Background of the Catholic Church Essay -- Religion Papers

Background In the Western world, the schism within the Catholic Church has made its most significant impact due to rapid changes in social standards. Of greatest importance is the evolution of modern society and their response to the reverberated traditions of the Catholic Church as well as the evolving Protestant sects. In consequence of increases in technology and science, modern society has redefined its acceptable and moral behavioral standards within a social setting, whereas, the Catholic Church stands firm in its doctrines despite social and moral movements in the twentieth century. Except for the Second Vatican Council and the Council of Trent, the Roman Catholic Church has not worked to revise its religious traditions in response to a changing society. As a consequence with this unparalleled development, many young adults and the population in general has swayed from the devout Catholic worship.1 From my personal experience I have found it difficult to accept the strict doctrines of the Catholic Church due to a social lifestyle that takes precedent. Secondly, I have appreciation for other religions, particularly Hinduism and sects within Christianity. My attitude does not necessarily correspond with that of the Catholic Church. Specifically, the Catholic Church perceives itself as the only divine route to Heaven. From my perspective, having been born and raised Catholic, I feel that Catholicism strongly disfavors any exploration of other religions or even tolerance of additional religions. I feel that this intolerance is subtly communicated to worshipers. Even if this intolerance it not communicated, there are not measures taken to inform worshipers about other religious practices. This stance is probably ... ...ery emotional responses such as tears. However, this should not be a discouragement because all Catholics are very sensitive to this dramatic difference in celebrating God and it does take time to get use to. Mainly it must be known that whether Protestant or Catholic we are worshipping to the same God. By taking a step back and analyzing the differences in religious celebration of this mystery, one can realize the true similarities between the too. In this realization Catholics will be able to fully appreciate and identify with Protestant religious ceremonies. References: 1 Momen, M. The Phenomenon of Religion: A Thematic Approach. Oxford: 1999, 475. 2 DeBruyn, R. Today’s Missal: April 8-June 9, 2001. Oregon: 2000, 81. 3 DeBruyn, R. Today’s Missal: April 8-June 9, 2001. Oregon: 2000, 86. 4 St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. Boston: 2001, 2.

Clothes Make a Man

It is said that we can judge a man’s character from his dress; But it’s not always so. Dress can only help us to a certain extent in knowing the broad facts of a man’s character. A man who wears a costly dress is necessarily a man of lavish habits. On the other hand, a man who wears tattered clothes is not necessarily a man of miserly habits. He may be do so only due to his financial limitations. Yet it is true that in some cases dressserves as a useful index to the character of a man. Some common examples, from which we can get some idea of a man’s character from his dress, are given below. We daily come across such persons as put on clothes of loud colours. We find them dressed in gaudy colours. They wear bushshirts printed withThe faces factors and actresses. So, is the case with their shoes. Shoes withdifferent designs on them are liked by them. We can easily know thecharacter of such people by looking at the way in which they dress. Suchpeople, if we carefully observe them, are very fond of show and ostentation. They lack the maturity of taste. They do not have sober habits. We can know this by their dress. Many people even if they are given costly and decent clothes, will maketheir appearance shabby and ineffective. They will put on the shirt or thecoat, but will not button it up. The laces of their shoes will remain untied. If they use the tie they will not put the knot properly. They never botherwhether their clothes are pressed or not. As these people are with theirclothes, so they are with their habits. They behave carelessly in other matters also. They are slovenly in their dress, living, reading and other ways also. So in this way, dress reflects their character. Besides this, we find people wearing very simple dress. A white ‘kurta’,‘dhoti’, and a white cap on the head and simple ‘chappals’ are all that they dress themselves in. But their clothes are always very neat and clean. Though they do not waste much of their valuable time in dressing, yet they do not use their dress carelessly. Such people show that they are thefollowers of the principle, â€Å"Simple living and high thinking†. They do notbelieve in ostentation. Mostly such people are intellectual. Broadly speaking, the dress of a man helps us to know his character. But atthe same time it may also be added that the dress should not be regarded as the sole index to the character of a man. Many saints and Sadhuscompletely neglect their dress. But it does not mean that they are very low either in their mental or emotional standard. On the contrary, they raise themselves so high from the level of such worldly considerations that dress becomes quite meaningless to them. In the present age, Mahatma Gandhiused to wear only a loin cloth. But he was the man before whom the entire world bowed its head. So in judging the character of a man dress can kelp us only to a certain extent. It can never be the sole guide. We should alsotake other factors into consideration in judging a man.

Advice on feeding children for parents with concerns about their own eating Essay

Many parents have concerns about their own eating and worry about the impact that this may have on feeding their children and on their children’s healthy development. What follows below is some advice about how best to manage feeding children for parents or caregivers with their own concerns about eating. A role model for children1 ? Children copy the behaviours of others. Your children will pick up eating behaviours exhibited by parents, siblings, other family members and friends so try to be a positive role model for your child by eating and enjoying regular meals with them if possible. Give children child-sized portions ? For parents who are limiting their own calorie intake or portion size, they may lose sight of what is an appropriate portion for their growing child. It is important to give children suitable portions, rather than those that are too large or too small. Guidance on portion size can be found here: http://www. nhs. uk/change4life/Documents/pdf/Step_By_Step_Me_Size_Meals. pdf or here: http://www. nhs. uk/change4life/pages/kids-portion-size-tips. aspx.? As a general rule, a portion of fruit or vegetables is the same size as a person’s palm. So, a child-size portion of peas on a dinner plate should be the same size as your child’s palm. Offer a healthy, balanced diet ? Children and adults need a nutritious, balanced diet for optimal development and health. Try to ensure that you are giving your children meals that include: fruit and vegetables; starchy foods (e. g. , rice, pasta, bread, potatoes); meat, fish, eggs and beans; milk and dairy foods; and moderate amounts of food containing fat and sugar (see here: http://www.nhs.k/Livewell/Goodfood/Documents/Eatwellplate. pdf). ? Don’t cut food groups out of your child’s diet (unless they have an allergy / intolerance) and do try to offer a variety of foods across mealtimes. ? Ensure that children have three meals a day, as well as healthy snacks. Research suggests that breakfast is particularly important for school children as it provides them with energy required for the day. Listen to your child ? Children are good regulators of their own levels of hunger and fullness. They will tell you when they are hungry and full. If they are often still hungry 20 minutes after finishing their meal, it may be that the portion size is too small for them. Try not to be too controlling2-5 ? Parents may feel that their child needs to eat all the food on their plate in order to be healthy. Avoid pressuring or forcing your child to eat more than he/she wishes. Pressuring children to eat food can result in the food becoming less liked and children eating less of that food. If your child tells you he/she is full, they probably are. ? Try not to overly restrict your child’s access to (unhealthy) foods. Limiting children’s intake of foods can unintentionally make these foods seem more desirable and children may then eat more of these foods if given free access to them (e. g. , at parties). ? Everything in moderation. Keeping track of what your child eats is good parenting and ensuring that your child eats a balanced diet is encouraged. However, it is important to offer your child a balance of foods from all the food groups to ensure healthy growth and development. Above all remember that food is a fuel. Your child requires a healthy, balanced diet and regular meals and snacks in order to grow and remain healthy.

Jeb Stuart essays

Jeb Stuart essays Jeb Stuart was a combination leadership general in the mid-nineteenth century. He was a great leader as well as a good follower. In the following paragraphs I intend to tell about his life before the army and his life during his service, explain why he was such a great leader, and discuss the roles he played in the battles he fought. Every great story has a beginning. This one is no exception. James Ewell Brown Stuart was born on February sixth, eighteen thirty-three. He was the seventh of twelve children and the youngest son. Stuart attended Emory and Henry College before being appointed to the United States Military Academy. He graduated thirteenth out of forty-six in his class and was appointed cavalry sergeant, which was the highest rank attainable for these cadets. After graduation Stuart of course entered the U.S. army and because of his participation in the military academy was given the rank of second lieutenant, and was assigned to the regiment of the Mounted Texas Riflemen. He excelled in leading the regiment, and was promoted and transferred to the newly formed first Regiment, U.S. Cavalry. On January fifteenth, eighteen sixty-one Jeb sent a letter to Jefferson Davis asking him for a position in the confederate army. On May third of the same year he sent his letter of resignation to the U.S . army, and three weeks later was given the rank of captain of the southern cavalry. This didn't last too long due to Stuart's superb skills. At the end of it all he was promoted to major general of the entire confederate cavalry division. Stuart was in many battles in the Civil War, some he played a vital role in, others not. His first service was in the Shenandoah Valley, but he was at First Manassas where he nipped at the Union right flank, and then tried to organize a pursuit. After that he had an unusual role. Nobody had foreseen entire brigades of cavalry, so Stuart kept command ...

Act 2 of Reasons to Be Pretty

Act 2 of Reasons to Be Pretty Reasons to Be Pretty is a hard-edged comedy written by Neil LaBute. It is the third and final installment of a trilogy. The trio of plays (which also include The Shape of Things and Fat Pig) are connected not by characters or plot but by the recurring theme of body image within American society. Reasons to Be Pretty premiered on Broadway in 2008. It was nominated for three Tony Awards (Best Play, Best Leading Actress, and Best Leading Actor). The following is a summary and analysis of the events in Act Two. Read the synopsis and character outline of Act One. Scene One - After the Break Up Act Two of Reasons to Be Pretty begins in the lobby of a restaurant. Steph and Greg unexpectedly encounter each other. Steph is on a date, and the former couple awkwardly make small talk, attempting to be pleasant. The conversation segues to nostalgia for their good times together, which then transitions into the familiar argument about body image and their break up. She smacks him, then just as suddenly tries to apologize. However, Greg has had enough. He tells her that her date will eventually hurt her feelings too, and that he wont be there to help her. Somehow, they cool down and wish each other well on their lives without one another. Scene Two Carly visits Greg (who is yet again reading some classic literature). He comments that has not seen Kent lately. After trying to flatter him, Carly then wants to ask him an important question about Kent. Before the question, Carly reveals that she is three months pregnant. She suspects that Kent is cheating on her. At first, Greg contends that he does not believe that Kent is unfaithful. Carly continues to pressure him, asking Greg to look her in the eye and say he doesnt know anything. She asks if Greg was out with Kent and girls, but Greg lies and says that it was just guys from work. This relieves Carly for the time being. She tells him: I dont know why God made it so hard for us to trust you guys but he did, and it sucks. Scene Three Greg and Kent prepare for work-related softball game. Kent says that he expects Carly to hit the gym the day after the baby is born. He thanks Greg for covering up his affair, and begins to recount his recent sexual exploits with Crystal, the hot girl from the office. Greg tries to explain that he no longer lie about Kents affair. This irks Kent, who feels that Greg is being judgmental. He repeatedly calls Greg a pussy. Greg tries to get the upper hand, hinting that he might tell Carly the truth, but Kent believes that he is bluffing. He claims that Greg would never tell because he is afraid of people disliking him. Kent bullies him, wrestles him to the ground, and then calls his ex-girlfriend ugly. Greg finally stands up to Kent, not just because he is obnoxious, not just because he is an adulterer, and not just because of his comments about Steph. Before he beats Kent up, Greg explains that he is doing it Because you need it, okay? For who you are and what you have done, and for all the sh*t you will no doubt perpetrate for the rest of your life. After over-powering his ex-friend, Greg leaves Kent, who fumes in rage. Scene Four Carly and Greg are hanging out in the break room. She chats about her pregnancy. In hopes of showing Carly the truth about her husband, Greg strongly suggests that she takes the evening off and go home to her husband. She follows his advice. Although we never see the confrontation between Carly and Kent, it is implied that Carly will discover the truth about her husbands affair, and will move onto a new chapter in her life. Immediately after Carly leaves, Stephanie stops by to share the news: she is engaged to be married. Steph has become a manager at her hair salon. Greg has plans to go to college, realizing that he doesnt want to work at a warehouse for the rest of his life. Steph admits that she cannot stop thinking about Greg, yet at the same time believes that she will be much happier with her soon-to-be husband. Greg apologizes and is very understanding. He emphasizes that she has a pretty face, making her feel better. He also admits that he is simply drifting, and that their four years together may never have turned into marriage. She leaves, but not before kissing him good bye one last time. Although they do not rekindle the relationship, the characters in Reasons to Be Pretty represent a rather optimistic view on relationships and young, middle class Americans. In comparison to the protagonist in Fat Pig, Greg exhibits both courage and selflessness by the end of the play.

Conflicting Values in the Management of the Overpopulation of Wolves Essay

Conflicting Values in the Management of the Overpopulation of Wolves - Essay Example They have occupied habitats throughout the North America other than areas such as â€Å"southeastern US† and parts of â€Å"California† (483). However, the increasing human population, coupled with the extensive development of agriculture, caused a decrease in their numbers and by the beginning of 20th-century gray wolves â€Å"nearly vanished from the eastern United States† (483). Being â€Å"ecosystem generalists† they have distinct concepts about their surroundings and they choose their habitat based on the availability of prey, especially ungulate populations (487). In areas where their population density is high, they become a threat to humans, ungulates, and other livestock. Thus, their ultimate fate depends on the ability of humans to coexist with them and protecting their â€Å"biological requisites† (497). With a current approximate population of just over â€Å"50000,† the gray wolf has been placed under the category of â€Å"threa tened in Minnesota and endangered† in all states other than Alaska (497). ...  Researchers such as Smith, Peterson, and Houston (2003), point to historical evidence of Isle Royale, where restoration of gray wolves about sixty years ago has entailed the complete elimination of coyotes apart from reducing moose population. Therefore, they argue that the restoration of gray wolves to YNP will also result in â€Å"similar effects to a degree† (Smith, Peterson & Houston 2003:330). On the other hand, several others contend that the delisting of NRM gray wolf has been a premature action. Further, they consider this step as insufficient to â€Å"address deficiencies† in the wildlife management policies and suggest that it will impair the maintenance of a â€Å"viable metapopulation† of wolves and expose them to the risk of extirpation (Bergstrom et al 2009: 991). It is also relevant that gray wolves, as predators, play a key role in the ecological balance by rem oving â€Å"sicker and weaker† animals of other species (Delisting the Gray Wolf 2013: 1). In the present situation, where the population of gray wolves keeps decreasing, it becomes necessary to maintain a metapopulation of this species as they are highly significant for balancing the ecological system. Analysis of the Controversies: Research evidence suggests that there has been a â€Å"95% decrease† in the historic range of the gray wolves that once have been abundant in the US (Curran 2011: 3). The evidence further attributes this decline to the â€Å"predator control programs† that have been sponsored by the US government (3).

Logics - Analysis of an Article by Peter Kreeft Essay

Logics - Analysis of an Article by Peter Kreeft - Essay Example Apart from many articles, he has written many books such as The Snakebite Letters, The Philosophy of Jesus, The Journey: A Spiritual Roadmap for Modern Pilgrims, Prayer: The Great Conversation: Straight Answers to Tough Questions About Prayer etc. The major idea behind this article â€Å"The Apple Argument Against Abortion† is to educate people about the consequences of performing abortion. Peter Kreeft argues against abortion in a philosophical manner throughout this article. He is making in depth analysis of the abortion issue with the help of answering certain questions like Who human are, what are the rights of human, why abortion is wrong etc and topics such as basis of morality, differences between the rights of all people and the rights of some people, arguments from skepticism etc. He also tries to analyze different cases with respect to abortion by taking different combinations such as; The fetus is a person, and we know that The fetus is a person, but we don't know t hat The fetus isn't a person, but we don't know that The fetus isn't a person, and we know that (Kreeft, 2000) Approach This article is mainly analytical in nature. The author tries to avoid the use of any instinctive methods in this article. He has analyzed abortion from various angles. Different dimensions of abortion were beautifully explained in this article. For example, the author took the example of an apple and the understanding of ordinary people about it, to attract the attention of the readers towards the topic. Since the author is a philosopher, a philosophical approach can be visible throughout this article. He explains various dimensions of abortion with the help of comparisons, analogies etc. It is difficult for ordinary people to understand the problems associated with abortion, especially the moral issues. The author tries to explain all those issues in a simple, but comprehensive manner so that anybody who decide to perform abortion may think twice or thrice before doing so, after reading this article. In short, the author succeeded in persuading the readers of this article to argue against abortion. Different kinds of reasoning in the article Inductive, deductive, causal and analogical reasoning techniques were used throughout this article. The following paragraph is an example of an inductive argument present in this article. I have heard it argued that we do not treat any other species in the traditional way — that is, we do not assign equal rights to all mice. Some we kill (those that get into our houses and prove to be pests); others we take good care of and preserve (those that we find useful in laboratory experiments or those we adopt as pets); still others we simply ignore (mice in the wild). The argument concludes that therefore, it is only sentiment or tradition (the two are often confused, as if nothing rational could be passed down by tradition) that assigns rights to all members of our own species (Kreeft, 2000). The above argument is an example of inductive reasoning. It is not necessary that the argument needs to be 100% right to make it as an example of inductive reasoning. It should be noted that cultures like Buddhism or Jainism treats any type of killing - killing of animal or killing of human - as a sin. But cultures like Islam or Christianity do not treat killing of animals as a sin. In short, the above argument may not be conclusive or correct everywhere, but it helps the author to strengthen his arguments