Medieval Church: Reform, Schisms, and Culture
Reform and Monastic Orders
Reform was necessary because the monasteries fell into abuse of power. Significantly enriched, abbots became feudal lords.
The Abbey of Cluny
His monks began to restore the great principles of the Rule of St. Benedict. Cluny became independent of temporal power and overhauled the customs that had been made in monasteries. Monasteries dependent on Cluny spread across Europe, bringing with them Romanesque art.
The Cistercian Abbey of Cîteaux
The monks of Cluny also fell into
Read MoreBrother in Christ & Punishment: Activities & Reflections
Brother in Christ
Objective
To show that God is present in all.
Participants: Indefinite.
Estimated Time: 20 minutes.
Material: A cross with Christ on it, large enough to clearly define the parts of the body.
Description:
The organizer asks for participants to form a line or circle, where each one is beside another.
The leader motivates people by saying, “Now you will kiss Christ on the part that you think He speaks most to you, the part where He most showed His love for you.”
NOTE: You cannot repeat where
Thomistic Philosophy: Reality, Existence, and God
The Creation of the World and Thomistic Philosophy
Thomistic theory adopts concepts from the Aristotelian theory of reality. However, a central problem in Christian philosophy arises from the religious belief that the world was created by God *ex nihilo* (from nothing). The world, therefore, transforms from something eternal and without origin to something created in time, a result of God’s free will. St. Thomas Aquinas concludes that in creatures, one can distinguish between *essence* and *existence*
Read MoreNietzsche’s Genealogy of Morality: Nihilism and the Superman
Nietzsche’s Genealogy of Morality
If knowledge of reality doesn’t lead to morality, we must ask what is good and what is bad. This moral question must give way to the genealogy of morality. It’s not about determining the truth of moral good, but rather what determines the truth. Thus, Nietzsche organizes his critique of the world from morality.
Nihilism
Nihilism allows us to create new values and question cultural references, revealing a deceptive world. We reach a point where “truths” are destroyed.
Read MoreIslamic Art & Architecture: Key Elements and Mosque Design
Key Elements of Islamic Art
- Handwriting: Considered the most important art form, giving form to the word of God. It serves both ornamental and iconographic functions, transmitting divine messages through verses from the Quran, pious messages, and poems. Two main types exist:
- Kufic: Angular, capital letters, sober and straight.
- Naskhi: Italic, flexible, and fluid, used as ordinary writing.
- Plant Motifs: Fundamental elements include rosettes, palmettos, acanthus leaves, vines, and scrolls. Stylized plant
Understanding World Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and More
Understanding Key World Religions and Philosophies
Hinduism
Hinduism, originating in Northern Asia, India, and North Oceania, centers around the concept of Brahman. Brahman, Shiva, and Vishnu are recurring figures. The living being, matter, and body are considered a prison in South Asia.
Buddhism
Buddhism emerged in the 6th century BC with Buddha. Buddha’s path to release guides individuals towards peace, profound understanding, and ultimate happiness. Existence is viewed as ephemeral and filled with
Read More