that humans conform in order to avoid pain and gain pleasure. The hedonistic hypothesis is evident in “Going Clear”, not just in analyzing why the members of the church conform but also in explaining what motivated former members to leave. The Church of Scientology utilizes its members’ desire to feel accepted and gain approval from their peers in order to keep them active in the church. The mere threat of being rejected by their peers entices member to stay in the church to maintain these relationship that provide them with pleasure and acceptance. In “Going Clear” members of the Sea Org (a special branch of higher ranking members of the church) were thrown in “the hole” and were forced to live in deplorable conditions. Even so, when Miscavige announced they were going to play a game of musical chairs and only the last person remaining would be allowed to retain their membership in the Sea Org, all the abused members then fought each other for the chairs (the ability to stay in the organization). One of the investigators of the church observed, “These people were fighting to stay in the…
In the 21st century, it may seem as though we have come a long way from primitive humans and embraced the era of science and technology. But as I walk through my neighbourhood and see churches, temples and mosques, I am saddened to say that we have not evolved very much at all. It is alarming to see governments taking our hard-earned taxpayer’s money to build these useless structures dedicated to worshipping non-existent deities. It is even more alarming to see rational, educated adults wasting…
of disobedience. The next few books talk about the quest for the “Promised Land”. It starts with the book of Joshua where the holy war was engaged. The Israel’s need for continuing faith to the one true God was a big overall emphasis. Judges showed God’s constant rescue of his people despite their lack of keeping covenant with him. The book of Ruth takes you through the story of the loyalty to God that was found through Judges. Life in a place that REMAINED loyal to God during the time of the…
mother cries out not to kill her son and to give him to the other woman. Solomon knows this is the real mother because she would rather give her son away than kill him. However the fake mom is fine with keeping half a dead son. The Baby in this story is the kingdom. Jeroboam is the fake mother in the story because he accepted a divided kingdom.Moses and David represent the real mom who doesn’t accept half a child. Jeroboam should have refused the kingdom just like Moses and David did. Solomon’s…
Not only is David running away for his life in 1 Samuel 25, but he also has to deal with people who do not respect him and challenge his honor. The man named Nabal is just one example of someone who does not believe David has honor, which he displays and then surprisingly, his household does not act in accordance with his position. Why do Nabal’s men and wife Abigail go behind Nabal’s back to appease David, when that is the exact opposite of what Nabal does as the head of the household? The main…
harness and that He will be there for me through all the ups and downs in my life. Dear Diary, Going to a Christian school has helped build my worldview. Since I go to a Christian school I am able to dig deeper into the Bible each and everyday. In middle school we learned about so many things from the Bible. In eighth grade we read a lot about King David in the books of first and second Samuel. David was chosen to be king not by his physical appearance but has what it took to be…
The article I will be evaluating is “Evaluating King David: Old Problems and Recent Scholarship” by David A. Bosworth. At the time David Bosworth wrote the article he was a Professor at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. The article appeared in the Catholic Biblical Quarterly in 2006. The article addresses the controversies of King David. The Books of Samuel have caused the reputation of King David to come under question. The consequences to King David’s reputation have been caused by…
What is the implication of Davidic Covenant to the general mankind? Description: David Covenant is all about the promises made by God to David. It revolves around the establishment of House for David who would bring forth Solomon to rule the Throne and make a Temple for David. In the Old Testament, there are too many covenants and they include Covenant between God and mankind, people and groups, between God and Noah, God and Abraham and others. Among all the covenants, the covenant between God…
“The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!” Israel is a holy place for worship: this holy place has been damaged from the battles fought here and the soldiers who have been slain here. The battle that has taken place here is a reference to the battle that had been fought between David and Goliath. “Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.” Let the daughters rejoice that the war is over,…
To Forgive or Not Forgive, That is the Question Throughout the New Testament of the Bible, Christians are constantly reminded of the importance of forgiveness. Mathew 6:15 states: “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (KJV). In other words, a person cannot expect to be forgiven by God if that person does not forgive others. When it comes to forgiving those that I love, I do not have a difficult time forgiving them, and this is probably…