Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Religion

Language Functions

Functions of language are not incompatible if mixed; talk of secondary functions.

1. Predominant and Representative Functions: Context focuses on the objective to convey information. Extralinguistics focuses on reality; its main feature is objectivity.
2. Expressive Function: Issuer-oriented, emphasizes feelings and attitude of the speaker. The message is above the transmission of the facts; the characteristic function is colloquial registration.
3. Appellative Function: Receiver-oriented, the intent is to influence the behavior of the receiver (call someone, ask questions, request, order, prohibit, counsel).
4. Phatic Function: Acts on the channel; the aim is to establish a communication channel or close it.
5. Metalinguistic Function: Focus

Verdaguer's Impact on Catalan Culture

What does it mean from a linguistic point of view? The value of the motherland lies in its dignity and refined poetic language, which affirms Catalan's potential as a cultural language during a time when this was questioned. It's important to remember that the Catalan language had endured centuries of restricted and inconsistent use.

Joaquin Rubio and Catalan Language Activism

What is the work undertaken by Joaquin Rubio and Ors? Ors is an activist for the Catalan language, poetry, and is a proactive figure in favor of what he calls independence.

Verdaguer: Priest and Poet

To what extent do the activities of priest and poet complement each other in Verdaguer? From the perspective of the Catholic sector in the... Continue reading "Verdaguer: Catalan Poetry, Religion, and Renaissance" »

Celestina: A Dramatic Analysis

Celestina: A dialogical work (without voice-over), dramatic in character, though probably not intended to be represented, but read out in 25 acts. It is also known as El alta. It is divided first by the other anonymous author, then written by Fernando de Rojas, a Toledan convert.

Structure

Approach: Act 1

Argument: Calisto loves Melibea and is rejected by her. He expresses despair to Sempronius, his servant, who suggests using an old bawd whose name was Celestina. Sempronius and Celestina, who is later joined by Parmeno—another servant of Callisto—are associated for the economic benefit of the young man.

Development: Acts II-XVIII

Argument: Celestina, through a spell and her ability to persuade, awakens love in... Continue reading "Celestina: A Dramatic Analysis of Characters and Structure" »

Vatican City: Baroque Art and Architecture

Key Elements of the Baroque Period

Vatican 1:

• a) Vatican, Rome (IT)
• b) Lorenzo Bernini
• c) Baroque Style
• d) 1656-67
• e) Lintel

2: Historical Context: This period is notable for the interplay between crisis and progress. Many problems arose: social conflict, stagnation in agriculture and industry, pestilence, and war. However, it was also a time when colonial empires emerged, helping to alleviate these crises.

B) Cultural Context: The art center during the 17th century was in Rome. During this period, there was a scientific breakthrough in opera.

C) Religious Context: Religion saw a reaffirmation of the principles of the Catholic Church. The papacy was strengthened, and the Jesuits were created to curb the Counter-... Continue reading "Vatican City: Baroque Art, Architecture, and Religious Influence" »

Alfonso X

Issues

Alfonso X aimed to preserve and promote Castilian language and culture. He believed in the importance of recording all areas of knowledge, including legal, social, economic, and scientific topics. This is reflected in the variety of themes present in his work.

Right

The Book of Laws, or Seven Parts, aimed to provide clear and rational legal rules for the people. It drew inspiration from Roman law and existing legal traditions.

Sciences

Alfonso X commissioned treatises on astronomy and studies on the properties of gemstones, demonstrating his interest in scientific knowledge.

Games and Entertainment

His work on chess, dice, and tables, translated from Arabic, provides insight into various forms of entertainment popular at the time.

History

Alfonso... Continue reading "13th-Century Spanish Literature: Alfonso X, Juan Manuel, and the Auto de Los Reyes Magos" »

Spanish Family Members

Abortion: A Complex Ethical and Scientific Issue

One of the greatest controversies of recent years has been the subject of abortion. According to Wikipedia, abortion is the "premature interruption of pregnancy resulting in fetal death." It is widely agreed that abortion removes a potential new individual life. The Catholic Church, along with many other religions, is completely opposed to it, stating that abortion is only permissible when there is no life yet, meaning before the sperm has fertilized the egg. However, many scientists support abortion, particularly when the woman's life is not in danger.

The Dilemma of Fetal Malformations

A significant challenge arises with abortions performed due to fetal malformations. There's a distinction between... Continue reading "Abortion: Ethics, Science, and Legal Perspectives" »

Main Criticisms of the Christian Faith

The work of great authors such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot highlighted many contradictions within the Church. They presented it as an obstacle to societal progress. These thinkers argued that any intermediary between God and man was absurd and should be rejected.

The Enlightenment and Christianity

The Enlightenment brought a new understanding of religion, particularly Christianity. Some Enlightenment thinkers strongly criticized the Christian faith and the Church as an institution.

Elements Favoring the Development of Missions

Several factors contributed to the growth of missions: improved communication, colonization by European powers providing security, support from European Christianity, the rise... Continue reading "Christianity, Enlightenment, and Social Change: Key Aspects" »

The God Who Cares

1.1. God is found through Jesus: He is a transcendent being. Being the son of God is better known to man.

1.2. Jesus was a loving father: He takes care of his creatures through his deeds and words. God always forgives.

Near to God

The Jews found God unique and special, like a mother.

Jesus reveals a God who is close and friendly.

The God of Providence

God is immanent, reflected in his creation, yet transcends us, beyond our definitions.

• Some think that man has a capricious fate that depends on chance.
• Atheists: They deny God's existence, believing God is a human invention.
• Agnostics: Prefer not to ask questions about God.

Providence is the presence of God as Creator in all creation.

Reflections of God

• God is reflected in nature.
• God is