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

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" »

• Daughters Magdalena, Amelia, and Martirio resignedly accepted their fate.
• Adela's rebellion is evident from the outset; her desire for freedom overcomes the fear of maternal authority. Ultimately, freedom proves to be a mirage. With her suicide, the path to freedom is forever closed for her sisters.
• María Josefa shows her liberation through madness. Her confinement is even harder than that of the daughters, so her only escape is insanity.
• The servants live under Bernarda's stranglehold, ruled by fear, whispering only behind her back.

Other significant themes include:

Sensual Love: Almost all protagonists in Lorca's poetic and dramatic works are marked by impossible love and erotic frustration. In the play, Bernarda does everything in her power... Continue reading "Bernarda Alba's House: Themes of Repression and Desire" »

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" »

Unit III: English Language Fundamentals

Family Vocabulary: English-Spanish Terms

• Widower / Widow: Viudo / Viuda
• Brother-in-law: Cuñado
• Mother: Madre
• Daughter: Hija
• Grandparent: Abuelo / Abuela
• Daughter-in-law: Nuera
• Grandson: Nieto
• Uncle: Tío
• Father-in-law: Suegro
• Godson: Ahijado
• Great-Grandfather: Bisabuelo

Possessive Adjectives and Pronouns in Sentences

• a) I long to love your brothers.
• b) I know his sister.
• c) My son has a rare disease.
• d) Our car was damaged.
• e) I cannot stand your hobbies.
• f) I want you to give me his address.
• g) What is your problem?
• h) Our advice is simple.
• i) I am happy that I found your friends.
• j) My main obstacle is laziness.

Common Phrases with Possessive Forms

• a) My life.
• b) His mother.
• c) His father.
• d) Your sister.
• e) Your father.
• f) My

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" »