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

Beowulf: An Old English Epic Poem

Origins and Manuscript

Beowulf, the oldest surviving English epic poem, dates back to the first half of the eighth century. The sole surviving manuscript, from the late tenth century, originated in the West Saxon kingdom. Damage from a 1731 fire resulted in the loss of some text. While the poem is English, it focuses on the Germanic forebears of the English, specifically the Danes and Geats of Zealand and southern Sweden. The historical setting predates the poem by roughly two centuries, falling between the initial Germanic invasion of England in 449 and the completion of the Anglo-Saxon migration. The audience may have identified as Geats, like Beowulf himself. The poem references Hygelac's raid on the Franks... Continue reading "Beowulf: An Old English Epic Poem Analysis" »

Origins and Core Beliefs

Christianity is a religion founded by Jesus of Nazareth, who preached in Judea with his apostles from AD 30 onwards. Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate's rule in Jerusalem.

Christianity's main pillars are collected in the Gospels (St. John, St. Matthew, St. Luke, and St. Mark). It is a monotheistic religion, believing in one God with three forms: God the Father, Jesus Christ (God the Son), and the Holy Spirit. Core tenets include the promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of God for those who follow Christian laws, and the emphasis on love and forgiveness as the basis of human relationships.

Early Christian Communities and Expansion

The first Christian communities were organized by Jesus' apostles:

• St. Paul extended

Quranic Verses on Revelation and Divine Authority

Section 1: The Book and the Unbelievers

Tā Sīn Mīm.

1. These are verses of the Book that makes things clear.
2. It may be thou frettest thy soul with grief, that they do not become Believers.
3. If such were Our Will, We could send down to them from the sky a Sign, to which they would bend their necks in humility.
4. But there comes not to them a newly-revealed Message from Allah Most Gracious, but they turn away therefrom.
5. They have indeed rejected the Message: so they will know soon enough the truth of what they mocked at!
6. Do they not look at the earth—how many noble things of all kinds We have produced therein?
7. Verily, in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
8. And verily, thy Lord is He, the Exalted

Theravada

Theravada views itself as representing the original and authentic teaching of the Buddha. It emphasizes the pursuit of Nirvana through the individual’s own efforts. The Buddha is revered as one who achieved Nirvana and provided his teachings, the Dharma, so that others could do the same. But the Buddha himself is beyond the reach of the individual and no longer available to provide direct assistance. Theravada stays true to the Buddha’s last words: “Work out your salvation with diligence.” The individual pursues Nirvana primarily through meditation, for which the monastic lifestyle is best suited. Theravada therefore also emphasizes the central role of the monastic community, or Sangha. Those who do attain Nirvana are known... Continue reading "Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana: Key Differences and Concepts" »

M7 - Anglicana Currens (1453)

1 - Item, the said little house draws not 5,000 tiles, which after 16 pence the thousand

2 - Should draw 6 shillings, 8 pence. Notwithstanding, if Sir Thomas thinks that he should be allowed

3 - He shall be. And you must remember in this new work how that he, for the said work, noble

4 - Has received 6 shillings, 8 pence of you, and 8 shillings of Robert Tolle before Michaelmas, as appears

5 - In his account, 8 shillings. And what he has received of Tolle since Michaelmas, 5 shillings, 4 pence.

6 - Tell you, I suppose it is 10 shillings. And then by this reckoning, he should be 13 shillings, 4 pence ahead.

7 - Hand, which I would you should gather up in this new work as well as you might.

8 - For I am beholden to do him... Continue reading "Historical Documents: Anglicana Currens and Textura Formata" »

The Age of Realism and Precision

The main characteristics of the Restoration period—Realism and Precision—were carried to further perfection. They are found in their excellent form in the poetry of Pope, and in the prose of Addison, who developed it into a clear, precise, and elegant form of expression. The Whigs and the Tories—members of two important political parties which were constantly contending to control the government of the country—used and rewarded writers for satirizing their enemies and undermining their reputations. A satire is concerned mainly with finding fault with opponents and is destructive in its intention.

Development of the Novel

Several conditions and factors contributed to the development of the novel:

• Growing

Q. Why, according to the writer, does the advice she gave to Saheb seem hollow?

Ans The author's suggestion for Saheb to go to school didn't make sense because there wasn't a school nearby where he lived. Building a new school in his poor neighborhood wasn't realistic because of the lack of resources and attention from authorities.

Q. What explanation does the author offer for the children not wearing footwear?

Ans The author elucidates that the children go barefoot because they're accustomed to the rough streets and their families can't afford shoes. This lack of footwear becomes a symbol of their poverty and the harsh realities they face daily.

Q. Was Saheb happy with his job at the tea stall?

Ans Saheb isn't really happy working at the tea stall... Continue reading "Lost Spring: Stories of Stolen Childhood - A Study Guide" »

The Rise of Cities and the Economy

Major epidemics disappeared, leading to population growth and increased demand for land cultivation. This agricultural surplus, coupled with improvements in shipping, fueled trade, manufacturing, and the growth of cities and ports. Economic power shifted towards activities like trade, manufacturing, and banking, leading to the emergence of the first capitalist companies.

Strengthening of Monarchy

During the 15th century, monarchs began to reclaim power from the feudal nobility, who had amassed significant influence during the Middle Ages.

Humanism: A Cultural Revolution

Humanism emerged as a cultural revolution, placing human beings at the center of creation. It emphasized:

• Humans as free beings capable of rational

Judith Jarvis Thomson's Defense of Abortion

Judith Jarvis Thomson, in her seminal essay "A Defense of Abortion," begins by granting, for the sake of argument, the premise that a human embryo is a person.

She then challenges the notion that one can effectively argue from this premise to the conclusion that all abortion is morally impermissible.

Thomson asserts that the Basic Argument (a term used by the author of this summary, not Thomson herself) fails to justify the idea that all abortion is morally impermissible.

Thomson's Philosophical Project

The Basic Argument Against Abortion

• The fetus is a person, and every person has a right to life.
• Therefore, the fetus has a right to life.
• The mother has a right to decide what happens in and to her body.
• But

Unit 8 Test: Samuel and Kings Review

Test covers material from:

• 1 Samuel 1-2 (Samuel), 7-10, 12-14 (Saul), 17 (David/Goliath)
• 2 Samuel 11 (David/Bathsheba)
• Textbook pages 103-105
• 1 Kings 3 (Solomon)

Samuel

• Samuel's mother is Hannah (she is barren).
• Samuel's father is Elkanah.
• Hannah promises her son will be a Nazirite (vow taken by Samson).
• They travel to the temple at Shiloh for prayer.
• The high priest at Shiloh is Eli.
• Eli has 2 sons (Phineas and Hophni – they are evil sons):
  • 1) Steal temple sacrifices
  • 2) Sleep with the prostitutes outside the meeting tent
• Elkanah's second wife is Peninnah; she jeers at Hannah for having no children.
• Hannah's prayer of praise reminds us of Mary's hymn of praise in the NT.
• Once Samuel is weaned, he is brought to Eli to live