St. Thomas Aquinas: Historical and Philosophical Context
St. Thomas Aquinas: Historical Context
Late Middle Ages: Socio-Political Transformation
St. Thomas Aquinas lived during the late Middle Ages, a period of significant change in Europe following the relative stagnation of the Early Middle Ages. This era witnessed agricultural advancements, leading to population growth and subsequent crises like famine, pestilence, and war. Politically, the once-unified Christian world saw a weakening of the Emperor and Pope’s authority, exemplified by conflicts like
Read MoreSt. Augustine’s Philosophy: Faith, Reason, and Human Existence
Reason and Faith
For Augustine, humans yearn for happiness and the enjoyment of the highest good, which he identified with God. This requires knowing the truth, sought through reason (philosophy) and faith (religion). These are not incompatible; faith guides our search, and reason helps us understand faith: “He understands to believe, believe and understand.”
Theory of Knowledge
Augustine’s theory posits that our truth-seeking is driven by love. Good love (charity) prioritizes God and others, creating
Read MoreAugustine of Hippo: Faith, Reason, and the Love of God
The Interplay of Faith and Reason
Two Realities United
Faith illuminates reason, and reason elevates faith. Augustine of Hippo, throughout his philosophical endeavors, argued that faith is best understood through intelligence. For the Christian, faith and reason are distinct yet intimately bound realities. Revealed truth complements philosophical truth, together forming a complete and full understanding.
The Pursuit of Truth
The most important measure is arriving at truth, whether by faith or reason.
Read MoreUnderstanding Forgiveness: A Religious Education Unit
1. Timing
This Didactic Unit will be held in two sessions in mid-course, around the end of February or early March.
2. Aim
A. Curricular Component
Learning Objectives
- Further define the concept of God as a Father always ready to forgive.
- Reflect on the attitude of forgiveness towards others, as a result of God’s forgiveness and mercy.
- Understand the meaning of the sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Assess the importance of repentance and the ability to forgive others.
Communication Competencies
Language
- Understand
Romanesque Architecture: Churches, Monasteries, and Pilgrimage Sites
Romanesque Architecture: Temples, Pilgrimage Churches, and Monasteries
Introduction: After the artistic fragmentation following the crisis of the Roman Empire, the Romanesque style developed during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. It was the first international style of Western culture, a Christian artistic expression of a culturally united Europe. Romanesque art reproduced forms from various origins: Rome (arches, vaults, symmetry), Byzantium (dome systems, drums, scallops, iconographic repertoire)
Read MoreRevealing Christ’s Teachings: Pedagogy and Transformation
The Teaching of Christ Revealed
The uniqueness of Jesus’ behavior defied definition based on family background or personal history alone. The question arose, “Who is He?” His answer, inconceivable to many, surpassed their hypotheses. Jesus employed intelligent pedagogy, revealing his identity gradually to foster conviction through a process of assimilation.
The Pedagogy of Revelation:
- The Master to Follow: Jesus calls all to follow him, implying a deeper commitment than initially perceived.
- The Need