Saint Augustine: Faith, History, and the City of God
Socio-Political Order: The City of Land and the City of God
The Two Cities
Faith tells us that God created the human race as one man, and that man disobeyed God. All his descendants are torn between love for God and love for themselves. These are the two attractions experienced by man throughout his life. “This is the inner drama of every man, in which, according to Augustine, is played salvation or eternal damnation.” Just as there are men who love God above themselves, and men who love themselves
Read MoreEarly Christian Thought: Patristic Period and Heresies
The Patristic Period and the Formation of Christian Doctrine
The Patristic Christian writings played a crucial role in forming the official doctrine of the Church. Philosophically speaking, it can be challenging to distinguish between some later Christian writers who were considered heretics and the Fathers of the Church. The mission of the Patristic period was to provide a more unified religious terminology, clarify concepts, and make every effort to end disputes. It also had to differentiate between
Read MoreJohn XXIII, Vatican II, and Thomas Merton: Church Reform
John XXIII: A Legacy of Renewal
John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on November 25, 1881, began his journey to priesthood at a young age. Excelling in his studies despite economic hardship, he entered the seminary of Bergamo at age 11 with his uncle’s support. At 22, he was ordained and celebrated his first Mass at the Vatican, where he was received by Pope Pius X. In 1904, he became secretary to the Bishop of Bergamo, Monsignor Radini-Tedeschi, experiencing crucial moments of his pastoral
Read MoreEarly Christian Basilicas: San Vitale and the Holy Sepulchre
San Lorenzo: An Example Among Others
The origin of the Roman tribune is also for pilgrims. The entrance to the atrium is via a staircase. After passing the Basilica of Martyrium, the sides could reach the court of Golgotha and then finally to the rotunda of the Anastasis. With regard to the architects of the Holy Sepulchre, very late sources say it was a Syrian and a Constantinopolitan (Cenobio and Tube). The later buildings do not give the original plan, but we can rebuild it because there are many
Read MoreHomebirth Story: Grandmother’s Unexpected Role
In a small, cluttered living room, amidst the chaos of a homebirth, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. The expectant mother, accompanied by her supportive family, eagerly awaited the arrival of her child. However, fate had something different in store for them that day. It was the grandmother, fueled by a mix of fear, adrenaline, and an absence of proper tools, who found herself in an extraordinary position.
The Missing Scissors
As the labor intensified, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
Read MorePuritanism: Beliefs and Reflections in Literature
Puritanism in Literature
Puritanism, a strict Calvinist form of Protestant Christianity, distinguished itself from mainline Christianity through five principal beliefs. These beliefs formed the Puritans’ path to salvation and created a religion with a strict and rigid morality.
Original Sin and Limited Atonement
For the Puritans, Original Sin brought total depravity to all humanity. Because of Original Sin, all humans are destined to die and suffer eternal damnation. Unlike Catholics and Christians
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