Enlightenment in Western and Islamic Traditions

Enlightenment in Western and Moslem TraditionsWhich tradition provides greater Enlightenment?In the world we live, we argon always faced with impertinent ideologies that influence our thinking. This is certainly true ab knocked out(p) Islam and secularism. In my case and in the case of virtu entirelyy Muslim singulars who live in a modern inn, company aroundtimes de compositionds us to reject secular Western values and follow Islamic values and vice versa. Due to such conflicting influences on our thinking, we atomic number 18 sometimes confused as to which tradition to adopt as a transcendental decision the Islamic tradition or the Western tradition?To back up decide which tradition to follow, I am going to investigate which tradition provides greater enlightenmen. I get out do this by breaking the paper into the interest partsGeneral concept and definition of the word profundity.The Age of Enlightenment in the West.Enlightenment in Islam.Successes and Failures of presc ience in the West.Why Islam is more initiate than the Western ideology of enlightenment and should be promoted?General concept and definition of the word enlightenmentThe word enlightenment has many several(predicate) meanings depending on the background in which it is used. If we mind at the literal meaning of the word enlightenment, we will find that it comes from the verb to lighten. The prefix en means to make or begin and the affix ment means a state of being. Therefore if we join the components of the word enlightenment together, we will find that it literally means to become brightened.However the broad definition of the word enlightenment according to roughly cultures and societies is the acquisition of new wisdom or understanding (Wikipedia, 2006, Enlightenment (concept) section, 1). If we look at this definition, we will find it is truly similar to the literal definition of enlightenment. When we say a person has become brightened, we mean he has become wiser (mor e intelligent) or has acquired new wisdom.In general, there ar two antithetical concepts of enlightenment religious/spiritual enlightenment and intellectual/secular enlightenment. Both concepts of enlightenment are strong opposites of each other. This is why near people that believe in secular enlightenment often reject religious enlightenment and vice versa. Secular enlightenment is enlightenment that is not regarded as religious, spiritual or sacred, whereas religious enlightenment is the opposite. According to Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher of the enlightenment, the Enlightenment was the period in the development of European civilization when Mankind grew out of its self-inflicted immaturity (as cited in Davies, 1996, p.596) or it is mans release from his self-incurred tutelage. (as cited in Dupr, 2004, p.1). The concept of Secular enlightenment was important in Europe during the 18th century, because it caused a dramatic salmagundi in the everyday thinking of Europeans. The characteristics of Secular enlightenment were the rejection of old dogmatic vox populis, which were replaced with the belief in reason as a measure everywhere all things. The Enlightenment was in fact the intellectual movement that advocated this concept.The Age of Enlightenment in the WestThe Age of Enlightenment refers to the 18th century in American and European philosophy or according to some scholars it similarly includes the seventeenth century and the Age of Reason. This was the period where innovative and intellectual ideas were being propagated so as to challenge traditional dogmatic ideas and beliefs. During this period an intellectual movement kn have got as The Enlightenment advocated reason as a method to investigate and take on all the various scientific fields, which included the social sciences (aesthetics, ethics, philosophy, logic, economics), literature and natural sciences (physics, biology, chemistry). They believed this would allow human beings to obta in objective truth virtually the universe.The main figures of the enlightenment were Descartes, Pascal, Bayle, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau.Among them Denis Diderot was one of the first people to propose the six fundamental rationales on which enlightenment are based in his Encyclopedie. The first principle was strong belief in human reasoning to the point, where it was considered the best measure over everything. The second principle was the belief in a Supreme Being (God), who is exalted over everything. However these enlightened thinkers as well as believed that God did not intervene with nature. The third principle was the rejection or less significance given to religious values and metaphysics. The quarter principle was the belief that secularism, which is the separation of the church and state, is better. The fifth principle was the strong belief in the scientific method, which lead to extreme materialism. The last principle was the prediction of unlimited progress.Enlightenment in IslamEven though in Islam there is no concept of enlightenment, Islam came as an enlightened religion and way of life for the entirely humanity. During the time the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born, which was in the year 570 A.D., the whole world lived in the Dark Ages. Belief in superstitions, myths, common practices of black invocation, idolatry (polytheism) and heathenism was common. One of the study concerns of that time was the loss and alteration of the original Holy Scriptures such as the Bible and Torah and the increase power of the Church, which dictated its own variance of religion and was mainly responsible for altering the Holy Scriptures. In Arabia polytheism and paganism was the dominant religion of the Arabs. Ignorance towards science and illiteracy were rampant among the people. The Holy Kaabah, which was built by Prophet Abraham and Ishmael was filled with hundreds of idols. Also dark tailor-mades and traditions such as t he fe potent infanticide and ritual gambling (Maysir) on camels were common.When the Prophet Muhammad started his mission of lecture Islam, which was propagating the Oneness and Unity of God (monotheism), he was met with extreme resistance. However as he kept his preaching consistent with the same rigor, the number of his followers increased dramatically till they were able to whole change the cultures of Arabia and the rest of the world.Islam brought enlightenment in the Arab world by positively changing the dark customs and attitudes of society such as abolishing female infanticide, slavery, gambling and alcohol addiction.Islam also brought justice and provided human rights for each individual. In Islam, the life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred, whether Muslim or not. Islam also protects the honor of every individual. It does not allow insulting or making fun of others. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had express Truly your rakehell, your prop erty, and your honor are inviolable (as cited in Ibrahim, 1997, p.61).Islam also abolished Racism and brought human equality. The Quraan speaks of human equality in the following wordsO mankind, We tolerate created you from a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes for you to know one another. Truly, the noblest of you with God is the most pious. Truly, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware (1997, p.61).Islam rejects that an individual is superior to another individual by his wealth, power or race. God created human beings as equal to one another. One is only better than the other if he has greater assurance or devotion (taqwa). A person who greater taqwa is one who prevents himself from all types of sins, performs good deeds that God commands us to do, and fears and loves God. Concerning equality our Prophet Muhammad also tellO people Your God is one and your forefather (Adam) is one. An Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, a nd a red (i.e. white tinged with red) person is not better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red person, except in piety (1997, p.62).Concerning the status of women, Islam has from the very beginning given women equal rights as men. In the Holy Quraan, God says O Mankind, keep your duty to your Lord who created you from a star soul and from it created its mate (of same kind) and from them twain has spread a multitude of men and women (as cited in Badawi, 1971, p.11). El-Khouly Al-Bahiy, a scholar who pondered about this verse states It is believed that there is no text, old or new, that deals with the humanity of the women from all aspects with such amazing brevity, eloquence, depth, and originality as this divine decree (1971, p.11). In other verses, the Quraan also expresses clear-cut evidence about the equality of women such as So their Lord accepted their prayers, (saying) I will not suffer to be lost the work of any of you whether male or female. You will proceed one from another. (1971, p.13). Also, according to the Quraan, woman is not solely blamed for Adams mistake of eating from the forbidden tree in Paradise. Both Adam and Eve jointly committed the mistake, repented and were forgiven by God. Concerning religious obligations in Islam such as praying, fasting, giving charity and pilgrimage, women are no different than men. In fact, in some cases women are more exempted from obligatory duties than men. When a woman has menstrual periods or is pregnant during the past forty days, she is exempted from fasting and prayers. Concerning the pre-Islamic custom of burying female infants alive at birth, the Quraan clearly forbids it and considers it a crime like murder. It is said in the Quraan concerning this crime When news is brought to one of them, of (the Birth of) a female (child), his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had Shall he obta in her on (sufferance) and contempt, or bury her in the dust? Ah What an evil (choice) they decide on? (1971, p. 15). some other reason why Islam is an enlightened religion is because of the greatness of the Quraan in terms of its scientific soundness and being the best masterpiece of Arabic literature. The Quraan was not authored by the Prophet as he was illiterate and did not stimulate the intelligence shown by the Quraan. The Holy Quraan was only authored by God. The Prophet Muhammad only received divine revelation from God and then communicated it to his people.Concerning the soundness of scientific facts, the Quraan mentions some scientific miracles that have been discovered recently in the past 100 years, even though the Quraan was revealed 1400 years ago. For pillowcase, the Quraan speaks about the stages of embryonic development We have created man from an extract of clay, Then made him as a drop in a place of settlement, firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into an alaqah (leech, suspended thing, and blood clot), then We made the alaqah into a mudghah (chewed substance). (as cited in Ibrahim, 1997, p.6). The scientific details expressed in this verse were put forward to Professor Emeritus Keith L.Moore. Dr. Keith Moore is one of the worlds most leading scientists in the field of anatomy and embryology. He was impressed after studying and conducting scientific research on them and when present at the Seventh medical Conference in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, he said It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Quraan about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from God, because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of God (1997, p.10). He also said that the Quraan must be the word of God and proposed that a new system of classification could be developed on embryonic knowledge use the Qura an and Sunnah (traditions).Other scientific miracles that the Quraan mentions are about the origins of the universe, that the heavens and earth were one connected entity, that there is a barrier between two different seas when they meet, that the mountains are pegs that stabilize the crust of the earth and that as you go deeper down the sea it gets darker.Successes and Failures of Enlightenment in the WestThe successes of enlightenment were of great benefit to humanity. The enlightenments principle of using reason ( password), observation and experience to explain phenomena around us contributed to the rapid advancement of the natural sciences such as the discovery of physical laws (e.g. gravity) that rank the universe, space exploration and genetic engineering. The advancement in the natural sciences in turn led to a better standard of living for mankind for example the invention of fractional distillation led to a greater production of petrol and gasoline which led to more effici ent and convenient means of transportation such as cars.Enlightenment also led to advancement in the social sciences such as Economics. The concept that free markets maximize welfare in an economy and determine the best allocation of resources, as proposed by Adam Smith in his book The Wealth of Nations, was an example of the successes resulting from enlightenment. Some of the other fruits of enlightenment were the rule of law and liberal democracies. Despite all these successes that resulted from enlightenment, there were even greater failures resulting from enlightenment.Most of the six elements of enlightenment led to some failure. The principle that logos (reason) is a measure over all things was overestimated as reasoning could not comprehend what is the divine or unseen. Reasoning cannot explain for example black magic that goes on in some countries such as Oman. Reasoning also cannot fully explain the existence of God. This is because we cannot see or hear God. Until we do n ot physically see God, we will not be able to know about his existence. Another failure of overestimating reasoning was it led to a general defy in religion. While all the main figures of the eighteenth century enlightenment were Deists, who believed in a non-interventionist cloud-maker God, their nineteenth century successors became atheists or at least agnostics.Another failure of concept of enlightenment in Europe was the lawlessness produced from fascism and communism. This lawlessness was produced as the concept of enlightenment rejected the concept of divine law and believed that the behind of law can be found in nature. As what was called the natural law was actually made by the people, it was under the influence of either the majorities in a democratic country or brutal totalitarian rulers.The Enlightenments sense of unlimited progress also had negative effects. Tradition, which is the basis of all major religions including Islam, was completely abandoned. The concept of s acredness was also neglected. Rather any change was welcomed. By the end of the nineteenth century many people anticipated that the earth will become a paradise once all scientific discoveries would take place.In the twentieth century the real failures of enlightenment showed up. The results were two world wars that destroyed most of Europe and America. The use of chemical and nuclear weapons in these wars killed tens of millions of people. In between these two world wars the fanatic totalitarian systems of communism (Russia, Eastern Europe, China, Cambodia, Congo, Vietnam and Algeria) and fascism (Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Greece) arouse. These one-party systems strongly discriminated against other parties and ethnic groups. They killed millions of people as a result of ethnic cleansing and class warfare. Examples of such brutalities include the Holocast, which was carried by the Nazis against the Jews. All these brutalities were a end of the inhumane rationalism that contradicted the discipline of ethics in philosophy, which in turn contradicted the ideas of the early philosophers and founders of enlightenment.Such disasters including the possibility of a World War Three are ahead of us. However, the present negative results of enlightenment are unnecessarily high consumption patterns in Western countries, a further decline in religiosity, simple scale environmental degradation, increased inequality between the poor and rich and the negative results of globalization, which include the widening gap between rich and poor countries in terms of national income and standard of living.Why Islam is more enlightened than the Western ideology of enlightenment and should be promoted?When analyzing the successes and failures of Islam, I found that Islam has no failures and is a ideal way of life, which is why it is such an enlightened religion. However when I studied the successes and failures of enlightenment in the West, I noticed that there were a lot of major failures that resulted from enlightenment even though there were some great successes such as the advancement in technology.The successes achieved from enlightenment in the West could have also been achieved by the Muslims if they had not deviated from the path of the Prophet Muhammad, which is the Quraan and traditions (Sunnah) of the Prophet. If we look the earlier eras in Islamic history, the Muslims were much ahead of the West in technology and sciences. The Muslims also had their own empire which extended from China to Southern France. At that time the West lived in the Dark Ages and were inspired by the Muslim philosophers and sociologists such as ibn-Roshd (Ibn Rushd), Ibn Khaldun and Avicenna (Ibn Sina). A lot of words in English and French were borrowed from Arabic such as alcohol (al-Kohol), algebra (al-Jabr), assassin (hashshashiyeen) and coffee (kahva).Also if we look at the time period (between the 19th and 20th century), when the enlightenment was causing dev astation in the West such as the two world wars and the Holocast, we will find that there were no such major conflicts in the Islam world. The Islamic countries were at peace with each other.Also if we study the Quraan we will find that it provides a great deal of enlightenment even during the present day. It is sound in accordance with the latest discoveries in science. In fact the Quraan has been a leading trace to enlightenment for 1400 years since it begun. Since the time of the Prophet, it has been by far the best piece of Arabic literature and had a tremendous influence on the Arabic lecture particularly in secular (prose) and religious writing. During the time of the Prophet it challenged the best poets in Arabia to write even one verse as eloquent as the Quraan. Many of these poets (such as Kaab Ibn Zuhayr) accepted Islam due to the Quraans eloquence and originality. In the present world, the Quraan is serving as a guide to scientific research and jurisprudence.ReferencesB adawi, J.A. (1980). The Status of Women in Islam. Al-Ittihad, 8(2), 1-28.Davies, N. (1996). Europe, A History Enlightenment And Absolutism. Oxford Oxford University Press.Dupr, L. (2004). The Enlightenment the Intellectual Foundations of Modern Culture A Definition and a Provisional Justification. Yale Yale University Press.Enlightenment (concept). (n.d.). Retrieved December 6, 2006, from http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlightenment_%28concept%29Hofmann, M.W. (2002, Summer). Has Islam mixed-up Its Enlightenment? American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences, 19(3), 1-10.Ibrahim, I.A. (1997). A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam (2nd ed.). Houston Darussalam , Publishers and Distributors.

Donatello :: Art History

DonatelloDonatello (1386-1466), was an Italian Renaissance sculptor, who is generally considered one of the greatest sculptors of all time and the founder of modern sculpture. Donatello was born in Florence, the son of a wool comber. When he was 17 years old, he assisted the illustrious sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti in constructing and decorating the famous bronze doors of the baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence. Later, Donatello was also an associate of the noted architect Filippo Brunelleschi, with whom he reputedly visited Rome in order to study the monuments of antiquity. Donatellos c beer may be divided into three degrees. The first and formative period comprised the years before 1425, when his take a leak is marked by the influence of Gothic sculpture but also shows classical and realistic tendencies. Among his sculpture of this period are the statues St. Mark, St. George (Bergello, Florence), John the Evangelist (Opera del Duomo, Florence), and Joshua (campanile of the cathedr al, Florence). The second period (1425-43) is generally portionized by a reliance on the models and principles of the sculpture of antiquity. From 1425 to 1435 Donatello worked with the Florentine sculptor and architect Michelozzo on a number of projects, including the monument to Bartolomeo Aragazzi (Cathedral of Montepulciano). In their joint work Michelozzo executed the architectural designs and also helped in the making of the bronze castings Donatello executed most of the statues. From 1430 to 1433 Donatello spent periods in Rome, where he created a number of works, notably the ciborium in the sacristy of the Basilica of Saint Peter, decorated with the reliefs Worshiping Angels and Burial of Christ. It was in Florence, however, that he created the most noted work of this period-the bronze David (circa 1430-35, Bargello), the first nude statue of the Renaissance. In his third and culminating period, Donatello broke away from classical influence and in his work emphasized realis m and the portrayal of character and of dramatic action. Notable examples of his sculpture of this period are Miracles of St. Anthony, Gattamelata, the first bronze equestrian statue since ancient times, and Judith and Holofernes. The sculpture of Donatello influenced that of Florence and northern Italy in the 15th century. It was also a major stimulus on the development of realism in Italian painting, notably in the work of the great Paduan artist Andrea Mantegna. Donatello, who died on December 13, 1466, had galore(postnominal) pupils, the most important of whom was Desiderio da Settignano.

Les Demoiselles d?Avignon Essay -- Essays Papers

Les Demoiselles d?AvignonAs strolled through New York City?s Museum of new-fangled Art , unmatched particular painting grabbed me , shook me , then through me to the ground to contemplate its awesome power. Like a whirlwind of art , Les Demoiselles d?Avignon , by Pablo Picasso , sent my emotions spinning. I felt extremely uncomfortable glancing at it , let alone staring at it closely for twenty minutes. The raw sexuality and strain that Les Demoiselles d?Avignon radiated was suddenly overwhelming yet very confusing. Other art lovers in the room also expressed discomfort as they glanced at the fantastic 96x92 inch painting. to the highest degree people would only allow quick glances in between long stares at the more typical paintings on the other walls. I even perceive one girl remark ?it?s so gross? in a nervous and uncertain voice. I had to know wherefore Les Demoiselles d?Avignon was doing this to me and the others in the room. Les Demoiselles d?Avignon was the cr op of an irritated and restless Pablo Picasso. In 1906 , Picasso began to tire of painting in the fairly traditional manner that governed his paintings up to Les Demoiselles d?Avignon. His solution was to modify painting.1 Why was Picasso unsatisfied with traditional painting? Essentially Picasso?s overall dissatisfaction for sticking with anything for a long period caused him to take up the difficult pastime of revolutionizing painting. He was known to constantly modify the styles and mediums through which he created his art. Andre pinkish-orange, a poet and friend Picasso, was once quoted as accusing Picasso of ?trying to attract his friends to speculate on the whole problem of art every time they took a brush in their hands.? 2 This quote is very telling of Picasso?s need to change and solve artistic problems. In 1906 he abandoned the painting traditions that stretched all the way back to the Renaissance , and began Les Demoiselles d?Avignon. Les Demoiselles d? Avignon was the product of intense study. The comments of Salmon , shed light on the intensity of the project ?....He became uneasy , He turned his canvases to the wall and threw down his paintbrushes. For many long age and nights , he drew....Never was perseverance less rewarded with joy , and without his former youthful enthusiasm Picasso undertook a large canvas that was intended to be the fruit of his experiments.? 3 both aspect o... ...ing is an enemy.....the fetishes were weapons. To help people avoid coming under the influence of spirits again , to help them become independent.......I understood why I was a painter....Les Demoiselles d?Avignon must have come to me that very day , but not at all because of the forms because it was my first exorcism painting-yes absolutely? 15 Picasso used Les Demoiselles d?Avignon to free himself from what the world had told him was absolute. Les Demoiselles d?Avignon mocks and teases the faith that people put into their ignorance of the unknown. Picasso?s Les Demoiselles d?Avignon continues to challenge a shake people to this day.Bibliography crapper Richardson , A look of Picasso volume 2 1907-1917 (New York Random House Press 1996) 15.Arriana S. Huffington , PicassoCreator and Destroyer . (New York Simon and Schulster , 1988) 89.Marie-Laurie Berndac and Bouchet , Picasso Master of the New Idea . (New York , Abrams , 19 Kirk Varnedoe , Response to Les Demoiselles d?Avignon. (http//www.moma.org/docs/collection/paintsculpt/c40.htm , 1997)George H. Hamilton , icon and Sculpture in Europe 1800-1940 . (New Haven Yale U. Press 1993) 46-47 Les Demoiselles d?Avignon Essay -- Essays PapersLes Demoiselles d?AvignonAs strolled through New York City?s Museum of Modern Art , one particular painting grabbed me , shook me , then through me to the ground to contemplate its awesome power. Like a whirlwind of art , Les Demoiselles d?Avignon , by Pablo Picasso , sent my emotions spinning. I felt extremely uncomfortable glancing at it , let alone staring at it closely for twenty minutes. The raw sexuality and tension that Les Demoiselles d?Avignon radiated was absolutely overwhelming yet very confusing. Other art lovers in the room also expressed discomfort as they glanced at the enormous 96x92 inch painting. Most people would only allow quick glances in between long stares at the more typical paintings on the other walls. I even heard one girl remark ?it?s so gross? in a nervous and uncertain voice. I had to know why Les Demoiselles d?Avignon was doing this to me and the others in the room. Les Demoiselles d?Avignon was the product of an irritated and restless Pablo Picasso. In 1906 , Picasso began to tire of painting in the fairly traditional manner that governed his paintings up to Les Demoiselles d?Avignon. His solution was to revolutionize painting.1 Why was Picasso unsatisfied with traditional painting? Essentially Picasso?s overall dissatisfaction for stick ing with anything for a long period caused him to take up the difficult quest of revolutionizing painting. He was known to constantly change the styles and mediums through which he created his art. Andre Salmon, a poet and friend Picasso, was once quoted as accusing Picasso of ?trying to force his friends to speculate on the whole problem of art every time they took a brush in their hands.? 2 This quote is very telling of Picasso?s need to change and solve artistic problems. In 1906 he abandoned the painting traditions that stretched all the way back to the Renaissance , and began Les Demoiselles d?Avignon. Les Demoiselles d?Avignon was the product of intense study. The comments of Salmon , shed light on the intensity of the project ?....He became uneasy , He turned his canvases to the wall and threw down his paintbrushes. For many long days and nights , he drew....Never was labor less rewarded with joy , and without his former youthful enthusiasm Picasso undertook a larg e canvas that was intended to be the fruit of his experiments.? 3 Every aspect o... ...ing is an enemy.....the fetishes were weapons. To help people avoid coming under the influence of spirits again , to help them become independent.......I understood why I was a painter....Les Demoiselles d?Avignon must have come to me that very day , but not at all because of the forms because it was my first exorcism painting-yes absolutely? 15 Picasso used Les Demoiselles d?Avignon to free himself from what the world had told him was absolute. Les Demoiselles d?Avignon mocks and teases the faith that people put into their ignorance of the unknown. Picasso?s Les Demoiselles d?Avignon continues to challenge a shake people to this day.BibliographyJohn Richardson , A Life of Picasso volume 2 1907-1917 (New York Random House Press 1996) 15.Arriana S. Huffington , PicassoCreator and Destroyer . (New York Simon and Schulster , 1988) 89.Marie-Laurie Berndac and Bouchet , Picasso Master of t he New Idea . (New York , Abrams , 19 Kirk Varnedoe , Response to Les Demoiselles d?Avignon. (http//www.moma.org/docs/collection/paintsculpt/c40.htm , 1997)George H. Hamilton , Painting and Sculpture in Europe 1800-1940 . (New Haven Yale U. Press 1993) 46-47

Jewish Christian Relations Essay -- essays research papers

While we speak about the tenuous relationship between Christians and Jews dating back to the time of Christ, the seeds for the schism within Judaism whitethorn have been planted more than 500 years prior. Jeremiah was one of a group of distinguished prophets whose works became part of the Old Testament canon. The Judaic " experience" prophets lectured, warned and blamed all who would listen about the sins of their own people, the resulting punishments that God had prescribed for them, and what they had to do to get back into Gods good graces.     Some prophets targeted Jewish monarchs as an idolatrous distraction which prevented the people from properly hearing the Word of God. Other prophets still maintained that Jews should continue to believe that God would not abandon his chosen people. regardless of the specific message, it was clear that the overall prophetic approach to Gods obligation with the Jewish people was changing."A good century aft er the come back from Exile...the doctrine of retribution, of Gods righteousness, which rewards and punishes...had been shattered," said Catholic theologian Hans Kung in his book Judaism Between Yesterday and Tomorrow (Kung 113).In the passage quoted from Jeremiah above, the prophet is predicting that a new covenant would be formed between God and his people, an agreement that would supersede the pact made between Moses and God upon Sinai and at the Red Sea. The first covenant, Jeremiah indicated, would become aught and void because of the sins of the Jewish people. The new covenant would absolve these sins and reaffirm Gods fidelity to his people."This famous prophecy provides the foundation and the core of the central theo lucid teaching of the raw(a) Testament," said The Collegeville Bible Commentary on the Old Testament. "It underlies, but without explicit references, much of the new life theology of St. John and is central to the teaching of Jesus in Johns s topping point Supper discourse." (Collegeville 469).While Jeremiah is interpreted from many perspectives, some early Christian apologists proof-texted his words as an indication that the Jews had been cast aside by God because they had not remained unwavering to Him and his Mosaic covenant. Jesus of Nazareth was the fulfillment of Jeremiahs prophesies, so some claimed, and the Jews would remain shunned and doom... ...0/18/97).In fairness, over the first 1900 years after the Jewish schism, not all of Catholic and Christian attitudes toward Jews were uniformly oppressive. For limited periods of time, there were tolerable conditions in some countries for people of the Jewish faith. There were also some Catholic leaders who found ways to show tolerance and understanding toward the Jews. It also must be noted that there was, conversely, contempt in word, writings, and deeds displayed by rabbinical Judaism toward Christians during these centuries as well.Recent efforts by Jewish hi storians such as David Biale of Berkeley emphasize the success, achievements, and power bases that Jews did have at various points during this time period (Kung page 159.) Although it predominates its history, the Jewish heritage is not simply one of continual suffering, persecution, and subservience.Nonetheless, the majority of available historical evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that theologically-fueled anti-Semitism prevailed during the nineteen centuries following Christs death, and many of these attitudes and persecutions provided logical segues which led up to 20th century European anti-Semitic atrocities.

Humorous Wedding Speech for a Groom Who has Moved Frequently :: Wedding Toasts Roasts Speeches

Humorous Wedding Speech for a Groom Who has Moved frequentlyFirstly, on behalf of the bride and groom, let me thank you all for attending this wedding celebration which Im sure you will agree has been organised magnificently well - and I find the wedding album has better coverage than the (insert latest tablod scandal here)LaughterYesterday evening I was advised of my official wedding day duties and responsibilities. I was advised that, when greeting guests, to pay special attention to unaccompanied women. Im way ahead on that one, Josephs already given me a list of names with photos. On the subject of guests, in the run-up to today, Joseph and Barbara had a bit of an issue with the seating plan, because they truly couldnt decide who to put where. So I offered to step in and support work something out. What we finally decided was to use the wedding gift list, and put those who bought the biggest items nearest the front, and work it covering fire from there. So if they can hear me at the back there, thank you to Tony and Sue for the oven glove. And if you look around this room youll see there are guests here from all around the world. Joseph has made a lot of planetary friends, and presumably they are all now part of his pyramid scheme. Nobody travels as widely as this man, Paris, New York, Moscow. In fact, last Friday when I went to meet him at the airport, three planes landed and Joseph got off all of them. In the twelve years weve been friends he has lived in so many places, and moved more clock than e trulyone I know - put together. I now always give his cell phone a ring before I drop by to visit, to check that he hasnt moved again. In fact, it started to get so complicated, at one point I considered studying for a University Geography degree to asseverate up with him. But they say that every busy man should have a wife. Then he wont have to waste time in devising up his own mind. Now, at some point Im supposed to say what an honour it is being Jo sephs best man. And when I say best man, I really mean best man. Just have a look at table four over there and youll see there really was very little competition - that just looks like the bar scene from Star Wars.

Capital Punishment :: essays research papers

ceiling Punishment is the ultimate denial of human rights. There argon strong indications that rather than deterring violence, it increases peoples tolerance of and tendency toward violence. Though capital punishment does not deter capital crimes it does constitute a uniquely cruel and degrading punishment. Its imposition forever deprives a potentially innocent individual the benefits of new evidence or a new virtue that might warrant the reversal of a conviction or the setting aside of a finish sentence. In addition, the cost of executing a mortal in the U.S. is far higher than the cost of imprisoning him or her for life. States wishing to condemn cruel and inhuman acts of killing do not serve their purpose by repeating the act of killing.The average homicide set in the 13 states without the finish penalty is lower than the average homicide rate in the 37 states where it is legal. Between 1972 and 1990, the homicide rate in Michigan which has no death penalty, was generally as low or lower than the neighboring state of Indiana, which restored the death penalty in 1973. The U.S. Bowers- throw study analyzing executions between 1907 and 1963 concluded, that an average of two additional homicides were committed in the month after an execution they also noted a brutalizing effect on society resulting from executions. According to FBI statistics the murder rate in some states which use the death penalty is twice that of some states which do not use the death penalty. Between 1976 and 1985, almost twice as many law enforcement officers were killed in death penalty states as were killed in states that dont use the death penalty. The death penalty has not proven its worth to society study after study has shownthat it fails to deter crime, no credible body of evidence contradicts them.Capital punishment is pre- meditated killing and, like all killing, involves a cruel and violent assault on the human body. If administering 100 volts of electricity to the most sensitive split of a mans body is rightly condemned as torture, how does a state condone the administration of 2,000 volts to a human body in tack to cause death? At a 1990 Florida execution, a malfunction of the electric chair equipment caused flames to leap six inches above the prisoners head each(prenominal) time the current was turned on. In 1992, a prisoner in Oklahoma had a violent reaction to the drugs used in the lethal injection.

Electric ID Essays -- Technology Animals Essays

electrical IDEach year hundreds pets ar stolen from their owners and resold beca exercise they get no unchanging ID. Thousands more are turned into shelters and euthanized because their owner is unknown. These pets could have been returned to their owner if they had the proper ID. When most lot look for a way to identify their pet, many slew choose a simple dog tag. However, tags can fall off or the knowledge can wear off. There are more unending ways to ID an animal traditionally tattoos were employ but today engineering has given owners a better option, the microchip. Microchip IDs are just that. A illumination microchip is placed underneath the skin of the pet and it can be used to accurately identify the owner of the animal.There are many companies that render pet microchips, and the two main companies in the United States today are AVID and Destron-Fearing. Although two microchips are essentially the same in function, there are key differences that a pet owner should look at when choosing one. They include the design of the microchip, the countries it is used in, the operating life, the species it is used in, the digital scanner that will read it, the databases, and the make up. out front examing the differences, two question need to be answered what is it and how does it work?What is it?In the last twenty years, technology has produced a product that allows for an animal to be permanently identify for life. This product is called an electronic ID or a microchip. A microchip is a very humiliated tube, about the size of a grain of rice that is injected into a specific site on the animal. Each tube contains a microchip that is encoded with a curious ID that cannot be changed. This number is read by a scanner and allows the... ...no matter where the animal is, the owner can always be traced.When comparing the cost of ID options, a simple dog tag on the collar is the cheapest route. Although the cost of the microchip may seem quite large at fi rst, overall it can indite pet owners money because it lasts for the lifetime of the pet. While both companies have good products, a pet owner needs to consider several things before choosing to use a microchip and which company they feel is best. Most biological evidence specifys to HomeAgain as the better choice. Between the two companies, HomeAgain has returned more pets to owners than any other company. Isnt that the point?ReferencesAKChttp//www.akc.org/love/car/AVIDhttp//www.avidcanada.com/thechip.htmlDestron-Fearing (HomeAgain)http//www.destron.com/elect.htmlmicrochipshttp//www.electronicidinc.com/eidback.html Electric ID Essays -- Technology Animals EssaysElectric IDEach year hundreds pets are stolen from their owners and resold because they have no permanent ID. Thousands more are turned into shelters and euthanized because their owner is unknown. These pets could have been returned to their owner if they had the proper ID. When most people look for a way t o identify their pet, many people choose a simple dog tag. However, tags can fall off or the information can wear off. There are more permanent ways to ID an animal traditionally tattoos were used but today technology has given owners a better option, the microchip. Microchip IDs are just that. A miniature microchip is placed underneath the skin of the pet and it can be used to accurately identify the owner of the animal.There are many companies that manufacture pet microchips, and the two main companies in the United States today are AVID and Destron-Fearing. Although both microchips are essentially the same in function, there are key differences that a pet owner should look at when choosing one. They include the design of the microchip, the countries it is used in, the operating life, the species it is used in, the scanner that will read it, the databases, and the cost. Before examing the differences, two question need to be answered what is it and how does it work?What is it?In t he last twenty years, technology has produced a product that allows for an animal to be permanently identified for life. This product is called an electronic ID or a microchip. A microchip is a very small tube, about the size of a grain of rice that is injected into a specific site on the animal. Each tube contains a microchip that is encoded with a unique ID that cannot be changed. This number is read by a scanner and allows the... ...no matter where the animal is, the owner can always be traced.When comparing the cost of ID options, a simple dog tag on the collar is the cheapest route. Although the cost of the microchip may seem quite large at first, overall it can save pet owners money because it lasts for the lifetime of the pet. While both companies have good products, a pet owner needs to consider several things before choosing to use a microchip and which company they feel is best. Most biological evidence points to HomeAgain as the better choice. Between the two companies, HomeAgain has returned more pets to owners than any other company. Isnt that the point?ReferencesAKChttp//www.akc.org/love/car/AVIDhttp//www.avidcanada.com/thechip.htmlDestron-Fearing (HomeAgain)http//www.destron.com/elect.htmlmicrochipshttp//www.electronicidinc.com/eidback.html