Religion Is Not A Necessary Thing - 934 Words

Throughout the ages, many people have pondered on the actual necessity of religion in our society. They have studied most religions, decorticating their differences and similarities in the hopes of being one day, able to explain to the world why religion is or is not a necessary thing. Seeing this from a basic point of view, religion is a refuge for human beings. It is an element of hope they cling on to when life seems to hit a dead end. But religion in itself has many different aspects which makes it so powerful and allow members to relate to it in one way or another. One of those aspect is, rituals. Figuratively speaking, rituals make more than half of the composition of a faith or sect. They dictate how, and when, we show thanks, gratitude, sympathy, and fear to the God we pray to. They boost confidence, alleviate emotional pain, bring on a feeling of togetherness but most importantly, they often work. Simply put, a religion without rituals would barely be on the brink of existen ce. The Islamic faith like many others, partakes once a year, in a ritual that requires an animal sacrifice as a show of gratitude. Eid Al- Adha, or the big Eid, commemorates the loyalty of Ibrahim to God, by accepting to slaughter his own son as a sacrifice to said God. It is then said that, after witnessing Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son, Allah gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son, Ishmael. This specific ritual is of great importance to Muslims worldwide,Show MoreRelatedOn Religion : Speeches And Its Cultural Despisers By Friedrich Schleiermacher1306 Words   |  6 Pages In his book, On Religion: Speeches to its Cultural Despisers, Friedrich Schleiermacher addresses the idea that as a person’s scientific knowledge increases, the less religious that person will become. Of course, this topic is one among very many others addressed in the written speeches. Schleiermacher opposes the idea that religion decreases when scientific knowl edge increases in a person, beginning his opposition with a distinction between religion and thought. It is important to note that whenRead MoreThe Prince And Discourse On Livy900 Words   |  4 Pagesmeticulously discusses the importance of religion in the formation and maintaining a political order. Machiavelli regards religion as a political tool used by political elites for political purposes. He argues that the appearance of religion is good while the practice of it is harmful. One of the memorable passage from the Prince that supports Machiavelli’s claim is when he advices the prince to not to be good, and the prince should cultivate the appearance of the religion if he wants to maintain his stateRead More Belief in a God is necessary for a moral society Essay1038 Words   |  5 Pages Belief in a God is necessary for a moral society Religion in the world has always been considered a rather important aspect of society. Although this is true, there are still people that question the existence of God. A survey done among 1000 people showed that 65 percent of Americans believe that religion is losing its influence on American life (Sheler, 8). Even so, Belief in a God is necessary for a moral society because since the beginning of history man has always made up some sort of roleRead MoreBelief in a God Is Necessary for a Moral Society1044 Words   |  5 PagesBelief in a God is necessary for a moral society Religion in the world has always been considered a rather important aspect of society. Although this is true, there are still people that question the existence of God. A survey done among 1000 people showed that 65 percent of Americans believe that religion is losing its influence on American life (Sheler, 8). Even so, Belief in a God is necessary for a moral society because since the beginning of history man has always made up some sort of roleRead MoreCatholicism is Christ’s Church811 Words   |  4 PagesThere is one religion that claims to have the fullness of truth. That religion is the faith of Catholicism which means the Universal Church. Through Jesus Christ the founder and messianic figure of Catholicism, his Bride, the Church claims to unite humanity under the fullness of truth through the succession of Peter and tradition. There are three different perspectives towards all religions: Excluivism, Pluralism, and Inclusivism (lecture notes, 1/12). These views towards religions vary greatlyRead MoreLaw and Religion1173 Words   |  5 PagesReligion began as a way to explain unfathomable gaps in understanding how the world and the things within it worked. It became a fundamental part of many lives because it gave the population faith and understanding as to why things functioned the way they did. Unexplainable events were concluded as the will of a higher being, as it was the simplest rational. Nonetheless, time has shifted, and with different ages comes change. However important they were when our kind had no other explanation forRead MoreReligion Is An Organized System Of Worship905 Words   |  4 PagesFaith is a belief or a prediction of the future while religion is an organized system of worship followed by a group of people (Pyle 1). While both sound mostly superstitious, they are very necessary fo r the running of the daily human lives. Humans, for the fear of the unpredictable future, often come up with myths that they hope will keep them safe. It serves them well, as it helps them carry on with their daily activities with reduced fear and anxiety. However, the problems begin when they thinkRead MoreThe Differences Between Extrinsic And Intrinsic Religious Expression854 Words   |  4 Pages1. As found in the Livingston text the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic religious expressions is as follows, extrinsic is the people who find religion to be useful and can provide things like social status while intrinsic is people who use religion for themselves rather than an external reward such has social status. James’ is more interested in the self-surrender type of conversion. Extrinsic and intrinsic religious expression is related to James’s notion of conversion because JamesRead MoreReligion, Religion And Religion879 Words   |  4 Pageshundred different religions in the world, all proclaiming different things, it can getting a little frustrating to decide on one to call home. However, every Religion claims to be the one true religion. Is it the fact that one has a large following, or even a large building erected in the manifestation of the words they proclaim? Or is it a minute group of disciples focused on solving the ever frightening problems that the world faces every day? Mirriam Webster Dictionary defines a Religion as â€Å"the beliefRead MoreDifferences Between Marx And Feuerbach s Conceptions Of The Relationship Between Philosophy And Religion1718 Words   |  7 PagesFeuerbach’s conceptions of the relationship between philosophy and religion, as well as the implications this has for their thoughts on religion, which brief discussion on the criticisms one could pose to these thinkers for their theories. What is important to note before we begin is that both of these thinkers are reacting to the Enlightenment era of Philosophy which is the idea of a rational and scientific approach to religion and the self. Kant defined the enlightenment as a move to autonomy away

Essay on Elizabeths Spiritual Growth in The Crucible

The Crucible tells of a town’s obsession of accusing innocent people of withcraft. One character that stands out and makes a spiritual growth is Elizabeth Proctor. Elizabeth allows her frustrations of her depression to overcome her religious beliefs which separates herself from God and her marriage. She grows spiritually and begins to understand the things going on around her which was the strength she needed in the beginning. At the start of the play, Elizabeth is heartbroken her husband, John Proctor, has committed adultery seven months ago with Abagail Williams. Elizabeth’s sorrow leads her to insecurities of her husband’s fidelity. When the talk of witchcraft comes up, Elizabeth becomes devastated she has been accused of witchery by†¦show more content†¦With everything going on, Elizabeth allows her distress to overcome her Puritan beliefs. During the time of the Salem witch trials, many accusations were made. Because Elizabeth knows Abagail wishes t o take her place, she initially becomes frustrated when Rev. Hale reveals Abagail has accused her of witchery in court. Elizabeth’s first instinct is to get her husband to â€Å"tell her she’s a whore† and to break the â€Å"promise† made that night (1128). Deep down Elizabeth knows her frustrations are overcoming her religion but she does not yet realize it. When John returns home, he implies Elizabeth is judging him of his flaws instead of looking for the goodness in him (1124). John, during this time, was more spiritual and â€Å"in-tune† with God more than Elizabeth who only thought of herself. Her frustrations and insecurities overpowered her consideration of others feelings. Finally, Elizabeth’s spiritual growths are apparent as she begins to understand the tings going on around her. Because Elizabeth’s name has been called in court, she is imprisoned. During this time, John confesses to the court of everything to save his wife and their family. Elizabeth then realizes the good in her husband and says she must forgive him in order for him to forgive himself (1161). She becomes more understanding towards her husband’s decision and begins to stand by him. The strength Elizabeth gains becomes even more apparent as she tells Rev. Hale she is

After the Ratification of the Declaration of Independence free essay sample

After the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, establishing the united colonies as Free and Independent States, the Continental Congress set to work on the task of drawing up a document that would provide a legal framework for that Union, and which would be enforceable as the law of the new land. The Articles were written during the early part of the American Revolution by a committee of the Second Continental Congress of the now independent thirteen sovereign states. The head of the committee, John Dickinson, who had refused to sign he Declaration of Independence, nevertheless adhering to the will of the majority of the members of the Continental Congress, presented a report on the proposed articles to the Congress on July 12, 1776, eight days after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Dickinson initially proposed a strong central government, with control over the western lands, equal representation for the states, and the power to levy taxes. We will write a custom essay sample on After the Ratification of the Declaration of Independence or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Because of their experience with Great Britain, the 13 states feared a powerful central government. Consequently, they changed Dickinsons proposed articles rastically before they sent them to all the states for ratification in November 1777. The Continental Congress had been careful to give the states as much independence as possible. The Articles deliberately established a confederation of sovereign states, carefully specifying the limited functions of the federal government. Despite these precautions, several years passed before all the states ratified the articles. The delay resulted from preoccupation with the revolution and from disagreements among the states. These disagreements included quarrels over boundary lines, conflicting ecisions by state courts, differing tariff laws, and trade restrictions between states. The small states wanted equal representation with the large states in Congress, and the large states were afraid they would have to pay an excessive amount of money to support the federal government. In addition, the states disagreed over control of the western territories. The states with no frontier borders wanted the government to control the sale of these territories so that all the states profited. On the other hand, the states bordering the frontier wanted to control as much land as they could. Eventually the states agreed to give control of all western lands to the federal government, paving the way for final ratification of the articles on March 1, 1781, Just seven and a half months before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his British Army at Yorktown, October 19, 1781, the victory ended fighting in the War of Independence and virtually assured success to the American cause. Almost the entire war for five long years had been prosecuted by the members of the Second Continental Congress as representatives of a loose federation of states with no resources and reputations. Under the Articles, on paper, the Congress had power to regulate foreign affairs, war, and the postal service and to appoint military officers, control Indian affairs, borrow money, determine the value of coin, and issue bills of credit. In reality, however, the Articles gave the Congress no power to enforce its requests to the states for money or troops, and by the end of 1786 governmental effectiveness had broken down. Nevertheless, some solid accomplishments had been achieved: certain state claims to western lands were settled, and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established the undamental pattern of evolving government in the territories north of the Ohio River. Equally important, the Confederation provided the new nation with instructive experience in self-government under a written document. In revealing their own weaknesses, the Articles paved the way for the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the present form of U. S. government. The Articles were in force from March 1, 1781, to March 4, 1789, when the present Constitution of the United States went into effect. During those years the 13 states were struggling to achieve their independent status, and the Articles of Confederation stood them in good stead in the process and exercise of learning self- government. The articles created a loose confederation of independent states that gave limited powers to a central government. The national government would consist of a single house of Congress, where each state would have one vote. Congress had the power to set up a postal department, to estimate the costs of the government and request donations from the states, to raise armed forces, and to control the development of the western territories. With the consent of nine of the thirteen states, Congress ould also coin, borrow, or appropriate money as well as declare war and enter into treaties and alliances with foreign nations. There was no independent executive and no veto of legislation. Judicial proceedings in each state were to be honored by all other states. The federal government had no judicial branch, and the only Judicial authority Congress had was the power to arbitrate disputes between states. Congress was denied the power to levy taxes; the new federal government was financed by donations from the states based on the value of each states lands. Any amendment to the articles required the unanimous approval of all 13 states. In attempting to limit the power of the central government, the Second Continental Congress created one without sufficient power to govern effectively, which led to serious national and international problems. The greatest weakness of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation was its inability to regulate trade and levy taxes. Sometimes the states refused to give the government the money it interstate commerce. The government could not pay off the debts it had incurred uring the revolution, including paying soldiers who had fought in the war and citizens who had provided supplies to the cause. Congress could not pass needed measures because they lacked the nine-state majority required to become laws. The states largely ignored Congress, which was powerless to enforce cooperation, and it was therefore unable to carry out its duties. After the Colonial victory in the Revolutionary War, it became obvious to the Founding Fathers that the original attempt would not be equal to the task of providing the equitable law which they sought. Congress could not force the states to adhere to the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1783 ending the American Revolution, which was humiliating to the new government, especially when some states started their own negotiations with foreign countries. In addition, the new nation was unable to defend its borders from British and Spanish encroachment because it could not pay for an army when the states would not contribute the necessary funds. Leaders like Alexander Hamilton of New York and James Madison of Virginia criticized the limits placed on the central government, and General George Washington is said o have complained that the federation was little more than a shadow without substance. On February 21, 1787, Congress called for a Constitutional Convention to be held in May to revise the articles. Between May and September, the convention wrote the present Constitution for the United States, which retained some of the features of the Articles of Confederation but gave considerably more power to the federal government. The new Constitution provided for executive and Judicial branches of government, lacking in the Articles, and allowed the government to tax its citizens.

The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath Essay Example

The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath Essay This is a microcosm of the attitude to which Jesus held regarding the Sabbath. The Sabbath concerns two events. They are the creation of the world and the Jews release from slavery. God gave the day to the Jews to hold as a day of rest in honour of him. What is under discussion here, is, how do we interpret this? The answer is unclear and indeed ambiguous. There are two extreme views already on the matter. Liberals believe that it is not essential to devote all that much time to Jesus, Fundamentalists believe that every little detail of the Sabbath law should be observed and carried out. The question is: Which one is right? Is either?In Marks Gospel there are three main chapter incidents regarding Jesus and the Sabbath.In 1:21-28 there is no conflict between Jesus and religious leaders. This parable merely highlights Jesus attitude to the Sabbath and he tries to express his message that the law of love comes before the love of law and that we must do our best to help others, regardle ss of what day it is.In 2:23-27 Jesus harvests some corn from a cornfield. The Pharisees considered this a very serious offence, as Jewish laws regarding work on the Sabbath were very strict. When the Pharisees questioned his actions Jesus responded echoing Davids actions of the same kind upon them. He then said that the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath. This is, I think, key to understanding the aspect. Here we see Jesus rebelling against Jewish Laws and acting as if he were above them to some of the most powerful people around. He is ultimately risking his life for his beliefs, which are against tradition and law; this shows that we too should perhaps take them just as seriously. It could be argued that perhaps Jesus should have known better, being the prophet that he is, but on the same level, you could also say that his actions were to make a point. He is trying to express that these trivial laws shouldnt have to act as a burden upon us, that if they do so we would be bett er off without them.3:1-6 is like the Lord of the Sabbath, except, in a way, the roles are reversed. This time the Pharisees are trying to make a point. Now, in these days the Pharisees were meant to do all they could to make sure that the proper laws were carried out. This also meant that they had to set a good example and abide by them laws themselves. In this parable we see Jesus meeting a man with a shrivelled hand in the Synagogue. The Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. This shows that the Pharisees had no real respect for the Sabbath Law; they just wanted to ensure that everyone else kept it. Jesus asked the Pharisees:Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?Jesus had a point here, one that the Pharisees could find no response to. They went silent and Jesus healed the man. This parable shows that every opportunity must be taken to please God by pleasing others.Christians can learn that Jesus put u s on the Earth to have a good life and help others to do the same. If any law infringes this then it should be overlooked and not obeyed. Christians must learn that the Sabbath was made for them and these dim laws should not bear the authority to stop that. Christianity is about what comes from the heart. This is not to say that the Sabbath should not be worshipped at all, this is not the case. Christians should worship the Sabbath although they should not let it impede on their quality of life.