Early 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,
Read MoreFriendship Dynamics, Sexuality Development, and Ethics
Understanding Self-Esteem and Relationship Challenges
Self-esteem: A natural feeling, distinct from self-love, selfishness, or pride.
Common Relationship Issues
- Jealousy: One of the most frequent issues in relationships.
- Infidelity: This causes serious conflicts and relationship breakdowns.
- Violence: Disappointment when love ends can sometimes lead to violence against a former loved one.
Understanding Friendship
Concept of Friendship
Friendship, a type of love occurring between equals, is the manifestation
Read MoreChristian Teachings: Parousia, Death, and Meaning of Life
Christian Teaching: Beyond the Present
Any preaching of Jesus is marked by the announcement of his coming as Lord at the end of time.
This is known by the glorious name Parousia: the full and final establishment of God’s reign. A reign of peace and justice for all.
The time between the first coming of the Lord and his coming in glory at the end of time is the time of the Church; it is our story. During this time, Christ does not leave us alone but is with us through his Spirit and encourages us to
Read MoreUnderstanding Major World Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and More
Hinduism
Indian comes from Persian and GIS. The result is a long process of evolution.
Origin
No source is a lifestyle Hindu.
Indus
Four thousand years ago, educated deities represented by three letters: the goddess Shiva.
The Ganges
From the northwest, Arya signifies noble. Considered a superior race, it is not mixed with India.
Beliefs
- Membership: Religion is closely related to being born Hindu, belonging to a family.
Gods
Diverse conceptions of God: Brahman (the Absolute Spirit), many gods, and cults of
Read MoreConstantinian Basilicas: Jerusalem, Rome, Bethlehem
Basilica of the Anastasis, Jerusalem (circa 336)
The Constantinian basilica, originally a tripartite structure (Martyrion, Triportico, and Anastasis), is now primarily represented by the Rotunda of the Anastasis. This rotunda, frequently restored, stands as a grand mausoleum over the purported empty tomb of Christ. It is considered a significant temple of martyrs, with known architects, a rarity for the time: Eustace and Cenobio of Constantinople.
The Anastasis was designed to accommodate pilgrims
Read MoreRavenna’s Early Christian Mosaics: Orthodox Baptistery & Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
Baptistery of the Orthodox Mosaics
Mosaics appear in the Baptistery of the Orthodox. Saint Peter and Saint Paul, as the main apostles, flank the throne of Christ who presides over the composition in the outer ring. Meanwhile, the scene of the Baptism is designed symmetrically: the figure of Christ occupies the center, flanked by the Baptist and the personification of the Jordan River.
After Justinian’s conquest in 540, the building was reconsecrated to the Catholic faith, as were many others by the
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