Themes of Life: Faith History and Culture

Faith history and culture have impacted human history in all places and times. Faith history and culture are passed down through the generations to record a way of life and help people to understand how they got to where they are today. Faith is connected through belief in a Higher Power. Themes of life are the fundamental ideas, beliefs or values that an individual uses to make sense of their existence and the world around them. Human experience reveals that people throughout the ages have looked for something transcendent on which to build their lives or find refuge in a Higher Power and to find expression through religious rituals and cultural traditions. Europe and Western Civilization traces its roots back to Classical Greece which was the first and most prominent ancient European civilization that valued liberty. In this democratic system, the glory of Classical Greece reached its greatest peak with a Golden Age of artistic, literary, architectural, scientific and philosophical achievements. Ancient Athens represented logic and reason as expressed by the great ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Judeo/Christianity gave people faith upon One All-Embracing and Merciful God and Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd Who leads His Flock to greener pastures. Three outstanding figures that had a huge impact on the Renaissance were Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. The Renaissance was a period of great social change in European history from the 14th to the 17th century marking the transition from the Middle Ages to modern times. God's Gifts of freewill and love to humanity are "Divine Guidance" toward unique, personal directions and callings. The power of wondering is an influential human emotion with the potential to reshape life for achieving one's aspirations through new ideas, possibilities, opportunities and new experiences. With the uncertainty and economic instability of Post-War Europe thousands of Greeks migrated to the Lucky Country hoping for a more stable future. Going to war in a foreign country is a sacrifice a soldier has to make as well as his family that love him. War has the biggest emotional impact on a young life; having to cope with the harsh realities of seeing the horrors on the battlefields and trenches. Many returned to long-term suffering with physical disabilities or, haunted by the images of war still imprinted silently in their memories and their dreams. Communism brought division and rivalry between the democratic, United Stated and the communist, Soviet Union and their respective allies competed for political and military supremacy culminating in the Arms Race. "Never is life more noble than when we do things unto God" through the most meaningful and worthwhile endeavors. A Sunday School teacher is a disciple of Jesus Christ who help the young to develop the spiritual eyes, ears, and heart so they can seek spiritual realities beyond this world. Serious illness takes its toll on the mind and on the body bringing negative attitudes and feelings of being at the mercy of the unknown. The qualities of a truly gifted doctor are competence, communication and professionalism. Other qualities required are dedication, hard work and long hours. In homes around the world, the festive Christmas tables will be set with foods that have become tradition, passed from generation to generation. New year's resolutions; most people look forward to make every New Year a better one. Goals are a pathway to self-fulfillment. On every Greek, beautifully decorated festive, Easter Sunday Table, the traditional red eggs are piled high in baskets and ready to be cracked with other members of the family that are so symbolic of the Greek Orthodox Easter, the tsoureki sweet bread loaves and her unforgettable koulourakia (Easter biscuits).