Medieval Piety Essay -- essays research papers

Religion in the Middle Ages takes on a character all of its own as it is lived out differently in the lives of medieval men and women spanning from ordinary laity to vehement devotees. Though it is difficult to identify what the average faith consists of in the Middle Ages, the life told of a radical devotee in The Book of Margery Kempe provides insight to the highly intense version of medieval paths of approaching Christ. Another medieval religious text, The Cloud of Unknowing, provides a record of approaching the same Christ. I will explore the consistencies and inconsistencies of both ways to approach Christ and religious fulfillment during the Middle Ages combined with the motivations to do so on the basis of both texts. A central component of medieval religion that is evident in even the slightest dissection of the life of Margery Kempe or the directed discipline from the author advising contemplation is an unmistakable desire for religious experience. Even among married men and women who are occupied with family responsibilities, lay people during this time such as we see in the life of Margery herself are seeking more intense religious ways of living. Margery, as the example, lived with her husband with whom she had fourteen children. Growing up influenced by the church, her spirituality came to a heightened level when she and her Jesus began having actual communication with one another. While the church was catalyzing religious experience in medieval communities, upon the realization of direct mystical connection with Christ in the lives of people such as Margery, the desire for the inward search for spiritual satisfaction spread. Another tendency of those practicing religion in the Middle Ages is to take Jesus' words from the Bible to a new literal level affecting medieval lifestyles across the board. Where monks and nuns had typically been the only observers of chastity, fasting, and poverty, laity began to observe these life practices as well. In Margery Kempe's life, this apodictic understanding of Jesus' biblically recorded or spoken words is evident among her commitment to make vows of chastity, her desire to embark on long pilgrimages, and her steps of unquestionable obedience as she advances on her spiritual journey. The absolute submission of Margery and the dedication to perfect contemplation in The Cloud of Unknowing which warns, â€Å"†¦y... ...Jesus commands to Margery the contrary saying on one occasion â€Å"†¦go again to her husband and pray him to grant her what she desired† (Windeatt, 59). Margery lived well aware of her desires and, though they often caused temporary conflict such as her chastity, did not neglect herself to such extremes as hiding the desires of her heart or the absence of knowledge. Similarly of the two texts, the practice of contemplation suggests that one comes to know God on the basis of both intellect and emotions. Margery clearly understands this emotional tie to the divine in her relation to the passion of both Christ and Mary and her sufferings on the behalf of them both. Though most probably did not practice their faith as devoutly as Margery Kempe, the central concerns of her life coupled with the practices taught in The Cloud of Unknowing reveal a faith that is defining of Medieval Christianity. Both texts act as a mirror reflecting the Middle Ages and come down to a same key ingredient: desire. Never has there been a time like the Middle Ages where the prevalent desire to physically and emotionally experience the truths of religion was so widespread and evident in the lives of Christians.

Compare Contrast Performance Enhancing Drugs

Assignment 4-1-1 Compare and Contrast COMM 120 College Writing Justin Reed Professor Hilton-Ross Performance-Enhancing Drugs: New level of excitement or quick death? We regularly hear of professional athletes being accused of â€Å"doping,† or use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs. Many do this to be the very best at what they do. This is lucrative for not only the player, but also for the franchises that bring in the crowds. The question that arises is, if these drugs should be the new frontier of sports, or if we should heavily screen the players to prevent death. Looking at this from a neutral standpoint, it can be very easy to see both positives and negatives to taking such drugs. Our society not only demands perfection, but we also expect a level of entertainment that is on par or greater than the ever increasing price tag of the tickets that we buy for these spectacles. Many of the drugs that are banned from sports are due to the side-effects that often occur. The players have psychotic episodes, become increasing hostile, and sometimes even death. Even with the evidence backing this, the drugs are still used. The reason for this is monetary gains. A question comes to mind, would you rather live a long, regular life or a shortened, amazing one? You will be faster, stronger, and heal more quickly than you ever have before. Still, let’s make the assumption that athletes begin to use performance-enhancing drugs, the prices are higher for tickets,and the amount of time a player will actually be capable of playing at such a high level is decreased. Who really wins in this scenario? I believe thefans do. Fansget a very exciting game, more plays, more action, and more impact. Things that were not possible become far more possible. Games are invented or improved to make the spectacle all the better. The athletes can now demandmore money because the crowds are greater. In turn,the crowd draw means the franchise can improve the facilities and impact the surrounding areas. Yes, the athletes have a potential of being hurt, but their sacrifice could ultimately bring happiness to thousands, give them extreme wealth,and help the areas businesses. References Donovan, R. J. , Egger, G. , Kapernick, V. , & Mendoza, J. (2002). A Conceptual Framework for Achieving Performance Enhancing Drug Compliance in Sport. _Sports Medicine_, 32(4), 269-284.

Many students expand their view of the world during

There was a time when the world we live in was in a somewhat peaceful mode. There was existing discord among countries and there were political and social misunderstandings being resolved but overall, there was a semblance of a fragile peace and tolerant understanding of each others problems, race, and gender. That all changed overnight after the events of September 11.Overnight, the tolerance and fragile peace existing between our country and those of the Middle East, Europe, and Asia was thrown into a dizzying tailspin. Everything that we thought we knew about our middle-eastern neighbors was thrown out the window and they suddenly became an almost persecuted race worldwide. This loss of tolerance and understand towards the Middle Eastern nationals saddens me no end. Perhaps it is because, even though I was born and raised as an American, my family's roots are deeply entrenched in the Middle East.I lived eleven years of my life as a citizen of the Middle East. Â  I am one of them. Therefore, I understand the culture and religion even though I am now more influenced by my westernized upbringing. Even though my parents tried hard to instill some of our Old World value into me, it was a struggle for me to identify with the traditions and ways they wanted me to follow.No one else in my social circle had to follow the same norms as set by their family that I did. Eventually, the western ways won out and I forgot what it was like to be a Mid Easterner. This is why I believe that the person or classmate who will have a tremendous impact on my life while in college will be someone who is an exchange student or foreign national enrollee from any part of the Middle East.The reason I believe this is because; I have slowly come to realize that the people from the Middle East have been suffering from prejudice since the events of 9/11. The race has been judged collectively and branded by the world as terrorists. All member countries of that eastern block have been judged by the decisions and acts of a few misguided people from their area of the world. It is time for us to stop the prejudice. It is time to stop the war. It is time for us, as the free leader of the world, to stop, analyze and think about what we are doing to those people. It could be an act of veiled of revenge already on our part. That understanding can start small and trickle down. It can start with me.I would expect that this potential classmate of mine to help me understand where the prejudice comes from. Why do we see them in such bad light? How do they view us as a nation? I believe that a fellow Middle Easterner student and I will be able to relate and have many things in common. Â  He may not be from the country my parents come from. But, he will at least share the same beliefs and traditions as my parents and maybe, just maybe, I can learn even more from him about my roots and traditional heritage. Those things and lessons will be fun for me to encounter because I missed ou t on those things when my family moved to the United States.Since he will be like a mentor to me, I also expect to learn other things from him. I expect to learn more about tolerance for others who may not understand from him. He can show me how to deal with the situations he faces everyday. I have been known to have a short attention span so dedication and effort are not really very strong points in me as a student and person. I am hoping that he will be able to teach me that since Middle Easterners are known for their tolerance and patience in the face of adversity.Aside from those specific things, I know that I will learn a lot in terms of life lessons from him or her simply by observing the person as his or her daily life unfolds. Everyday is a learning experience for everyone, he or she can be my out of class mentor, friend, and ally if need be.

Age Discrimination essays

Age Discrimination essays One of the worst types of discriminations next to that of racial or ethnic discrimination is age discrimination. A persons age should never be a factor in how they are treated. Once we reach the age where we can make logical conscious decisions on our own, we should be treated like everybody else. Age discrimination is predominant because the majority of this worlds inhabitants have unfair and old-fashion ideas or beliefs with respect to two age groups in particular. These two groups that are discriminated against the most are the young and old. Once a person reaches the age of eighteen in America they are given the privilege of voting. Unfortunately, at the same time they are robbed of certain rights. I have always disagreed with the law in which adults under the age of 21 cannot purchase or consume alcohol legally. This law seems completely contradictory to me; I dont understand how our government can give us the right to choose our leaders or be sent off to war and given a machine gun and told to kill the enemy but deny us the right to legally buy a case of beer. This just does not make sense. This is only one example of how the youth of America are discriminated against based on their age. Another predominant example is with respect to wages. People under the age of 21 usually get paid less than older people for doing the same job. This is a major problem in todays workplace. In order to correct this problem we need to focus our attention on paying peoples wages based on their skill and performance of their duties. If a 16 and a 43-year old both have the same skills doing the same job they should be paid the same. Some people argue that older people should be paid more than youths because they have more financial duties and responsibilities than younger people. In order to make a high amount of money you need to posses certain skills and attributes that not many other people have. This is the reas...

Rebranding and Foreign Branding Essay Example

Rebranding and Foreign Branding Essay Example Rebranding and Foreign Branding Essay Rebranding and Foreign Branding Essay Some modern ads recently have been using moreunattractive spokespersons to sell their products. For example, some microwavable dinner uses an average looking, heavier man to represent the meal. Two men who are just as heavy as each other eat two different meals. One man eats something healthy and along the lines of adiet meal, where the other man eats a Hungry Man microwavable dinner. The man who ate the Hungry Man meal is blow drying his hair, and when he turns to speak to the other man, his blow dryer blows away the man who ate the diet meal. I feel that this is a productive use of unattractive spokesmen, because most of the audience range that Hungry Man is trying to aim for is the heavier setmanly men. Using men that normal people can relate to is the most effective way to sell a product. I also feel that when selling a diet product, like a pill, or a meal plan, the most effective way to sell successfully is to use actual patients who are overweight. Showing the before and after results from a product are most influential to the public. On the other hand, using unattractive persons to sell a product may backfire to the company. For example, using unattractive women to sell makeup may not work as well as using a beautiful flawless supermodel. There are certain instances when unattractive or less than perfect people may not be the best route to take, and there are also products that have tremendous gain off of normal looking, or possibly a little abstract associations. I would say it is a 50/50 chance when it comes to marketing, with any kind of representation. It doesnt always matter how good of an association you get with the product, sometimes it just wont be successful. The goal is to relate it to your targeted audience and try your best to sell, sell, and sell.

A Scene Analysis of Julius Caesar, a Play by William Shakespeare

A Scene Analysis of Julius Caesar, a Play by William Shakespeare Shakespeare has been mesmerizing people with his written word for hundreds of years, from his sonnets to his plays. His stories deal with love, betrayal, murder, death, and even suicide; even in the story of Julius Caesar does he touch up on this subject. Act one Scene 3 is the part of the play where the meteor showers attack the city of Rome, and where Cassius admits how strongly he is opposed to Caesar’s rule. The scene is supposed to be a turning point for the show in the sense it is revealed just how terribly Caesar is viewed by Cassisus, and just how far Cassius will go to make sure he does not see him rule. Shakespeare did this by portraying his characters emotions accurately and appropriately. The scene opens with the characters Casca and Cicero both are public figures in Rome, both are discussing the fiery storm outside that is come out of nowhere. Casca believes it to be a bad omen of what is to come, while Cicero things it is nothing more than a natural occurrence. Once Cicero exits the character Cassius enters, he explains how he believes that the Oman is the Gods way of foreshadowing things to come, and that unlike Cicero he sees no reason to fear the Gods. This is where Cassius’ â€Å"big head† to say is revealed, he states this â€Å"You are dull, Casca, and those sparks of that should be in a Roman you do want, or else you use not† (Act 1 Scene 3 Page 3). Without saying Cassius has just insulted Cicero, and stated he believes there is no reason to fear the Gods, since they are simply displeased with one act and not many. This shows in his characterization that Cassius believes himself to be superior to others, maybe that is due to the fact he is a talented general in the military, and that he is quite sly. During the course of the scene he reveals that he would rather kill himself then see a man like Caesar rule his country. â€Å"Now could I, Casca, name to thee a man most like this dreadful night, that thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars as doth the lion in the Capitol A man no mightier than thyself or me in personal action, yet prodigious grown, and fearful as these strange eruptions are† (Act 1 Scene 3 Page 3-4). Cassius is speaking of Caesar as to the fact that he believes that the Gods are unhappy with him coming to the capitol to be crowned king. In past scenes, Shakespeare has made it clear that people do not think he is ready to rule, but this scene shows how far someone would go to not see him rule. Cassius decides to go to the extreme, â€Å"I know where I will wear this dagger then. Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius† (Act 1 Scene 3 Page 4). He would rather kill himself then see Ceasar rule, while Shakespeare has used suicide as a plot point in the past this one varies from the rest by the choices he made in the scene. Shakespeare in scene three does not leave Cassius alone to ponder his death in his head, he provides a friends for him to explain his plan to. Nor does Cassius give a depressing reasoning or say goodbyes, he simply just wants it known he is killing himself for a cause he truly believes in rather than for depression. A bond is shown though through Cassius and Casca by the fact that Cassius trusts him enough to share with him this plan, without fear of betrayal, and Casca understands his point of view showing how great the friendship they hold is. The last part of the scene is the turning point of the whole play. Cassius plans to trick Brutus into believing that Caesar is now corrupt ruler, which will ultimately lead to Caesars death. Making the scene a pivotal moment in the show, and one that no Spector could forget about. Shakespeare work will not die out easily nor will it be easily forgotten for those who read one of his plays. This scene is about how strong someone must believe in something to accomplish it, and the relationships people have with another. Shakespeare made this message clear throughout the whole scene. There are few writers who have that talent and ability, and by using his characters true emotions, placing characters appropriately together, to make a truly memorable scene.

Energy Resources in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries Essay

Energy Resources in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries - Essay Example Saudi Arabia exists as the largest state among the GCC countries with the Shi’i population placed on the oil producing gulf coast of eastern province. The discovery of oil dates back to 1930s with its commercial production beginning shortly after the Second World War. Saudi Arabia became the largest producer of oil by 1993. Similarly, Kuwait became an oil producer ever since 1946 before gaining its independence from Britain in 1961. The country received independence before massive revenues from oil could be concentrated on the hands of the ruling family possessing overwhelming power. As well, cohesion and the historical organization of unique merchant families had significant contributions. Bahrain emerged as the first oil producing country among the six GCC countries with initial production occurring in 1932. The oil wealth possessed by Bahrain from the beginning gave it a head start to develop social and educational institutions. As a result, this contributed significantly t o its status as the best socially liberal over its neighbors in the GCC countries. However, Bahrain’s current oil reserves remain almost exhausted. By contrast, tourism and finance service industries play the main role in Bahrain’s present day economy (Gause 5-8). Abu Dhabi, Fujayra, Dubai, Ajman, Ra’s al-Khayma, ’Um al-Qaywayn and Sharjah constitute the seven emirates making up the federation of the UAE. Large production of oil began in the 1960s within the UAE mainly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Shaarjah. UAE’s per capita national income remains among the highest worldwide. Most notable would be Dubai which continues to develop into a regional communications, services and business center.