When people say that we need to have a "living Constitution," what it really means is that the way it's interpreted should be subject to change. Even though the Constitution included proper ways to make updates, this ideology persists. Rather than changing the interpretation, which puts all power in the hands of the judges, we … Continue reading Government: Lesson 150
Tag: History
Western Civilization 1: Lesson 170
Discuss the rise and fall of Girolamo Savonarola. Girolamo Savonarola was a Dominican friar who lived in the 15th century. He was very opposed to the Renaissance, and considered it to be a pagan movement. Rather than going along with the new teachings of philosophy, he encouraged everyone to get back to their foundation--the gospel. … Continue reading Western Civilization 1: Lesson 170
Western Civilization 1: Lesson 150
Q: What was the Great Western Schism, and how was it resolved? The Great Western Schism refers to a time in church history when the entire catholic church was divided. From 1378 to 1415, there were two popes, but no one knew who the legitimate pope really was. Some people supported one, some supported the … Continue reading Western Civilization 1: Lesson 150
Five Common Myths About the Crusades
Myth #1: The Crusades were Unprovoked Attacks on the Muslims By the time of the Crusades, the Muslims had violently taken more than 2/3 of the Christian world, and they were even threatening to take Constantinople. Traveling to Jerusalem had become increasingly dangerous for Christians. Myth #2: The Christians were Attempting to Convert the Muslims … Continue reading Five Common Myths About the Crusades
Western Civilization 1: Lesson 105
In the tenth and eleventh centuries, there was a major power struggle going on within the church. Because certain offices came with a lot of power, there was an incentive for Lords to have control over who were in these positions. People who did this were called laymen, and the system was called lay control. … Continue reading Western Civilization 1: Lesson 105
Western Civilization 1: Lesson 100
When the Roman Empire fell, there was suddenly nothing to protect the people living in (what is now) England. During the ninth- and tenth-centuries, Norsemen, more commonly known as Vikings, took advantage of these people by continually raiding them and taking back to their homes whatever they wanted, including food, gold, and women. This resulted … Continue reading Western Civilization 1: Lesson 100
Western Civilization 1: Lesson 95
Q: What do you learn about Islam from the Koran selections you read? A: Christianity and Islam have been going at it ever since Muhammad, who founded Islam, started to gain a following. There is a common misconception that the two religions are very different, and that is the source of their conflicts. But in … Continue reading Western Civilization 1: Lesson 95
Western Civilization 1: Lesson 85
Discuss the shift in power from the Merovingians to the Carolingians. Why did it occur, and how? In the 700s, the Merovingian family held the title of King of the Franks. Another position called "Mayor of the Palace" was held by the Carolingian family. Even though it was a Merovingian who was king by title, … Continue reading Western Civilization 1: Lesson 85
Western Civilization 1: Lesson 75
1) In what ways did Christianity represent a departure from the ideals and practices of ancient Greece and Rome? Although there were some similarities between them, Christianity was very different from the prevailing worldviews in Rome and Greece during the first century and prior. The biggest difference would probably have been the appreciation of the … Continue reading Western Civilization 1: Lesson 75
The Purpose of Life is… Happiness?!
The issue of our purpose in life has always been a strange subject to bring up. Various people have their own theories about what it really is, but even when a seemingly good idea about it comes up, there is usually no evidence for it. Aristotle's entire argument over ethics is built off this idea: … Continue reading The Purpose of Life is… Happiness?!