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

Love of Jesus and Discipleship

The life of Jesus is the most perfect expression of love for God, and the disciple should strive to follow the same way: "Love one another as I have loved you." These words of Jesus are clear: they speak of a total, concrete, and real love, a love characteristic of true lives as children of God and brothers. Loving others is the sign of the love of God; you cannot love God without loving others, and vice versa. It is the characteristic of the disciples of Jesus: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Jesus brought to the world the Kingdom of God — a kingdom of peace, love, justice, and fraternity. This kingdom is now established in the world as a seed called to grow. Our

Catholic Reformation and Counter-Reformation

Counter-Reformation

This is also called the Catholic Reformation, promoted by the Catholic Church in response to the doctrine of Luther and the Catholic reformers. The Council of Trent laid the doctrinal foundations of Catholicism.

Reformation

The renovation of the church did not only appear with Luther. It had already begun within the church, but it would not be fully realized until the Council of Trent. One of the most important factors of the Reformation was:

Cisneros and the Spanish Reformation

The situation in Spain in the late fifteenth century was very different from the rest of Europe. The Reconquista struggle had created a warm and almost fanatic atmosphere, fighting Muslims and Jews. The union... Continue reading "Catholic Reformation and the Jesuits: A Historical Analysis" »

Celestina: A Tale of Love, Greed, and Tragedy

Celestina, published in villages in 1499, was written in 21 acts by Fernando de Rojas. Key themes include love, greed that drives servants mad, fortune and blind chance responsible for human tragedy, magic, time, and social upheaval.

Social Context: The Rise of the Bourgeoisie

The old social order, dominated by the nobility, was being replaced by the high bourgeoisie. Traditional feelings of respect and loyalty between masters and servants were giving way to economic relationships. This shift led to the configuration of a new moral code based on individual consciousness and the desire for freedom.

Space and Time in Celestina

The plot unfolds in multiple locations, both interior and exterior. Rojas masterfully... Continue reading "Celestina: Love, Greed, and Tragedy in 1499 Spain" »

Revealed Religions: Divine Manifestation and Dogma

Revelation is a divine manifestation where God displays and transmits hidden and sacred truths to humanity. All religions founded on some form of divine revelation are known as revealed religions. Jean-Jacques Rousseau identifies the following characteristics of revealed religions:

• Inherent Particularism

  An inherent particularism stands in opposition to universality. Revealed religions often condemn individuals for involuntary ignorance, which is not attributable to the individual who suffers. This particularism relates to an intellectual conception of virtue.

• Ethnocentrism, Bigotry, and Intolerance

  Other key features include ethnocentrism, bigotry, and intolerance. Ethnocentrism involves taking

Palestine: Geography and Demographics

Palestine was a small country located in the easternmost part of the Mediterranean region. It is estimated that it had about 700,000 inhabitants during the time of Jesus. Its capital was Jerusalem.

The Jordan River divides Palestine into two large regions:

• West Bank (Cisjordan): Consisting of Galilee, Samaria, Judea, and Iturea.
• Transjordan: Formed by the regions of Decapolis and Perea.

Political Rulers During Jesus' Ministry

• In Galilee and Perea, the tetrarch Herod Antipas reigned.
• In Judea and Samaria, the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate reigned.

Economy and Trade

The economy primarily depended on agriculture and livestock farming. Industry was limited to small artisanal activities. Trade was mainly internal. The... Continue reading "Life and Society in First-Century Palestine" »

Lent: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Lent is the fourth liturgical season in the year. It begins on Ash Wednesday (a movable date) and lasts for 40 days. The number 40, 404, or 400 has biblical significance, representing a time of conversion. Humans are imperfect, and we must acknowledge the need for conversion, changing our attitudes to prepare our hearts to celebrate the resurrection.

Ash Wednesday: A Symbol of Life

On Ash Wednesday, we observe the imposition of ashes, a sign of life because our human works never truly disappear (ash is a symbol of life).

Repentance and the Gospel

"Repent and believe in the gospel" are the words of Jesus, helping us understand our reality and inviting us to change attitudes that are not life-affirming.

The essence... Continue reading "Understanding Lent: Meaning, Traditions, and Reflection" »

Understanding Romanesque Art

The style most representative of the art of the feudal era was the Romanesque, between the 11th and 12th centuries. It is named for its likeness to Roman art.

The First European Style

The Romanesque was the first international style, with common features across Europe. The Benedictine Order of Cluny in France played a significant role in disseminating the style, and from there it spread throughout Europe. The crusades also contributed to the spreading of the style: the peregrinations of masons and sculptors whose crews moved through the various European regions. Romanesque art was essentially religious.

Romanesque Architecture

Features:

• The use of stone as the main material
• Thick walls
• Cruciform columns and pillars
• Semicircular

Santo Tomás: Medieval Historical Context

1. Late Middle Ages (mid-11th century - late 15th century)

Powerful Europe. European expansion and progress in agriculture (plow, windmill, crop rotation) resulted in better nutrition and an increased population. Crisis: famine, plague and war.

2. Formation of Modern States

This period helped shape the modern European states. The Christian union fractured. France: villages were the main settlement pattern.

3. Politics and Conflicts

• Two great powers: emperor and pope.
• Struggles including the Investiture Controversy and the Concordat of Worms (1122).
• Avignon: exile of the papacy (Avignon Papacy).
• Rise of hereditary monarchies; the idea of the nation emerges: Castile, Aragon, England, France.
• Development of parliamentary

Saint Teresa of Ávila

Saint Teresa was born in Ávila in 1515. Her father, Alonso Sánchez Cepeda, and her mother, Beatriz de Ahumada, were noble Castilians. She was the 6th of 12 siblings. Her father sent her to the convent of the Augustinian nuns in Ávila. Her brother Rodrigo and she had a special sensitivity to loneliness and prayer. At age 20, she ran away to join the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation. A year later, she made her religious vows. Shortly after, she had a serious illness that almost led her to death. She was bedridden for almost 3 years and lost the movement of her hand during that time. After this period, she regained her health. With the economic aid of her brothers, she founded the convent of Saint Joseph in 1562. Teresa... Continue reading "Key Figures and Events in Religious History" »

The Church Community of Believers

• are Christians.
• is the place where Christians gather.
• is an NGO of followers of Jesus.
• is the Pope of Rome, the bishops, and priests.

The word church comes from the Greek ekklesia, which means "meeting or assembly of citizens summoned by a public message."

Thus, in the Church:

• citizens are called Christians.
• the public message that calls is Jesus and his message.

The Church: Mystery of Communion

• Why do we say that the Church is a mystery?
• The Father, from the beginning, thought and wanted the Church.
• The Son was sent to gather the Church by giving his life for her.
• The Holy Spirit animates and continues with its animating force.

The Holy Spirit: Strength of Believers

Pentecost and the Community of Disciples

• Incorporation in