Reason and faith in religion

Reason and faith in religion Reason and Faith are sources of authority whereby the belief of an individual can rest. Belief is referred to as the values that emanate from a methodological process of inquiry. This process can either be religious, aesthetic, moral or even intellectual. On this basis, reason does not emanate from the wisdoms of traditional authority, or oracles, or assumptions. However, reason requires the existence of real life evidence to proof a fact. Once there is a clear demonstration of this evidence, a claim can be understood and justified as either to be false, or true. Faith is the opposite of reason, and it does not require any evidence for an individual to believe in a given issue or authority. On this basis, faith is a demonstration of assent or trust (Albl, 22). Faith therefore involves an action of commitment that emanates from the believer, in relation to a given belief. Religious faith involves the belief of an individual to a supernatural deity, or God. The root cause of this faith always comes from an individual revelation of God, or the workings of God (The Bible, 3). On this note, revelation can either be direct, personally experiencing the powers of God. It can also be indirect, that is experiencing the powers of God through the testimonies of other people. Faith that emanates from religion is of two types, namely evidence insensitive faith, and evidence sensitive faith. Evidence sensitive faith is built upon by demonstrable truths, which includes testimonies brought forth by believers or people who ascribe to the same Faith. Mueller (27) denotes that this type of faith is also built on the teachings and lives of people who believed in God. On the other hand, Mueller (29) denotes that evidence-insensitive faith is built upon the individual experiences of a person with his God. Albl (26) explains that it is very possible for a person to believe in God, through faith, or through reason. This paper take a stand that the bible is the main book that provides guidance on an individual’s Christian faith. Reason is only used to confirm and provid e support on the various religious beliefs. Prickett and Robert (36) denote that the main factor that led to the problems associated with reason and faith comes from the concept of revelation. All religious believes are based on revelations. Revelations always entails an individual’s experiences with God, which in turn they are described through sacred pronunciations (Prickett and Robert, 33). These revelations are then written in canonical writings or are passed through oral traditions. An example of a person who experienced revelation and passed the message through canonical writings is apostle Paul. Paul had a personal experience with God, and wrote the messages which are always reffered to as epistles. Hicks (36) denote that these writings are always immune from a rationale critique, or evaluations. On this basis, any attempt to evaluate and critically analyze these messages is a mistake. However, in the current century, Hicks (41) denotes that various religious organizations encourage a rationale critique of the Bible. One main issue that surrounds the problems regarding reason and faith is to find out how the authority of reason, and that of faith interrelate with one another in this process whereby a religious belief is either justified or not. There are four major ways in which reason and faith can interact. The first method of interaction is the conflict model. Under this model of interaction, the objects, aims and methods of faith and reason usually depict different notions and concepts. On this basis, there is a rivalry between reason and faith. An example of this rivalry is depicted in the different explanations of the existence of earth. Christian’s belief that God created the world, scientists on the other hand belief that God did not create the world, but it came as a result of evolution (Hicks, 56). The story of creation is effectively explained in the book of Genesis chapter number 1. Charles Darwin on the other hand denotes that the world came as a result of evolution of species. Darwin elaborately explains this concept through his theory of evolution. He came up with this concept of evolution after a careful study of the various species of animals, including mankind. On this basis, his evolutionary theory was developed out of a methodological study, satisfying the principles of reason. This view by Darwin directly conflicts the views of the origin of man, as prescribed by the Bible (Mueller, 28). This therefore challenges the existence of God, putting faith and reason in a conflict with each other. The next mo del of interaction between reason and faith is the incompatibility model. Under this model, objects, aims and methods of faith and reason are distinct. Under this model, faith concerns itself with seeking the divine truth, while reason on the other hand concerns itself with seeking for an empirical truth. On this basis, rivalry between faith and reason does not exist. This relationship between reason and faith is divided into two main categories. The first category is transrational (Hick, 43). Under this category, believers denote that faith is higher than reason, and reason can only be used to explain certain religious practices that occur within an individual’s religion or sets of believes. The second category holds that religious believes are irrational, and on this basis, it is not appropriate to examine it through a rational evaluation. Under this principle, it is only possible to understand God, by analyzing what God is not. People who ascribe to this principle believe that there is no need of subjecting faith to a rational justification. This is because it is beyond human understanding (Mueller, 41). The weak compatibi lity model on the other hand believes that it is possible for there to be dialogue between faith and reason. This is even though reason and faith maintain different methods of evaluations and clarity. Under this model, faith is developed from the existence of miracles, while reason on the other hand involves scientific evaluations of the miracles under consideration. The final relationship between faith and reason can be termed as the strong compatibility model. Under this relationship, faith and reason have some parity. Proponents of this relationship denote that it is possible to demonstrate articles of faith, by applying reason within it. It is possible to demonstrate articles of faith by using either inductive method, which is depending on experiences to justify faith (Prickett and Robert, 51). It can also take a deductive approach, which is depending on the teachings of faith to justify a belief. An example of an inductive approach is the miraculous healing of a lame man, whom science could not cure. An explanation to this concept is that God has a healing power, thus he healed the man under consideration. Science on the other hand would denote that there wasn’t any scientific method of healing the man under consideration; hence it is only the power of a divine deity that did the job (Prickett and Robert, 51). An example of a deductiv e approach would always start with an argument that the principles of science would not have existed, unless the power of God was there to ensure that the science under consideration is successful. For example, God gave men the capability and wisdom of making vehicles, and airplanes. In conclusion, Christians normally rely on the bible as a basis of their faith. For a long period of time, the information contained in the scriptures have never been challenged or critiqued. They are always held as true, no matter how controversial they may be. However, in the 21st century, there is always a demand of evidence and reason in the various teachings of Christianity. This paper manages to effectively explain this concept of reason, and how it used to justify certain aspects of faith. For instance, in this paper, we are able to denote that reason can directly contradict faith. This is by use of science to proof certain aspects of the scriptures as untrue. This paper explains how the Bible depicts the origin of the universe, and how science explains the origin of the universe. The Bible denotes that God created the world, while science denotes that the world came about out of evolution. These two areas are very contradicting and rival each other, and those who believe in t he evolution story, do not have any faith in God, nor religious beliefs. In as much as reason can contradict certain aspects of faith, reason is also used to explain certain religious practices or elements of faith. For example, how can one explain the movements of birds in the air, or even the existence of rivers, mountains, and lakes? Initially, the practices of a religious belief were not questionable. Whatever the scriptures said, was always true. However, in the 21st century, religious organizations encourage a rationale critique of their practices. Works Cited: Albl, Martin C. Reason, faith, and tradition: explorations in Catholic theology. Winona: Saint Marys Press, 2009. Print. Hick, John. Between faith and doubt: dialogues on religion and reason. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010. Print. Mueller, J. J.. Theological foundations: concepts and methods for understanding Christian faith. Winona, Minn.: Saint Marys Press, 2007. Print. Prickett, Stephen, and Robert Barnes. The Bible. Cambridge [England: Cambridge University Press, 1991. Print. The Bible. Harlow, England: King James Version, 2010. Print.

The Poison of Human Relationships

â€Å"My wife’s jealousy is getting ridiculous. The other day she looked at my calendar and wanted to know who May was†(Dangerfield, 2007) This is a quotation from Rodney Dangerfield and it is quote evident that jealousy makes a relationship crucial and impractical. Crucial in a sense that people’s life involved in a relationship is affected and it seems that they become such paranoids. It is Impractical because it really changed one’s way of living including societal and personal development. Fear is the one acting behind the strings in jealousy. Jealousy is a state, wherein a person experiences fear, suspicion or envy cause by a real or imagined threat or challenge to one’s possessive instincts (Webster, 2007). Jealous feelings come up because we are afraid of not getting our needs. Most of the times, we want to be secured of something. We are afraid of being abandoned, of losing one’s affection and love. We are afraid of being abandoned, of losing one’s affection and love. We are afraid of unresolved issues from past relationships. Whenever we are jealous of something or of someone, all that we hear is our self. We become deaf of other people’s explanation. We tend to think and see only the negative side of the story. It’s been an experience that when jealousy comes up, we pity ourselves. We often think that he or she is far better than us. Jealousy is a double edged sword, with the sharper edge pointed towards one’s self. Jealousy is like a poison which spreads throughout the body and affecting everything that it makes contact with. Jealousy often is the result of not feeling good about yourself physically and personally. It weakens our emotional well being. At the same time, it builds paranoia to those who are stricken by it. Jealousy, as stated earlier is sort of a poison that paralyzes all the aspects of a human being. Jealousy is a state by which a person feels that he/she should be the one who experiences what another person is giving to a different person besides himself/herself.   Jealousy present even among family members. A good example would be is when a parent does favor for one if their children but not to the other. While this type of jealousy can be lessened if the parent of the child also gives favors to the child that feels jealous, this may not be the case of a jealous lover. Instead, jealousy is often expressed as anger, leading us to accuse our partner of cheating. Sometimes those who are eaten by their own jealousy even avoid their friends that have something to offer than you wish you had to your loved ones. Most of the time, jealousy is really about feeling threatened that our relationship will be affected by another person or other factors. This often results when one does not feel worthy in a relationship. There is always this thinking that one’s partner has a reason to look elsewhere for attention because one is not good enough. If the person is a friend, then this also involves betrayal, and the hatred may breed between the two former friends. Most of us, when in this situation, are blinded by jealousy. Without knowing the main reason or cause of such situation, we easily conclude and usually, our conclusions lead to a fight or to an argument. We often say that love is blind, but sometimes it is not love that makes us blind but jealousy. Being jealous usually arises from the assumption that you own and want to control another person’s affection and love and want to keep them all to one’s self. This is what we call a conditional love, the person will love another if and only if the other person loves him/her. Jealousy affects health of those stricken by it, aside from the fact that it ruins one’s relationship. Feelings of jealousy can consume a person’s heart making the person irritable and annoyed . It can cause sleepless nights and lack of appetite. Some even turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with their feelings. While others say that jealousy eats relationship alive and offers nothing in return, some believe and claim that being jealous sparks passion and romance. Jealousy can even sometimes strengthen a relationship. It sometimes means that you really love that person, that you really care for him/her and you only don’t want to loose him/her. Though jealous feelings can be frustrating, annoying and painful, somehow it brings up the feeling of sensual happiness. A little jealousy can sometimes help a relationship grow for the better. Too much of anything is detrimental to a relationship. Some scientists and researchers believe jealousy can be genetic. Culture and upbringing play a role in jealousy as well. For example, a violent boyfriend may claim his jealousy as the result of loving her partner so much, when in fact in reality, he may be copying the behaviors of his own father and does no know how else or how it is to deal with jealousy. If jealousy is an issue in one’s life, understanding of one’s behavior and what’s underneath it is essential in dealing with jealousy and preserving mental well being as well as the quality of relationships. Reference: Quotes about jealousy http://www.worldofquotes.com/topic/Jealousy/1/index.html Definition of Jealousy Webster Dictionary.               

A Life-Threatening Disease Causing Infants to Blister,...

A genetic disorder that affects an estimated 25,000-50,000 people in the United States and can be life threatening. This disease causes blisters on the skin but also in the mouth, esophagus, lungs and muscles. Though this disorder is not common it can be mild with little symptoms, disabling, where there are a few problems that may occur or it can be life threatening. This disease is called Epidermolysis Bullosa. Epidermolysis Bullosa is a genetic disorder that causes the skin to blister even with the slightest force. Epidermolysis Bullosa is found in three different types. Each are caused by different genetic mutations. The most common form of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is Epidermolysis Bullosa simplex (EBS). The less common types of EB†¦show more content†¦The lives can be cut short if internal organs start to blister. Also those who have EB are more likely to have skin cancer than those without EB. Another way that life could be cut short is because EB can cause sepsis which is when bacteria is spread all over the body via blood stream. There are three main types of EB. Each is caused by a different mutation. The most common type of EB is Epidermolysis Bullosa simplex (EBS). This variation is unlike the other two in the fact that it is autosomal dominant. The gene that is mutated is called keratin 14 or KRT14 for short. This gene in particular codes for keratins, a type of protein that forms skin, hair and nails. There are over 60 mutations that have been found in people living with EBS from this gene alone. Keratin 14 is located on chromosome 17. A second type of this disorder is called Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB). This is an autosomal recessive condition. Unlike EBS this variation of EB is more severe and causes more blistering and it is easier to blister. Mutations caused on the collagen 17 gene which is located on chromosome 10 along with laminin-5 which is located on chromosome 20. Just as there are different variations of EB there are two different forms of JEB. There are Herlitz and non-Herlitz. Herlitz is more severe and often can cause fingers and toes to fuse together. Herlitz JEB affects all the skin not just certain parts such as the knees, feet, hands and

Wars and Conflicts in American History Essay example

War is defined in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as â€Å"1.a. as a state of usually open and declared hostile conflict between states or nations; a period of such armed conflict; 2.a. a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism; b. a struggle or competition between opposing forces.† War has been a part of this great nation since the beginning. The Seven Years’ War, The Revolutionary War, and The Civil War were some of the bloodiest battles ever fought over the years in the United States. Let’s take a walk through history and look at why these wars were fought, the courses they each took, and the impact they had on the United States today. The Seven Years War, or the French and Indian War to the American colonists, was considered†¦show more content†¦With the bravery that Washington showed in this battle, he was promoted to the commander of the Virginia troops by the governor of Virginia at the age of twenty-two. The defeating of Braddock caused the two remaining British armies to retreat from action and for the next two years the British stumbled badly on the American front. Their troops and supplies were poor and inadequate, and they received very little help from the assembled American colonies. What finally turned the war around? It was William Pitt, who became the prime minister of Britain in 1757; willing to allocate resources to fight France and Spain throughout the world, assemblies were paid to raise and equip soldiers to mount military assaults in the war affected areas across the world. After the seizing of many forts in America by 1759, the British sailed up the Lawrence River to capture the city of Quebec; Montreal surrendered in 1760. The colonies of America rejoiced but the war was far from over. The battles continued in the Caribbean, where the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe fell to the British; that battles that were raging in Austria and Prussia now extended into India. Because Spain was France’s ally in the conflict, the British commenced a water assault on Spanish Cuba. Near the end of 1762, the fighting was finally over; and in 1763 the Treaty of Paris was signed. The peace negotiations caused the reorganization of the map of North America; Britain tookShow MoreRelatedThe Warrior Nations : The United States And Indian Peoples By Roger L. Nichols913 Words   |  4 Pagesmajority of the reasons the Indians and the Americans fought. Nichols wants readers to have an accurate account on the whys of each war and how each conflict is related with each other- with each conflict is interlock in one single web of American-Indian relations. The six reasons provide are the key threads that that locks the conflicts together. 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