lorenzo's letter to his son

I enjoyed reading Lorenzo De Medici's letter to his son Giovanni who became cardinal at age 14 and later became pope. I especially liked what he said that "All the Christian world would prosper if the cardinals were what they ought to be." So true! In fact, the Christian world would prosper if all their leaders tried a bit harder to be a better example. At least that's what I derived from the weekly reading. It seems like a lot of the rebellion was caused because the people were frustrated that the leaders didn't practice what they preached. Lorenzo actually had some good advice and I hope Giovanni tried to live up to it. He told him to lean away from things like silk and jewels and be more into things like books and antiquities. He also said to exercise regularly and eat plain food. The most interesting advice, which he considered his best advice, was to rise early. The bible encourages this too. I know I feel better when I get up early and get things in order but is it really the most important advice a father would have for a son? Who knows.

So Sad!

I was horrified by what I read of the black plague. I knew that a lot of people died way back when but I'd never read the details. I was shocked by how quickly it spread and the amount of people that died. Thousands everyday and about 1/3 of the population! And the way they died... so horrible. These huge boils that grow on your body until they burst, vomiting blood violently, and shaking uncontrollably... what an awful way to die. And the fact that it's still around freaks me out. Ya, they have a cure for it... but what if it mutates? Viruses do that. We could very well have another outbreak of it or something different. That's why they make thriller horror movies out of it... it freaks us all out. I'm almost as scared of that as I am of drowning or falling to my death. On a positive note, I enjoyed reading about the orgin of universities. It's so ironic that the first university would be established because of a bar fight. :) It's interesting too how old a lot of college traditions, words, and culture are. I think it's great to be part of such a long-lasting experience.

Wikipedia Assignment #2

I came across a beautiful picture of a castle in my search and intrigued, pursued it. It turned out to be an article on Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay. It's an intricate, elaborate, huge castle in France perched on a jumble of rocks in the middle of a bay. At low tide it's surrounded by sand and at high tide, water. It was built in the 6th and 7th century to be an Armorican stronghold of the Romano-Breton. The article covers it's history and various owners, attempts to breach it, and successful attacks and takeovers. The legend of it's birth is covered as well. It's a story of how the archangel Michael told Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches, to build it. When the bishop wouldn't do it, the archangel burned a hole in his skull with his finger. The castle has been a political prison, inspiration for novels and music, theme park ride inspiration, and even the inspiration for the castle Minas Tirith in the Lord of the Rings movies.
1. 2,509 words
2. Searched under "middle ages" and followed a picture to the article "Mont Saint-Michel"
3. No Disambiguation link
4. The discussion page had lots of questions such as: How high is it? Did WWII do any damage to it? (it didn't) How is the upkeep funded? Where is it on the map?
5. 705 total changes: 1st change: 7/23/03 last change: 10/15/08
6. 2 external links
7. 7 references
8. 3 "further reading"

I would completely and totally recommend this article to anyone. Not only is it the most beautiful castle I have ever seen I am inspired to go see it someday. It's interesting too to read about how historical places and structures have influenced our culture today.

Every Man For Himself

After reading the lectures for this week my thought was "Thank God I didn't live back then." Not only were those claiming to be "Christians" laying waste and plundering cities in their wake, they were murdering those who refused to convert. What a bloodbath. And you couldn't sail the sea without fear of the Muslim Pirates. Yes, Muslim Pirates... I laughed when I read that too. And then there were the Vikings. You see those guys coming and run like hell. I had no idea their conquests ran so far and wide. I think I always imagined them coming from one land, not many. I'm glad that they weren't completely heartless barbarians from the sound of it. I myself am of Scandinavian descent and my family has a lot of traditions like lefse, lutefisk, and other Scandinavian jokes and sayings that only we get. Yes, we get weird looks when we have our private little jokes. Even though they were a bit brutish, I'm glad I can't be totally ashamed of them. They were strong, free, and very capable men and women. I had a good laugh reading about William the Conqueror's funeral. Poor guy... he dies and the servants take all his clothes and furniture so he's found undignified and naked. Then, during his procession the town catches on fire and everyone runs off to fight it, leaving his sad little body. Then, that local man creates a fuss at his funeral about not being paid for the grave plot. Then, his poor arm breaks off and a horrible stench fills the air. Now all we have left of him is a thigh bone and a single slab of stone to remember him by. It probably wasn't that funny then... it's funny now though. :)

interpretation of the bible

I feel the need to point out that there are different interpretations of what is said in the bible. I'm open to all interpretations and will consider them. But, what the popes back in medieval times derived from verses in the bible I have to strongly disagree with. First off, Jesus said "Upon this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18-19). If you read the verses surrounding it, I believe the "rock" is not a literal one. It's referring to the rock or foundation of the belief that Jesus is the son of God and all his teachings are based off this. This was not blessing the future popes to build these massive churches. Second, "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven" which is a little further down. He was speaking about his teachings being the keys of heaven here. He was not handing supreme power and ruling to Peter. In fact, unlike what is claimed by those in power that claim to be descended from Peter, he never did appoint a "ruler" of his church. When asked who would be the greatest in Luke 9:46-48, he brought a child among them and told them to be like a child- humble and meek. Do people think Peter was appointed as ruler because Jesus said "feed my lambs and feed my sheep" (John 21: 15-17)? Jesus asked all his disciples to watch over his flock. I was curious about the documents found supporting Peter as the first bishop and Linus as his successor- what documents are referred to here? Even if Jesus had appointed Peter as the first bishop, I bet many of the bishops to follow had no descendant at all from Peter. They merely used that claim to support their rise to power. And that's what it's all about: power. I find it ironic that the city of Rome boasted of having "ancient Christian lineage" when it's their city that persecuted the apostles of Christ and even put several of them to death. When they found out that having this connection could give them more power, then they had a change of heart. Lastly, Peter was never meant to be a ruler. He was sent out homeless and penniless to freely teach the gospel- a far stretch from what the popes after his time and today interpret their place to be. I know this is a sensitive topic and there are many interpretations- just know I will not belittle you or put you down if you comment and I'd love feedback!