...In: Religion Topics The Advancement BOOK CRITIQUE of The Advancement: Keeping the Faith in an Evolutionary Age L. Russ Bush APOL 500 (Summer 2013) Introduction to Apologetics Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Edwin S. Krzyzek (ID# 25767621) June 16th, 2013 Introduction The scales of theology have shifted. The balance of human epistemology has shifted from a higher creator to cosmic accident. The vast majority of history has shown humans to be theistic; the most recent dot on the string of time has been that of naturalism. Where Christianity has dominated western thinking for so long, it now finds itself in the minority voice of reason. Even Christians themselves have taken to blending their views to remain contemporary. L Russ Bush addresses this proliferation of naturalism in The Advancement. Brief Summary Bush produces an eight chapter discourse on the evolution, propagation and fallacy of a view that espouses inevitable naturalistic progress. One that believes biological life and humans in particular are evolving into a constant state of improvement. That believes science to be the replacement of God. Bush coins this worldview, “the Advancement”. Bush says that Christian stability has been replaced by naturalisms unstable relativity. Meaning no longer has meaning. Truth itself is subjective and new is always better. Bush begins by introducing a number of pre-modern and modern philosophers. Bush succinctly steps us through...
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...The Bible among the Myths Book Summary Introduction The author, John N. Oswalt, attended Asbury Theological Seminary for his undergraduate studies. He attended Brandeis University in the Mediterranean Studies Department for his graduate degree. Mr. Oswalt has taught at Asbury Theological Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity, and Wesley Biblical Seminary. According to Oswalt, serious questions about the evolutionary paradigm inherent in the philosophy of Idealism were the result of the economic depression in the late 40’s. Since there was little separation from Idealism and the standard higher critical views of Old Testament that had prevailed for the past fifty years, there was cause for some rethinking about the Old Testament and the associated religion. This rethinking was led by William F. Albright, G. Ernest Wright, and others of the Harvard Divinity School. Sixty years later, it is widely accepted that Israelite religion is just one more West Semitic religion and that its characteristic features can be fully explained on through evolutionary change. Oswalt writes that no new discoveries led to this dramatic change in thinking. Because of the work of Karl Barth in 1950, the scholarly world was ready the idea of revelation in ways not found in the last couple of generations. Revelation assumes that this world is not self-explanatory and that some communication from beyond the world is necessary to explain it. Oswalt states that this idea is distasteful...
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...1) What role did magic play in the lives of ordinary people in the Middle Ages? Magic was dominant in the time of the middle ages. It was famously said that one’s magic is another man’s religion. People in the middle ages would often times resort to magic to get healing or to achieve something that they want but impossible to attain. The ordinary people in the middle ages practice magic and believes in it. Magic is a part of their way of life and something that they resort to when in need of it. Ordinary people in the middle ages believes in magic and practices it. 2) What was the relationship between magic and miracles? Why was it necessary to separate the two? I think that in the time of the early Christians, it was important to separate magic and miracles because the early Christians believed magic to be antithetical to the Christian faith. It was important to separate magic from miracles because it would interfere with the faith of the early Christian believers and the church. 3) What elements of the Christian faith in the Middle Ages incorporated “magic”? I think that magic and Christian faith in the middle ages have nothing in common nor incorporated by it. The Christian faith believes magic to be the work of the devil, also the Christian faith in the early days of the middle ages were against magic, witchcraft and witches too. In this period, the Christian faith is also spreading and growing and making its marks on history thus the need to...
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...well such as: inclusion of Gentiles, commitments to non-violence, the value in suffering, and reconciliation. Diverting to the heart of the novel, Gorman creates eight themes, or “Paul’s big ideas”, that are evident throughout Pauline texts. The eight “big ideas” Gorman presents surround God, Christ, us, and the bonds that exist between one another. The first four of these focuses on Paul’s ideology of the imminent end and the role Jesus plays in the transition. The first of these describes the phrase “In the fullness of time”. According to Gorman, “the event of Jesus Christ was God’s perfectly timed means of effecting the transition from this age to the age to come” (pg. 59). This age to come occurs on a timeline that encompasses (i.) the death and resurrection of Jesus, (ii.) the current overlap of the ages, and ends with (iii.) the new age to come in all its glory. The next theme, described as “The Gospel of God” shows how the law could not deliver people from the power of Sin, and so, by means of God’s grace and love, reconciliation is made possible. We are reconciled through the death and resurrection of Christ, which introduces the next theme: “Even Death on a Cross”. Not only is Christ’s death God’s...
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...at it from the outside, we can only imagine what it looks like on the inside. Unless we are invited in or take the time to visit, this is only speculation or conjecture. Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, today I would like to discuss with you my previous ethnographic study, and my investigations of perceptions of the community of Maryborough, as to the Islamic religion, specifically in relation to the wearing of the traditional Burqa. In this study I wish to identify theories and perceptions of the General Maryborough population regarding this particularly controversial issue, and compare these perceptions to the realities exist within the Religion, as outline by their sacred text. The Burqa, a sacred piece of clothing to the Islamic faith, is worn by women for many deep and spiritual reasons, including to shield one face in public as an act of modesty, or even to display a certain religious devotion to their God, Allah. These particular practices are fairly common in nations that are predominantly Islamic, unfortunately many of which are extremist eastern nations such as Afghanistan, whereby the Burqa is enforced by harsh religious policies legislated by those of higher dictating powers of Authority. This can lead to confusion when this particular practice is introduced into a typical western society, and conflict between belief can occur. In this study we are focusing on the population of Maryborough which I will use as a sample that will give me insight into the Western...
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...some cases more than the government. From the following bits of information, it is easy to conclude that in the era between 500 and 1400, the best age to describe Europe would be an Age of Faith, because the church had a huge influence on people’s lives, how the church changed the way people think, and how the church had huge amounts of power. First of all, the church had an extremely strong influence on everyday life in medieval Europe. Some people’s lives were even based off of the...
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...Kate Mozzochi Mrs. Neumann Honors World History December 20, 2013 Middle Ages Classification The Middle Ages were a time of massive change for all of Europe. The time period started off with the overthrow of the Roman Empire and creation of feudalism. Although the time period has been called the Dark Ages, faith and advances in arts and construction created positive changes to earn the era the name the Golden Ages. The Middle Ages lasted from AD 500 to 1400 and were a time of hardships, growth, faith, and feudalism. Due to the hardships that led to the name the Dark Ages, positive faith and advances resulted. Although the Middle Ages have been known as various names, the labels the Age of Faith, Age of Feudalism, and the Golden Ages best describe the time period. The Age of Faith can be used as a label for the Middle Ages because during the era, Church had a vast influence over the people of Europe. The Church attempted to create a peaceful environment through enforcing the Truce of God. The Truce of God allowed people to handle and carry weapons but not use them to injure anyone during certain days of the year. The Truce of God called for, "every Sunday, Friday, and Saturday, and on fast days of the four seasons... this decree of peace shall be observed... so that no injury shall be done in any way to any one" (Document 5). The Church had so much influence that it controlled when people fought and banned fighting on weekends, feasts, and fasts. The Church also thought...
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...During the period era between 500 and 1400, the entire Europe went through the process of disease, faith, feudalism and golden age. Throughout the years of the middle ages, 1/3 of europe's population was decimated, faith in God was renewed, and advancements in art, architecture and science occurred. Thus, the middle ages cannot be portrayed by using one label, however, the term “middle ages” is able to fully illustrate all three aspect that happened during the middle ages. The Middle Ages are often referred with numerous different labels: especially the Dark ages. For instance documents 1 provides clear illustration of Europe being referred to as the Dark Ages. Document 1 highlights the fact that Hungarians (barbarians) have sacked towns...
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...The Catholic Approach to faith, God, Jesus, Scripture, and Church My perspective on Christianity is characterized by an intimate connection with God. Identifying oneself as a specific denomination and the actual institution of religious is not as important as this relationship. Faith can be defined as an intimate conviction of allegiance, faith, fidelity, and trust. Faith can also be described as that which you give your mind, energy, and heart to; that which gives meaning to your life. Faith is one’s intimate connection with God and serves as the lens through which we interpret life; faith gives meaning to our experiences. Examining faith from a Christian perspective may lead one to ask if faith is even practical in today’s society. What does it mean to believe since believers sometimes experience doubt? When examining faith from a Christian perspective, theologians Marcus Borg and James Fowler provide the best way of understanding the most important part of Christianity—faith. Borg explores faith as an awareness defined by four factors while Fowler examines faith in stages. Both theologians provide a thorough account of Christian faith. Faith is the most important part of religion; one’s personal relationship with God. Religion ties and binds believers to one another, but it is important not to loose sight of the essence of religion—faith. Faith can become lost in the institution of religion transforming faith from a matter of the heart to a matter of the head. ...
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...Introduction……………………………………………………………………………3 Summary……………………………………………………………………………….3 Critique…………………………………………………………………………………6 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………...10 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………….11 Introduction The society of today has come a long way in many disciplines such as technology. While the human race basks in the advancements of these many disciplines, a real danger that once was an unthinkable travesty has become an unfortunate reality. The reality is that as society enjoys the advances in science and knowledge, these advances are not progress at all but a hollow attempt of a society that has willingly begun to extinguish the light of faith in order to live in darkness spiritually. This is the domain of The Advancement by L. Russ Bush. Bush coins the term “advancement” and defines this term as the age into which society has now begun to descend on the vehicle of postmodern thought. The danger that Bush presents as inherent in the change to advancement thinking is that regression both physically and spiritually is interpreted as progression within the previous modern and postmodern paradigm. Summary The Advancement by L. Russ Bush is a presentation. Bush presents the word “advancement” as both a worldview and an era much like historians refer to the Medieval Era, Renaissance Era, or any of the many eras referred to by historians. In fact, the preface and introduction of the book describe the word advancement in this exact way. Bush wrote the book upon the...
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...Tekakwitha whom I chose to pray to and imitate in my preparation for Confirmation. I chose this Confirmation name because St. Kateri is a role model of the Catholic faith, devoting herself completely to Jesus Christ, and is the Patron saint of the environment and orphans. St. Kateri Tekakwitha was born in a Mohawk village of Ossernenon in 1656 to a Mohawk chief father and an Algonquin mother. Her father practiced under the Catholic faith, which her mother later converted to. There was an epidemic outbreak that happened throughout her village that wiped out her parents and her younger brother. Since she had survived the outbreak, she was left with scars all over...
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...What is the Pathfinder Club History of Brooklyn Faith Knights Club Mission Statement Our Motto Goals and Objective Club Schedule Program Schedule Other Activities WHAT IS THE PATHFINDER CLUB? The Pathfinder Club is a church-centered spiritual-recreational-activity based program which provides an outlet for the spirit of adventure and exploration that is found in every junior youth. This includes carefully tailored activities in outdoor living, nature exploration, crafts, hobbies, or vocations beyond the possibilities in an average Adventist Junior Youth Society. It is filled with action, adventure, challenge, group activities, and provides opportunities for the development of new activities and skills that produce personal growth, team or community spirit and a sense of loyalty and respect for God, His creation, and His Church. With this given setting, spiritual emphasis is well received, and the Pathfinder Club has well demonstrated its soul winning influence. In many local churches Pathfinder Clubs have replaced the traditional Adventist Junior Youth society, and where there is a church school the Pathfinder Club should supplement the work of the Adventist Junior Youth Society. Pathfinders in ActionA sampling of activities in the Pathfinder Club includes camporees, fairs, craft study, nature exploration, Bible Study, witnessing projects, field trips, and many other interesting adventures. Youth from ages 10-15 (and older) are eligible to become members...
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...afterlife or what happens before and after death. As time passed, many different religious faiths existed. How each transpired was solely based on the era. In ancient times, there were a variety of religious faiths in existence. However, there were three that stood out from the rest. The first was the Mesopotamian faith (early ancient times), which was of great importance within Mesopotamian culture. For Mesopotamians, the gods were living realities who affected all aspects of life. The center of each Mesopotamian community was the temple complex, which consisted of ziggurat with a temple at the top. It was here that the main god or goddess, in the form of a statue, resided. It would be here that all religious ceremonies took place. This temple complex would dominate both individual and commercial life, thus demonstrating the close relationship between religion and culture within Mesopotamia and the belief that there was an afterlife of immortality. The second was the Egyptian faith. Like the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians held their faith in high regard. They had a vast number of gods, all of which were associated with heavenly bodies and natural forces’. However, there was one period in Egyptian history that only one god was worshiped. It lasted only until the death of the pharaoh who implemented it. Aside from the worshipping of the gods, his great focus in Egyptian faith seemed to be preparation for the afterlife. A great deal of time and energy was invested in...
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...Quinceañera is the Spanish word for a girl who is 15 years old. In the latin american culture, a quinceanera is an important time in a young girls life when she is being transformed from a young girl to young woman. A quinceanera is where a young latino girl go throughs her rite of passage into being transformed into a woman. In order to prepare for womanhood, girls were to learn the traditions for this social and religious coming of age ceremony. During the official religious rites of passage, the community would thank God for the future wives and mothers soon to come, and the young women would vow to serve the community both socially and religiously. Later, missionaries turned the coming of age ritual into a testimony of faith by the young women and to promise that they will become good...
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...Ethnicity: Ethnicity defines individuals and groups who have characteristics such as language, religion, dress and origin. Discrimination can take place when people believe their ethnic characteristics are inferior then others. Gender: at birth we are classified as either male or female. Historically it was seen men were more important and had more rights than women however now into day’s society women and men have the same balance of equal. For instance men now participate in child caring and women’s choice of working as a mechanic has become popular. However there are still assumptions made about some ones gender that can lead to discrimination. Social class: social class is to do with the status that an individual has in society. This is based on, wealth and lifestyle. The British class system is divided into three layers; working class, middle class and upper class. The higher up the class you are the more power and influence you have on others. Social class affects health and well-being as a person in a lower class because you’re less likely to have the same opportunities in life as those in a higher class, as they have a poorer employment prospects and lower income. Family structure: A family is social group made up of people who are related to each other by birth. Being part of a family shows others that those people are connected in some way. We can classify four different types of family: • Extended family ( a family which extends beyond the nuclear family to include...
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