Creation is an impressive ancient literature novel that is written by Gore Vidal, it was first published in 1981. It is a comprehensive novel of war, politics, adventure and philosophy. Creation gives a charming outstanding tour of the ancient domain. Vidal has invented ancient fiction provided from the speech of a comprehensively pleasing speaker, whose humour and perception sparkle on each page. Again, Vidal bids a powerful look at an ancient era, pungent since his narrative challenges the expectations of the person who is reading it. Instead of the old-fashioned Greek opinion of the fourth century activities, Gore presents the Persian clarification.
Like his American series where delusions concerning American democracy in the nineteenth century are regularly nicked, Creation talks about killing the images of Western evolution’s apparently honourable Greek legacy (Jörg 100). The story trails the escapades of a fictitious, Cyrus Spitama, an Achaemenid Persian ambassador of the sixth to fifth century who journeys the recognized world equating the civil and spiritual opinions of several kingdoms, republics and empire of the time (Andre 96). Throughout his life, he encounters many powerful logical icons of his time, like Socrates, Zoroaster, the Buddha, Anaxagoras, and Confucius.
The novel succeeds to pool, ridiculously, ancient narrative and Limit Cosmology (Jörg 106). The aim of the narrative as Gore Vidal described in his overview was to expound how the notion of formation, of human relation to the universe, and a structure of morals and legislations grounded on the same advanced essentially, instantaneously through diverse beliefs in the West and the East. He then knew that it was in his theory, potential for a distinct person to have encountered all these main philosophical and historical icons, even though in exercise the space was way too huge to truly make it occur. Gore Vidal planned the book as a clatter course into proportional belief but typically because he believed it would be overwhelming to transcribe a book somewhere you might meet Zoroaster, Confucius, Socrates and the Buddha.
Gore Vidal uses various materials in his novel to explain creation. For instance Culture Clash, this is illustrated as the running refrain of the novel, the circumstance that various beliefs even in the historic world have diverse means of dealing with the world and considering the complications of conception (Andre 106). Cyrus Spitama, grandson of Zoroaster, regardless of his own spiritual philosophies journeys transversely the world and he meets various beliefs and philosophies and records resemblances and opinions of difference. The prolonged Backstabbing Condition was what people suffered from example, for Cyrus Spitama, the story teller of the book, he is extremely unfair. Greeks have this disorder as a usual disorder, seeing that several of its previous leaders first sort Persia's backing but in future it spits on its pity.
Vidal uses the greatest history that is never told (Vidal, Peabody & Lucinda 80). The book gives a stiff look at the dwellings of past that mainly Hollywood Account disregards, presenting a more compound, related image of the Prehistoric World than one would else believe. For instance Persia pre-Alexander is revealed as a huge multi-cultural Kingdom whose partisan sustenance is wooed by numerous Greek city federations, comprising Athens, and some overthrown legislators. Greek dictators come to Persia after they are withdrawn or beaten, so much that it develops nearly a Running joke. The novel also defines the existence of democratic societies in Early India. Creation furthermore scrutinizes various belief structures and displays a less Hollywood Account form of it, with the Buddha and Buddhism exposed to be uninterested to human anguish all together plus which he confirms as a model to hope to. Historical conqueror advancement is also illustrated, From a Western perception, Xerxes, Darius and Persian culture all together gets this. These cultures are revealed to be absolutely more composite and exciting than more well-known accounts note would permit.
Definitely a main subject in Creation is about the matter of the ancient outlook. In the introduction of this novel, through Cyrus Spitama irritated at Herodotus’ explanations in front of the Athenian scene, illustrates the point in a good manner (Vidal, Peabody & Lucinda 86). Herodotus had remembered the Persian battles with a distinctly Greek prejudice, adoring the Greek rashness and, to Cyrus’s awareness, twisting the truth. Assumed the timeline of this novel (creation), Herodotus might have been a kid while the actions he talks about so expressively happened. His determination, nevertheless, to intensify Greek loyal zeal, awards him permit to exaggerate as he decides on his spectators. No other person is knowledgeable than he is, he accepts in the deceits, hearing what garbs their anger. As Spitama by his notation to Democritus discloses his remarks of the same actions, the reader starts to distinguish the delicate nature of ancient truth.
Creation suggests that a lot of history entails the observations of an unfair spectators, (Vidal, Peabody & Lucinda 84) covered with ancient reviews to garb the desires of future generations. The entire query of chronological validity rely on the place and fact in time the viewer inhabits. The question also depends on statements and counter statements one can at all times pick their favourite clarifications. Herodotus, on one hand, talking in front of the Greek gathering, cannot be relied on as an unbiased observer (Andre 169). Instead, when Spitama declares that his interpretation is true, grounded on his broader understanding of actions and his greater scope of awareness, he doubts if his words will be recognised without suspicion. History assists, or can assist, the historian’s resolutions actually, all proofs submits to the viewer’s understanding. Creation proposes that although history is definitely the addition of proofs, it is similarly an addition of narratives.
Spitama, persistently belittling the Greeks, quotes their unending quarrelling, spitefulness, and greedy character as the actual source for constant battles with the Persian Realm (Andre 160). In disparity, he praises the Persians’ endeavours: the extensive peace which their empire keeps, their kind patience to substance peoples, the virtual prosperity and wealth their regulation nurtures, the magnificence of majestic court life. Certainly, Creation illustrates a prominent image of the fourth century earth that produced the Socrates, Buddha, Anaxagoras, Confucius, Herodotus, and Darius. Amongst the figures Spitama steps gathering knowledge and skill from productive beliefs and purifying them into a standardised interpretation of his glowing age (Behrendt 90). Vidal’s explanation proposes crucial matches among Spitama’s era and the current, simple abilities in human actions that stay unaffected over time, uncomplicated fibres in the ancient interlace that persistently progress over the fabric.
Vidal is the expression of intelligence and purpose (Susan & Gibson 220). He is not anxious with exposing the desires of the emotion, his desire is for governmental reality, and for faultless style. The way Buddha and Buddhism is worked on with in this book, Vidal uses blue and orange morality (Andre 99). A viewpoint afar from all human imaginable concerns. In this philosophy characters have an ethical background that is so completely strange and alien to human knowledge that we cannot group them as good nor evil. They are not a confused unbiased unrestricted, however they may appear to perform frighteningly haphazardly, nor are they essentially a legitimate unbiased restrained, since our understanding and their understanding of law as an idea might not even be equal.
Vidal is steadfast he has the knowledge of different cultures and religion but that does not sway his believe he concludes that; he says things in his own style since he does not believe in anything like a true account of everything (Susan & Gibson 56). He goes ahead to say that each and every person understands the world from his personal vantage opinion. It is also pointless to say, sovereignty is not the greatest residence from which to outlook anything excluding the backs of prone men. Vidal then claims that everything turns out hostile, in the end, nonetheless that is the harsh nature of things finally.
Taking into account the beliefs, culture and knowledge of people that we are living with is the best idea to have so as one can be unbiased while taking his own decision. In Vidal’s novel creation Spitima has travelled all over the world and has encountered with great men like Socrates and he has heard from them what creation is to them. Everyone have the right to express their feelings and perception toward nature and creation and not be intimidated by those in authority so that they can follow their beliefs. Icons in authority should also be unbiased, they should take into account what their citizens believe and respect their beliefs also. No one has the ideal knowledge of creation but creation depends on an individual perception.
Work cited
Baker, Susan, and Curtis S. Gibson. Gore Vidal: A Critical Companion. Westport, Con Greenwood Press, 1997.
Behrendt, Jörg. Homosexuality in the Work of Gore Vidal. Münster, London: LIT, 2003.
Droogers, Andre. Religion at Play. Place of publication not identified: Lutterworth Press, 2015.
Droogers, Andre. Religion at Play: A Manifesto. Wip and Stock Publishers, 1901.
Vidal, Gore, Richard Peabody, and Lucinda Ebersole. Conversations with Gore Vidal. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 2005.
Truth and Accuracy of the Bible, Differences between Christianity and Islam
Introduction
The bible is a collection of books or scriptures that consist of the new and old testament. The bible is used by people who believe in God such as the Christians. It contains scriptures that explains more about the relationship between God and man. It shows how Jesus performs miracles, heals and even provides for us. Christianity and Islam are the two largest religions in the world. Despite being the largest religions, their teachings of faith differ in major ways.
According to Limbaugh (2014) there are sixty six books written in the bible and written by different authors who were from different backgrounds. It describes the people living in the biblical times to be so real. It describes exactly how the people living in those times had the same weaknesses we also have. It also shows the evil things they did. For example Moses in the bible lost his temper, Abraham was a liar, and David lusted and also was a murderer. These evil doers were apostles, prophets, and heads of tribes who were very imperfect. Paul an apostle and author of the bible states that it is breathed out by God and is useful in teaching and training on how to live a righteous life and do according to His will. Meaning that all scriptures from the bible are directly from God. His words are pure and protect everyone that believes in Him. In the book of revelation, the writer warns everyone not to add any word to what has been written in the bible and if anyone does, plagues will be added to them. If anyone takes away any word from the bible, his portion in the sacred tree and in the holy sanctuary described in revelation will be taken from them.
Limbaugh (2014) helps us in depicting the prophecies that were made in the Old Testament and came to be fulfilled in the New Testament. A ruler of Israel would be born was a prophecy made in the Old Testament and in the New Testament Jesus was born. It was prophesied that a virgin will give birth and name the son Immanuel and in the New Testament, Mary conceived of the Holy Spirit and delivered a son calling Him Immanuel. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus had been prophesied in the Old Testament. The crucifixion, death and the rise of Jesus had been prophesied. All these and many others were fulfilled.
Kilpatrick (2015) writes that Islam faith is based on the rejection of basic Christian beliefs. It is written in the bible that people perish because they lack wisdom. The basic knowledge that Islam rejects Christ and wants its followers to take or be in control of the Christians. He shares a story of a Muslim girl who converted to Christianity and when her parents got to know of it she fled seeking refuge in a pastor’s home. The Muslim girl claimed that the penalty for her converting would be death by her parents so they could get honor. Due to Islamic radicalization Christians living in the Muslim regions live in fear of rape, imprisonment, beatings, shop looting and even burning of churches. There is a very noticeable revelation of disrespect and no consideration of non-Muslims in the Koran. Christians believe that the Muslims and Christians could come together to work against secularism but most of the Islamic leaders are not willing to.
We have been made to believe that jihad is a spiritual struggle within oneself, which is not, rather it is a commitment to take control of Christians. In the Koran, God is merciful but Islam contradicts this by an example in the book of the tenth graders in Saudi Arabia. It instructs them on how to cut the hand and foot of a thief. Christianity is linked to values like freedom of religion and speech, freedom from slavery and equality for women which would all end if Christianity would be pulled down. According to Kilpatrick (2015) a television documentary showed that all the slaughterhouses in greater Paris produced their meat in accordance to the Islamic Sharia law. The meat was sold to non-Muslim population who were unaware of the acts. Two students were punished for refusing to pray to Allah in England. Police also warned gospel evangelists who were giving out gospel leaflets in a Muslim area and told them it would be considered a crime. Islamic critics are fast becoming punishable by law while Christianity critics keep looking into it. A Christian believes that when he prays and sacrifices his life for others, he will one day enjoy the company of God in heaven. On the other hand a Muslim believes that when he fights the non-Muslims for Allah he will enjoy the company of seventy two beauties.
Conclusion
The bible is accurate because it gives factual information, when it happened, how and where it happened. It also gives a real picture of how the kings, prophets and apostles ruled, behaved and their characters. It shows in detail the prophecies and miracles that happened hence bringing out the truth of it. Christianity and Islam religions are different in very many ways. Their beliefs, teachings and cultures are incomparable. Christians in a Muslim area are faced by hostility, being treated badly just because they are not Muslims. The moral teachings taught in the two religions are also different and the penalties for breaking the law in both the religions tend to differ. The Muslims are perceived to only want their own, people from their religion. Christians on the other hand believe in peace and harmony. They even believe that there could be talks between the two religions to bring togetherness, talk about their differences and end secularism.
References
Limbaugh, D. (2014). Jesus on trial: A lawyer affirms the truth of the gospel. Washington, DC: Regnery Publishing
Kilpatrick, W. (2015). Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West. Ignatius Press
Unification church also commonly known as the Unification movement is a religious movement that was established in 1954 by a Korean spiritual leader Sun Myung Moon. Moon was notably known to have greatly indulged in political and social causes as well as venturing in various business activities. Ideally, the followers of this religion base their beliefs on Moon’s book entitled “Divine Principle”. The teachings contained in this books regarding Jesus are ultimately different from those illustrated by the Nicene Christianity (Quebedeaux, 1982). Although such principles also try to establish the theory of indemnity, the entire movement embarks on teaching its members about the importance of mass wedding and funeral ceremonies.
Nevertheless, the strong criticism that this religion has continued to receive is what have extensively attracted several controversies to the extent of it being perceived as being a dangerous sect or cult. For instance, regardless of the criticisms of the Christian and the Jewish scholars about this religious movement, there have also a number of controversies regarding its continuous participation in political matters, including anticommunism as well as supporting Korean reunification (Daschke et al., 2005). Therefore, the reason for selecting this topic is to try and illustrate some of the religious controversies surrounding the Unification Church as well as some of the religious teachings that its followers abide with.
Historical background
Sun Myung Moon, founder of this church was born in the late 1920 when Korea was being colonized by Japan. His birthday was documented on January 6th according to the conventional lunar calendar. Around 1930s, his family was engulfed by the conventional confucianist beliefs before converting to Christianity. This is what gave Moon the chance to be taught regularly during Sunday school. After that, the members of the Unification Church believe that Jesus had appeared to him and requested him to accomplish the work He did not accomplish because of His crucifixion. After taking time to pray, Moon ended up accepting that mission. Although he accepted to spread those news, he faced extensive government prosecution before founding the Unification Church.
In the year 1940 onwards, Moon managed to spread the church further to the West before it was perceived as being a cult in the late 1970s. As a result of that, the majority of the parents protested the membership of their children with the church with the views that it had the potential of damaging their careers or family relationship. They decided to seek help from deprogrammers as well as filling civil lawsuits against the church (Quebedeaux, 1982). Finally, the controversies surrounding the Unification Movement made Moon to be accused of tax evasion after the congressional hearing in 1982. Despite of the intense criticism, in 1990s, the church emerged and spread further as a result of using various expansive international programs.
Description of the tradition
How do they envision the divine?
According to the teachings of the Unification Church, the three Adams consist of the ultimate earthly plans that God had on His people. The first Adam as well as his wife Eve were given the responsibility of establishing the kingdom of heaven here on earth through procreation. But because of the sin they committed, it ended up thwarting God’s plan on earth. To retrieve His power from the Roman Empire, Jesus Christ-the second Adam- was supposed to have married a perfect companion. Unfortunately, God’s plans were distracted again because Satan managed to invade Christ’s body before killing Him. According to the views of Moon, Jesus is not God but rather a perfect man who clearly understood all that God wanted from Him. The third Adam, normally termed as the Lord of the Second Advent by the Unification Church will take the opportunity of marrying a perfect couple, make a perfect family, as well as bring spiritual and physical salvation to His people (Beversluis, 2000).
Unique characteristics of the tradition (myths, rituals, sacred art, etc)
The teachings of the Unification Church are basically based on the Divine Principles. The followers believe that the teachings contained in the Devine Principles are intended to interpret as well as fulfill the purpose of both the Old and the New Testament. It outlines the foundation of the Unification Church theology which in return highlights the various status of the Holy Scripture. Basically, it includes the reason as to why God decided to create human beings, what made man to sin, and restoration of humanity back to the relationship they had with God as well as to their original purpose (Yamamoto, 1994).
Furthermore, Moon is indentified by his followers to be the messiah who will assist to implant God’s love to them and also complete the unfinished work of Jesus Christ. The followers of the Unification Church also acknowledge the fact that it is through accepting their marriage blessings during mass wedding ceremonies is what can enable them establish the kingdom of God on earth. The followers of this movement also believe that the world was originally created as a result of the inner nature of God. The main reason as to why God created human beings was to experience the importance of love. Unfortunately, after Adam and Eve misused love (fornicated), selfish love ended up dominating humanity (Sidhu, 2015).
How the religion is integrated and practiced in daily life
Moral code followed by practitioners
The moral code of its practitioners is based on the Devine Principles. Ideally, the reason as to why God created human beings was to make them to be the center of harmony. In order to experience and enjoy God’s love, the followers are supposed to participate in various religious activities, such as funeral services, blessing ceremonies, and so on. The reason for that is because it will enable them abandon selfish love, live a sinless life, and accomplish God’s original purpose for creating them (Daschke et al., 2005).
Daily practices that are part of the religion
Some of the daily activities that the members of the Unification Church do engage in include mass weeding ceremonies, funeral ceremonies, and heavenly deception. To the followers, mass weeding ceremonies are important because it has the potential to remove the couples from the roots of sinful humankind and engraft them sinless family of God. The funeral ceremonies consist of farewell prayers, public ceremony to celebrate the life of the deceased and finally burial services. Followers do engage in heavenly deception practices to entice people to give donations to the church (Lee, 2009). Furthermore, oriental deprivation methods are used to brainwash or lure teenagers to be members of the church.
Religion’s path towards transformation and eschatology (understanding of the end or goal of the religion)
According to the teachings of the Unification Church, the path towards transformation entail first understanding the purpose god created mankind. To do so, it is important for the followers to ensure that they have exercised God’s love accordingly mass weeding ceremonies, and so on. This is vital because it will give them the opportunity to fulfill the unaccomplished work of Jesus Christ (Beversluis, 2000). Moreover, the followers are taught that God does not decide whether the spirit of a person will go to hell or heaven after death. Although it is the spirit that decides, human beings were created to enjoy or breathe God’s love after reaching perfection. Those who could have indulged in sinful acts end up becoming crippled spirits who cannot be in the position of breathing God’s love.
Conclusion
The basic text for the Unification movement is the Divine Principle. Creation and restoration are the two main set of guidelines of this text. One of the significance of these teachings is that it assists to teach human beings about the importance of performing good deeds which can in return assist in cancelling the side effects of bad deeds or sin. Moreover, such teachings are important to humans because it enables them to understand the need of shoving devotion and love to others. Despite that, one of the weaknesses that come as a result of this religion is the luring young generation to be followers through the use of oriental deprivation tactics. Another weakness arises from the heavenly deception tactics used by its followers make people make donations to their church. Therefore, the question that rises is whether it is true that Jesus Christ had to marry so as to fulfill God’s purpose of creation? Are the tactics used to raise finances by the followers morally correct?
References
Beversluis, J. D. (2000). Sourcebook of the world's religions: An interfaith guide to religion and spirituality. Novato, Calif: New World Library.
Daschke, D., Ashcraft, W. M., & New York University Press. (2005). New religious movements: A documentary reader. New York: New York University Press.
Lee, Y.-H. (2009). The Holy Spirit Movement in Korea: Its historical and theological development. Oxford University Press
Quebedeaux, R. (1982). Lifestyle, conversations with members of the Unification Church. Barrytown, N.Y: Unification Theological Seminary.
Sidhu, R. D. S. (2015). Christian Denominations : Their Faith And History. Authorhouse.
Yamamoto, J. I. (1994). Unification Church. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Zondervan San Francisco, Calif. : HarperSanFrancisco
According to Powell, who is Theophilus (most likely)?
Theophilus refers to a friend of God or someone loved by God. Moreover, Powell tries to explain that it is a generic title that is used by the majority of the Christians. It is also a roman Christian to whom the two gospels, the Acts of the Apostles and Luke was dedicated to.
According to Powell, when was the Gospel of Luke written (most likely)?
Between 70s and 80s BC
According to Powell, how does Luke’s Gospel portray salvation?
According to the gospel of Luke, salvation is something that is gained through forgiving, repenting, believing and acknowledging and acknowledging Jesus Christ as the true savior. This will have to take into account the number of miracles He performed here on earth, dying on the cross so as our sins will be forgiven, rose from death, and ascended to heaven. All, this has the potential of proving that He is the true son of God and salvation for humankind will have to come through following His footsteps (Hendrickson, 2012).
Why does Powell compare the opening of Luke’s Gospel to a musical?
The reason for that is because Luke ended up writing beautifully about the message of God. It is that strategy that makes those who read or listen to it to fill motivated and ready to know more about the entire book. Ideally, it makes the reader or the listener to perceive that he or she is a symphony conductor who has the potential to modulate and harmonize sounds into pleasing ones.
According to Powell, what might be a suitable title for the book of Acts besides “Acts of the Apostles”?
Life, Hope, and Truth
According to Powell, what is the “basic and obvious goal” of the book of Acts?
The book of Acts was written for the purpose of giving people hope. That hope was to come once the people (Israelite) had accepted repenting their sins so as to receive God’s kingdom. Moreover, in documenting the downfall of mankind, it was intended to show that the church is something that ought to be established in heaven (Hendrickson, 2012).
According to Powell, what is the expectation that shapes Paul’s ethics?
Paul had once rejected Jesus but finally became saved by Him. Therefore, one of the main expectations of Paul ethics is that the Jews could have the propensity of acknowledging Jesus Christ as the true promised messiah.
According to David deSilva, how is the New Testament’s portrayal of God different from the cultural expectations of God as patron (in the patron-client dynamic)?
God is ready to forgive our sins if only we are ready to seek salvation from Him.
Why is the small church that Paul founded in Philippi considered to be important by historians?
The reason as to why that church is important to historians is because it is the one that gave birth to other Christian churches. Ideally, before being saved, the church tells many stories regarding Paul and the Philippians during his adventures.
Who were Euodia and Syntyche, and how are they connected to the book of Philippians?
The reason as to why they are connected to the book of Philippians is because they played a significant role in the church. Ideally, they had contended together with Paul in spreading the gospel to the Philippians (Hendrickson, 2012).
Provide 4-5 examples of instances in which the book of Luke shows special concern for outcasts and victims of oppression.
When Jesus Christ entered into a house of a man who was suffering from leprosy
When four men brought a paralytic man to Jesus Christ to be healed
When a woman described as a prostitute visited Jesus when He was dining with friends in Simon’s house
When Jesus encountered a man possessed with demons in Gerasenes near the lake of Galilee (Hendrickson, 2012).
What is “supersessionism”?
Biblically, supersessionism is basically a Christian doctrine that is used for the purpose of affirming that through Jesus Christ, the new covenant meant for the Christians ultimately surpasses the old covenant that was exclusively meant for the Jewish community (Vlach, 2010).
What does Powell say in response to those who cite passages in Acts to support this heresy?
The main purpose of Jesus Christ here on earth was to show people the best way of obtaining salvation. He proved that true life, dying on the cross, and resurrecting after three days.
PART TWO
Share 4-5 ideas that pertain to this subject from the chapter entitled “Honor and Shame” by Moxnes.
How does an understanding of honor and shame in the Mediterranean world illuminate aspects of New Testament texts
Honor and shame assist in governing the behavioral patterns that circle around the external responses of the society to external deeds of a person. Ideally, a person will not have honor just because of his or her adherence to rigid moral standards, but because their immediate communities identify him or her as having honor. Honor and shame cultures in the Mediterranean world used to be based on how the community honors a person. Therefore, this implies that reputation is the main operating concept here. A person in honor and shame environment is compelled to perform with regard to the reputation they have to avoid or maintain.
References
Hendrickson. (2012). Kjv large print bible. Hendrickson Publishers Inc
Vlach, M. J. (2010). Has the church replaced Israel?: A theological evaluation. Nashville, Tenn: B & H Academic.
Today, conservative Christians apply the principles of Deuteronomist Theology in discussing the aspects of life. For example, people use the doctrine of ‘blame the victim' and argue that people are obligated to obey God's laws and failure to obey makes them face God's wrath (Sugirtharajah, 2006). Focusing on the theology of suffering, some people claim that illnesses such as HIV/AIDS are punishments from God. They believe that people suffer due to apostasy or in other words, they refuse to follow God's commandments and focus on satisfying the self. The theology of suffering can be traced back to Ancient times and in specific the oriental thought that states that people whose actions are positive prosper whereas people whose actions are negative are punished (Sugirtharajah, 2006). Thus, people tend to rely on the biblical traditions and the Old Testament such as Deuteronomy 28 which says that if people obey God's commandment, God will bless them. However, those who not obey the commandments, God will curse them. Thus, people believe that those who not follow God's commandment or rather those who are disobedient are cursed (Sugirtharajah, 2006). Maxwell (2004) supports the Deuteronomy retribution by asserting that the Old Testament and in specific Deuteronomy play a significant role in the lives of Christians. The testament teaches people about the Christian journey, and the word allow Christians to reach their potential. Focusing on the book of Deuteronomy, Moses advised the people of Israel not to forget God, to address the social needs of the community, and to consider future generations in making decisions, and obedience to God (Maxwell, 2004). Thus, religious actors use moral dimension toward health and sexuality. For example, they believe that there is a covenant between God and man which is about being obedient. Thus, whoever fails to adhere to the law deserves God wrath. The wrath is just, and God responds to sin with wrath.
Question 2
The Anointing of the Sick is a special ritual conducted by Catholics. The sacrament seeks to minister to the sick in a spiritual manner through anointing oil and the prayer of faith (Larson-Miller, 2005). The acts strength the soul and gives the sick Christian peace and courage to accept the situation and fight the illness. In addition, the priests help the sick Christians create a union with Christ, and experience a healing touch (Larson-Miller, 2005). Note that during the prayers of faith and the anointing of oil, the priests of the church show the sick solidarity and love. As a result, the Lord raises them up and forgives their sins. In general, the anointing of oil and the prayer of faith provides the sick Christian with hope and inner peace
Question 3 a
On sickness and suffering, Sulmasy talks about compassion and says that compassion means showing genuine concern to the sick. In general, Sulmasy means that compassion is better than sympathy and empathy because it is an emotional engagement. In other words, compassion means sharing of feelings, recognition of the suffering and offering a response (Sulmasy, 2006). It also means understanding the situation or rather the world of the sick person, walk in their shoes and share their struggles and happiness. An important point to understand is that compassion goes beyond meeting physical needs. This means that one does not only need to meet the physical needs but he or she should also meet the emotional needs (Sulmasy, 2006). Another point is that compassion does not only relieve the suffering but it also creates the fullness of life through giving encouragements, showing love and kindness, and more importantly making a difference in someone's life.
Question 3b
One example of the compassionate care I have observed in my professional experience is being an active listener. When dealing with patients, I have noticed that it is important to listen to the patients' health issues and complaints and by so doing, the patients gain a positive experience, they develop a sense of belonging and a sense of human connection (Sulmasy, 2006). Similarly, the clinicians understand the patients' condition deeply and offer emotional support, promotes the well-being, and more importantly, creates a strong bond. Thus, active listening is an example of compassionate care that clinicians should consider in order to promote treatment adherence, improve health care, and promote self-management goals.
Question 3c
One way in which the healthcare field promotes the practice of compassion for patients is through training. The healthcare field understands that compassion is necessary for pain and suffering since it promotes mental and physical health (Sulmasy, 2006).Thus, the field promotes the practice of compassion by offering Compassion Cultivation Training where the participants gain skills of compassion which helps them deal with all living beings. The training allows the learners to develop compassion to others, improve communication, and relive the suffering of patients.
Question 4
Focusing on the dialectic of healing, the most important aspect for the nursing profession is that medical practice is a spiritual practice and therefore, nursing should have a caring nature or in other words, they should truly and deeply offer support and care for the patients (Sulmasy, 2006). Being a spiritual practice, they should be compassionate, emotionally stable, and offer immediate response to the patients' needs.
References
Sugirtharajah, R. S. (2006). Voices from the margin: Interpreting the Bible in the Third World.
Maryknoll, N.Y: Orbis Books.
Maxwell, J. C. (2004). Deuteronomy. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Incorporated.
Larson-Miller, L. (2005). The sacrament of anointing the sick. Collegeville, Minn: Liturgical
Press.
Sulmasy, D. P. (2006). The rebirth of the clinic: An introduction to spirituality in health care.
Today, the society has various religious traditions with varying perspectives. Christianity is on the most common and largest religion where members share some common beliefs like having faith in the bible and its teachings. Christian worshippers believe in the concept of God the father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit. They believe in the demise and resurrection of Jesus that saved humankind from their sins of which they were to perish. It is from the bible teachings that belief perspectives such as baptism and Holy Communion emerge. However, due to the different understanding and interpretation of the Bible, various denominations were formed under the umbrella of Christianity.
The Roman Catholic Church is one of the ancient religions that contains billions of worshippers worldwide, therefore making the largest religious body internationally. Being universal, there are a various understanding of the Roman Catholic Church’s beliefs and various perspectives. This is especially the case depending on whether one is a member of the church or not a member hence has perspectives from outside the church.
Etic Perspectives
In most cases, Roman Catholic traditions appear to be odd to those viewing from outside the church. Other people tend to assume it was something that was made up hence the belief that Catholics focus more into the tradition rather than the scriptures. The way of baptizing is a controversial subject not only to the Roman Catholic Church but too many other protestant Christian Religions (Schreiter, 2015). In Christianity, immersion is the commonly preferred way of baptizing. Baptizing by immersing significantly signifies the sinful old self-being ‘buried’ and the new righteous ‘raised’ in Christ. However, this is not the case with the Roman Catholic Church which baptizes by pouring water on the head.
People believe the Roman Catholic Church is linked with politics, authority, and power. Despite the Catholics viewing the Pope as one who occupies the seat of Apostle Peter to maintain the church, Others view him as an individual restored with power not only to lead the church but to connect and has a crucial part to play when it comes to authority and power which is better expressed in the political world. This goes hand in hand with the belief that the Catholic Church being led by the Pope has a great part to play in the civilization of the western nations. According to Schreiter, (2015) the pope gained influence power and authority when the Roman Empire continued to severely crumble. The successive popes continued to make ambitious claims to authority as well.
Emic Perspective
The Catholic tradition is solely rooted in the concept of Apostles. As Catholics, we believe that it is Christ’s gift to us linked to the active work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore through the spirit of the apostles, the spirit of truth, the word of God can be faithfully preserved, explained and made known widely to all nations (Calvin & Uyl, 2016). We believe that for one to understand the Catholic tradition, the Holy Spirit which is within the church is essential. And as disciples, the communion of saints is to be highly cherished among believers.
One of the main Catholic Church dogmas idea is the holy conception of Jesus by virgin Mary. Believing in Immaculate Conception of Virgin Mary and her bodily assumption is one of the major Roman Catholic Dogmas. On top of the Christian belief that Jesus as Immaculate Conception, Roman Catholic beliefs insist that Mary his mother had similar miraculous conception as a point of orthodoxy. Moreover, we believe that her body ascended to heaven until the end of life on earth. Meaning Mary maintained her perpetual virginity even after Jesus’s birth. This makes her one of the saints in heaven through which Christians can pray through.
References
Calvin, J., & Uyl, A. (2016). Institutes of the Christian religion. Lulu. Com.
Schreiter, R. J. (2015). Constructing local theologies. Orbis Books.
Buddhism was founded 2,500 years ago or during the 6th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama. The latter was also known as the Gautama Buddha or the historical Buddha who established the Sramana movement in India. The Sramana (Indian religious movement) created a group known as sangha whose leader was Siddhartha Gautama. Thus, the leader of the sect or the Buddha taught dharma (Buddhism doctrine) and the teachings were the core of Buddhism. Buddhism originated in Indian but during the 20th and 21st century, it spread to other Asian parts. Richard Gombrich, a scholar of Buddhism studies said that Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) was a brilliant and an original thinker and his ideas should be incorporated in daily life in order to build a civilized world. Focusing on the Buddhism religion, Buddhism is a religion that its main feature is devotion to the Buddha or in other words the religion's central practice is having emotional engagement and the latter is empowered by beliefs, practices, and rituals. Another important point about the Buddhism religion is that the Buddha means ‘Awakened One". The latter means that individuals should be faultless and free from factors that cause mental hindrances. When someone is ‘Awakened', he is enlightened and he has a pure mind and thus, it is easier to view the world and understand things logically. One cannot deceive himself and he is free from disappointments and despair, and thus, one enjoys immense benefits including physical and spiritual growth. Buddhism is a religion based on the Buddha teachings and the teachings state that to free from suffering, internal conflict, achieve peace of mind, and understand the ultimate reality, people should detach themselves from worldly things such as passions and needs of life.
Buddhist origins and the early history
Before discussing the history of Buddhism, it is important to understand that early Indian philosophy was represented by various philosophers such as Hiranyagarbha, Brahmanaspati, Aghamarsana, and others (Kalupahana, 15). These thinkers were influenced by Brahmans who was concerned with nature and humankind. The different thinkers came up with a variety of philosophical ideas such as ideas concerning the ultimate objectivity, skepticism, among other philosophical areas (Kalupahana, 15). In general, the thinkers provided a foundation for theological concepts and other philosophical concepts that were known as Brahmanism. The problem with these thinkers is that they did not offer a detailed philosophical discussion but they assumed the existence of things (Kalupahana, 16). Mahavira was also determined in researching the ultimate objectivity but his problem is that he did not offer an empirical analysis. Generally, philosophical traditions such as the Brahmanism, Jainism, Materialism, and others did not offer a clear explanation concerning human knowledge. The traditional thinkers did not make a positive statement to their thoughts especially thoughts on the ultimate reality (Kalupahana, 17). Since the thinkers failed to make positive pronouncements, Buddha had the knowledge, skills, and willingness to study the ultimate reality. Thus, Buddha offered a clear explanation of the ultimate objectivity and human existence while focusing on historical facts and ignoring myths and legends.
Siddhartha (Buddha) studied traditional academic disciplines such as the study of the Vedas, phonetics, ritual, astronomy, and other studies (Kalupahana, 22). While studying the Vedas, he criticized the Vedas especially the teaching of rites and rituals. Since Buddha was enlightened and he had adequate knowledge of human life and existence, he offered a deeper analysis of moral conceptions and the nature of language. During this period, there were six heretical teachers who were against the Vedas and all were ascetics or in other words, they detached themselves from worldly things and sensual pleasures (Kalupahana, 22). These teachers were committed to exploring the nature of human life and human existence. Siddhartha was inspired by these teachers and he was motivated to be an ascetic. His wife, Yasodhara supported his decision and willingness to study the riddle of existence. Buddha left his country and moved in Central India where he met Kalama and Ramaputta who guided Buddha in learning meditation techniques (Kalupahana, 24). However, he was dissatisfied with their meditation techniques and joined other ascetics such as Bhaddiya, Assaji, Kondanna and others who practice self-mortification in sixth century BCE. Unfortunately, the practice of self-mortification affected his well-being to a point of death since he reduced weight to a mere skeleton. He abandoned the self-mortification and returned to meditational practices where he learned practices that helped him understand the nature of reality (Kalupahana, 25). He became so committed to the meditation practices and shown an interest in understanding human existence and the flexibility of mind. During this period, he developed a cognitive capacity and learned that the life of human beings is conditioned by a number of factors such as parents, environment, behaviors, among other factors. Focusing on human behavior, he learned that that human beings have intentional and non-intentional behaviors and these behaviors can lead to unfortunate and evil actions (Kalupahana, 26). Since behaviors are the path for freedom, he asserted that to achieve freedom, one should appease dispositional tendencies and prevent the dispositional from being attached to worldly things such as greed and lust. Thus, the appeasement of the dispositions allowed him to eliminate obstacles thus, he gained enlightenment and freedom (Kalupahana, 26). The later elements transformed his life in terms of personality and cognitive. As a result, he was able to view the world and understand the reality of things.
After gaining the enlightenment and freedom, Buddha taught a number of disciplines about his teaching and after his death, the disciples practiced Buddha's teachings and established sangha (a community that practiced dharma-Buddhism doctrine) (Fogelin, 2). The members of the sangha were ascetics who practiced meditation but later, other Buddhists who were not members of the Sangha practices pilgrimage. Over the centuries, the monk and nuns who were members of the sangha were willing to provide freedom and enlightenment to the laity. Thus, they provided them with financial support but unfortunately, the monks and nuns could not meet the obligations demanded by the lay followers and they were forced to adopt the practices of Buddhist laity (Fogelin, 2). By mid-first millennium CE, there was a lack of pure ascetic tradition since the majority of the Buddhists followed the scholastic Buddhism that was characterized by the study of texts. Later, Buddhist laity abandoned Buddhism and followed Hinduism and Islam and the members of the sangha abandoned India and moved to China, Southeast, and other regions (Fogelin, 3). During the 15th century CE, there were few Buddhism religious sects and ritual practices in India.
Maguire (75) says that the average estimate of Buddhists is 400 million people. In addition, Buddhism is the fifth populous religion and it has existed for 2,500 years. Even though it is the fifth religion, it is the oldest religion in the world. Maguire (75) says that Buddhism is a religion which its vision is fundamental truths. The core Buddhism beliefs are that people are defined by their thoughts, s actions, speech, behaviors, and all characters are constructed by the thoughts and finally, person's thoughts whether positive or negative make the world (Maguire, 75). Like any other religion, Buddhism has its own beliefs and practices. For example, Christian's believe that church is a communion of the saint, they believe in sacraments, baptism, confirmation, and other rites. On the other hand, Muslims do not have sacraments but they believe in daily prayers, fasting, pilgrimage to Mecca and more. In the Buddhist religion, Buddhists do not have any patterns of observance like other religions, and, most believers do not visit temple or monastery though they have places of worship (Maguire, 76). Another important point about the Buddhism religion is that only the western world use the term Buddhist and Buddhism. Buddhists in other regions use the word Buddha-dharma-which means the enlightenment. Therefore, Buddhists are the followers of the truth or rather the Buddha's teachings and they not only follow the teachings but they also practice the teachings (Maguire, 76). However, it is important to understand that the essential element in Buddhism is not practicing but believing in the teachings.
In order to understand how Buddhists practice their faith or Buddha-dharma, it is important to understand what enlightenment is and how Buddhists achieve it. Enlightenment is beyond the philosophical cosmology or the scientific knowledge that explains the universe and things in it such as time and space (Maguire, 77). Thus, enlightenment means that a person needs to go beyond the nature of the universe and focus on spiritual oneness or in other words, cultivate a mindset and by so doing, one gains a liberation from suffering and attains happiness. Once a person is enlightened, the believers should achieve the value of enlightenment and experience it. In other words, believers should show love and commitment to the four noble vows namely: teaching the dharma to other sentient beings in order to help them free from affliction (Maguire, 77). The second vow is believers should eradicate all afflictions in order to experience peace and achieve liberation. The third vow is the dharma teachings are infinite and believers should study extensively and learn them all in order to gain skills and knowledge. The skills will help believers gain freedom and liberate other sentient beings. The last vow is that it is hard to attain Buddhahood due to many hardships along the way but believers should attempt to attain it for the good of oneself and other sentient beings (Maguire, 77). Generally, after accepting these vows, believers should apply the teaching in life in order to gain freedom and peace. In addition, believers should strive to maintain these truths despite setbacks and contrary teaching.
Buddhism beliefs and practices
Buddhism beliefs and practices are tied into an experimental system. Buddhists do not focus on faith but rather they focus on practice. This is because, for believers to know the truth, they have to experience it, not through reading or listening but through practices (Morgan, 65). The Buddha himself said that believers should not rely on the traditions or scriptures but they should rely on oneself and personal experience. The purpose of relying on oneself is to learn and distinguish between profitable and unprofitable practices (Morgan, 66). As a result, one will choose profitable practices and abide in them and abandon unprofitable practices that lead to suffering. It is also important to understand that in Buddhism religion, there is no sacred scripture like other religions such as Christianity (Bible), or Muslims (Quran). Rather, Buddhism has an unprecedented path, rules, texts and teachers that guide the believers.
Wisdom and compassion
Focusing on Buddhism beliefs and practices, it is important to understand that believers need wisdom and compassion for them to gain awareness and live a fearless life. The purpose of wisdom (gained from experience) is to help the believers solve problems and more important help one achieve enlightenment (Morgan, 66). The purpose of compassion is to heal the suffering of sentient beings. Both virtues go hand in hand in that when one gains wisdom about the nature of human beings, and the suffering they encounter, the believers will be compassionate and provide the needs with love and kindness (Morgan, 66). In general, Buddhism beliefs and practices are that believers must understand other people's situation and show compassion. A point to understand in wisdom and compassion is that these virtues are not possessed but they are in active state. In other words, both virtues are natural powerful impulse and believers must have these natural qualities and extend them to sentient beings including one' enemies (Morgan, 66). Another interesting point is that plants should also be treated ‘kindly' since animals and human beings feed on these plants.
Generosity (Dana)
Buddha teachings stressed the importance of generosity in order to help the poor and decrease the poverty level. The common sense behind being generous is that when capable people fail to help the poor, stealing abounds and a result, people obtain weapons to engage in theft and the end result is killing (Morgan, 67). In addition to decrease poverty, being generous is a way of helping the sentient being gain enlightenment. For example, King Chandraprabha, whose religion was the ancient Indian religion, asserted that the Buddha should show generosity through giving jewels, crowns, and even his head (Morgan, 67). Thus, Buddhists should be generous not only in providing basic needs but also in sharing Buddha teachings.
Meditation (Dhyana)
Buddhists believe in meditation since it provides enlightenment, a calm state of mind, and a generous spirit. The purpose of meditation is not to increase relaxation but rather, Buddhists believe that meditation allows them to experience the essential nature, awake the mind, eliminate harmful thoughts, gain peace and happiness, and more important achieve enlightenment (Morgan, 68). During meditation, believers create a sharp concentration on the object of meditation both physically and mentally and detach themselves from ordinary habits. The meditation posture is either half lotus or full lotus. Other postures are lying down or walking but in most cases, these techniques are not used since one can lie down and fall asleep and one can walk and get distracted (Morgan, 68). During meditation, Buddhists practice mindfulness meditation- this means that believers are mindful of the things they are doing whether walking, standing, sitting, reclining, and more. It is also important to note that meditation has staged such as Sattipatthana Sutta (counting breaths) - this involves breathing in and out mindfully.
The Buddhist world view
Buddhists believe that the universe is eternal and the existence is endless. The Buddha teachings assert that the ‘seven suns' will consume and destroy the universe (Morgan, 72. After the destruction, there will be no life or existence in the universe. Buddha also explains the source of suffering by stating that the universe was not created or rather it has no beginning or end. The luminous gods were born on the earth. They lived in the earth for 80, 000 years and during these years, they could fly and explore the earth (Morgan, 72). They desired the beauty of nature and everything that was in it. They ate rich foods that grew in the earth and the more they ate and the harder it was for the food to digest in their bodies. They were forced to generate organs to remove foods from their bodies and they could even have intercourse and construct houses (Morgan, 71). As a result of mingling, they developed a desire for owning properties and the society was not in order since everyone wanted to grab a portion. Human beings suffered from poverty and the life span was reduced to a hundred years.
Buddhism in the Modern World
McMahan (1) assert that in Southeast Asia, Buddhists are trying to practice historical and cultural ways of the religion. It is important to note that there is cultural diversity due to the local cultures of modernity that follow modern Buddhist reforms. Also, Southeast Asia has various religious groups such as Christians, Muslim, Hindu, and others. Despite the existence of these religious group, Buddhism has dominated Southeast Asia since it is the oldest religion in the region. The archeological records indicate that Buddhism has lived in this region since the fifth century CE (McMahan, 1). Thus, Buddhist practices have shaped cultures in Southeast Asia and its countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and others. However, it is important to understand that due to the development of worldviews and European colonization, Southeast Asia has been influenced by colonial regimes such as Dutch, Japan, French, and others to change the culture and Buddhist practices. Thus, colonial rule reshaped Buddhism practices, traditional values, traditional institutes, and traditional Buddhist kingship (McMahan, 1). The transformation has allowed Buddhists to practice a hybrid culture. An interesting point about the transformation of the traditional practices is that the Buddhist reform was made in accordance to the Buddhist worldview, practices, and institution and indicates a centralized reform or in other words, B Buddhists had the authority to make reforms. Buddhists standardized the monastic education, and behavior, and they demythologized the Buddhist practices. Due to these reforms, modern scholars call the Buddhism religion ‘Buddhist Modernism' since there are salient features that were developed from the 19th century (McMahan, 1). Today, Buddhist modernism adhere to rationalist elements such as Buddhism teachings. An important point to note is that the traditional teachings of Buddha and modern science are identical. They are made equal because the traditional cosmology has been eliminated and the objective of Buddhism has been reinterpreted. In addition, Buddhism modernism has a lay religious organization whose role is to bridge the gap between traditional and modern practices and more important, create social reform (McMahan, 1). Another interesting point is that Buddhism modernism has imitated the features of Protestant Christianity. As a result, Buddhist do not only rely on traditional rituals but they have adopted Protestants' ethical values.
Conclusion
From the research, Buddhism was started by Siddhartha Gautama in 6th century B.C.E in India. Buddhism religion differs from other religions since in this religion, there is no relation with high god but rather, it focuses on personal spiritual development. In other words, the religion is connected with a humanistic way of life and the goal is to develop wisdom, alleviate sufferings, live a moral life, and more important attain enlightenment. The research has also shown that the path to freedom and enlightenment is right understanding, right mindfulness, right concentration, right thought, and more. In addition, believers must understand the noble truths that suffering exists, suffering comes due to attachment to desire, one can alleviate suffering through being detached from desires, and that the eightfold paths can lead to freedom and enlightenment. The research has shown that today, there is a sense of difficult with the Buddhist religion due to the inevitable and radical challenges the religion has undergone. In the 19th century, the industrial revolution led to scientism and rationalism, secularization, the rise in technology, the rise of ideologies, societal developments, cultural forces, and new religious movement. These factors have affected the Buddhist religion by altering the way of life. Buddhists have struggled to preserve their traditional ideas and practices but they have been in the midst of conflict since the modern world has influenced the change of traditional religious structures. However, despite the changes, Buddhists have maintained the traditional purity by practicing the Buddha teachings and performing other practices such as rites, repentance, and engaging in welfare social programs to show compassion, love, and kindness.
Work cited
Fogelin, Lars. An Archaeological History of Indian Buddhism. , 2015. Oxford University Press
Kalupahana, David J. A History of Buddhist Philosophy: Continuities and Discontinuities. Honolulu:
University of Hawaii Press, 1992. Print.
Maguire Jack. Essential Buddhism: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice. 2013. Simon and
Schuster
McMahan L. David. Buddhism in the Modern World. 2012, Routledge,
Morgan, Diane. Essential Buddhism: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice. , 2010. ABC-CLIO
The peaceable kingdom is an oil on canvas painting by Edward Hicks, a person who believed in a direct and personal relationship with God. His painting about the peaceable painting was inspired by the text in the book of Isaiah 11:6 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; and their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox…” In this same painting he also includes William Penn’s men purchasing a peace treaty with the Indians to ensure that the people of Pennsylvania continue to co-exist peacefully. This served as historical example of a peaceful kingdom.
Hick has been able to make this painting appear like a three dimensional picture yet it is a two dimensional picture buy changing the size on his drawings and putting them accurately on separate locations on the canvas. He has also use linear perspective to make objects appear small as and converge as they approach the horizon. These has also been able to achieve this by attaining atmospheric perspective. The images that are converging towards the horizon line do not have as much contrast as those in the foreground. He has been able to use hue and value, atmospheric perspective and linear perspective and created an illusion of great distance making his painting look like a three dimensional image. He is able to create depth by overlapping the animals so that larger shapes seem closer and the small shapes seem further away.
He has also been able to perfectly show the foreground, the middle ground and background of his painting. The foreground is where he has placed the wolf and the lamb lying close to each other. Other features in the fore ground include the leopard and the kid placed just close enough to the leopard and the lion close to the oxen. In the middle ground there is; two women, two children, a large bird, a bear, two cows, a calf and a cub. he has placed these animals in the foreground and middle ground within close proximity to create an illusion or an image of what is written in the scripture. The background of this image is where he has places Penn’s soldier with the Indian people and far behind them also in the background there is a water body with a sailing ship and far beyond the water body there is a dense forest and a mountain.
In his painting he uses the color white to illustrate the forest in the background to ensure that the forest does not stand out more than the animals in the foreground. He uses brown and yellow shades to pain the animals in the foreground to ensure that he draws attention to them and the features in the background do not out stand them. The distant landscape beyond the water body is painted in light colors to create on illusion of a fall season. Hick managed to draw everything carefully although the domestic animals are more perfectly drawn compared to the wild animals. The wild animals seem to be created from an artistic imagination, he was not able to draw these animals in their correct shapes, an example is the mane of the lion is wrongly placed. This brown and yellow shades used on the animals create a certain sense of warmth and convey a message of peace and uniformity and also to show a natural environment.
Hick used images of calm animals, their bodies are perfectly curved, the images from these painting flow from one to the other. The restful, curvy bodies of the animals create a peaceful mood and convey the meaning of peace that he intended to convey in his painting. The lines he uses in creating his images are clean, soft and flowing creating a perfect image. The horizon in this painting is peaceful and makes the environment feel relaxing. The texture of the images on the painting is soft creating a light mood. The light in the image is natural and comes from the sun since the whole painting is set in a natural environment. His painting is well balanced and there is uniformity in his art work.
Conclusion
Hick’s painting is based on a scripture that prophecy’s a certain peace that even predator and prey shall co-exist and human and animals shall leave in peace and in a very sere environment. The images of the Penn’s soldiers and the Indians echoes that prophecy, since it is a peace treaty that they are signing so that the original inhabitants of the land and the foreigners shall co-exist in peace. He has been able to create an illusion of depth in his painting thus making his two dimensional painting look like a three dimensional painting. Space is well illustrated in his painting since the foreground, middle ground and background are well shown. The painting has a well-balanced rhythm since images are flowing from one to the other. The images of the animals are calm and restful thus creating a good relaxing mood. The horizon is well illustrated and lastly the lighting in the painting is from the sun’s natural light.
During the post-colonial era Mexico experienced a period of regionalism from the year 1821 to 1850, people thought of issues such as politics in terms of their, villages, town and regions. The citizen’s concerns were on how to promote their local economy. They did this due to the risk of uncertainties and to ensure the safety of their transactions. The people continuously refused the central government and outsiders to interfere with their daily lives. Also the administrative disorder that followed after Mexico’s independence contributed to regionalism. This regionalism discouraged the efforts of politicians to create a national community in the 19th century. It also shaped the independence struggle of Mexico.
This period was characterized by social disorder and economic crisis. Changes of government happened regularly, the military had taken over the political scenes of the country, they were in charge of over throwing governments. Lack of good governance gave rise to social disorder that resulted to formation of gangsters group and led to an increase in crime in central Mexico. The economy and standards of living of Mexico continued to deteriorate despite the fact that Mexico was an independent country. As a result of this turbulence Mexico lacked peace and became poor.
Mexico felt the need to politically reconstruct its government so as to recover from the economic setbacks that had been caused by the series of turbulent events that had taken place in the country. The war taking place in Europe had also contributed to the fall of Mexican economy since an amount of 300 million pesos had been exported to Europe to fund the Napoleonic war. It took Mexico half a century to recover the cash loss. Due to the weakness of the central government, each state and territory acquired their own strength to carry out its production and trade. This characteristic of the Mexican economy lasted through out the 19th century. Until communication and transportation were revolutionized by development of railway.
Reflect on the unity-amidst-diversity observable in the Islamic world
According to the modern religion and theological reviews, the Islamic religion has been perceived as being one of the religions whose members are ultimately united by the common beliefs they uphold in the Supreme God as well as the link Islam members have with Prophet Muhammad (Poya & Suleiman, 2017). The reason for that is because the congregation is bound together for the purpose of receiving religious and Islamic teachings that are ultimately fascinating during Ramadan and almsgiving. These occasions are vital because they aid in donating some funds that will be diverted to those families and individuals who are in need (Farhan, 2014).
Regardless of that, it should be realized that such the Islamic religion comprises of differing views concerning some of views of its followers at the end of the day. The reason for that is because such views needs to take into account the manner in which their religion has the ability of positively influencing their lives as well as accounting for those Muslims that are willing to practice some of the Islamic accepted code of conduct. Ideally, the majority of Islamic followers ultimately take into account the doctrines they are taught in mosque as well as the some of the practices that are acceptable in Islam (McIntosh, 2009).
Taking into consideration the face-to-face religious survey that was recently conducted, Islamic followers believes that there always exist one God and Muhammad is their only ultimately prophet. The reason for that is because the majority of the Muslims end up sharing faith articles, that includes their belief in angles, fate, hell, and heaven. This is something the Islamic religion regards as being predestination (Farhan, 2014). Due to the fact that there exists a broad conformity regarding the religious capabilities of the Islamic religion, it is evident that always Muslims will have to take into account some of the existing religious considerations implemented.
Regardless of the fact that there exists a broad agreement regarding the main Islamic religions, some of the tenants need to conform to the existing Islamic religion. According to the religious and theological survey recently conducted, it means that the openness of the religious followers, especially the Islam and its associated followers also have the mandate of taking into account some of the conflicting revolutionary and movement ideas that might be prevailing.
On the other hand, it has been realized that the religion of Islam and its associated believed parameters are some of the linking means of conforming to diriment ethnic groups. The reason for that is because the Islamic Nation for years has been perceived to be consisting of two ethnic Islamic religions. Ideally, such religions mainly consist of ethnic religions residing in the conj-scent of the Islamic nation (McIntosh, 2009). Regardless of that, in the Islamic religion, it should be understood that the two main Islamic religions prevail that are dictated for the purpose of deactivating Islamic convictions.
Regardless of that, historically reviews indicate that some of the nations that have been devastated can be perceived as being one of the movements that was geared towards curbing racial discrimination. According to Islamic understanding, Elijah Muhammad was one of the appointed prophets of Jesus the son of God. Despite that, it is clear that some of the orthodox Islamic believers ought to be taken into some of the blasphemous beliefs which have the ability of contradicting the fundamental theologies that could have been contradicted in authentic and Qur’an texts (Unesco, 2009). The reason for that is because the majority of the Islamic followers have been perceived to have the likelihood of following some of the doctrines that exist in the Islamic World and ejecting those of other religions. Although all these comforts the religious teachings, the truth is that some of the media comments that are currently displayed should have the ability of emancipating the masses the equality amongst all races.
Which elements of Islam are shared or universal, and which elements of Islam are unique according to sect and culture? What are some of the temporal (relating to time?)
Taking into account the diversity of these religions, it implies that Islam is one of the modern religions that take into account the needs of each individual. Although some may perceive that this religion do not have the unseen God, the truth is the unseen Ultimate God is the one who unhook the nature of human form. Regardless of that, it implies that the current generation ought to be regarded as being one of the movements aiming the illogical motives of that contradicts the positive motives of God (Wright, 2012).
Nevertheless, according to the teachings of Islam religion, some of the shared beliefs is that some of the above stated blasphemous beliefs have the potential of contradicting the authentic and their Qur’an texts. With time, it implies that the Islamic religions will ultimately have the ability of adhering to the existing religious beliefs. This is because such principles have been noted to be mixed with various beliefs and principles that have the potential of complying to some of the authentic Islamic teachings (Cornell & Safi, 2007). Conversely, in order to be in the position of understanding the some of the differences that exists, it is vital to take into account the Islamic teachings that currently prevail amongst its followers.
In the Islamic religion, it is important to understand that the doctrines that are used to educate its pilgrims the means of sharing their worshiping culture. The reason for that is because such a religion has been perceived to have the ability of transforming their understanding into uniting their belief in the Supreme God as well as the link they had with Prophet Muhammad (Curtis, 2010). Consequently, the reason for that is because the congregation is bound together for the purpose of receiving religious and Islamic teachings that are ultimately fascinating during the Ramadan and almsgiving (Poya & Suleiman, 2017).
What are some of the temporal (relating to time) continuities in principal practices in the Islamic world?
Regardless of the prevailing Islamic teachings, the truth is that there exists a broad conformity concerning the manner in which such a religion has to be paid homage to. The reason for that is because various religions, always take into account the manner in which its followers adhere to its teachings. Ideally, the followers of the Islamic principles ought to conform to the alien Islamic teachings (McIntosh, 2009). Some of the underlying principles indicate that such doctrines are the one that will enable them to understand the Islamic teachings. Basically, the teachings of Islamic religion are based on equality amongst races.
References
Cornell, V. J., & Safi, O. (2007). Voices of change. Westport, Conn: Praeger Press
Curtis, E. E. (2010). Encyclopedia of Muslim-American history. New York: Facts on File.
Farhan, M.C . (2014). Islam and Pakistan's Political Culture: Durham Modern Middle East and Islamic World Series. Routledge Press
McIntosh, J. (2009). The edge of Islam: Power, personhood, and ethnoreligious boundaries on the Kenya Coast. Durham: Duke University Press.
Poya, A., & Suleiman, F. (2017). Unity and diversity in contemporary Muslim thought. Newcastle upon Tyne : Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Unesco. (2009). UNESCO world report: Investing in cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. Paris: Unesco.
Wright, R. B. (2012). The Islamists are coming: Who they really are. Washington, DC: Woodrow Wilson Center Press.
The American government has put on laws which are commonly recognized as the patent protection and which carry hefty fines and even imprisonment if found to have broken them. The patent protection is of two types, one of it protecting the rights of the public and the other if for intellectual property. Those that promote the safety of the people is done in the laboratories and research centers while the one that protect creativity of individuals was mainly created in Hollywood and its auxiliary sub-divisions.
Granting patents to the intellectual property is aimed at promoting inventions from individuals and others who might wish to invent. The presence of different inventions in the society is considered to have numerous benefits due to the presence of different artistic, philosophical, cultural and even the technological-scientific.it is clear that the urge to create is uncontrollable and thus, individuals come up with new creations even at the low wage
The FBI stern warning is to address the Hollywood inventions which are mainly driven by profit and benefit the individuals as compared to other inventions that help the public such as vaccines and artwork through the products have more harm than good to the public. Protection of the inventions does not make us better.
The spirit of creation and invention are uncontrollable under any circumstances, and therefore, laws that assign privileges to the products motivated by profit is not the only motivation that can make creative people create and writers to write or even revolutionaries to revolt, it is the personal power and the urge to create and invent. Therefore setting of patent protection does not play a significant part in the invention that it merits such strict laws that are no benefits to the public.
The United State needs to maintain an orderly and peaceful society, but it requires first to act on its judiciary for it to have enough faith. The governments spend on the judicial system for it to offer justice and fairness, but this is not what it delivers. The American legal system believes in following the procedures of the law and justice will be obtained by adherence to this procedure, it assumes that justice will surely be achieved through the following of this procedure to the smallest detail. The blacks in America adopted the assumption that justice is substantive and considers results more important than the process.
Currently, there are assumptions that the public institutions and systems are well defined, and all the individual understand how justice is delivered with very little confusion. However, it can be fair, but at times it gives the worst which is even considered inhuman. The decisions in the court mainly depend on the strength of the evidence, arguments, tricks, and tactics. In the United States, the good and the evil are approached relatively, and pending decisions in the court and public opinions are determined on self-interest.
All disagreements cases and disputes follow the procedures to the Supreme Court where the nine judges decide through voting. The justices in the Supreme Court are full of biases, and they handle cases not too different from those heard by the local courts. The votes of the judges are no more based on the wisdom, charity and human justice but their ‘yes’ or ‘no’ which has no sense of justice, this is because however brilliant the minority opinion is, the majority always takes it. The selection of the justices themselves as mostly considered as a vote either against or favoring of self-interest
The jury in the judicial system is entirely made up of the ordinary and average citizens who are likely to make just decisions because they are almost the same as the individuals in the trials. The jury makes a large number of choices in the United States.
Reflection
It is therefore clear that the patent protection that is being implemented in the States does not promote inventions and creativity, but it is self-drive that make people make creation. Most of this profit-driven invention does not bring much good to the society, but harm and thus the FBI are not focusing the energy on the most appropriate thing. On the other hand, the judicial system in the United States is procedural and considered that justice would be achieved after following this procedure which is not the truth. The decisions of the Supreme Court itself is made through voting by the nine judges which does not really shows the justice
The manner in which an individual decides to worship is basically dependent on their choice. There is no wrong or right way of worshiping in as long as one is comfortable in the choice that they make. However I feel that when people come together as a group for a worship experience they get to socialize and communicate about what they are going through in their lives and what the Lord has done for them openly and proudly. By giving of such testimonies, people get their faith strengthened and this also works as a form of encouragement for the others. The worship gatherings as defined by functionalist perspective are a source of social stability, these believe in a supernatural being brings people together and it unifies them.
Worshipping helps to satisfy both the social and human needs of belonging, as well as having people who act as a source of encouragement in the society. I believe that I am leading by example; I always encourage my friends and my family to join me as I attend worship services. I treat every individual fairly, irrespective of their faith because I understand that everyone is entitled to their own decisions as long as they are doing what is right. An active inner spirit should be an individual that other people follow because of his ethics and compassion to help others and ensure that they are leading righteous lives. These are people that should not be afraid to stand for what they believe in as long as it is ethical and Godly. They should always ensure that they treat every individual fairly as they teach the ways of Christ and encourage more people to seek a righteous life.
As far as contemporary Christianity goes, Christians depend on Paul concepts of marriage, (17). For instance, Paul advices Christian couples to treat each other with respect and asserts equality between a man and a woman. Paul equates conjugal rights to an obligation a husband should fulfill to his wife and vice versa.
In terms of unity in a marriage, a sample of an Old Testament excerpt declares that people should avoid engaging in sexual immorality outside marriage hence man and woman become one in a marriage setting only. More so, union can occurred between God and man when he sent his only begotten son implying love. Simply put, man and woman become one body just as Christ united his followers with him under one church.( 17).
To dig further into precepts and ideological issues revolving marriage in the Bible, Hosea made a prostitution his wife. He was faithful to his wife despite of her background and her betrayal. One cannot tell if the Bible points to a steadfast marriage or the fact Hosea remained in the union generally hence relating to Yahweh’s covenant (11).
Just like any other institution, Christian marriages have certain qualities upheld. First, the Bible and the Torah are full of love. Paul instructed Christians that love encompassed all other laws; one should love their fellow human beings as they love themselves. It is an undisputable fact relevant even in marriage although in marriage takes variant underlying meanings (18).
Just as Israelites formed a bond with God in a binding covenant, in a covenant, the Israelites had to declare that they will have no other God apart from Yahweh and Yahweh assured the Israelites that they are his people, similar to marriage.
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