Key Concepts of Salvation: A Theological Examination

  1. The Primacy of Obedience in Atonement

    Why is obedience the central aspect of the atonement? Because it unifies the entire concept of Christ’s obedience.
  2. Sin and Humanity Without God

    Explain why humanity without God is guilty of sin in two ways:
    • Humanity is born into sin.
    • Humanity chooses to sin.
  3. Humanity’s Predicament: Separation from God

    Humanity’s sin results in separation from God and others. Due to the sinful nature resulting from the fall, humanity is inherently flawed, affecting intellect, emotions,
Read More

Lazarus and Don Manuel in Unamuno’s San Manuel Bueno, Mártir

Lazarus: Symbolism and Character in *San Manuel Bueno, Mártir*

The Name: Unamuno employs name symbolism. Lazarus recognizes, “[Don Manuel] made a new man, a true Lazarus, a resurrected. He gave me faith.”

Character: Initially, Lazarus seems an antagonist: anti-clerical, liberal, a proponent of reason, a lover of urban culture, and concerned with social issues. He then transforms from enemy to beloved disciple. A contract exists between them. Don Manuel makes Lazarus adhere to all religious practices.

Read More

New Testament: Key Insights and Teachings

How God Used the Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans

  • Hebrews: Through their religion
  • Greeks: Through their language
  • Romans: Through their social and political organization

The Four Main Groups of the New Testament

  • Historical Literature: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts
  • Letters from Paul: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
  • Letters for All: Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2 & 3 John
  • Prophetic Literature:
Read More

Bhakti and Sufi Movements: Key Concepts and Principles

Understanding the Bhakti Movement

  1. What does the Bhakti movement mean?

    The Bhakti movement was a series of religious reform movements started by Hindu saints and reformers. They adopted devotion (Bhakti) as a method to achieve salvation. Their expression of devotion ranged from routine worship of deities within temples to singing and chanting devotional compositions.

  2. Who were the Alvars?

    In southern India, the devotees of Vishnu were called Alvars.

  3. Name four well-known reformers of the Bhakti movement.

Read More

El Cantar de Mio Cid and La Celestina: Spanish Literature

El Cantar de Mio Cid

Personality of the Cid

El Cantar de Mio Cid is the process of glorification of a hero. The Cid’s personality is defined by:

  • Loyalty to the king: Despite the case of calumnies spread by Rodrigo’s enemies.
  • Consideration and honor: He obtains royal forgiveness and his daughters end up marrying the infants of Navarra and Aragon.
  • Personal effort and faith in God: Rodrigo’s virtue is based on the Christian faith, loyalty to the king, justice with his subjects, and love of family.
  • Measure:
Read More

Ramon Llull: A Pioneer of Catalan Prose and Medieval Thought

Ramon Llull: Life and Work

Ramon Llull was the first to write literary prose in Catalan. He was also the first writer to use a Romance language to discuss cultured issues, previously reserved for Latin, such as philosophy, theology, and education. He was born around 1232 in Mallorca, the son of a noble family from Barcelona who arrived on the island after the conquest of James I around 1229. He was educated as a knight. During his youth, he led a courtly life, married Blanca Picany, and had two children.

Read More