Well Paige, if you were running for class president and lost would that mean you never ran? Would it mean it never happened because you didn’t win? Of course not. Every historical account is going to have some sort of bias because it is from a certain person’s point of view. Everyone has their own opinions and ways of seeing things. For example, if you were to tell a guy to walk into the bathroom and come out and ask him to tell you the first five things that come to his mind that he saw, he would probably tell you a toilet, a sink, a garbage can, a towel and toilet paper. Now if you were to ask a girl to do the same thing she would probably tell you a sink, the shower, soap, lotion, and kleenex. If you were to bring in a third party to look at their objects they could probably figure out that both had been in the bathroom. Now just because the girl didn’t say the toilet and the boy didn’t say the shower doesn’t mean those objects weren’t there. Similarly, if you were to combine the boy’s and girl’s list you now have a more specific idea of what was in the bathroom and the fact that they have some things in common only further shows that they both looked in a bathroom.
In this way, the Bible has different eye witness stories of Jesus. Though some may have extra or less detail, both share the main idea. Having slightly different accounts also makes the Bible more credible as it shows that the witnesses didn’t collaborate before sharing their stories. If there were four people who told you a story word for word wouldn’t you question if they had discussed with each other before coming to you? It is simply that the disciples had different points of view and possibly different word choice. For example if someone said Christ Jesus while someone else said Jesus Christ and then another Lord Jesus wouldn’t you be able to tell they were all talking about the same person? Someone’s use of words or viewpoints does not make their account more or less true than another.
Secondly, history is not always written by winners, look at September 11 2001. That was no win for the United States of America but if you were to look in the Middle Eastern books it probably is. September 11th is no glory for the US, it is a tragedy but it has shaped the country into what it is today and thus is a part of our history. Because of this event, security is tighter, and stronger weapons and defense systems have been built. Technology has developed and communication is far greater than it ever was before. Without this event, The US wouldn’t be as strong and prepared as we are today. Therefore Paige, I challenge you to look at the history you’re studying and see if your city/ your state/your country would be where it is today if it had not been for certain events, tragedies, discoveries or people. We must have a history in order to have a present and future.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Economics #2
Though socialism’s idea of people sharing everything equally and the state just owning it all sounds very nice and easy, it would never work. It gives way too much power to one group and how are they to be held accountable? If the state owns everything they can easily decide to take it all away as well. A single group with that much power is a dangerous game; it will inevitably lead to corruption.
Another problem with this socialist idea is the concept of motivation and desire. If everything is equal then what will motivate a student to become a surgeon and save hundreds of lives if he knows he can have the same benefits and earnings as a garbage man? There is a reason why people want to work hard and study for a specific career. They know that if they work hard and get a high job they will be able to provide for their future family and have certain luxuries. They also earn a sense of satisfaction and self worth. If you were to take that away then there would never be anything to inspire a person to work for something. We would all become slobs and never do anything with our lives. Why do you personally need to do anything spectacular if you can let someone else do it all for you? The fact of the matter is we are sinful creatures. We love money and want to work for it. There is nothing wrong with wanting possessions for our enjoyment (though there is an extent). 1 Timothy 6:17 says that God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. He gave us these luxuries. He was the one who created the earth and blessed us and said we were to rule over the earth and all its creatures (Genesis 1:28).
In an ideal, perfect society, socialism would be great. However, because we are fallen human beings there can never be a way for socialism to really be beneficial. Do you really think that if the government handed everything out equally it would stop people from wanting more? We are so selfish that we want everything for ourselves, always looking at our neighbor and trying to be better so we can feel superior. To Mark and Sarah I say, it’s a nice dream.
Another problem with this socialist idea is the concept of motivation and desire. If everything is equal then what will motivate a student to become a surgeon and save hundreds of lives if he knows he can have the same benefits and earnings as a garbage man? There is a reason why people want to work hard and study for a specific career. They know that if they work hard and get a high job they will be able to provide for their future family and have certain luxuries. They also earn a sense of satisfaction and self worth. If you were to take that away then there would never be anything to inspire a person to work for something. We would all become slobs and never do anything with our lives. Why do you personally need to do anything spectacular if you can let someone else do it all for you? The fact of the matter is we are sinful creatures. We love money and want to work for it. There is nothing wrong with wanting possessions for our enjoyment (though there is an extent). 1 Timothy 6:17 says that God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. He gave us these luxuries. He was the one who created the earth and blessed us and said we were to rule over the earth and all its creatures (Genesis 1:28).
In an ideal, perfect society, socialism would be great. However, because we are fallen human beings there can never be a way for socialism to really be beneficial. Do you really think that if the government handed everything out equally it would stop people from wanting more? We are so selfish that we want everything for ourselves, always looking at our neighbor and trying to be better so we can feel superior. To Mark and Sarah I say, it’s a nice dream.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Economics: All religions the Same?
Mr. Moore: “Socialism is Christianity, and Judaism, and Islam, and Buddhism, because all the great religions say essentially the same thing”
The problem with this statement is that though religions may share certain characteristics in the topic of socialism they DO NOT say the same thing. For instance look at Christianity and Islam. “The Bible as a whole supports an economic system that respects private property and the work ethic” (Noebel 354). There is no right or wrong answer in whether you side with socialism or communism. “Christians who believe socialism is a more desirable system than capitalism do so trusting that centralized control or command economy will create a more just means of sharing scarce resources. Those who call for a socialist economic system do so on the basis of Acts 2:44-45 that describes Christians in the early church sharing all things in common” (Noebel 354).
When it comes to Islam, they have the same characteristic in socialism as Christians, in that people need to show stewardship and hospitality. However, quite contradictory to Christianity, Islam REJECTS BOTH socialism and capitalism. “Islamic economics rejects socialism’s negation of private property, but also rejects capitalism’s alleged absolute view of private property” (Noebel 364). How then can Christianity and Islam essentially be the same? How can two religions, one rejecting and one accepting both ideas be both the same?
If you were to take it one step further and look at a third religion- Secular Humanism you would see a different view from both Islam and Christianity. Although Secular Humanist’s favor some degree of government in the distribution of wealth, they ultimately favor socialism over capitalism. “Humanists believe socialism is more ethical than other economic systems because it allows greater freedom and it is more concerned with the common good” (Noebel, 371). Furthermore, “Secular Humanists choose socialism because of the evils they see inherent in capitalism” (Noebel371). Therefore if we look at Christianity, Islam and Secular Humanism we see that they all favor a different form of government though they may all agree that kindness and justice should play a major role among the people. Ultimately, Christianity favors both socialism and capitalism as long as there is a biblical means to back it up; Islam rejects both socialism and capitalism because of negation and alleged private property and Secular Humanist’s favor socialism over capitalism because it allows for greater freedom. Thus we see with just three different religions, three different outputs which proves that all “great” religions are not essentially the same.
The problem with this statement is that though religions may share certain characteristics in the topic of socialism they DO NOT say the same thing. For instance look at Christianity and Islam. “The Bible as a whole supports an economic system that respects private property and the work ethic” (Noebel 354). There is no right or wrong answer in whether you side with socialism or communism. “Christians who believe socialism is a more desirable system than capitalism do so trusting that centralized control or command economy will create a more just means of sharing scarce resources. Those who call for a socialist economic system do so on the basis of Acts 2:44-45 that describes Christians in the early church sharing all things in common” (Noebel 354).
When it comes to Islam, they have the same characteristic in socialism as Christians, in that people need to show stewardship and hospitality. However, quite contradictory to Christianity, Islam REJECTS BOTH socialism and capitalism. “Islamic economics rejects socialism’s negation of private property, but also rejects capitalism’s alleged absolute view of private property” (Noebel 364). How then can Christianity and Islam essentially be the same? How can two religions, one rejecting and one accepting both ideas be both the same?
If you were to take it one step further and look at a third religion- Secular Humanism you would see a different view from both Islam and Christianity. Although Secular Humanist’s favor some degree of government in the distribution of wealth, they ultimately favor socialism over capitalism. “Humanists believe socialism is more ethical than other economic systems because it allows greater freedom and it is more concerned with the common good” (Noebel, 371). Furthermore, “Secular Humanists choose socialism because of the evils they see inherent in capitalism” (Noebel371). Therefore if we look at Christianity, Islam and Secular Humanism we see that they all favor a different form of government though they may all agree that kindness and justice should play a major role among the people. Ultimately, Christianity favors both socialism and capitalism as long as there is a biblical means to back it up; Islam rejects both socialism and capitalism because of negation and alleged private property and Secular Humanist’s favor socialism over capitalism because it allows for greater freedom. Thus we see with just three different religions, three different outputs which proves that all “great” religions are not essentially the same.
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Affect of Global Secular Government
According to Secular Humanist’s, “systems of national government are destined to fail; thus world government is an inevitable step forward in the evolutionary process” (Noebel, 333). They believe that humanity is perfectible and therefore a peaceful, one world government should exist and evolve. As wonderful as it would be to have a global government with one language, one currency and no paperwork for traveling, it can never happen. Yes, as Christians we should try to perfect ourselves. After all, we are called to be like Christ. However, we are also sinful creatures (Romans 3:23) and therefore can never be perfect. Because of the fall we feel hate and evil, and don’t get along with others. In this reasoning, we can never have a world government because everyone has different views and cultures. For example, Islam will do anything it takes to convert people to Islam even if it requires force and violence. Marxists will behave similarly only doing whatever it takes to further communism. However, religions such as Christianity and Cosmic Humanism are peaceful and emphasize hope and love. Because these worldviews are so contradictory, you can never expect them to be able to get along. You can’t convince a culture to change their ways and act according to another when that’s all they’ve ever known. It all goes back to the Tower of Babylon when God scattered the people of the earth and they all spoke in different tongues (languages) so no one could understand each other. Because of the fall in Genesis there can never be order and unity until Christ comes again. This is the price of sin.
Therefore, if we had a global secular government, it would result in utter chaos and destruction as different cultures, standards and rules clashed.
Therefore, if we had a global secular government, it would result in utter chaos and destruction as different cultures, standards and rules clashed.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Teenage Pregnancy
I believe the majority of pregnant teenagers are more likely to drop out of school, have inadequate prenatal care, rely on public assistance, develop health problems or end up divorced BUT there are cases where these things do not happen. There are always some who are able to rise above the usual results but for now we will just focus on the overwhelming majority. The Family Connection of St. Joseph Country, Inc states “Each year, nearly one million teenagers in the U.S.-approximately 10 percent of all 15- to 19-year-old females-become pregnant. About one third of these teens abort their pregnancies, 14% miscarry, and 52% bear children, 72% of them out of wedlock. More than 9 in 10 teens who give birth keep their babies; few place their babies for adoption.”
I believe that teenage mother’s do have a grimmer future than those who decide to wait to have sex or a baby. First off, they’re time is consumed with taking care of their child and according to the above statistic most of the women are single and don’t have a husband to help them so they must do all the work on their own. The father, is more likely to leave his girlfriend when she tells him she’s pregnant or when she has the baby becomes he is either scared of having a child and isn’t ready or want one; or he got what he wanted from his girlfriend (sex) and now he is done with her and doesn’t care about the baby at all. If the father does try to take up some responsibility and marry his pregnant girlfriend it is likely it will end in divorce as they were not ready to take on the full commitment and strain that comes with marriage. Having a baby at such a young age creates its own stress but also trying to mature and deal out the problems that are inevitable in marriage when you’re still a “child” in the world only makes things worse and the couple Is likely just to give up.
On top of the stress of dealing with the relationship, the stress and frustration of being a single mother could cause some serious health problems. First off she could find herself in a state of depression as she is not able to spend as much time with her friends or keep up her grades. The things she once got to do-go to parties, stay out late ect, she cannot do anymore. She may take her hurt or frustration out on her child by always seeming annoyed, yelling at it, not proving comfort or love which could result in the child’s own hostility as he/she grows up. However, there are a lot of parents who are willing to help their pregnant teens. When they help, the teen is more likely to feel relieved and not as burdened. They are able to rely on the help of their parents and even go out with their friends every once in a while. There are other cases though where the parents of the teen disown them and what nothing to do with them. They only burden the teen with more guilt and shame. The teenage mother will then have to rely on public assistance because it is virtually impossible for a teenager to raise their child on their own, with no hope on top of trying to go to school. There are some schools today that have so many single mothers that they now have a daycare so that the girls can continue their high school career. Overall the effects of teenage pregnancy are staggering, it is no surprise that those who wait to have sex or children will have a brighter future as they can focus on college and their career rather than trying to make enough to feed another mouth.
“The children of teenage mothers are at greater risk of lower intellectual and academic achievement, health complications, social behavior problems and problems of self-control than are children of older mothers, primarily due to the effects of single parenthood, lower maternal education, and large family size.
Seven in 10 teen mothers complete high school or eventually earn a G.E.D., but they are less likely than women who delay childbearing to go on to college.”
"Teenage Pregnancy." Local Community Organizations Web Pages. Web. 20 Mar. 2011..
I believe that teenage mother’s do have a grimmer future than those who decide to wait to have sex or a baby. First off, they’re time is consumed with taking care of their child and according to the above statistic most of the women are single and don’t have a husband to help them so they must do all the work on their own. The father, is more likely to leave his girlfriend when she tells him she’s pregnant or when she has the baby becomes he is either scared of having a child and isn’t ready or want one; or he got what he wanted from his girlfriend (sex) and now he is done with her and doesn’t care about the baby at all. If the father does try to take up some responsibility and marry his pregnant girlfriend it is likely it will end in divorce as they were not ready to take on the full commitment and strain that comes with marriage. Having a baby at such a young age creates its own stress but also trying to mature and deal out the problems that are inevitable in marriage when you’re still a “child” in the world only makes things worse and the couple Is likely just to give up.
On top of the stress of dealing with the relationship, the stress and frustration of being a single mother could cause some serious health problems. First off she could find herself in a state of depression as she is not able to spend as much time with her friends or keep up her grades. The things she once got to do-go to parties, stay out late ect, she cannot do anymore. She may take her hurt or frustration out on her child by always seeming annoyed, yelling at it, not proving comfort or love which could result in the child’s own hostility as he/she grows up. However, there are a lot of parents who are willing to help their pregnant teens. When they help, the teen is more likely to feel relieved and not as burdened. They are able to rely on the help of their parents and even go out with their friends every once in a while. There are other cases though where the parents of the teen disown them and what nothing to do with them. They only burden the teen with more guilt and shame. The teenage mother will then have to rely on public assistance because it is virtually impossible for a teenager to raise their child on their own, with no hope on top of trying to go to school. There are some schools today that have so many single mothers that they now have a daycare so that the girls can continue their high school career. Overall the effects of teenage pregnancy are staggering, it is no surprise that those who wait to have sex or children will have a brighter future as they can focus on college and their career rather than trying to make enough to feed another mouth.
“The children of teenage mothers are at greater risk of lower intellectual and academic achievement, health complications, social behavior problems and problems of self-control than are children of older mothers, primarily due to the effects of single parenthood, lower maternal education, and large family size.
Seven in 10 teen mothers complete high school or eventually earn a G.E.D., but they are less likely than women who delay childbearing to go on to college.”
"Teenage Pregnancy." Local Community Organizations Web Pages. Web. 20 Mar. 2011.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Christianity and Critical Legal Studies
According to Critical Legal Studies, justice and equality are used loosely. Justice is the form of punishing those who go against the standards of society, and equality is the sense that everyone whether race or gender is the same (including bisexuality). CLS focuses on freeing the oppressed as we should as stated in Jeremiah 22:3. The difference however, is in the fact that Christians are called to bring justice by showing God’s mercy and love to others where as CLS tries to liberate the oppressed by lifting up postmodernism. There are no real ethical boundaries as CLS only seeks to advance its own causes. Equality is bringing benefits to everyone; for abortion it’s allowing anyone at anytime to terminate a pregnancy. For homosexuality, it’s allowing couples to have the same rights as heterosexuals. In other words there is no thought in the deed, and whether it is “just” in the Christian since. It is more of focusing on the individual and allowing them to do whatever they please. CLS wants to turn the face of law around so that it does not follow the law placed by God.
To God, we are under his law and he has placed authority on earth to enforce that law. Justice is meant to bring about equality. Yes, it is true that God doesn’t want to see any of his people oppressed but he also says in Deuteronomy 10:12-19 that we are to obey him and serve him by following his commands. Abortion and homosexuality are not part of God’s commands and are therefore sinful. In this way those who commit these sins should be oppressed as to show that the act is wrong and should not be accepted. God has shown us what is good (Micah 6:8) and we should discourage all behavior unpleasing to Him by upholding His laws and fighting against a polluted world (James 1:27) who tries to twist and bend the laws that have been set.
To God, we are under his law and he has placed authority on earth to enforce that law. Justice is meant to bring about equality. Yes, it is true that God doesn’t want to see any of his people oppressed but he also says in Deuteronomy 10:12-19 that we are to obey him and serve him by following his commands. Abortion and homosexuality are not part of God’s commands and are therefore sinful. In this way those who commit these sins should be oppressed as to show that the act is wrong and should not be accepted. God has shown us what is good (Micah 6:8) and we should discourage all behavior unpleasing to Him by upholding His laws and fighting against a polluted world (James 1:27) who tries to twist and bend the laws that have been set.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Christianity vs Islam Law
While Islam believes in the Shari’ah Law (derived from the Hadith and Qur’an), Christianity believes in a natural law. The natural law gives people “a general concept of right and wrong, while the Bible fleshes out [the] skeletal framework, telling us what God considers moral and lawful” (Noebel 285). Because we are made in the image of God, we are “encrypted” with his characteristics as well. For example, we are called to love one another (John 13:34); we are able to love because God first loved us and we share that emotion as we are made in his image. Furthermore, as God is perfect and we are not, he has created a law within us, a concept of right from wrong. This voice of reason is our conscious, it is what allows us to feel guilt or shame when we do something that is wrong and feel joy and fulfillment when we do something that is right. Are fallen nature is seen by how we obey laws, for example, “we all have a fundamental knowledge of the existence of a transcendent law that we must obey… we consciously fail to obey it” (285). God has placed us under authority here on earth and we are called to obey those that God has given power (the government, parents ect). However, it is God’s law which is the ultimate law. Because man is sinful, we leaders are bound to stray from God’s law, when this happens we are called to not follow the evil ways of the world but to stand up for what is right in God’s sight. This is the only time when we are called not to follow the laws placed my men. We are to be obedient according to our morals and understanding of God’s commands.
Contrary to Christian belief that God portrays both Himself and his will, Islam “holds that God has not revealed Himself and His nature, but just his law” (292). The problem with Islam’s law is that it does not talk about all, or even many of the legal issues, in fact “many of its statements are ambiguous and addressed to specific historical situations” (292). Moreover, Muslims don’t see man as fallen or faulty so they don’t have a problem with man having power. As a result, they can give “religious leaders great political power over government authorities” (294). This defeats God’s purpose for placing authority over us, as man can choose to overrule that power. Furthermore it creates chaos and violence as citizens overthrow their rulers and the law system falls apart as seen in Egypt and Libya today. The biggest issue with Islam law is that the “Muslim community cannot find a similar basis for individual freedom with its religion” (295).
Contrary to Christian belief that God portrays both Himself and his will, Islam “holds that God has not revealed Himself and His nature, but just his law” (292). The problem with Islam’s law is that it does not talk about all, or even many of the legal issues, in fact “many of its statements are ambiguous and addressed to specific historical situations” (292). Moreover, Muslims don’t see man as fallen or faulty so they don’t have a problem with man having power. As a result, they can give “religious leaders great political power over government authorities” (294). This defeats God’s purpose for placing authority over us, as man can choose to overrule that power. Furthermore it creates chaos and violence as citizens overthrow their rulers and the law system falls apart as seen in Egypt and Libya today. The biggest issue with Islam law is that the “Muslim community cannot find a similar basis for individual freedom with its religion” (295).
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Can Laws be Limited to the Interpretation of an Individual?
I think depending on the situation, legal standards can be interpreted and determined for each individual. However, I also believe that the majority of the time they’re not. Let me make myself a little clearer, God is ultimately the law giver and the law maker but he also has established a government on earth ruled my men. Men are suppose to govern according to the laws God has given them and when they do (such as all are to be treated equally and shall not steal or murder) then there is no room for interpretation. Society must follow those rules and there are no exceptions since they were also God’s laws as stated in the Bible. (Exodus 20:13,15). However, there are laws that man has also placed that are not part of God’s plan and go against what is righteous in his sight. An example of this is the law trying to be passed for the approval of homosexual marriages. God understood that laws such as these would try to be passed because we are imperfect sinful creatures but that does not mean we are to follow them. To support this, 1 Timothy 1:9-11 says “We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.”
Above everything we are to serve Christ in everything we say and do. If earthly authorities try to get us to go against God’s will we are to disobey them even if it costs us our life because there is no greater death than in dying for Christ. This is illustrated in Daniel 3 with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. In God’s law he said “‘Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 26:1) Yet the king, Nebuchadnezzar made a law that everyone was to bow down to this gold idol he had made. Because this went against God’s law, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego determined this law for themselves and chose not to obey it because it went against God’s will and He is the ultimate authority over man.
In instances like these, people can interpret and determine legal standards according to themselves because it violates their morals. It then becomes an issue of whether to obey man or God. Overall, if authority on earth follows the law of God we must obey as we are called to obey Christ; there is no room for individual interpretation. On the other hand, if man's law violates God’s law then we are free to interpret it and determine it for ourselves based on our moral Christain understanding.
Above everything we are to serve Christ in everything we say and do. If earthly authorities try to get us to go against God’s will we are to disobey them even if it costs us our life because there is no greater death than in dying for Christ. This is illustrated in Daniel 3 with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. In God’s law he said “‘Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 26:1) Yet the king, Nebuchadnezzar made a law that everyone was to bow down to this gold idol he had made. Because this went against God’s law, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego determined this law for themselves and chose not to obey it because it went against God’s will and He is the ultimate authority over man.
In instances like these, people can interpret and determine legal standards according to themselves because it violates their morals. It then becomes an issue of whether to obey man or God. Overall, if authority on earth follows the law of God we must obey as we are called to obey Christ; there is no room for individual interpretation. On the other hand, if man's law violates God’s law then we are free to interpret it and determine it for ourselves based on our moral Christain understanding.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Is The Government The Ultimate Authority?
Society is a part of the authority in making laws but it is not the ultimate authority. The ultimate authority comes from God. God is the one who has “encrypted” us all with an instinct nature of what is right versus wrong. It is because we were made in His image which allows us to share an absolute truth. Because man is sinful, we cannot possibly create the laws off of our own ideas because what may be just for one person may not be for another, there would be disorder and chaos. We are not perfect and thus cannot create a perfect system of law and government.
Rom 13:1,3-4,6 says “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established... Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing... This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 1 Pet 2:13-14 also says “submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. It is clearly stated in these verses that God has placed law and authority over us.
However, if Sarah believes laws are created only by societies then she is looking at a Secular Humanist view, not a Christian view. Secular Humanists believe that laws evolve over time and man is perfectly capable of creating their own since they do not believe in the supernatural. The problem with this is if laws are constantly evolving than they are always changing and nothing is for certain as what may be a law one day might not be another. How can order be established if there is no set law? If the government makes up the laws for our rights than they can just as easily take them away. Where would equality and freedom then be? The government could pick and choose based on a majority who and what laws are worthy to be given. This could lead to rebellion or suppression of a group or type of people as already seen in history (black racial prejudice, Holocaust ect) when there are rules that go against the laws given by God. In order to have an organized and universal set of laws there must be only one supreme ruler which puts laws in place and intertwines them within humanity’s character so that everyone has an understanding of right and wrong.
Rom 13:1,3-4,6 says “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established... Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing... This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 1 Pet 2:13-14 also says “submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. It is clearly stated in these verses that God has placed law and authority over us.
However, if Sarah believes laws are created only by societies then she is looking at a Secular Humanist view, not a Christian view. Secular Humanists believe that laws evolve over time and man is perfectly capable of creating their own since they do not believe in the supernatural. The problem with this is if laws are constantly evolving than they are always changing and nothing is for certain as what may be a law one day might not be another. How can order be established if there is no set law? If the government makes up the laws for our rights than they can just as easily take them away. Where would equality and freedom then be? The government could pick and choose based on a majority who and what laws are worthy to be given. This could lead to rebellion or suppression of a group or type of people as already seen in history (black racial prejudice, Holocaust ect) when there are rules that go against the laws given by God. In order to have an organized and universal set of laws there must be only one supreme ruler which puts laws in place and intertwines them within humanity’s character so that everyone has an understanding of right and wrong.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Christian's View of Feminity
The Christian view of feminity is that like men they bear the image of God BUT they bear it differently and uniquely. Men and women were designed with different complementary roles, just because men are better at one area does not necessarily mean that they are therefore better than women as a whole. Males were created to be the “little king” (Genesis 2) as well as the poet and the rememberer. The little king, is like a warrior, he watches over the woman and is meant to speak up and keep order as is seen with Adam and Eve. Adam was in charge of the animals and keeping everything sorted and arranged. He also informed Eve of the rules of the garden such as she was not to eat from the tree of good and evil. However, Adam did not fulfill his duty as a poet (using his words) when it came to Eve eating the fruit, he did not say “No stop Eve, we must not eat the fruit”. Instead he was silent which resulted in chaos (the fall).
If man does not carry out his duties as a male things begin to fall apart and all the order that was placed as a “little king” crumbles. Similarly, if women neglect their roles problems arise, as seen in feminism. Women are meant to be the rescuers, the completers, and the life givers. Women have a natural instinct to be caring, nurturing, and desirous for love. In this way she completes a man because he needs nurture and compassion. This is seen in (Genesis 2:18) when Adam is alone without Eve so God creates a woman. She is able to fulfill the roles in which he cannot. The Genesis account of Adam and Eve conveys that generally both male and female are given the same tasks: to rule, to be fruitful, to fill, and to subdue but if we look deeper into their characters we will see the more specific roles of male and female. Woman are more caring and nurturing because they are the ones who are child bearing which is a result of man and woman coming together. This explains the role of women as completers (she is completed with the man; one flesh) and she is the life giver. She is obeying God’s command to be fruitful and multiply. Men are then the ones who provide for the family and take care of them, this reflects the “little king” as he is the protector to his family (like a king to his people)
When Christian’s look at feminity, they don’t see the need for women to compare themselves to men or “measure up” to them. Christians should see that men and women were creating differently and uniquely and it is these differences which make them complete as one when they are together in matrimony (Genesis 2:24). Women and men, although with different roles and characteristics are equal in God’s eyes because he created them both in his image and they need each other in order to survive. Woman are called to submit to their husbands, (Ephesians 5:21-23) not try to be better than them.
If man does not carry out his duties as a male things begin to fall apart and all the order that was placed as a “little king” crumbles. Similarly, if women neglect their roles problems arise, as seen in feminism. Women are meant to be the rescuers, the completers, and the life givers. Women have a natural instinct to be caring, nurturing, and desirous for love. In this way she completes a man because he needs nurture and compassion. This is seen in (Genesis 2:18) when Adam is alone without Eve so God creates a woman. She is able to fulfill the roles in which he cannot. The Genesis account of Adam and Eve conveys that generally both male and female are given the same tasks: to rule, to be fruitful, to fill, and to subdue but if we look deeper into their characters we will see the more specific roles of male and female. Woman are more caring and nurturing because they are the ones who are child bearing which is a result of man and woman coming together. This explains the role of women as completers (she is completed with the man; one flesh) and she is the life giver. She is obeying God’s command to be fruitful and multiply. Men are then the ones who provide for the family and take care of them, this reflects the “little king” as he is the protector to his family (like a king to his people)
When Christian’s look at feminity, they don’t see the need for women to compare themselves to men or “measure up” to them. Christians should see that men and women were creating differently and uniquely and it is these differences which make them complete as one when they are together in matrimony (Genesis 2:24). Women and men, although with different roles and characteristics are equal in God’s eyes because he created them both in his image and they need each other in order to survive. Woman are called to submit to their husbands, (Ephesians 5:21-23) not try to be better than them.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Sexism and Homophobia in the Church Blog
In my opinion, the church is far from being sexist and homophobic. From the very beginning in Genesis we see that both men and women are created in God’s likeness (Genesis 1:27) but they bear it differently. For example, each is called to a specific role. Males are called to be the little king, the poet, and the rememberer while females are the life givers, the rescuers, and the completers. Eve was designed by God to complete Adam because he was lonely, (Genesis 2:18) they were then said to have become one flesh. When God brings Adam and Eve into the garden together it is like their wedding, they become married and complete each other.
In this way, God establishes the first marriage which sets up his design for today. Genesis 2:24 states how a man when he gets married leaves his father to become one flesh with his wife. Not only does this verse demonstrate how men and women are called to be one but it also reveals how God’s design of humanity and sexuality is meant to be between a man and a woman, not two men or two women. Even our bodies and sex are created this way as the man goes into the woman and gives her his sperm so that they can multiply as they are called to. God says to be fruitful and multiply, (Genesis 1:22, 28) a woman cannot be impregnated by another woman; it was therefore not God’s design. The home is an important part in the faith of Christianity. There is suppose to be a family with a mother and father and they are to submit to each other.
Moreover the church is not a homophobe. They do not fear homosexuality but rather do not support it. They continue to love and show God’s to those who may be gay or lesbian because they realize that everyone is tempted in different ways. As Christian’s we are called to love one another and look out for each other which is exactly what the church tries to do. They try to point out how God did not design humanity to be homosexual. They therefore will not support those who do favor it, but that is nothing against the individuals themselves. For that reason I do not believe the church to be sexist or homophobic.
In this way, God establishes the first marriage which sets up his design for today. Genesis 2:24 states how a man when he gets married leaves his father to become one flesh with his wife. Not only does this verse demonstrate how men and women are called to be one but it also reveals how God’s design of humanity and sexuality is meant to be between a man and a woman, not two men or two women. Even our bodies and sex are created this way as the man goes into the woman and gives her his sperm so that they can multiply as they are called to. God says to be fruitful and multiply, (Genesis 1:22, 28) a woman cannot be impregnated by another woman; it was therefore not God’s design. The home is an important part in the faith of Christianity. There is suppose to be a family with a mother and father and they are to submit to each other.
Moreover the church is not a homophobe. They do not fear homosexuality but rather do not support it. They continue to love and show God’s to those who may be gay or lesbian because they realize that everyone is tempted in different ways. As Christian’s we are called to love one another and look out for each other which is exactly what the church tries to do. They try to point out how God did not design humanity to be homosexual. They therefore will not support those who do favor it, but that is nothing against the individuals themselves. For that reason I do not believe the church to be sexist or homophobic.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sociology Parenting Blog
I personally believe it is in the states best interest to be more involved in parenting, even to the point of controlling what is taught in the home. As a Christian, the traditional views of state, church and home are very important. The home is where children grow up and the behaviors and actions that they are taught will ultimately be seen in society. Without an interest and involvement in parenting kids can do whatever they want and there is no sense of right from wrong because they are never taught the difference. They way children are raised effects upcoming generations and the culture as well. If one generation is not parented and taught then neither will the next generation and the next until eventually there are no universal morals or truths. Society would become chaos and out of order as there would be no rules or discipline because every person assumes they can do as they please as they weren’t taught any differently. In order to have strong leaders and authority for the future, people must have a right understanding of ethics and morals.
Moreover, as Christians, it is important to be educated and grounded in God through the home because then they can live a life pleasing and honoring to God. Through a godly home, kids will also gain an understanding of what is right and wrong in God’s eyes so that they can stand apart from society when it teaches something different. State involvement could also limit some of the corruption in homes such as abuse and neglect. If no one is involved in situations like this then children grow up with hurt, anger or bitterness which also can have a huge effect on society as is evident today. In order to change/fix society then one has to first fix the culture, and if one wants to fix the culture then they have to start over in the home where generations are taught and raised. The lessons and principles in the home are ultimately the basis of what society will become.
Moreover, as Christians, it is important to be educated and grounded in God through the home because then they can live a life pleasing and honoring to God. Through a godly home, kids will also gain an understanding of what is right and wrong in God’s eyes so that they can stand apart from society when it teaches something different. State involvement could also limit some of the corruption in homes such as abuse and neglect. If no one is involved in situations like this then children grow up with hurt, anger or bitterness which also can have a huge effect on society as is evident today. In order to change/fix society then one has to first fix the culture, and if one wants to fix the culture then they have to start over in the home where generations are taught and raised. The lessons and principles in the home are ultimately the basis of what society will become.
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