Exploring the Bible: History, Structure, and Key Figures
The Bible: A Sacred Text
What is the Bible?
The Bible is the collection of sacred books considered canonical in Judaism and Christianity. The specific books included in the canon vary depending on the religious tradition. According to Jewish and Christian belief, the Bible spreads the word of God. The Bible, or portions of it, has been translated into 2,303 languages.
Navigating the Bible
Each book of the Bible is divided into chapters, marked with large numbers at the beginning of each chapter. For
Read MoreCanonical Rules for Intermarriage in Catholicism
Marriage and Disparity of Worship
The Code of Canon Law (CDC) addresses intermarriage in Title VII, Chapter VI. These rules, updated by Paul VI’s 1970 Motu Proprio on intermarriage, reflect the principles of ecumenism and religious freedom from Vatican II.
Defining Intermarriage
Intermarriage refers to marriages where only one party is Catholic at the time of the contract. This broad concept includes marriages prevented by canon 1086 and those merely prohibited.
Impediments and Prohibitions
Canon 1086
Read MoreCharismatic Domination: A Sociological Analysis
Charismatic Domination
“Charisma” refers to an extraordinary quality, originally perceived as magical, possessed by figures like prophets, sorcerers, warlords, and leaders. This quality imbues the individual with seemingly supernatural or exceptional abilities, setting them apart as divine envoys or uniquely gifted individuals. This perceived extraordinariness positions them as leaders, guides, or heads of their followers.
The objective assessment of this quality, whether ethical, aesthetic, or otherwise,
Read MoreMother Earth’s Rights: A Declaration for Our Shared Future
Declaration of Rights of Mother Earth
Miguel D’Escoto and Leonardo Boff
Preamble
Earth and humanity are part of a vast evolving universe, sharing the same fate, threatened by human irresponsibility. Earth, a single, complex, sacred entity, is a self-regulating system sustaining life. Mother Earth comprises all ecosystems, forming the greater community of life. All humans share a genetic code, establishing life’s sacred unity. Humanity is Earth’s consciousness, expressing its thoughts and feelings.
All
Read MoreResurrection of Christ and Catholic Teachings
Christ’s Resurrection: Historical Testimony
Christ the Resurrection: An extraordinary event that leaves traces in history. Despite the desolation of Friday, the holy euphoria of Resurrection Sunday prevails. Millions affirm that Christ is alive, an uninterrupted chain of witnesses: John, the Church Fathers, Saint Augustine, Saint Francis of Assisi. Is it a reliable testimony? The Resurrection is a great sign, the foundation of Christian origin. Jesus had a special relationship with the God of Nazareth.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Bible: Structure and Key Themes
Old Testament
Genesis: Creation, sin, hardship, and the promise of redemption.
Exodus: Out of Egypt, receiving the Mosaic Law.
Leviticus: Laws regarding the priesthood and sacrifices.
Numbers: Israel in the desert.
Deuteronomy: Last words of Moses to Israel.
Joshua: Conquest of Canaan (fulfillment of the promise).
Judges: Inconsistency of Israel, patience, and strength of God.
Ruth: Lineage of Christ preserved and God working in a Gentile.
I Samuel: United Hebrew kingdom established under Saul and