Saint Augustine: Life, Conversion, and Theological Impact
Augustine, born in Tagaste (Souk Ahras, Algeria) in 354, was endowed with great imagination and extraordinary skill. In his tireless search for truth, Augustine explored various philosophical schools, none of which fully addressed his concerns.
He questioned certain aspects of Christianity (the problem of evil, freedom, the literary quality of the Bible, etc.) without ever abandoning the Christian tradition inherited from his mother.
In his youth, he had experiences he later regretted. At age 32,
Read MoreAfrican Church History: Key Events, Figures, and Growth
History of the Church in Africa
Primary Focus: God and the coming of His Son in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Reasons to Study Church History
- Scripture exhorts us to study history.
- God wants us to be inspired by men and women of faith who have gone before us and to learn from those who have failed.
- Studying history gives us a sense of God’s purpose as it relates to humanity.
Key Theological Terms
- Pneumatology: The study of the Holy Spirit.
- Missiology: The study of God’s mission.
- Ecclesiology: The study of
Renaissance and Reformation in 16th-Century Europe
Renaissance: Social and Cultural Transformations of Segrià in the 15th and 16th Centuries
Humanism
A cultural movement that developed fully in the 15th and early 16th centuries. Key characteristics:
- A shift from a theocentric worldview (where everything revolved around God) to a more anthropocentric one, with humanists focusing on human beings and their potential.
- Inspiration drawn from the literature, philosophy, and art of classical antiquity.
- A strong emphasis on the pursuit of truth through investigation,
Lazarillo de Tormes: Summary and Characters
Chapter Summaries of *Lazarillo de Tormes*
Chapter 1: Lazarus and the Blind Man
The central idea is the evolution of Lazarus, who transforms from a naive and innocent child into a ‘mischievous’ young boy who must fend for himself to survive. A constant theme is hunger. Lazarus dedicates all his efforts to deceiving the blind man, his cunning master, to get food or wine. At the end of the chapter, Lazarus takes revenge for the beatings he received, tricking his master and leaving him to his fate.
Chapter
Read MoreLife is a Dream: Themes, Characters, and Tragedy of Freedom
Life is a Dream: Sources and Context
The play Life is a Dream (La vida es sueño) and its sources are dated by some scholars to 1632. It premiered in 1634 and was published in 1635 in two editions: the first part a comedy by Don Pedro Calderón de la Barca, and the second part thirty comedies by several famous authors. The plot of a man who falls asleep and is transferred to the palace, believing he is a king, comes from the oriental tradition. The prediction of misfortunes that will befall a human
Read MoreIgbo Culture: Religion, Customs, and Traditions
Cosmology and Religion in Igbo Culture
Religion was a vital part of Igbo life, influencing all aspects of their society. They believed that each person had a “Chi,” a concept similar to a soul, destiny, or guardian angel, depending on the context. Religious customs included invoking spirits during reunions, rituals, and festivals. At the top of the pantheon was “Chukwu,” the creator of the universe and omnipresent being.
A discussion between the missionary Mr. Brown and Akunna highlights the comparison
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