The Birth of Freedom Flashcards
What was the status of slavery in human history?
In the ancient world, slavery was universal, meaning all peoples practiced it.
What did the letter of Hilarian to his wife show about the Roman view of human life?
“If it is a boy, let it live; if it is a girl, throw it out.” There is a general lack of value in life. Different aspects of a person give them unequal values.
What happened to slavery during the middle ages?
It disappeared in all texts,
What was wrong with the Greek experience with democracy?
It was ruled based on whims, wild and uncontrolled. The choices made could change daily without any repercussions.
What significant development in Rome happened during this period?
Christianity
Why was stoicism a weak foundation for natural law?
Only elites practiced it. It also was unsure of itself.
As the Roman republic collapsed where did political power become located?
The dictator / eventual Emperor
What was the impact on human and religious liberty in the conflict between Emperor Theodosius v. Bishop Ambrose?
Ambrose refused to let Theodosius into the temple until he publicly performed penance. This revealed, for the first time, that the church’s authority rivaled the crown’s.
According to George Weigel, how did conflicts between Church and State promote freedom more generally?
Previously, there was a state-dominated society, and religion served the state. But in this period, the church started to assert its own authority that pushed against the state. This left space for other forms of civil society to have some measure of freedom.
What innovations happened in the Middle Ages?
(breaks and axles on wagons, horseshoes, waterpower, chimneys, eyeglasses, plate armor, canons, round ships for seas, compass, polyphonic music, stone walls with stained glass, printing press, etc.)
Why should they not be called the Dark ages?
It is an inaccurate representation. Technologically and artistically, there was significant development and innovation flourished.
What was the Magna Carta?
A document, inspired by Stephen Langton, signed in 1215 that established the principle that the king was not above the law.
What were the distinctions between sinner-saint?
Sinners- the need to put conditional safeguards on offices of authority and positions of power to prevent self-gain and tyranny.
Saints- We are image bearers, exercising God’s sovereignty, giving rights to speak to those in authority.
What was the social contract?
Communities are formed by social contracts: authority has certain powers, and people have certain rights.
Who was William Wilberforce?
A young member of parliament, who committed his life to God and led the campaign against the slave trade.
Why did Dr. Gregg hold that the charge of hypocrisy was, in a way, a “good” thing?
It shows there is a capacity to critique ourselves and our behavior so that we might better ourselves
What is Weigel’s point in comparing the Arch de la Defense with Notre Dame?
The Cathedral represents the creativity of God it shows human diversity. The giant cube pledges to reason of man.
American Revolution v. French Revolution: What were the differences between the two?
France: Ended in a series of massacres and the dictatorship of Napoleon, State serves the people, Goddess of reason, wanted to undo the old.
America: Ended in a functional government, people serve the state, reason UNDER God, and relied on the old to create the new.
Why is moral relativism not a solid ground for defending human rights and democracy?
It undermines human liberty. If all things are relative, Hitler could be just as supported as the Declaration.
What does George have to say about religious arguments in the public square?
On what grounds can you make that argument without disallowing them?
