La Celestina and Cantar de Mio Cid: Spanish Literature
The Celestina
Argument
The Celestina tells of the love affair between Calisto and Melibea. Calisto falls in love with Melibea by chance, but she initially rejects him. Sempronio, Calisto’s servant, suggests seeking assistance from Celestina, a procuress, to help him win Melibea’s love. In gratitude, Calisto gives Celestina a gold chain. Celestina is later killed by Calisto’s servants over a dispute about sharing the reward. One night, when Calisto goes to visit Melibea, he falls down the stairs and
Read MoreSalvation: Justification, Repentance, Faith, and Sanctification
Understanding Salvation: A Biblical Perspective
1. Justification and Atonement
- Justified Atonement: It was a means of reconciling a holy God with sinful humanity. Perfect justice and love were accomplished. People were set free from the power and guilt of sin and restored to fellowship with God.
- Penalty Substitution: The act of paying the penalty for another.
2. Man’s Predicament and the Need for Repentance
- Why is man, without God, guilty of sin?
- Man is born into sin.
- Man chooses to commit sinful acts.
The Renaissance and Reformation: A Transformative Era
Major Renovations in the 16th Century
Economics: With the opening of international trade and banking, money became the driving force of all activity.
Politics: Nation-states arose, and monarchies were strong. Policy followed the guidance of the Church. The conception of life saw the rise of individualism, a critical sense toward authority, and the affirmation of personal liberty.
Changes in the Church
Some Popes and bishops were more concerned with the arts and maintaining their power than with the
Read MoreIslamic Pillars, Quran, and Cultural Impact
The Five Pillars of Islam
- Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca: A mandatory pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime, if health and finances allow.
- Jihad: The defense of Islam, sometimes interpreted as a holy war.
The Quran and Sunnah
Islamic doctrine is based on the Quran and the Sunnah (Tradition). The Hadith is a collection of oral traditions.
The Quran is the word of God, revealed to Muhammad over 23 years. Initially an oral tradition, it was later written down. The Quran is divided into 114 Surahs (chapters)
Read MoreHuman Dignity and Social Justice: Key Catholic Teachings
Equality
In theology, the dignity of each human in comparison to all other humans.
Personalistic Norm
Principle that maintains that a person is to be treated as a unique individual and never a means to another’s end.
Subsidium
“Give help” an attitude of help and respect for someone weaker or less powerful.
Abortifacient Drug
A chemical agent or drug that induces abortion, used to kill a child within a few days of conception.
Suction Aspiration Abortion
Technique in which a surgical saw is inserted into the
Read MoreHoly Spirit’s Role in Holiness, Discipleship, and Advent
How Does the Holy Spirit Guide Us to Holiness?
God the Holy Spirit guides us to holiness by working within us to transform our hearts and minds. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God’s will, convicting us of sin and leading us toward repentance and renewal. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which enable us to exhibit Christ-like virtues
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