Essay 1: Many historians in opposition to the Christian Faith try to invalidate Catholicism by claiming that the Gospels are not historically reliable. This accusation is entirely false and can logically be disproven by using the five criteria for judging the historical reliability of documents. Is there eyewitness testimony? Where the documents written within living memory of the events? Do outside, unbiased, sources agree? Do the events relayed in the documents sound ridiculously untrue? And…
that has been opened to him by the Lord, which is his final and eternal destiny (Kushiner, 2011). How did the death of the Peter a disciple of Jesus Christ reveal the missions and their methods and purposes of Christianity in the early church? As we look at the mission of Peter that led to his martyrdom, one quickly see the Holy Spirit empowering him as revealed in Acts 2:1-4. Peter was preaching the gospel with confidence, conviction and compassion. As he carried the word of God, he drew crowds…
Introduction According to Warren & Bennis (2010), “The constancy of change that drives efforts to reinvent government bureaucracies, church hierarchies, and business practices call for audacious leaders who take a stand for what they believe in” (p.29). As a practicing Catholic, I have noticed that the Church is continuously challenged to redefine the role of the Church in our ever changing society under the leadership of Pope Francis. While it is relatively easy to appreciate the public…
The book Discipleship was written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and was published in 1937. It was his fourth volume of sixteen and has also been published under the title The Cost of Discipleship. Bonhoeffer was a pastor in Germany that was later arrested, imprisoned and executed by the Nazis. Discsipleship is based on the belief that being a Christian and follower of Jesus comes at a cost, which is why he literally differentiates between costly grace and cheap grace. Costly grace is what is required.…
Jaws Jaws is a book by American author Peter Benchley. It is based on a true story of two amateur fishermen who caught and killed a great white shark that attacked and killed four people along the East Coast of America in 1916. It was published in 1974 and shortly after was made into a movie in 1975. Jaws is about a gigantic, terrifying, great white shark that preys on anyone and everyone on Amity Island. Jaws was a first of its kind. People knew of sharks and had known little about them;…
The content of literature comes in many forms. Various individuals believe that literature must portray reality in order to have an impact, however, others disagree. For instance, as once stated by English writer E.M. Forster, "A work of literature must provide more than factual accuracy or vivid physical reality... it must tell us more than we already know." The theory behind this quote is that works of literature do not necessarily have to completely exhibit only realistic and truthful subject…
Every day, we as humans, face tasks that we must come to a decision on whether we are going to do what is morally right, or for the better for the greatest amount of people. Utilitarianism is the action that is best, which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers (100). This may be helpful for short term tasks and requirements, but in the long run always choosing the action that benefits everyone would ultimately hold people back. I will discuss both sides to utilitarianism, how…
that practiced celibacy; still, Christianity noticeably elevates the sacred practice to a higher level. There are countless Christian stories relating to this; such as, one that is rather unknown concerns one of Jesus closest disciple, the Apostle Peter. Biblical scholars have no problem embracing Peter’s crucifixion; at the same time, basically keep quiet regarding the reason he dies in the first place that involves celibacy (next chapter). In addition, the Apostle Paul, and a woman called…
Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein centers around the life of Victor Frankenstein and the monster he created. Victor’s life starts out quite well he had a happy childhood but it all goes downhill when he is introduced to a book regarding the sciences of Agrippa. The book leads him down the path of making his monster. The monster searches for love and affection from his creator but is denied when Victor runs away from him. The monster goes into human society instead find the love but regrets his…
Peter’s Piazza is located at the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. It is often referred to as Vatican Square. The Piazza’s creator, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is one of the most influential artists of his time and to this day. It is named after St. Peter for being one of Jesus’s twelve disciples and being the first Pope. It is the center of the Catholic faith. Bernini created his masterpiece to be both Tuscan and Baroque style. He used the Doric order for the columns. The Piazza is made up of…