Nietzsche’s Genealogy of Morals: A Critical Analysis of Morality’s Origins
Nietzsche’s Genealogy of Morals
First Treatise
English Psychologists and the Genesis of Morality
Nietzsche finds English psychologists interesting because they delve into the genesis of morality. They believe in seeking truth but lack a historical perspective. They argue that altruistic actions were initially deemed good by beneficiaries, and this assessment’s origin was later forgotten. Nietzsche criticizes this theory, asserting that only the powerful can establish names and do so from a position
Read MoreSt. Augustine’s City of God and the Concept of Man as Image of God
Work Context: St. Augustine’s Writings
The work of St. Augustine comprises a vast collection of treatises, books, sermons, and letters. His significant titles include the autobiographical Confessions and Retractions, philosophical dialogues such as On the Happy Life, On the Immortality of the Soul, and On Free Choice of the Will; apologetic works like The City of God and On True Religion; dogmatic treatises such as On Faith and Works, On the Presence of God, and On the Trinity; moral and pastoral
Read MoreThe Leper’s Faith: A Story of Hope and Healing
I. Yearning for Health
The Gospel narrative tells of a leper whose faith ignited a deep yearning for healing. He believed in Jesus’ power to heal, a stark contrast to those consumed by sin who lack hope and despair of ever being cleansed. This indifference to spiritual matters is a pervasive ailment, but this leper was different. He yearned to be free from his terrible affliction.
Some love their leprosy, clinging to sin and finding camaraderie with fellow sinners. They resist the company of the
Read MoreExploring Early Christian Sarcophagi in Rome: Art and Symbolism
Sarcophagus of the Via Salaria, Rome
Pio Christian Museum, 275-300 ca. Arte Paleocristiano. The sarcophagus intended for public use symbolizes the character inside. It retakes pictures of ancient mythological figures, removing their pagan meaning and linking them to Christ. The sarcophagi recognize passages from the Old and New Testaments, featuring scenes such as the Good Shepherd and Christ.
Sarcophagus of Santa María La Antigua
Rome, 350 ca. This is an early Christian sarcophagus built around the
Read MoreJesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness: A Test of Faith
Jesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness
After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus retreated to the desert for 40 days of fasting and prayer, echoing Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness and symbolizing our Lenten season. During this time, he faced three temptations from Satan, each testing his commitment to his divine mission.
The Three Temptations
These temptations represent the internal struggles we all face, the human diversions that can lead us astray. Jesus, as the new Adam, entered into the
Read MoreWilliam of Ockham: Separation of Church and State in the 14th Century
William of Ockham’s Political Philosophy
Context and Focus
William of Ockham, a Franciscan friar in the 14th century, challenged medieval scholasticism by advocating for the separation of church and state. His stance stemmed from his belief in the distinct realms of reason and faith. This position mirrored his views on the relationship between the Emperor and the Pope, arguing against papal interference in secular affairs.
Ockham’s Core Arguments
- Christ’s grant of power to St. Peter and his successors