Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Religion

Humanism and the Reformation: Key Movements in Europe

Humanism was a philosophical and cultural movement that spread in 15th and 16th-century Europe. It marked a shift from:

• The medieval theocentric viewpoint, where all activities revolved around God.
• The anthropocentric viewpoint, where human intelligence was the key to understanding and interpreting the universe.

Humanists emphasized:

• The use of reason and experience.
• A deep curiosity about the world.
• Inspiration from the cultural inheritance of antiquity.

Most medieval texts were written in Latin.

Key Figures of Humanism

• Erasmus of Rotterdam: A Dutch humanist who admired ancient Greece and Rome. One of his most famous works was *The Praise of Folly*.
• Thomas More: Born in London, he was executed by

William Blake's *Infant Joy*: Analysis and Interpretation

Context

Infant Joy is often interpreted by critics as an imaginary dialogue between a newborn baby and its mother. The baby asserts that its name, and therefore its nature, is joy. The mother wishes that joy will continue to characterize the infant's life.

Many critics view the poem's dialogue as a lullaby a mother is singing to her newborn child, assuming both their voices. The child's words celebrate the baby's present innocence and joy (“I happy am”). Her response, “Sweet joy befall thee,” is both a blessing and a recognition that what may befall the baby will include other, less joyful, experiences.

Some critics also remind us that Blake wrote at a time of very high infant mortality.... Continue reading "William Blake's Infant Joy: Analysis and Interpretation" »

Key Concepts and Characters in A Midsummer Night's Dream

Essential Vocabulary and Definitions

• Defiant: Showing aggression or independence by refusing to obey someone.
• Faines: Used to emphasize that if someone does not know something, you also do not know it.
• Trick: An action intended to deceive someone.
• Out of the Woods: If something or someone is not out of the woods yet, they are still having difficulties or problems.
• Quarrel: An angry argument between two or more friends or family members.

Major Character Profiles

Nick Bottom (The Weaver)

Bottom is a weaver and one of the Athenian craftsmen referred to as "the Mechanicals." Puck transforms his head into that of a donkey, leading to his brief affair with Titania. In his free time, he is an actor who... Continue reading "Character Analysis and Plot Summary of A Midsummer Night's Dream" »

• Avignon: City in France where Pope Clement V moved the Church.
• Great Schism: Division in the medieval Roman Catholic Church, during which rival popes were established in Avignon and in Rome.
• John Wycliffe: English man that challenged the papacy. He preached that Jesus Christ was the true head of the church and not the pope.
• Jan Hus: Professor in Bohemia; taught that the authority of the Bible was higher than that of the pope.
• Bubonic Plague: Deadly disease that spread across Asia and Europe, killing millions of people. Three effects of this were that the town population fell, trade declined, and the serfs left the manor in search of better ways.
• Hundred Years War: Conflict between England and France for the French crown from 1337 to 1453.
• Joan of

Key Terms and Biblical Allusions (1-56)

1. Greater Man: Jesus Christ.
2. Heavenly Muse: The source of Milton's inspiration, identified with the Spirit of God that spoke to Moses.
3. Oreb, Sinai: Mount Horeb and Sinai, where Moses heard the voice of God.
4. Shepherd: Moses; referring to the chosen seed, the Jews.
5. Sion Hill, Siloa's Brook: Places in Jerusalem, the holy city of the Jews.
6. Aonian Mount: Mount Helicon in Greece, sacred to the Muses.
7. Argument: Subject (or theme).
8. Providence: God's plan for the universe.
9. Justify: To show the justice of. Milton states his purpose in this line.
10. Grandparents: Adam and Eve.
11. Transgress: To sin against.
12. For one restraint: On account of the command not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge.
13. Th' Infernal Serpent: Satan, who in the Bible

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If Not Higher

Literal Comprehension

Early every Friday morning, at the time of penitential prayer, the Rabbi of Nemirov disappeared. He wasn't found at home either. People thought he went to heaven at that time. But a Litvak didn't believe it. He decided to find the truth. He secretly went to the Rabbi's room and watched every activity of the Rabbi during the night before Friday. The next morning, the Rabbi left home as a peasant outside the city. The Litvak secretly followed him. In the forest, he chopped a tree and made a bundle of sticks. He came back to the city with the bundle of sticks and sold it to a sick Jewish woman on credit. He also helped to build the fire. While tending the fire, he recited different portions and penitential... Continue reading "Heaven Through Compassion: Rabbi's Lesson on Service" »

Elements of Body Language You Can Consciously Work On:

• Posture:

  This will enhance your positive aura and help you appear more responsible and reliable. Few basics:
  • Stand tall with straight shoulders while leaning forwards slightly.
  • Keep your posture open by not folding your arms across your body.
  • Don't tuck your hands in your pockets, keep them free to gesture.
  • Work on improving your body language.

• Facial Expression:

  Use your face to show you're a friendly person. Express enthusiasm and conviction on your views through your face. The basics:
  • Nothing better than a genuine smile to express your warmth.
  • Keep your face relaxed with your gaze steady.
  • Make eye contact (not more than 2 seconds).
  • Keep the comfort of your audience in mind.

• Voice:

  Research shows

Origins and Beliefs

Rabbinic Judaism, also known as Rabbinism, has been the dominant form of Judaism since the 6th century CE. It emerged from Pharisaic Judaism and is based on the belief that Moses received the Written Torah (Pentateuch) and an oral explanation, known as the Oral Torah, from God at Mount Sinai.

Development and Spread

Rabbinic Judaism gained prominence within the Jewish diaspora between the 2nd and 6th centuries. The development of the oral law and the Talmud allowed for the interpretation of Jewish scripture and the practice of Judaism in the absence of Temple sacrifice and other practices.

Conservative Judaism

Conservative Judaism emerged in 19th-century Germany as a response to the liberal positions of Reform Judaism. It emphasizes... Continue reading "Rabbinic Judaism: The Mainstream Form of Judaism Since the 6th Century CE" »

The Importance of the Trinity to Christians

God the Son

The concept of the Trinity, where God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, holds immense significance for Christians. God the Son, embodied in Jesus Christ, represents God in human form, sent to Earth to redeem humanity. Jesus' power to heal and save serves as a reminder of God's love and compassion.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in Christian faith by enabling believers to perceive God's presence in the world. It bestows upon them spiritual gifts and guidance, fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

The Trinity in the Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian beliefs, affirms the doctrine of the Trinity.

Jesus as the Son of God

The creed... Continue reading "Christian Beliefs: The Trinity, Problem of Evil, and the Last Days of Jesus" »