This is a reflection on Larry Osbornes book, Sticky Church, I did read the entire book. I have enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Hello! In response to your answer about whether or not religious beliefs dictates politics, I notice that people who are close-minded and judgmental are typically conservative Christians; therefore, they viewpoint on a taboo or a controversial issue is generally justified by the teachings of his or her holy book. Also, I appreciate the other reply where you place numerous historical Christian events into question since it is quite unfathomable how a single person could miraculously part the sea, construct a ship to house one set of every existing animal, or resurrect, after three days, from the
The line between rational and irrational thought is often blurred for some more than others. Usually when we cross this line into irrational thought our brain will let us know that what we are doing isn’t within reason. While many believe that Christopher McCandless was crazy and his ideas were ludicrous; I believe that he saw the line between rational and irrational thought very clearly, and that all though some of his ideas may have seemed crazy to some, he carried them out in sane body and mind. Chris was an extremist, a radical youth with different ways of thinking, and often we as a society tend to identify someone as crazy when we cannot comprehend the reasoning behind why a person would do something. Chris was not crazy, but he was
In Religious Experience and Journal of Mrs. Jarena Lee, Lee gave an account to preach the gospel to change the world eternally. Her account of the gospel was published according to the Act of Congress in the year 1839, in the Office of the Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and for the author in Philadelphia, 1849. The connection with God and forgiveness within her soul created psychological effects on Lee’s personality. For example, Lee illustrated that she felt the power of the Holy Spirit, which influenced her subconscious thoughts to change immoral behavior and live peacefully. Lee idealized compassion, persuasion, and motivated other people in society to reunite with God. In addition, Lee wrote the journal herself, which described
A modern woman emerging and developing ahead of her time, dealing with the challenges of gaining independence in a time period where woman weren’t human. This is Edna Pontellier’s conflict told in the novel the Awakening by Kate Chopin. Late in her already establish life Edna a wife and mother of two discovers herself to realize she goes against society’s ideals as a woman. Never truly attempting to fit into the “woman” role Edna finds herself stepping out of her cage through self-discovery. Author Kate Chopin creates and utilizes symbols and motifs to develop the multiple cognizances Edna undergoes. Edna deals with the repercussions of a society that isn’t as accustoms to a woman being
During the 1980s, space exploration was a popular topic to watch, listen to, and learn about in American life. NASA had already sent a lot of missions to space, all reaching new milestones and increasing interest in space exploration. The Challenger, however, had a different mission than the rest. It was going to carry the first teacher, Christa McAuliffe, into space where she would teach two lessons. There were six other men and women on board the Challenger. At this time, space exploration was at its peak and all of America was following the space program. Throughout the day, most of the televisions in the nation were tuned to the Challenger launch. One minute and twelve seconds into the launch, the space shuttle exploded. Such a traumatic
Speeches are used to commemorate points of history, and inform the general public of the product of their history but what makes a speech so impacting on it’s audience? Rhetorical devices give speeches and works of literature a way that can convey feelings or ideas to a viewer. When addressing during times of war or chaos, people such as Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill used these terms to better connect with their audience. Without these tools of the english language, dialogue and literature would be all the more dull and unappealing. However, with these useful instruments, writers and speakers can better communicate through some of the many rhetorical devices.
Throughout the novel Tuesday’s With Morrie, the author, Mitch Albom, reflects on his Tuesday meetings with his old professor, now consumed with a terminal illness, and, using many rhetorical choices, reveals “The Meaning of Life,” which they discussed profusely and divided into several categories. Topics such as Death, Emotions, Aging, Money, Culture, and more are all discussed in their weekly conferences, Morrie passing his wisdom on to one of his favor students. And Albom, writing about their talks, uses numerous rhetoric devices to discuss this wisdom.
Desperation and hysteria makes people susceptible to believe anything, which provides an opportunity for anyone to gain power. In “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, a group of young girls gain a significant amount of power in the court that is run by the majority of male Puritans in hysteric Salem. These girls, mostly Abigail Williams, portray themselves as victims of witchcraft to get the court officials to believe their stories. What they say gives them control over what happens in the court. Individual people can establish and maintain power over the majority through what they say and how they say it. This can be accomplished through lies, persuasion, and tone.
In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain utilizes satire to convey the overall message of the novel, that society is flawed; he implies one should refrain from orienting their personal moral compass and ideals by what others dictate, because society is imperfect. This is evident in Huck’s moral struggle with the concept of slavery: Twain uses slavery as an example to satirize religion and hypocrisy. He also satirizes “us vs them” mentalities through the example of the Sherburn and Boggs incident. He also mocks the baselessness and irony of racism in American society. Satire is used in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn against religious hypocrisy, mob mentality, and racism to highlight these human flaws and address dark and serious issues with a touch of humor.
Most people have a firm belief about going from rags to riches, but is it worth it? In Paul Piff’s T.E.D. Talk “Does Money Make You Mean?”, he discusses the outcomes that money has on an individual and society. Piff argues that money has a degrading influence on humanity. Through the use of an established credibility, multiple case studies, and a call to action, Paul Piff is able to persuade the audience to believe that money turns you corrupt.
Dr. Ed Stetzer is the Executive Director of the Lifeway Research Division. Stetzer has obtained two masters degrees and two doctorate degrees, and he currently serves as pastor of Grace Church in Tennessee. In addition to being the Executive Director for a division of lifeway and a pastor, Stetzer is also a contributing author for Christianity Today, Executive Editor of The Gospel Project, Executive Editor of Facts & Trends Magazine, co-host of the BreakPoint This Week Radio Program, and a columnist for Outreach Magazine.
I have never attended Catholic Mass. It almost seemed like stepping into a different country. Although he did not state his name and credentials, his attire, formality, and title allowed everyone know that he was a priest. The topic of the speech concerns our human nature to bargain and diminish another person’s work. The priest orated stories to inform and mainly pursue not to belittle one another’s experience on this planet. This was taken place at University of the Pacific’s Morris Chapel, Sunday evening. Though I can safely say that the majority of the audience consisted of frequent Catholic followers, I noticed a number of students who are also in COMM 27.
In Thomas Long’s The Witness of Preaching, he aims to urge the reader to become a reliable witness of the gospel by way of ample preparation before entering a pulpit. The text offers to the reader a deeper understanding of the ministry of preaching. A useful component of the text contains informative bits of information that make the reader aware of the lengthy but necessary preparation needed for an adequate explanation of the scripture. Of primary importance is the consideration of the congregation when a preacher is first approaching the text. This point is of vital importance as it signifies that the speaker is a member of the body of Christ and the congregation. Such understanding is a reminder that the preacher is an unworthy vessel being
On July 8, 1741 Jonathan Edwards delivered the sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” During this time many people were moving away from their Puritan beliefs and did not make God a priority. In the message he talked about how everyone was a sinner and how everyone belongs in hell. He also talked about how if God wanted to He would throw everyone in Hell, but since He gave us His Son we should take Him and repent. While delivering this message many people began to repent and ask for forgiveness. Sometimes it is easy to take the gift of salvation for granite, which is why we should review how and why it was given to us.