The Protestant Rosary: A New Creation

What Does Praying the Rosary Mean? 

Praying the rosary involves using a string of beads called a rosary as a tool for keeping track of prayers. People either hold or wear the rosary while they pray and touch an individual bead when they pray each individual prayer, moving their hands from one bead to the next to help them focus their minds on each prayer. As they do so, they meditate on the meaning and significance of each prayer. The Catholic rosary consists of a series of 20 prayers and is typically prayed in a specific sequence, with each prayer being recited in turn. Many of the traditional Catholic rosary prayers are directed to Mary. Fortunately, rosary prayers can be directed to God, rather than to Mary. 

In addition, people often use the rosary as a form of communal prayer. Many people pray the rosary together as a group, either in a church setting or in a more informal setting such as household worship at the home altar, or a prayer meeting. Praying the rosary as a group can create a sense of unity and shared purpose, as well as providing an opportunity for people to support one another in prayer. “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am in the midst of them”

Why the Rosary?

Far from an artifact of Vatican II Heresy, the Rosary originated in the 4th century with the Desert Fathers of Egypt. These were Ascetic monks, the earliest monastics, who used the beads to concentrate as they led a life of quiet contemplation, reading all 150 Psalms daily. Each prayer of the litany has been developed from the truth of scripture by countless devoted over millennia. Everyone is steeped in the spirit-inspired light and beauty which has made the rosary a daily ritual for half a billion Christians across the globe.Today the repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer on the word of God. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ's spirit dwells.  By giving us something tangible to hold, and a litany of prayers the beads us to make time for prayer, slow down, and take the time to internalize our devotions. Another reason to pray the rosary is for its meditative qualities. The repetition of prayers and the movement of the beads can help to create a sense of calm and focus, allowing the person praying to experience a peaceful state of mind and enter into a deep state of prayer and meditation.These prayers help God speak to us through the text while keeping our hearts and minds focused on him. Taken together, many attest that the Rosary is responsible for revolutionizing their prayer life and relationship with God.

To begin, we make the sign of the cross while holding the crucifix. This reminds us to keep and revere the Word and Persons of God with all our mind, our lips, ourheart, and our soul.From there we make our daily confession and atonement. Proceed to recite each prayer in succession while grasping the respective bead for concentration.

Confessions

Why Confess?

Before the Levitic Priests entered the tabernacle, they presented a sin offering to consecrate themselves before YHWH. God’s way into His presence was always through the tabernacle, which pictures Jesus Christ. Therefore, under the universal priesthood of all believers, we should first confess our sins to consecrate ourselves before entering communion with the Holy of Holies. James 5:16 establishes the shared confession of believers. From the 2nd Century this was traditionally held at least once a year before Easter, our day of Atonement. The Rosary may be said privately or in a group, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Lord Jesus Christ, I come before You with a contrite heart, acknowledging my sins and shortcomings. In the presence of Your divine mercy, I humbly acknowledge the sins known to me. I confess those actions, thoughts, and words that have embarrassed me from Your grace. I have fallen short of Your perfect love. I acknowledge my weaknesses and the times I have strayed from Your path. Father, I have been guilty of... (Take a moment to reflect and confess specific sins.)

Lord Jesus, I ask for Your forgiveness and mercy. I repent of my sins, knowing that through Your sacrifice on the cross, I am reconciled to the Father. Grant me the strength to turn away from sin and walk in Your righteousness.

In Your infinite mercy, cleanse me, O Lord, from all my iniquities. Heal the wounds of my soul and strengthen me to resist temptation. Renew in me a steadfast spirit and a fervent love for You.

I also seek forgiveness for the sins I may have committed unknowingly or out of ignorance. Forgive me for the times I have failed to love my neighbor as myself, neglected acts of charity, and missed opportunities to be a witness of Your love and truth.

Lord have mercy on me, a sinner. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. In Your name, Lord Jesus, I offer this confession, trusting in Your abundant mercy and confident in Your promise of purity. Amen.

The Apostles' creed (Origins C. 125)

I believe in God the Father almighty.

Creator of heaven and earth,

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit?

Born of the Virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

He descended into hell;

On the third day he rose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

From there he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy catholic Church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And life is everlasting. Amen.

The Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name;

Thy kingdom come;

They will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen

The Hail YHWH (C. 7th C, Adapted from the scriptural sources of the ‘Hail Mary’)

1-3X on the center bead

Hail YHWH, full of grace, the Lord with us;

Blessed are you O Holy God,

And blessed is the fruit of your Spirit through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Holy Holy Son of God,

Pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

The Glory Be (The Doxology, Adapted from Jewish Kabbalah C. 1st C AD)

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

Your age without end.

Amen.

Mennonite Alt. 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; 

Praise Him, all creatures here below; 

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; 

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Amen

The Hail Holy King (The Salve Regina, C. 11th C)

Hail, holy King, Father of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you we cry, poor banished children of Adam;

To you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn, then, most gracious savior,

Your eye of mercy toward us;

And after this, our exile,

Show unto us the blessed fruit of your creation, O Lord.

O clement, O loving, O sweet loving Father God.

Amen.

Prayers

We may say these prayers alone or in fellowship on the first medallion with each pause followed by the refrain "Lord, hear my/our prayer." Prayers may be said as lists, recitations, or scriptures such as Psalms of praise or Thanksgiving. The medallion is revered as a typology of the believer's clemency and piety, not an icon of saintly intercession (see Luke 1:46-55). The Litany is useful for remembering all our prayers (written or not) and all the things we ought to pray for.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts who was and is and is to come!; the whole earth is full of his glory! Worthy of endless praise and adoration, the God of grace and glory, reigning in eternal majesty, I humbly approach, Lifting my voice up to heaven in heartfelt praise and worship.

[Pause for praise]

Gracious Father, through Your Son, You have liberated us from sin's chains, bringing us into a new and joyful age. As the psalmist declared, "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy." (Psalm 30:11) With hearts overflowing with gratitude, we celebrate Your boundless blessings, Your cleansing blood, and the renewal of Your Holy Spirit.

[Pause for personal thanksgiving]

Father, in humble supplication, I lift my needs and cares to You, knowing that You are the ultimate provider of all things. Your Word reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

Amidst the trials of life, in times of sorrow and adversity, I seek Your presence, O Lord, for You are the deliverer of Your people. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2)

[Pause for petitions]

In the midst of trials and temptations, create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). Shield me from the temptations of sin, and teach me to walk in the fear of Your wisdom. Lead me in righteousness, O Lord, and may Your grace surround me always.

[Elective pause for personal petition]

Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for my sins and transgressions. With the Apostle Paul we confess that we do not what we want, but the very things we hate (Romans 7:15). In this, my repentance, I trust in Your abundant mercy, O Lord, for "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9). May the depth of Your love, like a balm, heal the wounds of my soul, and lead me on the path of righteousness.

[Pause to affirm confession]

Help me, dear Father, to forgive any debts as Your mercy has released mine. (Matthew 5:23–24)

[Elective pause for petition to personal forgiveness]

Lord, I affirm Your Lordship over all Heaven and Earth including all I hold dear. (Psalm 24:1) That you have hidden these things from the wise of understanding and revealed them to little children. Guide me in righteousness; teach me to number my days. (Proverbs 4:18) (Psalm 90:12) Prepare me as a servant of your gracious will. (Ephesians 2:10). May your presence be near and your pleasant yolk rest firmly upon me. (Matthew 11:28-29)

[Pause for personal affirmation]

For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, eternal and unending, a world without end. May the Lord bless us and keep us, may his face shine brightly upon me and look upon his people with favor to grant them peace. Into your hands I commend all that I pray, trusting in your mercy through Your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. 

Amen.

The Five Decades of Mystery

What are they?

The decades are profitable for studious contemplation of Scripture's mysteries. The Catholic church visits itself in order to experience Mary's Scriptural contemplation of how Christ worked in and through her life. The Mysteries of the Rosary are all based on events from the lives of Jesus and Mary that are described in the Bible. The Joyful Mysteries, for instance, include the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, and the story of Jesus as a boy at the temple. Here she is seen as a fully valid typology of the believer, a willing and blessed vessel of God's grace and mercy. The same method may be used to aid in our daily reading of scripture by ensuring a measured period for God to speak to us through his word. Even though there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind there is a sense in which Mary unites the feminine symbolism used in the old and new testaments as a perfect image of the believer’s matrimony to God. For an erudite exploration of the Scriptural (not cultic) understanding of Mary and her role in the mysteries, search for: Mary In Scripture: Rediscovering the Bridge Between the Old and the New Testaments | EWTN. 

How do I pray to them?

Read the first daily mystery, devotions,or a selection from scripture in the empty space above the medallion. Follow this by saying 1-10 hail YHWHs on the first decade of beads while meditating on the word. When the decade is complete, stop on the larger bead and proceed with the next reading, repeating the prior steps. These prayers help God speak to us through the text while keeping our hearts and minds focused on him, not because we will be heard by repeating them. The rosary is an aid for meditating on the Word, to merely recite the prayers, whether vocally or silently, is to miss the point. The aggregate allows us to understand what it means to worship and internalize his Joy, Sacrifice, Glory, and Light.

The Sacred Mysteries (available on the last page or online)

• Joyful mysteries are read on Mondays and Saturdays 

• Sorrowful mysteries on Tuesday and Friday

• Glorious mysteries on Wednesday and Sunday

• Luminous mysteries on Thursday

The Hail YHWH

Hail YHWH, full of grace, the Lord with us;

Blessed are you O Holy God,

And blessed is the fruit of your Spirit through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Holy Holy Son of God,

Pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of our death. 

Amen.

The Hail Holy King (The Salve Regina)

After completing five decades, read the 'Hail to the Holy King' on the second medallion. Follow this with an optional period of meditative silence as God speaks to you or additional prayers (such as the prayer for vocations). Close by making the sign of the cross once more.

Hail, holy King, Father of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you we cry, poor banished children of Adam;

To you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn, then, most gracious savior,

Your eye of mercy toward us;

And after this, our exile,

Show unto us the blessed fruit of your creation, O Lord.

O clement, O loving, O sweet loving Father God.

Amen.

Reflections of the Mysteries: 

The Joyful Mysteries: are marked by the joy radiating from the event of the Incarnation. This is clear from the very first mystery, the Annunciation, where Gabriel's greeting to the Virgin of Nazareth is linked to an invitation to messianic joy: "Rejoice, Mary." The whole of salvation … had led up to this greeting. (Prayed on Mondays and Saturdays, and optional on Sundays during Advent and the Christmas Season.)

The Sorrowful Mysteries: The Gospels give great prominence to the Sorrowful Mysteries of Christ. From the beginning, Christian piety, especially during the Lenten devotion of the Way of the Cross, has focused on the individual moments of the Passion, realizing that here is found the culmination of the revelation of God's love and the source of our salvation. (Prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays, and optional on Sundays during Lent.) 

The Glorious Mysteries: "The contemplation of Christ's face cannot stop at the image of the Crucified One. He is the Risen One!" The Rosary has always expressed this knowledge born of faith and invited the believer to pass beyond the darkness of the Passion in order to gaze upon Christ's glory in the Resurrection and Ascension. … Mary herself would be raised to that same glory in the Assumption. (Prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays.) 

The Luminous Mysteries: Moving on from the infancy and the hidden life in Nazareth to the public life of Jesus, our contemplation brings us to those mysteries which may be called in a special way "mysteries of light." Certainly, the whole mystery of Christ is a mystery of light. He is the "Light of the world" (John 8:12). Yet this truth emerges in a special way during the years of His public life. (Prayed on Thursdays.)

Gov. 1A-50: The Lens is Mightier than the Gavel

In the United States, the First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech, including the freedom of the press. However, the extent of this right is often contested by the state. One important instance of this right is the ability to lawfull document and record the activities of state officials, such as school boards. This case has been particularly important over the last few years, with some public schools attempting to restrict the recording of open meetings. In such cases, should the police be allowed to enforce a verbal restriction against making a video at an open meeting? This question has sparked debates among legal scholars and policymakers, but the consensus is clear.This essay contends that any attempts to enforce a restriction against recording public meetings are clear violations of the First Amendment and compromise the rights of citizens and their inherent right to access information.

Firstly, enforcing verbal restrictions would violate the First Amendment. The Supreme Court has long recognized that the First Amendment protects the freedom of the press, including the right to record public officials in the performance of their duties. In Glik v. Cunniffe, the First Circuit held that the right to record the police in public is a "clearly established" First Amendment right. Enforcing a verbal restriction against recording an open meeting would amount to a violation of constitutional rights.

Secondly, the public has a right to access information. Open meetings are designed to ensure transparency and accountability in government. By restricting the recording of open meetings, politicians would be limiting the public's ability to scrutinize their actions and hold them accountable for their decisions. In some cases, the recording of open meetings has even been instrumental in exposing corruption and abuse of power. Therefore, allowing politicians to restrict the recording of open meetings would undermine the very purpose of open meetings.

Thirdly, the restriction of recording open meetings would set a dangerous precedent. If politicians are allowed to restrict recording at open meetings, it could lead to further attempts to restrict the freedom of the press in other contexts. This could have harmful effects on journalism and limit the ability of reporters to hold those in power accountable. Additionally, it could lead to selective enforcement, where politicians only allow favorable media coverage and suppress any unfavorable coverage. This would be a violation of the First Amendment and could lead to a decline in the (inherently poor) quality of democratic governance.

Finally, there are few legitimate reason for politicians to restrict recording at open meetings. The argument that recording could be disruptive or distracting is not compelling, as recording technology is now ubiquitous and unobtrusive. Additionally, politicians who are uncomfortable with being recorded can choose not to run for public office. The public has a right to know what their elected officials are doing and saying in the course of their duties.

There are few justifications for politicians to impose limitations on recording during open meetings. According to Government Code Section 54953.5, individuals have the right to record an open and public meeting without disruption, and a school district does not have the right to prohibit recording unless there is a reasonable finding of disruption. The reasoning that recording may cause interference or disturbance is not convincing since recording devices are widely available and inconspicuous. Moreover, elected officials who feel uneasy about being recorded can opt not to pursue public office. The community has a legitimate entitlement to be informed of the actions and statements of their elected representatives while they are carrying out their responsibilities.

In conclusion, the police should not be allowed to enforce a politician's verbal restriction against making a video of him at an open meeting. Doing so would violate First Amendment rights, limit the public's right to access information, set a dangerous precedent, and have no legitimate reason. In a open society, the public has the right to know what their elected officials are doing, and any attempt to restrict that right should be met with resistance. As the famous American philosopher and abolitionist Lysander Spooner once said, "The only just governments are those that are based upon the ([real]) consent of the governed." Therefore, any attempt to restrict the public's access to information should be viewed as an assault on the fundamental principles of a free society.

Sources:

Glik v. Cunniffe, 655 F.3d 78 (1st Cir. 2011). https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca1/10-1764/10-1764-2011-08-26.html

LaRue v. DeWolff, 590 F.3d 263, 272 (3d Cir. 2009). https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/app

One Instance: https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/2009/06/aa-right-to-videotape-school-board-meetings/

Western Civ. 1-45:

Tiberius Gracchus was a tribune of the plebs who served during the late 2nd century BC in Rome. He is known for his radical proposals for land reform and his campaign against the powerful senatorial class. Gracchus' policies were viewed with suspicion by the Roman Senate for several reasons. Firstly, Gracchus' proposed land reforms would have redistributed public land that had been occupied by wealthy patricians to poor farmers. This would have weakened the power of the wealthy aristocracy and potentially shifted the balance of power in favor of the plebeians. Such a shift in power would have been perceived as a threat by the Senate. Secondly, Gracchus' tactics were seen as aggressive and provocative by the Senate. He used his position as tribune to bypass traditional channels of power and propose laws directly to the Assembly of the People. This disregard for the established power structures was viewed as a threat to the stability of the Republic.

Finally, Gracchus was accused of seeking to make himself king or dictator by bypassing the traditional channels of power and enacting laws that would weaken the Senate's authority. The Senate viewed Gracchus as a dangerous demagogue who was seeking to undermine the established order and seize power for himself.

Tiberius Gracchus was a man who fought against the political establishment in Rome, and for that, he deserves praise. However, his motives and methods leave much to be desired. His land reform proposals, while noble in intention, were a form of wealth redistribution that would have weakened the power of the wealthy aristocracy and shifted the balance of power in favor of the plebeians. This approach is inherently socialist and is not consistent with the principles of a free society.

Gracchus' aggressive tactics, bypassing traditional channels of power, were indeed provocative and destabilizing to the Republic. It is true that the established power structures needed to be challenged, but doing so in a confrontational and reckless manner is not the way to achieve meaningful change. His perceived desire to make himself king or dictator also demonstrates a dangerous ambition for personal power and is not consistent with the values of a true statesman. In the end, Tiberius Gracchus serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pursuing radical change without proper political support and through socialist means.

Western Civ. 1-45: Class Struggle in Rome: The Eternal (Political) Conflict

The formation of the Roman Republic saw the patricians, (the wealthy aristocrats), assume considerable political power. By the early 5th century BC, however, the plebeians, (or the common people), demanded a greater say in the political sphere. This sparked the Struggle of the Orders, a protracted period of socio-political conflict, which ultimately resulted in the plebeians securing increased representation and rights in an (at least theoretically) egalitarian system. Nevertheless, the changes to the Roman Republic were far from ideal often doing as much harm as good, leaving a profound impact on the course of Roman history. The class struggle, populism, and state expansion that followed are best understood as natural byproducts of the Republican state. Today, these issues remain pertinent as we confront challenges concerning political equality and the limits of state power.

The equestrians were part of an emerging social class in Rome who achieved a certain level of wealth and social status. However, they were not members of the traditional aristocracy. This development allowed for increased social mobility, as individuals could rise based on wealth rather than noble birth. However, combined with the political complex, this advance bred resentment and dissatisfaction. Thanks to their wealth, equestrians could manipulate laws to favor themselves. Over the years, they hoarded land and used their wealth to entrench themselves, often by granting special privileges, high offices, and nepotism. This created distinct class conflicts based on wealth rather than lineage. While the equestrians manipulated the political process to their advantage, the Palestinians continued to struggle for political representation and meaningful change. Ultimately, this created an opportunity for unsavory figures to exploit. In this case, it was the state that made this possible, not economic liberty. Unfortunately, the same narrative is used today by populists to promote the same kinds of reforms. Political solutions to inequality are the problem, not the solution.

While the Struggle of the Orders in Ancient Rome allowed for increased social mobility and egalitarian politics, it also created a breeding ground for demagogues who manipulated the system for their own benefit. One such example was the Gracchi brothers, Tiberius and Gaius, who rose to power as tribunes of the plebs in the late 2nd century BC. They sought to address the growing wealth gap between patricians and plebeians by pushing for populist redistribution. Those goals were understandably met with fierce opposition from the patricians and their allies. The Gracchi's rise to power and downfall illustrate the dangers of demagoguery and the limitations of political solutions. While their intentions may have seemed noble, their methods and rhetoric only deepened the divide between the classes. A divide that led to a century of civil wars and ended with imperial rule. Not only does the state fail to address inequality, but also generates it with endemic abuses of power. This should inform us that while political solutions may seem attractive, they have unintended consequences that ultimately lead to more conflict and upheaval.

The development of new laws played a crucial role in shaping Ancient Rome's political landscape. The introduction of the law table, with its emphasis on political equality and representation, marked a significant shift towards a more egalitarian system. However, the unintended consequences of many of these laws demonstrated the limitations of political solutions. For instance, the Lex Claudia was initially passed as a popular reform aimed at curbing the commercial activities of the patrician class. By limiting patricians' commercial activities, the law restricted economic growth, reducing economic opportunities for the public as a whole. It may have also led to further resentment and conflict between the patrician and plebeian classes, as the wealthy sought to maintain their power and influence through political plunder. This serves to remind us that ideas that focus on fairness in principle turn out to be far less so in practice. Therefore, it is essential to approach political reforms with caution, ensuring that such changes truly serve the interests of the people, rather than perpetuating the interests of the ruling class. It is doubtful that they ever can

The growth of the Roman state during its Republic period may have expanded the influence of Rome, but it also had negative effects on Roman society. The state's imperial ambitions and the tyranny of laws it imposed on its citizens created an environment that promoted corruption and nepotism. Officials and governors often put their interests ahead of those they were supposed to serve, taking advantage of their positions of power for their own benefit. This self-perpetuating system only served to exacerbate the divide between the wealthy and the rest of society. In addition, the state's need for a large standing army to quell rebellions against its taxation policies further added to the corruption and abuses of power. As Rome expanded its territory, the problems it faced within its own society only worsened. These issues are a reminder that the state, while it may seem to offer stability and order, can also become a breeding ground for abuses of power and corruption if left unchecked.

In modern times, we have seen similar struggles and conflicts arising from the abuse of power and social inequality. The quest for political and economic freedom has been a constant challenge throughout history, and it is clear that the lessons learned from the Struggle of the Orders still resonate today. The concentration of power in the hands of a select few often leads to corruption, nepotism, and social unrest. This has been evident in many contemporary societies, where the concentration of wealth and power has led to increasing polarization and inequality. If we fail to address the root cause of these problems and instead rely on superficial political solutions, we risk perpetuating the very same problems that have plagued societies for centuries. It is therefore essential that we learn from the lessons of history and work towards creating a more just and equitable society, one that promotes individual liberty and human dignity for all.

As we reflect on the history of the Roman Republic, it becomes clear that the struggle for freedom and equality is an ongoing battle. The Romans learned that political solutions, while attractive on the surface, are ultimately a Faustian bargain that leads to corruption, tyranny, and oppression. The patricians, plebeians, and equestrians alike all fell victim to the perils of state power, and we must not forget the lessons learned from their experiences.

Today, as we face our own struggles for freedom and equality, we must not repeat the same mistakes. We must reject the false promises of politicians who promise us utopia if only we surrender our freedom to them. We must be wary of demagogues who seek to manipulate us with promises of populist reform. We must recognize that the root cause of social inequality and class conflict is not economic freedom, but the abuse of power by those who seek to control us.

In our quest for a free society, we must embrace the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and voluntary cooperation. We must reject the notion that the state is the solution to all our problems, and instead, recognize that it is often the source of our troubles. Only by embracing these principles can we hope to build a society where all individuals are free to pursue their dreams and aspirations, where the rule of law is respected, and where the abuses of power are kept in check.

In the end, the history of the Roman Republic serves as a warning to us all. Let us learn from their mistakes and embrace the principles of freedom and individual liberty. For only by doing so can we hope to build a society that truly values human flourishing and the pursuit of happiness.

Western Civ. 1-50:

The Aeneid is an epic poem written by Virgil that is widely considered one of the greatest literary works in Western literature. It tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, and his journey to establish a home in Italy. However, the Aeneid is not only a literary masterpiece, but also a work of political propaganda from the Augustan era. Commissioned by Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, it served to legitimize his reign and promote an idealistic vision for the new Empire. This essay explores the basic story of the Aeneid and examines what makes it such a remarkable work of literature. In addition, it must consider how the poem's civic message reflects the ideals of the Augustan settlement, including the emphasis on piety, duty, and the ideal ruler. By understanding the historical context in which The Aeneid was written, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its literary and historical significance.

The Aeneid begins after the Trojan War, with Aeneas and his fellow Trojans fleeing the destroyed city. They embark on a long journey across the Mediterranean seeking their own home. Throughout the journey, they face various trials and tribulations, including run-ins with gods and goddesses, battles with monsters, and unexpected setbacks. Finally, Aeneas and his followers land in Italy, where they face off against the native inhabitants. Aeneas emerges victorious and is ultimately recognized as the rightful ruler of the land. The poem ends with a prophetic vision of Rome's future, portraying Aeneas as a crucial figure in the city's founding.

To truly understand the Aeneid, it is crucial to both acknowledge its impressive plot and its role as political propaganda. Written during the Augustan settlement, the emperor sought to cement his reign and legitimize the balance of power in the Roman government. Following years of civil war and political turmoil, the poem aimed to re-establish a sense of national pride and unity among the people. Through Aeneas's journey, Virgil crafted a narrative of a hero seeking his new home and bringing peace and prosperity to the land. This message reflects Augustus's desire to create a more stable, prosperous Rome after years of chaos. All throughout, Octavian is cast as the new Aneas. Even the trials and tribulations he faces are meant to reflect the epic life story of his acclaimed descendant.

Aeneas's selflessness is also evident in his commitment to fulfilling his mission, even when it requires personal sacrifice. He is willing to endure physical pain, emotional trauma, and spiritual struggle to fulfill his destiny and establish the Romans in their own home. This portrayal of Aeneas as a dedicated, resolute leader was correlted with Augustus' own commitment to his vision for Rome. It mirrors the Roman journey and search for an empire abroad. Like Aeneas, Augustus was determined to endure hardships and challenges to achieve his goals. Unwavering commitment to his mission symbolizes the Roman people's resolve to overcome their challenges.

Moreover, Aeneas's portrayal as a virtuous leader highlights the importance of duty and loyalty in Roman society. Aeneas's loyalty to his mission and his people is a key element of his character. It is through this loyalty that he overcomes the many obstacles he faces on his journey. This emphasis on loyalty and duty was a significant part of Augustus' vision for a new Rome that was unified and strong. By emphasizing loyalty and duty, Augustus encouraged the Roman people to put the community's needs above their own desires. In this way, the Aeneid served as a powerful tool for political propaganda. It promoted the values Augustus believed were essential to his regime's success.

The character of Aeneas in The Aeneid is not only a reflection of Augustus' ideals of virtuous leadership. It also presents Augustus himself as the successor to Aeneas. Just as Aeneas was a selfless leader who put the needs of his people above his own desires, Augustus claimed to be a leader who only sought the good of the Roman people above all. This message is further reinforced through artistic depictions of Augustus, such as the statue 'Augustus of Prima Porta'. In this statue, Augustus is portrayed as a heroic figure, wearing armor and standing with one arm raised. This suggests that he is an outstanding warrior and leader. The figure of Cupid at his feet, holding a dolphin, represents Augustus' divine lineage. The depiction of Aeneas in his armor refers to the idea that Augustus is the new Aeneas leading Rome into the next era of greatness. Through both literature and art, Augustus interpreted Virgil's story to legitimize his own rule. Overall, he presented himself as a leader worthy of the Roman people's admiration and loyalty.

In summary, Virgil's The Aeneid is an epic poem that combines literary excellence with political propaganda. It tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who overcomes great struggles in pursuit of his people's destiny. In doing so, it reflects the political message of the Augustan settlement. The poem legitimized Augustus's reign and presented him as a worthy ruler of Rome. By portraying Aeneas as a virtuous and selfless leader, the poem sought to create a sense of national pride and unity among Rome's people. The Aeneid's legacy extends beyond it's own time; it is a seminal work in western literature even up to the modern day. As the key work in epic Latin poetry, it helped shape Rome's image as an impressive empire. Despite any alternitive motives is essential to recognize the poem's historical influence and significant contribution to Rome's legacy.