Napoca Roots

“The Teachings of Neagoe Basarab” – a Manual of Leadership and a Model of Dynamic Embodiment of the Eternal Word

2024-01-09T07:58:25+00:00

The work of the Wallachian ruler Neagoe Basarab “The Teachings to his son Theodosius” remains an essential landmark of medieval Romanian culture and spirituality. The writing synthesizes an original vision of Christian teaching with the great models of universal political thought, becoming a manual for future rulers. Its importance is reflected in its overwhelming influence on later Romanian culture, as well as in the timeliness of its perspective on leadership based on enduring values. This study highlights the author's multiple sources of inspiration, harmoniously integrating biblical, patristic and philosophical traditions in a work that goes beyond medieval political treatises. From a theological perspective, the writing reflects a unified conception of divine revelation, promoting a mystical pedagogy that proposes a model of integral human formation. And the virtues and values enunciated have universal anthropological resonances. Thus, the integral message of Neagoe Basarab's work is not only a major expression of local political literature but also a permanent invitation to rediscover the Christian ethos that was the basis of European culture. And the recovery of this spiritual paradigm remains indispensable for overcoming the contemporary crisis.

“The Teachings of Neagoe Basarab to His Son Theodosius” – a Historiographic Retrospective

2024-01-09T07:59:58+00:00

On the commemoration of five centuries after the death of Romanian Ruling Prince Neagoe Basarab (1512-1521), one of the most important representatives of cultural resistance on Romanian territory in the Middle Ages, the author of the present paper shines a light on the history, context and influences of his masterpiece, The Teachings of Neagoe Basarab to His Son Theodosius. Thus, the paper highlights Neagoe Basarab’s prophetic side, how his writings bring education to his people or the influences of authors like Basil I the Macedonian or Constantine Porphyrogenites on his style and ideas. At the same time, due attention is given to the influence of his work of patristic voices such as St John Chrysostom, Dionysius the Areopagite, John Climacus or mystical authors such as Varlaam și Iosafat, to his way of thinking, and the metamorphosis of his ideas. Furthermore, potential influences such as the one of Machiavelli and his chief work, The Prince, are also brought to attention in the paper, emphasising that there are voices that persist in the claim that the Italian author may have influenced Neagoe Basarab’s activity. The paper concludes, among other things, that, through his work, Neagoe Basarab managed to pave the way for Humanist culture on Romanian territory.

Monarchy by Divine Right as per the Books of Kings in “The Teachings of Neagoe Basarab to His Son Theodosius”

2024-01-09T08:01:28+00:00

The present study aims to address the issue of monarchy by divine right in The Teachings of Neagoe Basarab to His Son Theodosius, which, due to its defining role in the most important work of the Romanian Middle Ages, allows one to observe how Saint Neagoe Basarab bases his teachings on references to the Holy Scriptures and to the Old Testament in particular. Furthermore, the chosen topic allows one to also understand the specific pillars of Slavic‑Byzantine Eastern theological culture which Neagoe Basarab highlights authentically and originally in his remarkable work.

The Biblical Model of Humble Authority in “The Teachings of Neagoe Basarab to His Son Theodosius”

2024-01-09T08:00:28+00:00

From a methodological point of view, the present research focuses on the fundamental aspects of Old-Testament monarchic theology, identifying them wherever they stand out in The Teachings of Neagoe Basarab to His Son Theodosius. The aim of this endeavour is threefold: first, to highlight the excellence of biblical values via direct references to the biblical text, mostly to the Old Testament, second, to underline the high leadership principles of the great ruler in question, as well as the responsibility he bears in mind in conveying them to his successor to the throne, and third, the fundamental goal of this research, namely to highlight the coherence, fluency, harmony and axiology of the text’s rhetoric, as an exceptional literary model and treasure of Romanian literature, a testimony and testament, a source and resource for the life of society and the Church over the centuries.

The Teachings of Amenemope and the Book of Proverbs of Solomon (22:17-24:22)

2024-01-09T07:58:52+00:00

The study explores the links between the Teachings of Amenemope from Ancient Egypt and the Proverbs of Solomon book. Egyptologist Erman observed the first connections. Since then, there have been hypotheses about the Proverbs author’s access to Amenemope’s text. Analysis reveals significant parallels between the two works – calls for obedience, respect for the poor and elderly, and warnings against greed. The author also highlights specific adaptations to Israelite realities and beliefs. He notes the Egyptian influence on biblical wisdom, with the author redefining this wisdom in an Israelite context. The influences point to a universalist view, transcending cultural boundaries, with the search for wisdom from diverse sources.

The cultural-religious context of the 17th century in the Romanian environment

2024-01-08T10:41:00+00:00

Neagoe Basarab – the Ruler who was Seeking Eternity

2024-01-13T22:45:50+00:00

An Academic Pattern: Professor – PhD Student

2024-01-13T22:49:29+00:00