Wednesday, October 30, 2019

The feasibility of different techniques for providing fresh water to Research Paper

The feasibility of different techniques for providing fresh water to arid regions of the world - Research Paper Example To make matters worse, the little water received in these areas is usually not safe for domestic, agriculture and commercial use and there an urgent need to provide fresh water. To do so, policy makers explore various fresh water provision techniques as discussed in subsequent sections of this report. 2.0 Fresh water provision techniques In endeavors to provide fresh water to the arid regions of the world, different techniques are employed that include ground water drilling, desalinization and piping techniques. These techniques often vary from those employed in areas where precipitation is high. Therefore, climatic conditions in arid regions dictate to a large extent what technique(s) is most appropriate. Key issues in water provision and water resource management which dictate appropriate techniques will include availability of adequate supply, conservation measures, cost effectiveness, pricing and sustainability. 2.1 Ground Water Drilling Technique Ground water is normally obtaine d from aquifers through drilling and piping the water to the surface for various uses. This technique involves identification of areas in arid regions that have sufficient and quality underground water for agriculture, domestic and commercial use. The technique is more preferred to its low cost of establishment compared to other techniques like desalination. To ensure sustainable use of underground water, policy makers and regulatory authorities establishes water databases through registration of wells and their yields, documenting water composition, control of drilling in all phases and regular monitoring of water table and changes in salinity. However, the challenge with this technique is that over time demand for fresh water has increased both socially and economically requiring more wells to be dug. For example, over the last 3 decades, demand for water within the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states which are often classified as arid regions, was estimated to increase fro m 4,250Mm3/ year in 1980 to 35,395Mm3/ year by 2010 (Alsharhan et al 2001, 277). Therefore, this means that governments in arid regions have to drill more wells or explore alternative fresh water supply techniques. This water supply technique faces various challenges relating to quality and sustainability. One, underground water may contain dissolved solid substances whose value is above the established norm. Establishing these levels require sophisticated technology which is costly and often not at the disposal of most governments in arid regions. Where levels are higher than the benchmark standard, such wells have to be closed or alternative technologies to reduce the hazardous effects of these particles employed (California Environmental Protection Agency 1995, 5). For example, high fluoride levels are common in arid regions where fluoride levels have to be reduced to the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce effects of tooth decay and bone weakening. In addition, underground water

Monday, October 28, 2019

Course Project Essay Example for Free

Course Project Essay (A). Law Review Article: Tristin K. Green, Discrimination in Workplace Dynamics: Towards a Structural Account of Dispute Treatment Theory, 38 HARV. C. R-C. L. L. REV. 91 (2003) (B). Government Agency Website:http//hreoc. gov. au/about/mailing-lists/index. html Section two Gender Discrimination Worker Type Employee Handbook Undocumented Workers Marital Status Employee Freedom Family Responsibility Employee Privacy Pay and Hours Health and Safety Section three Jury finds Curtiss-Wright liable in gender bias case. Oct. 25, 2006. This was a case whereby Curtiss-Wright who is a maker of aircraft electronics lost a $9M verdict when a woman executive was passed over for a promotion and later fired because of her gender. This case is very much relevant to Ms. Collins’ . As is clear, one of Ms. Collins claims is that she has never been promoted since she joined `ABC’ as an account executive since 1989. Again all the male employees hired during the same time and with the same classification as hers have evidently been promoted one to four times and have a salary to boot. $1. 6M Suit Alleges Gender Discrimination. March 22, 2004 In this case, former chemical engineering assistant professor, Lynn Russell, filed a 1. 6M suit against the university as she alleged gender discrimination and breach of contract. The suit claims chemical engineer chair discriminates against female junior faculty and undermined Russell’s tenure. This case is relevant to Ms. Collins as it is an evidence of her claims of being discriminated against. It is a strong indication that gender discrimination does exist. Tropicana Sued for Discrimination Against Pregnant Woman. Sept. 12, 2003. A federal law suit was filed by The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Tropicana Casino Resort alleging it violated a pregnant employee’s civil rights. According to 32 year old Elizabeth of Lancaster, she was fired 24 hours after she informed her boss about her condition who refused to allow her to work part time claiming the job was performance related. This particular case is very much relevant to that of Ms. Collins as it is evident that employers do not put into consideration that women are likely to go on maternity leave as a result of pregnancy. Again, at times one will call in sick. Like in Ms. Collins case, she is always getting home on emergency calls as she has disabled child who suffers from severe medical and emotional problems. Does it mean that she will lose her job when she requires an immediate leave to attend to her child? Robinson may settle Lawsuit for $15Mril 13, 2006 C. H Robinson, a transportation logistics company is said to have reached what is said to be a tentative settlement with former and current women employees over the allegations of gender discrimination in pay and promotion. This is so much like Ms. Collins case whose main cry is low pay and being passed over for promotion. EEOC Accuses Die Maker of Bias Against Women. July 24, 2003 The government says that a Northeast Ohio tool-and-die maker has deemed women too weak to work in the company. This is a clear indication that employees overlook women when it comes to certain jobs just like in Ms. Collins case where she says that her employee claims that she does not fit the image right for the higher positions. Section four Brown O. Judith, Subrin N. Stephen, Baumann T. Phyllis, Some Thoughts about Social Perception and Employment Discrimination Law: A Modest Proposal for Keeping the Judicial Dialogue, 46 EMORY L. J. 1487 (1997) Godsil D. Rachel, Expressivism, Empathy and Equality, 36 U. MICH. J. L. REFORM 247(2003)

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Slavery position with writers :: essays research papers

The issue of slavery in the nineteenth century produced an overwhelming issue in society. There were some writers that favored slavery and then there were some that did not favor slavery. In favor of slavery were William Gillmore Simms, and Caroline Hentz. Those opposed to slavery were Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry David Thoreau, and Herman Melville. All of these writers presented their views of slavery in the their literary works.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  William Simms was a supporter of slavery and this evident in his novel, â€Å"Woodcraft.† This novel takes place in the south during the closing of the Revolutionary War. Simms was born in Charleston, South Carolina, so he was raised on the souths’ position of pro-slavery. In Simms novel Woodcraft, he states, â€Å" Exhaustion not wisdom, or a better state of feeling, was the secret of the peace which was finally concluded between the two nations (America and Great Britain), and of which, South Carolina, and Charleston in particular, was eagerly expecting the benefits. (Simms 35) Great Britain had spent most of the Revolutionary War occupying Charleston and the soldiers would stay at the peoples’ home with out the homeowners consent. This angered many townspeople in Charleston and many other townspeople throughout the south. Since the war was coming to an end the people of Charleston could have their city and homes again. Also meaning plantat ion owners and slaver owners could resume back to their work of the land, which was the major source of economy in the south. During the Revolutionary War, Great Britain was re-stealing the slaves of slave owners in the south. In â€Å"Woodcraft,† it is stated, â€Å" South Carolina had already lost twenty-five thousand slaves, which British philanthropy had transferred from the rice-fields of Carolina to the sugar estates of the West India Islands; and there were yet other thousands waiting to be similarly transported.† (Simms 35,36) Great Britain was taking slaves from America to use for their sugar estates. Many slave owners were very angry with the British for this, but in hindsight the slave owners had done the same thing when they would take slaves from their families or would split slaves families up. Carolina Hentz was also a supporter of slavery. She believed that the slaves were treated well and that they were best suited as slaves. Hentz uses examples in her novel, â€Å"The Planter’s Northern Bride,† as to how well treated slaves were.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

The Scaffold of Sin in The Scarlet Letter Essay -- Scarlet Letter essa

The Scaffold of Sin in The Scarlet Letter   Ã‚  Ã‚   "This scaffold constituted a portion of a penal machine . . . . The very ideal of ignominy was embodied and made manifest in this contrivance of wood and iron" (Hawthorne 62-63). A scaffold's effect on the novel can be seen through an examination of the first, second, and third scaffold scenes.   These sections mark the beginning, middle, and end of the novel. The novel The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is constructed around a scaffold, which provides the story with a constant reminder of sin.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first scaffold scene sets the stage for the novel; it establishes who the main characters are, and where they stand in relation to each other in the story.   This scene is where Hester Prynne's sin first appears in the novel.   The "Goodwives" of the congregation discuss Hester's crime of adultery: "This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die" (Hawthorne 59).   The scaffold allows Hester Prynne's sin to be publicized and marveled at by the New Englanders.   It is here that the reader becomes aware of Hester being shunned as an outsider, when she is placed on the scaffold: "Knowing well her part, she ascended a flight of wooden steps, and was thus displayed to the surrounding multitude, at about the height of a mans shoulders above the street . . . . The unhappy culprit sustained herself as best a woman might, under the heavy weight of a thousand unrelenting eyes" (63-64).   At the same time, the first scaffold scene is the setting for the introduction of Roger Chillingworth, Hester'shusband, and establishes his desire to punish the man who has wronged both hi... ...ficant in its own way. Without the scaffold's presence, the novel, The Scarlet Letter, could not stand.    Works Cited and Consulted Brodhead, Richard H., "New and Old Tales: The Scarlet Letter," Modern Critical Views Nathaniel Hawthorne, New York, Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Dibble, Terry J., Cliff Notes on The Scarlet Letter, Lincoln, Cliff Notes, Inc., 1988. Fogle, Richard Harter, "The Scarlet Letter," Hawthorne's Fiction The Light and The Dark, Norman, University of Oklahoma Press, 1975. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: St. Martins, 1991. Matthiessen, F.O., "The Scarlet Letter," Critics on Hawthorne, Readings in Literary Criticism: 16, Coral Gables, University of Miami Press, 1972. Matthiessen, F.O., Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Scarlet Letter, Englewood Cliffs, Prentice-Halls Inc., 1968. The Scaffold of Sin in The Scarlet Letter Essay -- Scarlet Letter essa The Scaffold of Sin in The Scarlet Letter   Ã‚  Ã‚   "This scaffold constituted a portion of a penal machine . . . . The very ideal of ignominy was embodied and made manifest in this contrivance of wood and iron" (Hawthorne 62-63). A scaffold's effect on the novel can be seen through an examination of the first, second, and third scaffold scenes.   These sections mark the beginning, middle, and end of the novel. The novel The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is constructed around a scaffold, which provides the story with a constant reminder of sin.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first scaffold scene sets the stage for the novel; it establishes who the main characters are, and where they stand in relation to each other in the story.   This scene is where Hester Prynne's sin first appears in the novel.   The "Goodwives" of the congregation discuss Hester's crime of adultery: "This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die" (Hawthorne 59).   The scaffold allows Hester Prynne's sin to be publicized and marveled at by the New Englanders.   It is here that the reader becomes aware of Hester being shunned as an outsider, when she is placed on the scaffold: "Knowing well her part, she ascended a flight of wooden steps, and was thus displayed to the surrounding multitude, at about the height of a mans shoulders above the street . . . . The unhappy culprit sustained herself as best a woman might, under the heavy weight of a thousand unrelenting eyes" (63-64).   At the same time, the first scaffold scene is the setting for the introduction of Roger Chillingworth, Hester'shusband, and establishes his desire to punish the man who has wronged both hi... ...ficant in its own way. Without the scaffold's presence, the novel, The Scarlet Letter, could not stand.    Works Cited and Consulted Brodhead, Richard H., "New and Old Tales: The Scarlet Letter," Modern Critical Views Nathaniel Hawthorne, New York, Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Dibble, Terry J., Cliff Notes on The Scarlet Letter, Lincoln, Cliff Notes, Inc., 1988. Fogle, Richard Harter, "The Scarlet Letter," Hawthorne's Fiction The Light and The Dark, Norman, University of Oklahoma Press, 1975. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: St. Martins, 1991. Matthiessen, F.O., "The Scarlet Letter," Critics on Hawthorne, Readings in Literary Criticism: 16, Coral Gables, University of Miami Press, 1972. Matthiessen, F.O., Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Scarlet Letter, Englewood Cliffs, Prentice-Halls Inc., 1968.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Le Corbusier, the modernist

Architecture as a medium started during the Egyptian era, then the Greek and Roman Period followed, after which the development seemed just to have died down. No further design was evident but only reinvention of the three distinct styles from Byzantines to gothic, renaissance to baroque, neo-classicism to art nouveau and art deco. All contributed to designs of sinuous curves and decorations creating an atmosphere of brilliant exuberance (â€Å"Neoclassic†).However at the start of the 20th century a new movement was born – the international style of modern architecture. This is a form of rebellion on the established architectural norms at the time and to basically express in style that is totally different from the past. Coupled with the development of concrete, steel and glass, it became the barometer by which succeeding styles evolved (â€Å"History†).The International Style of ArchitectureThe international style is characterized by three basic principles; the marked influence of volume rather than mass; balance rather than applied symmetry; and the total expulsion of ornaments to the composition of the structure both in the faà §ade and interior spaces. This movement is brought about by the advent of the industrial revolution. Thus, the international style is anchored towards machines, or that structural spaces are â€Å"machines where one can live in† (â€Å"International Style†).One of the pillars of the international movement was Le Corbusier, the Swedish Architect who eventually made a name for himself while in Paris. He was a tireless artisan, through pamphlets, manifestos, magazines, books and even exhibitions he was able to project the merits of the movement not only in Europe but the America’s as well.Part of his (Le Corbusier) design innovation is; the structure is raised on stilts to make it appear light and floating; free flowing plan, so dwellers will have the freedom to rearrange the spaces according to their needs; make the walls independent of the structure – thus curtain walls were developed; provide horizontal bands of windows to keep the light in; and most of all top the structure with a roof garden to bring the natural environment to the structure (Rybczynski).The resulting structure is a study of steel columns and beams, a skeleton devoid of any decorative ornament. It projects an architecture that is harsh and brutal in appearance, but with the application of ground to ceiling plate glass windows it tempered the faà §ade and promotes the functional side of the structure. The walls are no longer planned as load bearing but only as decorative panels devised mainly to protect dwellers from the elements. The elevator shafts are now exposed and part of the design retinue (â€Å"International†).The Villa SavoyeThe most important building that expressed the tenets of the international style is the Villa Savoye, near the suburbs in Paris. This building is memorable since it was designed by one of the movers of the style – Le Corbusier. The Villa Savoye captures the essence of the movement because of its abject simplicity and is considered by many as the climax of Le Corbusier’s work as it virtually expressed the style in its purist form (Sullivan).What make the Villa Savoye the true representative of the international style are the different components that truly define the spirit of the style. The faà §ade is endemic throughout, meaning the design does not distinguish the front, the sides or the rear of the building and it is of plain reinforced concrete that added to its effortless appeal.The Villa Savoye is obviously modular in design and follows the pattern on human proportion; the building seems to float because of the series of â€Å"pilotis† or stilts that raise it from the ground, though it may be a form modern classicism; it does not have any attachment to historical ornament but is actually an expression of a mo dern abstract sculptural composition; and the external faà §ade is pure white that suggests birth, purity, simplicity and health (â€Å"LeCorbusier†).The building has an open interior plan that defines the logic of large spaces; to go up or down between floors is best served by a corkscrew spiral staircase and a reliable ramp system; the windows provides a wealthy interplay of light, reminiscent of industrial architecture; of course the feature that Le Corbusier emphasized is the roof garden at the top of the structure – to promote oneness with the natural environment even when inside the building; and the ground floor has an integral garage (â€Å"LeCorbusier†).All the characteristics of the international style as expounded by Le Corbusier are all incorporated in the Villa Savoye. And owing to the importance of the Villa Savoye to the international style, it has become a relic and a pilgrimage site for students of architecture.ConclusionNever in the history of architecture have a style that truly evolved without the undue influence of the past. Two movements have expressed the sincerity to really deviate from this form of evolution – the modern movement of Frank Lloyd Wright (organic style) and the international style. Both styles have echoed desires for large uninterrupted open spaces and simplicity in design without the use of elaborate ornaments.The development of the skyscraper in the United States put into full use the international style of architecture. The buildings were now constructed according to the new manual on steel construction with reinforced concrete as the material of choice on the walls and foundations. The faà §ade fully utilize the versatility of plate glass as it clad the structure from the ground floor up to the penthouse.The glass curtain walls may have added to the aesthetic appeal of the building, but it also plagued insulation engineers, for it resulted in problems about heating and cooling, particular ly during the cold and warm months. Therefore new standards were set as it increases the energy requirement of buildings.But, even with some negative perceptions, nobody can question the effects of the international style in our modern society. It has revolutionized our ideas of a modern structure.Bibliographyâ€Å"History.† Art Deco Architecture. 15 December 2007. .â€Å"International Style, in Architecture.† The Columbia Encyclopedia sixth edition. 2007. Columbia University Press. 16 December 2007. .â€Å"International.† Realtor Magazine Online. 2001. National Association of Realtors. 16 December 2007. .â€Å"LeCorbusier – Villa Savoye.† Boston College – Fine Arts Department. 12 November 2007. The Trustees of Boston College. 17 December 2007. .â€Å"Neoclassic Art and Architecture.† Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. 2001. Microsoft Corporation. 15 December 2007. .Rybczynski, Witold. â€Å"Le Corbusier.† Time. 8 June 1998. Time Inc. 17 December 2007. .Sullivan, Mary Ann. Bluffton University. 2006. 17 December 2007. .

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The Bondage Breaker Book

The Bondage Breaker Book Introduction In most societies, religion plays an integral role in the spiritual growth and development of individuals. In times of tribulations, people tend to seek spiritual intervention for the alleviation of the problems inhibiting their progress in different endeavors. In this regard, religious leaders like those in Christian ministries have been on the forefront in fostering the application of religious perspectives in dealing with spiritual, social, and economic challenges.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on The Bondage Breaker Book specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Dr. Neil T. Anderson, the founder of the Emeritus of Freedom in Christ Ministries (FICM), authored a masterpiece book, viz. â€Å"The bondage breaker: overcoming negative thoughts, irrational feelings, and habitual sins†, in a bid to make valid contributions to the alleviation of human suffering. This paper will provide a summary of A nderson’s book before an evaluation and critique are done to determine its application in the mitigation of human suffering from bondage. Summary Anderson wrote the book with the intention of providing readers with a perspective of seeking freedom from the religious point of view based on Christian teachings. He convinces the readers that everyone is entitled to the right to be free from any shackles that may inhibit his/her progress. In this light, behaviors that may be causing one’s tribulations require mitigation through spiritual intervention for the attainment of freedom. According to the author, Christians must challenge demonic powers in a confrontational manner in a bid to break the shackles that bind them. Additionally, the author affirms that Christians can break from their negative thought arrays by combating the temptations that derail them from conforming to the Christian values and expectations. Winning spiritual battles entails the affirmation of oneâ₠¬â„¢s identification with Christ, which fosters the escape from the bondage of sinful behavior (Anderson 2006, 140). Therefore, Anderson outlays a theoretical framework for overpowering irrational feelings, negative thoughts, and habitual sins.  The author explains human behavior by diverging from the old biological and psychological explanations. Christians are faced with slavery, which has been characterized by the emergence of occults and different forms of Satanism (Anderson 2006, 16). This aspect inhibits upright behavior that is expected from Christians since the modern world has embraced a substitute etiology of dysfunctional religious perspectives. The author regards maturity and freedom as the integral aspects of a successful Christian life. The two concepts have Biblical backing since the notions of sanctification and justification represent maturity and freedom respectively. He uses the Bible to show how Satan strives to interfere with the maturity of Christians by prev enting the knowledge of their identity and that of Christ.Advertising Looking for critical writing on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Theologically, Christian healing from detrimental behavior is curtailed by the maturity a continual process, and freedom, which is instantaneous after an individual accepts salvation. Individuals that have been saved by the Christ face Satan’s deception to take them back from their former behaviors, hence it is essential for Christians to embrace maturity. Apparently, â€Å"the kingdom of darkness† enhances its deception by subjecting Christians to sin, failure, and negative habits (Anderson (2006, 34). In this light, Christians combat their tribulations through the application of contemporary means instead of embracing spiritual solutions. Dysfunctional behavior among Christians follows a rational change that starts with the perspective that an act w ould deviate from religious standards that depict the holiness of God. Ultimately, temptations result in immoral conduct that repeats itself to form habits. The loss of one’s control is a gradual process that leads to three detrimental phases of bondage. Self-depreciating judgments and thoughts of guilt characterize the first level of captivity. The second level is manifested by â€Å"strange evil voices† that tend to overwhelm one’s senses. The third level of bondage is depicted by intense oppression by satanic powers that strive to control an individual’s personality over time (Anderson 2006, 106-111). The imposition of the Satan’s illegitimate authority over humanity through deceptive means is accountable for the dysfunctional human behavior (Anderson 2006, 189). Therefore, the healing process is a personal responsibility through the embracement of Biblical ideas and identifying ones personality with Christ. Breaking away from Satanic subjective bondage involves a process of seven steps. The initial step is the counterfeit versus real, which involves the identification and renouncement of the current or prior engagement in false religions or satanic practices. The second step is termed as the deception versus truth and it involves the identification of the Satan’s deceptive approaches as manifested in an individual’s thoughts before replacing them with the truth found in the Bible. Bitterness versus forgiveness is the third step in the process whereby individuals relinquish their privileges to demand impartiality for the injustices they have suffered. The fourth step is rebellion versus submission, which requires Christians to make decisions that would indicate the authority of the biblical teachings through the portrayal that God is the provider and protector. Pride versus humility is the fifth step whereby the continual intervention of God in people’s lives is acknowledged as the factor for an effici ent Christian life.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on The Bondage Breaker Book specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The sixth phase of the process is bondage versus freedom, which involves the confession and renouncement of habitual sins. The final step is acquiescence versus renunciation whereby an individual is expected to renounce ancestral sins and curses for the attainment of liberation (Anderson 2006, 192-221). The author suggests that the inevitability of freedom from bondage would be achieved through the application of the healing process resulting in the alleviation of dysfunctional behaviors. In a bid to maintain freedom, the healing process may be repeated if necessary to foster the newly acquired freedom. Evaluation and Critique Anderson approaches the issue of human suffering from the spiritual warfare perspective. In this regard, the book is subject to evaluation to identify its strengths and weak nesses. Strengths of Anderson’s ideas I like the book’s focus on the truth based on faith rather than the application of power in the liberation of individuals from their suffering. It is believed that the truth would free an individual and the author utilizes the teachings of the scripture to influence people to stop entertaining dysfunctional behaviors. Since the attack by demons is viewed as a spiritual problem, battling it through the application of the truth found in the Bible addresses the situation in a logical manner, which is reciprocally balanced.  The author is justified to postulate that the spiritual battles that individuals engage in are struggles of the mind. Anderson suggests that Satan applies tactics that lead individuals to temptation, deception, and the accusation that tend to act as the truth. In this regard, the belief in a religious system exists in the mind and the evil spirit attacks the mind to drive its deceptive ideas. Therefore, an indivi dual is expected to use the same mind as a retaliation tool to combat the evil forces. In this sense, I like the idea that Christians are expected to employ their spiritual beliefs and attitudes in the spiritual battles that would overpower the dysfunctional behaviors induced by satanic forces.  Anderson’s book notes that religious groups including the church have depended on the scientific and psychological understanding of deviant behaviors for a long time.Advertising Looking for critical writing on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More I like Anderson’s approach to the issue of dysfunctional behavior and healing from a perspective that would be considered mythical or superstitious by scientists. Christians also tend to disregard â€Å"the kingdom of darkness† in the development of dysfunctional behavior that enslaves the multitudes (Anderson 2006, 34). Based on the foundations of supernatural circles, Anderson manages to explain how temporal family systems facilitate dysfunctional behavior and its physical manifestation. In addition, I like how Anderson facilitates a demonstration of the need for healing whereby the healing cycle is provided. The author illustrates a seven-step process through which individuals can break from the bondage and attain freedom. Furthermore, a demonstration of the healing process is enhanced by the acceptance of the occurrence of changes in an individual’s life before engaging the mind in the liberation process. The model provided by Anderson advocates the realignm ent of the thinking course from its deceptive attributes to the embracement and integration of biblical knowledge or truth that enhances the need for healing relationships. Weaknesses of Anderson’s Ideas Despite Anderson’s scriptural base to his arguments, criticism from fellow Christians and the scientific community that requires empirical evidence for validation is inevitable. In this light, identifying the weakness of his perspectives on human suffering is essential for the enhancement of the comprehensive understanding of the topic. According to Anderson, personal responsibility is directly subject to personal choices. This assertion implies that individuals may enslave themselves due to the individual choices that they make, and thus they are responsible for their thoughts, choices, and actions. However, the attribution of dysfunction behavior among Christians to â€Å"severe oppression† or â€Å"demonic influences† implies that every individual is r eligious and the issue of bondage is unavoidable. Therefore, I dislike this aspect of the book. Criticisms of the arguments of Anderson may also emerge from the Christian community of which he uses biblical postulations to support his ideas. Therefore, I question the extent to which salvation can be shaken by the efforts of satanic deception and temptations. It is perceived that a born again Christian should portray firm mental and spiritual strength, which is not tempted and deceived easily to engage in negative thoughts, habitual sins, and irrational feelings. Application in individual life and ministerial endeavors Anderson’s ideas on the walk towards freedom from irrational feelings, habitual sin, and negative thoughts can be applied to an individual’s life as a liberation strategy. In this regard, as a Christian, I welcome the arguments put forward by Anderson that demonic spiritual forces restrain us from acknowledging the freedom that is inherited by accepting C hrist through salvation. This assertion implies that I would identify myself in Christian beliefs that would enhance my identification in Christ. Identifying myself as a believer in Christ would entail commitment and belief in the spiritual teachings provided in the Bible. In this regard, my spiritual growth would be enhanced to curtail the demonic strengths that would result in behavioral dysfunctions. Since the author asserts that habitual sins cultivate satanic strongholds in our lives, which in the long-term takes one back to bondage, it would be essential to observe vigilance in my undertakings. In case I go through the healing process, fostering an upright character that upholds morality is essential to curb any possibilities of returning to old habits induced by Satan’s deceptive techniques. Additionally, a repeat of the steps involved in the healing process would be necessary for the attainment of maturity and freedom as a Christian.  Anderson suggests that demonic activities are not responsible for all spiritual battles encountered by Christians. In this regard, challenges faced in my daily endeavors would not be affiliated with demonic forces that have a bearing on the sins that I commit like lying and my strong emotional reactions. Therefore, engaging my mind in rational thoughts would facilitate the enhancement of responsible behavior that fosters morality. In this respect, discerning personal and spiritual factors that undermine my personality would facilitate a better understanding of the battles that I engage in and the response that I should adopt in a bid to triumph. In my evangelical endeavors as a minister, Anderson’s ideas can be used in demon possession teachings. It would be logical to accept that demons exist in the contemporary world and their activities shackle individuals into bondage. Conclusion Anderson provides a good religious approach to the issue of individual dysfunctions by embracing the spiritual battle perspe ctive. His book, â€Å"The bondage breaker: overcoming negative thoughts, irrational feelings, and habitual sins†, provides an in-depth view of the factors that lead to enslavement coupled with how faith can be used in the emancipation process. Evaluating the ideas of Anderson portrays issues like the mental perception of spiritual battles, explanation of human suffering from the religious angle, and the application of a healing process. Criticisms arise in areas of salvation when exerted to demonic energies and the inevitability of behavioral dysfunctions. The application of Anderson’s ideas in real life situations is also practical since the human race is subject to many challenges that may require spiritual intervention. Reference Anderson, Neil. 2006. The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational Feelings, Habitual Sins. Sisters, OR: Harvest House Publishers.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Odysseus- The Man Skilled in All Ways of Contending (from the Odyssey by Homer)

Odysseus- The Man Skilled in All Ways of Contending (from the Odyssey by Homer) In The Odyssey by Homer, the character Odysseus proves his resourcefulness and intelligence. He uses this cleverness throughout the book in his adventures, proving his peira, or worth, since he is an epic hero. He is known by all, including the gods, for his cleverness.On the island of Kalypso, Odysseus proves that he is faithful to his wife and also clever in how he addresses Kalypso. Kalypso begs him in Book 5 to stay with her, and her temptation nearly makes Odysseus fall for her allure. She promises not only to save him from having to face problems in getting home, but to also give him immortality, which is a very desirable choice for anyone. But Odysseus is not interested. He wants to be back with his wife, but when asked who is more beautiful, he tactfully replies to Kalypso:"My lady goddess, here is no cause for anger.ODYSSEUS karnavires 68My quiet Penelopehow well I knowWould seem a shade before your majesty,Death and old age being unknown to you,While she must die"(p. 87)Say ing that Kalypso is more beautiful than Penelope is smart. Kalypso's plea causes tension in Odysseus' journey. He wants to see his wife and home again, but he also presumably wants all the tempting things Kalypso has to offer. He makes a wise decision in making her swear by the Styx that she will not try to harm him if he chooses to go home. This is wise, as she cannot break this promise, and proves his cunning.Odysseus proves his resourcefulness a couple times on the island of the Cyclops known as Polyphemos. Odysseus tells the Cyclops that his name is "Nobody," so after poking the monster's eye out, the Cyclops cannot tell the others of his race who disabled him. He...