Monday, December 30, 2019
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Essay on A Pro-Gay Marriage Argument - 836 Words
In the United States today, the divorce rate is at 50% throughout the nation. With promiscuity on the rise, and the effects of the ever dropping economy, marriage is no longer a priority to some. Still to others, overlooking the fact that many no longer see marriage as crucial, they are determined to save what they consider constitutes the model for marriage. For years, marriage opportunities for homosexuals has been an ongoing debate, and it still continues today. Many critics of the ordeal pose the argument that the allowance of same-sex unions would single-handedly demolish the already fragile structure of marriage (Head). They go on to further to say that same-sex marriages would cause men to become barbaric, as women are theâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦However, those who use the bible as a crutch for their ignorance seem to forget that the bible also says ââ¬Å"You therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same thingsâ⬠(qtd. in NIV 1488). This verse in Romans, 2:1 translates into the idea that we as humans have no right to judge, as it is not our place. If some of those supposed ââ¬Å"Christiansâ⬠would acknowledge the entire bible, instead of the parts that are considered beneficial to their circumstance, there would be a considerable decrease in the amount of cases within the church where homosexual men and women deny their true selves and are then exposed through scandal. The bible also goes on to teach that ââ¬Å"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is goodâ⬠(qtd. in NIV 1500). It is perplexing as to why people in society today cannot love whom they please because judgment and pompous behavior is currently running rampant. Dieufene 3 It is believed that if homosexuals were allowed to be married, they would also be given the right to adopt which will be the ultimate violation of ev erything they view to be moral. If homosexuals were allowed toShow MoreRelatedPro Gay Marriage Argument1386 Words à |à 6 Pagesï » ¿Pro Gay Marriage The United States is currently embroiled in a battle over issues regarding civil rights of its citizens and what rights are constituted by that term. In the past, civil rights issues have been fought over womens rights and those of African Americans among others all in the name of seeking equality. Perhaps the most vocal group discussing civil rights in the United States at present are gay marriage activists who are fighting for same-sex couples to be able to marry. These individualsRead MoreShould Same Sex Marriage Be Legalized in the United States Essay1399 Words à |à 6 PagesDebate Paper Should same sex marriage be legalized in the United States? In some of our states laws have already been passed to allow same sex couples the freedom to get married, while other states are still resisting for one reason or another. As with everything else there is more than one side, more than one argument supporting and more than one argument resisting the changes being proposed. There are religious reasons, moral reasons, constitutional reasons and financial reasons being used by bothRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Banned From Marriage986 Words à |à 4 Pagespurpose of this article was for the author, Emily Heyer, to express her thoughts and opinions for gay marriage, and to share her views on why Iowa should have been pro gay marriage in 2011. This article is a straight womanââ¬â¢s view on gay marriage and why Iowa should have voted in favor for gay marriage in 2011. The author gives examples of times when Iowa voted towards equality. She argues that if gays are not allowed t o be married because they canââ¬â¢t procreate that women who are unable to have childrenRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legal966 Words à |à 4 PagesGay marriage is one of the most debated and controversial issues in todayââ¬â¢s society. Everyone has his or her opinions on gay marriage, whether it is acceptable or should not be allowed. According to The Washington post, ââ¬Å"59 percent say they support same-sex marriage while 34 percent are opposedâ⬠(Craighil, P., Clement). While 59% of the supporting gay is a high number, however that number is skewed. There is a difference between tolerance and acceptance, but the 59% is the total of the both. PeopleRead MoreLegalizing Gay Marriage Essay examples1290 Words à |à 6 Pagesrelationships, comes the question about homosexual marriage. Should gay marriage become legal in all fifty United States, or should it stay illegal in some states and remain legal in others? Most of societyââ¬â¢s issues and controversies come forth when subjects like religion, the home life, and values are discussed. The real question is who is society to judge someone, who doesnââ¬â¢t care about societyââ¬â¢s opinion and only wants happiness for themselves? Homosexual marriage has been a big issue for about a decadeRead MoreDid We Go Too Far?1383 Words à |à 6 PagesWalker Did We Go Too Far? Same-sex marriage continues to be a very high debated issue in our society without a firm foundation to base our beliefs on, leaving most of us trying to find answers still. Now that the Supreme Court of the united states has rules that the constitution guarantees a right to same sex marriageââ¬â¢ What was known as ââ¬Å"marriageâ⬠, the union of a man and a woman only, is starting to diverge. The Oxford Dictionary of English definition of marriage reads ââ¬Å"the formal union of a man andRead MoreEssay on Gay Marriage 1616 Words à |à 7 Pages Gay marriage is a very talked about topic in are country that shouldnââ¬â¢t be ignored. I believe men and women should be able to love freely and not be shamed by it. Marriage is a great factor in the United States. To some people itââ¬â¢s what we live for; is to get married and start a family. To not give everyone the same opportunity to have a happy marriage and family is unlike us. This problem is bringing a lot of hate, t he same hate that was used in racial discrimination so why not give gays equalRead MoreArgument Analysis on Gay Marriage1483 Words à |à 6 PagesArgument Analysis on Gay Marriage There are many controversies surrounding todays world, such as abortion, animal testing, and social reform issues. It seems that no one can come to a common agreement on the legitimacy of these topics. Personal characteristics, such as upbringing, culture, religion and ethnicity, all play a role in determining ones feelings on a given controversial issue. However, one of the most protested and discussed issues in current political debate is same-sex marriage. ThereRead More The Same Sex Marriage Debate Essay1624 Words à |à 7 PagesThe Same Sex Marriage Debate The controversial debate over whether same sex marriage should be legalized has gained a lot of attention in recent years and there are strong arguments for each side of the issue. There are many different factors that must be looked at when considering same-sex marriage. A marriage is not something that is just slapped on a piece of paper to show a couples love; it involves legal, social, economic, and spiritual issues. Throughout this essay, I intend to focusRead MoreAdvantages of Same Sex Marriage1678 Words à |à 7 PagesAdvantages of Same Sex Marriage 1. Denying them is a violation of religious freedom (civil and religious marriages are two separate institutions). The main reason for denying marriage to gay couples is that all major religions consider homosexuality a sin; however, the First Amendment of the Constitution clearly states that a persons religious views or lack thereof must be protected. Marriage by the state is a secular activity; the government cannot start making laws just because a religion says
Friday, December 13, 2019
Reading Food Labels and Calculating Target Body Weight Free Essays
Accurate body composition test can help her monitor fat loss and muscle maintenance. It can help her better reach her weight loss goals by making sure she goes not lose too much fat or muscle. . We will write a custom essay sample on Reading Food Labels and Calculating Target Body Weight or any similar topic only for you Order Now Body weight and body composition offers an Indication of potential health risk. She may be of ideal weight, but she can still have a higher percentage of body fat. It Is Important that she monitors her progress so that she doesnââ¬â¢t affect her overall health. Part 3: Nutrition Throughout a Life Time 1. The best way to treat gestation diabetes is to modify your diet. Seeking a nutritionist can help you control the carbohydrate intake. Other steps are to have here meals a day with two or three snacks, portion control, and avoid sweet and fruit juice. Also check blood sugar levels. 2. The Increase in protein depends of the Intensity and duration of the exercise, Like climbing Mat. Rammer. She should Increase weight. 3. Prevention is the key to delaying osteoporosis. A healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables enriched with vitamin D and calcium, along with exercise is important. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake is also beneficial to the prevention of osteoporosis. How to cite Reading Food Labels and Calculating Target Body Weight, Essays
Thursday, December 5, 2019
The Male Bashing Stereotype Essay Sample free essay sample
ââ¬Å"The Male Bashing Stereotypeâ⬠by Kimberly Graham. unveils the secret of creativeness. which is by her ain admittance a procedure of ââ¬Å"uneducation. â⬠instead than one of instruction. The premiss here is to fling the regulations weââ¬â¢ve learned about originative authorship. and formulate new 1s that really work for us. Goldberg teaches workshops where current authors go non to larn the trade. but to really tap into the originative procedure utilizing a more ââ¬Å"hands onâ⬠attack. Goldbergââ¬â¢s attack offers disputing constructs and positive solutions. Natalie Goldberg is a steadfast truster in the authorship exercising. which is an first-class manner to maintain in good signifier. The writer. a practising Zen Buddhist. manages to turn to most of the jobs that sabotage the procedure itself. Harmonizing to Goldberg. it is the manner we approach and perceive the trade itself that finally prevents authors from bring forthing the work. She opens with a chapter labeled. We will write a custom essay sample on The Male Bashing Stereotype Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page ââ¬Å"First Thoughts. â⬠which advocates allowing travel of all of oneââ¬â¢s self-importance and suppression. ââ¬Å"We must swear in our ain procedure and voice. â⬠she insists. This first statement rings perfectly true. In writerââ¬â¢s groups authors come and go often. The 1s that finally persevere in the trade are the 1s that donââ¬â¢t have thin teguments. Goldberg quotes a precious Zen maestro as holding said. ââ¬Å"We must go on to open in the face of great oppositionâ⬠( Rinpoche12 ) . For this ground. the author has to be able to divide themselves from his or her work. The work may in fact be an extension or contemplation of the writerââ¬â¢s personal experience. but this is where the association ends. Unless the work is viewed through this lens. review will ever look like a personal onslaught. alternatively of an facet for betterment. Goldberg prefers foremost ideas because she says. ââ¬Å"First ideas are unencumbered by egoâ⬠( 8 ) .
Thursday, November 28, 2019
The love triangle free essay sample
The love triangle. It was a week before halloween when it happened. I was walking down my road towards home after school. I was with Zake my boyfriend when Staci Kelly and her gang came up to us. Everybody knows Staci has a thing for Zake. What do you want Staci? Zake says impatiley but cool and down to earth. Staci gives him a look as if to say you have no right to talk to me like that. But than it changes.She walkes up to Zake and puts her hand out to touch his shoulder.He moves back towards me and claps my hand in his. Come on Sarah, lets go back to mine as I walked by Staci I stuck out my tough at her.I saw her face turn pure red.Zake! Yeah Look He looked back at Staci and saw that she was outraged.She went to puche me but Zake jumped in between us before she got me. We will write a custom essay sample on The love triangle or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page She ended up boxing Zake in the eye! I feel so bad! Zakeare you ok? I said near tears. Im finesaid Zake almost matter-of-factly.But I wasnt sure from the tone of his voice.I didnt like the tone of his voice very much.Staci had her hand over her mouth,upset that she had hit Zake and not me.Then she looked over at me.I knew that Zake couldnt save me this time.Stacis face turned into pure hatered. Staci.how did this get so far?.We used to be best friends! I said in tears. YOU got ZAKE! Thats what happened.You knew that I had a crush on him but you still went for it without even telling me that you liked him.You always said that you hated him.What changed?Now we both were in tears. I started to think about that I. But I couldnt think of a reason that I could tell either Zake or Staci.So I just ran home in tears. Sarah? Zake turned to look at Staci. What did you do? I didnt do anything.She just a drama queen.She always was and always will be Staci shouted and than walked away, with her fr iends following close by. It was the night before halloween.I was out with Zake,Kelly,Lucy,Terry,Rob,Dave,Stepeine snd Christine.We were playing truth and dare when a boy from Stacis group(my old group) called Steven came up to us. Hey..Sarah.Could I talk to you for a second Things were kinda awarad between us since Steven broke up with me about a year ago.But it was worse now since Im with Zake.Zake stared at Steven wondering who he was.I dont think thats a good idea Steven No Sarah.Staci asked me to talk to you I decied to hear him out.To see what Staci had to say.Maybe she was sorry and wanted to makeup.She always got someone to appolize for her.She was never any good at it.Ok than Steven.Youve got ten minutes I walked over to a wall abit away from everyone else. And jumped up onto it. Steven stood abit away from me with his arms crossed. Staci saw you and your friends playing truth and dare and said that youd never take one if someone dared you to spend the night in the old haunted house down the road I was outraged.Staci didnt know me anymore.She couldnt say that.I put my face into my hands.And when I admerged tears rolling down my cheeks Zakes hands were on my knees.I looked around but Steven was gone.Staci just dared me to spend the Zake intruputed me.I know I have to prove her wrong What?. Your not staying in that house alone.I wont let you Zake turned protective. Come with me than Ok. But if the rest of the group goes too? Ok. I throw my bag onto my bed fully packed.They throw on some make up to take away the look of terror. Than I take the bobin out of my hair and let it down. I pick up my brush and straitghtener to fix it.Ten minutes later the door bell goes.But Im still fixing my hair because for some reason it wont work.Its so fustrateing! Sarah? Calles my Mam. Opening the door I call back What? Zakes here Damn.He cant see me like this.Send him up.But tell him the wait outside the door Ok. I close the door and walk back over to the mirrior and straightener.When Im finished I grab my bag and jacket.Come on I say opening the door and grabing Zakes hand.I skip down the stairs to cover how terrifed I am.Outside Robs house (where we decied to meet everyone) I grab hold of Christines hand (tight). She looks at me in surpise. Hey I say trying to let her know how terified I am.She nods in agreement and understanding.We start to walk towards the house that wed be spending the night.I started to squesse Zakes h and unknowingly.Whats wrong? Zake says surpiseingly.He makes me jump by talking so suddenly.Because just a second ago he was talking to Dave about some girl at school.He puts his hands on my shoulders to steady me.Guys go on.Im just going to talk to Sarah for a second Well wait over here Says Steph,Kelly,Lucy and Christine in unsion.Ok girls.Whats going on? The guys say in unsion.I glance at Christine.Lucy! Not a word The girls say.Sarah? Zake says worrying.Were only human Guys their terrifed Says Terry. I look at my watch wanting this night to end. It said eleven oclock. We got here at eight.We were lying in sleeping bags in a circle on the floor. Zake was beside me and then Chistine on the other side.An hour later the big old grandfather clock started to chime.I jumped in fear and moved closer to Zake.Its ok Said Zake rubbing my back to calm me.I climbed out of my sleeping bag when I relised that I needed to go to the bathroom. But the problem was none of us had gone yet and we didnt know where it was.Where are you going? Said Zake. To the bathroom.Christine? Urh.Why? Because I need to talk to you Zake glanced over at me.Fine Can I come? Lucy asked. No Lucy I say. Kelly?.Steph? Coming They both say in unison.They get to go! Lucy says back angryly.Yeah. Because youll blab! No I wont! Everyone stares at Lucy like she just told the biggest lie ever. What I wont! She sounded so sure of herself. But I couldnt take the chance of her telling Zake.The four of us stode up and walked out of the room.Lucy looked down at the floor.No one likes me because I cant keep a sercet.I knew it.(Lucys mind) A tear rolled down my cheek.Lucy are you ok? Asked Terry.Yeah Lucy said wiping away the tears from her cheeks.Lucy can I talk to you for a second?. While the girls are gone Said Terry. Sure In private Ok sure Lucy stode up with Terry and walked out of the room.(In the bathroom) So what do you want to talk about? Christine said as I was washing my hands. Oh right.Im really worried about Zake.We havent had our first kiss yet They looked so surpised. Are you kidding? Asked Steph.I wish Maybe hes just trying to find the right time Maybe.But its been two monutes.Surely there had to be a few times Maybe he was scared about how youd react I dont know.But if he dosnt kiss me after tonight Im making the first move I wish he would just do it. You cant!The girl dosnt make the first move I know (Lucy and Terry)So what did you want to talk to me about? Asked Lucy.LucyI really like you I really like you too Terry.Were best friends No Lucy.I mean I Iike you as more than a friend Suddenly my whole life purpose made sense.I was totally in love with Terry.And he felt the same way! I was speechless.That never happens! Terry leaned in and kissed me.It felt so wonderful. I almost shouted with utter joy.When he pulled back I smiled up at him and bite my lip.Whoa I said.Thanks Terry said,his usual joky self.My head went back while I laughed at him.Shut up Will you go out with me? A date? I said,not leting myself belive this was actally happening.Yeah Of course Ill go out with you Terry When I relised that I sounded like a chessy romance film,I laughed at myself. I felt Terrys arms go around my waist.We began to kiss again.(In the bathroom) Ok guys.Lets go back to Lucy.You know how she dosnt like to be left alone with the guys I said to the girls.Yeah.Why dosnt she by the way? Christi ne said.I promised her I wouldnt say Ok than We walked back out to the guys and Lucy.But when we got back Lucy wasnt there.Wheres Lucy? I asked Zake.With Terry When Zake said that all the girls smiled for Lucy.FinallySaid Steph.What?.Does Lucy like Terry? Said Rob. Well duh I said back to him.Cheeky Said Rob than slaped me across the face.But by an accident he really hurt me.I ran out of the room crying.When I stoped runing and sat down on the floor zake came out and sat beside me.He pulled me into him and let me cry on his shoulder.He started to stroke my hair.When I stoped crying and looked up at him he started to rub my cheek.Stop Zake I said anored.He looked confused.What Sarah?.Whats wrong? Nothing I knew I wasnt convicing but I had to try.Sarah? Im just sared! I half-lied. I know baby.Come on.Lets go back to everyone Ok. Lucys probally back Oh right.We didnt tell yous but Terry has a thing for Lucy too When we got back lucy was still missing.What way did she go? I finally asked.That way Pionted rob.Girls Coming We walked out the way Rob pionted.About five mintues later we rounded a corner and there they wheremaking out! I ran out the front door.What? Said Lucy when she saw me running.Its not your fault Lucy Said Christine.Result! Steph whispered in Lucys ear. I know Said Lucy uncontably excited,not bodering to whisper.Ill go after her Said Kelly.But she might want Zake Said Lucy.Trust me Lucy, she dosent Said Kelly than she ran out after me.When Kelly steped out the front door she sat down beside me on the front step.You ok? She asked me.Yeah I said quickly wiping away the tears.I just wish this night would end I said. I know.We all do I just have a bad feeling about it But Sarah you cant let Staci be proved right! You just cant I know.But I really dont care! I just want to be friends again.But theres a few problems with that What are they? Well.the only problem is a person from t he group A guy? Kelly asked intrestedly.Maybe.We used date.But its arcward between us now What happened? He broke up with me last year. And now Im with Zake.I dont want to screw that up! You wont Than what would happen to us? Kellys smile turned into a frown when she relized that we wouldnt be able to be friends if I were friends with Staci again.Oh See..Theres another problem.I dont want that to happen! I said starting to cry again.But this time I didnt wipe the tears away.Instead I let them flow.For the next few mintues we cryied uncontably in each others arms. I woke with a start to the sound of a glass braking.I sat with a start and woke up Zake who was sleeping next to me.Whats wrong? He asked while rubbing my stomach.I heard a glass brake! I said in a patetachic voice.Okay.Just this once He said looking for his jeans in the dark.When he found them he pulled them under the covers and slipped them on.Then he pulled back the covers to stand up. CRASH!! I jumped in fear and put my arms around Zakes stomach.Wait Zake startes rubbing my arms.What? Can I come? I ask quickely stoping myself from kissing him right now.Okay. I stand up before he has the chance to answer me.Zake stands behind me and puts his arms though mine.Just having him here with me makes me feel abit better.We walk down the hall towards the place that the nosie came from.Zake pushes open a door and we walk in. I look around the room and see a box at the wall. I grab Zakes hand and pull him over.I knell down and pull it closer to me.Its locked Zake says behind me.Pass me that hammer over there Zake gets the hammer but wont give it to me.Ill do it He says. Fine.I move over to let him in.He brakes the lock off and with great diffeculty he openes the box.Inside theres a note.I pick it up and open the envelope. Dear Laura,By the time you read this I will be dead.But I had to tell you that you were right my grandfather did die here and hes still here.He has a curse on the house and thats why I had to kill myself.Hes after the you BECAUSE OF ME.i CANT LET HIM HURT YOU.iF iM NOT HERE ANYMORE THAN HE WONT BODER WITH YOU ANYMORE.gOODBYE MY LOVE,i WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU.cARLXXXXXXXXXXX That was so sweet I said crying from the letter.I know Said Zake.He leaned in kissed me.He moved his arms down to my waist and held me like that. Our first kiss! I will never know happyness like this again!
Monday, November 25, 2019
Valeria Zurlini essays
Valeria Zurlini essays BAM Cinematek recently chose to feature the films of Italian Director Valerio Zurlini. Zurlini isnt mentioned in many of the putative histories of Italian cinema, yet he is one of the most noteworthy Italian directors of all time. Zurlinis canon of films were most recently screened at The National Gallery of Art, in February of 2001, and have also been screened throughout Canada, and at The Pacific Cinematheque, Lincoln Plaza Cinemas, and Walter Reade Theater within the last two years. Valerio Zurlini was born in Bologna in 1926 to an affluent family. Prior to directing films, Zurlini studied both law and art history. Zurlini said that studying art helped him to develop an intuitive approach to the composition of images, and that going to the movies on a regular basis instilled in him an understanding of cinematic rhythm, presumably reinforced and deepened by his long-standing collaboration with composer Mario Nascimbene (Moller). Zurlini believed that art alone could provide insight into human nature, inspiration, truth and the possibility of redemption, since art endures long after its creator is gone. In relation to Italian film history, Zurlinis films fall in between Rossellini, de Sica, and Zavattinis Neorealism and Bertolucci and Belloccios Young Cinema. Neorealism came in the wake of the Liberation and post WWII democracy. Young Cinema, connected to the student revolt, would occur some twenty years after Neorealsim. As the Neorealists were filming their vision of how the world should be, (Moller) Zurlini was fighting with the Italian Liberation Corps from the fall of Mussolini in 1943 until the Liberation in 1945. Unfortunately for Zurlini, his films would fall in between these political events, and therefore be somewhat ignored outside of Europe. Zurlinis body of work consists of twelve short films and eight feature length films. four of his feature length films, and on...
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Task Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Task - Essay Example mitive; karyon= nucleus) cells lack a true nucleolus, cellular organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplast, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi bodies etc. The DNA found in prokaryotes is circular, devoid of basic histones; they do not undergo normal cell division of mitosis and meiosis, they multiply by simple replication of DNA, followed by binary fission, thereby the two daughter cells are clones (exactly similar). Single celled organisms do not possess defined nutrition and excretory mechanisms. Some single-celled organisms such as amoeba have simple cell structures known asà vesiclesà that are responsible for excretion andà osmoregulation. Moreover, they ventilate through simple diffusion process across the cell membrane. Single cellular organisms can be deemed as simple, as unlike eukaryotic cells where progeny is formed after the fusion of male and the female gametes, and the progeny possesses the characteristics of both the parents, while most single celled organism do not. As a matter of fact, they can divide a number of times within one hour. Additionally, unlike mostà multicellularà organisms, single-celled organisms can readily synthesize most of the essential substances that they need from simple nutrients. These processes are very simple and straight forward. Also, single-celled organisms can be considered as simple due to their limited capacity to occupy a wide range of habitats. This is attributed to the fact that they do not have division ofà labour necessary for the exploitation and subsequent utilization of a wide range of resources. On the contrary, they achieve division ofà labourà by formation of colonies, which they achieve by having their daughter cells remaining attached after subsequent cell divisions. Variation has been estimated as a vital component in the sustenance of species. Most single-celled organisms tend to lack variation owing to their ability to reproduce asexually, implying that organisms retain the exact genetic composition
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Response to Law and Authority Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Response to Law and Authority - Essay Example The question of an obligation to obey the law often crops up especially in the current world where some laws within a legal system are deemed to be unjust or evil and we find ourselves within such systems. All legal systems have laws that impose obligations for their obedience but each has different criteria for measuring such kind of obedience to the law. Obedience is the act of following orders without questioning as it is deemed that they come from a legitimate authority, which may be conferred upon a person or entity by the society. Therefore, just as it is expected that all persons will be obedient to the law, the society expects that we obey the orders or the rules that are set by the legitimate authorities. Platoââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Critoâ⬠examines how a person should respond to the law when he feels that the process has wrongly convicted him and suggests the ethical bases for obedience to the law. The ethical obligations to obey the law include the fact that, the citizen may have acquiesced to the existence of such a law and therefore, there is an implied or express accord to comply with the provisions of the said law, or if there is no implied agreement, his actions estop him from disobeying that law (Plato and Jowett, 1990). If there is no action or assent by the citizen, he is simply a beneficiary conferred to him by other citizens and therefore has an obligation to obey the law. Socrates argued that if the state was indeed protecting its young ones, then it was right for him to be declared guilty of corrupting the minds of the youth and should be punished according to the law. This is despite his personal convictions, questionings to the members of the city and examining of logi c to arrive at the true position. Reflection on the thoughts in Crito, there is a clear understanding of the teachings of Plato in that as a matter of justice and rights, laws cannot in
Monday, November 18, 2019
I have been writing the topic in the section '' order intructions'' Research Paper
I have been writing the topic in the section '' order intructions'' - Research Paper Example As a result of his intentional poor financial reporting, special purpose entities and accounting loopholes, the company lost at least $40 billion. This was made possible by the engagement of Arthur Anderson as the companyââ¬â¢s sole auditing firm. With the help of Arthur Anderson Auditors, Enronââ¬â¢s Chief Financial Officer managed to manipulate and mislead the companyââ¬â¢s accounting committee and the Board of Directors to accept the presented financial records. Indeed, this was a very unfortunate incident which greatly interfered with the company and all its stakeholders. All the employees were affected as well. A part from losing a lot from the $40 billion law suit, they lost a lot of money in pension. This could not be escaped because the company was later declared bankrupt to the extent that it could not manage to compensate its workers. This would mean a great loss to these employees as they would lose all the benefits. Even those who had been working for the company for a long time would not get their pensions upon the dissolution of the company since it would not be in a position to do so. It would be so disappointing and demoralizing for such employees because the scandal would eventually affect them in person. The investors also incurred a lot of losses. A part from discouraging prospecting investors from pumping their resources into the company, the existing ones had to contend with a drastic loss of stock. A few months after the information about the scandal reached the market, the company share prices declined from $83 to $1. Worse still, these investors later lost their investments in the company2. Since the company could not stand on its feet any longer, it had to be declared bankrupt. Meaning, it would not manage to refund the shareholders their investments. To prove that the company lost value, even attempts by its rival Dynegy to buy it out at extremely low price flopped. On the
Friday, November 15, 2019
Ethical Leadership Is Mostly About Leadership Integrity Philosophy Essay
Ethical Leadership Is Mostly About Leadership Integrity Philosophy Essay Leaderships comes from emotions, and one cannot lead without emotions. The passion and drive to lead that make others look him or her in the eye and say I want to follow you (Patrick D, 2010). These are the moral values moral and principles that form the ethics that leaders lead by. Ethics, Integrity, Leader Ethics are a set of moral and just principles that serve as a deep guiding sense of what is right, fair and proper while Integrity is part of this principle, defined as the quality that makes people trust the leader. It acts as a bridge between personal ethics and professional ethics that the leader adhere to values that may be outside of themselves, mainly, truth where trust is built on. Trust is of paramount importance in all personal relationship(John, A, 1987). Integrity also represents the consistency and accuracy of actions and behaviour which further assures the trust people put in the leader. Ethical leadership, law abiding or human compassion? Ethics comes different perspective, depending on situation and objective, for instance, euthanasia. Mercy killing is not legalised in many countries including Singapore, so is it humanely ethical for a medical practitioner to follow the law and watch his/her patient suffer emotionally and physically day after day? Is it professionally ethical to disregard the law and have professionals and patients question the practitioners ability to perform his or her duty in a professional manner, would anyone prefer an emotionally compromised doctor to treat him or her? Many professional doctors will establish a professional code of ethics that they do not get personally and emotionally involved in such cases, and continue to treat patients in such cases with painkiller to ease their pain till they pass on. In my opinion, a passionate doctor will definitely be emotionally involved, after all it is what they love to do saving lives and reliving people of their pain. We all have different opinion s of what should be done, depending on the principle and experiences that form our moral awareness(refer to Kohlbergs Stages of Moral Development, figure 1). Integrity is practiced when regardless of which decision the doctor choose to make he or she stands out and be responsible by facing the consequences of his/her actions. Supporters from both sides of the argument can deem the doctors actions to be right or wrong but they cannot deem the doctor to be unethical because of the level integrity the doctor display. Kohlbergs Stages of Moral Development(figure1) Different leaders can have different standards of ethics and when we talk about ethical standards, there is the question of whether this standards are applicable, after all ethical behaviour is actually an absolute, good or bad-right or wrong.(Ken, L, 2002). Kohlbergs stages of moral development begs to differ. Stage 1, a person in this stage is aware only of one fixed set of rules enforced by authorities which he or she must unquestioningly obey. Failure to do so will result in punishment. Ethical behaviour in this stage only limits to punishment avoidance. Stage 2, person in this stage now realise and is aware that there are more than one view points with regards to right or wrong, different personality have different viewpoints. Ethical behaviour in this stage is widen to include self-interest. Stage 3, moral values become more complicated in this stage involving, intention and emotions. person in this stage is very conscious of what others think because what is right or wrong subjects to the approval of the family or community. Ethical behaviour in this stage factors in the persons emotional state and motives. Stage 4, person becomes aware of the consequences of failure maintaining law and order. right or wrong depends on the greater good for the society. Ethical behaviour in this stage involves keep social order. Stage 5, person in this stage adopts a more utilitarian philosophy, where social utility or public interest is put on top of social order. Ethical actions involves protecting the rights of the individual according to rules agreed upon by the whole society. unethical action involves totalitarian rule, which bring social order but morally flawed. Ethical decision is one that ensure all parties are satisfied and on agreeable terms. Stage 6, person in this stage has attained the highest level of moral awareness, moral principle becomes the main concern. Where the principles of justice is based on treating prerogatives of all parties in an unprejudiced manner, individually respecting the basic dignity of all people, therefore, universal. Ethical decision is one that is made based on individual point of view of all parties, under the veil of ignorance(Rawls, 1971). According to Kohlberg: A person moral reasoning progress stage by stage up the stages without skipping stages. A person progresses up the stages upon encountering moral dilemmas, assuming he or she seeks to solve the moral dilemmas while a person in the lower level cannot comprehend the reasoning of the next level. How is integrity in anyway involved in these 6 stages? Other than stage 1 where there is clearly no need for the application of integrity, we can say that integrity is achieved so long as ethical behaviours, decisions and actions are being made/performed in each of these 5 stages. In supporting the previous argument of the euthanasia case, it does not matter what level of moral awareness a person or a leader has attained, as long as he or she act according to the result of his or her moral reasoning, it is ethical. Therefore, it is suffice to say that integrity is the backbone of ethical behaviour/ ethical leadership, that a person or a leader does what he or she feels is right. Uncompromising integrity is the most important quality. All of the other characteristics stand upon this steel-reinforced concrete foundation- Danny Cox, 2002 Moral person moral manager leadership(Figure 23) A leaders reputation for ethical leadership are based on perceptions of the public or followers of the leader both as a moral person and a moral manager(Trevinio, L. K., Hartman, L. P., Brown, M. 2000). To put it into a clearer perspective, moral person represents ethics while moral manager represents leadership so it is the combination of these two morals that forms the reputation for ethical leadership. We look at the scandal of City Harvest Church involving several senior members charged with the misappropriation of S$24 million to allegedly fund the music career of Sun Ho, wife of the churchs founder. Before the emergence of this scandal we can easily assume that head pastor Kong Hee with his fellow executives are ethical leaders based on the fact that they displayed behaviours of a moral person and acted in accordance to a moral manager. We can safely say that they are definitely moral managers but it is not fully accurate for us, as third persons or even some followers to deem Kong Hee and his executives as ethical leaders as we do not know them personally, we do not see or experience them in all aspects of their life. So how can we know if they are genuinely moral persons or if it is just a show? We may never know until they are tested in the presence of the public, thatà ¢Ã ¢Ã¢â¬Å¡Ã ¬Ã ¢Ã¢â¬Å¾Ã ¢s where people with no integrity says do anything but donà ¢Ã ¢Ã¢â¬Å¡Ã ¬Ã ¢Ã¢â¬Å¾Ã ¢t get caught, while people with integrity says its only matter of time before the truth gets out. Kong Hee and his executives, while still on trail, now has a reputation as hypocritical leaders due to the scandal(test), we are now aware that although they are moral managers performing their duties, they are not moral persons as they personally do not believe or practice what they preach to the congregation. The case is an example that integrity cannot be faked, it is attribute that circumscribe the traits of honesty and trustworthiness. One may argue that Kong Hee is an ethical leader until certain bad apple or bad barrels comes in and corrupts him. To this, the answer is very simple, integrity is a trait of a leader that automatically resists temptations, a leader with integrity is therefore incorruptible. Integrity is the clear line between a ethical leader and a hypocritical leader. Lead by example Leaders have the ability to influence the followers, therefore, the leader have to responsible for the behaviours and actions of his or her followers. Compromise of integrity can lead to followers behaving or acting in disregard to ethics, after all the leader is the model example of what behaviour, actions and decision are expected. In cases where followers have a higher stage of moral awareness(figure1), compromise of integrity can cause followers to lose faith in achieving their ambitions or aspirations. When nurturing a child, how can parents expect their child to develop ethical moral values and living by them if they fail to do so themselves? In developing future leaders, how can a mentor teach integrity to his or her students and expect them to believe in it if he or she compromises in integrity? They can state themselves as bad examples, a child can be corrected but integrity probably will be the last lesson the mentor ever teach the students.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
The Importance of Geography in The Killer Angels Essay -- Killer Angel
The Importance of Geography in The Killer Angels à à à War is a complicated event.à Many different factors are considered in the strategic planning during a war.à The number of troops, ammunition supplies, and the lay of the land are just three of the considerations that must be given when fighting a battle.à Such considerations were made during the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg.à In The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, Shaara uses geography throughout his recounting of the event.à His use of geography is seen in his descriptions of the people involved, his description of the climate, and his superb outlining of the natural landscape. à à à à à à In the novel, Shaara begins by describing the Armies.à On the side of the South is the Army of Northern Virginia, led by Robert E. Lee.à This army is composed of 70 thousand men who are volunteers and rebels.à They are within a certain culture.à The men of this army shareà not only a common language and religion, but they also share the same customs.à Most of the men are Anglo-Saxon and Protestant.à Their language is English.à Most of all, this army is fighting for a mutual cause which is disunion.à Victorious is the feeling among these men.à Wholeheartedly, the men of the Army of Northern Virginia believe that they can defeat the Army of the Potomac. à à à à à à The Army of the Potomac differs greatly in composition than the South's army.à Although they have a common goal, to defeat the Southerners, the men who make up this army have little else in common.à They are led by Major General George Meade.à Most of these 80,000 men are volunteers.à Language barriers exist within this group.à Also, a shared religion does not exist.à Unlike the Army of Northe... ... Northern Virginia, they have to move into open spaces and climb hilly and rocky terrain.à Obviously, Shaara's use of geography is apparent in his outlining of the events at the Battle of Gettysburg. à à à à à à In conclusion, Michael Shaara vividly recounts the Battle of Gettysburg.à Throughout his novel, The Killer Angels, Shaara's use of geography allows the reader to understand the people, feel the climate of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and relive the action as it unfolds.à Strategic plans are made by the Army of Northern Virginia, but in this battle the natural landscape is too cumbersome.à Victorious is the Army of the Potomac.à Thanks to its near perfect view. Works Cited Shaara, Michael.à The Killer Angels. New York: Ballantine, 1975. à Maps Maps of Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 www.militaryhistoryonline.com/gettysburg Ã
Sunday, November 10, 2019
The Host Chapter 8: Loved
You're afraid to fly?â⬠The Seeker's voice was full of disbelief edging toward mockery. ââ¬Å"You've traveled through deep space eight times and you're afraid to take a shuttle to Tucson, Arizona?â⬠ââ¬Å"First of all, I'm not afraid. Second, when I traveled through deep space I wasn't exactly aware of where I was, what with being stored in a hibernation chamber. And third, this host gets motion sickness on shuttles.â⬠The Seeker rolled her eyes in disgust. ââ¬Å"So take medication! What would you have done if Healer Fords hadn't relocated to Saint Mary's? Would you be driving to Chicago?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. But since the option of driving is now reasonable, I will take it. It will be nice to see a bit more of this world. The desert can be stunning -ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"The desert is dead boring.â⬠ââ¬Å"-and I'm not in any hurry. I have many things to think through, and I will appreciate some time alone.â⬠I looked pointedly at her as I emphasized the last word. ââ¬Å"I don't understand the point of visiting your old Healer anyway. There are many competent Healers here.â⬠ââ¬Å"I'm comfortable with Healer Fords. He has experience with this, and I don't trust that I have all the information I need.â⬠I gave her another significant look. ââ¬Å"You don't have time to not hurry, Wanderer. I recognize the signs.â⬠ââ¬Å"Forgive me if I don't consider your information impartial. I know enough of human behavior to recognize the signs of manipulation.â⬠She glowered at me. I was packing my rental car with the few things I planned to take with me. I had enough clothes to go a week between washing, and the basic hygiene necessities. Though I wasn't bringing much, I was leaving even less behind. I'd accumulated very little in the way of personal belongings. After all these months in my small apartment, the walls were still bare, the shelves empty. Perhaps I'd never meant to settle here. The Seeker was planted on the sidewalk next to my open trunk, assailing me with snide questions and comments whenever I was in hearing distance. At least I was secure in the belief that she was far too impatient to follow me on the road. She would take a shuttle to Tucson, just as she was hoping to shame me into doing. It was a huge relief. I imagined her joining me every time I stopped to eat, hovering outside gas station bathrooms, her inexhaustible inquisitions waiting for me whenever my vehicle paused at a light. I shuddered at the thought. If a new body meant freeing myself of the Seekerâ⬠¦ well, that was quite an inducement. I had another choice, too. I could abandon this entire world as a failure and move on to a tenth planet. I could work to forget this whole experience. Earth could be just a short blip in my otherwise spotless record. But where would I go? A planet I'd already experienced? The Singing World had been one of my favorites, but to give up sight for blindness? The Planet of the Flowers was lovelyâ⬠¦ Yet chlorophyll-based life-forms had so little range of emotion. It would feel unbearably slow after the tempo of this human place. A new planet? There was a recent acquisition-here on Earth, they were calling the new hosts Dolphins for lack of a better comparison, though they resembled dragonflies more than marine mammals. A highly developed species, and certainly mobile, but after my long stay with the See Weeds, the thought of another water planet was repugnant to me. No, there was still so much to this planet that I hadn't experienced. Nowhere else in the known universe called to me as strongly as this shady little green yard on this quiet street. Or held the lure of the empty desert sky, which I'd seen only in Melanie's memories. Melanie did not share her opinion on my options. She had been very quiet since my decision to find Fords Deep Waters, my first Healer. I wasn't sure what the detachment meant. Was she trying to seem less dangerous, less of a burden? Was she preparing herself for the invasion of the Seeker? For death? Or was she preparing to fight me? To try to take over? Whatever her plan, she kept herself distant. She was just a faint, watchful presence in the back of my head. I made my last trip inside, searching for anything forgotten. The apartment looked empty. There were only the basic furnishings that had been left by the last tenant. The same plates were still in the cupboards, the pillows on the bed, the lamps on the tables; if I didn't come back, there would be little for the next tenant to clear out. The phone rang as I was stepping out the door, and I turned back to get it, but I was too late. I'd already set the message system to answer on the first ring. I knew what the caller would hear: my vague explanation that I would be out the rest of the semester, and that my classes would be canceled until a replacement could be found. No reason given. I looked at the clock on top of the television. It was barely past eight in the morning. I was sure it must be Curt on the phone, having just received the only slightly more detailed e-mail I'd sent him late last night. I felt guilty about not finishing out my commitment to him, almost like I was already skipping. Perhaps this step, this quitting, was the prelude to my next decision, my greater shame. The thought was uncomfortable. It made me unwilling to listen to whatever the message said, though I wasn't in any real hurry to leave. I looked around the empty apartment one more time. There was no sense of leaving anything behind me, no fondness for these rooms. I had the strange feeling that this world-not just Melanie, but the entire orb of the planet-did not want me, no matter how much I wanted it. I just couldn't seem to get my roots in. I smiled wryly at the thought of roots. This feeling was just superstitious nonsense. I'd never had a host that was capable of superstition. It was an interesting sensation. Like knowing you were being watched without being able to find the watcher. It raised goose bumps on the nape of my neck. I shut the door firmly behind me but did not touch the obsolete locks. No one would disturb this place until I returned or it was given to someone new. Without looking at the Seeker, I climbed into the car. I hadn't done much driving, and neither had Melanie, so this made me a bit nervous. But I was sure I would get used to it soon enough. ââ¬Å"I'll be waiting for you in Tucson,â⬠the Seeker said, leaning in the open passenger-side window as I started the engine. ââ¬Å"I have no doubt of that,â⬠I muttered. I found the controls on the door panel. Trying to hide a smile, I hit the button to raise the glass and watched her jump back. ââ¬Å"Maybeâ⬠¦,â⬠she said, raising her voice to almost a shout so that I could hear her over the engine noise and through the closed window, ââ¬Å"maybe I'll try it your way. Maybe I'll see you on the road.â⬠She smiled and shrugged. She was just saying it to upset me. I tried not to let her see that she had. I focused my eyes on the road ahead and pulled carefully away from the curb. It was easy enough to find the freeway and then follow the signs out of San Diego. Soon there were no signs to follow, no wrong turns to take. In eight hours I would be in Tucson. It wasn't long enough. Perhaps I would stay a night in some small town along the way. If I could be sure that the Seeker would be ahead, waiting impatiently, rather than following behind, a stop would be a nice delay. I found myself looking in the rearview mirror often, searching for a sign of pursuit. I was driving slower than anyone else, unwilling to reach my destination, and the other cars passed me without pause. There were no faces I recognized as they moved ahead. I shouldn't have let the Seeker's taunt bother me; she clearly didn't have the temperament to go anywhere slowly. Stillâ⬠¦ I continued to watch for her. I'd been west to the ocean, north and south up and down the pretty California coastline, but I'd never been east for any distance at all. Civilization fell behind me quickly, and I was soon surrounded by the blank hills and rocks that were the precursors to the empty desert wastelands. It was very relaxing to be away from civilization, and this bothered me. I should not have found the loneliness so welcoming. Souls were sociable. We lived and worked and grew together in harmony. We were all the same: peaceful, friendly, honest. Why should I feel better away from my kind? Was it Melanie who made me this way? I searched for her but found her remote, dreaming in the back of my head. This was the best it had been since she'd started talking again. The miles passed quickly. The dark, rough rocks and the dusty plains covered in scrub flew by with monotonous uniformity. I realized I was driving faster than I'd meant to. There wasn't anything to keep my mind occupied here, so I found it hard to linger. Absently, I wondered why the desert was so much more colorful in Melanie's memories, so much more compelling. I let my mind coast with hers, trying to see what it was that was special about this vacant place. But she wasn't seeing the sparse, dead land surrounding us. She was dreaming of another desert, canyoned and red, a magical place. She didn't try to keep me out. In fact, she seemed almost unaware of my presence. I questioned again what her detachment meant. I sensed no thought of attack. It felt more like a preparation for the end. She was living in a happier place in her memory, as if she were saying goodbye. It was a place she had never allowed me to see before. There was a cabin, an ingenious dwelling tucked into a nook in the red sandstone, perilously close to the flash flood line. An unlikely place, far from any trail or path, built in what seemed a senseless location. A rough place, without any of the conveniences of modern technology. She remembered laughing at the sink one had to pump to pull water up from the ground. ââ¬Å"It beats pipes,â⬠Jared says, the crease between his eyes deepening as his brows pull together. He seems worried by my laugh. Is he afraid I don't like it? ââ¬Å"Nothing to trace, no evidence that we're here.â⬠ââ¬Å"I love it,â⬠I say quickly. ââ¬Å"It's like an old movie. It's perfect.â⬠The smile that never truly leaves his face-he smiles even in his sleep-grows wide. ââ¬Å"They don't tell you the worst parts in the movies. C'mon, I'll show you where the latrine is.â⬠I hear Jamie's laughter echo through the narrow canyon as he runs ahead of us. His black hair bounces with his body. He bounces all the time now, this thin boy with the sun-darkened skin. I hadn't realized how much weight those narrow shoulders were carrying. With Jared, he is positively buoyant. The anxious expression has faded, replaced by grins. We are both more resilient than I gave us credit for. ââ¬Å"Who built this place?â⬠ââ¬Å"My father and older brothers. I helped, or rather hindered, a little. My dad loved to get away from everything. And he didn't care much about convention. He never bothered to find out who the land actually belonged to or file permits or any of that pesky stuff.â⬠Jared laughs, throwing his head back. The sun dances off the blond bits in his hair. ââ¬Å"Officially, this place doesn't exist. Convenient, isn't it?â⬠Without seeming to think about it, he reaches out and takes my hand. My skin burns where it meets his. It feels better than good, but it sets off a strange aching in my chest. He is forever touching me this way, always seeming to need to reassure himself that I am here. Does he realize what it does to me, the simple pressure of his warm palm next to mine? Does his pulse jump in his veins, too? Or is he just happy to not be alone anymore? He swings our arms as we walk beneath a little stand of cottonwood trees, their green so vivid against the red that it plays tricks on my eyes, confusing my focus. He is happy here, happier than in other places. I feel happy, too. The feeling is still unfamiliar. He hasn't kissed me since that first night, when I screamed, finding the scar on his neck. Does he not want to kiss me again? Should I kiss him? What if he doesn't like that? He looks down at me and smiles, the lines around his eyes crinkling into little webs. I wonder if he is as handsome as I think he is, or if it's just that he's the only person left in the whole world besides Jamie and me. No, I don't think that's it. He really is beautiful. ââ¬Å"What are you thinking, Mel?â⬠he asks. ââ¬Å"You seem to be concentrating on something very important.â⬠He laughs. I shrug, and my stomach flutters. ââ¬Å"It's beautiful here.â⬠He looks around us. ââ¬Å"Yes. But then, isn't home always beautiful?â⬠ââ¬Å"Home.â⬠I repeat the word quietly. ââ¬Å"Home.â⬠ââ¬Å"Your home, too, if you want it.â⬠ââ¬Å"I want it.â⬠It seems like every mile I've walked in the past three years has been toward this place. I never want to leave, though I know we'll have to. Food doesn't grow on trees. Not in the desert, at least. He squeezes my hand, and my heart punches against my ribs. It's just like pain, this pleasure. There was a blurring sensation as Melanie skipped ahead, her thoughts dancing through the hot day until hours after the sun had fallen behind the red canyon walls. I went along, almost hypnotized by the endless road stretching ahead of me, the skeletal bushes flying by with mind-numbing sameness. I peek into the one narrow little bedroom. The full-size mattress is only inches away from the rough stone walls on either side. It gives me a deep, rich sense of joy to see Jamie asleep on a real bed, his head on a soft pillow. His lanky arms and legs sprawl out, leaving little room for me where I am meant to sleep. He is so much bigger in reality than the way I see him in my head. Almost ten-soon he won't be a child at all. Except that he will always be a child to me. Jamie breathes evenly, sleeping sound. There is no fear in his dream, for this moment at least. I shut the door quietly and go back to the small couch where Jared waits. ââ¬Å"Thank you,â⬠I whisper, though I know shouting the words wouldn't wake Jamie now. ââ¬Å"I feel bad. This couch is much too short for you. Maybe you should take the bed with Jamie.â⬠Jared chuckles. ââ¬Å"Mel, you're only a few inches shorter than I am. Sleep comfortably, for once. Next time I'm out, I'll steal myself a cot or something.â⬠I don't like this, for lots of reasons. Will he be leaving soon? Will he take us with him when he goes? Does he see this room assignment as a permanent thing? He drops his arm around my shoulders and tucks me against his side. I scoot closer, though the heat of touching him has my heart aching again. ââ¬Å"Why the frown?â⬠he asks. ââ¬Å"When will youâ⬠¦ when will we have to leave again?â⬠He shrugs. ââ¬Å"We scavenged enough on our way up that we're set for a few months. I can do a few short raids if you want to stay in one place for a while. I'm sure you're tired of running.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes, I am,â⬠I agree. I take a deep breath to make me brave. ââ¬Å"But if you go, I go.â⬠He hugs me tighter. ââ¬Å"I'll admit, I prefer it that way. The thought of being separated from youâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He laughs quietly. ââ¬Å"Does it sound crazy to say that I'd rather die? Too melodramatic?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I know what you mean.â⬠He must feel the same way I do. Would he say these things if he thought of me as just another human, and not as a woman? I realize that this is the first time we've ever been really alone since the night we met-the first time there's been a door to close between a sleeping Jamie and the two of us. So many nights we've stayed awake, talking in whispers, telling all of our stories, the happy stories and the horror stories, always with Jamie's head cradled on my lap. It makes my breath come faster, that simple closed door. ââ¬Å"I don't think you need to find a cot, not yet.â⬠I feel his eyes on me, questioning, but I can't meet them. I'm embarrassed now, too late. The words are out. ââ¬Å"We'll stay here until the food is gone, don't worry. I've slept on worse things than this couch.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's not what I mean,â⬠I say, still looking down. ââ¬Å"You get the bed, Mel. I'm not budging on that.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's not what I mean, either.â⬠It's barely a whisper. ââ¬Å"I meant the couch is plenty big for Jamie. He won't outgrow it for a long time. I could share the bed withâ⬠¦ you.â⬠There is a pause. I want to look up, to read the expression on his face, but I'm too mortified. What if he is disgusted? How will I stand it? Will he make me go away? His warm, callused fingers tug my chin up. My heart throbs when our eyes meet. ââ¬Å"Mel, Iâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ His face, for once, has no smile. I try to look away, but he holds my chin so that my gaze can't escape his. Does he not feel the fire between his body and mine? Is that all me? How can it all be me? It feels like a flat sun trapped between us-pressed like a flower between the pages of a thick book, burning the paper. Does it feel like something else to him? Something bad? After a moment, his head turns; he's the one looking away now, still keeping his grip on my chin. His voice is quiet. ââ¬Å"You don't owe me that, Melanie. You don't owe me anything at all.â⬠It's hard for me to swallow. ââ¬Å"I'm not sayingâ⬠¦ I didn't mean that I felt obligated. Andâ⬠¦ you shouldn't, either. Forget I said anything.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not likely, Mel.â⬠He sighs, and I want to disappear. Give up-lose my mind to the invaders if that's what it takes to erase this huge blunder. Trade the future to blot out the last two minutes of the past. Anything. Jared takes a deep breath. He squints at the floor, his eyes and jaw tight. ââ¬Å"Mel, it doesn't have to be like that. Just because we're together, just because we're the last man and woman on Earthâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He struggles for words, something I don't think I've ever seen him do before. ââ¬Å"That doesn't mean you have to do anything you don't want to. I'm not the kind of man who would expectâ⬠¦ You don't have toâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He looks so upset, still frowning away, that I find myself speaking, though I know it's a mistake before I start. ââ¬Å"That's not what I mean,â⬠I mutter. ââ¬Å"Have to' is not what I'm talking about, and I don't think you're that kind of man.' No. Of course not. It's just that -ââ¬Å" Just that I love him. I grit my teeth together before I can humiliate myself more. I should bite my tongue off right now before it ruins anything else. ââ¬Å"Just thatâ⬠¦?â⬠he asks. I try to shake my head, but he's still holding my chin tight between his fingers. ââ¬Å"Mel?â⬠I yank free and shake my head fiercely. He leans closer to me, and his face is different suddenly. There's a new conflict I don't recognize in his expression, and even though I don't understand it completely, it erases the feeling of rejection that's making my eyes sting. ââ¬Å"Will you talk to me? Please?â⬠he murmurs. I can feel his breath on my cheek, and it's a few seconds before I can think at all. His eyes make me forget that I am mortified, that I wanted to never speak again. ââ¬Å"If I got to pick anyone, anyone at all, to be stranded on a deserted planet with, it would be you,â⬠I whisper. The sun between us burns hotter. ââ¬Å"I always want to be with you. And not justâ⬠¦ not just to talk to. When you touch meâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ I dare to let my fingers brush lightly along the warm skin of his arm, and it feels like the flames are flowing from their tips now. His arm tightens around me. Does he feel the fire? ââ¬Å"I don't want you to stop.â⬠I want to be more exact, but I can't find the words. That's fine. It's bad enough having admitted this much. ââ¬Å"If you don't feel the same way, I understand. Maybe it isn't the same for you. That's okay.â⬠Lies. ââ¬Å"Oh, Mel,â⬠he sighs in my ear, and pulls my face around to meet his. More flames in his lips, fiercer than the others, blistering. I don't know what I'm doing, but it doesn't seem to matter. His hands are in my hair, and my heart is about to combust. I can't breathe. I don't want to breathe. But his lips move to my ear, and he holds my face when I try to find them again. ââ¬Å"It was a miracle-more than a miracle-when I found you, Melanie. Right now, if I was given the choice between having the world back and having you, I wouldn't be able to give you up. Not to save five billion lives.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's wrong.â⬠ââ¬Å"Very wrong but very true.â⬠ââ¬Å"Jared,â⬠I breathe. I try to reach for his lips again. He pulls away, looking like he has something to say. What more can there be? ââ¬Å"Butâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"But?â⬠How can there be a but? What could possibly follow all this fire that starts with a but? ââ¬Å"But you're seventeen, Melanie. And I'm twenty-six.â⬠ââ¬Å"What's that got to do with anything?â⬠He doesn't answer. His hands stroke my arms slowly, painting them with fire. ââ¬Å"You've got to be kidding me.â⬠I lean back to search his face. ââ¬Å"You're going to worry about conventions when we're past the end of the world?â⬠He swallows loudly before he speaks. ââ¬Å"Most conventions exist for a reason, Mel. I would feel like a bad person, like I was taking advantage. You're very young.â⬠ââ¬Å"No one's young anymore. Anyone who's survived this long is ancient.â⬠There's a smile pulling up one corner of his mouth. ââ¬Å"Maybe you're right. But this isn't something we need to rush.â⬠ââ¬Å"What is there to wait for?â⬠I demand. He hesitates for a long moment, thinking. ââ¬Å"Well, for one thing, there are someâ⬠¦ practical matters to consider.â⬠I wonder if he is just searching for a distraction, trying to stall. That's what it feels like. I raise one eyebrow. I can't believe the turn this conversation has taken. If he really does want me, this is senseless. ââ¬Å"See,â⬠he explains, hesitating. Under the deep golden tan of his skin, it looks like he might be blushing. ââ¬Å"When I was stocking this place, I wasn't much planning forâ⬠¦ guests. What I mean isâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ The rest comes out in a rush. ââ¬Å"Birth control was pretty much the last thing on my mind.â⬠I feel my forehead crease. ââ¬Å"Oh.â⬠The smile is gone from his face, and for one short second there is a flash of anger I've never seen there before. It makes him look dangerous in a way I hadn't imagined he could. ââ¬Å"This isn't the kind of world I'd want to bring a child into.â⬠The words sink in, and I cringe at the thought of a tiny, innocent baby opening his eyes to this place. It's bad enough to watch Jamie's eyes, to know what this life will bring him, even in the best possible circumstances. Jared is suddenly Jared again. The skin around his eyes crinkles. ââ¬Å"Besides, we've got plenty of time toâ⬠¦ think about this.â⬠Stalling again, I suspect. ââ¬Å"Do you realize how very, very little time we've been together so far? It's been just four weeks since we found each other.â⬠This floors me. ââ¬Å"That can't be.â⬠ââ¬Å"Twenty-nine days. I'm counting.â⬠I think back. It's not possible that it has been only twenty-nine days since Jared changed our lives. It seems like Jamie and I have been with Jared every bit as long as we were alone. Two or three years, maybe. ââ¬Å"We've got time,â⬠Jared says again. An abrupt panic, like a warning premonition, makes it impossible for me to speak for a long moment. He watches the change on my face with worried eyes. ââ¬Å"You don't know that.â⬠The despair that softened when he found me strikes like the lash of a whip. ââ¬Å"You can't know how much time we'll have. You don't know if we should be counting in months or days or hours.â⬠He laughs a warm laugh, touching his lips to the tense place where my eyebrows pull together. ââ¬Å"Don't worry, Mel. Miracles don't work that way. I'll never lose you. I'll never let you get away from me.â⬠She brought me back to the present-to the thin ribbon of the highway winding through the Arizona wasteland, baking under the fierce noon sun-without my choosing to return. I stared at the empty place ahead and felt the empty place inside. Her thought sighed faintly in my head: You never know how much time you'll have. The tears I was crying belonged to both of us.
Friday, November 8, 2019
Theoretical Yield Example Problem - Chemistry Homework
Theoretical Yield Example Problem - Chemistry Homework This example problem demonstrates how to predict the amount of product produced from a given amount of reactants. Problem Given the reactionNa2S(aq) 2 AgNO3(aq) ââ â Ag2S(s) 2 NaNO3(aq)How many grams of Ag2S will form when 3.94 g of AgNO3 and an excess of Na2S are reacted together? Solution The key to solve this type of problem is to find the mole ratio between the product and the reactant.Step 1 - Find the atomic weight of AgNO3 and Ag2S.From the periodic table:Atomic weight of Ag 107.87 gAtomic weight of N 14 gAtomic weight of O 16 gAtomic weight of S 32.01 gAtomic weight of AgNO3 (107.87 g) (14.01 g) 3(16.00 g)Atomic weight of AgNO3 107.87 g 14.01 g 48.00 gAtomic weight of AgNO3 169.88 gAtomic weight of Ag2S 2(107.87 g) 32.01 gAtomic weight of Ag2S 215.74 g 32.01 gAtomic weight of Ag2S 247.75 gStep 2 - Find mole ratio between product and reactantThe reaction formula gives the whole number of moles needed to complete and balance the reaction. For this reaction, two moles of AgNO3 is needed to produce one mole of Ag2S.The mole ratio then is 1 mol Ag2S/2 mol AgNO3Step 3 Find amount of product produced.The excess of Na2S means all of the 3.94 g of AgNO3 will be used to complete the reaction.grams Ag2S 3.94 g AgNO3 x 1 mol AgNO3/169.88 g AgNO3 x 1 mol Ag2 S/2 mol AgNO3 x 247.75 g Ag2S/1 mol Ag2SNote the units cancel out, leaving only grams Ag2Sgrams Ag2S 2.87 g Ag2S Answer 2.87 g of Ag2S will be produced from 3.94 g of AgNO3.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Who To Follow essays
Who To Follow essays In today's world society is filled with more violence, hate and crime. The confusion of what is right and wrong can be inflicted onto a child's set of morals. When a child has someone older to look up to he/she is able to take in and learn positive values from a responsible role model. The child can be properly informed on decisions they should make in there life. A good role model holds a high importance in a child's growing times so that they can learn the difference between good and bad and begin to practice a While growing up, a child may be around good people, but that do things that they shouldn't do. A child who has been raised by smokers may have a better chance of starting to smoke then one that has been always taught the harm of it. But with the exposure of a positive influence, there is still hope that the child can learn better, such that smoking is bad and that they won't start. He/she can learn through their mentor postive ideas giving them a higher self-esteem, confidence, and goals to work for when they are older. Also by beginning to lead a healthy lifestyle, they are more likely to set a good example for children later on in their life. Surviving in the home and learning a healthy family life style is more difficult now then before. In many homes both parents work and the time they have now to spend with their children is limited. Before when women used to stay at home, they were able to teach their children the cultural view's and religon that particular family followed. Children now don't learn manners that their grandparents may have learned and Ms. Manner, an author of an article in the paper, would be dissapointed in today's kids manners. If the role model happens to be a celebrity often the child wishes to ...
Monday, November 4, 2019
How have media technologies changed our experience of space, and how Essay
How have media technologies changed our experience of space, and how have these changes been represented - Essay Example Inasmuch as pre-modern art was based on fetish techniques adopted by individual artists, messages contained in each artistic medium did not contradict standards of rationality. Rutsky (1999) mentioned that contents of traditional media represented perennial happiness and perceptive inclination of both artists and audiences. Those perceptive inclinations constrict individuals to adopt a uniform rationality of ideas contained in media channels. However, contemporary media possess substantial difference from its traditional versions. Today, incorporation of technology in media has significantly changed the audiencesââ¬â¢ perception of space and time. Media technologies today are constantly evolving. Consequently, contents of media continue affecting audiencesââ¬â¢ lives in a complex manner. The media environment together with its representation of space and time causes a substantial impact on social, economic and political aspects of human life. Increasing dynamics within the mediaââ¬â¢s virtual environment presents temporary ramifications of time and space orientation. According to Frederick and Mast (2007), current contents of digital media throws consumers into a strange environment of ordered and linear coordinates of space and time scales. As acknowledged earlier, traditional media demonstrated uniformity and objectivity in terms of content representation. However, digital media today represents concepts by immersing then into inconceivable spatial dimensions. This creates a situation where consumers are in constant quest for the difference between real and virtual representation of life aspects. Rutsky (1999) added t hat spatial dimensions in digital media take consumers into environments with contents that cannot be comprehended through simple sensory perceptions. Meaning of digital contents does not result from immediate experience. Rather, understanding them requires mediation between concepts of rationalism and instrumentalism. In order to understand
Friday, November 1, 2019
Human resource development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Human resource development - Essay Example Next, it will be presumed the possible effectiveness and ineffectiveness of E-HRM and finally, the details of appropriateness and inappropriateness of practical E-HRM will be stated. Reul et al. (2004) presume that the essence of E-HRM technology lies with the implementation of E-HRM technology in accordance with the requirements of the organizationââ¬â¢s HR business. The purpose of E-HRM can be defined from three perspectives like operational E-HRM, relational E-HRM and transformational E-HRM. Operational E-HRM more specifically relates to functional administrations. In this genre, E-HRM is generally used to do stuff like payrolls which are personal data of employees. For example, today many Australian companies implement Affinity Payroll System, which is convenient for most complicated pay conditions and assimilates wizards and workflow to eliminate manual input. It ensures accuracy and saves time thus helping Australian companies to achieve controllable targets. It also decreases related stress, paperwork and rework. Besides, E-HRM technology supports the relational HRM work like performance, appraisal, recruitment and training. Australian Human Resource I nstitute extensively utilizes e-training and e-learning foundations to prepare employees for maximum business activities. Instead of the regular functioning of human resource department, intranet can be used to implement training and skill learning techniques. Meanwhile, transformational E-HRM strategically manages the transactional activities of HR. With proper development of E-HRM technology, it can be used as a platform to bring about transformational change to enhance the operational functions of HR in business transactions (Foster, 2009). In the future, E-tech can improve HR decision support and distributions transactions of a new business transaction program of Qantas to attain the planned growth and maintain sustainability and
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Marketing Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 3
Marketing Communication - Essay Example The hyphen was later removed. Their first office was located in Albuquerque(History of Microsoft ). The turning point for Microsoft came when it introduced its Graphical User Interface (GUI) based operating system. The first version of its GUI based operating system, namely Windows 1.0, was launched in 20th November, 1985. From there onward, Microsoft continuously improved its operating system, adding new capabilities and functions, the latest being Windows 7. It also started its web based services later. The Net Income of Microsoft was $14.57B as of June 30, 2009. It employees about 91,005 people, among which 75.4% are male and 24.6% are female. An astonishing number of 36,875 employees work in Sales & Marketing Support Group (Microsoft.com). Gates considers ââ¬Å"innovationâ⬠as the main factor of their success. He thinks their decision of creating a software industry around the personal computer was the most innovative thing(Corcoran, 2008). There is always a reason for the establishment of an organization. These reasons are expressed through vision and mission statements. A company may have a clear purpose or mission initially, but as it grows, its mission may become unclear as the organization adds new products or markets in its portfolio(Philip & Gary, 2003). Same happened with Microsoft. Initially, Microsoft was only a software provider, so it had a simple mission statement of: Microsoft initially had a product oriented Mission Statement. A product or technology oriented mission statement do not last forever because they become obsolete. On the other hand, market oriented mission statement lasts for ever because it considers the basic market needs (Philip & Gary, 2003). Microsoftââ¬â¢s current mission statement includes most of the qualities of a good mission statement such as it is market oriented, realistic, achievable, inspirational and motivational; and it fits the market environment. Microsoft is
Monday, October 28, 2019
Sigmund Freud Essay Example for Free
Sigmund Freud Essay In a comparison of comedy and tragedy, I will begin by looking at narrative. The narration in a comedy often involves union and togetherness as we see in the marriage scene at the end of Midsummers Night Dream. William Hazlitt tells us that one can also expect incongruities, misunderstandings, and contradictions. I am reminded of the play The Importance of Being Ernest and the humor by way of mistaken identity. Sigmund Freud tells us to expect excess and exaggeration in comedy. Chekhovs Marriage Proposal displays this excess both in language and in movements. Charles Darwin insists that in a comedy circumstances must not be of a momentous nature; whereas, Northop Frye identifies comedy as having a happy ending and using repetition that goes nowhere. On the other hand, narration in tragedy often goes from high to low. Oedipus is a clear example of this. At the beginning he is in a high position and held in high esteem by the people. By the end he has fallen to the depths of despair. Aristotle tells us that plot is jsfdkrjnhfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff- ffffffffffffffffff In a comparison of comedy and tragedy, I will begin by looking at narrative. The narration in a comedy often involves union and togetherness as we see in the marriage scene at the end of Midsummers Night Dream. William Hazlitt tells us that one can also expect incongruities, misunderstandings, and contradictions. I am reminded of the play The Importance of Being Ernest and the humor by way of mistaken identity. Sigmund Freud tells us to expect excess and exaggeration in comedy. Chekhovs Marriage Proposal displays this excess both in language and in movements. Charles Darwin insists that in a comedy circumstances must not be of a momentous nature; whereas, Northop Frye identifies comedy as having a happy ending and using repetition that goes nowhere. On the other hand, narration in tragedy often goes from high to low. Oedipus is a clear example of this. At the beginning he is in a high position and held in high esteem by the people. By the end he has fallen to the depths of despair. Aristotle tells us that plot is In a comparison of comedy and tragedy, I will begin by looking at narrative. The narration in a comedy often involves union and togetherness as we see in the marriage scene at the end of Midsummers Night Dream. William Hazlitt tells us that one can also expect incongruities, misunderstandings, and contradictions. I am reminded of the play The Importance of Being Ernest and the humor by way of mistaken identity. Sigmund Freud tells us to expect excess and exaggeration in comedy. Chekhovs Marriage Proposal displays this excess both in language and in movements. Charles Darwin insists that in a comedy circumstances must not be of a momentous nature; whereas, Northop Frye identifies comedy as having a happy ending and using repetition that goes nowhere. On the other hand, narration in tragedy often goes from high to low. Oedipus is a clear example of this. At the beginning he is in a high position and held in high esteem by the people. By the end he has fallen to the depths of despair. Aristotle tells us that plot is In a comparison of comedy and tragedy, I will begin by looking at narrative. The narration in a comedy often involves union and togetherness as we see in the marriage scene at the end of Midsummers Night Dream. William Hazlitt tells us that one can also expect incongruities, misunderstandings, and contradictions. I am reminded of the play The Importance of Being Ernest and the humor by way of mistaken identity. Sigmund Freud tells us to expect excess and exaggeration in comedy. Chekhovs Marriage Proposal displays this excess both in language and in movements. Charles Darwin insists that in a comedy circumstances must not be of a momentous nature; whereas, Northop Frye identifies comedy as having a happy ending and using repetition that goes nowhere. On the other hand, narration in tragedy often goes from high to low. Oedipus is a clear example of this. At the beginning he is in a high position and held in high esteem by the people. By the end he has fallen to the depths of despair. Aristotle tells us that plot is In a comparison of comedy and tragedy, I will begin by looking at narrative. The narration in a comedy often involves union and togetherness as we see in the marriage scene at the end of Midsummers Night Dream. William Hazlitt tells us that one can also expect incongruities, misunderstandings, and contradictions. I am reminded of the play The Importance of Being Ernest and the humor by way of mistaken identity. Sigmund Freud tells us to expect excess and exaggeration in comedy. Chekhovs Marriage Proposal displays this excess both in language and in movements. Charles Darwin insists that in a comedy circumstances must not be of a momentous nature; whereas, Northop Frye identifies comedy as having a happy ending and using repetition that goes nowhere. On the other hand, narration in tragedy often goes from high to low. Oedipus is a clear example of this. At the beginning he is in a high position and held in high esteem by the people. By the end he has fallen to the depths of despair. Aristotle tells us that plot is
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Importance of Setting in Eveline of James Joyces Dubliners :: Dubliners Essays
Eveline: The Importance of Setting Setting is one of the most significant elements in a story. The setting goes far beyond the simple physical attributes and external face value. It seems "Eveline" solely takes place in Dublin in an old room, but the setting actually plays a key role in the story. The setting in "Eveline" helps the reader to better understand the behavior of the main character. The setting in "Eveline" is paralyzing, and this helps the reader to understand why Eveline does not go with Frank to Buenos Aires. In the majority of the story Eveline "sat at the window," (512) which parallels with her paralysis because she does not move. Eveline "was going to go away like the others" (512) because she was one of the only people left in Dublin from her childhood. However, Eveline doesn't go since she is trapped in her setting. Almost nothing in Eveline's setting ever changes throughout her life. The significance of Eveline looking around the room "reviewing all its familiar objects" (512) is that she "never dreamed of being divided" from them. All around her Eveline "had those she had know all her life about her" (512). Eveline is a product of her environment. The reader can see how the setting never changes, Eveline's life molds to it. This explains the reason for her not going away and starting a much happier life. It is extremely hard for her to make the decision of whether or not to go with Frank because she only knows one way. Eveline understands that she has "a hard life,"(513) and she has the chance to go to a place where "it would not be like that" (513). However, it scares Eveline to change her setting. After thinking about leaving she did not find her present setting as "wholly undesirable" (513) as she previously did. The latter part of "Eveline" is set by the sea. This sea is a symbol of rejuvenation for Eveline. Much like in "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, the sea is a way to escape life. "All the seas of the world tumble around her heart," (515) and Eveline is unable to flee from her life to go away with Frank. Eveline's mind has been subconsciencly designed by her environment, and she can't imagine living life any other way. Eveline is so confused and doesn't know what is holding her back, but something is.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Comparing William Wordsworths Composed Upon Westminster Bridge and Wil
Compare and Contrast William Wordsworth's Composed Upon Westminster Bridge and William Blake's London William Wordsworth and William Blake wrote poems about London, but they presented their views from different angles. Wordsworth sees the beauty in London and Blake sees only the ugliness. William Wordsworth's "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge" gives a step-by-step look at the awe-inspiring beauty of a London sunrise, whereas William Blake's "London" shows the dreary ugliness of London life by taking a stroll down London's streets. "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge" affects the reader with a sense of wonderment at the beauty that is created with a sunrise. London appears to be the most beautiful place on earth during a sunrise. The sun bathes the city in light and gives the reader a sense of purity and cleanliness. "London" affects the reader with an opposite feeling. The reader sees the unsavory side of London in the faces of its citizens. The citizens of London are unhappy with their lives, but they accept it with resignation. It is appalling how the Church uses the small chimney-sweeping children to clean the soot of London and the poor become soldiers that die for the monarchy. The purity and cleanliness of London is lost when young women become prostitutes. The death that falls upon a marriage is often transmitted through the diseases a prostitute passes on. A sense of anger is felt at a life that allows such sadness and darkness to fall upon the citizens of London. Wordsworth and Blake use different techniques in their poems to present their views. Wordsworth uses personification to bring the beauty of the sunrise to life. London takes on human traits with "This city now doth, like a garment, wear! The beauty of... ...y emphasizing the dreary bondage of the London citizens in "London." Wordsworth's use of imagery and rhythm places the reader in a calm and peaceful situation. Blake's use of imagery and rhythm places the reader in an angry tension filled situation. Wordsworth's readers have the wonders of a sunrise unfold before them and beauty is seen everywhere. Blake's readers become angry at the ugliness and unfairness of life and bondage and resignation are seen everywhere. Both authors achieved their tasks admirably. Works Cited Blake, William. "London." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Ed. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 7th ed. New York: Longman, 1999. 729. Wordsworth, William. "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Ed. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 7th ed. New York: Longman, 1999. 1157.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Barth vs. Brunner and Natural Theology
The concept of natural theology pertains to the belief that natural gifts are provided from conception and installed mainly on human mind. Furthermore, it states that the revelations are provided on the general prospect of humans, and not merely on special individuals. In this theory, revelations are said to be revealed not only from the Scriptural basis or even from Jesus Christ .As for the theoryââ¬â¢s concern, the scholastic tradition of natural theology had provided their simple explanation why the Scripture and Jesus Christ received some sort of special revelation . According to natural theologians, the rationale for the provision of such special revelation is nothing more than an unexplainable event or beyond human reason . As far as the history of theology is concerned, one of the most highlighted debates comes from Karl Barth and Emil Brunner, dating from 1914 .From the concepts and theological principles introduced by Barth and Brunner comes the great and prolonged theolo gical debate, forthcoming from the quarters of ââ¬Å"dialectical theologyâ⬠, particularly from Barthââ¬â¢s radical rejection of the notions of General Revelation and Natural Religion or Natural Theology, including the ââ¬Å"point of contactâ⬠and the rest. By far, this argument has been known as the Barth-Brunner conflict . Due to the strong influence and very much detailed argument brought by Barth, the conflict between the two theologians has greatly affected the stand point of todayââ¬â¢s theology.This controversy has dominated the theological discussion of to-day, and has affected literally every problem . In this study, the primary discussion revolves in covering the issues brought by the debates of Barth and Brunner, and the theological concepts embedded in their proposed principles. From the point of view of the study, the first thing to discuss is the concept of natural theology in order to determine the rationale for its rejection. Next, the study centers on the conflicting theologian, Karl Barth and Emil Brunner.Lastly, the study provides the analysis of their argument to explore the primary stand points from both theological perspectives. Discussion The Concept of Natural Theology In general, the Reformers were less enthusiastic about natural theology, in part because they rejected much of the scholastic tradition, in part because it tended to render special revelation, and particularly Scripture, less necessary, and in part because it granted fallen human beings powers of correct reasoning that the Reformers themselves saw as corrupted by sin .According to the traditional scholastic movement, the concept of natural theology only provides its significance by illustrating human sin and their never-ending need to survive ââ¬â more like an instinctive theological description ââ¬â however, with little standing ground in justifying how these humanistic needs pursue . It is not the place here to enter into the historical, psychol ogical and theological reasons for the development of this great controversy. The historical reason is the adamant opposition that had to be shown to Nazi ideology and the wrong and dangerous theology of the German Christians.Barth rendered here an immeasurable service to sound theology and the cause of the Church as a whole . A form of natural theology that is worth defending takes its cue from core theological interpretations of the nature of God and the world. The concept of natural theology comprises of three theoretical perspectives that are derived mainly on nature that correlates with the divinity of God. The word ââ¬Ënaturalââ¬â¢ in the expression ââ¬Ënatural theologyââ¬â¢ is meant to mark a contrast between nature and revelation.The concept of Natural theology does not imply natural in the perspective of being a non-complex and unsophisticated belief, but rather, the natural theology is the product of a fairly sophisticated state of western theism and would have been foreign to many great religious thinkers before the Middle Ages. The concept of natural theology was realized during the era wherein theologians tried to logically obtain the answers to divine existence while at the stage of reflecting their religion.At this point of Middle Age, theologians obtain the elements that have been established already beforehand, and those that can provide unaided rationale for those parts that they believed to be unnatural. Hence, they coined and develop the natural theology, which somehow contradicts the existence of natural activities through single-handed or chose ones. As for the theory, it mainly exemplifies that everyone is chosen in their own account of being an image created after God . The concept of natural theology allied with Nazism most especially during the time of Jews massive discrimination.Significantly, the natural theology, even from the early times, pointed its fingers to chosen individuals, such as the Jews, wherein the theology contradicts the fact that these people are chose. The possibility of natural theology has been denied by some theologians and by some philosophers. The theological arguments against natural theology are mostly concerned with the relationship between reason and faith: they urge the uselessness of reason as a means to salvation and of philosophical speculation as a step on the road to heaven .One of the essential criticism that served as ground basis for the concept of natural theology is the fact that these principles are essentially from the philosophical perspectives, which in the end obtained vast arguments and criticisms against natural theology itself. In particular, the theologians of Natural perspective drew heavily on natural philosophy to show how the hand of the Creator could be discerned in the Book of Nature as well as the Book of Scriptures.By contrast, those still wedded to a more traditional order in Church and State tended to be wary of natural theology and the forms of natural philosophy interlinked with it as obscurities from a theology based on Divine revelation . On the other hand, the significance of Natural theology is its ability to provide an analysis of the human situation and the question of God implied in it. One side of the traditional arguments for the existence of God usually does this, in so far as they elucidate the dependent, transitory, and relational nature of finite human existence.But, in developing the other side of these arguments, natural theology tried to derive theological affirmations from the analysis of manââ¬â¢s finitude . The natural theology concentrates mainly on the natural imagery of men as earthly beings being linked to Godââ¬â¢s image. As for the theory, it mentions that every human being possesses the right to obtain revelation from God for everyone is from the same image, which is God. Somehow, these two rationales are deemed as the primary arguments that render the argument of the Natural theology.F irst, natural theology should not claim to operate with an account of pure, objective, ahistorical reason . For manââ¬â¢s reasoning cannot be considered absolutely pure from intention for man by his own nature is deprived from complete purity; hence, contradicts the statement of natural theology itself. Second, natural theology should not offer a philosophical metaphysics as a way of mediating between faith and the world . From these concepts, the argument against natural theology settles in. Different theologians, most significantly Karl Barth realizes the wrong ideations brought by the theology.From the perspective of Thomas Aquinas (1225ââ¬â1274), he claimed that there are certain truths that are attainable by the powers of ââ¬Å"reason properly applied, and others that are beyond the reach of reason, and are known only through revelationâ⬠. From Aquinasââ¬â¢ theology, the concept attaining revelation and reason conjoins to further discover the truth and absolute reasoning . The concept of nature in the doctrines of theology can be misleading and contradictory for its very meaning can be a profound statement of obscurity, which can also contribute to the eclipse of Godââ¬â¢s imagery .As for the theory of Natural origination, it is a major concept where philosophy of religion interrelates theological aspects. Philosophies of religion scrutinizes what the sheer existence of the universe entails what it forces us to conclude, and likewise what its order entails. Protestantism is usually against the concept of natural theology for they claim that God, whose existence is demonstrated, is not the Christian God. For Protestants, God Himself should not concern in Himself in providing His existence for He in fact exist above all.Whether natural theology is to be dismissed and why is a major area of investigation in Christian theology. Roman Catholic somehow defended the concept of natural theology for they believe that there are essential differen ces between what we can know of God by means of natural theology and what we know of God by revelation. Currently, natural theology tends to act and to be used as a tool that metaphorically provides clergy and students some rigorous proof to demonstrate Godââ¬â¢s existence .Emil Brunner In 1914, Brunner published a work entitled Nature and Grace wherein his main argument coincides mainly on the generational theologyââ¬â¢s task of reverting back to the concept of natural theology . Brunner, being one of the main characters of natural theological concept, obtained his idea of natural theology from the concept of imago Del or in translation would mean, ââ¬Å"Image of Godâ⬠. Human nature is constituted in such a way that there is an analog with the being of God .Considering the sinful nature of human beings as installed already in their instinctive characteristic, Brunner stated that the ability of human beings to discern the presence of God is still there by the concept or reasoning that God remains in the natural environment. Within the context of human beings as sinners, still their innate nature are capable of recognizing the presence of God and are still aware of their guilt before God. All these linkage are brought by the concept of natural stand present in man from the time of his creation and image pattern.Hence, as Brunner concluded, this linkage brings forth revelation to every man with no special disposition present, such as sinner or holy, rich or poor, or any other means. Brunner significantly pointed out that God can manifest His revelation to anyone with no consideration on human characteristic since human beings are all created out of his natural image . As per Brunnerââ¬â¢s defense on natural theology, greatly point out the significance of the doctrine of the incarnation to revelation: in Christ may be seen the personal self-disclosure of God .From Brunnerââ¬â¢s ground basis, it is the story of creation that serves as the fore gr ound of this theological belief. He reasoned that there are considerably three rationales that offer support for the theory of Natural theology namely, human reason, and order of the world and beauty of the world . In the argument of Human Reason, considering that Godââ¬â¢s existence can be found in His creation, and then it is acceptable to use the idea that God can be most likely found in the highest peak of His creation, which is human reason .The next argument Brunner introduced is the ordering of the world, wherein the prime philosopher concerned is Thomas Aquinas. Considering that the natural pattern in the environment is unquestionably and extremely organized, this phenomena been emphasized to be from God . Brunner did no go as far in denouncing the philosophical approach to God. Nevertheless, Brunner stated that the attempt to derive knowledge of God from creation, which is the theology of natural religion, is ultimately not being helpful in theological doctrine.He even a dmitted that the knowledge of the Creator forms as a component of our existence. However, Brunner concluded that this knowledge component placed to human beings as Godââ¬â¢s creation does not follow that human beings know God completely, since such philosophical intelligence does not end in communion with God . Brunnerââ¬â¢s theology has been linked very much within an existentialist, dialectical framework and focused mainly on the uniqueness of existential, personal understanding. He even continued with basically anthropological starting point.Lastly, the concept of beauty present in the world has also been emphasized as an argumentative statement in Brunnerââ¬â¢s ideologies. According to these theologians, the presence of beauty in surrounding world is the primary depiction of Godââ¬â¢s existence through the natureââ¬â¢s beauty . Another focus entailed by Brunner in his beliefs is in faith of having personal encounter between the one who hears the Word, believer, or human being per say, and the God who speaks and draws near in grace, as distinct from an acceptance of abstract propositions of belief.Christianity thus sets forth ââ¬Å"truth as encounterâ⬠, Brunnerââ¬â¢s primary effect and influence thus far had come through his writings of ââ¬Å"The Mediator and The Divine Imperativeâ⬠and in Brunner Oldham perceived the chances and events for creating an innovative and urgently required dialogue between evangelical theology and the contemporary human sciences ââ¬â vital if the churches were to address seriously the current world context . Enveloped in Brunnerââ¬â¢s appeal to nature is an idea, which can be traced back to Luther, known as ââ¬Å"the orders of creation. â⬠The generation Nineteenth-century German Liberal Protestantism had utilized this perspective as their basis, and further developed a theology, which permitted the German culture, including a positive assessment of the state, to become of primary signif icance theologically . Brunner had used this idea of the ââ¬Å"point of contactâ⬠back in 1927, and it is integral to his understanding of human nature. For Brunner, human nature is constituted in such a way that there is a ready made point of contract for divine revelation. Revelation thus addresses itself to a human nature, which already has sonic Idea of what that revelation is about.For example, take the gospel demand to ââ¬Å"repent of sin,â⬠Brunner argues that this makes little sense, unless human beings already have some idea of what ââ¬Å"sinâ⬠is. Karl Barth: Analysis of the Argument During the twentieth century, Karl Barth (1886ââ¬â1968) initiated the so called spiritual argument or attack in the theoretical concept of natural theology. For this reason, the theologian ties between him and another leading ââ¬Ëneo-orthodox theologian, Emil Brunner (1889ââ¬â1966) broke due Barthââ¬â¢s attack on Brunnerââ¬â¢s theological concepts .Such actio n is very much important for Barthââ¬â¢s perspective in that it shows the importance of natural theologyââ¬â¢s attempt to further provide an illustration of Christianityââ¬â¢s attaining its peak on German civilization; hence, the sole purpose of Barth is to negate the ally status of natural theology to the concept of Nazism . Barthââ¬â¢s criticism is that it goes beyond any rejection of natural theology that is based on claims that it is invalid, unpersuasive, or unnecessary .From Barthââ¬â¢s argument, he exemplified that God has indeed revealed His identity to human beings; hence, it should be natural for humans to be convinced on Godââ¬â¢s existence. It is already insignificant to have Godââ¬â¢s existence justified in other forms for He already chosen to be revealed in the form of His triune son, which is Jesus Christ . A natural theology that proceeds from a different starting point must inevitably compromise and distract in relation to the primary theologica l task.Even worse, it may threaten to subvert the true nature of the faith by the introduction of foreign and ethically dangerous materials . Barthââ¬â¢s last consideration to reject the principles of natural education lies with the fact that such form of theology is a potential ally to compensate the needs of German ideations against Jews and other racial backgrounds. By far, the theoretical principle of Natural theology hinders the acknowledgement of Jesus Christ. From the perspective of Barthââ¬â¢s argument, natural theology is a human attempt to initiation subversions for humanââ¬â¢s necessity for revelation.The theology, by its very purpose and significance, attempts to learn more about God in a manner and under conditions specified by humansââ¬â¢ ways and not by God Himself . In Barthââ¬â¢s view, the concept of natural theology is very much compromised in historical, philosophical and theological significances. The great Scottish theologian Hugh Ross Mackintosh once summarized the questions centering on revelation as follows: ââ¬Å" religious knowledge of God, wherever existing, comes by revelation; otherwise we should be committed to the incredible position that a man can know God without Has willing to be known .â⬠The main idea embedded in Barthââ¬â¢s desire to counter the theology of natural perspective is for the purpose of safeguarding the integrity present in divine revelation against human attempts to Construct their own notions of God. As for Barthââ¬â¢s perspective, he argues that revelations from God do not simply occur to anyone, unless God chose to. It is neither inborn nor chosen to be possessed by me, but it is Godââ¬â¢s choice to reveal Himself to an individual. Revelation, indeed, is out of humanââ¬â¢s power but solely rely to Godââ¬â¢s preference.Although deeply distrustful of all apologetic instincts, Barth appears to make a minor but important concession in his discussion of natural theology. In its proclamation of Godââ¬â¢s self-revelation, the Bible does not ignore the details of the cosmos or the physical world as these are known from empirical observation and human experience. In their own way, they attest the divine truth . However, this event does not simply occur or free for man to manipulate. It is not a separate line of enquiry that can simply alter or displace human perspectives from the original faith .On the contrary, its function in Scripture is to incorporate within a single framework all that attaches to human existence in the cosmos. The argument of Barth provides an extended and systematic criticism of natural theology. The main conflict thrown by his argument argues that such theology, ââ¬Å"which comes to humanity from natureâ⬠, expresses the humanityââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"self-preservation and self-affirmationâ⬠in the face of God . Barth views the concept of natural theology as a safeguarding perspective to cover human beingââ¬â¢s longing to jus tify self against God and for the provision of independent intellectualities.His conflicting idealism against this theology rests on his fundamental belief that it undermines the necessity and uniqueness of Godââ¬â¢s self-revelation. From the logical statement introduced by Barthââ¬â¢s argument, if knowledge of God can be achieved independently of Godââ¬â¢s self-revelation in Christ, then it follows that humanity can dictate the place, time and means of its knowledge of God . The perspective of Barth against natural theology institutes a close relationship between the theology itself and the subject of human independence against religion and divine supervision.Considering Barthââ¬â¢s familiarity in the concept of natural theology, he confirms and expresses the human desire to find God on our own terms . The central concept on Barthââ¬â¢s argument had been scrutinized by the religious community; hence, considering his argument against natural theology. However, other t heologians have been having this assumption of Barthââ¬â¢s initiating a scientific theology despite of his overcorrection of the Reformed theological position, and that an informed recovery of an older position is overdue.A scientific theology offers such reappropriation and the second of these merits dose attention . It is a simple fact of historical theology chat the Reformed theological tradition has not, on the whole, opposed natural theology. Conclusion The argument of Barth and Brunner with the subject of natural theology has been present from and long influenced the condition of catholic beliefs and perception against the occurrence of Godââ¬â¢s existence and the value of human self-justification and intellectual identity.The natural theology mainly states that the existence of God is in the physical form of nature itself, considering its organization, beauty and manââ¬â¢s intelligence, which are derived from Godââ¬â¢s imagery. However, Barth refuted this theology and stated that Godââ¬â¢s existence is in the form of Jesus Christ. He contradicts the theology due to its self-justification, and tendency to form ally with Nazism. Bibliography Allen, D. and Springstein, E. O. Philosophy for Understanding Theology (Westminster John Knox Press, 2007) p. 19 Clements, K.Faith on the Frontier: A Life of J. H. Oldham (Continuum International Publishing Group, 1999) p. 272 Gonzales, J. L. Essential Theological Terms (Westminster John Knox Press, 2005) p. 118 Grenz, J. Theology for the Community of God (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2000) p. 50 Huyssteen, W. V. and Shults, F. L. The Evolution of Rationality (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2006) p. 392 Kenny, P. and Kenny, A. . The God of the Philosophers (Oxford University Press, 1979) p. 2 Kraemer H, Religion and the Christian Faith (James Clarke & Co., 2003) p. 356 McGrath, A. E. An Introduction to Christianity (Blackwell Publishing, 1997) p. 162 McGrath, A. E. Christian Theology: An Introduction (Black well Publishing, 2006) 170 McGrath, A. E. The Science of God: An Introduction to Scientific Theology (Eerdmans Publishing, 2004) p. 84 Porter, et. al. R. The Cambridge History of Science (Cambridge University Press, 2003) p. 270 Scott, P. A Political Theology of Nature (Cambridge University Press, 2003) p. 40 Tilich, P. Systematic Theology (University of Chicago Press, 1963) p. 14 Barth vs. Brunner and Natural Theology IntroductionThe concept of natural theology pertains to the belief that natural gifts are provided from conception and installed mainly on human mind. Furthermore, it states that the revelations are provided on the general prospect of humans, and not merely on special individuals. In this theory, revelations are said to be revealed not only from the Scriptural basis or even from Jesus Christ .As for the theoryââ¬â¢s concern, the scholastic tradition of natural theology had provided their simple explanation why the Scripture and Jesus Christ received some sort of special revelation . According to natural theologians, the rationale for the provision of such special revelation is nothing more than an unexplainable event or beyond human reason . As far as the history of theology is concerned, one of the most highlighted debates comes from Karl Barth and Emil Brunner, dating from 1914 .From the concepts and theological principles introduced by Barth and Brunner comes the great and prol onged theological debate, forthcoming from the quarters of ââ¬Å"dialectical theologyâ⬠, particularly from Barthââ¬â¢s radical rejection of the notions of General Revelation and Natural Religion or Natural Theology, including the ââ¬Å"point of contactâ⬠and the rest. By far, this argument has been known as the Barth-Brunner conflict . Due to the strong influence and very much detailed argument brought by Barth, the conflict between the two theologians has greatly affected the stand point of todayââ¬â¢s theology.This controversy has dominated the theological discussion of to-day, and has affected literally every problem . In this study, the primary discussion revolves in covering the issues brought by the debates of Barth and Brunner, and the theological concepts embedded in their proposed principles. From the point of view of the study, the first thing to discuss is the concept of natural theology in order to determine the rationale for its rejection. Next, the st udy centers on the conflicting theologian, Karl Barth and Emil Brunner.Lastly, the study provides the analysis of their argument to explore the primary stand points from both theological perspectives. Discussion The Concept of Natural Theology In general, the Reformers were less enthusiastic about natural theology, in part because they rejected much of the scholastic tradition, in part because it tended to render special revelation, and particularly Scripture, less necessary, and in part because it granted fallen human beings powers of correct reasoning that the Reformers themselves saw as corrupted by sin .According to the traditional scholastic movement, the concept of natural theology only provides its significance by illustrating human sin and their never-ending need to survive ââ¬â more like an instinctive theological description ââ¬â however, with little standing ground in justifying how these humanistic needs pursue . It is not the place here to enter into the histori cal, psychological and theological reasons for the development of this great controversy. The historical reason is the adamant opposition that had to be shown to Nazi ideology and the wrong and dangerous theology of the German Christians.Barth rendered here an immeasurable service to sound theology and the cause of the Church as a whole . A form of natural theology that is worth defending takes its cue from core theological interpretations of the nature of God and the world. The concept of natural theology comprises of three theoretical perspectives that are derived mainly on nature that correlates with the divinity of God. The word ââ¬Ënaturalââ¬â¢ in the expression ââ¬Ënatural theologyââ¬â¢ is meant to mark a contrast between nature and revelation.The concept of Natural theology does not imply natural in the perspective of being a non-complex and unsophisticated belief, but rather, the natural theology is the product of a fairly sophisticated state of western theism an d would have been foreign to many great religious thinkers before the Middle Ages. The concept of natural theology was realized during the era wherein theologians tried to logically obtain the answers to divine existence while at the stage of reflecting their religion.At this point of Middle Age, theologians obtain the elements that have been established already beforehand, and those that can provide unaided rationale for those parts that they believed to be unnatural. Hence, they coined and develop the natural theology, which somehow contradicts the existence of natural activities through single-handed or chose ones. As for the theory, it mainly exemplifies that everyone is chosen in their own account of being an image created after God . The concept of natural theology allied with Nazism most especially during the time of Jews massive discrimination.Significantly, the natural theology, even from the early times, pointed its fingers to chosen individuals, such as the Jews, wherein the theology contradicts the fact that these people are chose. The possibility of natural theology has been denied by some theologians and by some philosophers. The theological arguments against natural theology are mostly concerned with the relationship between reason and faith: they urge the uselessness of reason as a means to salvation and of philosophical speculation as a step on the road to heaven .One of the essential criticism that served as ground basis for the concept of natural theology is the fact that these principles are essentially from the philosophical perspectives, which in the end obtained vast arguments and criticisms against natural theology itself. In particular, the theologians of Natural perspective drew heavily on natural philosophy to show how the hand of the Creator could be discerned in the Book of Nature as well as the Book of Scriptures.By contrast, those still wedded to a more traditional order in Church and State tended to be wary of natural theology a nd the forms of natural philosophy interlinked with it as obscurities from a theology based on Divine revelation . On the other hand, the significance of Natural theology is its ability to provide an analysis of the human situation and the question of God implied in it. One side of the traditional arguments for the existence of God usually does this, in so far as they elucidate the dependent, transitory, and relational nature of finite human existence.But, in developing the other side of these arguments, natural theology tried to derive theological affirmations from the analysis of manââ¬â¢s finitude . The natural theology concentrates mainly on the natural imagery of men as earthly beings being linked to Godââ¬â¢s image. As for the theory, it mentions that every human being possesses the right to obtain revelation from God for everyone is from the same image, which is God. Somehow, these two rationales are deemed as the primary arguments that render the argument of the Natura l theology.First, natural theology should not claim to operate with an account of pure, objective, ahistorical reason . For manââ¬â¢s reasoning cannot be considered absolutely pure from intention for man by his own nature is deprived from complete purity; hence, contradicts the statement of natural theology itself. Second, natural theology should not offer a philosophical metaphysics as a way of mediating between faith and the world . From these concepts, the argument against natural theology settles in. Different theologians, most significantly Karl Barth realizes the wrong ideations brought by the theology.From the perspective of Thomas Aquinas (1225ââ¬â1274), he claimed that there are certain truths that are attainable by the powers of ââ¬Å"reason properly applied, and others that are beyond the reach of reason, and are known only through revelationâ⬠. From Aquinasââ¬â¢ theology, the concept attaining revelation and reason conjoins to further discover the truth a nd absolute reasoning . The concept of nature in the doctrines of theology can be misleading and contradictory for its very meaning can be a profound statement of obscurity, which can also contribute to the eclipse of Godââ¬â¢s imagery .As for the theory of Natural origination, it is a major concept where philosophy of religion interrelates theological aspects. Philosophies of religion scrutinizes what the sheer existence of the universe entails what it forces us to conclude, and likewise what its order entails. Protestantism is usually against the concept of natural theology for they claim that God, whose existence is demonstrated, is not the Christian God. For Protestants, God Himself should not concern in Himself in providing His existence for He in fact exist above all.Whether natural theology is to be dismissed and why is a major area of investigation in Christian theology. Roman Catholic somehow defended the concept of natural theology for they believe that there are essent ial differences between what we can know of God by means of natural theology and what we know of God by revelation. Currently, natural theology tends to act and to be used as a tool that metaphorically provides clergy and students some rigorous proof to demonstrate Godââ¬â¢s existence .Emil Brunner In 1914, Brunner published a work entitled Nature and Grace wherein his main argument coincides mainly on the generational theologyââ¬â¢s task of reverting back to the concept of natural theology . Brunner, being one of the main characters of natural theological concept, obtained his idea of natural theology from the concept of imago Del or in translation would mean, ââ¬Å"Image of Godâ⬠. Human nature is constituted in such a way that there is an analog with the being of God .Considering the sinful nature of human beings as installed already in their instinctive characteristic, Brunner stated that the ability of human beings to discern the presence of God is still there by the concept or reasoning that God remains in the natural environment. Within the context of human beings as sinners, still their innate nature are capable of recognizing the presence of God and are still aware of their guilt before God. All these linkage are brought by the concept of natural stand present in man from the time of his creation and image pattern.Hence, as Brunner concluded, this linkage brings forth revelation to every man with no special disposition present, such as sinner or holy, rich or poor, or any other means. Brunner significantly pointed out that God can manifest His revelation to anyone with no consideration on human characteristic since human beings are all created out of his natural image . As per Brunnerââ¬â¢s defense on natural theology, greatly point out the significance of the doctrine of the incarnation to revelation: in Christ may be seen the personal self-disclosure of God .From Brunnerââ¬â¢s ground basis, it is the story of creation that serves as the fore ground of this theological belief. He reasoned that there are considerably three rationales that offer support for the theory of Natural theology namely, human reason, and order of the world and beauty of the world . In the argument of Human Reason, considering that Godââ¬â¢s existence can be found in His creation, and then it is acceptable to use the idea that God can be most likely found in the highest peak of His creation, which is human reason .The next argument Brunner introduced is the ordering of the world, wherein the prime philosopher concerned is Thomas Aquinas. Considering that the natural pattern in the environment is unquestionably and extremely organized, this phenomena been emphasized to be from God . Brunner did no go as far in denouncing the philosophical approach to God. Nevertheless, Brunner stated that the attempt to derive knowledge of God from creation, which is the theology of natural religion, is ultimately not being helpful in theological doctri ne.He even admitted that the knowledge of the Creator forms as a component of our existence. However, Brunner concluded that this knowledge component placed to human beings as Godââ¬â¢s creation does not follow that human beings know God completely, since such philosophical intelligence does not end in communion with God . Brunnerââ¬â¢s theology has been linked very much within an existentialist, dialectical framework and focused mainly on the uniqueness of existential, personal understanding. He even continued with basically anthropological starting point.Lastly, the concept of beauty present in the world has also been emphasized as an argumentative statement in Brunnerââ¬â¢s ideologies. According to these theologians, the presence of beauty in surrounding world is the primary depiction of Godââ¬â¢s existence through the natureââ¬â¢s beauty . Another focus entailed by Brunner in his beliefs is in faith of having personal encounter between the one who hears the Word, believer, or human being per say, and the God who speaks and draws near in grace, as distinct from an acceptance of abstract propositions of belief.Christianity thus sets forth ââ¬Å"truth as encounterâ⬠, Brunnerââ¬â¢s primary effect and influence thus far had come through his writings of ââ¬Å"The Mediator and The Divine Imperativeâ⬠and in Brunner Oldham perceived the chances and events for creating an innovative and urgently required dialogue between evangelical theology and the contemporary human sciences ââ¬â vital if the churches were to address seriously the current world context . Enveloped in Brunnerââ¬â¢s appeal to nature is an idea, which can be traced back to Luther, known as ââ¬Å"the orders of creation. â⬠The generation Nineteenth-century German Liberal Protestantism had utilized this perspective as their basis, and further developed a theology, which permitted the German culture, including a positive assessment of the state, to become of pr imary significance theologically . Brunner had used this idea of the ââ¬Å"point of contactâ⬠back in 1927, and it is integral to his understanding of human nature. For Brunner, human nature is constituted in such a way that there is a ready made point of contract for divine revelation. Revelation thus addresses itself to a human nature, which already has sonic Idea of what that revelation is about.For example, take the gospel demand to ââ¬Å"repent of sin,â⬠Brunner argues that this makes little sense, unless human beings already have some idea of what ââ¬Å"sinâ⬠is. Karl Barth: Analysis of the Argument During the twentieth century, Karl Barth (1886ââ¬â1968) initiated the so called spiritual argument or attack in the theoretical concept of natural theology. For this reason, the theologian ties between him and another leading ââ¬Ëneo-orthodox theologian, Emil Brunner (1889ââ¬â1966) broke due Barthââ¬â¢s attack on Brunnerââ¬â¢s theological concepts .Such action is very much important for Barthââ¬â¢s perspective in that it shows the importance of natural theologyââ¬â¢s attempt to further provide an illustration of Christianityââ¬â¢s attaining its peak on German civilization; hence, the sole purpose of Barth is to negate the ally status of natural theology to the concept of Nazism . Barthââ¬â¢s criticism is that it goes beyond any rejection of natural theology that is based on claims that it is invalid, unpersuasive, or unnecessary .From Barthââ¬â¢s argument, he exemplified that God has indeed revealed His identity to human beings; hence, it should be natural for humans to be convinced on Godââ¬â¢s existence. It is already insignificant to have Godââ¬â¢s existence justified in other forms for He already chosen to be revealed in the form of His triune son, which is Jesus Christ . A natural theology that proceeds from a different starting point must inevitably compromise and distract in relation to the primar y theological task.Even worse, it may threaten to subvert the true nature of the faith by the introduction of foreign and ethically dangerous materials . Barthââ¬â¢s last consideration to reject the principles of natural education lies with the fact that such form of theology is a potential ally to compensate the needs of German ideations against Jews and other racial backgrounds. By far, the theoretical principle of Natural theology hinders the acknowledgement of Jesus Christ. From the perspective of Barthââ¬â¢s argument, natural theology is a human attempt to initiation subversions for humanââ¬â¢s necessity for revelation.The theology, by its very purpose and significance, attempts to learn more about God in a manner and under conditions specified by humansââ¬â¢ ways and not by God Himself . In Barthââ¬â¢s view, the concept of natural theology is very much compromised in historical, philosophical and theological significances. The great Scottish theologian Hugh Ross Mackintosh once summarized the questions centering on revelation as follows: ââ¬Å" religious knowledge of God, wherever existing, comes by revelation; otherwise we should be committed to the incredible position that a man can know God without Has willing to be known .â⬠The main idea embedded in Barthââ¬â¢s desire to counter the theology of natural perspective is for the purpose of safeguarding the integrity present in divine revelation against human attempts to Construct their own notions of God. As for Barthââ¬â¢s perspective, he argues that revelations from God do not simply occur to anyone, unless God chose to. It is neither inborn nor chosen to be possessed by me, but it is Godââ¬â¢s choice to reveal Himself to an individual. Revelation, indeed, is out of humanââ¬â¢s power but solely rely to Godââ¬â¢s preference.Although deeply distrustful of all apologetic instincts, Barth appears to make a minor but important concession in his discussion of natural theol ogy. In its proclamation of Godââ¬â¢s self-revelation, the Bible does not ignore the details of the cosmos or the physical world as these are known from empirical observation and human experience. In their own way, they attest the divine truth . However, this event does not simply occur or free for man to manipulate. It is not a separate line of enquiry that can simply alter or displace human perspectives from the original faith .On the contrary, its function in Scripture is to incorporate within a single framework all that attaches to human existence in the cosmos. The argument of Barth provides an extended and systematic criticism of natural theology. The main conflict thrown by his argument argues that such theology, ââ¬Å"which comes to humanity from natureâ⬠, expresses the humanityââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"self-preservation and self-affirmationâ⬠in the face of God . Barth views the concept of natural theology as a safeguarding perspective to cover human beingââ¬â¢s lon ging to justify self against God and for the provision of independent intellectualities.His conflicting idealism against this theology rests on his fundamental belief that it undermines the necessity and uniqueness of Godââ¬â¢s self-revelation. From the logical statement introduced by Barthââ¬â¢s argument, if knowledge of God can be achieved independently of Godââ¬â¢s self-revelation in Christ, then it follows that humanity can dictate the place, time and means of its knowledge of God. The perspective of Barth against natural theology institutes a close relationship between the theology itself and the subject of human independence against religion and divine supervision.Considering Barthââ¬â¢s familiarity in the concept of natural theology, he confirms and expresses the human desire to find God on our own terms . The central concept on Barthââ¬â¢s argument had been scrutinized by the religious community; hence, considering his argument against natural theology. Howeve r, other theologians have been having this assumption of Barthââ¬â¢s initiating a scientific theology despite of his overcorrection of the Reformed theological position, and that an informed recovery of an older position is overdue.A scientific theology offers such reappropriation and the second of these merits dose attention . It is a simple fact of historical theology chat the Reformed theological tradition has not, on the whole, opposed natural theology. Conclusion The argument of Barth and Brunner with the subject of natural theology has been present from and long influenced the condition of catholic beliefs and perception against the occurrence of Godââ¬â¢s existence and the value of human self-justification and intellectual identity.The natural theology mainly states that the existence of God is in the physical form of nature itself, considering its organization, beauty and manââ¬â¢s intelligence, which are derived from Godââ¬â¢s imagery. However, Barth refuted thi s theology and stated that Godââ¬â¢s existence is in the form of Jesus Christ. He contradicts the theology due to its self-justification, and tendency to form ally with Nazism.BibliographyAllen, D. and Springstein, E. O. Philosophy for Understanding Theology (Westminster John Knox Press, 2007) p. 19.Clements, K. Faith on the Frontier: A Life of J. H. Oldham (Continuum International Publishing Group, 1999) p. 272.Gonzales, J. L. Essential Theological Terms (Westminster John Knox Press, 2005) p. 118.Grenz, J. Theology for the Community of God (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2000) p. 50.Huyssteen, W. V. and Shults, F. L. The Evolution of Rationality (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2006) p. 392.Kenny, P. and Kenny, A. . The God of the Philosophers (Oxford University Press, 1979) p. 2.Kraemer H, Religion and the Christian Faith (James Clarke & Co., 2003) p. 356.McGrath, A. E. An Introduction to Christianity (Blackwell Publishing, 1997) p. 162.McGrath, A. E. Christian Theology: An Introducti on (Blackwell Publishing, 2006) 170.McGrath, A. E. The Science of God: An Introduction to Scientific Theology (Eerdmans Publishing, 2004) p. 84.Porter, et. al. R. The Cambridge History of Science (Cambridge University Press, 2003) p. 270.Scott, P. A Political Theology of Nature (Cambridge University Press, 2003) p. 40.Tilich, P. Systematic Theology (University of Chicago Press, 1963) p. 14.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)