Key Figures and Concepts in Christian Theology
Communicatio Idiomatum
St. Augustine: The philosophy for Augustine was the love and effort of the whole soul toward wisdom and truth. Truth, for Augustine, was the supreme ideal to which he was passionately devoted. This truth refers to the soul and God, the two objects of philosophical concern.
Original Sin
- What is original sin? It is the offense committed against God by the first human couple. That sin was the source of others and created the situation of sin into which all men are born.
- How did it happen? The devil tempted the woman to distrust God, then encouraged her pride, and eventually led her to disobey the divine command. The woman then did the same with her husband.
The Parish
The parish is a definite community of Christian faithful established on a stable basis within the local church. Its ministry, under the authority of the diocesan bishop, is entrusted to a pastor as its own shepherd.
Saint Benedict
Saint Benedict was born to a wealthy family in Norcia, Umbria, Italy, in 480. His twin sister, Scholastica, also became a saint.
After receiving adequate training in Rome, studying rhetoric and philosophy, he retired from the city to Enfida (now Affile) to devote himself to studying and practicing a life of rigorous ascetic discipline. Not satisfied with this relative solitude, at age 20, he went to Mount Subiaco under the guidance of a hermit living in a cave.
Three years later, he was with the monks of Vicovaro.
Saint Francis of Assisi
His religious life was austere and simple, and he encouraged his followers to do likewise. This way of life was not accepted by some of the new members of the order as it grew. Even so, Francis was reluctant to reorganize. He is the first known case in history of external, visible stigmatization.[1] He was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1228, and his feast day is celebrated on October 4. He is also known as il poverello (‘the poor man’).
Islam’s Influence in Spain
Islam was brought by the Moors when they invaded Spain. In fact, the mosque in Cordoba was once a Christian cathedral. The Muslims, in invading Spain, not only imposed their customs but also their religion. Many aspects of Spanish culture have Islamic roots. Eating lettuce or celery, having a garden, playing chess, watching a polo match, or riding a Spanish horse all reflect Islamic influence. Algebra is another creation with Islamic origins.
Saint Bernard
St. Bernard, an abbot, is chronologically the last of the Fathers of the Church but is one of the most influential. Born in Burgundy, France (near Switzerland) in 1090, he and his seven brothers received an excellent education in religion, Latin, and literature.
Personality of Bernard
Bernard had an extraordinary charisma that attracted everyone to Christ. He was friendly, sympathetic, intelligent, kind, and cheerful. All this, combined with his youthful vigor, presented him with challenges in the form of temptations against chastity and holiness. For some time, his fervor cooled, and he began to lean toward the mundane. However, worldly friendships, no matter how attractive and bright they were, left him empty and filled with boredom. After each party, he was more disappointed in the world.