The Crusades, which spanned over two hundred years, demonstrated the power wielded through a political-religious alliance. Increasing corruption resulted in enormous wealth being amassed within the Roman Catholic church and within religious societies like the Knights Templar and Jesuits. In addition to conquered lands and their spoils, the church granted indulgences through service or monetary... Continue Reading →
Learn From the Past: Christianity- Pt. 2
The principles of Christianity had disrupted the natural balance of power in Rome, which was a long time pagan culture. This resulted in the persecution of Christians by the Roman government for roughly 300 years. This makes what happened next completely unexpected. Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, attributing his military victories to the Christian God.... Continue Reading →
Learn From the Past: Judaism
As previously discussed, polytheistic/pantheistic/pagan religions have been most notable for flexibility and adaptation to societal changes. Deities changed names, new deities were added, new practices are blended or adopted, and selective application is permitted. This accentuates the contrast of monotheism. Judiaism, Christianity, and Islam are the only monotheistic religions. God has been called by many... Continue Reading →
Learn From the Past: Paganism/Pantheism
Since the earliest civilization, humanity has searched for meaning and to find something greater than ourselves. We are each created with a God sized hole that we have attempted to fill in a variety of ways. This is demonstrated by the range of religious beliefs that have emerged across history. As I began working on... Continue Reading →
Why Is the Bible So Difficult to Understand?
Until a few years ago I'd never read the Bible start to finish. I had always wanted to, but it was so hard to understand! The Old Testament in particular is filled with fantastical and sometimes scandalous stories. What was I supposed to be getting from that? When you grow up in church you are... Continue Reading →