Anglo-Saxon Poems: Wulf and Eadwacer, Egyptian Days & More
Wulf and Eadwacer
It is as though my people had been given a present.
Will they wish to capture him if he comes threatening?
It is unlike us.
Wulf is on one island, I’m on another.
Firmly fixed is that island, placed on fenland.
Murderous are the people who occupy that island.
Will they wish to capture him if he comes threatening?
It is unlike us.
Grieved have I for my Wulf with distant longings,
then rainy was the weather and I was sad
when the brave hero surrounded me with his arms.
It was such a joy, and
Read MoreKey Terms and Definitions in Abrahamic Religions
Key Terms in Abrahamic Religions
Zoroastrianism
Ahura Mazda: The God of Zoroastrianism, also known as Ohrmazd.
Zarathustra: Ancient Iranian prophet and poet, founder of the Zoroastrian religion.
70 CE: The destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Judaism
Covenant: A biblical concept that describes the relationship between God and the Jews in contractual terms, often thought of as an eternal bond between the Creator and the descendants of the ancient Israelites.
Gentile: Not Jewish.
Midrash: Biblical exegesis
Dangerous Sects: Origins, Practices, and Control Methods
4) Stop Suffering (Universal Church of the Kingdom of God)
Official Name: Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.
Also Known As: Stop Suffering.
Founder: Edir Macedo.
Founded: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1977).
Curiosities: The founder has been jailed twice in Brazil, and the church has been embroiled in financial scandals in Argentina. They often offer certain charms, like oil from Mount Sinai or the Jordan River.
Some Examples of Dangerous Sects
5) The People’s Temple
Jim Jones, an American pastor,
Read MoreCaravaggio’s Artistic Journey: From Rest on the Flight into Egypt to Judith Beheading Holofernes
Caravaggio’s Artistic Evolution
Rest on the Flight into Egypt (1596)
This painting depicts a moment of rest with the Holy Family. Joseph gathers dates for the child, showcasing Caravaggio’s attention to detail and realism. The reddish hues of the trees suggest the end of summer. The scene draws parallels to the Song of Songs, highlighting the Virgin’s beauty and purity. The inclusion of music is a novel element, with Joseph holding a score and an angel playing. Joseph’s realism is evident in his
Read MoreUnderstanding the Bible, Palestine, and Gospels: Key Concepts
The Bible: A Long Process
The Bible began to be written a thousand years before Christ and concludes at the end of the first century of our era. We can distinguish different stages:
- A major event occurs.
- Reflection upon this event provides a religious meaning to what happened.
- This reflection is transmitted orally from generation to generation.
- These oral traditions are eventually written down, sometimes centuries later.
- These books on rolls are read in family and religious celebrations.
- All of these books
Key Concepts of Hinduism
Deities
Brahman
The universal soul and Supreme Being; the eternal spirit from which all things originate and to which they return.
Brahma
A deity considered the creator of the universe; part of the Hindu Trinity.
Vishnu
A deity considered the preserver of the universe; part of the Hindu Trinity.
Shiva
A deity considered the destroyer and restorer of the universe; part of the Hindu Trinity.
Krishna
The eighth incarnation of the god Vishnu.
Rama
The seventh incarnation of God Vishnu; the hero in the Hindu epic
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