Welfare Essays (893 words) - Federal Assistance In The United States

Welfare Welfare is a government program that provides money, medical care, food, housing, and other things that people need in order to survive. People who can receive help from these welfare programs are children, elders, disabled, and others who cannot support their families on their current income. Another name for welfare is public assistance. There are many organizations that supply this public assistance. Such as Salvation Army and other groups. Public assistance benefits help many people who live below the poverty line, an income level is established for families. If your income is below this you would be eligible to receive this help. Welfare in the United States Federal and state governments in the Unites States serve the poor people through about 60 public assistance programs. Most people receive help through one of the four major programs. These programs are Medicaid, Aid to families with dependant Children, Social Security, or Supplemental Security, or the food stamps program. I will discuss the four programs individually. Medicaid provides free medical care to the poor people. Funds vary from state to state. In some situations, people who may be able to pay daily needs, but can't afford large medical bills may also be able to receive Medicaid. Some services paid for are bills such as doctor's visits and nursing home care. Most Medicaid funding comes from the federal government. The rest is supplied by the state. Each state runs their own Medicaid program. A.F.D.C. provides cash benefits to dependent children and the parents or the guardians taking care of them. Most families that qualify for A.F.D.C. have just one parent in the home. About 80 percent of these families are headed by a woman. A.F.D.C. also pays benefits to two-parent families if both parents are unemployed. Most A.F.D.C. funding comes from the federal government. The states provide the rest of the money and administer the program. The sizes of families' payment vary from state to state. Next is Social Security Income. This provides financial Aid to people in need who are at least 65 years old, blind, or disabled. The federal government finances and administers social security income programs in most states, though some states supply the federal payment and are able to run their own programs. Finally, the Food Stamp Program helps low-income households buy more and better food than they could otherwise afford. Each participating household receives a certain number of coupons called food stamps. The stamps are issued by the federal government. The number of stamps a household receives varies with the family's size, income, and expenses. Cooperating grocery stores accept the stamps like money for food purchases only. There are other programs such as energy assistance and public housing. Energy assistance, which is federally financed but administered by the states, helps people pay fuel bills. Public housing provides low cost rental apartments in government owned buildings. State and local governments fund and administer their own general assistance programs. These programs provide financial aid for needy people who do not qualify for other types of welfare. People waiting to receive assistance from other programs also may get temporary emergency aid from general assistance. Back in the early days, welfare resembled the English system. Social governments were responsible for helping the poor. But the colonies and later the states, sometimes helped the local government provide aid. The first federal welfare program, began after the Revolutionary War, they provided pensions to war veterans. During the Civil War these pensions were expanded to cover soldiers' widows and orphans. In the early 1900's, primary responsibility for providing welfare benefits shifted from local to state governments. During these years, states enacted programs to aid dependent children and the elderly. The criticisms of welfare ranges over a number of social and economic issues. Some people criticize welfare programs for not providing high enough benefits to eliminate poverty. Spending on welfare would have to increase greatly to eliminate poverty, and many people believe the cost is already too high. Many critics of the welfare system charge that providing a steady income to needy people encourages idleness. Actually, most welfare benefits go to elderly, blind, and disabled people and mothers with young children. But welfare does discourage some recipients from working harder by reducing benefits if their income

Say No to Your Darlings

Say No to Your Darlings Say No to Your Darlings Say No to Your Darlings By Michael Veteran writers often advise aspiring writers to â€Å"kill your darlings.† Grisly, isnt it, but they all say it. William Faulkner wrote, â€Å"In writing, you must kill all your darlings.† Stephen King wrote, â€Å"kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.† Notice that King said kill three times, but then, we are talking about Stephen King. According to Slates culture editor Forrest Wickman, this advice was originally given by more than a century ago by Cornish writer Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch (his pen name was Q). In On the Art of Writing: Lectures Delivered in the University of Cambridge, 1913–1914, Sir Arthur Q advised: If you here require a practical rule of me, I will present you with this: ‘Whenever you feel an impulse to perpetrate a piece of exceptionally fine writing, obey it- whole-heartedly- and delete it before sending your manuscript to press. Murder your darlings. Observe that Sir Q didnt say murder your whole manuscript. And he didnt tell us to ignore your darlings either. No, he encourages us to put our darlings whole-heartedly onto paper. Just dont send that piece of paper to the publisher. And how did our friend Q define darlings? As a piece of exceptionally fine writing, one that happens to have been written by yourself. A darling is not a wickedly appropriate plot twist or a subtle yet deep character insight. No, it is merely a purported example of exceptionally fine writing. Does it further the story or reveal character or do any of the things that truly fine writing does? Erm, no comment. My takeaway on this: if something helps your reader, dont murder it. If it only make it easier to pat yourself on the back, lose it. Sir Q didnt really say to kill your darlings. He said okay, he said murder your darlings. No way am I going to write one thousand words encouraging you to murder a loved one. So let me adjust the analogy. Nobody wants to think about losing a beloved child. We all want to keep our darlings. But just because we love our darlings doesnt mean that right here is the right place for them. Cute as a three-year-old daughter is, I can think of a lot of places in the house that she doesnt need to be, and a lot of things she doesnt need to be doing. We would never get rid of her, but often we need to say no to her. Her cuteness makes it hard to say no, but not less necessary. Im using the singular feminine when I talk about darlings, calling her she, because losing a favorite character or passage or idea can feel giving up a favorite daughter. Deliberately giving her up, by your own choice, seems even worse. Maybe you feel like youre committing child abandonment. Except it isnt really like that. Once your book goes to press, your readers will never miss your darling. They will never know she is missing. Since she didnt really belong in your book, you will never miss her there. Yes, she seems so precious. But having your writing called precious is not usually a compliment. But what if your darling feels real to you, already a three-dimensional character in your mind or deserving to become one? What if you cant give her up? Fortunately, saying no to your darling this time doesnt mean you cant say yes to her later. Just cut and paste the passage into another file on your computer. Yes, you must remove your darling from where she doesnt belong, but you dont have to delete your darling entirely. Maybe she will fit beautifully in another story. She may become the centerpiece, the key to your new masterpiece. By the way, that other file doesnt need to be reserved only for deceased darlings. You should keep an idea file anyway, for all those ideas which you already know they dont fit into your current project. I like to review my idea files sometimes even when Im not particularly working on anything. It makes me feel more brilliant. I have to recognize, however, that not all my darlings are simply misplaced beauties. Maybe that character isnt as three-dimensional as I believed. Maybe Im deceived about the truthfulness of that plot line. Maybe life isnt really like that. Maybe my affection is misplaced. Regardless, once youve done away with your darling, immediately fill in the hole she left. Read over the part just before the cut, and keep on going and writing from there. How do you recognize a darling that needs to be removed? And where do you find the courage to remove her? Well, we often find courage and wisdom in other people. A writer needs other people alpha readers, beta readers, or a writing group. You need these intelligent, literate people to look into your story, to show you how well they appreciate the good parts (demonstrating their great insight), and to share with you how confused or apathetic they felt when they read the other parts. Inconceivable, isnt it, that so many intelligent readers dont appreciate something that is so obviously brilliant. If only one reader has trouble with it, maybe thats his problem. If many readers have trouble with it, maybe theres your problem. And you need to take care of it. Essentially, your darlings are the beloved parts of your work that dont advance your work. And you need others to help you see the truth, just some parents are incapable of seeing that their three-year-old is spoiled until others point it out. Saying no to your darlings will make you stronger. Suffering tends to do that sort of thing. Accepting another point of view will increase your empathy. Youre giving up something you love out of deference to others. Doing so will make you less selfish and a better writer. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Has vs. HadYay, Hooray, Woo-hoo and Other Acclamations10 Varieties of Syntax to Improve Your Writing

Eleanor Roosevelt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Eleanor Roosevelt - Essay Example Eleanor Roosevelt had contrasting kinds of relationship with her father and mother that shaped her independent and caring identity. Elliott Roosevelt had quite successful brothers, with whom he had differences with. Elliott, instead of establishing himself in any particular profession (Wills 80), became more of a drunkard though, and because of this, his older brothers eventually banished the former to Virginia because they thought being apart from his family would change him (Youngs 46). Despite his physical separation from his family, Elliott loved his daughter, Eleanor, so much that he sent her letters, and Eleanor loved him dearly in return (Youngs 45). Before he left for Virginia, he even painted a picture for her (Youngs 45). Elliott’s relationship with his daughter developed Eleanor’s strong sense of independence and compassion. For instance, in terms of independence, Elliott wanted his daughter to â€Å"love the outdoors as he did† (Youngs 48). The outdoo rs symbolizes freedom and independence. Furthermore, Elliott wanted his daughter to be as gentle as he was. ... relationship with her mother had been strained, but their relationship, however different from her father’s, helped her to focus more on inward development than physical looks. Anna did not seem to like that Eleanor was her opposite in terms of looks and interests, and she even told her once: â€Å"You're so plain that you have really nothing to do except be good† (Wills 80). Anna’s stern treatment and criticism of her daughter might be one of the reasons that Eleanor shied away from the public limelight, even when married already to FDR. Nevertheless, Eleanor Roosevelt’s introvert nature might also have helped her develop herself more intellectually and socially, but in a more social-interest-oriented way. Eleanor Roosevelt bloomed as a student, where her school life and experiences improved her self-esteem and enhanced her independent personality. Eleanor studied at Allenwood, an exclusive-for-girls school near London. Marie Souvestre was the headmistres s of Allenswood Academy, and she motivated Eleanor to become more active in school and civic duties. Youngs depicts Eleanor in her intellectual growth as she realized, that, in school, â€Å"she did not have to strain to win attention; she simply had to be herself† because in an academic environment, people were similar to her in interests and aspirations because they were â€Å"more interested in ideas than social conventions† (65). Souvestre helped Eleanor find her mission in life- to be of service to others. Eleanor excelled in school and participated in community activities. When Eleanor went back to New York in 1902, she volunteered at the Rivington Street Settlement House on the Lower East Side, where she served as one of the teachers of the immigrant poor’s children (Wills 81). Hence, her education

Research Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Research Plan - Assignment Example Basis for Violent Crimes Committed by Teenage Offenders Thesis Statement The statement for this thesis is to conduct research that presents why youthful offenders, aged 18 and under, commit the violent crimes they do, such as murders of old people and babies, and to determine what effective punishments will curb these crimes. The criminal justice system currently provides a certain leniency in punishments for youthful offenders in order to try and rehabilitate them, assuming they are, at a young age, not capable of making informed judgments for their actions. The impact of youthful offenders on the criminal justice system is that there are younger offenders committing more violent crimes than ever before, thus taxing the criminal court system as well. It would appear that current judgments made against young offenders, do not deter them enough so that they would move away from the environment that assists or encourages them to commit these crimes. Communities are also stressed becaus e rehabilitative services operate on limited budgets and, with an overload of cases, care and attention will also be limited. In the community itself, people are more afraid because, with youthful offenders, one cannot always protect oneself against younger criminals because laws also protect the young against abuse. Hypothesis The statement of prediction for this issue is that â€Å"if you are a younger offender, bent on violent crimes, you will not be punished the same way, or as severely, as adult offenders.† This hypothesis will examine the causes of violent crime by youthful offenders, such as poor economic circumstances, negative friendships, lack of parental supervision, and lack of educational or sports activities outside of home and school. The effects of this hypothesis will be the impact on the criminal justice system in overcrowded juvenile courts, punishments without efficient rehabilitative services, and whether criminal sentences are severe enough for violent c rimes, such as murder. An added effect is the impact on communities who are fearful of living in their homes because of these crimes, who will also take more advanced measures to protect their own, if the police cannot be relied on. Accordingly, the variables will be: causes-poor economic background, negative friends, no adult supervision, no outside activities, and for effects: overcrowded justice systems, inadequate rehabilitative services, too lenient sentences, and fearful communities. Measurement and Analysis Study Design – The study design is a quantitative literature review of cases and research studies, utilizing secondary data for descriptive analysis. The data searched for will be found in research studies, criminology reports and government databases. The data, reflecting the variables listed in the hypothesis, will be used in creating a new analysis of the problem which can identify solutions, based on results. All research studies and cases will be no older than 10 years. Sample – The sample will consist of youthful offenders from age 18 and under, found in secondary literature research. The review will also include, wherever possible, the judge’s decision in these case studies, and why the judge gave the decision for the offender. The descriptive in summary analysis will include gender, age, education, and head of household, i.e. mother or father, or both. The variables will be those listed in the hyp

Security Planning and Assessment High School Essay

Security Planning and Assessment High School - Essay Example Geographical location may become important if the firm is situated in an area that is subject to political or social upheaval. Corporations with offshore facilities must constantly reevaluate and reassess their security requirements and vulnerabilities. Retail and wholesale outlets may take on additional threats if they sell or store materials that may be useful in the manufacture of explosives or weapons of terror. As the cost of goods changes over time, items that were once considered unattractive may take on new value. Dealing with these constantly changing environments requires a program that regularly reassesses security based on the current economic, political, and social climate. This paper will examine the myriad political, social, and economic forces and how they impact the management, planning, and assessment of security for private firms, and the methods that form the most appropriate response for these situations. Americans that are employed overseas for US corporations may become particularly at risk as the political climate changes or the social structure breaks down into lawlessness. Journalists may be kidnapped and held for either political ransom or financial ransom. Terrorists may kidnap high profile executives with the belief that they could be used as a bargaining chip to gain the release of terrorists held in the US or other foreign prisons. In assessing the threat level the political climate of the country should be considered. Questions need to be asked such as; does the country tolerate terrorism and terrorist groups Have these groups threatened the US or US interests If there is a cause for concern, the best assessment tool is intelligence. Geopolitical regions that are at a high risk of terrorist activity that is unfriendly to the US will often have a pattern of previous terrorist acts. If there been any changes in US policy that may initiate a terrorist kidnapping, then this wi ll heighten the risk of future activity. High level and visible personnel working overseas are usually the ones that are most at risk. Countering a personnel threat begins with thorough planning. One of the most critical actions that the person can take is to keep a low profile and remain as anonymous as possible. In addition, "be cautious of local officials in many regions, minimise your profile in order to minimise your risk" (The Cavell Group, n.d., p.1). Living and working locations should be gated with a guard at the entrance, and have video and audio monitoring capability. Routes and routines should be kept private and unpredictable. Personnel should be closely guarded by trained professionals, preferably from the region. If traveling in a private car, plans and escape routes should be planned ahead of time. Planning should also include contingency plans for the worst-case scenario. Family, staff, and colleagues should be trained in the proper response to any type of attack. It should be remembered that in the case of a kidnapping for ransom on foreign soil, the local government might not be helpful. The legal , cultural, and political disparities among nations, as well as the constraints on intelligence and expertise, "all point to the fact the prospects for effective action at the state level are not promising" (James & Goldstaub, 1988, p.75-76). Individuals and corporations operating on foreign soil

Understanding the context of the bible

Understanding the context of the bible Understanding the context of the bible Introduction Although the bible is a superb story-book, full of exciting tales well told, But it is more than just a collection of stories. Tthere is one big story told by the whole collection of individual stories. The centre of it is God, and all what he did in this world and for human race.[1] The bible was written by people in order to be understood by people, but there are some hindrances that makes difficult for it to be understood in its original meaning,[2] this is a demands when you interpret it you must consider the importance of historical, geographical and cultural context for effective preaching? Because if you miss Gods meaning you are no longer had? Gods word because you have to know what it says, understands what it mean, for this reason it must be interpreted in order to get a meaning, because this creates a gap in our understanding the original meaning of scriptures. The only way to get everything right on it is to consider its historical, geographical and cultural context.[3] So in this essay we will look the land of the bible geographical constitute the arena in which God chose uniquely to speak and act?[4] Because Gods revelation touches specific times and places. Geographically account begins in the so-called Ancient Near East or the present-day Middle East.[5] This essay will explain the importance of understanding the geographical context of the bible for effective preaching, because the purpose of preaching is for people to get the meaning of the bible. It is very much important to understand the bible passage in its historical context looking to the authors views. And place of writing also the reason for writing who were the readers political economic social religious legal ethically all will help in understanding the meaning of the passage, particular purpose and occasion. Culture is what people believe what they say, what they do, wear, eat make or practice with different customs would that cultural practice have the same significance today if not is there a timeless principle that could be practised today but in a different way? Geographical it is very important to consider that the bible was written in a different land in this way it will be easy to interpret it correctly. In stressing the necessity of determining the original meaning of the bible, John Chrysostom, also called the Golden Mouth He maintained that the bible is the infallible word of God and his exegesis was both spiritual and practical.[6] The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are clear infallible revelation of Gods will and His salvation. The Bible is the Word of God, and alone is the standard which all teaching and experience must be tested (2Tim. 3:15, 17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 2Thess. 3:14; Heb. 4:12). 1. Historical meaning The historical context provides us with the author, date, original audience, purpose, theme, and other important information about historical or background setting of the book, Scripture is an authentic, reliable record of history and Gods acts in history. It provides the normative theological interpretation of those acts. The supernatural acts re ­vealed in Scripture are historically true. For example, chapters 1-11 of Genesis are a factual account of historical events. The Antioch exegetes pose historical questions. They say the word in a passage of scripture must be understood and interpreted historically, that is, in terms of their ordinary meaning.[7] According to Augustine in Alexandrian and Antioch and methods, this means that to him each biblical text has literal (that is, historical) and figurative (that, is Spiritual) meaning. The most important thing, in short, in hermeneutical skill depends upon (1) ones knowing the bibles use of language properly and precisely, as well as distinguishing and representing to oneself the historical circumstances of a biblical discourse; (2) ones being able to speak today of these matters in such a way as the changed times and circumstances of our fellow human demand.[8] 1.1Interpret the bible in view of historical It is important that each and every verse or passage of scripture to be interpreted in its historical, in historical setting we consider firstly the author Walter Kaiser, JR says Interpreters often can understand authors better than they understand themselves. The promise that this saying appears to hold is that there is a stratum of thought, an inner form of the work (Dilthey), which in the creative process bypassed the authors consciousness, but is now left for the interpreter to uncover.[9] But for Schleiermacher, his technical and psychological interpretation (Ernestis subtilitas explicandi) involved the additional step of personally assimilating the subject by determining or attempting to reconstruct the mental process of the author-an altogether impossible task. We notice three divisions of the bible as well as in the New Testament is that in each case there are a number of distant of development in the formation of the Scriptures. There is original historical event in which the revelation is attested to or spoken of, then a period oral tradition, a period of fragmentary accounts, and finally books and collections of books as we have them today. Thus the meaning of a text always goes beyond what its author intended, and the true sense is an unending process which is never exhausted or captured by an infinite line of interpreters! So, as we read the bible, we need to keep asking ourselves; what did the author intend to convey by this? What is he actually asserting? What will his original hearers have understood him to have meant? As we attempt to transport ourselves back into the authors mind and times, and to listen to his words as if we were among his first readers, we shall need particularly to consider the situation, the style and the language in which [10] 1.1.1 The date of writing If we are to understand the text it is important to know the times in which he wrote. On the other side to know something of the conditions in which these books were written is to better understand the text itself.[11] A list of significant biblical dates to provide a framework for the flow of biblical History, The Patriarchal Era (1800-1290), Exodus and the Period of the Judges (1290-1050), Early Israelite Monarchy (1050-750), Assyrian Dominance (750-640 BC), The Rise of Babylon and Exile (640-538), the Persian Period and Return (538-323), the Greek Wars/Maccabean Period (323-63), the Rise of Rome (63-3)Chart of the reigns of kings of the United Monarchy and the Divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah to the fall of Jerusalem (1050 586 BC), colours coded to show good and bad kings, as well as those deposed or assassinated.[12] 1.1.2 Place of writing Its context in scripture is the place where it is found. So each text must be understood both its historical and its scriptural background. Like the first testimony to the revelation of God was often given long before the written document this where Jacob called the place where God appear to him Bethel[13] Gen28:17) 1.1.3 Reason for writing Who wrote it and to whom? In what circumstances, for what reason it is the situation in which it was written. 1.1.4 Readers Although it was given to those who lived in an ancient Near Eastern/Mediterra ­nean context, the Bible transcends its cultural backgrounds to serve as Gods Word for all cultural, racial, and situational contexts in all ages.[14] 1.1.5 Political The bible gives relatively little direction on specific political and legal models. As a result Christianity is (or should be) politically non-partisan in the sense that no particular political system or philosophy can be truly defined as biblical or Christian. The bibles focus is on the ethical and spiritual relationships which inform the individuals of any given society.[15] Therefore individual Christians are free to choose and endorse political and legal systems (or parts of) which promote justice and good governance, so that people everywhere have their God-given dignity respected. As part of these two key political outcomes should be of special interest to Christians: First, (1 Tim 2) calls Christians to pray for (and support) government which allows people to hear the good news about Jesus Christ: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. Second, while love of neighbour is a universal command (Matt 22:37-40; Luke 10:25-37; Rom 13:8-10) the bible has particular concern for the needy and marginalized. Neglect of these groups is frequently a reason for Gods judgment upon the ancient nation of Israel. For instance the prophet Zechariah delivered this message of condemnation: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another [11] But they refused to listen [12] Therefore great wrath came from the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 7:9 -12) 1.1.6 Social What are the various reconstructions of the specific context to which your text is addressed or in which it has been written? (The story behind the text) What alternate reconstructions have been suggested? E.g., the different theories about Pauls opponents in Galatians[16] or, the identification of large parts of Deuteronomy with the scroll found in the Temple as described in 2 Kings. (Note: Reconstructing a specific context is more difficult for the Pentateuch than for a prophetic book like Jeremiahor a letter of Paul where the specific situation is clearer.) 1.1.7 Religious Like circumcision of the Jewish nation (Gen 34:14-17, 22) and the term uncircumcised for the Gentiles Galm2:7-8; Col3:11. These are the historical religion of the bible that needs to be understood and interpreted in their context, so that the message of the bible will give a meaning to people.[17] 1.1.8 Legal An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (Exodus 21:23-25)John 19:10-11Do you refuse to speak to me? Pilate said. Dont you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you? Jesus answered; you would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.The eye for an eye principle can be seen as a legal application of the golden rule (Matt 7:12): Do to others what you would have them do to you. Both principles assume that we humans are equal and should treat each other in an equal and fair manner. If we harm another fellow human we at the same time admit that according to the spirit of these principles that others (i.e. the state governed by law) can do the If a woman has intercourse before marriage (Deut 22:20-21).Same to us.For the Lord is a God of retribution; he will repay in full. Jer 51:56) 1.1.9 Ethical Many of the major problems in our time have to do with morals. In public life we have witnessed a breakdown of ethical standards. What is right? What is wrong? If the Bible gives an accurate description of Moses views, then by modern standards some of his commands might amount to calls for murder, war crimes or slavery. For instance, according to Numbers 31:15-18, he called for the massacre of boys and the enslavement of female children to Israelite veterans of the Midian war (kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. But all the little girls among the women, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for you). It is important to note, however, that such ethical dilemmas can be cited without an adequate understanding of the historical context. In contrast, believers in the accuracy of the Bible can use assumptions to discourage exploration. But religions opponents can also discourage further exploration by making debatable assumptions about a text, classifying the intent of the text as immoral, and thereby dismissing the text as unreliable. In the above example some readers may infer an implied equality between slavery under Mosaic Law and slavery as understood in the New World. The political context of rights (individual v the state) doesnt appear to capture the bibles emphasis on responsibility. Despite these limitations, human rights have proven an extremely useful way to protect the dignity, freedom and equality of individuals. Equality is sometimes controversial but the bible underlines the inherent equality of all people in several ways: Every person is made in the image of God.[18] (Gen 1:27) All are sinners and equally in need of redemption (Rom 3:19-26, esp. there is no distinction) Hierarchies based on social rank, ethnic background and gender are counter to the gospel (Gal 3:28; James 2:1-10) In fact, God frequently favours people who are regarded as lesser in the eyes of people: But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) 2. Geographical The bible was written in a different land, it is impossible to understand the meaning of the bible without some knowledge of its geographical setting, and the story of the bible touches specific times and places. Geographically, the account begins in the so-called Ancient Near East or present-day Middle East. It includes the area known today as Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.[19] It is important to understand that the whole bible takes place in a rough rectangle of land five hundred miles from north to south and one thousand miles from east to west. Yet the very mention of geography especially bible geography, is enough to switch some people off. Some people who have no taste for geography if the bible gives a list o Kings of Israel and Judah in their chronological order. May ask rather impatiently why God did not reveal himself in a rather remote geographical context, so that we have to struggle to understand the context, so that we have to struggle before we can grasp the revelation?[20] God want to deal with us in our situation of time and place, as he dealt with the biblical characters in theirs. To understand his ways, we must understand this, we must know something of both where and when it all happened thats the importance of understanding and interpreting the bible in its geographical context, we must be able to visualise it. Consider the land of the bible including terrain, topography, weather, transportation, distance, cities, and agriculture, the land of the bible was highly with mountains, desert and seas, rivers, plains and coastline, Luke 10:30-37Jesus story of a good Samaritan this road made travellers to be vulnerable to robbers they could easily hide in the rocky place we see the valuable geographical context for the meaning of the story, preaching or giving the meaning of the passage it needs an understanding of the context in which the authors was writing on. Geographical context Consider the land of the bible including terrain, topography, weather, transportation, distance, cities, and agriculture, the land of the bible was highly with mountains, desert and seas, rivers, plains and coastline, Luke 10:30-37) Jesus story of a good Samaritan this road made travellers to be vulnerable to robbers they could easily hide in the rocky place we see the valuable geographical context for the meaning of the story, preaching or giving the meaning of the passage it needs an understanding of the context in which the authors was writing on. 3. Cultural settings It is very important that the bible to be interpretation including its cultural institutions and terms, and to make them into normative teaching on a par with any other in- junction of Scripture. Consider the culture in which author lived in order to understand what he meant. Culture is valuable only if the culture is in the passage. For instance Jesus conversation with the woman in the well is culturally significant because the bible says Jews had no dealings with Samaritans John 4:9) Contrast of ancient tribal cultures concern with community and communal ways of thinking with modern individualism, and its implications for understanding Scripture. A paper dealing with the Israelite appropriation of metaphors, symbols, and conceptual categories from the pool of ancient Middle Eastern culture, noting both the similarities and differences, and the implications both for understanding the OT, as well as for addressing the modern conflict of science and religion, to further complicate thi ngs, the original authors, while writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote in their own personal style using illustrations relating to their particular culture and history. Distinguishing between Scripture that is cultural relative and that which is relative for all times can sometimes be very difficult.[21] Theres not enough space here to deal with it adequately, but generally, to find the timeless principles, look to the Bibles core message (those messages that stay consistent across many cultures), the inherently moral or immoral items, and the items that are expressly accepted or forbidden (those which the Scriptures merely acknowledge). Guidelines for determining whether a passage is culturally bound or applicable today: What was the purpose of the cultural practice or teaching? Would that cultural practice have the same significance today but in a different way? Assume every teaching or practice of scripture is applicable today unless-but Mark 2:18-21 every cultural practice and tradition must be measured against the teaching of Gods word. Culture is what people believe say do wear eat make practice and how they think or process information[22]. Since God revelation was given in particular cultural setting and the social customs which from the background of some biblical instruction are entirely foreign to those of our day. Are we then rejecting the teachings because are culturally dated? It is better to accept the biblical instruction itself as permanently binding, but to translate it into contemporary cultural terms. John Stott mentions one of the more difficult examples which caused a tension between the permanently valid and culturally dated concerns the status, behaviour and dress of women. More especially when Paul addresses the church in Corinth the veiling of women, head covering when prophesying, here Stott says we must find other social customs which express a womans acceptance of the authority which God has given to man.[23] Consider the culture in which the author lived in order to understand what he meant. Culture is valuable only if the culture is in the passage. For instance Jesus conversation with the woman in the well is culturally significant because the bible says Jews had no dealings with Samaritans John 4:9).Contrast of ancient tribal cultures concern with community and communal ways of thinking with modern individualism, and its implications for understanding Scripture. Conclusion This essay describes the bible as superb story-book, full of exciting tales well told. It shows it as more than just a collection of stories but what is centred one big story which told by the whole collection of individual stories. The centre of it is God, and all what he did in this world and for human race.Since God revelation was given in particular cultural setting and the social customs which from the background of some biblical instruction are entirely foreign to those of our day Bibliography Burden, J.J., E.E, Deist., Biblical Studies (Honours) Biblical exposition (South Africa: University of Pretoria, 1992) Kaiser. Walter Jr., Toward An Exegetical Theology (Michigan: Baker book house, 1987) Stott, R.W John., Understanding The Bible (London: Scripture union, 1973) Schroeder, David., Learning to Know the Bible (Pennsylvania: Faith and life press, 1967) Towns, R.L Elmer., Bible Answers for almost all your questions (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc, 2003) William, H.Green., General Introduction to the Old Testament (Michigan: Baker book House, 1980) Gorder, P.R., The Old Testament Present (Michigan: Radio Bible Class 1982) Kaiser, Otto., Introduction to the Old Testament (Great Britain: , 1973) Drane,John., Introduction the Old Testament (England: Lion Publishing, 1987) Dyer, Charles., Eugene, Merrill., Old Testament Survey (Nashville: Word Publishing,2001) Purkiser, W.T Exploing The Old Testament (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1940) John Macquarrie., James Childress., A New Dictionary of Christian Ethics(London:SCM,1993) Harris, Marvin., Cultural Anthropology (New York: Harper Row, Publishers,1987) [1] Alexandra,Pat,.David Alexandra .,Zondervan Handbook To The Bible(Michigan: Lion publishing,1999),p.18 [2] Burden, Deist., Biblical Studies (Honours) Biblical Exposition,p.3 [3] Burden, Deist., Biblical Studies(Honours) Biblical exposition ,p.4 [4] Stott., Understanding The Bible (London: Scripture union,1973 ),p.35 [5] Stott., Understanding The Bible (London: Scripture union,1973 ),p.37 [6] Burden, Deist., Biblical Studies(Honours) Biblical exposition (South Africa: University of Pretoria,1992),p.4 [7] Burden., Deist., Biblical studies (Honours) Biblical exposition,p.3 [8] Walter,C.Kaiser Jr., Toward An Exegetical Theology (Michigan: Baker book house,1987) ,p.27 [9] Kaiser Jr., Toward An Exegetical Theology,p.35 [10] John, R.W, Stott., Understanding The Bible,p.225 [11] David, Schroeder., Learning To Know The Bible (Pennsylvania: Faith and life press, 1967),p.84 [12] American Academy of Religion,1955 [13] David, Schroeder., Learning To Know The Bible,p.39 [15]John,Macquarrie., James Childress., A New Dictionary of Christian Ethics(London:SCM,1993),p.484 [16]William, Hendriksen., Galatians Ephesians(Edinbuburgh:The banner of truth,1999),P.22 [17] Elmer, R. L. Towns., Bible Answers for almost all your questions (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, inc,2003),p.8 [18] Dyer, Charles., Eugene, Merrill., Old Testament Survey (Nashville: Word Publishing,2001) ,p.7 [19] David, Schroeder., Learning To Know The Bible (Pennsylvania: Faith and life press, 1967),p.17 [20] John, R.W, Stott., Understanding The Bible,p.33 [21] Harris, Marvin., Cultural Anthropolog ( New York: Harper Row,Publishers,1987),P.46 [22] Harris, Marvin., Cultural Anthropology,P.47 [23] John, R.W, Stott., Understanding The Bible (London: Scripture union,1973 ),p,229

The Fate of The Donner Party Essay -- American History, Cannibalism Th

Desperate times call for desperate measures. This advice has been used as a way to justify questionable actions in times of despair for many years. Following the advice, the Donner Party did whatever they could to survive. Stuck in a snowstorm, the group is believed to have reverted back to animalistic ways, and devoured each other to survive. While no one knows the truth of that fateful winter, many agree that cannibalism was their main form of survival. Though the Donner Party’s travels were not well documented and many details remain controversial, it is evident that they resorted to cannibalism to survive. During their western voyage, the group notoriously known as the â€Å"Donner Party† inevitably became trapped in a snowstorm in the winter of 1846 and 1847. Originally, the group set out for California in search of new opportunities. Figure 1 shows the path that the party followed to arrive in their set destination. After departing from Springfield, Illinois, the Donner’s first stop was in Independence, Missouri where they joined the rest of their traveling companions. The party had then planned on arriving at Fort Bridger to join another expedition, but they were too late and the expedition left without them (Johnson, 1). They left from Fort Bridger on July 31, 1846 using their own navigation skills in hopes of landing at their destination (Diamond, 2). When an unfortunate snowstorm hit, the group was left stranded. To make matters worse, they were split up between Truckee Lake and Alder Creek. They struggled during this time for they had few supplies and a limited fo od source. Of the 81 person party, only 45 survived the horrendous conditions (Johnson, 1). That number of casualties may seem fairly typical based on the condit... ... alone is irrational let alone poor reasoning to enforce the disagreement. They did most likely consume wild animals but were in no way dependent on them. Out of desperation, the Donner Party had to have resorted to cannibalism. The Donner Party experienced harsh measures and had to come to extremely important decisions regarding survival. Many still deny the possibility that the party resorted to cannibalism in spite of a serious lack of proof and virtually no records of the events stating otherwise. On the other hand, many just â€Å"want to tell the story of their life over those final months, not just of cannibalism. [They] wasn’t to restore the humanity to the members of that party – and to their descendants† (Bailey, 1). Despite such controversy, the party has ultimately been linked to cannibalism, and based on the events, that is most obviously what occurred.