2.04 The Rise of Christianity
Resources supporting the Shepway and District u3a Science, Philosophy, and Spirituality discussion group, Season 2, Session 2.4 – The Rise of Christianity
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Perspective: Faith
The Rise of Christianity: How the Church Embraced What Jesus Spurned
To understand the life and death of Jesus, we must understand his Jewish roots, the Hellenistic world , and Roman Rule. This article traces how the message of a crucified enemy of Rome became the core of Rome’s official religion – the Christian Church.
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From Pythagoras to Particle Physics: Understanding and Questioning Western Intellectual History
Explore the intricate evolution of Western intellectual history in this 14-module seminar series turned article, ‘From Pythagoras to Particle Physics: A Journey through Western Thought.’ Discover how ancient Greek philosophy laid the bedrock for modern scientific inquiry, ethical frameworks, and democratic governance. Dive into pivotal moments in history, from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment, and examine the challenges and opportunities posed by the Anthropocene epoch. This comprehensive overview offers thought-provoking insights into how the West’s intellectual trajectory has shaped our world, and critically assesses the future of democracy in light of emerging philosophical perspectives and real-world governance innovations.
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Beyond the Brain
An introduction to the “embodied mind” perspective that is changing the way we think about what it means to be human. This article tells the story of how I stumbled across it, what it tells us, and how it came to be developed.
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Science and the World’s Faiths
This comprehensive article explores the intricate relationship between science and the world’s major faith traditions. In it, we traverse through the landscapes of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Hinduism, examining how each has interacted with science throughout history. We delve into the richness of their contributions to human understanding, their distinct approaches to knowledge, and the common themes they share. Additionally, we address modern discussions and debates that blend scientific inquiry with religious thought. Far from presenting a binary view of conflict or cooperation, the article unravels the beautifully complex and entangled relationship between science and religion, ultimately highlighting their shared mission: to enrich human life, foster understanding, and illuminate the profound mysteries of our existence.
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