This podcast talks about Jesus Christ from a historical perspective through the book Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth and its author, Reza Aslan. This book dives into the historical perspective of Jesus of Nazareth and discusses Reza’s own religious journey. Religion is defined by the book to a a social institution involving beliefs and practices based on recognizing the sacred. There are several concepts from the lecture and book can be seen through this podcast. Religion is very complex as shown by Emile Durkheim thought of religion involves things that surpass the limits of our knowledge.…
In chapter 9 of James Rachels and Stuart Rachels The Elements of Moral Philosophy, the authors elaborate on the philosophical question, whether there are absolute moral rules. In order to illustrate the philosophical moral question, Rachels uses President Harry Truman’s dilemma on the use of atomic bombs to end World War II and in the process comes in contact with Elizabeth Anscombe, a 20th century foremost philosophical champion of the doctrine that moral rules are absolute, the theory of categorical imperative, Kant’s arguments on lying to make the case on moral judgments. First, the Rachels’ use President Harry Truman’s encounter with Elizabeth Anscombe, a 20th century foremost philosophical champion of the doctrine that…
These types of religion communities were reluctant towards the idea of homosexuality based on interpretations of the Bible instead of personal judgment. Jedadiah…
Biblical scholars and Christians suggest that the direct dismissal of Biblical law by same-sex couples is also the denunciation of God. They argue that the illicit act of same-sex sexual relationships is a threat to the social foundation and ethical order prescribed by God. They, therefore, use Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 to apply a universal moral to normative relationships to ensure the conservation of the Biblical ethics introduced in…
In this the ever-changing world, things that were once considered acceptable by society are rapidly evolving, and therefore homosexuality is another issue that can be resolved by looking at the facts. In an attempt to form our own moral judgements and beliefs, we must ask ourselves, are there any good reasons to think homosexual sex is wrong? And if so, is this because it is unnatural? And would it be wrong if it were unnatural? To answer these questions, we must look at some of the major arguments made against homosexual sex.…
Ethics are the moral principles that a person lives their life by, more simply, the individual sense of right and wrong. When placed beside each other, the two main branches of modern philosophical ethics, theological and humanistic, are in stark contrast. Theological ethics stem from a belief that there is a higher power that dictates moral law. The three literary works Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, The Scarlet Letter, and The Crucible, all have themes pertaining to Christian ethics, a form of theological ethics. Christian ethics are strictly written in the Bible, the Christian holy book which contains the moral law dictated by God.…
about homosexuality. You can argue that Paul challenges gender-role categories integral to the Priestley theological anthropology in Romans 1. Using both letters he sent to the Romans, Paul sends these letters trying to convince them that neither Jew nor Gentile has any claim to righteousness before God. Paul’s theological anthropology is that like Leviticus, in that Paul condemns the gentiles as idolatrous. Both in Paul’s letters and in Leviticus, the same language is being utilized like, the language of holiness, impurity, defilement, shame, and abomination to argue his theological argument.…
Many people believe that ethics are completely determined by religion (Blackburn page 10). However, Blackburn disagrees with this belief. During the nineteenth century, in western cultures, more people began to stray away from traditional religious beliefs (Blackburn page 10). Many philosophers believed that with the loss of religion also came the loss of ethics Blackburn page 10. Dostoevsky asked “If god is dead, everything is permitted?…
Throughout the entire novel of Jane Eyre, the author, Charlotte Brontë, uses Biblical theology and Christianity for enhancing the reader’s enjoyment and understanding of the story. By closely analyzing these references in context, the reader can develop a deeper appreciation for the writing and begin to see a new depth to the plot and characters in Jane Eyre. A notable example of Biblical reference and theology in Jane Eyre is found at the end of chapter 9, where Helen Burns tells to Jane about Heaven, God, happiness and salvation before she succumbs to consumption and passes away. By studying Helen Burns’ theological revelations to Jane Eyre, the reader is able to better understand the theme of emotional maturation and spiritual growth in…
In our textbook, Rachels argues that people require humility and the understanding of where they stand in the universe. He believes that we should treat people the way they deserve to be treated and that we should hope these actions are reciprocated onto us. He believes that there are multiple strategies in finding where we are in life, such as comparing one’s life to that of other’s. We must know that we are not alone in this world and that we have an obligation in taking care of others. Rachels believes that we are rewarded for our work and self-improvement, but not our luck.…
This attitude is clearly revealed in Leviticus 18:22, "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination” (Slick). This demonstrates that homosexuality is clearly condemn in the bible. This sentiment goes even more in depth in Leviticus 20:13, "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltness is upon them” (Slick). This statement is nothing short from harsh towards homosexual individuals.…
When Judaism was founded, its view of a god was much different from those of pre-existing religions. The monotheistic religion viewed God as kind, merciful, and selfless. Other religion’s saw their gods as self-concerning, amoral beings. Judaism’s God also made man. In the Torah, Genesis 1:26-27 states, “And God created man in His image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”…
In the “Historical Grounding: Beyond Sexual Essentialism” by Carter Heyward, she conveys her message to readers that sexuality can be seen as an aspect of humanity. In which Christians must remember that god’s grace is sufficient in whatever battle may be faced, Christians should speak out loud then remain being silent against those who speaks for god but spread lies. She even claims that relationships between men and women as being dominated by men through the power they hold over women in sexual relationship. It seems to be assumed that women can only achieve empowerment through the fulfillment in areas in which men have traditionally dominated. Heyward contents that this domination fulfilled only because of men’s control over women through…
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through all seven chapters of Philip Yancey’s book “The Bible Jesus Read.” It felt as though I was sitting across form the writer just soaking in all he had to say. After reading commentaries and Bible dictionaries, this book gave a fresh perspective on the Old Testament. Yancey was not interested in the nitty gritty details of the Old Testament like date and author of books, but rather focusing on the point and the big picture.…
Homosexuality is a constant topic in the media and is always being shunned with religious motives in both past and present. In recent news, politicians in some states are aiming for the criminalization of homosexuality while others are passing legislation for the recognition of same-sex marriages. Michael Levin presents a purely scientific and secular argument against homosexuality and homosexual marriages in his work “Why Homosexuality is Abnormal.” Michael Levin addresses the debate question: “Is homosexuality abnormal?” His position on the debate is affirmative.…