Divine Intervention Research Articles

Is the Thucydides Trap Relevant to the Rise and Fall of the Ottoman Empire? A Cliometric Analysis

One of the most complex issues in history is explaining how great powers emerge and, eventually, how they decline and disappear. The first written explanation of the rise and fall of great empires was offered by the "Father of History," Herodotus, in the 5th century BCE. Among many other topics, he sought to explain the rise and fall of the great powers of his time, such as the Persian Empire, the Median Empire, the Egyptian Kingdoms, and others. His main thesis attributed the rise and fall of these great powers to individual charisma and divine intervention and fate. Thucydides, writing later in the same century, offered a different perspective. He emphasized material conditions and the dynamics of relative power: as one power emerges, it challenges the established great power. War is highly probable unless the established power yields to the demands of the emerging power. This situation has come to be known as the Thucydides Trap, a concept revisited in this century to describe the alleged antagonism between the emerging power of China and the established power of the United States. I apply this theory of rising and falling great powers to the Ottoman Empire, which emerged in the 13th century and was dissolved in the early 20th century, primarily due to its economic and military competition with the emerging power of England after the 15th century. I adopt a cliometric approach, relying on available quantitative data to test the theory. Specifically, I examine the territorial extent of the Ottoman Empire and the GDP per capita of England to quantify the level of their greatness during this 600-year period. The evidence suggests that the Ottoman Empire reached its peak just before the First Industrial Revolution, which occurred in Europe, primarily in England, in the mid-18th century. Thereafter, the empire began to decline, and by the end of the Second Industrial Revolution in 1912 and World War I in 1918, the Ottoman Empire had effectively dissolved, eventually being replaced by Türkiye in 1923. Keywords: Ottoman Empire, Türkiye, England, Industrial Revolution, Great Powers, Cliometrics

Exploring Students’ Use of Medical Education Resources for the USMLE Step 2 CK Exam Preparation

Abstract Introduction The transition of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE®) Step 1 to pass/fail has increased the perceived importance of Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores, making effective exam preparation increasingly important. Our study characterizes Step 2 CK resource usage patterns and analyzes their relationship with scores. Methods Data from an anonymous, retrospective survey of fourth-year medical students from the Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine (HSOM) were analyzed to assess their study resource utilization patterns and self-reported Step 2 CK scores. Results A total of 275 students reported average usage of 4.4 resources, including 1.6 question banks (Qbanks), 1.2 video, 0.6 podcast, 0.5 flashcard, and 0.6 print resources. All but one used Qbanks; all used digital resources, while 42.1% also used print resources. The mean Step 2 CK score of 247.3 (SD = 12.8) mirrored national averages. Total resources used did not impact scores significantly. Using 3 + Qbanks was significantly associated with lower scores. Video usage corresponded to lower scores. Students using no print resources scored significantly higher. Podcast and flashcard usage had no significant associations. The most popular resources were UWorld (97.7%), Anki (50.3%), Divine Intervention (50.3%), and AMBOSS (49.7%). Conclusion Medical students accessed diverse resources for Step 2 CK preparation but focused on commercial question banks most frequently and print materials minimally. Students should avoid resource overload and emphasize active learning with 1–2 Qbanks and use other materials judiciously, building upon past course work to enhance Step 2 CK scores. Ongoing monitoring of study resource usage can guide a school’s academic coaching, curricular decisions, and resource acquisition.

Cinematic Metaphors and Symbolism in Tamil Cinema: Eagles, Sunrises, and the Duality of Colors

Tamil cinema has long employed powerful visual metaphors and symbolic imagery to enhance storytelling, convey deeper meanings, and challenge conventional narratives. This study explores the significance of three key metaphors eagles, sunrises, and the duality of colors in shaping cinematic themes of fate, transformation, and morality. Analyzing scenes from Sathuranga Vettai (2014) and Vikram Vedha (2017), this paper examines how the eagle, often associated with Garuda in Hindu mythology, serves as a symbol of divine intervention and transcendence. Similarly, the sunrise in Sathuranga Vettai represents renewal, prosperity, and moral awakening, reinforcing themes of redemption and spiritual evolution. The contrast between white and black in Vikram Vedha subverts traditional notions of good and evil, portraying a morally complex world where righteousness and corruption are not absolute but interwoven. This analysis is grounded in key film theories that explain the power of visual storytelling in cinema. Sergei Eisenstein’s montage theory is relevant in how symbolic imagery such as the eagle soaring above or the sun rising creates meaning through juxtaposition, shaping audience perception beyond mere representation. Additionally, Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory highlights how these metaphors function as cultural codes, embedding deeper philosophical and mythological meanings into the narrative. The study also draws from auteur theory, examining how Tamil filmmakers use recurring motifs and visual language to communicate complex themes, much like international auteurs such as Akira Kurosawa or Andrei Tarkovsky. Furthermore, the interplay of light and dark in Vikram Vedha aligns with binary opposition theory from structuralism, where the tension between white and black clothing challenges conventional moral binaries. Key Words: Visual Metaphors, Symbolism in Cinema, Moral Ambiguity, Mythological Influence

Cinematic Metaphors and Symbolism in Tamil Cinema: Eagles, Sunrises, and the Duality of Colors

Tamil cinema has long employed powerful visual metaphors and symbolic imagery to enhance storytelling, convey deeper meanings, and challenge conventional narratives. This study explores the significance of three key metaphors eagles, sunrises, and the duality of colors in shaping cinematic themes of fate, transformation, and morality. Analyzing scenes from Sathuranga Vettai (2014) and Vikram Vedha (2017), this paper examines how the eagle, often associated with Garuda in Hindu mythology, serves as a symbol of divine intervention and transcendence. Similarly, the sunrise in Sathuranga Vettai represents renewal, prosperity, and moral awakening, reinforcing themes of redemption and spiritual evolution. The contrast between white and black in Vikram Vedha subverts traditional notions of good and evil, portraying a morally complex world where righteousness and corruption are not absolute but interwoven. This analysis is grounded in key film theories that explain the power of visual storytelling in cinema. Sergei Eisenstein’s montage theory is relevant in how symbolic imagery such as the eagle soaring above or the sun rising creates meaning through juxtaposition, shaping audience perception beyond mere representation. Additionally, Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory highlights how these metaphors function as cultural codes, embedding deeper philosophical and mythological meanings into the narrative. The study also draws from auteur theory, examining how Tamil filmmakers use recurring motifs and visual language to communicate complex themes, much like international auteurs such as Akira Kurosawa or Andrei Tarkovsky. Furthermore, the interplay of light and dark in Vikram Vedha aligns with binary opposition theory from structuralism, where the tension between white and black clothing challenges conventional moral binaries. Key Words: Visual Metaphors, Symbolism in Cinema, Moral Ambiguity, Mythological Influence

Is it reasonable to thank God for protection from some natural harm if He is responsible for causing the harm?

Throughout history, various cultures have invoked divine intervention to seek protection from natural disasters, while simultaneously attributing these calamities to divine will. This paradox raises the question: is it reasonable to thank God for protection from natural harm if He is responsible for causing it? This paper exam-ines the theological, philo-sophical, and moral implications of divine responsibil-ity for natural disasters. By analyzing scriptural evidence and philosophical ar-guments, this study explores whether it is justifiable to express gratitude to God for protection from natural harm. The findings indicate that human responsibility, the role of suffering, and the limitations of human under-standing of divine ac-tions challenge the assumption that God should be blamed for natural disasters. Instead, the paper argues that thanking God in such situations has both theo-logical and psychological significance.

The Anti-Eschatological Elijah and the Reinterpretation of the “Day of YHWH” in Malachi 3:23–24

Abstract A major theme of Israel’s prophetic tradition is the concept of the coming “day of YHWH,” understood to be a divine intervention in history consisting of judgment and vindication. The concluding verses of Malachi (3:23–24) contain a striking appropriation of that prophetic tradition, associating it with the return of Elijah as an eschatological messenger. The consensus in scholarship on this passage is that this innovation is to be ascribed to eschatologically oriented scribal editors in Persian- or Hellenistic-era Judaism. In this article, I highlight several underappreciated features of the passage to offer a new proposal regarding the introduction of Elijah as an eschatological figure. I argue that the purpose of Mal 3:23–24 is the opposite of what many have asserted: rather than an eschatologically oriented conclusion, it represents an anti-eschatological reinterpretation of the promised “day of YHWH.” The prophetic hope of the classical tradition is maintained, but deferred to the remote future. Indeed, the function of the scribal innovation appears to be to create an eschatological prerequisite that requires verification by authorized interpreters, who are none other than the scribes themselves.

Apocalyptic storytelling: Tobit’s narrative disclosure of God’s saving ways and angel

Euripides’ play Hippolytus has an interest and strategy in disclosing divine intervention through story form that encourages a reexamination of the Book of Tobit and a recognition of its apocalyptic focus. Hippolytus opens with the goddess Aphrodite venting about Hippolytus’ disavowal of love and her decision to curse him. From that point on, Euripides’ tragedy narrates how the goddess’ curse was realized and ends with Hippolytus’ death. Tobit begins with an account of Tobit and Sarah’s suffering that leads them to beg God for death. Ironically, God decides to end their suffering by delivering them. Similar to Hippolytus , the Book of Tobit then narrates how God’s decree is fulfilled and ends with their deliverance. Tobit’s interests set it apart from Hippolytus as it pivots on a foundational Jewish tradition of angelic deliverance. God’s decree depends upon the angel Raphael, with Tobit extending the angel of the Lord trajectory that began with Israel’s earliest traditions and informs Jewish apocalypticism. Tobit will introduce indigenous contours however, that renders its angelic intervention unparalleled. In this fashion, Hippolytus’ narrative traits invite an apocalyptic interpretation of Tobit that focuses on disclosing the mystery of divine deliverance.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Becoming a Christian: A Study of Formerly Imprisoned Men in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT The current study aims to contribute to the existing literature regarding religious conversion and desistance from crime by exploring the lived experiences and views of former perpetrators of crime who converted to Christianity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven men residing in the United Kingdom who have previously engaged in offending behaviors. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, three superordinate themes were identified relating to: “The Evolution of Faith;” “Divine Intervention;” and “It’s Not Always That Simple.” The findings are discussed in relation to the existing literature in religious conversion and desistance. Recommendations are made with respect to further research and practice.

Research on Highlighting the Need for Spiritual Transformation for Empowering Human Life

Throughout history, humans have been driven by a profound instinct to seek a connectionwith the origin of existence. This innate desire is present in people across cultures and fuels acontinuous quest to understand religion. While Eastern societies uphold traditional values andspirituality despite global modernization, Western societies have shifted away from conventionalbeliefs due to movements like the Renaissance. Scientific advancements and technologicalprogress have led to increased self-reliance and diminished faith in divine intervention, with somereplacing traditional beliefs with an admiration of human achievements.

Signs and wonders in the Apocalyptic framework

Contemporary Christianity is fascinated with claimed supernatural manifestations. The Bible speaks about signs and wonders. How does the biblical evidence inform the contemporary fascination? The appearance of signs and wonders in the Bible centers around three pivotal periods, the exodus, the time of Jesus and the apostles, and the eschaton. While in the first they are the result of divine intervention, in the eschaton they are associated with the activities of antigod powers. Similarly, Revelation speaks of end time signs that will be performed by the false prophet. The purpose of such is to deceive if possible God’s people. This sobering picture calls for spiritual vigilance towards any claims of supernatural manifestations.

Prayer and Curse in the Assyrians with Political Aspects

Human beings are prone to appeal to the gods and seek refuge in them when they feel helpless. Issues that cannot be resolved by human effort are often entrusted to divine intervention, turning to the gods who are regarded as the most powerful beings. Every society actively employs the practices of prayer and curses within the framework of their own beliefs. Semitic societies, in particular, stand out compared to other societies for their frequent recourse to these practices in almost every aspect of life. Beyond their daily lives, oaths and curses also hold significant importance in their political affairs. The Assyrian State, one of the most prominent states established by Semitic societies in history, is perhaps the most notable in this regard. Assyrian kings combined the practices of prayer and curses in all their activities, from construction projects to military campaigns, and from correspondence to treaty texts. In this study, based on information obtained from Assyrian cuneiform texts, we will explore the situations, methods, and purposes for which prayer and curses were employed by the political authorities.

Trajectory of Terminal Lucidity Phenomenon: Systematic Review

Terminal lucidity is a phenomenon characterized by the sudden reappearance of cognitive clarity in patients with severe cognitive impairment, such as dementia, near death. This systematic study aims to examine various aspects of the terminal lucidity phenomenon, from biological mechanisms, psychosocial impacts, to spiritual dimensions, especially through the lens of an Islamic perspective. The study was conducted using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach according to the PRISMA guidelines, with an analysis of 82 open access articles from 2015 to 2024. The selection process included screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts, resulting in 40 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of the analysis revealed that although biological mechanisms such as changes in neurotransmitters and brain electrical activity require further study, the terminal lucidity phenomenon has important implications for palliative care. This moment of clarity provides an opportunity for patients to communicate meaningfully and for families to say goodbye with hope. In addition to the medical aspect, terminal lucidity also reflects a significant spiritual dimension, where Islamic values interpret this phenomenon as divine intervention and a moment of final forgiveness. The findings of this study emphasize the need for a holistic approach that integrates emotional support, physical care, and spiritual guidance in end-of-life counseling. Further research is recommended to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms and the use of brain imaging technology to deepen the understanding of this phenomenon, so that the quality of patient care at the end of life can continue to be improved. This study makes an important contribution to expanding the multidisciplinary understanding of terminal lucidity and encourages the development of holistic palliative care guidelines, so that medical, psychosocial, and spiritual interventions can be optimized to accompany patients and their families to achieve a better quality of life.

Islamic practices as powerful tools for coping with prison life: experiences of men in a Belgian prison

Prison research has identified various coping mechanisms employed by incarcerated individuals, with religion serving as a significant resource. This qualitative research investigates religious coping strategies used by Muslim men incarcerated in the Belgian prison of Hasselt. Through thematic analysis of 21 semi-structured interviews, the research reveals that religious practices and beliefs are central to helping Muslims navigate the challenges of incarceration. The findings demonstrate that prayer, engagement with the Quran and participation in religious activities foster a sense of peace, purpose and resilience. A key element of these coping mechanisms is the concept of Sabr (patience), which plays a crucial role in how imprisoned people endure their circumstances. Furthermore, faith in divine intervention provides respondents with clarity, hope and understanding. By offering thick descriptions of Islamic practices, this research fills a gap in criminological literature and provides evidence of rehabilitative benefits of Islamic coping mechanisms. These insights may inform prison policies aimed at promoting religious coping strategies. Moreover, by shifting the focus away from the dominant narrative of Islamic radicalization in Belgian prisons, this study highlights the positive role of Islam in fostering emotional resilience and coping.

Abraham's prayer for Abimelech (Gn 20) – an Old Testament model of prayer for one's neighbor

This study, based on Genesis 20, where Abraham prays for Abimelech, presents an Old Testament model of intercessory prayer. It explores the theological significance of prayer in the Hebrew Bible and its impact on relationships with God and others. The narrative follows Abraham's journey to the land of Gherar, his encounter with King Abimelech, and the subsequent divine intervention to protect the sanctity of marriage and the promise of an heir. Emphasizing the role of prayer as a tool for spiritual growth and transformation, the study contrasts Abraham's flaws with Abimelech's integrity, highlighting the power of prayer to effect change and divine favor. It discusses Abraham's intercession as foundational, illustrating the importance of praying for others, which aligns with divine will and brings personal blessings. The allegorical interpretations of Abimelech's encounter and the broader implications for understanding biblical narratives are also considered.

Adapting Through Belief: The Persistent Rituals of Phuket’s Jia Cai Festival

The Jia Cai Festival, commonly known as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, has its origins in the early 19th century when Chinese immigrants from Fujian brought their religious practices to Phuket. Initially a private religious ceremony, it has since evolved into a prominent public and globally recognized event, attracting both local and international attention. This paper critically explores the historical roots and cultural significance of the Jia Cai Festival, tracing its origins to a malaria outbreak among Chinese immigrants. In seeking divine intervention, these immigrants dedicated themselves to nine days of vegetarian fasting in honor of the Nine Emperor Gods. Over time, this devotion has solidified into a deeply rooted tradition that reflects both religious faith and cultural identity. The research highlights how the Jia Cai Festival has been shaped by a synthesis of Chinese Taoist and Thai ritualistic elements, creating a unique cultural expression. The enduring belief in vegetarianism has driven adaptations in vegetarian food offerings to suit contemporary tastes while retaining the festival's core spiritual and cultural rituals. This delicate balance underscores the ongoing tension between preserving tradition and embracing modernity. However, the festival faces challenges, particularly the risk of cultural erosion due to increasing commercialization and tourism-driven modifications. By examining these dynamics, the study underscores the Jia Cai Festival's role as a symbol of cultural resilience. It demonstrates how the festival continues to foster social solidarity, cultural diversity, and economic prosperity, even amidst evolving societal contexts. Ultimately, this research contributes to broader discussions on cultural preservation, highlighting the significance of adaptive strategies in maintaining the integrity of traditional practices while ensuring their relevance in a modern, globalized world. The Jia Cai Festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage in promoting community identity and cohesion.

Baptism - The Divine Touch

In the original version of the medallion in the Neonian Baptistery, John the Baptist lays his hand on the head of Christ while baptizing him. In the article, the author argues that this motif is of special importance for the interpretation of the ritual act taking place beneath the cupola. When the priest touches the head of the baptisand, the participators in the rite achieve a visual glimpse of divine presence. As God’s acts have a hidden character, the very visual course of events taking place in the baptistery gives the opportunity of discussing divine intervention in early Christianity.

Semantic, Pragmatic, and Hermeneutic Approaches to Linguistic Analysis of Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin in Aramaic

The mysterious phrase “Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin” from the Book of Daniel has fascinated scholars and theologians for centuries. Despite its significance in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, in-depth linguistic analysis of the phrase in Aramaic texts is still limited. This study aims to bridge the gap between current knowledge and the desired understanding of the phrase’s linguistic structure, semantic implications, and historical context. Using descriptive and historical linguistic analysis methods on ancient Aramaic script, this study seeks to investigate the origins and development of the phrase while evaluating previous interpretations. This study will contribute to the understanding of ancient Semitic linguistics and culture, enriching theological and historical studies related to the Book of Daniel. Through this combined approach, this study aims to shed light on the linguistics, culture, and history in the broader context of ancient Semitic languages and texts, ultimately providing a clearer understanding of the phrase’s use, impact, and social relevance in ancient times. Thus it is found that (1) In ancient Mesopotamian culture, supernatural signs such as the writing on the walls of Belshazzar’s palace were viewed as direct divine intervention in human affairs. (2) This phrase carries a very strong message of criticism against the king. (3) Symbolic meaning for communication and narrative was important for the time. In conclusion. This research enhances the understanding of the Old Testament scriptures and the reception and interpretation of divine messages in specific historical settings. This understanding also opens the stage for further investigation of the correlation between sacred texts and their historical environment. Future scholarly investigations could investigate the social and political impact of divine messages in other ancient textual materials

The concept of humanitarian intervention in ancient Chinese philosophy and contemporary Chinese discourse

This paper, for the first time in Russian science, outlines the evolution of ancient Chinese views on humanitarian intervention and their potential use in Beijing’s modification of the contemporary concept of humanitarian intervention and the ‘responsibility to protect’ (R2P) initiative. There are good reasons to believe that the concept of humanitarian intervention was formulated for the first time in the world history of thought in China during the Warring States period (5th–3rd centuries BC). Its functional equivalents were the terms zhū 誅 ‘judgement/punishment’ and zhēng 征 ‘expedition,’ used in the discussions of the ‘sage kings of antiquity’ (gǔ-zhī shèng wáng 古之聖王, semi-legendary exemplary cultural heroes and dynastic founders) and in the discourse on the ‘proper [use of] military force’ (yì-bīng 義兵), an ancient Chinese equivalent of the just war theory. The views on humanitarian intervention evolved from ‘divine intervention’ (i.e. military actions as the execution of heavenly judgment, till the beginning of the 3rd century BC) to ‘humanitarian intervention’ (military actions as a means for rescuing the people from the villainous government, by the end of the 3rd century BC). Beijing’s use of this tradition might create a greater scope for legitimizing political actions that meet the interests and values of the PRC, thus raising the legitimacy bar of humanitarian intervention, and helping to specify the methods and mechanisms of peaceful conflict resolution under the R2P. The main aspects of the ‘sinicization’ of modern humanitarian intervention, taking into account the ancient Chinese ethics of war, can be an alternative conceptualization of the political space, an emphasis on the morality of a legitimate actor, a criterion of popular approval, a rethinking of jus in bello and jus post bellum as verifiers of jus ad bellum, the distinction between a regime change and a ruler change, and a focus on intervention as the last resort.

Exploring the Language of Suffering and Redemption through Discursive Manifestations of the Religious in Film Reviews

This paper explores the manifestations of religious discourse in film reviews, particularly focusing on the discursive markers of suffering and redemption. It analyses two sets of reviews of the religious films The Passion of the Christ and The Exorcist as a means of creating and deciphering meaning and observes how specific linguistic items reveal distinct representations of suffering within religious episodes. The reviews highlight the profound emotional and physical responses elicited by these films, underscoring the deep spiritual and existential impact on the viewers. In addition, the focus also lies on the connection between divine and mortal suffering, an intricate topic examined through the lens of salvation. In this respect, critics had in view episodes of great emotional and spiritual intensity, as Christ’s sacrifice, mirrored by the possessed girl’s plea for divine intervention and salvation. Our study intends to confirm that religious discourse in film reviews serves as a process of self-expression, effectively conveying complex emotional and spiritual reactions. The audience, composed of simple viewers and critics alike, are intrigued and persuaded into exploring the intense manifestations of religion in cinematic discourse. This is the reason why the aim of this paper is to identify and to analyse such discursive manifestations of the religious within film reviews, while focusing upon the manner in which certain feelings and emotional responses, such as suffering and redemption, are transmitted.

A Reading of 2 Kings 18:17–19:9a, 36–37 as a Trauma Narrative

The narrative of 2 Kings 18:17–19:9a, 36–37 (“Source B1”) recounts pre-exilic religious collective trauma surrounding Sennacherib’s military advance against Judah in 710 BCE and its aftermath. In this narrative, the Rabshakeh uses the keywords “בטח” and “נצל” to assert that Yhwh has turned against Judah. However, his claims were subverted by the withdrawal of the Assyrian army and the later death of Sennacherib, facilitated by the divine intervention of Yhwh following Hezekiah’s supplication. Despite its significance, only a few studies have examined this narrative as that of trauma. Drawing on Jeffrey Alexander’s theory of the social process of cultural or collective trauma, this study argues that the function of this narrative is that of religious trauma narrative. It reconstructs the collective trauma of Sennacherib’s campaign to theologically defend the Davidic kingship and Yhwh and ultimately suggests a revised identity for the Judaean community to foster solidarity, even under the ongoing influence of Assyria following the military campaign.