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

Atheism, Science, and Humanism: Key Concepts

Atheism: A theory or attitude that denies the existence of God.

Science: A medium of knowledge gained by observation and reasoning. Tarragona Council documents reflect on requests by the poorest and marginalized, and Christians are asked to renew their commitment in specific fields of social action.

Dignity: Gravity and decorum in the way people behave.

Discrimination: In a collective, giving certain members inferior treatment for social, religious, linguistic, or political reasons.

Dialogue: A form of discourse characterized by the exchange of ideas, except in cases of simple chat or exposure, and generally customized between two subjects.

Social Doctrine of the Church: A set of rules and principles relating... Continue reading "Atheism, Science, and Humanism: Key Concepts Defined" »

Historical Context: Christianity and Rome

According to St. Augustine's historical understanding, Christianity originated in Judea (Palestine), which was then a Roman province. This religion advocated for one God, leading to persecution against Christians who rejected traditional Roman gods.

Emperor Constantine granted this religion the same rights as others, making it a legally protected religion within the empire. Constantine also initiated measures against pagans. However, his successor, Julian (known as the Apostate), attempted the opposite by trying to restore pagan religions.

Later, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion in both the East and the West. While the East persisted, the West endured significant invasions. Rome... Continue reading "St. Augustine: Faith, Philosophy, and the Fall of Rome" »

Classical Commonplaces in Renaissance Poetry

Renaissance poets incorporated various themes and commonplaces from Greco-Roman literature into their works, including:

• Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
• Colligite, Virgo, Rosas (Gather, Maiden, Roses)
• Locus Amoenus (Pleasant Place)
• Aurea Mediocritas (Golden Mean)
• Beatus Ille (Happy is He)

Themes of Early Renaissance Lyric Poetry

The three main themes of Renaissance lyric poetry appearing in the first half of the century are:

Nature

Nature is depicted as harmonious and peaceful; this poetically idealized setting is the locus amoenus. This pleasant place serves as a framework for love scenes and mythological stories. Nature also functions as a refuge, sheltering the poet in their quest for rest and spiritual solace.... Continue reading "Renaissance Poetic Themes and Classical Topoi" »

Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy, particularly in his later years, was marked by profound insights and a delicate, often challenging, intellectual journey. His thought was profoundly shaped by three key influences:

• The pessimistic philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer.
• His deep appreciation for classical Greek culture.
• The vibrant spirit of the Italian Renaissance.

Nietzsche's philosophy is characterized by vitalism and irrationalism, which deny the primacy of reason.

Nietzsche's Core Influences and Philosophy

The Apollonian, the Dionysian, and Socrates' Influence

Reason and its vehicle of expression (language) cannot fully capture the joy of living life, which Nietzsche believes is driven by the will to power – a blind desire to persist in reality.... Continue reading "Nietzsche's Philosophy: Vitalism, Culture Critique, and the Übermensch" »

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" »

Foundations of Christian Social Doctrine

Christian social doctrine draws its roots from the history of the liberation of the People of God in the early books of the Bible, the Prophets, the Psalms, the Gospels, and the Apostolic Letters. Jesus proclaimed an essential equality in dignity among all human beings—men and women, whatever their ethnicity, birth, race, political affiliation, or social status. The message of Jesus emphasizes the conception of the person as a social being who must relate to others based on criteria of solidarity, justice, and charity.

The Church Fathers' Social Impact

The Fathers of the Church not only defended the poor and oppressed but also promoted social institutions such as hospitals, orphanages, hospices, and schools... Continue reading "Christian Social Doctrine: Upholding Human Dignity and Justice" »

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" »

The Romanesque Era: Context and Foundations

Romanesque art developed between the 11th and 12th centuries. During this period, Europe lacked political unity, being primarily based on feudalism and the feudal-vassal system. A unified religious discourse emerged, shaping the Romanesque era.

New states, organized under the feudal system, emerged as patrons, funding artistic endeavors. The Catholic Church underwent internal reform, leading to the rise of two significant monastic orders: Cluny and the Cistercians. This was also a period marked by widespread pilgrimages.

Fundamentals of Romanesque Art

Romanesque art drew its origins from Roman and Byzantine influences, evolving into a unified European style. It was primarily a sacred art, deeply rooted... Continue reading "Romanesque Art & Architecture: Medieval Europe's Enduring Legacy" »

Historical-Cultural Context of Medieval Europe

The new political and social landscape of Europe, emerging from the barbarian invasions, led to an intellectual environment where concern for Greco-Roman culture and philosophy largely disappeared. Despite the great cultural eclipse that accompanied the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the spread of Christianity continued to rise progressively. Its doctrine was increasingly appreciated by policies that favored its expansion after the conversion of Clovis in France and in Visigothic Spain. The colonization efforts of monks and missionaries were very important in its gradual spread. The Eastern Roman Empire also helped spread Christianity, particularly under one of its Christian emperors, Justinian.... Continue reading "Medieval Intellectual & Religious Development" »

Key Ideas in Nietzsche's Philosophy

Apollonian and Dionysian Forces

The Apollonian (Apollo) represents the Greek ideal of beauty and finished forms, light, harmony, and measurement.

The Dionysian (Dionysus) represents excess and unfinished art, often expressed in music.

For Nietzsche, the philosophy of Plato and Socrates embodies an Apollonian vision of the cosmos.

Nietzsche on Dionysus

For Nietzsche, however, Dionysus is the affirmation of the true character of Greece, with its affirmation of an instinctive, irrational, and vital world.

Dionysus is the god of wine (Bacchus to the Romans), representing the excessive celebration of life, music, confusion, night, irrationality, and bacchanalia. He is a genuine exponent of the real man who does not need... Continue reading "Key Concepts in Nietzsche's Philosophy" »