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

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 Continue reading "Historical Documents: Anglicana Currens and Textura Formata" »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

The Origins of Islam

Islam emerged in the Middle East on the Arabian Peninsula, with Mecca serving as its primary religious center. Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 and was known as a deeply religious man. Legend states that the angel Gabriel appeared to him, declaring him the new prophet of Allah. He began preaching a religion based on submission to Allah. Due to persecution by the people of Mecca, Muhammad was forced to flee.

The Hijra

In 622, Muhammad escaped from Mecca to Medina, an event known as the Hijra, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Muhammad successfully converted the people of Medina to Islam. By the time of his death in 632, the majority of Arabs had become Muslims.

Core Beliefs and Practices

Islam teaches that Allah... Continue reading "The Origins and Expansion of Islamic Civilization" »

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

First, the definition of a human person as the church sees it is that they see men and women as the living image of God himself, the image of his plan, they have received a part of God's dignity. The church invites all people to recognize in everyone a brother or sister 'for whom Christ died'. 'Human society is therefore the object of the social teaching of church since this is neither outside or nor over and above socially united men, but exists exclusively in them and for them.' The human individual possesses the dignity of a person, who is not just something but someone. He is capable of self-knowledge, self-possession and of freely giving himself and entering into communication with other persons. He is called by grace to offer his creator... Continue reading "The Church's View on Human Dignity and Freedom" »