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

Understanding the Bible and Its Origins

What is the Bible and its Books?

The Bible is not a history book nor a scientific one; it is a religious book written by many authors (many of whom are anonymous) inspired by God. For believers, it is the Word of God put in writing, where one finds answers to many of life's questions.

How God Revealed Himself in History

God revealed himself throughout history as:

• A God-Liberator: He saves His people, for example, from slavery.
• A Near God: He is concerned about the needs of His people and gives hope in hard times with the promise of a Savior.
• A God-Savior: He brings salvation through people like Abraham and Moses.

Society and Faith in the Time of Jesus

The Jewish Faith and Its Foundations

• One God: Yahweh.
• A People:

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Early Life and Conversion

August 28th - Memory of Augustine, Bishop and eminent Doctor of the Church

Saint Augustine of Hippo, after a youth concerned with doctrinal issues and moral freedom, converted to Catholicism and was baptized by Saint Ambrose of Milan. Upon returning home, he joined some friends and adopted an ascetic life dedicated to the study of the Scriptures. Later chosen as Bishop of Hippo in Africa, he served as a model for his flock. He instructed them with abundant sermons and writings, bravely fought against the errors of his time, and illuminated the true faith with wisdom.

The Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity

The Era of the Roman Empire

• Constantine's Reign: Constantine served as governor of the

Christianity's Philosophical Impact

In the early centuries, philosophy encountered a religion that claimed universal acceptance: Christianity. Born within the Jewish world, Christianity rapidly spread across the Roman Empire, a realm where philosophy had long flourished. Unlike philosophy, Christianity presents itself as a doctrine of salvation for humanity. The emergence of this religion profoundly altered the prevailing philosophical worldview.

The New Christian Order: Faith and the Supernatural

Christianity is a revealed religion focused on the salvation of humankind, offering a direct path to God. It posits that the meaning of life resides on a supernatural level, understood as a divine gift. Thus, two dimensions exist: the natural and the... Continue reading "Christianity's Philosophical Impact: Faith, Reason, and Salvation" »

Can We Know God?

The first question to consider is whether you believe God exists and if we can perceive the impact of the divine on humanity.

We can understand God through the following avenues:

1-1 The Human Being

Men and women grapple with disease, pain, and mortality, striving for happiness. Within this desire for happiness, religions often find the imprint of God.

1-2 Nature

Throughout history, people have recognized the beauty of Earth's creation and the wonders that occur within it, seeking answers and contemplating whether a purposeful God could have created everything.

1-3 Human Reason

Human beings have found the following reasons to believe in God:

• Through the voice of conscience.
• In seeking answers to questions such as: Why do good? Is death

Hail Mary Prayer

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be Prayer

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina)

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb,... Continue reading "Essential Catholic Prayers and Commandments" »

Project 7: Jesus Christian Center Values

This project outlines an ideal set of good Christian values meant to deepen the relationship with Jesus Christ.

Specific Christian Values

Jesus left us a set of values that can guide our lives. Dignity is defined by respect and love toward others.

Central Value: God's Acceptance

A very central value is God's acceptance of all people equally and working toward the creation of conditions for the development of all people.

The Value of the Individual and Human Rights

The meeting point for individual value is found in the Declaration of Human Rights (since 1948), which outlines rights to life, freedom of expression, education, and more.

Love is the Center of Life (Project 8)

The happiest life is achieved through... Continue reading "Christian Values, Love, and Sexual Maturity" »

Mediations: Myths, Rituals, Prayer, and Morality

Myths and Narratives

A religious myth is a story set in the remote past, aiming to explain the origin and purpose of existence. From a literary perspective, myths and stories belong to the epic genre.

Festivals and Rituals

Rites are symbolic actions repeated according to a fixed schedule, connecting individuals with the divine. The function of a ritual is to represent divine action, allowing participants to unite with God. From a literary standpoint, rites belong to the drama genre, resembling theatrical characters and scenarios.

Prayer

Prayer is the communication through which a religious person elevates their being to the supreme being, expressing praise, supplication, or sometimes complaint. It... Continue reading "Understanding Religion: Core Concepts and Distinctions" »

Mormons

Official Name

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Founder

Joseph Smith

Origin

New York, USA, 1830

Followers

Approximately 11 million worldwide, with 5 million in the USA

Interesting Facts

• The founder, Joseph Smith, was lynched by a mob and accused of heresy and polygamy.
• Until 1978, black individuals were not permitted in the hierarchy.
• According to their beliefs, the advent of faith in America occurred in Chile thousands of years ago.

Beliefs

• They do not believe in the Holy Trinity or that Christ is God incarnate.
• They consider the Bible secondary to the Book of Mormon, which they view as a kind of Third Testament.
• The Book of Mormon, revealed to Joseph Smith, contains the history of the children of Nephi, a Hebrew believed to have been

The Dawn of Christian Philosophy: From Paganism to Patristics

The abandonment of pagan classical civilization, coupled with the final fall of Rome just fifty years after the death of Saint Augustine, ushered in a new historical epoch intellectually dominated by Christianity. It is within this philosophical context that the new prominence of Christian thought is best understood.

Initially, Christianity confronted paganism in a series of intellectual and sometimes violent struggles. These conflicts ultimately led to the definitive success of the new religion, as demonstrated by the closing of the Platonic Academy and other Greek philosophical schools in the early sixth century.

However, Christianity did not entirely reject classical philosophy.... Continue reading "Saint Augustine's Era: Christian Philosophy and the Fall of Rome" »

The Expectation of the Messiah

1. For some, the Messiah was to restore the strict observance of the law. For others, he would be a warlord who liberated them from the Romans. Still, others were waiting for a manifestation of divine power.

Jesus' Actions and Teachings

2. After curing the sick at the pool of Bethesda, and facing reproach from the Jews, Jesus explains that he continues to act as his Father does. As he hears, he judges and acts, seeking the will of God the Father, who sent him.

Paul's Transformation

3. Paul was involved in persecuting the Church of God and was a fanatical supporter of the traditions of his ancestors. However, his life changed when he was called and chosen by God, who revealed his son Jesus to him. Paul now lives in... Continue reading "Understanding Jesus' Teachings and Christian Life" »