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

Religious and Philosophical Theology

Theology (Faith and Reason)

St. Thomas Aquinas established a distinction between religious truths of the Bible's revelation, which are the subject of faith, and philosophical truths that are the subject of reason. Claims like Jesus' death and resurrection cannot be known or proven by reason; they can only be believed and are the object of faith.

Aquinas, following Aristotle, holds that truths like God's existence and other aspects regarding the essence and attributes of God are capable of proof or rational demonstration. Hence, the possibility of a purely rational theology that serves as an introduction to the revealed or religious. The difference between them lies not in the object, which is the same for both... Continue reading "Theology: Faith, Reason, and Existential Perspectives" »

Medieval Prose Fiction in Portugal

Prose fiction encompasses two narrative cycles: the Matter of Britain and the Matter of Troy, as well as several hagiographic texts (lives of saints).

Matter of Britain

The Matter of Britain (Breton cycle) consists of texts based on the story of Brittany that circulated throughout Europe from the 12th to the 18th centuries. The stories revolve around King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Three main parts are preserved:

• Joseph of Arimathea: Tells the story of the Jew who collected the blood of Christ in the chalice used at the Last Supper (the Holy Grail), and God's mandate to take it to Britain.
• Merlin: Presents the prophecies of this magician, announcing the arrival of new times and a knight who will

A New Light Shines on My Life: Faith

1 - A new light shines on my life: Faith

The Cross is the True Test of Faith

2 - The cross is the true test of faith

Jesus is God, is All

3. - Luz.es Jesus is God, is all

Leave it All to Dios. He is the Most Faithful

4 - Leave it all to Dios. He is the most faithful

Not Worth the Purposes Unless God Gives Strength to Fulfill

5 - Not worth the purposes unless God gives strength to fulfill

I Put All My Trust in the Lord and Hope of His Mercy Every Good

6 - I put all my trust in the Lord and hope of his mercy every good

Somebody Always Helps Us Achieve Our Goals

7 - Somebody always helps us achieve our goals

Long Love of God and Projimo. Este is the Goal of Our Constant Aspiration

8 - Long love of God and projimo. Este is... Continue reading "Faith, Trust, and Love: A Journey with God" »

Biography of St. Teresa of Ávila

Her life spans from her childhood to the founding of the first convent of St. Joseph of Ávila in 1562. It is known that during her childhood, she had a fondness for chivalric romances and the lives of saints. In 1531, her father interned her as a pupil in the Augustinian convent of Santa María de Gracia, but the following year she had to return home due to a serious illness. Determined to take the Carmelite habit against her father's will, in 1535, she left home to go to the Convent of the Incarnation. She received the habit the following year and made her profession in 1537.

Around that time, she entered a period of distress and illness, which lasted until 1542. During these years, she confessed that she learned... Continue reading "Religious Transformation and Conflict in 16th Century Europe" »

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" »

Phase 1: Early Persecution and Expansion

The speech of Stephen before the Sanhedrin unleashed persecution against Christians in the diaspora. Philip was active in Samaria. Another Jew from Tarsus (in the diaspora), who converted to Christianity after a meeting with the risen Jesus, Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, opened Christianity to thinking outside of Israel. The founding of the historic Antioch Church was a first and decisive step towards catholicity (universality). In this city, the disciples of Jesus were first called Christians. The first Jewish Christians practiced many Jewish laws.

Second Stage: Expansion into the Greco-Roman World

In Syria, the first Christian Hellenists formed. Another center was the city of Alexandria, a junction... Continue reading "Major Developments in Early Christianity" »

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" »

Understanding Existence, Identity, and Affectivity

The Meaning of Existence: Three Perspectives

• No inherent meaning: Our lives and the world are absurd, implying that there is no inherent reason to act. Example: Existentialists of the 20th century.
• Meaning within this life: There is meaning, but only as it pertains to this life. Beyond death, meaning cannot be found. Example: Atheists and Agnostics.
• Transcendent meaning: There is a meaning that extends beyond death, leading to another life. This view is defended by the philosophy of various religions and transcendent beliefs. They represent a promise of salvation, justice, and happiness in an afterlife.

Religion and Personal Identity

Definition: Religions are a major source of personal identity.... Continue reading "Unraveling Life's Meaning, Identity, and Human Emotions" »

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" »