Basque Spiritual Traditions and Mythology

Etxe: The Sacred Basque Home

The Etxe, or traditional Basque dwelling, is deeply intertwined with its physical location; it is also home, a traditional dwelling. In traditional culture, the house is earth, temple, cemetery, hostel, and is also home to the community of the living and the dead. For Basques, it means more than just housing, as it is where inhabitants connect with their ancestors.

Within the house, there is symbolism that protects it as a holy place, including elements like laurel, the

Read More

The Bible Unveiled: Sacred Texts, History, and Faith

What is the Bible?

The Bible is a small library of books on varied topics, told long ago. They are united by their common message: they all speak of the profound love God has for us.

The Source of Biblical Revelation

The Bible’s source is the experience of a group of people who felt loved by God. It is a process that follows these steps:

  • Experiencing God’s intervention in their lives and history.
  • Receiving and reflecting on God’s particular actions in their favor.
  • Expressing their faith in God.

They considered

Read More

Key Terms in Asian Art History: Concepts and Definitions

ART 251 – Asian Art History, Prof. F. H. Capistrano-Baker

Key Terms in Asian Art History

General Art History Concepts

  • Art History: Study of the history of art, and the cultures and time periods that produced specific works.
  • Formal Analysis: Methodical study of the form and physical aspects of a work.
  • Relief Sculpture: Two-dimensional sculpture, meant to be viewed from the front only (high relief vs. low relief); the back is left rough.
  • Sculpture in the Round: Three-dimensional sculpture meant to be
Read More

Christian Social Doctrine: Early Message & Principles

Social Dimension of Early Christian Message

The social doctrine of the Church is closely related to the history of salvation.

Mission of Jesus

The Gospel shows how Jesus was not indifferent to the needs of the weakest and the victims of injustice. Jesus fought against hypocrisy, abuse of power, and the desire for rich profit. He denounced indifference to the suffering of the oppressed and reminded that all will be accountable when a judge overturns the world.

Jesus proclaimed an essential equality in

Read More

Characters of La Celestina

Main Characters

Calisto

A young, affluent man with a good economic situation. His primary servants are Pármeno and Sempronius, later replaced by Sosia and Tristán.

He embodies romantic and exalted love, is a dreamer, yet also pessimistic, insecure, and lacking self-confidence. His dignity does not prevent him from pursuing Melibea, trusting Celestina and his servants. His downfall may stem from accepting advice without questioning the truth. He is irresponsible, depending on his servants for everything,

Read More

Renaissance Masterpieces: Art and Architecture

Basilica di San Lorenzo, Florence

Details

Author: Filippo Brunelleschi
Chronology: 1421-1470
Style: Quattrocento
Material: Pietra Serena, Marble

Brunelleschi wrote extensively about the architecture, his obsession with perspective, directing all eyes towards the altar where vanishing points are concentrated. Columns with Corinthian capitals allow more light at height. Simple round windows in the triforium. Coffered ceiling. Known as the Basilica Ambrosiana, commissioned to honor the family of Bishop

Read More