Renaissance, Humanism, and Religious Reformation
Unit 1: Renaissance and Reformation
1. Humanism
Humanism was a cultural renewal movement that emerged in Italy in the 15th century and spread throughout Europe in the early 16th century. It was characterized by:
- Man became the center of the universe, endowed with reason and freedom.
- Inspiration in Greco-Roman culture; Plato and Aristotle were translated.
- Interest and curiosity for science and technical progress.
- Use of local languages as a vehicle of cultural transmission.
Dissemination
The invention of
Read MoreJesus, Salvation, and the Early Church: Key Teachings
The Purpose of the Gospels
The Gospels were written for distinct purposes:
- Matthew: To demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah.
- Mark: To portray Jesus as the Servant of the Lord.
- Luke: To show Jesus as the Son of Man.
- John: To reveal Jesus as the Son of God.
Miracles of Jesus
Jesus’ miracles were performed to demonstrate that He was the Messiah.
Three Signs in John’s Gospel
- Healing the officer’s son shows Jesus’ power over distance.
- Healing the man at the pool shows Jesus’ power over time.
- Healing the blind
Anglo-Saxon Ideals and Beliefs in Literature
Anglo-Saxon Ideals
Fate: The Anglo-Saxon belief in God and fate influenced their culture, outlook on life, and their own independent life paths. It is possible these sometimes contradictory ideals Pagans held so sacred are symbols of human beings’ timeless desire to separate their own behavior and the events of their lives. Fate is a disinclined method of rationalizing why things happen as they do, and a means of blaming occurrences on an unknown supremacy.
Kinship and Loyalty
Loyalty formed the backbone
Read MoreEarly Christianity: Key Events, Councils, and Figures
Edict of Milan
In Milan, Emperors Licinius and Constantine decreed that everyone should have the freedom to follow the religion they chose for their spirit.
Edict of Thessalonica
This edict declared that only Christians, specifically Catholics, were subject to this act, and all others were considered heretics.
Christianity’s New Position in Society
Protected by emperors with economic and legal aid, Christianity became integrated into society:
- Christian calendar: Sunday became the official day off, and
Caravaggio’s Madonnas: Realism and Controversy
Caravaggio’s Madonnas: A Study in Realism
His arms to Heaven, the celestial vault, take us out of the composition. It is a burial of resurrection, not death. The colors and light, ever present. The face of the Virgin is the face of an elderly, mature woman, not the typical Virgin image of the idealized Renaissance. One might ask, “The Virgin?”.
The hands that hold hearts: no difference in skin color (we can make a comparison, though distant, with Michelangelo’s *Pietà *). The arm of Christ, falling,
Read MoreGilgamesh, Ruth, Psalms, and More: Ancient Texts
Gilgamesh’s Quest for Immortality
Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality begins when his friend Enkidu dies. Gilgamesh is deeply affected by Enkidu’s death, and he realizes his own mortality. He embarks on his quest not only to escape death but also to regain the strength that the gods had given him and were now punishing him for his behavior.
Why Did Aruru Create Enkidu?
Aruru creates Enkidu to contend with King Gilgamesh and absorb some of his energy. The people had complained about Gilgamesh’s arrogance
Read More