Saturday, April 11, 2020

Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet Essay Example

Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet Essay Our modern day attitudes to marriage differ greatly from the Elizabethan attitudes that are displayed in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. Most noticeably is the fact that Paris went to Capulet to ask for Juliets hand in marriage before he even approached Juliet, something that happens very rarely, if ever, nowadays. I think the main reason for the difference in marriage between Shakespeares time and modern day is that women now have a lot more rights and say in their life than then. This is most noticeable in the way that Capulet decides, after Tybalts death, that it would be in Juliets best interests to marry Paris, in what seems to be the act of a loving father trying to make his daughter happy. But when Lady Capulet tells Juliet that she will Marry (Paris), my child, early next Thursday morn, Lord Capulet having decided who to and when without consulting Juliet. The fact that marriage is even thought for Juliet, who is a girl of only 13 or 14 years old is in sharp contrast with today, as it is not legal to get married until you are 16 in Britain and in a recent MORI survey just over half the people surveyed believed that the best age for a man and woman to get married is mid-late twenties. We will write a custom essay sample on Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The reasoning for getting married so young was due to the fact that the life expectancy in Elizabethan times was much shorter. When Capulet appears after Juliet having said no to the proposed marriage, Lady Capulet says, in fear of her violent husband, an unthinkable statement for a mother nowadays, I would the fool were married to her grave. I think this statement illustrates the power of wealthy fathers at the time that a mother says that she would rather her daughter were dead than for her to disagree with Capulets wishes. When Lord Capulet hears of what is considered Juliets disobedience, but what would considered her right if she was living now, he shows his true colours and becomes extremely threatening and violent. He verbally abuses Juliet calling her a mistress minion and a green-sickness carrion. He then threatens Juliet that if she does not do as he wishes, and marries Paris, he would let her hang, beg, starve, die in the streets but he would not acknowledge thee. This was a very serious threat to Juliet as if her father was to disown her she would be forced to live out on the streets as a prostitute as no man would marry her and she would therefore have no means of support or money. Another big difference between love and marriage in Romeo and Juliet and now is the idea of courtly love. This was a set way that the upper class should behave in relation to love and what we would call dating. It is a European tradition that originated in the Middle Ages and was still popular in the 16th Century. We see this displayed in Romeos obsession with Rosaline, he falls for a Capulet, someone unattainable. He then goes around depressed and talking in riddles and rhymes about his love for her that do not make any sense. His passion for her is only greatened by her show of disinterest in him, he continues in this vain until he meets Juliet and he experiences true love. This practise is totally unheard of in modern times and would seem to us as absurd, as nowadays if a woman was to act disinterested the man would more than likely loss interest in her and concentrate his attentions on someone else. The last major difference in attitudes to marriage between the Elizabethans and us is the way in which the Catholic Church approaches marriage. Friar Lawrence, who seems to be the equivalent to a modern day parish priest as he is the one who both Romeo and Juliet go to for confessions, agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet without their parents consent. This action would not only seem ludicrous nowadays but at Romeo and Juliets age it is also illegal. He also does not tell them to go away and think about it or to consider what a big step they were about to take. Now the church have premarital courses for engaged couples to make sure that they are definitely ready to get married and also couples nowadays get married a lot longer after they get engaged in contrast with the 16th Century. Although Friar Lawrences actions may have been affected by his hope that this was a chance to end the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues and the fact that he could be remembered for being the one who brought the two families together. We can see that he is thinking of this when he says For this alliance may so prove to turn your households rancour to pure love. The play also addresses the fact that the pair of star-crossed lovers only achieved their aim of being together truly, when they died in each others arms. This asks the question does true love only come with death, this can be backed up with the fact that their death brought peace to their feuding families, a case of love, brought about by death, defeated a hate that went back longer than anyone could remember. In conclusion marriage in Shakespeares time was very different to marriage today in three main ways; the age that you get married, the reasons for getting married and whether or not you choose whom you marry. I think the reason for this is that women are treated as equals now and are not socially and financially dependant on men their fathers or their partners, so they can choose whom they marry and when they marry. But the most important difference now is that people can choose to marry the one they love and not the one who will support them or who their father deems to be right.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

6 Scientific Tips for Getting a Pay Raise

6 Scientific Tips for Getting a Pay Raise By being familiar with a few scientifically and psychologically based tips, you can ask for that raise with no fear, even at times when raises are not being offered. Look at What Your Position PaysIf you are being underpaid for your job description, it is not unreasonable to ask for a raise in salary. Include education and years of experience to see if you are getting paid within that range. If not, maybe it’s time to ask for a raise.Ask for a Raise In the MorningSkip your breakfast and ask for your raise in the morning. University studies show that an individual is more driven to ask for something if he or she is hungry. According to one psychologist, people are more moral in the mornings. However, wait until your boss has had his morning coffee and has gone through his morning tasks. A psychotherapist in New York suggests that if your boss is accustomed to having a drink at lunch, wait until afterward.What Days to Ask for a RaiseMondays are obviously out. Your boss is facing work that may have piled up over the weekend and has the entire week to get through. You are better off asking for a raise toward the end of the week when he may be looking forward to the weekend.Asking Toward the Weekend May Not Work for EveryoneBusinesses that operate seven days a week or where the boss is busiest in the morning may preclude asking for a raise at this time. In this case, wait until the boss is in a good mood before asking, perhaps after a business deal has been carried through successfully.Statistics Give You the Good NewsAccording to statistics compiled by Payscale, 75 percent of workers who requested a raise received an increase in pay. While 44 percent were given the amount they asked for, another 31 percent received less but were still granted a raise.What to Do if the Boss Says NoSuppose you don’t get the answer you were hoping for during your meeting with your boss. Now is perhaps the time to ask what you can do to improve your work or the reason for the refusal. However, stay polite and do not make demands. Pay attention if your boss makes suggestions and carry them out, so the next time you ask for a raise you might receive a positive response.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Essay 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

2 - Essay Example Initially I did not take them seriously but eventually this became a daily affair. One day I was even humiliated in front of many patients and was occasionally made the laughing stock. I chose to stay mum on the subject and never reported it to my parents or friends. The abusing in the hospitals grew up day by day and one fine day I was seriously abused in front of one of my junior colleagues. Unable to gulp down the humiliation, I decided to report the instance to the HR manager but he said he was more interested in other important issues and advised me to handle these petty issues on my own. I was totally depressed and started having sleepless nights; I was so annoyed that I sometimes became rude to the patients. Due to this I used to have high blood pressure and as a result I took leave from work quite frequently. I also took leaves with pay cuts just for the reason that I did not want to face those group of bullying nurses. The things started taking a turn for the worse as my mentor came to know about my complaint to the HR manager. As revenge the entire group made up a falsified case against me for which I had no fault. I was reprimanded before the entire staff and humiliated badly. This was the last straw to break the camel’s back and I decided to resign from the job. This decision was extremely painful for me as it meant destroying a dream which I had nurtured as a child. My extent of frustration was so much that I decided to leave this profession forever and joined a lower paid job as a clerk in another organisation. Workplace bullying is often described in the nursing literature as a phenomenon which attracts considerable attention all over the world. Workplace relations have shown profound effects towards the physical health, mental health and the general well being of the employees. It has also been found that nurses who have been exposed to

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Potential liability Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Potential liability - Essay Example Since it was its interest being served at the time of the accident, Mr. Cheatum can claim that it is liable being an employer of its Agentm, Dawn. As to Dawn, she can claim that she was not negligent in her driving. That it was Mr. Cheatum who was at fault. She can claim that she was driving in the prescribed speed limit and was on the right lane and that the accident was due in fact to the negligent act of Mr. Cheatum. As to Fast As We Can Deliver, it can claim that it has exercised diligent in hiring and supervising its employee, Dawn. That the strict liability clause, or the respondeat superior or the vicarious liability clause will not apply to him since at the time of the accident, Dawn has already finished her shift. Hence, she was not at work when the accident happened. As to DNA lab, it should not be held liable since there was no employer-employee relationship between them because Dawn was not an employee of the lab but an employee of FAST. The vicarious liability will not apply to them. "Auto Accident Injury Due to Vicarious Liability". (n.d.) Retrieved from website: http://www.caraccidentattorneys.com/resources/auto-accident/fault-in-car-accidents/vicarious-liability-owner-driver.htm. Accessed on June 14,

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Religion and Animal Rights Essay Example for Free

Religion and Animal Rights Essay Speciesism – Discrimination in favour of one species, usually the human species, over another, especially in the exploitation or mistreatment of animals by humans. Sentient – Able to feel pain; conscious through the senses. Shallow ecology preserving the environment to the extent that it benefits human beings. (This is an anthropocentric view of ecology – human centred). Deep ecology Giving all life respect and value – caring for all of nature, not just the aspects of nature which benefit human beings. Dominionism Judeo-Christian idea that human beings have a special place in the natural world; they are given the power to rule over it (as overseers) in behalf of its creator, God. Stewardship – Judeo-Christian idea that human beings have a special responsibility for the natural world (and indeed all other areas of responsibility such as other people, their money and possessions) acting as caretakers on God’s behalf. Autonomy – Free will, able to self-govern. Deontological – Duty led approach. Emphasis on the act itself in determining moral righteousness. Inaugurated eschatology The kingdom of God was started/established in the agapeistic life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and continues in the life of the church, but will be fulfilled after bodily death in heaven. Realised eschatology The kingdom of God is here and now on earth, through agape and the life of the church. Futuristic Eschatology: The Kingdom of God will come in the future – after bodily death, resurrection (bodily or spiritual) in heaven. Vivisection – Experimenting on animals. Instrumentalist approach – A pragmatic (practical) approach that says an action should be taken in order to achieve an active solution to a problem. Mutate – Change, transform (e.g. as part of the process of evolution). Immutability – Unable to change (e.g. from species to species). Commodification – To turn into and treat as a commodity – an article suitable for trading/buying and selling. Scholars Aristotle – Identified the hierarchy of being placing human beings above animals. Augustine – Human beings are superior to animals as human beings are rational, being made in the image and likeness of God, Genesis 1:26. Aquinas – Influenced by Aritotle – â€Å"animals†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦by divine providence are intended for man’s use in the natural order.†. Charles Darwin – Theory of evolution – ‘Origin of Species’, 1859. The process of natural selection, challenged the Bible, and in particular the Genesis creation story which claims that human beings are created in the image of God, Genesis 1:26. Albert Schweitzer – A pioneer of animal rights with his ‘reverence for life’ ethic. For Schweitzer ‘all life is sacred’, sentient or non-sentient, animal or vegetable. A deep ecologist. St Francis of Assisi – Often referred to as, ‘The Patron Saint of animals’. God has created the world and so the created order reflects God’s goodness and purpose of design and order, animals are a particularly important aspect of that created order. Peter Singer – If a being has interests then they are morally important and should have rights; sentient, self-conscious beings have interests. What matters is not what species a being belongs to, but to what extent a being is a person – fulfils Personhood criteria. Jeremy Bentham Believed that unnecessary suffering was morally wrong, irrespective of the species. KEY TEACHINGS FROM CHRISTIANITY AND AWARENESS OF HOW RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND OTHER FAITH MEMBERS HAVE INTERPRETED THESE TEACHINGS AND APPLIED THEM TO LIFE IN SOCIETY TODAY. Religious beliefs about the status of animals. SCHOLARS * Aristotle (4 BC – a foundation and influence for later Christian thought) -everything had a telos, an end purpose. The end purpose of nature (and animals) according to Aristotle, is human fulfilment Hierarchy of Being, Anthropocentric (human centred), Speciesist approach. * Augustine (4th to 5th century AD). Human beings are superior to animals as human beings are rational, being made in the image and likeness of God, Genesis 1:26. , â€Å"To refrain from the killing of animals and the destroying of plants is the height of superstition.† (Augustine). Hierarchy of Being. Speciesism. * Thomas Aquinas (13th century AD). Influenced by Aristotle’s ideas there is no sin in using a thing for the purpose, telos, which it is intended. There is no possibility of sinning against non-human animals or against the natural world which exist for the use and good of humanity. Hierarchy of Being. Anthropocentric. Speciesist. * St Francis of Assisi (12th to 13th century). Francis of Assisi thought that the natural world, and in particular animal life, was an expression of the creative will of God and was worthy of respect. Patron Saint of animals, emphasised the importance of sentient beings as part of God’s creation. Humanity should behave as responsible stewards to care and look after all of God’s created creatures. Shallow ecology preserving the natural world, including animals to the extent that human beings benefit. (This is an anthropocentric view of ecology – human centred) where human beings have a caretaker role over nature. * Albert Schwietzer (20th century). Albert Schweitzer was a Christian who pioneered animal rights with his ‘reverence for life’ ethic. He was astonished at the indifference that human beings show to fellow creatures on the planet. Schweitzer was a ‘deep ecologist’ who believed that all life was sacred – sentient or non-se ntient; human, animal, plant. BIBLICAL TEACHINGS * Human Beings created perfect, imago dei (St. Augustine). Genesis 1:27. * Genesis 1:28 – Dominionism (to rule over, use, control) â€Å"Then God saidHave dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.† This was the traditional position of the church towards animals as identified by Peter Singer. * Genesis 2:15 – Stewardship (to look after and care for on God’s behalf) â€Å"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.† More recently this is the role taken by the church, replacing dominionism with responsible stewardship. * Genesis 2 – creation story has focus on creation of man and woman (Adam and Eve). Human beings have a soul (animals do not) â€Å"The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed (ruach) into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being† (Genesis 2:7) * Human beings, but not animals have free will, autonomous, with the opportunity of choosing a love relationship with God. â€Å"Love God, love your neighbour.† (Jesus, Mark 12:30/31). With autonomy comes responsibility, stewardship (see church teachings below). * â€Å"A righteous man cares for the needs of his animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.† Proverbs 12:10. * â€Å"The wolf will live with the lamb† Isaiah. An O.T. eschatological vision of harmony between all sentient life. * â€Å"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.† Luke 12:6. CHURCH TEACHINGS Roman Catholic Catechism (1994) †¢ God willed creation as a gift addressed to humankind. †¢ Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present and future humanity. Anthropocentric, arises out of the shallow ecology approach to the natural world that is the usual the way for Christianity to deal with this area of ethics/moral issues. †¢ Animals do not have rights but humans do have duties towards animals. Roman Catholic Papal Encyclicals Centesimus Annus and Solicitudo Rei Socialis (Pope John Paul II) †¢ Human beings are stewards of God’s creation, not masters of it. †¢ Animals are part of God’s creation and must not be abused. †¢ The Church opposes cruelty / exploitation of animals. †¢The earth and all life on it is a gift from God given to us to share and develop, not to dominate and exploit. Church of England documents: Our Responsibility for the Living Environment (GS 718) and Animal Welfare (GS 341) †¢ Animals have been created by God and deserve respect. †¢ The value of animal life is secondary to human beings. †¢ Humans have a common heritage with, and have an obligation to animals. †¢ Humans are the most efficient predators and therefore must exercise responsible stewardship. †¢ Medical / scientific testing within reasonable limits is acceptable as it promotes the common good of humanity. Quaker Peace Testimony * show a loving consideration of all the creatures, maintain the beauty and variety of the world and show reverence for life. * Quakers have long supported vegetarianism. * Quakers oppose animal experimentation for weapons. * They also oppose the use of animals for the testing of cosmetics. * Most Quakers oppose the fur trade. * Quakers do support the use of animal testing for medical research. The extent to which animals are different from humans and their relative value. Humans are animals. * Charles Darwin 1859 â€Å"Origin of the Species† * Evolution, Natural Selection, Survival of the Fittest. Humans have evolved to become the dominant/controlling species. * â€Å"With all these exalted powers humanity still bears in its bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin.† (Charles Darwin) * Darwin challenged the idea of a designer God, and the anthropocentric view of the world. â€Å"Humanity in their arrogance think themselves a great work, worthy the (inter)position of a God. More humble, and I believe true, to consider them created from animals.† (Charles Darwin). * Many religious believers accept evolutionary theory as a way of explaining the origins of life on this planet, but still see that God’s power was behind the very start-theistic evolution (God the Uncaused Cause brought everything else into existence – based on Thomas Aquinas’s cosmological argument). How can an anthropocentric approach be upheld if humans ar e descended from animals – all are of equal worth and value – deep ecology. Hierarchy of species. * See above. God created animals for a purpose to be of value and support to human beings. Human intelligence versus animal instinct. * Rationality, intelligence and autonomy set humans apart from animals. * Capacity for sophisticated methods of communication is a human skill. * Creativity (music, literature, art) and complex/sophisticated (developing/utilising science and technology) societies for a good and worthwhile quality of life rather than for instinctive survival are hallmarks of human existence. * Most humans protect the weak and vulnerable arguably for altruistic motivations rather than for survival of the species. * Humans can choose to behave morally. * Humans are spiritual beings. However, just because the status of animals is lower than humans many argue for care and respect. * Stewardship. Deep ecology. Animal Rights.   * â€Å"The question is not can they reason, can they talk, but can they suffer.† Jeremy Bentham (19th century). * Peter Singer thinks that if a being has interests then these things should be satisfied, other things being equal. What matters is not what species a being belongs, but to what extent a being fulfils the criteria of personhood:- rational, sentient (experience pleasure / pain), self-conscious, can establish relationships and can communicate. Religious views on animal rights and the means of protecting those rights. See scholars, biblical and church teachings above. * Rev Humphrey Primatt (19th century) argued all life was made by God and any sentient creature has the right not to have pain inflicted upon it including animal suffering. â€Å"Pain is pain whether inflicted on man or beast† (Primatt). The work of Humphrey Primatt led to the foundation of the RSPCA in 1824. * Organisations such as WWF and RSPCA campaign for animal rights so that they may live according to their own nature and not be harmed, exploited or abused, maintaining a dignified existence. * Such pressure groups oppose factory farming (a method of raising animals intensively for maximum economic gain and to produce food at a lower cost for consumers, resulting in the commodification of animals), animal experimentation (vivisection) and using animals for entertainment;, although opinions vary on all these issues. * Controversy exists about vivisection and the extent of justifiable protest on animals’ behalf – SPEAK campaign sought to end the building of ne w animal labs for scientific experimentation on animals at Oxford University, often using intimidation and direct action which was judged by the law courts to be illegal. â€Å"If possessing a higher intelligence does not entitle one human to use another for his own ends how can it entitle humans to exploit non-humans for the same purpose?† Professor Peter Singer VERSUS â€Å"You can’t go to a doctor without having treatment that has been tested on animals – you can’t pick and choose.† Professor Colin Blakemore, Oxford University. * International Animal Rights Day = December 10th annually. * British law protects animals form cruelty and neglect which are criminal offences. * Revd Professor Andrew Linzey – Department of Theology at Oxford university = world’s first academic post in Ethics, Theology and Animal Welfare. Rejects an instrumentalist view of animals as ‘speciesist’; privileging one species, human beings, giving them a unique moral status. For Linzey, animals are part of God’s creation, and have God-given rights, or ‘theos-rights’, and thus have moral status. Religious responses to the preservation of species from extinction. * Genesis 1:12 – Species were created immutable (fixed and unchanging). Dominionism means human beings have used species and their environment for the good of humanity which has inevitably led to extinction of some. However, stewardship imposes a duty of care implying preservation and conservation of God’s sacred, creation for future generations upholding biodiversity. * Evolution teaches that species naturally change, mutate, and die out as part of the process of survival of the fittest and natural selection. Some religious people accept evolutionary theory theistic evolution (God the Uncaused Cause brought everything else into existence – based on Thomas Aquinas’s cosmological argument). * Breeding programmes in zoos have helped to save species from extinction. * Ohito Declaration 1995 – sustaining environmental life is a religious responsibility.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Parkinsons Disease :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Parkinson's Disease Five years ago, she could still show the world her pleasant demeanor with a smile. Four years ago, she could no longer smile, but she was still able to walk upright. Two years ago, she could no longer walk without aid from a walker, but she could still find her mouth with a fork while eating dinner. Eighteen months ago, she could no longer eat under her own power, as the involuntary 'tremors' in her hands flung the food from the fork long before it reached her mouth. A year ago, my grandmother died. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) five years ago, and slowly deteriorated for four years until her death. She was given myriad drugs, but none seemed to help for more than a month, leaving her in worse condition after the effects wore off. Herein lies the mystery of Parkinsonà ¢s Disease. Researchers have made great progress in uncovering the etiology of this mysterious disease. Before summarizing some of the current theories on the cause of PD, however, it is necessary to describe some clinical observations of patients. Symptoms of PD include "tremors," rigidity, bradikinesia (slowness of movement) and loss of postural control (1). It has been found that patients who show these symptoms for PD have an eighty percent reduction in the levels of both dopamine (a neurotransmitter in the Substantia Nigra) and dopaminergic neurons (neurons that contain dopamine receptors) (1). There are currently four main theories on the cause of Parkinson's Disease: (a) Oxidation of molecules such as iron in the Substantia Nigra by free radicals kill the dopaminergic neurons (1); (b) environmental toxins similar to MPTP (a compound related to the painkiller Demerol), which have been shown to cause Parkinsonism-like symptoms, kill the neurons (1,2); (c) a mysteriously increased rate of dopaminergic neuronal apoptosis in some individuals (1); and (d) Genetic influence, as the penetrance of PD has been observed at higher levels within some families (1). There is evidence for all of these theories, although the most concrete evidence comes from a study that showed increased levels of iron in the Substantia Nigra in PD patients (1). While this study proved nothing, it provided further evidence for a powerful oxidizing agent, such as a free radical, involved in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Parkinson's Disease :: Biology Essays Research Papers Parkinson's Disease Five years ago, she could still show the world her pleasant demeanor with a smile. Four years ago, she could no longer smile, but she was still able to walk upright. Two years ago, she could no longer walk without aid from a walker, but she could still find her mouth with a fork while eating dinner. Eighteen months ago, she could no longer eat under her own power, as the involuntary 'tremors' in her hands flung the food from the fork long before it reached her mouth. A year ago, my grandmother died. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) five years ago, and slowly deteriorated for four years until her death. She was given myriad drugs, but none seemed to help for more than a month, leaving her in worse condition after the effects wore off. Herein lies the mystery of Parkinsonà ¢s Disease. Researchers have made great progress in uncovering the etiology of this mysterious disease. Before summarizing some of the current theories on the cause of PD, however, it is necessary to describe some clinical observations of patients. Symptoms of PD include "tremors," rigidity, bradikinesia (slowness of movement) and loss of postural control (1). It has been found that patients who show these symptoms for PD have an eighty percent reduction in the levels of both dopamine (a neurotransmitter in the Substantia Nigra) and dopaminergic neurons (neurons that contain dopamine receptors) (1). There are currently four main theories on the cause of Parkinson's Disease: (a) Oxidation of molecules such as iron in the Substantia Nigra by free radicals kill the dopaminergic neurons (1); (b) environmental toxins similar to MPTP (a compound related to the painkiller Demerol), which have been shown to cause Parkinsonism-like symptoms, kill the neurons (1,2); (c) a mysteriously increased rate of dopaminergic neuronal apoptosis in some individuals (1); and (d) Genetic influence, as the penetrance of PD has been observed at higher levels within some families (1). There is evidence for all of these theories, although the most concrete evidence comes from a study that showed increased levels of iron in the Substantia Nigra in PD patients (1). While this study proved nothing, it provided further evidence for a powerful oxidizing agent, such as a free radical, involved in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

African Initiated Churches, African Independent Churches, and African Indigenous Churches

Protestant churches in Africa with the areas of strongest participation being in Kenya, Nigeria, and Southern Africa.   Most often they arose as disagreements between African Christians and Western Missionaries.   Although many have been influenced by the western missionaries, the difficulty was found in the African traditions being blended with Christianity.While many of them share cultural assumptions, most reject the traditions of African religion as evil.   The growing number of churches can be attributed to the charismatic feel of their religious practice.   For example, they may all wear the same color robe with the same pattern or design on them to distinguish themselves from the more traditional religions.They still demonstrate a certain amount of syncretism and use it as a foundation to bring African Christians together.   In an effort to be identified with Christianity they include â€Å"Holy Spirit† in the name for some of their churches.The premise for th e use of â€Å"Holy Spirit† is that they exist as an intentional act of the Holy Spirit who, they believe, is able to move about and do whatever he wants to do unencumbered by traditions or any other man-made parameters.The role it plays in the 21st century has been one of theological education and church administration.   However, the one thing that causes them to grow at such a rapid pace is the practice of healing and promised protection from evil.They declare a message of hope to the African people by preaching Christian values that include healing and protection from evil spirits, and by so doing they offer implicit theology that appeals to the African people.