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

Dr. Cover's Rationales for the Four Gospels

Humanistic Rationale

It's impossible to capture the fullness of a person in a single portrayal. Each Gospel offers a unique perspective on Jesus, highlighting different aspects of his life, teachings, and personality.

Historical Rationale

Memories and interpretations of events vary within different communities. The Gospels reflect the diverse experiences and understandings of early Christian groups.

Theological Rationale

The number four holds symbolic significance. Just as there are four living creatures in Revelation 4:6-8, the four Gospels offer four distinct testimonies to Jesus's existence and significance.

The Apostle Paul

Uniqueness of Romans

Unlike other letters written to existing congregations, Paul... Continue reading "Understanding Early Christianity: Gospels, Paul's Letters, and the Trinity" »

Who Were Lady Julian of Norwich and St. Thomas Aquinas?

Their Theological Approaches

Lady Julian of Norwich, an English theologian, likened divine love to motherly love.

St. Thomas Aquinas, an Italian priest, viewed theology as a science. He believed its raw data consisted of written scripture and church tradition.

Ancient Christian Martyrdom

The First Christian Martyr

St. Stephen is often considered the first Christian martyr.

Literary Patterns in Early Christian Martyrdom Accounts

Early Christian martyrdom accounts emerged as a response to Roman persecution, primarily in two forms:

• Apologies: Defenses of the Christian faith.
• Passio/Martyrium: Narratives of martyrs' lives and deaths.

These texts often drew parallels to Christ's Passion, portraying martyrs'... Continue reading "Christian Martyrdom: Past and Present" »

What They Mean by Original Sin

The concept of original sin suggests that everyone is born with a predisposition towards wrongdoing, a desire for temporary pleasure or fulfillment. This inclination, while often diminishing with maturity, leaves a lasting impact on the human psyche. Consequently, our actions, purpose, and intentions become central to our moral compass.

St. Augustine's Perspective on Desire and Evil

St. Augustine, reflecting on his own youthful temptations, recognized a connection between desire and moral evil. Inspired by the simple life and virtuous intentions of St. Antony, he underwent a personal transformation, aspiring to become a better person.

Four Sources of Theology

Christian theology draws upon four key sources:

Scripture

This... Continue reading "Exploring the Sources of Christian Theology and the Nature of Sin" »

Principles for Christians Reading the Bible Together

Understanding Yourself and Others

• Every Christian must determine the context from which he or she speaks.
• Every Christian should recognize which theological orientation to the Bible is most natural.
• Patience and tolerance are needed to dialogue with those who approach the Bible in a different manner.

Working Responsibly with Ancient Customs and Beliefs

• Recognize that ancient Israelite society, as well as Greco-Roman society, were very different from our modern society.
• To understand these differences well, it may involve seeking additional knowledge beyond what we initially bring to the text.

The Three "C"s of Interpretation

Dialogue is enhanced if we commit ourselves to the three “C”s of interpretation:... Continue reading "Bible Interpretation: Principles for Christians" »

3 Treasures

• Compassion: groundbreaking responsibility to take care of others and care about others
• Frugality: being conscious and mindful of spending
• Humility: only humble people are generous and compassionate

Amaterasu

Sun goddess, her grandson becomes the 1st emperor of Japan, the imperial court lives on to be divine, Japanese flag is the sun, emperors are gods

Analects

Selected writings of Confucianism, discussed the Chun-tzu (superior man) which stated that leaders must be chosen by virtue and not just family name or appointment; small men are self-serving and have no accountability

Ancestor Veneration

A religious practice based on the belief that deceased family members have a continued existence, that the spirits of deceased ancestors will look... Continue reading "Ancient Japanese Culture and Beliefs: An Overview" »

Understanding the Old Testament Prophets

Major and Minor Prophets

Major: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel.

Minor: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

What is a Prophet?

A prophet is a messenger of God, a close advisor to the king, true to the Torah, an advocate for the people and God, and an agent of God, a truth-teller.

A prophet is not a fortune teller, a perfect believer, or a prognosticator/predictor of the future.

Superpowers and Empires During the Time of the Prophets

Persia, Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Rome, Greece (these empires affected the Israelites).

Prophetic Actions

• Isaiah: Walked around naked for 3 years, symbolizing the people would be carried away naked, or without defense.
• Jeremiah:

Moksha, Atman, Brahman and Samsara

Moksha

Moksha — means liberation. Path of renunciation (what people really want). Being, knowledge, joy.

Atman and Brahman

Atman (hidden self) — Brahman (creator). We must cleanse ourselves of pain, frustration, boredom to find this already divine, existing nature. We are seeking this eternal truth.

Sanatana Dharma

Sanatana Dharma — (external truth). See Sanatana Dharma. Set of duties / religious practices:

• Honesty
• Do not injure living beings
• Purity
• Goodwill
• Mercy
• Patience
• Self-restraint
• Generosity

Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga — realization of Brahman through psychophysical exercise. Takes determination and consistent practice. Use the mind to go to a higher level. A form of meditation. Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree / remained... Continue reading "Moksha, Atman, Brahman and Samsara: Hindu-Buddhist Concepts" »

1. The Crusades and Anti-Semitism

Why do some historians mark the Crusades as the beginning of anti-Semitism in Europe?

Some historians view the Crusades as a catalyst for anti-Semitism in Europe. The crusaders' primary goal was to conquer Jerusalem, a city of immense religious significance to both Christians and Jews. During their journey, crusaders perpetrated violence against Jewish communities along the way, engaging in massacres and plunder. This violence stemmed from the belief that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus, a sentiment deeply ingrained in the Christian world at the time. These events are seen by some historians as an early manifestation of organized Christian violence against Jews, fueled by religious intolerance and... Continue reading "The Crusades: Origins, Impact, and Key Figures" »

The Protestant Reformation

The Spiritual Crisis of the Church

At the end of the Middle Ages, people began to question the practices of the Church, including:

• The luxurious lifestyles of the high clergy.
• The lack of culture and weakening of moral standards of the clergy, who set a bad example.
• The buying and selling of ecclesiastical positions for personal economic benefit.
• The selling of papal bulls and indulgences, which made the Church wealthy under the pretense of pardoning sins and granting access to heaven.

The Lutheran Reformation

In 1517, Martin Luther condemned the wealth of the Church, denied the value of indulgences, and advocated a new religion based on:

• Salvation through faith: Only faith in God could lead to eternal salvation, regardless

The author of Revelations is believed to be John. The overall theme of Revelations is the end of the world and the rise of a New Earth and New Heaven.

One criticism is falling into sin and following the devil.

One complement is keeping the faith and following Christ.

Babylon represents the Roman Empire falling. The jewelry represents wealth and the color purple represents royalty. These two are allusions to powerful people. The people who are given the names that God should have, we might apply this to today by saying that people are given the name "Lord" and that should not happen.

John is referring to when people are pure and time is right, everyone will enter heaven. This is also a reference to purgatory. We see this in scripture again when... Continue reading "The Themes and Symbolism in the Book of Revelations" »