The poem had to appeal to Anglo-Saxons and his fellow Christians precisely because they were attempting to merge their own beliefs and at times during the poem those beliefs appear to amalgamate. Actions and events will expose both beliefs as they appear distinct from each other throughout the story. The Christian influences were combined with early folklore and the heroic legends of the German tribes. As Christianity and paganism are intertwined in the poem Beowulf reveals both Christian and pagan influences. Therefore, it would be understandable to suggest that the original pagan scop, who sang of this epic poem, was influenced by Christian beliefs but then a Christian monk finally put it on paper.
There is evidence to suggest that all three Abrahamic religions have been influenced by the paganism as well as other religions, especially Zoroastrianism, that preceded them. Judaism begun as a polytheistic religion, but after contact with Zoroastrian monotheism, they too chose to worship only one God. Christian idea of metaphorical light and darkness representing good and evil may have also been derived from Zoroastrianism, as it is both mentioned in the Bible and the Avestan (Esposito). The idea of a messiah, that is shared by all three Abrahamic religions, is a concept that preceded them, and was evident in Zoroastrianism before the beginning of the 6th century BC. Islam also exemplifies the non-Islamic religious and pagan influences that have been intertwined with the religion.
Explain the main ethical principles of religion you have studied (25 marks) Christianity is a religion of many different branches and because of this there is no universal set of ethics. This lack of absolute ethics amongst Christians is due to the diversity of Christianity as there are many denominations for example Roman Catholic Christianity and Protestantism. Roman Catholic Christianity bases its ethics on the Holy Bible and the magisterium which consists of the Pope and the cardinals; in contrast to Protestantism that sees the Holy Bible as the only source of authority. Though both denominations follow the bible they interpret and accept the different parts of the bible. In general, there are similar ethical beliefs amongst Christians due to Judaism being the only root of Christian ethics.
During the time of Beowulf, one specific occurrence that hindered or challenged the hero and many other townspeople was the rise of Christianity. While Beowulf was still a young excited warrior, Paganism was the main religion that the people of Britain praised. Though as illustrated in the story of Beowulf, one is able to identify numerous differences between the two religions and only some similarities. Of course the differences are many due to the extreme difference in religion; single god, different god, prophets, writings, etc… Although, some similarities do arise. Within the story of Beowulf, one is able to identify similarities between the two religions from the characters, as well as specific events.
English 102 Brittany Daigle Dr. Trahan 09/16/2011 Brittany Daigle Dr. Trahan English 102 09/16/2011 Christianity Religions, or belief systems, are perhaps the strongest force in society. Christianity is the main religion in America, and is what American morals are surrounded by; even though our founding fathers clearly stated” As the Government of the United Stated of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion”. (The Treaty of Tripoli) Christianity has influenced American culture for years. Most people will view Christianity in modern society as positive, but there are revolutionists that view religion as a whole as negative and can ruin our society. Christianity is a teaching based on the life
English 11 10/18/12 Conflicting Beliefs in Anglo-Saxon Culture While reading through the epic poem Beowulf, I noticed many conflicting beliefs between Pagan and Christian values. The reason for this is when missionaries attempted to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity in year 596. By 650, most of Britain was Christian but still held on to some of their Pagan beliefs. In the next few paragraphs I will explain some of the conflicting beliefs in Beowulf. While reading, there were many Christian values in the poem.
Undoubtedly, one of the greatest fictional characters recognized in English literature is the majestic King Arthur. The hundreds of legends surrounding this central figure and his kingdom in Camelot each have their different tweaks but contain the same basic plotlines: the marriage of Arthur and Guinevere, the betrayal of Guinevere and Lancelot, and the culminating battle between Arthur and his illegitimate son Mordred. Despite this compelling tale on the surface that has been alive for over a thousand years, a closer look deeper into its origins provides the true insight into the complexity of this beloved legend. As a compilation of Celtic mythology, pagan symbols, and Christian allegory, perhaps the element that stands out the most is the latter as it is reflected consistently throughout the legend. The beginnings of Arthur as king are an interesting juxtaposition of pagan symbolism and Christian allegory.
There are many versions of the story of King Arthur. Each portrays heroes, betrayal, magic, romance, and great acts of chivalry along with some magical help from Merlin. Mankind has always needed heroes. Throughout history Arthur is the symbol of a medieval hero who constantly endangers his own life for others. The chivalrous acts displayed by Arthur show the beauty of Arthurian romance and why, whether or not these legends are true, we want them to be.
There are very little, written accounts of Slavic mythology and references found to the Slavic pagans were written by the Christian missionaries and were not very accurate. Instead their beliefs were passed down orally through generations and the Slavs had not developed an official writing system yet either at the time. Slavic mythology remained the religious focus of the Slavic people until their rulers and Orthodox Christian missionaries attempted to convert them to Christianity which was thought to be more civilized and the religion of the modern culture at the time. The beliefs and rituals of the Slavic people who followed the creed revolved around a great pantheon of gods and spiritual beings that played key roles in their daily lives. Slavic society was built around a threefold division of
There are many symbols attached to this holiday in Europe, and each country has kept its own identity and traditions, while enriching them with influences form various other sources. This diversity and richness prove the importance given by Europeans to the Christmas holiday. Advent, its crown and its calendar... Advent corresponds to the four-week period that precedes "the arrival"(adventus in Latin) of baby Jesus, that is Christmas. In certain parts of Germany, Advent begins on the 11th November, on Saint Martin's Day.