Knowing God Through Reason Or Faith Religion Essay

Knowing God Through Reason Or Faith Religion Essay The desire for mankind to know God, implicates that all humans are designed to have a conscience in them that enables communication with their creator, as stated in (Genesis 1: 27). This essay will explain both arguments of knowing God by faith or reason, examples relating to both sides will be given in order to draw a conclusion of how mankind know God. It can be argued that God can be known through both faith and reason, and this can be demonstrated in scripture and nature also known as Gods two books in which He writes about Himself. Deepak Chopra wrote God and Nature as all-pervading and very impersonal laws in the universe that order things. The secret to life, he claims, is to know these laws. The Bible testifies that God is spirit and He wants to fellowship with humans, according, to (John 4: 24). Since man is embodied in a physical body, an act of faith has to be applied in order to believe in an invisible God who has no physical body and therefore unseen. (Hebrews 11: 1) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith considered to be a gift from God, is a spiritual inner substance in human beings that communicates an inner know that there is, though one cannot see. That is why faith is considered to be a spiritual act. Further, God proved Himself by incarnation being born of flesh as Jesus Christ and throughout the scriptures; faith is an important act that has to be applied by any believer. This was emphasised by Jesus Christ, the main representative of God on earth according to the Gospel of John. (John 1: 18) No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son,  who is close to the Fathers heart, who has made him known. So this gives clarification that God Himself in incarnation came to witness to mankind about Him. God being Infinite, humans will never know His fullness, but through incarnation, Jesus Christ conveyed the greatest revelation of God to humans. A person who has faith pleases God according to scripture. Abraham was an example because he used faith to know and believe in God when he was asked to leave his fathers house and promised to become a father to many nations. It was God who went to Abraham, and told him who He was. (Genesis 17: 1) When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. Reading about Abrahams testimony notifies the reader about the existence of God. On the other hand, through the Human eye and surroundings of the world, it is evident that God truly exists, according to some points to be drawn from some elements of natural theology such as science. Evidence is a key element in reasoning. In other words proof is needed to show that God exists. Reason is a thought or a consideration offered in support of a purpose e.g. creation gives reason to speculate how God looks like. Through His creation there is wisdom and knowledge that gives humankind the reason to know God through the natural order. Natural theology gives a deeper insight on how one can know God, by what surrounds them, for example natural resources and sciences. Thomas Aquinas analysed that, There exists a fundamental likeness to God within the created order as a consequence of God being the cause, in some sense of the word of all created things. In other words all things were created, they dont just happen to exist. Through, Gods wisdom and knowledge humans can discern Gods existence by things that occur around us regardless of their beliefs. For example, the birth of humans and their innate behaviour, or how plants grow from seeds. Science cannot give full explanation on how many things around us occur. Jean Bodin (1539-96) wrote, We have come into this theatre of the world f no other reason than to understand the admirable power, goodness and wisdom of the most excellent creator of all thingsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Thats why humans should appreciate the creator of such beauty displayed in the world through all creation, other than destroying the nature that was intended for human adoration. Theologians have described the manner in which God can be known through his nature. Hans Urs von Balthazar wrote, The category of beauty is to be reclaimed as a description of the revelation of God rather than some human category which can be applied to God. From a spiritual point of view, not everybody believes that God exists, the bible says, (Hebrews 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him. Apparently atheists do not believe in the existence of God in other words they dont have faith. Other aspects such as unanswered prayer can bring doubt to those who have little faith. But from a theological point of view, Karl Barth argued that natural theology wasnt an adequate way of knowing God as this would bring conditions of humanity knowing God under their own condition whence creating their own concept about God. A conclusion can be drawn from the above that Christians know God by faith and by visible evidence through the human eye, that indeed there is God. Even from human characteristics that are experienced through the flesh, lives no doubt in a human mind that God exists by both faith and reason. From a spiritual perspective, faith is very important to a Christian believer, because God demands this act in order to please Him. Finally God has made himself known in a  general sense  in the intriguing mechanisms of the created world, and he has revealed himself in a specific way  by means of the written documents of the Bible. Therefore faith and reason are not a conflict; rather they complement one another as two modes of knowing God, through the natural order, and sacred scripture.

Analysis of the short story Essay

`This essay will discuss certain reaction to the story ‘Examination day’, as well as reviewing the lifestyle and world Dickie lives in. The Jordan family are not rich but they are part of the working class society. The accommodation is quite small, they’re ‘little apartment’ is described in line 21: ‘The boy †¦ wandered to that part of the living room which had been ‘his’ from infancy. ’ This shows that things have not changed in terms of housing since he was young and probably their wealth has not increased as much as they would have liked. In the ‘little apartment’ Mrs Jordan mentioned ‘the Exam’ which was why the tension was quite high in the room. ‘The Exam’ is the ‘Government intelligence test they give to children at the age of twelve. ’ This examination was to make sure that there is no-one clever enough to overrule the current government. This test shows an example of what a dictator ruled government is like. This government is a totalitarian government in terms of not wanting to lose power or authority of any sort. These citizens are stuck in an unwanted dictatorship. The examination room was just as restricted as the lives they lead. The room was very dim which represents amount of information they know about the world and their current government. Also in Dickie’s eyes the room doesn’t look very inviting or welcoming even if it was an examination room. Although Dickie could not really see the ‘gray-tunicked attendant’ he knew that this was a very serious matter. The dimness of the room also shows the secretiveness of the government and how much they want their citizens to know. On the day of Dickie’s examination his parents’ were very anxious to see whether or not their son was allowed to come home or not; there were ‘†¦ not speaking, not even speculating. ’ They were so apprehensive that when the phone rang they both tried to reach for it. This shows that they had a feeling that things were not going to work out perfectly for them. When Mr Jordan answered the phone to the ‘Government Educational Service’ he was told that his son’s ‘†¦intelligence quotient has exceeded the Government regulation. ’ This information was a shock to Mr Jordan that even his wife had read the expression of disappointment on his face. The government had announced that Dickie was going to die because he had breached the ‘intelligence quotient’. This shows that the government are too scared to let the clever people live their own lives or even work for them at their young age. This shows that the dictator is not as strong as he portrays himself to be. This shows that he is insecure and that if anyone clever was around he would probably crumble from having lack of authority. I think that the Jordan family live in a completely totalitarian world where they have no freedom to do what they like when they feel like it; unless they are in their own home. Their dictator is too worried about anyone overruling him; he feels the need to get rid all of the clever citizens to be secure in his position. This shows that this dictator is too unsecure to be head of the government. He needs to step aside and let someone else do the job properly.

Ethical Principles of Psychologists & Code of Conduct Essay

What is it about each of these studies that makes them unethical? The Milgram experiment In the Milgram experiment the people who played the role known as the teachers, were intentionally tricked. Based on the Code of Conduct 2 where pretext may be ethically admissible. It was the way that Milgram did so that was not ethical by today’s standards. For human participants the codes cover topics such as deception, consent, withdrawal of data, confidentiality etc. The Little Albert experiment It is argued that conducting the experiment was unethical. There is no clear evidence that Little Albert developed at rat phobia after maturity. Though he was never desensitized because of lack of time, life would sooner or later desensitize him anyway. The only evidence of being unethical was lack of consent by Little Albert’s since he was only a 9 month old baby, he couldn’t very well do so himself. Consent was given on his behalf by his parents and it was Little Albert whom endured distress while being involved in Watson’s experiment. The blue eyes and brown eyes experiment According to supporters of Elliott’s approach, the goal is to reach people’s sense of empathy and morality. Two professors of education, Goodson and Sikes say that what Elliot did was unethical because the exercise was psychologically and emotionally damaging. â€Å"She has been accused of scaring people, breaking the school rules, humiliating children, being domineering, angry and brainwashing.†4 Does the benefit of learning the results of these studies outweigh the potential harm of conducting the studies? Why or why not? The Milgram experiment In the Milgram experiment there was psychological harm, which was not as bad  as initially thought, because of Milgram debriefing the teacher immediately after the experiment. With 40 year hindsight, this particular study does outweigh the potential benefit verses harm. The Little Albert experiment With Little Albert it was fear that was imposed on him, involuntarily. Being only 9 month old probably didn’t produce any permanent or longer term fears, the short term effects where not humane, especially to a 9 month old baby. The blue eyes and brown eyes experiment It’s known as a lesson of a life time in history. When Elliot did the exercise 37 years ago, she changed the lives of the children in her class forever. The experiment, it’s self was not looked upon in Elliott replied, â€Å"Why are we so worried about the fragile egos of white children who experience a couple of hours of made-up racism one day when blacks experience real racism every day of their lives?†6 If you wanted to replicate these studies, what (if anything) could you do in order to meet the APA’s Code of Conduct and ethical standards? The Milgram experiment If I wanted to duplicate The Milgram Experiment, I would do so based on the guidelines of the APA’s Code of Conduct and Ethical Standard. Starting with not withholding the truth how the experiment was to be conducted and make all parties involved aware. And allowing the participant’s to leave or quit the experiment at any time they became uncomfortable. The Little Albert Experiment The only way to be able to do this experiment is with full knowledge and consent. A 9 month old baby couldn’t give that. The best way would be to allow only adults, 18 years and up. The blue eyes and brown eyes experiment Even though there was so much controversy in 1960. Times are different and have come a long way. Without doing the experiment on different age groups back then and now, I am not sure of how profound the outcome may be opposed to The Lesson of a Lifetime!

4 Great Quotes That Changed World History

These are some famous and powerful quotes that changed world history. Some of them were so powerful that World Wars took birth as they were uttered. Others quelled storms that threatened to wipe out humanity. Still, others inspired a change of mindset, and kickstart social reform. These words have transformed the lives of millions, and have etched new paths for the future generation. Galileo Galilei Eppur si muove! (And yet it moves.) Every once in a century, there comes along a human being who brings about a revolution with just three words. Italian physicist and mathematician Galileo Galilei held a different view of the movement of the sun and the celestial bodies with respect to the earth. But the church held the belief that the Sun and other planetary bodies revolve around the Earth; a belief that made God-fearing Christians adhere to the words of the Bible as interpreted by the clergymen.   In the era of Inquisition, and a suspicious wariness of Pagan beliefs, Galileos views were considered heresy and he was tried for spreading heretic views. The punishment for heresy was torture and death. Galileo risked his life to educate the church on how wrong they were, but the chauvinist views of the church were to remain, and Galileos head was to go. A 68-year-old Galileo could hardly afford to lose his head before the Inquisition for a mere fact. He, therefore, made a public confession that he was wrong:   I held and believed that the sun is the centre of the universe and is immovable, and that the earth is not the centre and is movable; willing, therefore, to remove from the minds of your Eminences, and of every Catholic Christian, this vehement suspicion rightfully entertained toward me, with a sincere heart and unfeigned faith, I abjure, curse, and detest the said errors and heresies, and generally every other error and sect contrary to Holy Church; and I swear that I will never more in future say or assert anything verbally, or in writing, which may give rise to a similar suspicion of me; but if I shall know any heretic, or anyone suspected of heresy, that I will denounce him to this Holy Office, or to the Inquisitor or Ordinary of the place where I may be; I swear, moreover, and promise, that I will fulfil and observe fully, all the penances which have been or shall be laid on me by this Holy Office.(Galileo Galilei, Abjuration, 22 Jun 1633) The above quote, Eppur si muove!  was found in a Spanish painting. Whether Galileo actually said these words are unknown, but it is believed that Galileo muttered these words under his breath after he was forced to recant his views. The forced recantation that Galileo had to endure is one of the most significant events in the history of the world. It shows how free spirit and scientific thinking was always stifled by conservative views of a powerful few. Humankind will remain indebted to this fearless scientist, Galileo, who we regale the father of modern astronomy, the father of modern physics, and the father of modern science. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Working men of all countries, unite! These words are a reminder of the rise of communism under the leadership of two German intellectuals, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The working class had suffered years of exploitation, oppression, and discrimination in a capitalist Europe. Under the powerful rich class that comprised of businessmen, traders, bankers, and industrialists, the workers and laborers suffered inhuman living conditions. The simmering discord was already growing in the underbelly of the poor. While capitalist countries vied for more political power and economic freedom, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels believed that it was the time the workers were given their due. The slogan, Workers of the world, unite! was a clarion call in the Communist Manifesto created by Marx and Engels as a closing line of the manifesto. The Communist Manifesto threatened to shake the foundation of capitalism in Europe and bring about a new social order. This quote, which was a meek voice calling for change became a deafening roar. Revolutions of 1848 were a direct result of the slogan. The widespread revolution changed the face of France, Germany, Italy, and Austria. The Communist Manifesto is one of the most widely read secular documents in the world. The proletariat governments were elbowed out of their cushy positions of power and the new social class found its voice in the realm of politics. This quote is the voice of a new social order, that brought in a change of time. Nelson Mandela I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal, which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. Nelson Mandela was the David who took on the Goliath of the colonial rule. The African National Congress, under the leadership of Mandela, held various demonstrations, civil disobedience campaigns, and other forms of non-violent protests against apartheid. Nelson Mandela became the face of the anti-apartheid movement. He rallied the black community of South Africa to unite against the oppressive regime of a white government. And he had to pay a heavy price for his democratic views.   In April 1964, at the crowded courtroom of Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela faced trial for charges of terrorism, and sedition. On that historic day, Nelson Mandela made a speech to the audience gathered in the courtroom. This quote, which was the closing line of the speech, evoked a strong response from every corner of the world.   Mandela’s zealous speech had left the world tongue-tied. For once, Mandela had shaken the foundations of the apartheid government. Mandela’s words continue to inspire millions of oppressed people of South Africa to find a new lease of life. Mandela’s quote reverberates in political and social circles as a symbol of a new awakening. Ronald Reagan Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall. Though this quote refers to the Berlin Wall that divided East Germany and West Germany, this quote makes a symbolic reference to the end of the Cold War.   When Reagan said this highly famous line in his speech at the Brandenburg Gate near the Berlin Wall on June 12, 1987, he made an earnest appeal to Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev in a bid to thaw the frost between the two nations: East Germany and West Germany. Gorbachev, leader of the Eastern block, on the other hand, was chalking out a path of reform for the Soviet Union through liberal measures such as perestroika. But East Germany, which was governed by the Soviet Union, was stifled with poor economic growth and restrictive freedom. Reagan, the 40th US President at that time was visiting West Berlin. His bold challenge did not see an immediate impact on the Berlin Wall. However, the tectonic plates of the political landscape were already shifting in Eastern Europe. 1989 was the year of historic significance. That year, many things came crumbling down, including the Berlin Wall. The Soviet Union, which was a powerful confederation of states, imploded to give birth to several newly independent nations. The Cold War that had threatened a worldwide nuclear arms race was finally over.   Mr. Reagans speech may not have been the immediate cause of the breakdown of the Berlin Wall. But many political analysts believe that his words stirred an awakening amongst East Berliners that eventually led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, many nations have a political conflict with their neighboring countries, but rarely do we come across an event in history that is as significant as the fall of the Berlin Wall.