DWC Final explanation topics

Jesus, son of Mary in the Quran

In the Qur’an, Jesus (ʿĪsā) is a prophet and miracle-worker born miraculously to Mary, honored by God but not divine

Third-century Crisis in Rome

A period (235–284 CE) of severe instability in the Roman Empire marked by rapid turnover of emperors, economic collapse, foreign invasions, and internal civil wars that nearly caused the empire to fall apart.

"Gospel" as a genre

an ancient biographical narrative that proclaims the “good news” about Jesus by presenting his life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection to reveal his identity and its significance for salvation.

A carved ivory panel depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus, showing Christ on the cross surrounded by mourners and soldiers, reflecting early Christian artistic emphasis on both suffering and kingship (“REX IVD”—King of the Jews).

Friendship in Aristotle

Aristotle teaches that friendship is a mutual relationship grounded in goodwill, where the highest form—virtue-friendship—helps each person pursue moral excellence and live a flourishing life.

What is up to us and what is not up to us

In Stoic thought, what is “up to us” are our judgments, choices, and attitudes, while what is “not up to us” includes external events, outcomes, and anything beyond our direct control.

Pyrrhus, son of Achilles in the Aeneid

Pyrrhus (also called Neoptolemus) is Achilles’ brutal son in the Aeneid, known for his merciless slaughter during the fall of Troy, including killing King Priam at the altar, symbolizing the pitiless destruction brought by the Greeks.

Augustine's move from Carthage to Italy

Augustine moves from Carthage to Italy because he grows disillusioned with his students’ behavior and is drawn to Rome’s reputation for disciplined learners, a decision that opens the path toward his eventual conversion.