Key Theories on Myth and Religion Origins
Theories on the Origins of Myth and Religion
Ancestor Worship (H. Spencer)
Herbert Spencer proposed that the concept of “manes” (the spirit of the dead) is central. Key ideas include:
- Source of Myth: Fear of the spirits of the dead.
- Practices: Rites of propitiation (sacrifice).
- Extension: Worship of animals and natural phenomena interpreted through faulty language or misunderstanding.
Animism: Dreams and Death
This theory posits that the concepts of dreams and death led to the belief in souls.
- The soul
Romanesque Architecture: Vaults, Pilgrimage, and Art
Architectural Solutions: The barrel vault was a hallmark of Romanesque architecture. Stone was employed for increased safety and aesthetic appeal, representing the pinnacle of structural creation. Problems arose as the vault’s weight exerted pressure on the walls. The solution involved dividing the vault into sections with transverse arches, supported by pillars that distributed and channeled the forces, allowing for increased height and length. A new problem emerged when three naves were present:
Read MoreMausoleum of Theodoric: Architecture, History, and Interpretation
Mausoleum of Theodoric: A Historical Overview
The Mausoleum of Theodoric stands as a testament to the Ostrogothic presence in Ravenna. Unlike other Germanic Ostrogoths, Theodoric embraced the existing culture of Ravenna. The mausoleum’s most striking feature is its roof, the largest monolith used as a cupola in history. This massive structure has a diameter of 10.73 meters at its base, is approximately 1 meter thick, and weighs 300 tons.
The roof features a series of anchors, brackets, or rings inscribed
Read MoreEarly Church Doctrine: Bishops, Councils, and Heresies
The Role and Characteristics of Early Bishops
Every bishop has a triple mission in the diocese entrusted to him: to be a pastor, teacher, and pontiff. In the early centuries, bishops stood out for being wise, educated, and concerned with preaching the Gospel.
Characteristics of the Church Fathers
To be considered a Father of the Church, an individual generally needed:
- Doctrinal Authority: Recognized by the Church.
- Antiquity: Belonging to the early centuries of the Church.
- Sanctity of Life: Demonstrated
Key Figures and Concepts in Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism
Prophet Muhammad and the Origins of Islam
Early Life and First Revelation
Much of Muhammad’s early life is unknown, as most information comes from sources compiled later by Muslims. However, at the age of forty, Muhammad was visited by the Angel Gabriel. This occurred around the year 610 CE. Muhammad was in an isolated cave outside of Mecca. He heard the word ‘Recite!’. Believed to be illiterate, he hesitated, but the command was repeated three times.
Preaching, Hijra, and Core Teachings
The revelations
Read MoreKey Concepts of Faith: Exploring Core Beliefs
Key Concepts of Faith
The Old Testament
The first part, the most extensive, contains the books that give the people of Israel testimony of the great deeds of God and His own story. It contains three distinct parts: The Law, the prophetic books, and the poetic and historical Sapiential books.
God’s Covenant
This word means that God’s covenant with Noah is concrete and transcendent, with Abraham, and then with all the people on Mount Sinai.
The New Testament
This consists of 27 works written by the apostles
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