Islamic 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 MoreProtestant Reformation and the Council of Trent
Protestant Reformation: Key Points
1) Sacred Scripture is the source of divine revelation, and every Christian can interpret the Bible. This is a free examination of doctrine, which denies the Magisterium of the Church.
2) Original sin totally corrupts human beings. Free examination is not accurate.
3) The sacraments do not produce grace, they are only symbols. There are only two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
4) Salvation comes through faith, and good works are not useful for salvation.
Read MoreCatholic Social Teaching: Principles and Key Concepts
Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person: Catholic teaching on life and the dignity of the human person.
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation: Catholic teaching on the call to family, community, and participation.
- Solidarity: Catholic teaching on solidarity.
- Dignity of Work: Catholic teaching on the dignity of work.
- Rights and Responsibilities: Catholic teaching on rights and responsibilities.
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: Catholic teaching on the
Understanding the Bible: Key Themes and Teachings
Understanding the Bible
UD 1: What is the Bible?
The Bible has 73 books, distributed between the Old (46) and New (27) Testaments. Various forms of expression, called genres, were used in its composition. The Bible is the book of the People of God, and its message of salvation can only be discovered within that community.
UD 2: Israel, the People of God
Israel’s identity comes from its claim to be God’s chosen people with whom God made a covenant. Its geographical and historical events, and their cultural
Read MoreOrigins and Expansion of Islam
Origins and Rise of Islam
Islamic civilization is based on the religion of Islam. This religion originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the early 7th century. The Arabian Peninsula was occupied by tribes without a unifying political power. Their religion was polytheistic. They had different ways of life: northern tribes were nomads dedicated to grazing goats and camels; tribes of the central desert were caravan traders; in the south, they were sedentary and farmed the fields. Despite their differences,
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