Christian Social Doctrine: Early Message & Principles
Social Dimension of Early Christian Message
The social doctrine of the Church is closely related to the history of salvation.
Mission of Jesus
The Gospel shows how Jesus was not indifferent to the needs of the weakest and the victims of injustice. Jesus fought against hypocrisy, abuse of power, and the desire for rich profit. He denounced indifference to the suffering of the oppressed and reminded that all will be accountable when a judge overturns the world.
Jesus proclaimed an essential equality in
Read MoreCharacters of La Celestina
Main Characters
Calisto
A young, affluent man with a good economic situation. His primary servants are Pármeno and Sempronius, later replaced by Sosia and Tristán.
He embodies romantic and exalted love, is a dreamer, yet also pessimistic, insecure, and lacking self-confidence. His dignity does not prevent him from pursuing Melibea, trusting Celestina and his servants. His downfall may stem from accepting advice without questioning the truth. He is irresponsible, depending on his servants for everything,
Read MoreRenaissance Masterpieces: Art and Architecture
Basilica di San Lorenzo, Florence
Details
Author: Filippo Brunelleschi
Chronology: 1421-1470
Style: Quattrocento
Material: Pietra Serena, Marble
Brunelleschi wrote extensively about the architecture, his obsession with perspective, directing all eyes towards the altar where vanishing points are concentrated. Columns with Corinthian capitals allow more light at height. Simple round windows in the triforium. Coffered ceiling. Known as the Basilica Ambrosiana, commissioned to honor the family of Bishop
Read MoreUnderstanding Diversity and Worldviews
Key Terms & Definitions
A. Tolerance
- The ability to accept and respect differences in opinions, beliefs, and behaviors, even if they are not aligned with your own.
- Example: Respecting someone’s religious dietary restrictions, even if you don’t follow them yourself.
B. Agnostic
- Someone who believes that the existence of God or the divine is unknown or unknowable.
- Example: An agnostic person might say, “There may be a God, but there’s no way to prove it.”
C. Discrimination
- The unfair or unjust
Ancient Roman Religion: Beliefs, Cults, and Gods
Foundations of Roman Religion
Roman religion was based above all on fear. The Roman sought protection in a religion based on worship and ritual. Roman religion was sometimes conceived as a contract between man and divinity: in exchange for sacrifices and other acts of worship, the gods protected the Romans, who were prone to superstition.
As Rome came into contact with peoples who had different religious beliefs and deities, they assimilated, transformed, or adapted these, resulting in a mosaic of
Read MoreEarly Medieval Europe: Faith, Feudalism, and Fragmentation
Europe After Rome: A Patchwork of Kingdoms
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the subsequent barbarian invasions, Europe fragmented into a series of independent territories ruled by peoples with fragile governments.
Rural Economy and Feudal Society
With the establishment of the Germanic kingdoms, cities declined, and the countryside became the principal source of wealth. Living conditions were harsh, marked by:
- Frequent wars
- Widespread diseases
- High mortality rates
Feudal lords resided in castles,
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