Early Church History: Councils, Fathers, and Structure

The New Situation of the Church

The calendar is Christian. Sunday became the official day off and celebrates important holidays of Christianity. Laws are amended contrary to Christian morality: gladiatorial fights are banned, infanticide is deleted, the death penalty by crucifixion is removed, and family life is promoted.

Council of Nicaea

Condemned the doctrine of Arius, who asserted that Jesus was not inferior to the Father, therefore, Christ was not God, but someone created by God.

Council of Ephesus

Nestorius

Read More

Nietzsche and Freud: Philosophy and Critique of Religion

Nietzsche’s Philosophy

His Philosophical Tenets

  • Superman: The man in full, unfettered, master of himself and passing on his philosophy.
  • Death of God: God is to be demolished and removed, allowing the Superman to be totally free to live and have their own morality.
  • A New Morality: The morality of the gentlemen whose values are cunning, courage, strength, independence, power, against a morality of slaves and cowards (obedience, poverty, compassion, suffering, weakness).

His Critique of Religion and the

Read More

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and Arian Baptistery in Ravenna

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna

It has now lost five feet of its original height. The central dome is inserted into a square, and the sides are covered with barrel vaults, while the exterior features tegula roofing (shingles) and curved tiles in gabled brick and tile. The entrance facade is decorated with semicircular arches and a series of small windows that would have been covered by slabs of alabaster.

Interior Description

  • Longitudinal: Central area with a barrel vault on pendentives and sarcophagi
Read More

Church and State: History and Ecumenism in the Modern Era

History of the Church in the Contemporary Age

The Relations of Church and State in the Contemporary Age

The Church has had to carry out its mission in very different environments and situations:

  • Living with countries anchored in absolutism
  • With liberal or conservative political regimes
  • Relations with countries seething with revolutionary or authoritarian governments

Major Events

The Enlightenment

  • Criticized the Church’s power
  • Relativized the Christian revelation
  • Cried out against ignorance and religious superstition
  • Proclaimed
Read More

Celtic Art and Visigothic Architecture in Early Medieval Europe

Mainly in monastic or ecclesiastical contexts, many Celtic artworks are very simple. Some authors have suggested that their incised carving technique is reminiscent of wood carving. It is possible that many were originally made of wood, but only the stone versions have survived.

Ogham Stones

Important examples include the so-called Ogham stones, which feature inscriptions on stone:

  • Drumaqueran: Carved with a chrismon.
  • Smell: More complicated, featuring a Latin cross with the alpha and omega hanging
Read More

Understanding the Structure and Roles Within a Catholic Diocese

The Diocese

At the forefront stands the Diocesan Bishop.

Auxiliary Bishop

It may happen that a bishop cannot fulfill the entrusted duties alone. If so, the diocese, at the request of their bishop, can count on one or more Auxiliary Bishops. For their selection, the head of the diocese will propose a list of at least three names to the Apostolic See. For its part, the Holy See may appoint a Coadjutor Bishop. The difference lies in the initiative of the appointment. Both, moreover, will be named Vicar

Read More