...Only few westerners have thus far made an analysis upon the cultural significance of female genital cutting. In her book “Civilizing Women: British Crusades in Colonial Sudan” Janice Boddy (2007) manages to explore the values of traditions for Sudanese people in the historical context of colonial influence. Despite the fact that British imperialism has put its prominent contribution into the formation of modern Sudanese ideologies, it was not powerful enough in order to modify the existed culture. Likewise, Boddy provides a clear argument by referring to parallels between critics of FGM and the British imperialists through a racial implication and tragedy of the colonized. She truly explains why the practice of circumcision is considered a spiritual celebration by the culture representatives, stating that “each sex is…ritually completed, made whole and pure…Yet the circumcised female body is more; it is a metonym and an icon for embattled local society, an oasis of reproductive continuity guarded by its own scar tissue…and the defensive efforts of local men” .(Boddy 2007:90) Thus, this interpretation gives an insight into the reasons...
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...The Baptism Debate The baptism debate remains central among Christians all over the world. It is one of the aspects that is considered to be a tenet in the Christina faith yet remains controversial in terms of significance. There are those who are of the view that baptism is only meant for infants. This is seen as a way of ushering them into the kingdom of God and the Christina faith. For others however, the baptism for infants is symbolic and there is need for a person to undergo a second baptism as an adult. The second baptism is said to signify the aspect of being born again and washing off the sinful nature. This debate has been raging for many yeas causing confusion in the Christian circles. This discussion seeks to examine both sides of the debate and ascertain the Biblical position on the issue. The Concept of Baptism Perhaps before looking at the concept of infant baptism versus adult baptism, it may be crucial to look at the entire concept as a whole. Baptism as concept is an act of cleansing that is done for purposes of washing off one’s sinful nature. It was therefore done symbolically to signify that one’s past has been washed off. One was therefore considered a new creature after going through baptism . The New Testament has covered quite extensively the issue of baptism. It begins with the Jesus Christ the Son of God. He approached John the Baptist and requested that he (John) should baptize Him. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and God the father...
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...First, the renewal of the rite of circumcision (5:1-9) serves as a rededication to the covenant in preparation for God's fulfillment of His promises (Hill and Walton 2000:169). The testimony of Joshua's generation underscores the fact that the people of God has to undergo pain and inconvenience to demonstrate their loyalty to their God. Next, the celebration of the Passover (5:10-12) provides opportunity to affirm their faith the power of God to deliver Israel and to dispossess the enemies. Further, the enjoyment of the fruit of the land was taken in anticipation of the fuller bounty God will...
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...Chasidic Judaism Heather Ramirez University of Phoenix/HUM 130 Abstract Judaism is a Jewish religion. In this essay you will read about Judaism and how Chasidics are the most ‘Joyous’ of the Jewish society. There will also be information in this report about Chasidic Judaism and what it means to be Chasidic. When did the Chasidic Movement start, in relation to Judaism? According to Rabbi Novack, when did Judaism begin? What are the three main Holidays in Judaism? How are Bat Mitzvah and a Bar Mitzvah similar, yet so different? Why do they believe so intensely about circumcision? Are Jewish people, the chosen people of God? Comparing Chasidic Judaism to Christianity? Let us start to explore the world, and find out what Chasidic Judaism is all about. The Start of Judaism Judaism started when Moses went up to the Mount of Sinai after leading God’s people out of Egypt. According to Rabbi Novack (personal communication 2009) ‘this occurs when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and the Torah for the Jewish people to follow.’ Since Pharaoh would not release God’s people they would endure the seven plagues. The passage in the Torah Mosheh 2: Shemot /שׁמות is the same as in the Christian Bible; Exodus Chapter 12. The list of the Seven Great Plagues as listed on Bibleplus that allowed the Hebrews to leave Egypt is as follows but ten actually occurred: 1. The plague of blood 2. The plague of frogs 3. The plague of gnats 4. The plague of flies (God makes a distinction...
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...Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Book Critique: Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ A Paper Submitted to Professor Larry McDonald In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course Ecclesiology Theo 620 By Matt Dover September 8, 2012 Bibliography Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. Thomas R. Schreiner & Shawn D. Wright. Nashville: B & H, 2007. 359 pages. Reviewed by Matt B. Dover Authorship Thomas R. Schreiner is the professor of New Testament Interpretation and the Associate Dean of Scripture and Interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to this he served for 11 years at Bethel Theological Seminary, and he also taught New Testament at Azusa Pacific Seminary. Schreiner is the author of numerous books and articles. He is also the pastor of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Shawn D. Wright is the Assistant Professor of Church History at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to this he served the Southern Baptist churches in New England. Wright also serves as the pastor at Clifton Baptist Church alongside Schreiner. He is also noted for writing various articles and journals. He also serves as a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. Thesis Statement The goal of this book is to recover and maintain an adequate and proper view on the role of baptism in the believer’s life...
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...Female Genital Mutilation (also incorrectly known as “female circumcision”) is an extreme cultural practice prevalent in much of North and West Africa as well as in parts of the Middle East and Asia, in which young women and girls are forced to undergo a procedure that alters or rather, mutilates their reproductive organs. Although Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM, is seen in many cultures as a way to promote purity and chastity, this paper will argue that it is in fact a reflection of the “deep-rooted inequality between sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women.” (WHO, 2014) Female Genital Mutilation is defined by any procedure that alters the exterior parts of a female’s reproductive organ. The literature describes four main types of FGM. The first type is called clitoridectomy. In this process surgery involves the full or partial removal of the clitoris. A second type is called excision and this occurs when the clitoris is also fully or partially removed. In addition, the labia minora is removed leaving just the labia majora intact. Infibulation is the most severe form of FGM and occurs when a seal is formed over the opening of the vagina by removing the inner or outer labia. A small hole is left for the passage of menstrual fluid and urine. The hole is...
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...This Topic Important? The subject of water baptism is important for several reasons. First of all, it is a commandment of Jesus Christ and an important part of His great commission. Christ said, “… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). It is obvious that if we do not properly understand or practice baptism, we are in danger of neglecting a very important desire of our Lord and Savior. Understanding the Bible’s teaching concerning water baptism is also important because we have an obligation to ensure that new converts to Christ understand the biblical view of baptism and its significance to their relationship with Christ. It would be very unfortunate for any believer to experience water baptism without really understanding its meaning. Finally, it is important to discuss this issue because there are a number of disagreements within Christianity related to baptism. Some of these are relatively minor, but others are extremely important and are worth some discussion. Section A will first discuss some introductory matters regarding the meaning of the word “baptism” and the different kinds of baptism in the New Testament (NT). Section B will cover specifically what the Bible teaches concerning the purpose, recipients, and method of water baptism. Finally, Section C will address some of the more controversial issues such...
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...CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Female circumcision is a traditional practice performed on girl children as part of initiation rituals into adulthood. This inquiry seeks to demystify the secretiveness surrounding this practice, seeking to establish the reasons why female circumcision remains a taboo subject. In doing so, the researcher will attempt to establish the local community’s perception of female circumcision and elucidate some of the reasons practitioners cite as benefits of female circumcision. The research focuses on Mabvuku and Tafara suburbs because there are people of different ethnic groups with varying customs and values that shape their behaviour and way of life. Mabvuku and Tafara have an unusually high concentration of people of Malawian, Mozambican and Zambian origin who migrated to seek work mostly before the Zimbabwean independence. Due to this diversity, women and girls who have undergone female circumcision were interviewed. Mabvuku is a high-density suburb some seventeen kilometres east of Harare. It is classified as a suburb or township of Harare, with the Harare City Council constituting local government. This inquiry is exploratory, descriptive and qualitative in nature, based on interviews with women who had undergone the practice in Mabvuku-Tafara. The inquiry can be termed therefore, a qualitative research done through a case study design. This research method is preferred because the researcher is exploring a subjective understanding of social reality...
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...Dear Charles, Here's a possible rewrite of your thesis: "This paper will examine Augustine's teachings about 'conferred faith' upon infant during baptism. My claim is that Paul misrepresented Paul's teachings on the family's effect upon the holiness of the child." You'll find the "claim" in chapters 1-14 of Turabian's Manual, which is something that our rubric doesn't bring up, but I think it's a good technique. I notice that you have Greek written in Times New Roman font. I have seen other students do this. I have never been able to figure out how this is done. I notice that when I try to add a letter than it comes out in Latin script. These are quotations that you've pasted. This is amazing. I don't know how they do this! Let me know if you can help me! The only defect in this paper that I want to point out is that much of your paper is not really about Augustine's teaching on infant baptism. All subsequent developments of his teachings really have nothing to do with what happened in Augustine's head. Let's take Pannenberg as an example. He may have followers up there in Lutheran country where you minister. His ideas are influenced by Augustine, but Augustine was not a Lutheran. Some seem to think he was a Lutheran or a Calvinist, but they deceive themselves. You must, of course, take Paul into account because Augustine worked with Paul's writings. Paul was a source that Augustine used—or better, abused or misused, as you and argue. Students find it impossible to focus on one...
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...Part Two Write a 1- to 2-paragraph response for each of the following. 1. Describe the three major sections of the Jewish bible. Include what is contained in each section and the significance of each. As a whole the Hebrew bible is 24 books and those are divided into 3 sections; the Torah, Nevi’im and the Ketuvim. The first book the Torah is also called the Pentateuch. It contains all the rules and instructions as they were given to Moses. The five books of Moses are; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The second book, Nevi’im is a collection of the Former Prophets. Here you will find stories and their teachings about the return of Israel to God. The last book, Ketuvim, contains poetry, theology and drama. The Hebrew Bible is thought of by Christians as the Old Testament. This is because all of the teachings found in it are before Jesus Christ. You can find the prophecy of Jesus’ birth in Isaiah 7:14 2. Describe the major similarities and differences between the four branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist). How are these four groups distinct from one another? The similarity between all four is very simple. They are all very proud of their faith and view it not only as religion but as a life style that they identify themselves as Jewish before anything else. Each one does have strong values and want to better their religion. The differences seem to be more in where they interact with the world...
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...Contemporary Issues in Western Religions Harry Potter REL/134 November 20, 2011 UoP Instructor Contemporary Issues in Western Religions Religious beliefs have been the center of many conflicts across the entire world since the beginning of time. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism the major monotheist religious traditions have been at the heart of many of those religious conflicts. Historical connections and theological similarities are prevalent between the three. In parallel to the similarities exists the contemporary struggles affecting these western religious traditions. From the internal struggles within Christianity such as abortion, to its struggles with Islam and Muslim extremists, finally to the contempt against Christianity from actions of the Holocaust, each tradition faces contemporary struggles within their own right. Gaining a better understanding and insight into the historical, theological, and contemporary struggles between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism will enhance appreciation for each belief. Historical Connections and Theological Similarities: One main pillar of similar theology between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism is the belief in one god. However, each has different perspectives in relation to God. For example, Christians believe in [pic]the Trinity[pic] of [pic]God; God the Father, the Son (Jesus[pic] Christ), [pic]and the Holy Spirit[pic] ("Judaism, Islam, Christianity-Comparison", 2002-2011). Also Christians consider Jesus...
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...* Characteristics of Judaism beliefs, ethics, rituals and ceremonies and sacred texts have impact in many ways on adherents and provides source of purpose and identity for individuals. * Gives meaning and guidance contemporary situations therefore is considered dynamic, living religion. * Judaism is monotheistic faith, mean Jews believe only One God. * God is beyond our ability to comprehend, but God is nevertheless present in our everyday lives. * The covenant is agreement Jewish people have with God. * Jews believe one God, no other participated work creation God only being to whom they offer praise. * Terms of covenant are summed in Ten Commandments reveal adherents must have respectful, obedient relationship with God live harmoniously and respectfully with others. * In return God will never abandon his Chosen people and will provide salvation. * Jewish adherents ethical beliefs are derived from the 613 mitzvoth * Orthodox Jews believe given Moses on Mt. Sinai taught to Israelites as travelled desert promise land. * Other variants believe they may have also been delivered to other divinely inspired people over time. * 248 positive 365 negative commandments have been discussed and interpreted throughout centuries by divinely inspired philosophers and rabbis so they can provide guidance in every aspect of everyday life. * many sacred writings in Judaism, all teach Judaism's adherents how to live ethical and moral...
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...INTRODUCTION A wetland is a land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem. It can also be defined as an ecosystem that arises when inundation by water produces soils dominated by anaerobic processes which in turn forces the biota particularly rooted plants to adopt to flooding Wetlands are areas of land that are permanently, seasonally or occasionally water logged with fresh ,saline, brackish or marine waters including both natural and manmade areas that support characteristic biota. Globally wetlands occupy about 6% of the earth’s surface .Kenya’s wetlands occupy about 3% to 4% which is approximately 1400 kilometers square of land surface and fluctuates up to 6% during the rainy seasons. According to the ramsar convention a wetland is an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water whether natural or artificial permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing, fresh brackish or salt including areas of marine water the depth of which do not exceed six meters The factor that distinguishes wetlands from other landforms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation that is adapted to its unique soil condition. Wetlands consist mainly of hydric soil, which supports aquatic plants There are four main types of wetlands * marshes * swamps * bogs and * ferns The subtypes include mangrove, Carr, pocosin and varzea Wetlands may be natural or artificial. The water...
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...Intro The characteristics of Judaism such as the beliefs, ethics, rituals and ceremonies and sacred texts do have a major impact in many ways on the adherents and it provides a source of purpose and identity for individuals. It gives meaning and guidance in contemporary situations and therefore it is considered a dynamic, living religion. Beliefs Judaism is a monotheistic faith, meaning that Jews believe there is only One God. Often this God is beyond our ability to comprehend, but God is nevertheless present in our everyday lives. The covenant is an agreement the Jewish people have with their God. Jews believe that there is only one God, no other being participated in the work of creation and God is the only being to whom they offer praise. The terms of the covenant are summed up in the Ten Commandments that reveal adherents must have a respectful, obedient relationship with God and live harmoniously and respectfully with others. In return God will never abandon his Chosen people and God will provide salvation. Ethnics Jewish adherents ethical beliefs are derived from the 613 mitzvoth that Orthodox Jews believe were given to Moses on Mt. Sinai and taught to the Israelites as they travelled the desert to the Promised Land. Other variants believe they may have also been delivered to other divinely inspired people over time. The 248 positive and 365 negative commandments have been discussed and interpreted throughout the centuries by divinely inspired philosophers and...
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...Roman citizenship and was highly educated with the teachings of the Jewish law. Saul came to Jerusalem as he was commissioned persecute Christians in the city of Damascus” (Living Religion Pg. 250) Saul had been asked to persecute Christians as when Christianity was still in the early stages of development it was seen as a radical group that needed to be stopped to save Judaism. “The leaders of the Jewish faith at the time saw the new interpretations and expressions of the Jewish faith as a way to challenge them and their faith, yet the Jewish leaders also needed to ensure they did not risk angering the Roman government at the time.” From this we can evidently see that before Paul had been converted to Christianity he still held great significance to the faith molding and changing its path as it continued to grow and develop. While on the road to Demascus Saul suffered from a great conversion experience, he experienced a great white light around him blinding him as Jesus spoke to him. “’Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’” (Acts 9:1-6) After this Saul converted to Christianity and changed his name to Paul. Yet when Paul eventually arrived in Demascus many were suspicious of Paul because of his reputation from all the persecutions he participated in when he was a Gentile. Paul challenged them for questioning him; this is...
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