Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Religion

Liberalism: Religious Liberty and Separatism

Evolution Towards Secularization

Of the two principles in the modern age, there will be an evolution of liberalism toward the secularization of the state and separatism. The secular state will be separate from religion, and it will start to recognize the right to religious freedom.

There are two great liberal revolutions: the French and American. Both have declarations of rights that recognize the right of religious freedom.

Liberal revolutions have different characteristics because of their history.

The American Revolution

The makers of the revolution were not...

The formation of the colonies was done by immigrants fleeing religious intolerance in Europe who wanted peaceful coexistence.

These principles... Continue reading "Religious Freedom and State Secularization: US and French Revolutions" »

Canto X: The Proud

Entering the first terrace of Purgatory, the proud begin their slow ascent, burdened by the weight of their sin. Sculptures carved into the rock depict scenes of humility, a stark contrast to their prideful nature. The penitents, bent low like worms, bear the physical manifestation of their spiritual condition.

Canto XI: Prayers for the Proud

The journey through the first terrace continues, as the proud souls inch along their path. Prayers are offered for their purification, a testament to the hope of redemption that permeates even this realm of suffering.

Canto XII: An Angelic Encounter

A radiant being appears, guiding the way and revealing the steps that lead to the next level. With a touch of its wings, Dante feels lighter,... Continue reading "Purgatorio: Journey Through Dante's Seven Terraces" »

Core Principles of Christian Faith

1 - The Light: The light guides us throughout our lives, showing the path to be good Christians.

2 - Relationship with Jesus: The personal relationship between the believer and Jesus Christ is central. Believing in Jesus means embracing his ideas, values, and ideals. Faith is necessary to establish a friendship with him.

3 - Living the Faith:

• BE WITH HIM: Maintain a friendship with him, acting and fighting for what he lived and fought, putting his message into practice and having his same attitudes.
• FEEL sent on mission: Proclaim Jesus as our way of life and work for the kingdom of God, building a more just and humane world.

4 - The Trinity: The set of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

5 - The Bible: For Christians,... Continue reading "Christian Faith: Core Beliefs and Principles" »

Human Rights Violations and Social Injustice

Several factors contribute to social injustice and the violation of human rights:

1. Illiteracy, difficulty, or impossibility of accessing higher education, and the inability to participate in building one's nation. These are compounded by various forms of exploitation and social oppression, impacting economic, political, and religious identity, and discrimination based on racial differences.
2. The denial or limitation of human rights, such as the right to religious freedom, participation in building society, freedom of association, forming unions, or taking economic initiatives.

The Moral Dimension of Development

The real nature of the evil we face concerning the development of nations is a moral evil—the... Continue reading "Human Rights, Social Justice, and Peacebuilding" »

Cantar de Mio Cid (Poem of the Cid)

Historical Context

Cantar de Mio Cid (Poem of the Cid) depicts real events, such as the exile and imprisonment of the Count of Valencia. However, the faces of the corporation and the tournament are fictitious. The first person singular highlights verisimilitude, while the second and third person emphasize the legendary nature of the tale.

Characters and Plot

The Cid's daughters were named Cristina and Maria. They married the Count of Barcelona and the King of Navarre. El Cid suffered exile and the King's enmity for a period. He consistently faces the Moors but also contends with the Count of Leon and the nobility. The poem's purpose is to degrade the nobility.

Social Structure

The social estates depicted are the... Continue reading "Castilian Medieval Literature: Cid, Mester de Clerecía, and Gonzalo de Berceo" »

Arnaldus de Villa Nova

Born in Valencia, Arnaldus de Villa Nova studied Arabic medicine at the Universities of Naples and Montpellier. A prestigious physician, he divided his work into medical works in Latin and religious works defending Christian orthodoxy (Confessió de Barcelona).

Vincent Ferrer

A Dominican friar born in Valencia, Vincent Ferrer was a renowned evangelist. He was a Master of Theology and served as a counselor to kings and popes. He intervened in significant religious events, such as the Western Schism (a split in the Christian church due to the existence of two, and later three, popes), and the Compromise of Caspe, where the successor to the Crown of Aragon was decided after the death of Martin the Humane. His sermons were famous... Continue reading "Arnaldus de Villa Nova, Vincent Ferrer, Anselm Turmeda, and Humanism" »

Juan de la Cruz (1542-1591): Erotic Poetry to the Divine

San Juan de la Cruz is an enigmatic and extraordinary figure. A mystic and a technician, his poetry explores a unique theme: union with God. Let's consider one of his most famous poems, Dark Night.

This poem can have a double meaning: the carnal encounter of two lovers and the soul's union with God. Given the second interpretation, we find certain symbolism in the poem:

• Beloved: God
• Amada: Soul
• Night: Denial of the senses and the sensible
• House: Body

The night, which signifies the negation of the senses, blurs the lines of things and brings us closer to the divine presence. It can be considered the spiritual vacuum necessary for the encounter with God, through the so-called unitive.

This denial... Continue reading "Mysticism and Existentialism: Exploring the Philosophies of Juan de la Cruz and Kierkegaard" »

The Pentateuch

Pentateuch comes from the Greek language and means, properly, "the book of five cases", that is, the book divided into five cases, consisting of five volumes or rolls. These are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It was recognized by Jews as the Torah.

Versions for the creation of the Pentateuch:

• Yahwist: The authors called God by the name of Yahweh.
• Elohist: Called God by the name of Elohim.
• Deuterocanonical version, which enriched the previous two, is at least 400 or 500 years after them.
• The priestly version.

Genesis

It is called so because it describes the origin of the creation of the world and humanity. Indeed, *Genesis* is of Greek origin, meaning *beginning*. It is the first book of the Pentateuch and the... Continue reading "The Pentateuch: First Five Books of the Bible" »

Religious Situation in Palestine During the Time of Jesus

Faith:

• Yavhé-faith: Belief in one true God (Creator of Heaven and Earth).
• Messianic hope: Expectation of a liberator to free the Jews.
• Fidelity to the law: Faithfulness to the commandments given to Moses.

Practices

The most important obligations of the Jews were:

• Complying with the Law of Moses.
• Praying morning, noon, and night.
• Giving alms to the needy and to the Temple.

Events

• Sabbath (Saturday): The holy day of rest. No work was permitted. People went to the synagogue to pray. It began at the first star on Friday and ended at sunset on Saturday.
• Passover (Easter): Commemorated the deliverance from Egypt.
• Pentecost: Celebrated 50 days after Passover, remembering the covenant at Mount Sinai when