March 1, 2009
For "Dad29" and clueless others:
To Dad29, the man in the white hat is Pope Benedict XVI. If you're Catholic, he is your Holy Father, the leader of your Church, the bearer of the keys. If you're not Catholic, he is THE Holy Father, the leader of THE [one and only] Church, THE bearer of THE keys (Matthew 16: 15-19). Listen to him.
February 14, 2009
Back to Reality
I'm back on campus in Irving, Texas trying to figure out what is wrong with America that it can be so boring compared to the European countries! ... Well, it's not that bad being back home and back to school in Texas. The semester had a wonderful start, getting to see my Rome friends again and reacquainting myself with the spacious campus here. School life is no doubt much different than that of Rome. We certainly don't live with our teachers and are therefore not as well acquainted with them, our classes are not as applicable to our present situation and location, and our schedules don't match the rest of the school and are not coordinated with our other classes ergo we usually have more papers due at the same time! What a pity. It is all very different in Rome. Also, my friends and I find ourselves bored out of our mind every weekend what with no where to travel to. It's really rather laughable. We're stuck in the Rome semester and more and more we recall travel stories and stare at computer screens looking at old Rome photos. Most of us have been diagnosed with the disease called 'romesickness.' We are romesick, romesick, romesick! I find myself looking out of my balcony at night staring at the Dallas city lights in the distance swearing to myself that I'm looking at Rome's city lights. Wrong! I longingly watch the sunset knowing that if it's the same sun all around the world then it must be Rome I am in and not America. Wrong! I search, seek, long to see a vineyard out my window and several all along the street. But alas! This is reality, a different sort of reality, a sadder reality, a less mischievous, more dutiful reality, a limited and strict reality. Reality nonetheless! And with that, I sign off again.
I will hopefully be back again when I am cured of my case of romesickness and begin again to discover the meaning of this life.
Ciao.
I will hopefully be back again when I am cured of my case of romesickness and begin again to discover the meaning of this life.
Ciao.
November 23, 2008
Where do I start?
The last entry to my blog was a paper I wrote back in...September? I don't even remember... But after the Greece trip that we took at the beginning of October, in which I traveled to Olympia, Delphi, Athens, Nafplion, Mycenae, and Corinth, the semester just exploded in all of our faces. From mid-terms to papers to fall break to Northern Italy, it has been a non-stop series of fortunate events. ...I honestly am just so confused as to how I am supposed to thank God for all that He has given me. So much has happened and so much thanksgiving is due. Even as I sit here in the Capp Bar, I find myself lucky and so very thankful to be in the presence of so many wonderful people around me.
Ever since that first paper turn-in, I have traveled to Greece, France, Germany and Northern Italy. I depart for Ireland on Wednesday to celebrate thanksgiving with, well, the Americans with whom I'm traveling because the Irish don't celebrate the American holiday.
I must admit. This semester has been far from just easy, enjoyable traveling. I suppose I make it seem like all I do is travel, but there's so much more to it. The curriculum is absolutely amazing. Day to day I find myself astonished at how amazing my education. Here we are, planted in the origins of western civilization studying the course and change of the art, history, philosophy, theology, and english of that civilization. I'm just so dumbfounded at how...cohesive it all is, how everything fits. So much synthesis... But at the same time, never has my brain been more used, never has my body been so exhausted. So many nights are spent sleepless as we study, study, study, and so many hours are spent reading and writing. It's enjoyable, but physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually exhausting. Every single aspect of my being has been worked to it's last bit and, needless to say, I am ready for break.
Alas, I have one more paper to write about the life and times of Constantine and five exams to take in a few weeks. In the middle, I have a trip to Ireland and a possible trip to Padua, and, of course, many more trips into Rome.
Until then, I must continue reading! I will send one of my recently-written papers your way soon enough...
Peace be with you.
Ever since that first paper turn-in, I have traveled to Greece, France, Germany and Northern Italy. I depart for Ireland on Wednesday to celebrate thanksgiving with, well, the Americans with whom I'm traveling because the Irish don't celebrate the American holiday.
I must admit. This semester has been far from just easy, enjoyable traveling. I suppose I make it seem like all I do is travel, but there's so much more to it. The curriculum is absolutely amazing. Day to day I find myself astonished at how amazing my education. Here we are, planted in the origins of western civilization studying the course and change of the art, history, philosophy, theology, and english of that civilization. I'm just so dumbfounded at how...cohesive it all is, how everything fits. So much synthesis... But at the same time, never has my brain been more used, never has my body been so exhausted. So many nights are spent sleepless as we study, study, study, and so many hours are spent reading and writing. It's enjoyable, but physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually exhausting. Every single aspect of my being has been worked to it's last bit and, needless to say, I am ready for break.
Alas, I have one more paper to write about the life and times of Constantine and five exams to take in a few weeks. In the middle, I have a trip to Ireland and a possible trip to Padua, and, of course, many more trips into Rome.
Until then, I must continue reading! I will send one of my recently-written papers your way soon enough...
Peace be with you.
September 22, 2008
Honoring Your Gods
If there is anything in literature that calls attention to the mind of a theology major, it is something to do with God…obviously. So when one of the strongly emphasized messages of an ancient Greek author is to honor the commands of a god no matter what they ask of you, like murdering your own daughter, for example, a theology major jumps on that message and questions the presentation of that it. At least, this theology major does. Through the murder of Iphigeneia by Agamemnon, Aeschylus stresses the importance of a very universal message: honoring one’s own gods, or, for some, God, in all means.
Almost right away at the beginning of the play, Aeschylus presents his message of honoring the gods and their commands. He does this through the Chorus’ recount of the sacrifice of Iphigeneia. The Chorus very dramatically sets up Agamemnon’s dilemma: let down his army and the gods by saving his own daughter or sacrifice his daughter for the good of his army, while betraying his household, but also obeying the gods for they so commanded her sacrifice for the success of Agamemnon and ultimately victory at war. The Chorus speaks of the weary people who longed for good fortune, “and the Achaean people sulked”, and the restless seer who relentlessly spoke of the army’s fate (Agamemnon 188). In the end, Agamemnon must sacrifice his daughter because it is the will of the gods, and he knows that. “For them to urge such sacrifice of innocent blood / angrily, for their wrath is great—it is right. May all be well yet” (Agamemnon 215-216). This very line shows how important it is to Aeschylus that obeying the gods is essential to a well-lived life. No matter what the gods ask of Agamemnon, it is right. Now this sure doesn’t sound hard, to say, “Whatever they will, it shall be done,” but it is necessary to say and live up to despite tough circumstances, especially when the situation is as presented.
What is so interesting about Aeschylus’ message is that he portrays it in a rather peculiar light. The gods have asked one thing of Agamemnon for the success of his army, to sacrifice Iphigeneia. Why would any father, in his right mind, want to sacrifice his own daughter? Agamemnon as leader of the army sees this differently than most fathers would. He sees it as a way to protect his people rather than seeing it as betraying his household. The sacrifice of one for the safety of thousands is altogether not a huge request from the gods. And this is crucial to Agamemnon’s decision, that he recognizes it is all he must do, that this is all the gods ask. Aeschylus makes the situation very tough for the readers, however. We see a father killing his own daughter and think it is disgusting and wrong. We feel sympathy for Iphigeneia because the bonds and love of family are being cut as she is betrayed by her father. We feel even more sickened when we read that after Agamemnon made the decision to sacrifice her, his will was changed and it sounded as if he felt no remorse. “But when necessity’s yoke was put upon him / he changed, and from the heart the breath became bitter / and sacrilegious, utterly infidel, / to warp a will now to be stopped at nothing” (Agamemnon 218-221). The situation becomes worse yet when the Chorus describes the sacrifice. “…she struck the sacrificers with / the eyes’ arrows of pity” (Agamemnon 241). Iphigeneia is a defenseless child. Nothing she can say or do will stop this occurrence. But the situation is resolved, “all will come clear in the next dawn’s sunlight” (Agamemnon 254). Agamemnon did what he had to do and his people were saved for his devotion to the gods.
Upon reading this action in the plot, I myself was disgusted. I kept thinking that there had to be some right to this situation. If Agamemnon was really that devoted to honoring the gods and was right in sacrificing his own daughter, then Aeschylus must have truly meant something through this action. After reading it a second time and discussing this action in class, I suddenly recollected the story of Abraham and Isaac in the Bible. It was just the same. God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his own son. “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on the height that I will point out to you” (Genesis 22: 2). Abraham sent out with Isaac to the top of a mountain and just as he was about to kill his own son an angel stopped him, saying, “Abraham, Abraham! . . . Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son” (Genesis 2: 11-12). It was a test of faith. The only difference between Agamemnon’s orders and Abraham’s, the only difference between the Greek deities and God, is a matter of goodness. Any Christian knows now that God would never demand the sacrifice of a beloved one. At least, a Christian would know not to take it too seriously, not after reading Abraham’s story. But the message of honoring the gods’ commands and trusting in their help is clear and ever-present throughout Agamemnon just as it is here in the Bible.
Now taking it a step further and applying even more in a tangible way to our Faith and way of life, as a theology major would, we can see the effects of obeying the gods or not just as Agamemnon can in his own situation. The greatest example of the devastating effects of disobeying God to a Christian is the example of Adam and Eve and the fall of mankind. This example is perfect for the present situation because like Agamemnon and Abraham, God’s commands are direct and clear. Speaking of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, God says to Adam and Eve, “You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die” (Genesis 3: 3). In Agamemnon, he knows what he must do. And Abraham as well knows what he must do, as quoted above. When Adam and Eve disobey God, mankind’s own ‘Pandora’s box’ is opened and suffering, disease, crime, sin is let out into the world. Similarly to the effects of disobeying, we can see the effects of obeying, or rather, the rewards. Though ultimately Agamemnon’s death is a result of the sacrifice because his wrathful wife, Clytaemestra, among other reasons, seeks Agamemnon’s life for killing their daughter, Agamemnon saves his people. Likewise, in obeying God, Abraham was rewarded. “I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; . . . –all this because you obeyed my command” (Genesis 22: 17-18). Through this, Christians see the importance of obeying God, just as Aeschylus said about obeying his own Greek deities.
Confusion filled me when I first read this play. Why would Aeschylus make this sacrifice, this devastating action, seem so important? From Aeschylus’ view, he obviously meant there was something more to it. Obeying the gods is so important. And even then I was biased to my own faith. But then I realized how applicable his message is to my own life as a Christian. Obeying God is essential to receiving the eternal reward of Heaven. It doesn’t matter at all what God asks, it must be done, despite fears or worries or confusion. It is this faith and trust in the Will of God that is so necessary to a good life, as Aeschylus so strongly emphasizes of his own gods, because, if you think about it, would we even have a Savior if Mary had not said, “Let it be done unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1: 38)?
Almost right away at the beginning of the play, Aeschylus presents his message of honoring the gods and their commands. He does this through the Chorus’ recount of the sacrifice of Iphigeneia. The Chorus very dramatically sets up Agamemnon’s dilemma: let down his army and the gods by saving his own daughter or sacrifice his daughter for the good of his army, while betraying his household, but also obeying the gods for they so commanded her sacrifice for the success of Agamemnon and ultimately victory at war. The Chorus speaks of the weary people who longed for good fortune, “and the Achaean people sulked”, and the restless seer who relentlessly spoke of the army’s fate (Agamemnon 188). In the end, Agamemnon must sacrifice his daughter because it is the will of the gods, and he knows that. “For them to urge such sacrifice of innocent blood / angrily, for their wrath is great—it is right. May all be well yet” (Agamemnon 215-216). This very line shows how important it is to Aeschylus that obeying the gods is essential to a well-lived life. No matter what the gods ask of Agamemnon, it is right. Now this sure doesn’t sound hard, to say, “Whatever they will, it shall be done,” but it is necessary to say and live up to despite tough circumstances, especially when the situation is as presented.
What is so interesting about Aeschylus’ message is that he portrays it in a rather peculiar light. The gods have asked one thing of Agamemnon for the success of his army, to sacrifice Iphigeneia. Why would any father, in his right mind, want to sacrifice his own daughter? Agamemnon as leader of the army sees this differently than most fathers would. He sees it as a way to protect his people rather than seeing it as betraying his household. The sacrifice of one for the safety of thousands is altogether not a huge request from the gods. And this is crucial to Agamemnon’s decision, that he recognizes it is all he must do, that this is all the gods ask. Aeschylus makes the situation very tough for the readers, however. We see a father killing his own daughter and think it is disgusting and wrong. We feel sympathy for Iphigeneia because the bonds and love of family are being cut as she is betrayed by her father. We feel even more sickened when we read that after Agamemnon made the decision to sacrifice her, his will was changed and it sounded as if he felt no remorse. “But when necessity’s yoke was put upon him / he changed, and from the heart the breath became bitter / and sacrilegious, utterly infidel, / to warp a will now to be stopped at nothing” (Agamemnon 218-221). The situation becomes worse yet when the Chorus describes the sacrifice. “…she struck the sacrificers with / the eyes’ arrows of pity” (Agamemnon 241). Iphigeneia is a defenseless child. Nothing she can say or do will stop this occurrence. But the situation is resolved, “all will come clear in the next dawn’s sunlight” (Agamemnon 254). Agamemnon did what he had to do and his people were saved for his devotion to the gods.
Upon reading this action in the plot, I myself was disgusted. I kept thinking that there had to be some right to this situation. If Agamemnon was really that devoted to honoring the gods and was right in sacrificing his own daughter, then Aeschylus must have truly meant something through this action. After reading it a second time and discussing this action in class, I suddenly recollected the story of Abraham and Isaac in the Bible. It was just the same. God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his own son. “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on the height that I will point out to you” (Genesis 22: 2). Abraham sent out with Isaac to the top of a mountain and just as he was about to kill his own son an angel stopped him, saying, “Abraham, Abraham! . . . Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son” (Genesis 2: 11-12). It was a test of faith. The only difference between Agamemnon’s orders and Abraham’s, the only difference between the Greek deities and God, is a matter of goodness. Any Christian knows now that God would never demand the sacrifice of a beloved one. At least, a Christian would know not to take it too seriously, not after reading Abraham’s story. But the message of honoring the gods’ commands and trusting in their help is clear and ever-present throughout Agamemnon just as it is here in the Bible.
Now taking it a step further and applying even more in a tangible way to our Faith and way of life, as a theology major would, we can see the effects of obeying the gods or not just as Agamemnon can in his own situation. The greatest example of the devastating effects of disobeying God to a Christian is the example of Adam and Eve and the fall of mankind. This example is perfect for the present situation because like Agamemnon and Abraham, God’s commands are direct and clear. Speaking of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, God says to Adam and Eve, “You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die” (Genesis 3: 3). In Agamemnon, he knows what he must do. And Abraham as well knows what he must do, as quoted above. When Adam and Eve disobey God, mankind’s own ‘Pandora’s box’ is opened and suffering, disease, crime, sin is let out into the world. Similarly to the effects of disobeying, we can see the effects of obeying, or rather, the rewards. Though ultimately Agamemnon’s death is a result of the sacrifice because his wrathful wife, Clytaemestra, among other reasons, seeks Agamemnon’s life for killing their daughter, Agamemnon saves his people. Likewise, in obeying God, Abraham was rewarded. “I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; . . . –all this because you obeyed my command” (Genesis 22: 17-18). Through this, Christians see the importance of obeying God, just as Aeschylus said about obeying his own Greek deities.
Confusion filled me when I first read this play. Why would Aeschylus make this sacrifice, this devastating action, seem so important? From Aeschylus’ view, he obviously meant there was something more to it. Obeying the gods is so important. And even then I was biased to my own faith. But then I realized how applicable his message is to my own life as a Christian. Obeying God is essential to receiving the eternal reward of Heaven. It doesn’t matter at all what God asks, it must be done, despite fears or worries or confusion. It is this faith and trust in the Will of God that is so necessary to a good life, as Aeschylus so strongly emphasizes of his own gods, because, if you think about it, would we even have a Savior if Mary had not said, “Let it be done unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1: 38)?
September 19, 2008
Call me Hobbes.
First, the title. One thing my Western Civilizations professor likes to do is let us pick nicknames for class. So my friend Kelly and I chose Calvin and Hobbes. Though I'm much more of a Calvin myself, I decided to take the opportunity to be a Hobbes for once in my life.
I have to say that I'm sorry for not really blogging as much as I would like. What with a weak internet connection on campus, no laptop of my own, and excessive amounts of homework, I'm finding little time for blogging. I want to change that however because I want to share with you all this wonderful experience.
We have our first paper due on Monday in which I will post my own online here. Our midterms start just a week after this coming one and then we depart for Greece on October 3rd. It's so exciting, really. I love traveling with the class. This very weekend, I decided to stay in Rome. I might go somewhere quiet next weekend to study for my midterms, but this weekend I thought I would stick around. We have a few exciting things going on on campus this weekend. Saturday night we have a showing of Quo Vadis and Sunday we're walking to inner Rome. Usually it's about an hour and a half by bus and subway. So it's going to be about a four or five hour walk down the Appian Way. We'll get into Rome near the Circus Maximus and then Monsignor will join us for Mass at a church that is rarely opened.
So that's what I'm looking forward to this weekend and coming weeks besides copious amounts of homework. I'll keep you updated when I can.
Ciao, peace, and God bless,
Hobbes
I have to say that I'm sorry for not really blogging as much as I would like. What with a weak internet connection on campus, no laptop of my own, and excessive amounts of homework, I'm finding little time for blogging. I want to change that however because I want to share with you all this wonderful experience.
We have our first paper due on Monday in which I will post my own online here. Our midterms start just a week after this coming one and then we depart for Greece on October 3rd. It's so exciting, really. I love traveling with the class. This very weekend, I decided to stay in Rome. I might go somewhere quiet next weekend to study for my midterms, but this weekend I thought I would stick around. We have a few exciting things going on on campus this weekend. Saturday night we have a showing of Quo Vadis and Sunday we're walking to inner Rome. Usually it's about an hour and a half by bus and subway. So it's going to be about a four or five hour walk down the Appian Way. We'll get into Rome near the Circus Maximus and then Monsignor will join us for Mass at a church that is rarely opened.
So that's what I'm looking forward to this weekend and coming weeks besides copious amounts of homework. I'll keep you updated when I can.
Ciao, peace, and God bless,
Hobbes
A Journal Entry - 09/17/08
Today was an amazing day. After an exhausting night the day before, I managed somehow to fall asleep in two of my favorite classes (all of the classes are my favorite, by the way). I was just so tired because I had gone to bed way later than usual - after I Skyped with two of my best friends on the Irving campus for a few hours. Now I lay in bed, way after my bedtime tonight, and I journal. Today I shared in some good drinking memories, bonding time, a campfire with good old American s'mores, and some Understanding. The start of my search for Truth is long gone, but the journey is really picking up... After spending the afternoon in class looking at, observing, grasping the Ara Pacis, the Altar of Peace, I found myself in Trinity College Irish Pub sipping from a pint of Guiness sharing in the developement of some of the best friendships of my life. I'm amazed by the beauty of every single person I meet. I spoke with my Literary Traditions III professor about my paper and I just started writing it a few minutes ago. I'm so fired up about that class. Through ancient Greek texts, I have found the slightest traces of God and I have a feeling that when I depart for Greece in 17 days, I will find more of Him there. In our texts, we find Aeschylus makes such a great emphasis on honoring the gods and their commands and though the message is not Christian at all, because we know our God would never demand us to kill our daughters or mothers, we can understand that. It's these pagan ways, however, in which we Catholics pick up many of our traditions. It is through such reverence and respect for our God that we obey His commands... It is truly remarkable the tiniest ways in which He reveals Himself to us. Later in the evening, I joined a large number of my peers around a campfire. It was a very communal moment and, in that, a light and beautiful touch of the Body of Christ. I finally made my way to the dorm at the end of the night and I was stopped by one of my professors. We shared a few laughs as he said goodnight and departed, a jovial and peaceful experience. I won't deny that it is hard to always be so happy and perceptive to God's ways, but just even being open to the glory of God works wonders, literally. Trust me though: if you can't find Him, He'll find ways of finding you.
September 2, 2008
We are the continuation of the Grand Tour.
AS I sit here on the third floor Belvedere, I look upon one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. The Belvedere is the balcony on the corner of the dormitory building that overlooks the green of our ten acres, including the refreshing vineyard, and mostly all inner city Rome. During the day, I can see the dome of St. Peters and, off in the distance, the ocean. And as day turns into night, a majestic pink sunset paints the sky and continuously illuminates the striking features of the tops of the city. And as I sip a glass of Aglianico Boccatino, I will tell you some more about UD's own Grand Tour.
I started classes yesterday. I apologize for not telling you sooner the thrills of the introductions to my Monday classes: Literary Traditions III from 8:00 to 9:30, Western Civilizations I from 9:45 to 11:15 and Art & Architecture from 11:30 to 1:00, though at the same time I have no regrets because truly the education of the Rome Program is best presented as a whole as each class is designed to truly prepare the mind for the search for Truth and in that way they work together.
Yesterday was magnificent. Dr. Roper presented a very objective argument in Literary Traditions III about the motives and actions of acting. The Romans thought it unlawful and, as our reading said, the Athenians as a whole city participated in the plays.
In Western Civilizations I, we looked to the Dawn of Civilization in 3000 B.C., preparing ourselves for rather dull reading, but deep and intense discussion, a discussion of the facts, not just "When?" and "Where?" but also "WHY?" Art & Architecture really drew together these classes as Dr. Flusche presented the architecture of the city, as ancient as it is, all over the world. She spoke of Roman design's migration, saying that the British elite would study there on their Grand Tours after university schooling and buy anything they wanted, through the intense studies. What struck me the most was when she said, "And in it's own way, you are the continuation of the Grand Tour." To discover the Eternal City, its design and beauty amoung many other things, and to roam around Europe is truly a continuation of the Grand Tour. Individually, we are on our own search, and as UD students, we know that.
This morning at 8:00 AM, Professor Blue introduced us to Philosophy of Man. We naively defined in our own standards what a soul is and Professor Blue guided us to understanding the basics. And at 9:45, Dr. Mark Lowery introduced to us Western Theology Traditions. This lecture was, without a doubt, one of the best lectures I have ever been too and it was just the introduction. He started by describing Rome as "ad limina apostalarum" or "to the threshold of the apostles" and through that he spoke of three major points: 1) Principle of Sacramentality, 2) Particularity / Universality, and 3) How Christianity did not fit in well in Rome during about 100 A.D. to 300 A.D. because it would not accept henotheism. It was very well said and entertaining. That class is already my favorite.
Well, I leave you know. I have told you about my classes and now I must busy myself with Aristotle's Poetics and readings from Herodotus, Plato, and Clement, not to mention lunch and a nap. :)
Pax vobiscum.
I started classes yesterday. I apologize for not telling you sooner the thrills of the introductions to my Monday classes: Literary Traditions III from 8:00 to 9:30, Western Civilizations I from 9:45 to 11:15 and Art & Architecture from 11:30 to 1:00, though at the same time I have no regrets because truly the education of the Rome Program is best presented as a whole as each class is designed to truly prepare the mind for the search for Truth and in that way they work together.
Yesterday was magnificent. Dr. Roper presented a very objective argument in Literary Traditions III about the motives and actions of acting. The Romans thought it unlawful and, as our reading said, the Athenians as a whole city participated in the plays.
In Western Civilizations I, we looked to the Dawn of Civilization in 3000 B.C., preparing ourselves for rather dull reading, but deep and intense discussion, a discussion of the facts, not just "When?" and "Where?" but also "WHY?" Art & Architecture really drew together these classes as Dr. Flusche presented the architecture of the city, as ancient as it is, all over the world. She spoke of Roman design's migration, saying that the British elite would study there on their Grand Tours after university schooling and buy anything they wanted, through the intense studies. What struck me the most was when she said, "And in it's own way, you are the continuation of the Grand Tour." To discover the Eternal City, its design and beauty amoung many other things, and to roam around Europe is truly a continuation of the Grand Tour. Individually, we are on our own search, and as UD students, we know that.
This morning at 8:00 AM, Professor Blue introduced us to Philosophy of Man. We naively defined in our own standards what a soul is and Professor Blue guided us to understanding the basics. And at 9:45, Dr. Mark Lowery introduced to us Western Theology Traditions. This lecture was, without a doubt, one of the best lectures I have ever been too and it was just the introduction. He started by describing Rome as "ad limina apostalarum" or "to the threshold of the apostles" and through that he spoke of three major points: 1) Principle of Sacramentality, 2) Particularity / Universality, and 3) How Christianity did not fit in well in Rome during about 100 A.D. to 300 A.D. because it would not accept henotheism. It was very well said and entertaining. That class is already my favorite.
Well, I leave you know. I have told you about my classes and now I must busy myself with Aristotle's Poetics and readings from Herodotus, Plato, and Clement, not to mention lunch and a nap. :)
Pax vobiscum.
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