Early Church Doctrine: Bishops, Councils, and Heresies
The Role and Characteristics of Early Bishops
Every bishop has a triple mission in the diocese entrusted to him: to be a pastor, teacher, and pontiff. In the early centuries, bishops stood out for being wise, educated, and concerned with preaching the Gospel.
Characteristics of the Church Fathers
To be considered a Father of the Church, an individual generally needed:
- Doctrinal Authority: Recognized by the Church.
- Antiquity: Belonging to the early centuries of the Church.
- Sanctity of Life: Demonstrated
Key Figures and Concepts in Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism
Prophet Muhammad and the Origins of Islam
Early Life and First Revelation
Much of Muhammad’s early life is unknown, as most information comes from sources compiled later by Muslims. However, at the age of forty, Muhammad was visited by the Angel Gabriel. This occurred around the year 610 CE. Muhammad was in an isolated cave outside of Mecca. He heard the word ‘Recite!’. Believed to be illiterate, he hesitated, but the command was repeated three times.
Preaching, Hijra, and Core Teachings
The revelations
Read MoreKey Concepts of Faith: Exploring Core Beliefs
Key Concepts of Faith
The Old Testament
The first part, the most extensive, contains the books that give the people of Israel testimony of the great deeds of God and His own story. It contains three distinct parts: The Law, the prophetic books, and the poetic and historical Sapiential books.
God’s Covenant
This word means that God’s covenant with Noah is concrete and transcendent, with Abraham, and then with all the people on Mount Sinai.
The New Testament
This consists of 27 works written by the apostles
Read MoreSanta Maria de Ripoll Monastery: Romanesque Facade & Biblical Scenes
Santa Maria de Ripoll Monastery: A Romanesque Masterpiece
Timeline
Eleventh Century: The church was consecrated by Abbot Oliva in 1032.
Style and Technique
- Style: Catalan Romanesque
- Technique: Carving
- Material: Stone
- Forms: High relief
- Author: Roussillon Workshops
- Location: Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll
Facade Arrangement
The arrangement of the facade recalls a triumphal arch due to its rectangular shape, with the door in the middle. The door is covered with archivolts which alternate with geometric and
Read MoreIslamic Faith, History, and Culture Fundamentals
Core Islamic Precepts and Practices
Islamic Precepts: Daily, Lifelong, and Annual Duties
Key religious duties in Islam include:
- Daily: Prayer (Salat) performed five times daily.
- Ongoing: Belief in one God (Allah) and the profession of faith (Shahada); Giving alms (Zakat) to the needy.
- Annual: Fasting (Sawm) from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
- Lifelong: Pilgrimage (Hajj) to the holy city of Mecca, if able (at least once).
Historical Figures and Events
Byzantine Emperor Before Muhammad’s Birth
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Read MoreCatholic Social Action, Interfaith Dialogue & US Identity
Dorothy Day & The Catholic Worker Movement
Many American Catholics have used principles of Catholic social teaching to address specific injustices and inequities in American life. One of the most prominent Catholics to do so is Dorothy Day. The Catholic Worker Movement that she started spread among many Catholics, creating places for the poor and underprivileged to get food, shelter, and other necessities. This good work stemmed from the idea that every person has human dignity granted by God.
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