The times they are a-changin'. As such, our theology needs to adapt--to be responsive to the changing landscape. The idea for Embracing the Past--Forging the Future: A New Generation of Wesleyan Theology came from our assessment that Wesleyan theology has yet to fully adapt to this changing landscape, and that the future of Wesleyan theology requires the bringing together of old and new voices. The difficult task of balancing between continuity and change--keeping up with the developments of our culture and staying true to the roots of our tradition--requires the dual focus of looking forward and backward simultaneously. In this volume, we have brought together contributions by young Wesleyan scholars (graduate students and junior faculty) as a way of illustrating and articulating a new generation of Wesleyan theology. These younger voices demonstrate the desire to push Wesleyan theology in new directions. Additionally, we have included contributions from senior scholars who have been doing important work and who have already made significant contributions to Wesleyan theology. This is not simply the "old guard" but the voices of scholars who continue to make a profound impact on Wesleyan theology.

Embracing the Past, Designing the Future provides an historical overview of Brazilian authoritarianism and social/economic development during the political era (1930-45) of Getulio Vargas as viewed and understood by Oliveira Viana and Azevedo Amaral, two of the principal intellectuals and ideologues of the regime at the time. Oliveira Vianna was one of the main authors of the corporatist labour legislation and Azevedo Amaral remained an important publicist who was associated with the regimes propaganda apparatus. the heart of the discussion is the legitimacy of authoritarian modernisation. Brazil's contemporary uncertainty has deep parallels with the earlier period: unruly and un-democratic political debate coupled with economic stagnation. It was during the Vargas era that the power bases and fundamental principals of the construction of modern Brazil were defined in terms of its political administration and its economy and industry. These features may still be perceived in the country today, albeit claimed or rejected by political leaders such as Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Fernando Henrique Cardoso. Linkage between authoritarianism and the economic development of Brazil is strong, whether viewed through the lenses of history, sociology or political science. Both periods of exceptional national economic and social growth were associated exactly to its two governmental authoritarian periods in the twentieth century the Vargas era and the military dictatorship (196485). This volume addresses a complex of ideological difficulties that go to the heart of what the Brazilian nation stands for: its racial construction; its colonial heritage; the fractured nature of the relationship between society and state; the role of corporatism, and its sometime political rejection; and the dangers of political personalisation, to the detriment of the nation.

Since 1967, the centennial of Confederation, numerous political crises, economic challenges, and international events have helped to transform Canadian society, and will continue to shape its future. Taking these various challenges and opportunities of the past into account, how does the future look for Canada? In Reflecting on Our Past and Embracing Our Future diplomats, politicians, scientists, and human rights leaders including Phil Fontaine, Michaëlle Jean, Ellen Gabriel, Paul Heinbecker, Bob Rae, Jean Charest, and David Suzuki have come together to share their wisdom and experience of events that have marked the country over the last fifty years. Reflecting on the role of the Senate in Canada as complementary to the House of Commons, they consider central issues such as the condition of indigenous peoples, the obligations of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the recognition of two official languages, and the national unity referendums. Contributors also discuss the transformation of the economy in a globalized and digital world, the role of Canada on the world stage at a time of growing tension and an increasing flow of refugees, climate change and the uncertain future of the Arctic, scientific and cultural competitions on the international market, and the future of parliamentary democracy. Correcting misconceptions about the contemporary role of the Senate, and providing a counterargument for radical Senate reform, Reflecting on Our Past and Embracing Our Future offers rich perspectives and fascinating insights about Canada's likely development in the coming years.

This book explores the benefits of teaching reflection upon one’s own culture to develop intercultural competence and looks into the relationship between the proficiency level of the second language and the target culture. It introduces new debates on the concept of ‘critical cultural awareness’ in intercultural learning and teaching, for example the indiscriminate use of terminologies related to the idea of ‘intercultural encounters’. Also, it provides insight into the relationship between language and culture using a new tool such as the Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters through Visual Media. The presentation of different approaches, tools, barriers, educational and cultural realities, online intercultural exchange projects and concepts such as motivation, attitudes, stereotyping, otherization, and critical cultural awareness makes this book an excellent instrument not only for teachers but also for researchers, policy-makers and private and public institutions that want to explore culture and interculturality and to promote an intercultural competence and global citizenship among its learners / users / clients and / or an interculturally-oriented language education.

This book is a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic relationship between art, technology, and innovation in the context of the digital age. It delves into the history of art, painting, and sculpture, uncovering lessons from master painters and sculptors that resonate in today's creative landscape. The book navigates the ethical considerations surrounding authorship, transparency, and bias in the era of human-AI integration. It discusses the future of art, including the impact of NFTs and the importance of environmental sustainability in the creation and conservation of art. The book also examines the emotional resonance of art, spanning music, literature, poetry, dance, and choreography. It highlights the evolution of art as a data-driven, virtual reality experience and the collaborative synergy between humans and AI in the artistic process. Throughout, it emphasizes the significance of ethical considerations, education, and inclusivity in the art market and the framework for enhancing cultural exploration and personalized aesthetics while addressing privacy and security concerns. This book ultimately underscores the profound impact of art and technology integration on the artistic landscape of the future.