Explain how the bible is used in congregational and in private worship.
Religious Education Coursework Assignment The Bible . Explain how the bible is used in congregational and in private worship. The Bible is seen as the 'word of God' and some Christians talk about the Bible being 'inspired by God'. By this they mean that Gods teachings have been passed down to the people who wrote it. Lots of Christians prefer to study in private because it is more personal, and they believe that God speaks to them through the Bible, so this makes it special for them and easier to follow and understand. The Bible can be used in many different ways during private worship. Some Christians read little bits daily, and others turn to the Bible when they are going through a difficult time in distress or pain, and reading the Bible gives them comfort and reassuring tat everything will turn out ok. The Bible helps people understand life, pain, suffering death and many more, some may see it as a guide to life. Many Christians like to read the Bible daily and in private as a part of their personal devotions, or read a passage of scripture on a daily basis. I can understand why a large number of Christians prefer to worship in private because then they are able to focus their minds and concentrate on a certain passage without distraction, for better understanding. Christians who study the Bible daily, tend to set aside a period of time each day, it becomes a
Explain the terms 'Relative poverty', 'Absolute Poverty' and 'Culture of Poverty'.
Poverty and Deprivation. . Explain the terms 'Relative poverty', 'Absolute Poverty' and 'Culture of Poverty'. Absolute (or subsistence) Poverty is a term used to describe poverty that is measured as being without the resources to maintain health and physical efficiency. Basic human needs such as an amount of food, clothes and shelter are ways that 'being in' absolute poverty is measured. "a family is poor if it cannot afford to eat". (Keith Joseph, 1979). The concept of absolute poverty was developed by Rowntree in the 19th century. Usually measured as a minimum sum of money. Rowntree's early studies of York and Booth's Life and Labour in east London are both examples of a calculation of resources (money) needed to meet the needs of survival, therefore being classified as either 'in' or 'not in' absolute poverty.Absolute poverty is perhaps more linked to malnutrition which is particular important to developing countries and as Sen (1982) argues when looking at the whole world. "Malnutrition captures only one aspect of our idea of poverty... (but). must have a central place in the conception of poverty". Much sociological research looks at relative rather than absolute poverty. Harrington 1962 wrote in 'The Other America' "To have one bowl of rice in a society where all other people have half a bowl may well be a sign of achievement and intelligence. To have five
How can we best understand the role of religion in foreign policy?
Section C. (8) How can we best understand the role of religion in foreign policy? In order to best understand the role of religion in foreign policy, one needs to acknowledge that religion does play a role in foreign policy. However, the role religion plays in international relations is often overlooked. This omission of such an important factor that influences international politics in so many ways and on so many levels is detrimental and should be addressed (Fox, 2001:73). Religion influences international politics in varied ways. The phenomenal role of religion in foreign policy is not new or in dispute. Fox purports that religion, in more ways than one, is tied to other issues that distinctly influence international politics. There is a link between religion and nationalism, totalitarianism, political regimes, political opinions and attitudes, ethnicity, issues of identity, the process of globalization, terrorism, political culture, attitude towards war and peace, and the politics of specific states (Fox, 2001:72). We can best understand the role of religion in foreign policy by examining the influence that religious beliefs and views have on the decision making process. Moreover, is the religious foundation of a country the guiding light in that country's foreign policy? One is cognizant of the argument made by some that religion's contribution to international
In an essay of not more than 1200 words, discuss the claim that the most compelling reason for studying religion today is to reach a better understanding of contemporary society.
In an essay of not more than 1200 words, discuss the claim that the most compelling reason for studying religion today is to reach a better understanding of contemporary society. For me, the word 'religion' conjures up images of wailing fat ladies dressed in their Sunday best singing at the top of their lungs about the glory of God. Of course, this image comes from my childhood when I attended the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica every Sunday, rain or shine, with my grandmother. For her, Church, Christianity and God was a way of life; a set of principles she believed in and lived by. For others less convinced, the idea of religion or 'being religious' is as far fetched as aliens and UFO's. Throughout the centuries, religion has played an important part in shaping the political landscape of most modern societies and one reason for studying religion is to understand how and why certain societies developed in the way they did. The church - used here in generic terms - was often married to the way in which rulers administered laws and punishments. Often some used the church to swindle people out of their wealth and to gain their allegiance through fear. While other rulers such as Henry viii manipulated the religious order of the day by breaking away from the Catholic Church and forming a new Church of England so he could marry his mistress. For most, Islam is a way
Is abortion ever justified? Show you have considered more than one point of view.
C Is abortion ever justified? Show you have considered more than one point of view. You must include a Christian viewpoint. The issue of abortion involves many complex questions that people argue over all of the time. It is a subject that all people have different beliefs about. Different people live by certain codes, certain principles as religious beliefs, individual morals and generally societies morals such as the law which influences their response. The Catholic Church would argue that abortion is never justified because it is wrong to kill. They believe life begins at conception therefore having an abortion and killing a foetus is murder and wrong. I believe life begins when a person is able to make their own decisions and is able to act upon their thoughts independently. They believe only God has the right to give and take lives. Abortion is playing God, doing his duty and it is not our place to do it. But I believe God also gave us free will, the freedom to do as one wishes without being held back, to some extent. They believe in such quotes as in 1 Corinthians 13 in Paul's version of agape love it says, 'Love is not content with evil' Catholics may consider abortion as evil. This maybe because they also believe that life begins at conception and killing the foetus would be wrong. Therefore the loving God will not be happy with abortion. On the other
Features of a Synagogue Like a church, a synagogue also contains holy artefacts and representations. These include:The two tablets of the Ten Commandments, written in Hebrew
Features of a Synagogue Like a church, a synagogue also contains holy artefacts and representations. These include: The two tablets of the Ten Commandments, written in Hebrew These are the scrolls of the Torah; they are kept behind a curtain that is decorated with the banners of the tribes of Israel, this is found below the ark. Behind the curtain are the Torah scrolls in their cases. The scrolls are said to be "dressed". The scrolls are decorated with items which recall the roll of the priests in the temple. There is also a large, raised, reader's platform called the bimah, where the Torah is read and from where the services are centered in synagogues. The Breast piece The Rimmonim This is the view of an entire Synagogue from the inside There is a pulpit facing the congregation for the use of the rabbi, from and a pulpit facing the Ark where the rabbi stands while leading the prayer service. Above the Ark is a light which always burns it signifies eternal light. Melissa Parvis
The Sermon On the Mount
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of sayings of Jesus. Jesus used to go out and preach to people by telling parables. He said many things, which tell us how to live our lives The sermon starts off with nine sayings called BEATITUDES, which tell us how to live happy lives. (1) We can be happy if we do not despair. We must keep hope and faith in God. (2) We can be happy if we search for God and allow God into our lives. (3) We can be happy if we search for justice and peace and put away selfish thoughts. (4) We can be happy if we are willing to suffer for what we believe is right. God will reward us for our honesty and courage. Jesus was trying to get people to think about what was in their hearts. He was trying to get them to lead better lives. In the chart below is a list of topics mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount and what Jesus said about them. TOPIC WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT THEM THE LAW People must obey the laws of the time. But also think about what is in your heart. The state of a person's heart is what can make all the difference between a good a bad person. ANGER If we can control our minds and stop anger then we will also control our actions. Anger and hate leads to violence. ADULTERY Again a lustful thought towards another person is what leads to adultery. Control your thoughts and your actions will be controlled. Sin is
Why is Religious Fundamentalism spreading so far as of 2004?
Joe Levy Politics Homework Why is Religious Fundamentalism spreading so far as of 2004? Religion no longer plays a leading part in the lives of most of the inhabitants of the industrialized west. We can define religious fundamentalism by looking at Professor Scruton, who identifies two components to religion. The first is belief in spiritual, non corporeal beings who may have created the universe and the living beings which inhabit it, and have the power to intervene in the affairs of the world, for good or bad, and to hand out rewards or punishments to mortals after they die; these rewards or punishments may include being sent to a Heaven or Hell or whatever that particular faith's equivalent may be, or being reincarnated into this world with higher or lower status. The second is piety, which means belief that such beings are morally superior to mortals, have set out codes of conduct for humans to follow, and that one must abide by these codes in order to lead a good life in this existence and be rewarded in the afterlife; piety, therefore, covers obligations that are not covered by contracts or any kind of secular law - it means abiding by the laws of God, or the Gods, rather than the laws of man. Fundamentalism places piety at the heart of politics. In terms of religion, it demands that any religion should abide by the fundamental doctrine out of which it has grown,
Hume now goes on to say that we can never for certain know that miracles do exist
'Belief in miracles is a necessary condition of being a Christian In the following, I will point out the ideas and facts that disagree with Hume's belief. The idea of Christians believing in the Bible and that miracle have people understand the Bible as Hume does, then Christians must believe in miracles. Hume tackles Christianity directly by stating that without miracles Christianity would not stand. . He states that miracles help Christians understand what they believe, but the belief and faith are deeper. Miracles and parables helped people believe and understand what was to be our faith, but they are not what faith is about. You can take any miracle, and faith will still exist. Miracles are also becoming more understood. There is thought that Hume presents, some miracles are in themselves tricks of nature, such as the splitting of the Red Sea. At a time of extreme low tide one can cross, and that the Egyptian army sank because of the mud or their heavy armour they were loaded with. There are bodies and armour found underneath the Red Sea that is Roman and there exists evidence of this being the cause of it. Hume says that miracles are the defiance or the breaking of the rules of nature. In his explanation, the lifting of a house or mountain is just as big a miracle, as is the lifting of a feather by the wind. As stated, in this Hume is possibly correct, that
For a Christian, Nuclear War Can Never Be Justified
'FOR A CHRISTIAN, NUCLEAR WAR CAN NEVER BE JUSTIFIED' I disagree totally because there are many different types of Christians, even if we split them into the three main groups (pacifists, just war believers and crusaders). So it is virtually impossible that all these Christians to have the same point of view. Obviously pacifists are always against the nuclear war due to their beliefs, they believe to never resort to violence what ever the cases may be. Just War believers; can't agree with it either because they only believe in a war that is 'Just' and nuclear war can never be 'Just' because it breaks one of the main rules of Just War, a Just War must be waged with all moderation possible (without massacres, excessive violence, etc). Crusaders could believe in Just War in some cases, if it is carried out as a last resort in the best intention to avoid more violence. Some Christians believe that to use nuclear weapons, could be justified. Because if a country is in the possession of such weapons, it prevents other countries form attacking them, due to a fear of a nuclear war to take place. That is probably a reason why no major European war has broken out since 1945. Another reason for them to justify the keeping and using these weapons, is that if they did not keep or use these weapons, and a group of fundamentalists from that country got hold of such weapons. This group