...My First Experience At Catholic Church Introduction Christianity today is one of the dominant religions in the world with over 2 billion followers. It has an extensive variety of beliefs, forms and exercises, despite this extensiveness all have one common thing, which is faith in Jesus Christ (Hastings, 2000). I having been brought up in the Baptist beliefs and practices had not gotten a chance to attend a church outside my traditional church the Baptist. Lately I got an expected opportunity to attend the Catholic Church mass and the experience was one of its kinds. The Experience On arrival at the church, I felt a bit nervous, as it was my first time to be in a catholic church. the environment around was still and this made me feel nervous. The first impression that I received was the beauty of the church. I was convinced that much attention was directed towards maintaining the quality of the church. The inside was good looking stained window glasses, candles, and the portrayal of Christ on the cross. The architects and arts inside the church was a clear indication of how holly and clean the place was for worship. The presence of Christ portrait made me feel in place, as it was an indication that the people had faith in Jesus Christ (Rasmussen, 2003). Being a visitor in this church the shaking of everyone’s hands by the priest at the entrance as they entered the service brought a feeling of warm welcome to the church and eliminated the weird feeling of being a stranger...
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...John Razel A. Mapaye BSA –IV Accounting Synthesis Case Name: “The Vatican Bank: Conforming to Caritas in Veritate?" By Richard Hudson Facts: The Institute for Religious Works (IOR), commonly known as the Vatican Bank is one of the most secretive and controversial financial institutions in the world. Since the inception of the modern Bank in 1943, the Vatican Bank has faced a series of scandals relating to its role in the Second World War, accusations of money laundering and its role in the collapse of Banco Ambrosiano in 1982. However, what makes these scandals and accusations particularly interesting is that the Vatican Bank operates within the Catholic Church, an organization with its own tradition of financial ethics developed over multiple centuries. Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical, Caritas in Veritate represents the most recent expression of Catholic thought relating to financial ethics. This article considers whether these scandals directly contradict the ethical stance of the encyclical and whether this in turn undermines the Vatican Bank’s ethical standing. The Vatican Bank: What is it and how does it work? The name ‘Vatican Bank’ is a somewhat misleading name as it implies the Vatican Bank is heavily integrated into the Holy See (the microstate consisting of Vatican City). In fact, the Vatican Bank is a privately held bank, rather than a state-owned bank, and therefore its assets are not directly connected to the Holy See. Despite the Vatican Bank’s...
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...entitled “Goya’s Ghosts” because of the historical relevance the time period had on Spanish culture. The film included references to the Spanish Monarchy, the influence of the Catholic Church, the Spanish Inquisition, French Revolution, and a renowned Spanish painter named Francisco Goya. “Although the historical setting of the movie was based on actual historical events, the movie itself is a work of fiction”(Goya’s). The setting for Goya’s Ghosts begins in Spain in the year 1792. The Catholic Church is “disturbed by prints, created by an artist named Francisco Goya, that are being circulated around the country depicting the clergy using unflattering imagery”(Francisco). There is a long discussion on how the Church should handle the situation, when Brother Lorenzo intervenes. He suggests that “the artist’s depiction is insight into a bigger problem and should be handled by increasing the pressure the church applies to finding people who do not believe in their faith”(Spanish). “The Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition (Spanish: Tribunal del Santo Oficio de la Inquisición), commonly known as the Spanish Inquisition (Inquisición española), was a tribunal established in 1480 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. It was intended to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms, and to replace the Medieval Inquisition which was under Papal control. The Inquisition was originally intended in large part to ensure the orthodoxy...
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...are based on their values, beliefs, character, environment and status. Sis. Aloysius – Her dilemma was the challenge she faced when going against those in authority within the Catholic Faith. She knew that going up against Father Flynn with such an accusation would not be easily accepted by those in authority and it would be dismissed or “swept under the rug” so to speak. During the 1960’s the Catholic Church and its leaders were held in such high esteem, Nuns were not allowed to question the acts or views of their superiors. Therefore, she felt so strongly that Father Flynn was guilty and was determined to have him removed for the protection of the children and the church/school by any means necessary. She choose to pursue what she felt was the right thing to do, even if it meant doing wrong in the process. Sis James – Her dilemma was choosing between standing for what she believed in her heart to be right or allowing her judgment to be clouded by Sis Aloysius views. James also believed in establishing a relationship with her students in order to better understand their needs. Her worldview was an innocent and naive view of people. She chose to stand for her own convictions. Father Flynn – Flynn was faced with the dilemma of standing up against the accusations against Sis Aloysius accusations against him or bowing out. He knew there was no concrete evidence that she had against him, but did not want to take the chance of having this whole thing blow up in his face....
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...reflection I firmly believe that Donald Muller was the victim of Father Flynn’s sexual deviance who was chosen because of his anticipated short stay at the school, and the color of skin. I also believe that Sister Aloysius only struggled with doubt because her suspicions were never validated or disproven. The era for which this play was set provides a means to understand why Father Flynn was never tried among a jury of his peers. John Jay College of Criminal Justice published a report stating “clergy sexual abuse of minors in the American Catholic Church is a historical problem with the vast majority of cases occurring from the mid 1960's to the mid 1980's” (Plante). The hierarchies of the church, during this time, were more likely to cover up any incidents of inappropriate behavior, on the part of their clergy, than to demand that they answer to the claims or suspicions of abuse. Furthermore, as we saw with Sister Aloysius, internal church protocol demanded that she brought any complaints or questions to a priest, who would ultimately make the choice as to where it would...
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...completely different story beyond what the viewer sees. This inquisitive story hinges on suspicions of a kindhearted priest, Father Flynn, fostered by a stern nun, Sister Aloysius, who serves as principal of a catholic elementary school in the Bronx. Trouble begins to stir as Sister Aloysius accepts Donald Miller, their first black male student. The film revolves around two main characters, Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius, as well as supporting characters, Sister James. Sister Aloysius, principal of the St. Nicholas school, is a rational nun who is more devoted to discipline and stability, than her faith. Father Flynn, a compassionate priest, is plagued with guilt and doubt within his personal life. Sister James, a young first year eighth grade teacher, is always hopeful and innocent. The film takes place during the social transitional time of 1964, just one year following the death of President John F. Kennedy. During this time period, there were a lot of social and political changes occurring. One major change that occurs is the highly controversial Civil Rights Act, whose goal was to end all forms of discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. There was also much controversy regarding women’s rights, especially those within the Catholic Church. During this period of time there were several educational opportunities available, however a lot of children were at a disadvantage and were not receiving adequate...
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...out of the Dark Ages. Luther's is a drama that still resonates half a millennium on. It's an epic tale that stretches from the gilded corridors of the Vatican to the weathered church door of a small South German town; from the barbarous pyres of heretics to the technological triumph of printing. It is the story of the birth of the modern age, of the collapse of medieval feudalism, and the first shaping of ideals of freedom and liberty that lie at the heart of the 21st century. But this is also an intensely human tale, a story that hurtles from the depths of despair to the heights of triumph and back again. This is the story of a man who ultimately found himself a lightning conductor of history, crackling with forces he could not quite comprehend or control. For Luther, in a life full of irony, would find himself overwhelmed by his own achievements. As his followers sought to build a new and just Europe around him, he could only turn on them in frustration, declaring that his - and their - only goal should be Heaven. Martin Luther stands as a hero, the man who built the bridge between the two halves of the last millennium, the Medieval and the Modern. His tragedy was that he would never find the courage to cross it himself. Martin Luther was born into a world dominated by the Catholic Church, which holds spiritual dominion over all the nations of Europe....
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...The idea of the Inquisition was to “extort from all heretics by torture a confession of their own guilt and a betrayal of all accomplices” (Schaff 1). “The Inquisition was an ecclesiastical court and process of the Roman Catholic Church set up for the purpose towards the discovery and punishment of heresy which wielded immense power and brutality in medieval and early modern times” (“The Horrors of the Church and its Holy Inquisition” 2). The Church hoped to convince heretics to give up their beliefs and return to the Church, therefore “saving” their souls (McGill 1). All bishops, feudal lords, and faithful Christians were to act as inquisitors (Stalcup 17). The inquisitors sought out any people accused of heresy, meaning any person that spoke...
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...The 1960’s were a time of change in the Catholic Church and the church’s unwavering stances were being challenged during Vatican II. War and birth control were subjects that were being brought up and questioned in ways that the church had never previously seen. The idea that the church could change and was actually being changed by the events happening during the 1960’s was uncomfortable for some people within the church and caused great strife between leaders. The change that was occurring within and surrounding the Church had many people questioning God, his sovereignty, and even his existence. In John Shanley’s short story, “Doubt: A Parable”, Sister Aloysius begins to question her commitment to the church as well as her faith as her certainty about many things like the evilness of using secular songs in Christmas plays, and the morality of the Church were questioned by other leaders within the church. Sister Aloysius’ certainty about even just little things in life begin to be questioned by others in the church causing her to become very resistant to the change and tries to enforce what she has always known. Sister Aloysius was accustomed to Christian songs being played during Christmas performances and believed that secular songs exposed, “a pagan belief in magic,” (Shanley 29) and should not be allowed in the church. She had understood the lyrics to be heretical, but with the Church progresses not everyone had the same strong feelings towards the secular songs...
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...“Independent Project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree BA (Hons) History, in the Department of History and Economic History, Manchester Metropolitan University”, 29 March 2014 Cultural Changes and the Growth of Christianity in Medieval and Early Modern England By Janine Scambler I certify that, apart from the guidance provided by my supervisor and the references cited in the text and bibliography, this dissertation is the sole work of Janine Scambler and has not been previously submitted as part of the assessment requirements for any academic reward. Signed: Contents Abstract 3 Introduction 4 Chapter 1: Visual Culture 8 Chapter 2: Ancient Practices 21 Chapter 3: Beliefs and Superstition 30 Conclusion 41 Bibliography 43 Appendix 56 Abstract This dissertation will demonstrate cultural changes in England through the period c.700-1660. The changes studied will focus on visual sources, or visual culture; ancient practices, or festivals and the cult of saints; and superstition and belief. It will show how changes occurred around political and religious change, and that different areas were affected by different factors. Introduction This dissertation will assess the extent to which ancient beliefs and practices survived the introduction of Christianity and their subsequent development in England. This will be achieved through the study of visual culture; the survival of ancient practices; and an investigation...
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...CadWell Instructor The response of the Vatican during the child abuse allegations was that the UN was trying to interfere with church teachings on the dignity of human persons and in the exercise of religious freedom. At a public session the Vatican said it had little jurisdiction to sanction pedophile priests, but conceded more needed to be done. The Vatican’s former sex crimes prosecutor Monsignor Charles Scicluna said the Holy See gets it and that certain things need to be done differently. Due to a code of silence imposed on all members of the clergy under the penalty of excommunication, cases of child sexual abuse have hardly ever been reported to the law enforcement authorities in the countries where such crimes occurred. The Holy See denies allegations of a Vatican cover up and says it has set clear guidelines to protect children from predator priests ( Boston catholic, 2015). The United Nations committee slammed the Vatican’s handling of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and accused the church of protecting itself rather than the victim’s. The report from the United Nations also accuse the Vatican of transferring child sexual abusers from one parish to another in an attempt to cover up crimes, placing children at high risk for abuse. Also the Holy See has consistently placed the preservation of the reputation of the church and the protection of the perpetrators above children’s best interest. Closed door proceedings have allowed a majority of abusers...
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...#Yes2RH: Selfies in support of the reproductive health law Using the hashtag #Yes2RH, upload selfies on your Facebook and Twitter accounts from March 28 until April 8 in support of the reproductive health law Rappler.com Published 5:26 PM, March 27, 2014 Updated 5:26 PM, March 27, 2014 [pic] MANILA, Philippines – A social media campaign is underway to raise awareness in support of the reproductive health (RH) law, whose implementation has been put on hold by the Supreme Court for a year a now. Republic Act 10354, which would provide information on and access to reproductive health services, is under status quo ante order “until further orders” by the Supreme Court (SC). The law – probably the most polarizing national issue today – was passed on December 18, 2012, after 13 years in Congress. Anti-RH advocates immediately questioned the constitutionality of the law before the SC. The high court is expected to decide on the case in April, with insiders predicting the law could be headed for defeat in the Supreme Court. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr has said that declaring the RH law as unconstitutional would be "a veto against the will of majority of our people." As decision time nears, frustrated reproductive health supporters are taking the fight to the social media world. The #Yes2RH campaign was initiated by Likhaan Center for Women's Health, in cooperation with several other pro-RH organization.It will run from March 28 until April 8. Likhaan...
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... |doctrines, practices, or rituals. | Definition of Ethnic Group, Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Xenophobia, and Persecution: WordNet. (2012). Retrieved from http://wordnet.princeton.edu/ Definition of Religious Group: The 'lectric law library. (1995 - 2012). Retrieved from http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/q028.htm Part II Select at least 1 religious and 1 ethnic/racial group not your own from the list below. • Religious groups (based on http://religions.pewforum.org/pdf/affiliations-all-traditions.pdf) o Christianity • Evangelical Protestant • Mainline Protestant • Historically Black Churches • Roman Catholic • Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) • Jehovah’s Witnesses • Orthodox (Greek, Eastern)...
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...you” or a form of this is in every religion. Then let’s not forget the Messiah or Prophet. Every religion has one. The messiah/prophet was sent by God; a form of himself as human to save humanity from their evil ways. In some religions he was born of the virgin and in others he did not get his calling until he was older. They are more than life and do no wrong. They go throughout the world helping the poor. A Robin Hood if you will; who took from the rich to give to the poor. Religions are rooted and grounded in tradition and give people something to believe in. A “Higher Power”. The “Higher Power” gives a sense of direction. The church through religion gives guidance on how to live our lives and be better people. Regardless of religion or sect, the church brings people together for understanding of the religion and to pray. The church plays an important and is very influential role in the way people live or conduct their lives (Erwin, 2012). With most religions being around the same, the “same” meaning they give guidance on how to live lives and be better. What are the big differences that make religions so different? Why do people feel their religion or God is better than any other? And are wars started because of difference in religious beliefs? What are the big differences that make religions so different? Throughout time religions have...
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...ASSIGNMENT ONE, FRANCISCAN SOURCES CFS, DECEMBER 2010 Answer to question one: Hagiography is from two Greek words Hagios which means holy or saint and graphy which means writing. Therefore, the word Hagiography means the writing on holy people. In catholic tradition, it is the writing of a saint's live, a study of a saint life. It does not necessarily attempt to give full details, historical account of the life of an individual saint. Rather, it is written so that their life can be an inspiration to people. It is written so that their life can have a salvific effect on people. It is also written so that people can also reflect on the outcome of their life, helps strengthen people's faith. Finally, Hagiography helps us to see the saints as a mirror for us to imitate. Legend is from the Latin word legenda which means something to be read about the life a saint. The Catholic church sees that this person has done something worth worthy therefore it has to be written for everybody because the life of the person worth to imitate. It is written down so that those who have not heard about the person's life can know something about him/her too. So that everyone will see them as a mirror to imitate, role model and as a inspirator. It is written also in order to be read during the feast day or name day of the saint. These are read during holy hour, at meal time The purpose of reading the life of a saint is for edification. Testament is something someone writes as a wish to follow...
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