Christianity and Western Culture Midterm

What does Martin Luther King Jr. mean when he says the church has moved from being a "thermostat" to a "thermometer"?

King means that the church was once meant to set moral standards and challenge society, like a thermostat setting the temperature, but instead it has begun reflecting society's values and becoming passive, like a thermometer that only records what already exists.

How do Antigone and Creon argue their respective positions, and with whom do you agree?

Antigone argues from divine law and moral obligation, believing God's laws are higher than human laws, while Creon argues from political authority and order. Antigone's position is stronger because it recognizes a higher moral standard beyond the state.

How would the Athenian ambassadors define justice in their dialogue with the Melians?

The Athenians define justice as based on power rather than morality, claiming that the strong do what they can while the weak suffer what they must.

What was at stake for Antiochus and for Mattathias and Judas Maccabeus in the Jewish revolt against Hellenization?

Antiochus sought political unity and control through Hellenization, while Mattathias and Judas Maccabeus fought to preserve Jewish religious identity, covenant faithfulness, and cultural survival.

Why does Socrates accept his punishment and refuse to flee Athens in Plato's Crito? How does he exemplify ancient Greco-Roman Values?

Socrates accepts his punishment because he believes obeying the law is a moral duty, even when it is unfair. In Crito, he argues that escaping would harm the laws of Athens and violate the social contract he has lived under his whole life. He exemplifies ancient Greco-Roman values by showing respect for law, loyalty to the city, and civic responsibility, placing justice and the good of the polis above his own life.

How does Plato think that we should keep our souls in balance? How would life look if you followed this advice?

Plato argues that the rational part of the soul should rule over spirit and appetite. Following this advice would lead to self-control, thoughtful decision-making, and a life guided by reason rather than impulse.

Why does Plato think truth can only be found outside of the cave? Do you seek knowledge beyond the visible world?

Plato believes the sensory world is deceptive and that true knowledge comes from understanding deeper realities beyond appearances. Seeking truth outside the cave requires questioning assumptions and pursuing wisdom.

How does Aristotle view the relationship between the individual and the state?

Aristotle argues that humans are naturally political beings and that individuals reach their full potential within a state that promotes virtue and the common good.

How does Aristotle use the idea of a "mean" to guide becoming virtuous, and why is it difficult today?

Aristotle teaches that virtue lies between extremes of excess and deficiency, but modern culture makes finding the mean difficult by encouraging excess and instant gratification.

How is the Gnostic story of Jesus different from the New Testament account, and how does it show Greek influence?

Gnostic accounts emphasize secret knowledge over faith and downplay Jesus' physical suffering, reflecting Greek philosophy's view that the material world is inferior.

According to the Letter to Diognetus, how are Christians similar to their non-Christian neighbors?

Christians live ordinary lives, obey laws, work jobs, and participate fully in society like their non-Christian neighbors.

According to the Letter to Diognetus, how are Christians different from their non-Christian neighbors?

Christians reject pagan worship, practice radical love and moral discipline, and prioritize heavenly citizenship over earthly success.

Why is Tertullian so harsh in judging the blending of Greek philosophy with Christianity?

Tertullian believes Greek philosophy corrupts Christian truth, leads to heresy, and creates confusion within the Church.

How does Tertullian defend Christianity in his Apology without using Greek philosophy?

Tertullian appeals to Roman law, moral behavior, and eyewitness testimony to show that Christians are good citizens and not a threat.

How does Perpetua break with the values of a Roman woman of her social class?

Perpetua rejects family authority, motherhood expectations, and social status in order to remain faithful to Christ.

Why would reading the Martyrdom of Perpetua help build up the Church?

Her story inspires believers by demonstrating courage, faith, and commitment, strengthening Christian identity through martyrdom.

What was the Arian controversy, and how did the Nicene Creed respond to it?

The controversy debated whether Jesus was fully divine or created; the Nicene Creed affirmed that Christ is fully God.

Describe Augustine's conversion story and how it informed his views on sin and salvation.

Augustine's struggle with sin led him to emphasize original sin and the necessity of God's grace, shaping his opposition to Pelagius' belief in human self-sufficiency.

Why does Augustine describe Christians as "pilgrims" and "sojourners" in the City of God?

Augustine argues Christians ultimately belong to God's heavenly city and should not place their ultimate loyalty in earthly political systems.

Under what conditions does Augustine believe Christians like Boniface may participate in warfare?

Augustine allows warfare only if it is just, defensive, authorized by legitimate authority, and intended to restore peace.

How is Benedict's monasticism similar to and different from Anthony's? Why was it appealing?

Benedict emphasizes moderation, community life, and balance, unlike Anthony's extreme asceticism, making monasticism more sustainable.

What pre-Christian religious themes appear in Gawain and the Green Knight?

The poem includes pagan nature symbolism, the Green Man figure, and themes of fate and seasonal cycles.

How does the conclusion of Gawain and the Green Knight illustrate medieval penance?

The ending emphasizes confession, repentance, forgiveness, and moral growth rather than perfection.

How does Hildegard of Bingen's vision reflect the medieval sacramental system?

Her vision portrays God's grace flowing through the Church, reflecting medieval beliefs about sacraments as channels of divine grace.

What are the key characteristics of Franciscan monasticism, and how does it differ from Benedict's rule?

Franciscan monasticism emphasizes poverty, humility, and service, contrasting Benedict's structured and stable monastic life.

How does Thomas Aquinas define just and unjust laws, and how does this connect to natural law?

Aquinas argues that just laws align with reason and God's natural law, while unjust laws contradict divine order and lack moral authority.

Alexander the Great — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Macedonian king and military conqueror who lived from 356-323 BC and ruled from Greece through Egypt, Persia, and into India. His conquests spread Greek culture across the eastern Mediterranean, creating the Hellenistic world and blending Greek and Eastern traditions.

Athenian Democracy — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

A system of direct democracy practiced in Athens during the 5th century BC in which male citizens voted directly on laws. It is significant as an early model of democratic governance and civic participation.

Augustus Caesar — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

First Roman emperor who ruled from 27 BC to AD 14 in Rome. He ended the Roman Republic, established imperial rule, and brought stability through the Pax Romana.

Maccabean Revolt — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

A Jewish rebellion against Seleucid rule from about 167-160 BC in Judea. It is significant for preserving Jewish religion and identity against forced Hellenization.

Polis — Who/What | When | Where

A Greek city-state that served as the political, social, and religious center of life in ancient Greece from about 800-300 BC.

Roman Republic — Who/What | When | Where

A representative form of government in Rome from 509-27 BC characterized by elected officials and shared power.

Roman Empire — Who/What | When | Where

The imperial Roman state beginning in 27 BC, centered in Rome and extending across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Monotheism — Who/What | When | Where

The belief in one God, developing in the ancient world, especially in the Middle East.

Pericles — Who/What | When | Where

Athenian statesman during the 5th century BC who strengthened democracy and promoted arts and public life in Athens.

Hellenization — Who/What | When | Where

The spread of Greek culture following Alexander's conquests after 323 BC throughout the eastern Mediterranean.

Homer — Who/What | When | Where

Greek poet of the 8th century BC traditionally credited with writing the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Judaism — Who/What | When | Where

A monotheistic religion that developed around 1200 BC in Israel, centered on covenant with God.

Socrates — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Greek philosopher who lived from 469-399 BC in Athens. He emphasized ethics, questioning, and moral truth and became a model of civic virtue.

Plato — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Student of Socrates who lived from about 428-348 BC in Athens. He developed major philosophical ideas including the Theory of Forms and ideal justice.

Aristotle — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Student of Plato who lived from 384-322 BC in Greece. He influenced ethics, politics, science, and later medieval Christian thought.

Philosophy — Who/What | When | Where

The study of truth, ethics, and reality that developed in ancient Greece.

Tripartite Soul — Who/What | When | Where

Plato's division of the soul into reason, spirit, and appetite, developed in 4th century BC Greece.

Sophists — Who/What | When | Where

Traveling teachers in 5th century BC Greece who taught rhetoric and persuasion.

Doctrine of the Mean — Who/What | When | Where

Aristotle's idea from 4th century BC Greece that virtue lies between extremes of excess and deficiency.

Christian Apologists — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Early Christian thinkers in the 2nd-3rd centuries AD across the Roman Empire who defended Christianity using reason and argument.

Gnostics — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Early Christian sects in the 2nd century AD within the Roman Empire who taught salvation through secret knowledge and rejected the material world.

Tertullian — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Christian theologian from North Africa (c. 155-220 AD) who defended Christianity and rejected Greek philosophy.

Perpetua — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Christian martyr executed in AD 203 in Carthage whose story strengthened Christian identity through faith and courage.

Constantine — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Roman emperor who ruled from 306-337 AD and legalized Christianity through the Edict of Milan.

Anthony — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Early Christian hermit in 3rd-4th century Egypt who became the founder of monasticism.

Marcion — Who/What | When | Where

2nd century AD Christian thinker in Rome who rejected the Old Testament.

Logos — Who/What | When | Where

Early Christian concept meaning divine Word or reason, used to describe Christ.

Great Persecution — Who/What | When | Where

Roman persecution of Christians from AD 303-311 across the empire.

Edict of Milan — Who/What | When | Where

AD 313 decree legalizing Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Arianism — Who/What | When | Where

4th century AD belief that Jesus was created, debated in the Roman Empire.

Justin Martyr — Who/What | When | Where

2nd century AD Christian apologist in Rome.

Paterfamilias — Who/What | When | Where

Male head of the Roman household in ancient Rome.

Monasticism — Who/What | When | Where

Religious life of withdrawal beginning in the 3rd century AD in Egypt.

Council of Nicaea — Who/What | When | Where

Church council held in AD 325 in Nicaea to affirm Jesus' divinity.

Augustine — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Christian theologian who lived from 354-430 AD in North Africa and shaped Christian views on sin, grace, and history.

Pelagius — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

5th century AD theologian in the Roman Empire who denied original sin and was opposed by Augustine.

Donatism — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

4th-5th century Christian movement in North Africa that challenged Church authority.

City of God — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Augustine's early 5th century work written in the Roman Empire explaining Christianity's response to Rome's fall.

Fall of Western Roman Empire — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Collapse of Roman authority in AD 476 in Western Europe, marking the transition to the Middle Ages.

Muhammad — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Founder of Islam who lived c. 570-632 AD in Arabia.

Benedict — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

6th century Italian monk who created the Rule of Benedict, shaping Western monastic life.

Charlemagne — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Frankish king crowned emperor in AD 800 who revived the idea of a Western Christian empire.

Sacraments — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Christian rituals central to medieval religious life in Europe.

Hildegard of Bingen — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

12th century German abbess and mystic whose visions influenced medieval theology and mysticism.

Francis of Assisi — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Italian religious leader (1181-1226) who founded the Franciscans and emphasized poverty and service.

Thomas Aquinas — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

13th century theologian who combined Aristotle with Christianity and shaped Scholasticism.

The High Middle Ages — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Period from about 1000-1300 in Europe marked by growth, stability, universities, and Church power.

The Black Death — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Plague that killed about one-third of Europe's population from 1347-1351, weakening feudalism and Church authority.

The Hundred Years' War — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Long conflict between England and France from 1337-1453 that strengthened national identity.

The Great (Western) Schism — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Church division from 1378-1417 with multiple popes, undermining Church authority.

Mysticism — Who/What | When | Where

Belief in direct personal experience of God during the Middle Ages in Europe.

Scholasticism — Who/What | When | Where

Method of learning using reason and faith in medieval European universities.

Little Ice Age — Who/What | When | Where

Period of climate cooling beginning around 1300 in Europe.

Joan of Arc — Who/What | When | Where

French peasant leader (1412-1431) who led troops during the Hundred Years' War.

Fall of Constantinople — Who/What | When | Where

Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

Gothic Cathedrals — Who/What | When | Where

Medieval churches built from the 12th-16th centuries across Europe.

Averroes — Who/What | When | Where

Islamic philosopher (1126-1198) from Islamic Spain who preserved Aristotle's works.

Babylonian Captivity — Who/What | When | Where

Period from 1309-1377 when the papacy resided in Avignon, France.

Geoffrey Chaucer — Who/What | When | Where

English poet (c. 1343-1400) author of The Canterbury Tales.

Augustine — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Christian theologian and bishop who lived from 354-430 AD in North Africa. He shaped Western Christianity through teachings on original sin, grace, free will, and history, especially in response to Rome's fall.

Pelagius — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Christian theologian active in the early 5th century AD in the Roman Empire. He denied original sin and emphasized human free will, leading to major theological conflict with Augustine.

Donatism — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

A Christian movement in the 4th-5th centuries AD in North Africa that argued clergy who sinned could not administer valid sacraments, challenging Church authority.

City of God — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Augustine's work written in the early 5th century AD in the Roman Empire. It argued that Christianity did not cause Rome's fall and distinguished between the earthly city and the City of God.

Fall of Western Roman Empire — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

The collapse of Roman political authority in AD 476 in Western Europe, marking the transition from classical antiquity to the Middle Ages.

Muhammad — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Founder of Islam who lived c. 570-632 AD in Arabia. His teachings unified Arabia and led to the rapid spread of Islam.

Benedict — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Italian monk who lived c. 480-547 AD and wrote the Rule of Benedict, which emphasized moderation, community, and stability in monastic life.

Charlemagne — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Frankish king crowned emperor in AD 800 in Western Europe. He united much of Western Europe and strengthened the alliance between church and state.

Sacraments — Who/What | When | Where | Significance

Rituals believed to convey God's grace, practiced throughout the Middle Ages in Christian Europe and central to religious life.

Confessions — Who/What | When | Where

Autobiographical work written by Augustine around AD 400 in the Roman Empire describing his conversion and struggle with sin.

Manichaeism — Who/What | When | Where

Dualistic religion emphasizing good versus evil, practiced in the ancient world and followed temporarily by Augustine.

Vandals — Who/What | When | Where

Germanic tribe active in the 5th century AD that sacked Rome and ruled parts of North Africa.

Byzantine Empire — Who/What | When | Where

Eastern continuation of the Roman Empire lasting from about AD 330-1453, centered on Constantinople.

Islam — Who/What | When | Where

Monotheistic religion founded in the 7th century AD in Arabia based on the teachings of Muhammad.

Christendom — Who/What | When | Where

Term describing Christian Europe during the Middle Ages.