During the celebration of Christian Easter, it's time to discuss the topic of spirituality . Spirituality of the individual and the people as a whole . Is it always connected with higher powers? And how do philosophers define it? Can a society that denies the very concept of spirituality survive in this world?
Many people know about the Teutonic Order only from the information from the Soviet school textbook about the battle on the ice . The knights came to these lands in order to convert the pagans to the Christian faith and achieved their goal, sometimes with fire and sword . But was it really so? What did the Baltic tribes gain and what did they lose under the dominion of the bishops and
If you asked any dead person who was the first living being to appear on the surface of planet Earth, they would probably say Adam, the first human. But wait, we're not talking about humans, we want to know who the first living being was. In today's episode, we will find out about the origin of life, the sensitive issue between science and religion. We will learn about the evolution of life on Earth, from the beginning of the universe to the formation of stars, solar systems, and the Earth itself. Finally, we will delve into the formation of organic matter, the building blocks of life. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we will explore the theory of evolution and the ongoing debate between atheists and believers.
On planet Earth, there are dozens of different religions, each with its own unique vision of life, the universe, and humanity. As we question why there is so much diversity and why there is not just one religion that everyone follows, some non-believers argue that this diversity is evidence that religion is nothing but an illusion and superstition. However, there are those who believe that religion is a real and profound experience for individuals, whether it is a connection to God, the supernatural, or spiritual power based on their beliefs. The history of religious beliefs and practices dates back to primitive humans before recorded history, leading to the formation of the first organized religion in history. Through exploring various beliefs, we aim to delve deeper into the essence of these religions. Before delving into these ancient stories, it is important to note that all the information discussed in this episode falls within the realm of the study of religions, which is a scientific field that relates to history, archaeology, and anthropology. It is essential to recognize that the interpretations provided are approximate and subject to change as new evidence or insights may arise. The first organized religion in history appeared in the region known as the Fertile Crescent, specifically in the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The earliest organized religion, the Sumerian religion, emerged around 3500 BCE and is considered the first organized belief system because it included fundamental elements of religion as defined by religious scholars. This ancient civilization marks the beginning of recorded history and showcases a beautiful and fascinating narrative that intertwines the basic religious beliefs of prehistoric humans with the evolution of organized religion. The story unfolds in three stages: before the agricultural period, during the agricultural period, and after the discovery of cities at the beginning of civilizations. These stages reveal the religious life of early humans and how their beliefs evolved over time, intertwining fertility rites with nature worship and symbolizing divine entities through celestial bodies like the moon and sun. Ultimately, the transformation from female-centric lunar worship to male-centric solar worship reflects a shift in societal dynamics and religious practices, leading to the dominance of male deities in ancient cultures. This transition from lunar to solar religion is exemplified in myths and deities that personify the qualities of masculinity, power, and activity associated with the sun. Through this exploration, we aim to understand the origins of religious beliefs and concepts that have endured throughout history and continue to influence religions today.
This podcast series brings together readings and discussions related to the extension project "Literature and Critical Thought in Brazil," led by Alexandre Pilati, a professor at the Institute of Letters at the University of Brasília (UnB). The aim of the project is to discuss Brazilian literary works and their connection to the national formation process. In this first season, the selected readings include "Esaú e Jacó" by Machado de Assis, "Maíra" and "Omulu" by Darcy Ribeiro, and "Leite Derramado" and "Essa Gente" by Chico Buarque. Supported by the Dean's Office of Extension at UnB and the Research Support Foundation of the Federal District (FAPDF), the project features recorded classes and segments from the works, along with comments on relevant critics and theorists. The goal is to encourage audiences to read the entire works and reflect on how these texts are dynamically connected to Brazil's national formation processes. In the podcast, listeners will explore Chapter 79 of "Esaú e Jacó," focusing on the character Flora's hallucinations and her struggles in understanding the rivalry of the twin brothers, Pedro and Paulo. The chapter, entitled "Fusão de Fusão Confusão," delves into Flora's extraordinary experiences and the blurring of distinctions between the twins’ identities. The podcast concludes with an invitation to continue exploring literature and reflecting on Brazilian reality.