer una versión del nacimiento y muerte de Dioniso Zagreo, un mito fundamental para la religión mistérica griega, tanto la órfica como la dionisíaca. Este artículo analiza el mito tal y corno lo encontramos en las Dionisíacas tratando de confrontarlo con lo que sabemos de la religión órfica y dionisíaca, todo ello desde (...) la óptica de Nono, un poeta entre paganismo y cristianismo, cuyas inclinaciones religiosas aún no han sido despejadas. (shrink)

This paper focuses on the religious background of lawgiving and its mythical models in books I-IV of the Laws. This latest of Plato's Works deals with the main tasks of a legislator in the ideal political community. In this dialogue, the lawgiver is the heir of a long Greek tradition with mythical and historical forerunners who had a special relation with the divinity. Perhaps the best example of this kind of divine lawgiver is Minos, who was able of knowing the (...) Gods' will and received from them the holy laws. In that aspect, Plato depends on the legendary nomothetai from myth and dwells heavily in oracular procedures as a way of communication with divinity and acquisition of decrees or confirmation of laws. If our view is correct, the model for the best possible constitution comes from Divine Wisdom through oracular mediation from their mythical origins in Crete and Egypt. The medium between Gods and Men and its mantic practices – as the holy men from myth and archaic Greek politics – seems a key figure for a better understanding of Plato's most complex dialogue. (shrink)