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

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" »

The Apostles

An apostle is one who is sent forth. Jesus chose 12 men among his disciples. They are responsible for the animation of the communities after Jesus' Resurrection.

Disciples

Disciples are a smaller group that Jesus called to go with Him throughout Palestine. Jesus has a high-level communication with them. They listen to Jesus' teachings and make them a way of life. Their mission is to announce this message worldwide.

Crowds

The crowds simply listen to Jesus. They want something from Jesus.

Pentecost

For the Jews: God gave the commandments to Moses at Sinai, and it is the offering of the first fruits of the harvest.

For Christians: The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, the Church is born, and the message is not just for the Jews.... Continue reading "Christianity: Core Beliefs and Practices" »

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" »

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" »

New Testament Foundations

The New Testament begins with the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which recount the life of Jesus Christ. Following these is the book of Acts of the Apostles, describing the beginning of the Christian Church after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The first three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are called "Synoptic Gospels" because they follow a similar structure and share many similarities. The Gospel of John differs from the others in its form and content. However, the four together present one unified Gospel, the "Good News." The New Testament is understood as the fulfillment of all promises made in the Old Testament.

Old Testament Cornerstones

The first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Pentateuch,... Continue reading "Biblical Testaments: Key Books and Their Messages" »

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" »

Historical Framework: Thomas Aquinas's Era

Thomas Aquinas's thought belongs to the late medieval period, roughly from the 11th century until the late 15th century. Until the 11th century, Europe was considered stronger and more powerful, with periods of expansion and retreat. The expansion era of the early centuries of the Middle Ages, driven by improvements in agriculture, diet, and population increase, set the stage for this time. The forging of modern European states began.

In politics, Christianity saw two great powers: Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII. In the 13th century, Pope Innocent III established a theocracy where religious power was above political power. The papacy moved to Avignon, reducing its spiritual influence. This led... Continue reading "Thomas Aquinas and His Medieval World" »