Medieval Christian Philosophy: From Patristics to Scholasticism
Medieval Christian Philosophy
Historical Context
Medieval philosophy spans from the 5th century to the mid-15th century. Its doctrines were largely shaped by three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Christian philosophy, a subset of medieval philosophy, focused on God, the world, and humanity through the lens of Christian faith. It integrated classical philosophical heritage with the doctrines of the Old and New Testaments, primarily using the categories of Greek thinkers. Until
Read MoreAesthetics Throughout History: From Classical Greece to Contemporary Art
Aesthetics: A Human Preoccupation
The capture and communication of the aesthetics of objects has been a human preoccupation for centuries.
1. Greek and Christian Aesthetics
The Greek View:
Classical Greek aesthetics emphasized objectivity. Objects existed in their own natural realm, separate from humans. Beauty resided in the harmony of the object’s form and its adherence to natural laws.
Aristotle’s key principles:
- Clear delineation of form: precise and well-defined shapes.
- Proportion and mathematical
The Path to Freedom: Choosing Good and Rejecting Evil
What Does It Mean to Be Free?
To be free is not to live isolated from everyone and everything, or to be uninfluenced and unconditioned by anything. Freedom is the ability to respond appropriately and constructively to life’s calls. In this, we choose between good and evil. As we grow, we become more aware of these choices. Life is a game of call and response with which we conduct our existence. This response can be constructive or destructive. We are free when, in response to an internal or external
Read MoreA Summary of Key Christian Concepts
Read MoreWas There Really a Jesus?
Jesus’s history can be traced and dated through various sources:
- Jewish Testimonials: Though scarce outside of the Bible, these include religious and secular literature. Rabbinic writings mention Jesus infrequently. Historical texts by Josephus offer details about Jesus’s life with some sympathy.
- Roman Testimonials: Pliny the Younger mentions Christians as a sect. Tacitus discusses Christians during the burning of Rome and Nero’s accusations against them.
- Christian Testimonials:
Medieval Christianity and the Schism of the East
Medieval Christianity
The Evangelization of Europe
When the Western Roman Empire collapsed (476), the Eastern Roman Empire could not defend the Romans from barbaric harassment. At that time, the Pope became the only real moral authority to address the problems of Rome. Thus, the structure of the Church served not only to guide the Church but also to lead civil society. The Popes possessed the surrounding territories of Rome (Papal States) and were endowed with a religious and political organization.
Read MoreHistory of the Church: Clergy, Benefices, and Notable Figures
The Church and its Clergy
Medieval Priests
The clergy were those who worked in charge of a parish church for weeks, especially those who administered divine services and the sacraments. In Massanet, the parish was governed by two priests until 1490. From this date, the church was guided by a governing priest, appointed by competition, to govern a parish.
Way of Life
The portrait of the medieval priest corresponds mainly to a poor man, with standard instruction in morality, and sometimes not very high.
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