Dialogue over the Interfaith Christian and Buddhist perspectives

Comprehension of an interfaith dialogue as well as its relevance is the first point that should be considered before answering the question. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Dialogue over the Interfaith Christian and Buddhist perspectives specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In understanding this, we will all be able to have a clue on what the topic of argument is all about. We will consider Buru Dede’s perspective as the leader of our discussion. According to Buru Dede, all the discussions whose major intention is to encourage joint considerate between two or more religions can only attain his intention by only tackling his or her own religion. As long as we all concentrate on the scope of our spiritual mores, we will not be capable of articulating in a language that can be interpreted by the participants in our discussion. We are all obliged to reveal to the fullest the genuine theology only by exceeding th e customary teachings and policies. In this case, there will be higher chances of occurrence of an interfaith dialogue. For a victorious interfaith discussion, there must be an individuals tackling using his personal religious conviction. In addition to this, the participants’ religion should also be tackled. The interfaith discussion will thus be satisfactory and successful too. The joint disclosure of each person’s religion encourages mutual understanding among the participants. To begin with Tom’s idea on the existence of the sharing of certain perspectives among both the Christians and the Buddhists, I think the outlook is true. Assuming that you all know Pope John Paul II, he was a great Christian who also took part in publishing work. During his ‘Crossing the Threshold of Hope and His Holiness’ he emerged with some annotations on a Christian perspective. As stated in (Cobb 50), The Holy Father reminded us all, that â€Å"what unites us is m uch greater than what separates us †¦ It is necessary †¦ to rid ourselves of stereotypes, of old habits and above all, it is necessary to recognize the unity that already exists.† This is acceptable too among the Buddhists. Given that, you are well informed about the account of inter-religious discussions, I don’t intend to tire you by repeating its review. I think it is better to make ourselves remember certain aspects of the interreligious discussion. First the term ‘step back’ as it has been used in the context refers to reminding oneself the far one has gone some few decades back. A proof that identifies a Pope’s perspective is ‘unity that already exists’ is quite heartening.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More While I was busy searching for some information on the guidelines when an individual is writing a dialogue in a WCCs booklet. The author to this book put up a suggestion as cited in (Sernett 27), â€Å"it is easy to discuss religions and even ideologies as though they existed in some realm of calm quite separate from the sharp divisions, conflicts and sufferings of humankind†. Nearly all the Christians agree to this statement. However, the reverse is true to the Buddhists. The Buddhists claim that they could only agree to the statement if â€Å"religions and ideologies often contribute to the disruption of communities and the suffering of those whose community life is broken† (Sernett 27). These differences in perspectives concerning religious doctrines have entrenched into other peoples activities. However, it is probable that individuals from the Buddhist will with time regret why they don’t do what is expected. The Christians have a holy book that is written the Holy Father in which the features are given in some kind of sequence and also emphasizes on some topics which the Buddhist can find it rough on disagreeing. The book also has opinions on which the dialogue can proceed: â€Å"†¦.there is basis for dialogue and for the growth of unity, a growth that should occur at the same rate at which we are able to overcome our divisions — divisions that to a great degree result from the idea that one can have a monopoly on truth (Smith 37). However, the faith of the Buddhist does not correspond to the dialogue the way other religions do towards the dialogue. Buddhism is not a doctrine that has salvation. Buddhists were discouraged from blind fellowship in faith matters. He advised his followers to be listening to teachings keenly and assessing personally whether they are convinced if it is the truth or not. I think Megan has a point. On building on it, I can say Buddha offers knowledge in academics as well as spiritually so that this proficiency can be applied in all fields of life both individually as well as in a group. In spite of t he fact that most of the spiritual teachings offered are anticipated to be the same in other religions, it is extra ordinary in this case. According to Buddha as cited in (Smith 37), â€Å"One is indeed, one’s own savior, for what other savior could there be? When one is in control of oneself, one obtains a savior difficult to find†. According to Buddhists perspective, one has to move into the spiritual world for his own benefit.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Dialogue over the Interfaith Christian and Buddhist perspectives specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More We may also consider another aspect which is eclecticism. This may be viewed in two outcomes. Firstly, the dissimilarity between faiths should never be rejoined where it has ceased existing. The Pope in most books exemplifies the Buddhists attitude towards salvation as being completely negative. The following is what he explains, â€Å"We do not free ourselves from evil through the good which comes from God; we liberate ourselves only through detachment from the world, which is bad. The fullness of such a detachment is not union with God, but what is called nirvana, a state of perfect indifference with regard to the world. To save oneself means, above all, to free oneself from evil by becoming indifferent to the world, this is the source of evil. This is the culmination of the spiritual process.† The Pope’s assurance is what unites all the people and its superior than what isolates people. This can help in creation of a strong foundation of faith in ones heart. Buddhism is concerned with day to day sufferings that human beings experience. According to Buddha, â€Å"it is suffering I teach and the cessation of suffering†. Christians also talk about suffering. According to Pope’s perception, â€Å"The cross remains constant while the world turns.† Buddhist is only concerned amount the r eality of evil and suffering. I would like to complete by looking at the suggestion made towards Buddhism, â€Å"the Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. The Church has a high regard for their conduct and way of life, for those precepts and doctrines which, although differing on many points from that which the Church believes and propounds, often reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men†. The Buddhist should thus be given a chance to be wished with a happy feast of Vesakh as we are not only taught to be tolerant but also to love one another.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Works Cited Cobb, John. Beyond Dialogue: Toward a Mutual Transformation of Buddhism and Christianity. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1982. Print. Sernett, Milton. â€Å"Religion and Group Identity: Believers as Behavers,† in Introduction to the Study of Religion. New York: Harper and Row, 1978. Print. Smith, Huston. â€Å"Accents of the World’s Religions,†: Introduction to the Study of Religion. New York: Harper and Row, 1978. Print. This essay on Dialogue over the Interfaith Christian and Buddhist perspectives was written and submitted by user Willie O. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Slave Treatment

The Treatment of the Slaves The Europeans did not care how they treated Africans on the ships. The conditions on the ships were horrible; I do not know how the Africans survive the trip across the Atlantic. The food the Europeans fed the Africans was disgusting. Being chained together side by side the Europeans abused their own Humanity the way they treated the slaves. They believe that Africa was a savage land, that Africans had never known any reasonable social order of their own. That African slave deserved no better than they got. In centuries a total of fifteen million men, women and children of African blood were delivered into transatlantic slavery, under conditions so hideous that another nine million are estimated to have died during the crossing. In the worst ships, in which the slave-holds were not property aired. The slaves were not properly fed and exercised, in which the crews were bestial and drunken. 'Nowhere in the annals of history has a people experienced such a long and traumatic ordeal as Africans during the Atlantic slave trade. Over the nearly four centuries of the slave - which continued until the end of the Civil War - millions of African men, women, and children were savagely torn from their homeland, herded onto ships, and dispersed all over the so-called New World. Although there is no way to compute exactly how many people perished, it has been estimated that between thirty and sixty million Africans were subjected to this horrendous triangular trade system and that only one third-if that-of those people survived...' The triangular trade system was so named because the ships embarked from European ports, stopped in Africa to gather the captives, after which they set out for the New World to deliver their human cargo, and then returned to the port of origin. The Middle Passage was that leg of the slave triangle that brought the human cargo from West Africa to North America, South Ameri... Free Essays on Slave Treatment Free Essays on Slave Treatment The Treatment of the Slaves The Europeans did not care how they treated Africans on the ships. The conditions on the ships were horrible; I do not know how the Africans survive the trip across the Atlantic. The food the Europeans fed the Africans was disgusting. Being chained together side by side the Europeans abused their own Humanity the way they treated the slaves. They believe that Africa was a savage land, that Africans had never known any reasonable social order of their own. That African slave deserved no better than they got. In centuries a total of fifteen million men, women and children of African blood were delivered into transatlantic slavery, under conditions so hideous that another nine million are estimated to have died during the crossing. In the worst ships, in which the slave-holds were not property aired. The slaves were not properly fed and exercised, in which the crews were bestial and drunken. 'Nowhere in the annals of history has a people experienced such a long and traumatic ordeal as Africans during the Atlantic slave trade. Over the nearly four centuries of the slave - which continued until the end of the Civil War - millions of African men, women, and children were savagely torn from their homeland, herded onto ships, and dispersed all over the so-called New World. Although there is no way to compute exactly how many people perished, it has been estimated that between thirty and sixty million Africans were subjected to this horrendous triangular trade system and that only one third-if that-of those people survived...' The triangular trade system was so named because the ships embarked from European ports, stopped in Africa to gather the captives, after which they set out for the New World to deliver their human cargo, and then returned to the port of origin. The Middle Passage was that leg of the slave triangle that brought the human cargo from West Africa to North America, South Ameri...

Is Ham correct that the connection between science and naturalism is Assignment

Is Ham correct that the connection between science and naturalism is 'arbitrary' - Assignment Example Regardless, a theory that lacks a few of the criteria may still be scientific if it is accompanied by sufficient reasons. But if a theory lacks most or all of these criteria, it falls short of being scientific (Losse 137-149). The defining feature of all theories of science and their accompanying understanding is the capacity to make testable predictions, which then limits the room for error. The bearing and certainty of those estimations helps to determine how scientific theory will be useful in the future. By contrast, supernatural theory lacks any observable predictions, thus fails the minimum thresholds for scientific evidence in what enables prospective scientists to refrain from that particular line of (Losse 177). Supernatural causes advocated by Ham are based on predictions which are not reasonably certain for scientific testing, thus are also not useful. Losse said falsifiability of scientific criteria makes scientific theory more reliable than Ham’s supernatural causes, especially when applied in important predictions (178). Ham’s rigid, faith-based creationist philosophy is unacceptable as scientific because it does not obligates its members to explore various formulae to test its reliability overtime and or make important adjustments to it, hence the lack of evidence-based growth. And by being supported by several independent bodies of evidence, rather than one foundation, the scientific criteria outperform Ham’s supernatural theory which does not have any divergent criteria drawing similar conclusions about nature hence the its lack of its acceptability in science. The criteria also make scientific knowledge look consistent with past experimental outcomes, which lack in supernatural theory and thus, create the best platform for drawing accurate predictions of the future in the same way past theories have been made (Losse 107). By being correctable, scientific theory outperforms the rigid supernatural theory in the sense

Economics of Slavery and its Impact on Nation Essay

Economics of Slavery and its Impact on Nation - Essay Example African slaves were bought cheaply in African countries, and shipped into the Caribbean in the hold, in much the same way as other commodities. They were not only kept by those with large amounts of land, but also by small farmers, and city dwellers. It is generally believed that the economics of large acreages of Cotton and Sugar, combined with low levels of servant indenture, meant that America came to rely upon slaves to work the land. It would have been impossible to farm the vast amounts of these goods without slave labor, as liberated workers would have demanded pay, and probably better working conditions and fewer hours; slaves, on the other hand, were not employees, and could be worked in extreme conditions. African Slaves were able to repopulate, like livestock, and were also supposed to be immune to Malaria and other diseases (Racism saw them as stronger, and better suited to physical labor than white people); unlike Indian slaves, black people (at least in the early to mid 18th Century) stood out among the general population.

Preferential Hiring in the North Essay Example for Free

Preferential Hiring in the North Essay Inuit in the north, specifically in Nunavut, have an agreement with the government that they receive special benefits to help with day-to-day problems because of what happened to their people in the past. It is common knowledge that when explorers and traders first went to the north, they mistreated the aboriginals up there. They introduce alcohol and tobacco, they forced them to become sedentary by killing off their sled dogs and setting up trading booths for fur trades and such, and they quickly made them become â€Å"Europeanized†. This is not a proud part of Canadian history, and there have been measures taken to try and make up for the wrongs that were done. One of these measures is preferential hiring for Inuit. Although preferential hiring may seem like a fair arrangement given all that has happened, it is incredibly unjust and creates unnecessary problems. It is a fact that in the north the government has to hire a certain percent of Inuit when they are filling job positions. I do not agree with this because what ends up happening is that to be able to meet the agreed amount of beneficiaries hired, the government then has to employ people who may not have the qualifications necessary for the job, or who aren’t as trained and competent as other candidates. What also happens in many cases is that the requirements necessary to apply for a position get watered down until they are simple enough to target a larger crowd. This results in a slow-moving government with poor decision-making skills and no proficiency nor productivity. For example, a couple of years ago, in Iqaluit, there was a position as a secretary of a school that needed to be filled. However, there were no Inuit who applied that had enough qualifications for the job, so the school board then had to change the contract, saying that the minimum education requirement was a grade 10 education. A secretary of a school has many responsibilities, and I feel that it is needless to say that a pers on working in a learning facility should have a minimum of a high school diploma. That example was not an uncommon occurrence, it happens far too regularly in the north. It is a huge part of the reason why there is no motivation for a higher education in the youth of the north. These individuals know that if they can at least graduate high school, then they are almost guaranteed a job, and often a six digit salary (or very close to  it). They become lazy, and do not want to waste their time going to get a post-secondary education when they can easily get a job without one. This leads to my next point. There are many people who apply for the government jobs who have all the necessary qualifications and have the proper training and experience for the job, who don’t even get considered simply because of their nationality; if they aren’t Inuit, they aren’t wanted. This is borderline racism. The most qualified person should receive the job; all other factors (within reason) should be irrelevant. It is unfair towards all those who take the time and spend their money going through university, to be overlooked because there was a beneficiary with a high school diploma who also applied for the job. My final point is that there is no reason whatsoever for an Inuit not to have the proper credentials for a job apart from pure laziness. They are given all the opportunities imaginable, and it is their own fault if they do not take them. There is no excuse anymore for them not to have an education, because the government pays for their entire schooling. In fact, Inuit students get paid to go to university and other educational facilities. They are actually making money instead of going in to debt like most students. Therefore, one might wonder, why would someone not want to go to university and get a higher education if they are being paid for it? And the answer is because they do not need an education to get well-respected and well-paid jobs. There are plenty of examples why preferential hiring for Inuit is in fact handicapping them instead of helping them. The efficiency of the government in the north is nowhere near the same as the rest of Canada, and it is due to a lack of qualifications of those who are preferentially hired. By eliminating preferential hiring, you would be increasing motivation for a higher education and a better working society.

Charles Lindbergh :: essays research papers

Charles Lindbergh, one of the world’s aviation heroes and an American hero, was the first person to make a nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic. He was born on February 4, 1902, in Detroit. He went to school at the University of Wisconsin for two years, but dropped out to attend a flying school in Nebraska. He first started flying in 1922. Within four years, he was piloting a mail plane between St. Louis and Chicago.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1919 Raymond Orteig from France offered $25,000 to the first person to cross the Atlantic nonstop between Paris and New York. His offer was set to expire in five years, but nobody even tried. In 1926, he extended his offer another five years. By this time technology was to the point where a flight across the Atlantic might actually be possible. Lindbergh was one that thought it could be done.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After securing $15,000 from the head of the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce, Lindbergh started searching for a plane to make the transatlantic journey. Rather then go with a multi-engine plane like many other aviators were going with, he felt that it only increased the chance of an engine failing. He also wanted the plane to weigh as little as possible, thus increasing the flight range. This also meant he would be going alone.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By 1927, Ryan Airlines offered to build him a single-engine plane that met his specifications for only $6,000, excluding an engine. Lindbergh met with them and despite the unimpressive headquarters, he walked away impressed. Lindbergh wanted the plane done in two months, rather then the three months Ryan Airlines had wanted, but after much overtime, they finished the Spirit of St. Louis by the deadline.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Because it was being built customized for Lindbergh, the single goal of the Spirit of St. Louis was to reach Paris. Wingspan was increased to hold the extra fuel tanks that would be needed. This would give it a maximum range of over 4,000 miles, more then enough to cross the Atlantic and reach Paris.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To help keep the plane’s weight down, Lindbergh cut out everything not absolutely necessary. No radio, parachute, gas gauges, or even navigation lights were included. He wore special lightweight boots, and his maps included only the reference points he would need. Even his chair was made out of light wicker, instead of the usual heavy leather.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When completed at the end of April, 1927, the Spirit of St.

By The Waters Of Babylon

By the Waters of Babylon is about a son of a priest & becoming priest by the name of John who goes on a quest to find himself & show he is worthy to become a priest. Just as in the movie â€Å"The Village† there are forbidden places enter into. It’s forbidden to go to any of the dead places except to search for metal & he who touches the metal must be a priest or son of a priest or they will die. John’s father takes him on a journey to search for metal & it is only after John touches the metal does his father see that John is â€Å"truly his son and would be a priest.†As the time comes for John to become a priest, he has to undergo a â€Å"purification† rite. John’s father tells him to look into the fire and to say what he sees in his dreams. John sees a river, and, beyond it, a great Dead Place and in it the gods walking. His father calls this a â€Å"strong dream† that â€Å"may eat you up. † He then makes his son promise not to travel to the east and cross the great river to visit the Place of the Gods for these places are forbidden to enter. His father sends him off on a spiritual journey, but does not know he is going to  the forbidden places of the Gods. As John prays & fasts he takes a journey through the forest for eight days, and crosses the forbidden river Ou]-dis-sun.He crosses it & does not die. Once John gets to the Place of the Gods, he steps on the ground & he does not burn. Instead he only feels energy and magic. As he travels through the place of the Gods in search of food he sees a statue of what seems to be a â€Å"God† that says â€Å"ASHING† on its base. While being chased by dogs and finds a building with stories he climbs to get away from becoming food. John explores what seems to be an  apartment he see pictures, sculptures & things he has never known of. As he continues looking around he comes upon what he thinks is a dead God.Upon viewing the visage, he has an ep iphany that the gods were simply humans whose power overwhelmed good judgment. After John returns to his tribe, he speaks of the places â€Å"New York† and â€Å"Biltmore†. His father tells him not to, for sometimes too much truth is a bad thing that it must be told little by little. The story ends with John stating his conviction that, once he becomes the head priest, â€Å"We must build again.† By The Waters of Babylon This short story by Stephen Vincent Benet, is what we call â€Å"an Apocalyptic fiction†. It is defined as â€Å"a sub-genre of science fiction that is concerned with the end of civilization, through nuclear war, plague, or some other general disaster and Post-apocalyptic fiction is set in a world or civilization after such a disaster† (The Free Dictionary website). Description of the story The story is about a boy called John, who is a son of a priest and he wants to become a priest himself.He and his tripe are seemed to be living in ancient times of earth with his Primitive tools and simple kind of weapons. John and his people were living with a kind of Taboos about the â€Å"forbidden Dead Places† ,where no one has gone before. John wanted to learn more about the Mighty Gods and wanted to go on a journey to discover the knowledge he seeks. After 8 days trip, he reached the ruins of the Gods' city, he then got the unbelievable truth about what happened in the e arlier past times. The war between Gods destroyed the earth.Gods were fighting for power even though they had all the knowledge they needed . John was amazed of what he discovered and how those â€Å"Gods† were just humans as he and his people were. They were Only human with ultimate uncontrolled powers that caused Armageddon. John was afterward the truth and when he realized what really happened ,he returned to his father to tell what he saw. Meanings beyond the story The story begins with a high level of Ambiguity that keeps the reader asking, â€Å"What has really happened?† John was searching for knowledge and he realized that this is a hard way to go . The language used in the story feel strange on ears with different kinds of enchanted words and magic fever shown in it. The description of the forbidden lands and the legends describing what has happened there, are similar for the destruction made by atomic bombs on Japan . If we put in mind that this story was fir st published on 1937, before any kind of evidence on using the atomic bombs in World War 2 on Japan, so it is obvious that Benet had a great vision or fear of what may happened.Through a spiritual vision, John realized what really happened and even though he believed that knowledge is a great gift that only Gods may have and may give little bit of it to human ,who really worth to know, but it may also be a deadly weapons if it is not used in a proper ways. The peak of the story was at the point when John visited one of what he called â€Å"place of Gods† and there he saw a dead â€Å"God†, who was returned to be only a human just like him. A dead body of one of the victims. He died watching the civilization dying too.Knowing that the disaster happened on Earth-Our Earth- gives us a sign that it may also happen to us. With all the misused weapons and technology what protects us from being a victim for a great disaster and becoming â€Å"Dead Gods† for upcoming po or foolish civilization? John returned to his land and told his father what he has seen there and that he knew what really happened. He wanted to tell the truth for every one, but his father told him not to tell all the truth at once, it may be lethal. Telling the truth is best little by little.John's father â€Å"The Priest† and every one like him ,who were in charge may tried to hide the truth beyond the magic and spells and forbidden lands to prevent the humanity from making the same mistake and destroy itself, but in my opinion, Knowing the truth of what happened may prevent another disaster. Recommendation This short story is defined as children readings, but it has a deep meaning inside and between lines. I recommend this story for elder children and adults. It's good also in high school literature classes.ReferencesApocalyptic definition. Retrieved August 30, 2007, from The free dictionary web site Web site: http://encyclopedia. thefreedictionary. com/apocalyptic David Garrett Izzo, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina. † Stephen Vincent Benet. â€Å"The literary Encyclopedia. 17 Feb. 2005. The literary Dictionary Company. 30 August 2007. < http://www. litencyc. com/php/speople. php? rec=true&UID=354> Benet, S. By the Waters of Babylon. Retrieved August 30, 2007, Web site: