This past week, I have thoroughly enjoyed our class discussions. I think many people in class were frightened by our in depth talks about Gods, Godesses, Patriarchy, and gender roles in society. I was surprised to see so many people dropped out. I thought our discussions were thought provoking. Although, I was sad that when we were talking about gender roles, I was the first to bring up LGBT issues in regards to marriage—and that when I did bring it up, lgb marriage was compared to heterosexual marriage in that either would take the role of dominant or submissive. I think that dominant and submissive ideology in regards to marriage is a social construct. I think it is possible for both people in the relationship to be partners to one another, and complement each other, rather than rise up above one another. Actually, I think dominant and submissive relationships often lead to abuse. Because dominant assumes that you have “power over” another. If one person has power over one another, than that means that you can use your power to make them do things that they wouldn’t want to do themselves.
I also enjoyed the readings. I was surprised to hear that the idea of a matriarchal society was probably not possible. It is unfortunate that this was not the case. I was also surprised to hear the idea that women also helped install patriarchy into the construction of society. I never thought of women as playing a part in their own domination, but it makes sense. Women were expected to be submissive and then many did not break out of their submissive stereotypes. We have stood by and let history claim its place with little regard to women.
I am very confused about what I want to write about my book review. I am very interested in certain microcosms of the Greek world, and how mythology affected the way women lived and were treated. I am torn to write about either Jewish women in Hellenistic times, because I am a Religious Studies major or I am hoping to write about Greek homes, marriages, and examples in mythology about how the Greeks were supposed to live. I loved Fr. Hartin’s Greek Gods and Heroes (unfortunately named without Godesses or Heroines in the course title). I enjoyed learning about Greek Godesses, the island of lesbos, and Spartan and Amazonian women. I would not mind writing a book review about them. Women looked up to Hestia, the goddess of the hearth. I think it was in his class or another, where Father Hartin described women as owning the hearth of their house, which is very different from women simply taking care of their children or doting on a man’s wishes. If women take care of the home completely, and men take care of the finances and upholding to the states values, then their role seems to be more balanced. Another thing to note is that often in mythology, which Greeks looked to for counsel about how to live their lives, Greek Gods (rarely Goddesses) had extramarital affairs. There was a very distinct power balance for affairs. A Greek male God could rape a human woman, but a Greek Goddess could not have sex with a human man. This is because men were expected to be stronger and overpower females, even during sex. Along with how society constructed how women were supposed to act, I am interested in the “microcosms” of the Hellenistic world. Currently, I am reading one of the books I borrowed from a student in class, Sappho. It is interesting to read about women who are in love with only women. The island of Lesbos is a very interesting microcosm of the Hellenistic world. Another interesting dynamic of women is Sparta, where women could fight in the war. Overall I am interested in society and how women lived because of social constructions. I hope I will be able to find an interesting, worthwhile topic to review.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Week One
1. Explain or describe why you took this course. What are your specific interests in Greek and Roman women? What do you hope to gain from this course? How does it fit with your academic goals?
2. Create a magazine cover that best reflects what you have written about yourself above.
I took this course for a few different reasons. The first is that I am pleasantly surprised that Gonzaga can offer such a specific course. Last semester, I took Greek Gods and Heroes with Father Hartin. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Greek Goddesses. In particular, I liked learning about Aphrodite, and Amazonian women. Because of that class, and because I am taking Hebrew, I am able to achieve a classical civilizations minor. I can fulfill course requirements for my minor. But even though it fulfills my course of study requirements, I took this course because I thought it would be a fun thing to study.
I am a religious studies major with a Classical Civilizations Minor. If I could major in Anthropology, I would, but unfortunately Gonzaga does not offer it. I am particularly interested in studying Jewish history but I am also interested in learning about the state of Greece and Rome before Jesus. I hope to learn more about how women and minorities lived and were treated around and before the time of Jesus. This way I can examine the bible with a better knowledge of its audience. With my knowledge from the New Testament, I hope to be able to reexamine the bible through an anthropological and feminist lens. If at all possible, I would also like to research Jewish women during Hellenic times.
2. Create a magazine cover that best reflects what you have written about yourself above.
I took this course for a few different reasons. The first is that I am pleasantly surprised that Gonzaga can offer such a specific course. Last semester, I took Greek Gods and Heroes with Father Hartin. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Greek Goddesses. In particular, I liked learning about Aphrodite, and Amazonian women. Because of that class, and because I am taking Hebrew, I am able to achieve a classical civilizations minor. I can fulfill course requirements for my minor. But even though it fulfills my course of study requirements, I took this course because I thought it would be a fun thing to study.
I am a religious studies major with a Classical Civilizations Minor. If I could major in Anthropology, I would, but unfortunately Gonzaga does not offer it. I am particularly interested in studying Jewish history but I am also interested in learning about the state of Greece and Rome before Jesus. I hope to learn more about how women and minorities lived and were treated around and before the time of Jesus. This way I can examine the bible with a better knowledge of its audience. With my knowledge from the New Testament, I hope to be able to reexamine the bible through an anthropological and feminist lens. If at all possible, I would also like to research Jewish women during Hellenic times.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Service Learning Paper #1
-Describe setting, persons, and community of your service learning experiences
I volunteer at the Odyssey Youth Center in Spokane, which is located on the South Hill. It is a center for primarily Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, Questioning, Queer, and Intersex youth aged 13-24. Although the center is primarily for the LGBT community, straight allies are also welcome.
-what do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain an understanding of LGBT youth. Before I attended Gonzaga, I had never experienced a gay straight alliance, nor attended a school that was vocal about their acceptance of LGBT students. I hope that by facilitating at Odyssey I can learn more about the LGBT community as a whole, particularly young LGBT people. I hope I can integrate what I learn at Odyssey into discussions at Gonzaga’s Gay-Straight Alliance, HERO. I also hope I can learn more about marginalized groups as a whole in society and relate LGBT experiences in society and the church to women’s experiences in society and the church.
-what expectations, assumptions, prejudgements did you have about the population you are working with? where did these come from and why do you think yo have them?
I had a few assumptions about the population I am working with. First, I was expecting to work with some hard-edged kids. I thought most of the kids would be very at-risk or in horrible family situations. I think I had this idea of Spokane’s youth that was completely biased. When I would go to the mall in Spokane, I would see punk or goth looking kids. I assumed this would be the population I was serving.
-After doing service learning, how have your previous assumptions and prejudgements about the nature of the agency or its clients changed or strengthened? why?
I know there can be alot hiding behind the surface of teenagers, but these kids seemed pretty "normal". They were just a bunch of high schoolers. I have realized that not only do Spokane youth look different, but specifically all LGBT youth do not look the same. The youth at odyssey can look as normal as the “upper middle class” youth I worked with at my summer Episcopal camp. I’m ashamed that I had an idea that all LGBT youth would take up a different lifestyle or look because of their marginalization. This doesn’t mean that LGBT youth are not marginalized; This means that they don’t always make poor choices, or look different, because of their marginalization.
-What incidents do you recall that made you feel like something important and significant was happening to you as a learner? One Day, Ian had a task for us. We went downstairs and he had us make tiny backpacks full of condoms. He also had us check pre-made packages to make sure they weren't expired. I was shocked at the amount of supplies Odyssey had. Spokane Group health donated the backpacks, and Odyssey had hundreds of condoms lying around. I realized how blind Catholic school sex-education can be. I went to public school until high school, and then I attended Catholic school. Sexual education basically only included teaching us how we make babies. Not how to prevent teenage pregnancy, not how to prevent STDs. I'm so glad that places like Odyssey exist. Not only does Odyssey teach kids that it's okay to be who they are, it teaches them that its okay to have consensual sex as long as you're protected. The fact is, some kids have sex, and no matter what their sexual orientation, they should be able to protect their bodies, future, and lives. Because of Catholic doctrine, which has strict ideas of sexuality and abstinence, Catholic sexual education is discriminatory not only to LGBT populations, but anyone who can participate in sexual activity. This includes all women. If women are not taught how to protect their body, they may feel overlooked.
Another afternoon that I spent at Odyssey was a rather emotional experience. The week before I dropped by Odyssey, I had read via email that Tyler Clementi, a gay college student at Rutgers University, committed suicide. He committed suicide after his roommate posted a live video of Tyler’s intimacy with another man. I talked to Ian about it and he was shocked. We didn’t talk about the recent suicides until the following week. That next time I volunteered, the youth center got together to watch youtube videos from the Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is an awareness campaign that brings to light the reality of LGBT suicides, and provides an alternative to this life altering decision. The Trevor Campaign includes videos posted by famous people, such as Ellen Degeneres, Kesha, Obama, and more. We watched these videos in solidarity and reflected silently as a group. I knew something horrible was happening at the world and I realized how important suppport groups and youth centers are for the LGBT community. I am proud that places like Odyssey exist, and I am proud that I can serve and learn with this community.
what motivates you to continue working at your site? what does this tell you about yourself and what you are learning in class?
I am motivated to continue working at my site because I learn something new every time I volunteer at Odyssey. Also, by riding the bus to my service learning placement, I am stepping outside my comfort zone, which enables me to grow as a person. I love working at Odyssey because the youth that attend drop-in hours are so diverse. I learn so much about young people and about LGBT people when I volunteer there. I also hope that by working at Odyssey I can bridge gaps between conservative ideals (that stem from some faith practices like Christianity) and the LGBTQQIAA community. I can bring experiences from Odyssey to our class and the Gonzaga community, and share my experiences as a GU student to Odyssey.
what is the most important insight you have gained about yourself as a learner by participating in service learning.
I think I have learned that I can be independent and branch out to others outside of campus. I have learned that I also stereotype the populations that I think I know a lot about, or that I identify with. I have learned that not all people fit the mold I think they are going to fit. I hope I can try to break down these stereotypes throughout my life and remove my judgements so I can see people for who they truly are. I think I can’t be faithful to what I believe in (loving all people) if I don’t try to remove these prejudgements from my brain.
I volunteer at the Odyssey Youth Center in Spokane, which is located on the South Hill. It is a center for primarily Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, Questioning, Queer, and Intersex youth aged 13-24. Although the center is primarily for the LGBT community, straight allies are also welcome.
-what do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain an understanding of LGBT youth. Before I attended Gonzaga, I had never experienced a gay straight alliance, nor attended a school that was vocal about their acceptance of LGBT students. I hope that by facilitating at Odyssey I can learn more about the LGBT community as a whole, particularly young LGBT people. I hope I can integrate what I learn at Odyssey into discussions at Gonzaga’s Gay-Straight Alliance, HERO. I also hope I can learn more about marginalized groups as a whole in society and relate LGBT experiences in society and the church to women’s experiences in society and the church.
-what expectations, assumptions, prejudgements did you have about the population you are working with? where did these come from and why do you think yo have them?
I had a few assumptions about the population I am working with. First, I was expecting to work with some hard-edged kids. I thought most of the kids would be very at-risk or in horrible family situations. I think I had this idea of Spokane’s youth that was completely biased. When I would go to the mall in Spokane, I would see punk or goth looking kids. I assumed this would be the population I was serving.
-After doing service learning, how have your previous assumptions and prejudgements about the nature of the agency or its clients changed or strengthened? why?
I know there can be alot hiding behind the surface of teenagers, but these kids seemed pretty "normal". They were just a bunch of high schoolers. I have realized that not only do Spokane youth look different, but specifically all LGBT youth do not look the same. The youth at odyssey can look as normal as the “upper middle class” youth I worked with at my summer Episcopal camp. I’m ashamed that I had an idea that all LGBT youth would take up a different lifestyle or look because of their marginalization. This doesn’t mean that LGBT youth are not marginalized; This means that they don’t always make poor choices, or look different, because of their marginalization.
-What incidents do you recall that made you feel like something important and significant was happening to you as a learner? One Day, Ian had a task for us. We went downstairs and he had us make tiny backpacks full of condoms. He also had us check pre-made packages to make sure they weren't expired. I was shocked at the amount of supplies Odyssey had. Spokane Group health donated the backpacks, and Odyssey had hundreds of condoms lying around. I realized how blind Catholic school sex-education can be. I went to public school until high school, and then I attended Catholic school. Sexual education basically only included teaching us how we make babies. Not how to prevent teenage pregnancy, not how to prevent STDs. I'm so glad that places like Odyssey exist. Not only does Odyssey teach kids that it's okay to be who they are, it teaches them that its okay to have consensual sex as long as you're protected. The fact is, some kids have sex, and no matter what their sexual orientation, they should be able to protect their bodies, future, and lives. Because of Catholic doctrine, which has strict ideas of sexuality and abstinence, Catholic sexual education is discriminatory not only to LGBT populations, but anyone who can participate in sexual activity. This includes all women. If women are not taught how to protect their body, they may feel overlooked.
Another afternoon that I spent at Odyssey was a rather emotional experience. The week before I dropped by Odyssey, I had read via email that Tyler Clementi, a gay college student at Rutgers University, committed suicide. He committed suicide after his roommate posted a live video of Tyler’s intimacy with another man. I talked to Ian about it and he was shocked. We didn’t talk about the recent suicides until the following week. That next time I volunteered, the youth center got together to watch youtube videos from the Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is an awareness campaign that brings to light the reality of LGBT suicides, and provides an alternative to this life altering decision. The Trevor Campaign includes videos posted by famous people, such as Ellen Degeneres, Kesha, Obama, and more. We watched these videos in solidarity and reflected silently as a group. I knew something horrible was happening at the world and I realized how important suppport groups and youth centers are for the LGBT community. I am proud that places like Odyssey exist, and I am proud that I can serve and learn with this community.
what motivates you to continue working at your site? what does this tell you about yourself and what you are learning in class?
I am motivated to continue working at my site because I learn something new every time I volunteer at Odyssey. Also, by riding the bus to my service learning placement, I am stepping outside my comfort zone, which enables me to grow as a person. I love working at Odyssey because the youth that attend drop-in hours are so diverse. I learn so much about young people and about LGBT people when I volunteer there. I also hope that by working at Odyssey I can bridge gaps between conservative ideals (that stem from some faith practices like Christianity) and the LGBTQQIAA community. I can bring experiences from Odyssey to our class and the Gonzaga community, and share my experiences as a GU student to Odyssey.
what is the most important insight you have gained about yourself as a learner by participating in service learning.
I think I have learned that I can be independent and branch out to others outside of campus. I have learned that I also stereotype the populations that I think I know a lot about, or that I identify with. I have learned that not all people fit the mold I think they are going to fit. I hope I can try to break down these stereotypes throughout my life and remove my judgements so I can see people for who they truly are. I think I can’t be faithful to what I believe in (loving all people) if I don’t try to remove these prejudgements from my brain.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Visit on Oct 7th 2010
I took my third trip to Odyssey yesterday. Scott, Jen and I all went to the center on the bus again. Riding the bus gets easier every time I take it.
So as soon as we arrived at the center, Ian had a task for us. We went downstairs and he had us make tiny backpacks full of condoms. He also had us check pre-made packages to make sure they weren't expired. I was shocked at the amount of supplies Odyssey had. Spokane Group health donated the backpacks, and Odyssey had hundreds of condoms lying around. I realized how blind Catholic school sex-education can be. I went to public school until high school, and then I attended Catholic school. Sexual education basically only included teaching us how we make babies. Not how to prevent teenage pregnancy, not how to prevent STDs. I'm so glad that places like Odyssey exist. Not only does Odyssey teach kids that it's okay to be who they are, it teaches them that its okay to have consensual sex as long as you're protected. The fact is, some kids have sex, and no matter what their sexual orientation, they should be able to protect their bodies, future, and lives.
After we put the backpacks together, we chilled with the kids again. We played apples to apples. It was hilarious. We talked, laughed, and listened to 90s music. I had a blast. The youth asked us to stay longer when we had to catch our bus. I think next time we will. Those two hours are starting to go by so fast!
So as soon as we arrived at the center, Ian had a task for us. We went downstairs and he had us make tiny backpacks full of condoms. He also had us check pre-made packages to make sure they weren't expired. I was shocked at the amount of supplies Odyssey had. Spokane Group health donated the backpacks, and Odyssey had hundreds of condoms lying around. I realized how blind Catholic school sex-education can be. I went to public school until high school, and then I attended Catholic school. Sexual education basically only included teaching us how we make babies. Not how to prevent teenage pregnancy, not how to prevent STDs. I'm so glad that places like Odyssey exist. Not only does Odyssey teach kids that it's okay to be who they are, it teaches them that its okay to have consensual sex as long as you're protected. The fact is, some kids have sex, and no matter what their sexual orientation, they should be able to protect their bodies, future, and lives.
After we put the backpacks together, we chilled with the kids again. We played apples to apples. It was hilarious. We talked, laughed, and listened to 90s music. I had a blast. The youth asked us to stay longer when we had to catch our bus. I think next time we will. Those two hours are starting to go by so fast!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
I made it to Odyssey!
So there was a bit of confusion with how I was going to get to the Odyssey youth center. But I finally got things figured out. My roomate and a freshman honors student are going to trek it to Odyssey with me. We take the bus to get there (which is an experience in itself).
Basically my job as a volunteer at the resource center is to kick it with kids for two hours, and in the future plan some educational/social programs.
I was expecting to work with some hard-edged kids. I thought most of the kids would be very at-risk or in horrible family situations. I know there can be alot hiding behind the surface of teenagers, but these kids seemed pretty "normal". They were just a bunch of highschoolers.
I really enjoyed my first time volunteering at Odyssey. I had tons of fun. The kids there were super social, and active. I was surprised that they didnt utilize any of the games--it was like they didnt need to. They seemed interested in strengthening the bonds they had within friends. There were a few cliquey situations going on, which is bound to happen when you group high schoolers together. But they seemed for the most part very accepting of everyone.
Basically my job as a volunteer at the resource center is to kick it with kids for two hours, and in the future plan some educational/social programs.
I was expecting to work with some hard-edged kids. I thought most of the kids would be very at-risk or in horrible family situations. I know there can be alot hiding behind the surface of teenagers, but these kids seemed pretty "normal". They were just a bunch of highschoolers.
I really enjoyed my first time volunteering at Odyssey. I had tons of fun. The kids there were super social, and active. I was surprised that they didnt utilize any of the games--it was like they didnt need to. They seemed interested in strengthening the bonds they had within friends. There were a few cliquey situations going on, which is bound to happen when you group high schoolers together. But they seemed for the most part very accepting of everyone.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
New Semester
So, a new semester has begun. I have attempted to apply for every institutional Job (except telefund) I could find and I haven't found anything. Sometimes I wonder, if I removed my volunteering at the resource center from my resume, would I get called back more often?
Anyway, HERO--Gonzaga's Gay straight alliance has started up. We have tons of new members, and some that have returned from studying abroad. I'm very excited for all of the events HERO is going to put on.
Also, I am volunteering at the LGBT resource center again. Not many people know that the resource center exists, so I'm going to try to fix that. Word of mouth might help. The last time I was volunteering, I picked up a publication that HERO created 3 years ago. It is called "Out of the Shadows." It has some artistic, poetic, and nonfictional short stories from the LGBTQIAA community at Gonzaga. Jen (HERO president) let me bring it up during a meeting--I want to make it a project of mine this year. So basically the idea will be to grab another editor and create a collage of works that describe how the LGBTQIAA community is treated by the Gonzaga community.
Also, today I am going to check out Odyssey, which is Spokane's youth center for LGBT teens. I will be volunteering there on Fridays. I can't wait!
I'm thinking of joining a program called the Drexel Leadership program, also known as an Americorps program, Students In Service. I would receive a grant to do 900 hours of community service over the course of two years. I think it would be a great way to reflect upon my service as a whole, and i would be able to try tons of new/random service activities!
Anyway, HERO--Gonzaga's Gay straight alliance has started up. We have tons of new members, and some that have returned from studying abroad. I'm very excited for all of the events HERO is going to put on.
Also, I am volunteering at the LGBT resource center again. Not many people know that the resource center exists, so I'm going to try to fix that. Word of mouth might help. The last time I was volunteering, I picked up a publication that HERO created 3 years ago. It is called "Out of the Shadows." It has some artistic, poetic, and nonfictional short stories from the LGBTQIAA community at Gonzaga. Jen (HERO president) let me bring it up during a meeting--I want to make it a project of mine this year. So basically the idea will be to grab another editor and create a collage of works that describe how the LGBTQIAA community is treated by the Gonzaga community.
Also, today I am going to check out Odyssey, which is Spokane's youth center for LGBT teens. I will be volunteering there on Fridays. I can't wait!
I'm thinking of joining a program called the Drexel Leadership program, also known as an Americorps program, Students In Service. I would receive a grant to do 900 hours of community service over the course of two years. I think it would be a great way to reflect upon my service as a whole, and i would be able to try tons of new/random service activities!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Speed of Sound In Seawater
So I went to a show downtown/midtown with a friend to see the Speed of Sound in Seawater. One of the dudes in the band recorded some of my music, and I like his music style, so I wanted to check the band out live. As we were driving up to the pizza joint that it was right next to the gay district, which was pretty awesome. My friend and I wished we could have gone clubbing, but neither of us are 21.
I was surprised that the other bands/headlining bands were hardcore/screamo/screaming. Aside from the occasional, theatrical scream, I would never consider SSIS hardcore.
If you're into local music, you should check this band out. One of the dudes recorded some of my music. They are a combination of indie-folky-weirdness, math rock, post-hardcore guitar/drums, and screaming. Their albums are up on bandcamp for free.
http://www.myspace.com/thespeedofsoundinseawater
I was surprised that the other bands/headlining bands were hardcore/screamo/screaming. Aside from the occasional, theatrical scream, I would never consider SSIS hardcore.
If you're into local music, you should check this band out. One of the dudes recorded some of my music. They are a combination of indie-folky-weirdness, math rock, post-hardcore guitar/drums, and screaming. Their albums are up on bandcamp for free.
http://www.myspace.com/thespeedofsoundinseawater
Friday, May 28, 2010
High School Nostalgia-Already?
I've decided to turn this college assignment into a blog about life. I'll include updates about summer, camp, school, and other happenings. Here goes!
Friday, May 28th was my high school's graduation.
It's weird how fast time flies by.
I'm a sophomore already.
Here's to not having a sophomore slump.
Friday, May 28th was my high school's graduation.
It's weird how fast time flies by.
I'm a sophomore already.
Here's to not having a sophomore slump.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Chocolat
Chocolat
The characters Vianne and Le Compte de Reynaud have different images and God and life. These ideas influence how their actions, and how they affect the community. The movie Chocolat was released in 2000, based on the novel by Joanne Harris.
Vianne’s image of God is loving and nurturing. Because of this image, people around her are influenced in a positive way. Rather than faith, her moral values are drawn from the conditions she was exposed to and her heritage. Furthermore, Vianne is more flexible to other things because she has allowed other elements of life to be her teacher. However, one constant religious icon she looks up to is her Mayan heritage. In her shop, she displays Mayan statues, which are viewed as pagan by the other members of the community. However, her Mayan roots make her the great Chocolatier that she is. While her Mayan statues seem pagan, her compassion for others is not. She uses chocolate in a way that heals people. She mends relationships and builds new lives for the entire community. In particular, she heals Madame Audel. She takes a woman trapped in tradition and restores her self confidence. Vianne tells Audel that even though she cannot keep the vows of marriage, she still deserves love. Vianne’s flexibility to be open to other people makes them feel welcome in her presence. She is much more welcoming than the Compte,Vianne proves that sometimes breaking traditions is better than staying stuck in a rut.
The Compte De Reynaud entrenched himself in tradition. Compte de Reynaud’s image of God is the Law. His God is a ruler. His God is also one to be feared. The Compte clings to God to keep the tradition in his town. His image of god influences his daily life. Because his image of God is as a keeper of the law, the Compte attempts to do the same. The Compte stresses the importance of tradition in everyday life. He goes as far as to change Pere Henri’s sermons to make them stricter. The Compte makes sure there is no room for sinners in his town. He puts all his trust into the bible, and will keep the bible’s commandments even if the task is impossible or will hurt others in the end. This is revealed when he tries to change Serge. Even though Serge does not deserve his wife, the Compte is set on keeping the sanctity of their marriage. The Compte’s strictness makes the town fearful and devout. Because the Compte de Reynaud only relies on one teaching, when he questions that teaching for a moment, his morals fall apart. He indulges in hypocritical sin. However, with the help of Vianne, he learns the lesson of adapting himself to situations rather than asking everyone to adapt to his standards. The Compte may keep the townspeople in check, But Vianne makes them feel comfortable with who they are already. When Vianne enters the town, everything changes.
Both the Compte de Reynaud and Vianne change the town for better or worse. They both have good intentions. The Compte’s intentions derive from the Bible, and Vianne’s intentions derive from her personal experience. Each want the best for the town, however they have different ideas of what the best is for the town. The Compte focuses on the sanctity of the town, whereas Vianne focuses on the town’s well being. The combination of the two make the town a warm, loving, but devout place to live. I think the balance of the two create an ultimate form of goodness.
I measure goodness by both intentions and deeds. For example, the Compte has very good intentions, but his outcomes are disastrous for the community. Vianne’s deeds are good but we are unclear whether her intentions are to bring a community together. Vianne is focused on carrying out the traditions of her family, and we do not see whether she would like to change the community or not. I think both characters are good and have good in them, they simply have different ways of showing it—just like most people—we have different ways of showing our goodness. I think goodness is a desire to change things for the better from the bottom of your heart.
Chocolat is a movie that uncovers what is good. The Movie shows us different images of God, and how they affect characters and characters around them. The movie shows that goodness can be interpreted in many different ways, and a good balance of strictness and love can create harmony.
The characters Vianne and Le Compte de Reynaud have different images and God and life. These ideas influence how their actions, and how they affect the community. The movie Chocolat was released in 2000, based on the novel by Joanne Harris.
Vianne’s image of God is loving and nurturing. Because of this image, people around her are influenced in a positive way. Rather than faith, her moral values are drawn from the conditions she was exposed to and her heritage. Furthermore, Vianne is more flexible to other things because she has allowed other elements of life to be her teacher. However, one constant religious icon she looks up to is her Mayan heritage. In her shop, she displays Mayan statues, which are viewed as pagan by the other members of the community. However, her Mayan roots make her the great Chocolatier that she is. While her Mayan statues seem pagan, her compassion for others is not. She uses chocolate in a way that heals people. She mends relationships and builds new lives for the entire community. In particular, she heals Madame Audel. She takes a woman trapped in tradition and restores her self confidence. Vianne tells Audel that even though she cannot keep the vows of marriage, she still deserves love. Vianne’s flexibility to be open to other people makes them feel welcome in her presence. She is much more welcoming than the Compte,Vianne proves that sometimes breaking traditions is better than staying stuck in a rut.
The Compte De Reynaud entrenched himself in tradition. Compte de Reynaud’s image of God is the Law. His God is a ruler. His God is also one to be feared. The Compte clings to God to keep the tradition in his town. His image of god influences his daily life. Because his image of God is as a keeper of the law, the Compte attempts to do the same. The Compte stresses the importance of tradition in everyday life. He goes as far as to change Pere Henri’s sermons to make them stricter. The Compte makes sure there is no room for sinners in his town. He puts all his trust into the bible, and will keep the bible’s commandments even if the task is impossible or will hurt others in the end. This is revealed when he tries to change Serge. Even though Serge does not deserve his wife, the Compte is set on keeping the sanctity of their marriage. The Compte’s strictness makes the town fearful and devout. Because the Compte de Reynaud only relies on one teaching, when he questions that teaching for a moment, his morals fall apart. He indulges in hypocritical sin. However, with the help of Vianne, he learns the lesson of adapting himself to situations rather than asking everyone to adapt to his standards. The Compte may keep the townspeople in check, But Vianne makes them feel comfortable with who they are already. When Vianne enters the town, everything changes.
Both the Compte de Reynaud and Vianne change the town for better or worse. They both have good intentions. The Compte’s intentions derive from the Bible, and Vianne’s intentions derive from her personal experience. Each want the best for the town, however they have different ideas of what the best is for the town. The Compte focuses on the sanctity of the town, whereas Vianne focuses on the town’s well being. The combination of the two make the town a warm, loving, but devout place to live. I think the balance of the two create an ultimate form of goodness.
I measure goodness by both intentions and deeds. For example, the Compte has very good intentions, but his outcomes are disastrous for the community. Vianne’s deeds are good but we are unclear whether her intentions are to bring a community together. Vianne is focused on carrying out the traditions of her family, and we do not see whether she would like to change the community or not. I think both characters are good and have good in them, they simply have different ways of showing it—just like most people—we have different ways of showing our goodness. I think goodness is a desire to change things for the better from the bottom of your heart.
Chocolat is a movie that uncovers what is good. The Movie shows us different images of God, and how they affect characters and characters around them. The movie shows that goodness can be interpreted in many different ways, and a good balance of strictness and love can create harmony.
Who is Jesus? #2
This class has changed how I think about scripture. I was really glad that we picked the Gospels apart in our form criticisms. In our form criticisms, we got to the bare bones and the real meaning of the gospels. I think it is important to remember that we can't take a translation that is 1500 years old as a literal word. We must remember the context of the writings of the Gospel, and how the translations might apply today.
In my service learning, I learned how to adapt to different people and scenarios. My experience with GAME helped me try to understand a population that I am not exposed to very often. Children that attend GAME come from low income families. Some of them have attitudes, some of them are shy. Each of them go to GAME for a different reason. When I went to GAME, I remembered that we were there to serve others as Christ served us. It was nice to learn about different types of people and how a different home situation can lead to those different personalities. Game helped me understand how we can try to relate to each different individual and treat them with the respect and attention they deserve, as God relates to us.
Who is Jesus?
in a paragraph: Jesus is the son of God and a prophet. God sent someone in His/Her image so God could better understand the human condition. Jesus is an ultimate role model for peace and the promotion of justice. Jesus reminded us that "we need to be the change we want to see in the world." -Ghandi. Jesus is someone to emulate in order to promote ethical eschatology. It is our job to change ourselves and the world around us. God put us on this planet, in our conditions for a reason, and we should attempt to find what the reason is.
in a sentence: Jesus is the son of God, was sent to earth to promote love and forgiveness of others.
in a word: Peace.
in a photo:
The photographs are of the Catholic Pope and the Anglican Archbishop.
In my service learning, I learned how to adapt to different people and scenarios. My experience with GAME helped me try to understand a population that I am not exposed to very often. Children that attend GAME come from low income families. Some of them have attitudes, some of them are shy. Each of them go to GAME for a different reason. When I went to GAME, I remembered that we were there to serve others as Christ served us. It was nice to learn about different types of people and how a different home situation can lead to those different personalities. Game helped me understand how we can try to relate to each different individual and treat them with the respect and attention they deserve, as God relates to us.
Who is Jesus?
in a paragraph: Jesus is the son of God and a prophet. God sent someone in His/Her image so God could better understand the human condition. Jesus is an ultimate role model for peace and the promotion of justice. Jesus reminded us that "we need to be the change we want to see in the world." -Ghandi. Jesus is someone to emulate in order to promote ethical eschatology. It is our job to change ourselves and the world around us. God put us on this planet, in our conditions for a reason, and we should attempt to find what the reason is.
in a sentence: Jesus is the son of God, was sent to earth to promote love and forgiveness of others.
in a word: Peace.
in a photo:
The photographs are of the Catholic Pope and the Anglican Archbishop.
Service Learning Supplement #2
Often Americans do not realize that there is a class system in America. As shown in chapter one of Class Matters, there is less upward mobility than we think in America. Upward mobility is the ability for people to jump from class to class throughout their lifetime. America may have a higher chance of upward mobility than other countries, but it is impossible for all classes to move upwards in the class structure of the United States. Americans have a strong belief that anything is possible in the job world in America. This means people in the United States do not think that they are responsible for the lower class’ misfortune. However, this is not true. It is the upper class that prevents the lower class from moving upward. The upper class has set social ideals that all higher class members must have. This includes a good education, wealth, income, and occupation. Upper class members are traditionally white males that are born into their position. It is nearly impossible for the rags to riches idea to become reality. Some Americans do not have money to go to college, and therefore can never move to a higher class. Most lower class individuals do not have the tools to attend college, or believe that the goal is unattainable.
Class has a very distinct effect on education. In lower class areas, teachers are hard to come by. It is harder to teach in areas where parenting is less strict and less controlled. As a result, it is more difficult to teach the material. While the teacher may have good material to teach, the class might not be paying attention, making it difficult for strong willed students to learn. A good environment for learning is necessary for students to succeed. Unfortunately in lower income areas, it is difficult to achieve a good learning environment because of the parent’s, and the environment’s influence. A student in a lower income family may not be able to attend school each day because of family problems. A student might have to work a full time job to help support his family, therefore spends his time working rather than studying. While these students may gain skills necessary to survive in the real world, they lack the normal comfortable environments upper class students have. Lower class students are susceptible to classrooms that are overflowing, no individual time with their teacher, and a lack of individualism. Also, upper class students have more access to programs run by their school. School districts have to fight for money to run programs like counseling, tutoring, sports, and after school programs. In private schools, the school can decide what they want rather than the government.
Private schools, which offer the best and most liberating education, are hard for lower class individuals to attend and get into. Even though loans are possible, often lower class individuals are reluctant to take them for fear of being in more debt or not being able to pay them off. In the worst scenarios, people are already in debt and have lower credit, therefore are not able to receive loans. Also, they are difficult for lower class individuals to get into. A lower class school in Brooklyn has a very different education system than a private school in Manhattan.
In GAME, we see many lower class students. There are sad statistics that go along with these students. These statistics prove the reality that upward mobility is nearly impossible in the lower class. One out of three students enrolled in the Spokane public school district will drop out. Is it really the child’s fault for dropping out if their home life is unstable? If they do not have enough food to eat, or must work to give money to their families rather than going to school, it is not the child’s fault. There are many factors upper class Americans do not consider when investigating the lower and working classes. Some factors that lead to less upward mobility may include family, illness, lack of food, and lack of education. There are hundreds of other factors, but the truth is that it making rags to riches is not going to work for the majority of lower class individuals. In GAME, we have many mentees that belong to the lower class. It is not their fault that they are born into a system they cannot escape. They have been conditioned by their peers and family in a way that would make it hard for them to win someone over in an interview. That’s why mentors from Gonzaga come to GAME. We try to be a positive influence and incorporate good mannerisms into every game we play with our mentees. Some of the kids from GAME might even apply to Gonzaga in the future. Children of the lower class aren’t given the proper attention that they need. If they were given hope or further education, upward mobility would be more attainable.
Class has a very distinct effect on education. In lower class areas, teachers are hard to come by. It is harder to teach in areas where parenting is less strict and less controlled. As a result, it is more difficult to teach the material. While the teacher may have good material to teach, the class might not be paying attention, making it difficult for strong willed students to learn. A good environment for learning is necessary for students to succeed. Unfortunately in lower income areas, it is difficult to achieve a good learning environment because of the parent’s, and the environment’s influence. A student in a lower income family may not be able to attend school each day because of family problems. A student might have to work a full time job to help support his family, therefore spends his time working rather than studying. While these students may gain skills necessary to survive in the real world, they lack the normal comfortable environments upper class students have. Lower class students are susceptible to classrooms that are overflowing, no individual time with their teacher, and a lack of individualism. Also, upper class students have more access to programs run by their school. School districts have to fight for money to run programs like counseling, tutoring, sports, and after school programs. In private schools, the school can decide what they want rather than the government.
Private schools, which offer the best and most liberating education, are hard for lower class individuals to attend and get into. Even though loans are possible, often lower class individuals are reluctant to take them for fear of being in more debt or not being able to pay them off. In the worst scenarios, people are already in debt and have lower credit, therefore are not able to receive loans. Also, they are difficult for lower class individuals to get into. A lower class school in Brooklyn has a very different education system than a private school in Manhattan.
In GAME, we see many lower class students. There are sad statistics that go along with these students. These statistics prove the reality that upward mobility is nearly impossible in the lower class. One out of three students enrolled in the Spokane public school district will drop out. Is it really the child’s fault for dropping out if their home life is unstable? If they do not have enough food to eat, or must work to give money to their families rather than going to school, it is not the child’s fault. There are many factors upper class Americans do not consider when investigating the lower and working classes. Some factors that lead to less upward mobility may include family, illness, lack of food, and lack of education. There are hundreds of other factors, but the truth is that it making rags to riches is not going to work for the majority of lower class individuals. In GAME, we have many mentees that belong to the lower class. It is not their fault that they are born into a system they cannot escape. They have been conditioned by their peers and family in a way that would make it hard for them to win someone over in an interview. That’s why mentors from Gonzaga come to GAME. We try to be a positive influence and incorporate good mannerisms into every game we play with our mentees. Some of the kids from GAME might even apply to Gonzaga in the future. Children of the lower class aren’t given the proper attention that they need. If they were given hope or further education, upward mobility would be more attainable.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Service Learning Supplement #1
Hunger is an issue that cannot be ignored in the city of Spokane, state of Washington, and in the United States of America. Food insecurity is present in every state and every town. It affects people we know and should care about. I went to the talk on Hunger. It took place in the Foley teleconference center, which was to the left of the library. The talk was given by Linda Stone. Linda Stone has been a child advocate for a number of years. Group mentoring programs were required to attend this talk as a training tool.
During the talk, we were given many statistics. She showed us which counties in Washington were the most food insecure, which had the most amount of people who were hungry, and other statistics. We were also given a few phrases and definitions that we could apply to hunger. She told us there was a difference between hunger and food insecurity. Food insecurity is where one is unsure whether they will be able to put food on the table. Hunger is the actual state of starvation that the body undergoes. It is sad that most statistics are based on hunger, when the bigger issue is how many people cannot put enough food on the table. Another factor that is often left unconsidered are families that can feed their children, but cannot afford to feed themselves or their children in a healthy manner. A mother or father may be able to buy McDonald for their child, but it does not mean that their child is getting the nutrients they need. This unfortunate scenario deprives children of their necessary vitamins that they need to grow strong. It also deprives children of years of their life.
After the talk, Meredith talked to us about how the information on hunger related to our services. She reminded us that when a kid is cranky, to remember that it might be because (s)he might not have eaten dinner. When I heard this, i remembered how i had judged some of the kids for being bullies. I also considered that on other days, they acted nicer sometimes. It was shocking for me to realize that the issue of hunger could be prevalent in GAME.
In GAME specifically, there are kids who have mean attitudes for no reason. Meredith reminded us that the kids that might seem mean one day might be cranky because they haven't eaten. Spokane children are directly affected by hunger. The underprivileged and lower class children living in Spokane can't afford to go to Gonzaga prep, so they attend schools like Glover and Garfield. Spokane's school district is very poor. They have many programs designed for underprivileged children. These programs are designed because of the need for special attention that these kids deserve. 1/3 kids in Spokane drop out of high school. That shockingly large number cannot be attributed to teachers alone. That number is a direct result of other, cultural influences in chilren's lives, and other absence of influence. It is unfair that a child might go through a day without food, and it negatively affects their performance in daily life.
During the talk, we were given many statistics. She showed us which counties in Washington were the most food insecure, which had the most amount of people who were hungry, and other statistics. We were also given a few phrases and definitions that we could apply to hunger. She told us there was a difference between hunger and food insecurity. Food insecurity is where one is unsure whether they will be able to put food on the table. Hunger is the actual state of starvation that the body undergoes. It is sad that most statistics are based on hunger, when the bigger issue is how many people cannot put enough food on the table. Another factor that is often left unconsidered are families that can feed their children, but cannot afford to feed themselves or their children in a healthy manner. A mother or father may be able to buy McDonald for their child, but it does not mean that their child is getting the nutrients they need. This unfortunate scenario deprives children of their necessary vitamins that they need to grow strong. It also deprives children of years of their life.
After the talk, Meredith talked to us about how the information on hunger related to our services. She reminded us that when a kid is cranky, to remember that it might be because (s)he might not have eaten dinner. When I heard this, i remembered how i had judged some of the kids for being bullies. I also considered that on other days, they acted nicer sometimes. It was shocking for me to realize that the issue of hunger could be prevalent in GAME.
In GAME specifically, there are kids who have mean attitudes for no reason. Meredith reminded us that the kids that might seem mean one day might be cranky because they haven't eaten. Spokane children are directly affected by hunger. The underprivileged and lower class children living in Spokane can't afford to go to Gonzaga prep, so they attend schools like Glover and Garfield. Spokane's school district is very poor. They have many programs designed for underprivileged children. These programs are designed because of the need for special attention that these kids deserve. 1/3 kids in Spokane drop out of high school. That shockingly large number cannot be attributed to teachers alone. That number is a direct result of other, cultural influences in chilren's lives, and other absence of influence. It is unfair that a child might go through a day without food, and it negatively affects their performance in daily life.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Reflection Paper #6
Pauline letters make sure that the role of women in Jesus' time is not forgotten. In particular, Mary Magdelene is remembered. She is present in all of the synoptic gospels. She traveled with Jesus through Galilee. It is not exactly sure what Mary's relationship was with Jesus. In recent movies/books, (Da Vinci Code) it was suggested that they had a loving relationship. There is one woman who anoints Jesus in the gospels. Some scholars believe it was Mary Magdelene.
The Gospels sublty hint at the importance of women in the gospels. Many letters or writings have been changed to hide their importance. However, many women traveled with Jesus and even ministered to others. In class we learned that whenever a woman and the verb "to minister" is used, the translation is changed to "to serve." Now, to serve sounds more like waiting on someone, whereas minister sounds like religious work or healing is being employed. I think men have the upper hand with that translation.
Even though Jesus apostles were men, women traveled with Jesus, women gave their homes for his work, and some worked with Paul in his missionary work. Though women were important in Jesus' following, they were denied authority and downplayed throughout history.
In the times following Jesus death, women were allowed to study in the some of same philosophy schools that men were allowed. That meant that they were given the correct education and were allowed to have intellect, rather than emotion that 18th century men declared ruled woman's mind.
Paul declared that baptism made one born anew, or born again, like the gospel writing we read in our last form criticism. This meant slave, free, men women, jew, or gentile were destroyed and all that was left was who you were in the eyes of God. While women and men were created equal in this aspect, there was no social change that changed the status of men.
Today in the Church, women aren't allowed to be priests or deacons. How have we come so far away from the egalitarian kingdom Jesus once preached about? I have a feeling marriage will be allowed for male priests before women can bless or give homilies.
The Gospels sublty hint at the importance of women in the gospels. Many letters or writings have been changed to hide their importance. However, many women traveled with Jesus and even ministered to others. In class we learned that whenever a woman and the verb "to minister" is used, the translation is changed to "to serve." Now, to serve sounds more like waiting on someone, whereas minister sounds like religious work or healing is being employed. I think men have the upper hand with that translation.
Even though Jesus apostles were men, women traveled with Jesus, women gave their homes for his work, and some worked with Paul in his missionary work. Though women were important in Jesus' following, they were denied authority and downplayed throughout history.
In the times following Jesus death, women were allowed to study in the some of same philosophy schools that men were allowed. That meant that they were given the correct education and were allowed to have intellect, rather than emotion that 18th century men declared ruled woman's mind.
Paul declared that baptism made one born anew, or born again, like the gospel writing we read in our last form criticism. This meant slave, free, men women, jew, or gentile were destroyed and all that was left was who you were in the eyes of God. While women and men were created equal in this aspect, there was no social change that changed the status of men.
Today in the Church, women aren't allowed to be priests or deacons. How have we come so far away from the egalitarian kingdom Jesus once preached about? I have a feeling marriage will be allowed for male priests before women can bless or give homilies.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Service Learning Blog
I chose WFP and poverty.com
WFP (World Food Program) Has a shocking statistic- one in six people are malnourished in the world. That's such a horrible statistic. It brings to life the reality of hunger in the world. WFP sets goals to eradicate this hunger in the world. Poverty.com views poverty as something that can be changed. There is enough food for people, but we fall short of distributing it all. How can we let people starve without having compassion? This site is trying to change ethnocentrically american views (that everyone can get food and water), and that some people really do need help. It's not always a populations fault if they are impoverished or starving. We need to aknowledge that people starve because of us, not them.
I liked that these sites aknowledged hunger, but i think there are more issues than food that people deal with on a day to day basis, especially in America where food is more acessible.
The type of poverty that I see in Game is lower middle class. These pre-teens live in low income or middle class families, and many receive free lunches. They are usually considered at-risk. We have a few bullies, and a few super shy people. By mixing all kinds of people from all walks of life, they can understand themselves and others better. Game is a good way of helping kids increase self esteem. Also, hanging out with these kids once a week keeps them out of trouble. Living in poverty greatly affects their day to day lives, including education. It makes education difficult, because their parents may not advocate it or think it's important. Also, at home, if their parents arent well educated, they can't help them with homework. Many end up at community college because their parents think they can't pay for private or public universities. It makes healthcare difficult because they can't pay for good medical insurance or go to the best hospitals. Living conditions are poor, if one can't pay bills, they can hardly furnish a house.
I think it is absolutely neccessary to increase awareness of poverty in Spokane. We don't neccessarily advertise "GAME" in the Spokane community. If more programs like this were readily available, we might be able to improve the lives of hundreds of teens in America. I think it is important to attempt to live in solidarity with others. I think GAME is a good program to see poverty close up, and work alongside it to help change attitudes, so GAME mentees can view the world as more friendly and accessible.
When I think about people in poverty, i think of the woman that was so poor, but gave her last two cents to the collection plate. i think if people were more willing to give of themselves, we could more easily destroy hunger and poverty. If people were willing to give services, time, and money to important causes, we could change the world.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Reflection Paper #5 Paul's Letters
Paul is an interesting addition to the New Testament. His letters were to friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ around 45-50B.C. The purpose of his letters were to educate about Jesus and evangelize different types of people living shortly after Christ's death. Chapter 13 in Ehrman attempts to decode Thessalonians 1 so we can better understand Pauline letters. The letter Thessalonians was written to the peope of Thessalonica, smack in the center of Macedonia.
Paul isn't what we would consider a prophet in modern times; standing in the middle of times square handing out bibles. No, he visited Jews where they worshipped in cities. Out of some sort of goods shop, he sold useful things while preaching good deeds and about the gospels. It was difficult to convert others at those times because Greco-Roman religions didnt' mind if one took part in other religions. However, there were some very strict philisophies in Greco-Roman times as well-stoic and cynic, which preached to rid oneself of dependency on material things. So one would place dependency on things that are unchangeable. Cynics took this ideology to an extreme and regected social concepts as well. It could have been easy to convert a stoic to christianity since one's belief in God can remain constant and inchangeable. However, a cynic might be less inclined to follow Christ because of the belief that religion is a human need.
Those that visited Pauls shop could have been pagans or polytheistic. So his message was not what we would consider a "bible thumper"'s message. We have some ideas of what his message could have been-to give up false idols, and that his God was monothestic. Then he threw a curveball-there is another part of God, Jesus' son. It probably wasnt a foreign concept to have two Gods, but to make the two Gods one was probably confusing to most Greco-Romans who knew polytheism to be true. Paul also stressed in his letters the importance of the crucifixion, that God died to rid us of our sins, and therefore we are forgiven. Paul also made sure that his followers knew of the apocalypse. This was a great way to get people to rethink their lives before they were "doomed to eternal damnation".
Pauls letters are sent to groups of people, rather than individuals. Ehrman points out that this means it's likely that groups of people met together in small gatherings or churches. Since there weren't official christian churches yet, they might have met secretly in someone's home. Ehrman says it could have been like other guilds at the time, such as trade organizations. All associations at these times had certain codes/rules they had to abide by. Most associations were a life-insurance like association where they planned to have members of the association buried according to the association. They also did social things together. These associations normally had fees involved. Christian communities activities might have been leading the groups in discussion. Because the groups met illegally, they were very tight knit.
The secret societies were constantly under pressure, being criticized by many and accused of perverted allegations. The christians were questioned about their sexual desires, therefore Paul wrote to the thessalonian Christians to stay pure.
Paul started to worry that Jesus wasn't coming back. The Thessalonians had little to hope for. However, he had the idea of a 3 story universe. God is in the highest story, we are on the earth (2nd) and those who have died are below us (1st story). He promised, like Jesus, that the dead would be raised and would be with God;
Paul was coined as the apostle of the Gentiles. He stuck to those who knew little abut Judaism and taught them a new world of ideas. He gave them hope in a world of turmoil and confusion.
Paul isn't what we would consider a prophet in modern times; standing in the middle of times square handing out bibles. No, he visited Jews where they worshipped in cities. Out of some sort of goods shop, he sold useful things while preaching good deeds and about the gospels. It was difficult to convert others at those times because Greco-Roman religions didnt' mind if one took part in other religions. However, there were some very strict philisophies in Greco-Roman times as well-stoic and cynic, which preached to rid oneself of dependency on material things. So one would place dependency on things that are unchangeable. Cynics took this ideology to an extreme and regected social concepts as well. It could have been easy to convert a stoic to christianity since one's belief in God can remain constant and inchangeable. However, a cynic might be less inclined to follow Christ because of the belief that religion is a human need.
Those that visited Pauls shop could have been pagans or polytheistic. So his message was not what we would consider a "bible thumper"'s message. We have some ideas of what his message could have been-to give up false idols, and that his God was monothestic. Then he threw a curveball-there is another part of God, Jesus' son. It probably wasnt a foreign concept to have two Gods, but to make the two Gods one was probably confusing to most Greco-Romans who knew polytheism to be true. Paul also stressed in his letters the importance of the crucifixion, that God died to rid us of our sins, and therefore we are forgiven. Paul also made sure that his followers knew of the apocalypse. This was a great way to get people to rethink their lives before they were "doomed to eternal damnation".
Pauls letters are sent to groups of people, rather than individuals. Ehrman points out that this means it's likely that groups of people met together in small gatherings or churches. Since there weren't official christian churches yet, they might have met secretly in someone's home. Ehrman says it could have been like other guilds at the time, such as trade organizations. All associations at these times had certain codes/rules they had to abide by. Most associations were a life-insurance like association where they planned to have members of the association buried according to the association. They also did social things together. These associations normally had fees involved. Christian communities activities might have been leading the groups in discussion. Because the groups met illegally, they were very tight knit.
The secret societies were constantly under pressure, being criticized by many and accused of perverted allegations. The christians were questioned about their sexual desires, therefore Paul wrote to the thessalonian Christians to stay pure.
Paul started to worry that Jesus wasn't coming back. The Thessalonians had little to hope for. However, he had the idea of a 3 story universe. God is in the highest story, we are on the earth (2nd) and those who have died are below us (1st story). He promised, like Jesus, that the dead would be raised and would be with God;
Paul was coined as the apostle of the Gentiles. He stuck to those who knew little abut Judaism and taught them a new world of ideas. He gave them hope in a world of turmoil and confusion.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Politics of Jesus
First, the Politics of Jesus talks about a few of the misunderstandings between liberals and conservatives. The author compares today's battles between both sides to that of the Salem Witch Trials. Verbal fights in the name of God have escalated to violent wars through vandalism and protests. The author points out that conservatives are the "worst" players. Conservatives also have more power than liberals, they've been around longer and dominate political establishments. One of these establisments is the Heritage Foundation, which i ordered a free copy of the constitution from. So not only do these foundations have money, they have the means of media to reach people.
There is a miscommunication in the politcal world that "liberals and liberalism" are at fault for the flaws in america. In fact, the words liberals and liberalism are very different terms. Liberalism is an ideology that pertains to a more republican characteristic. Liberalism pertains more to freedom from government,which is an old republican ideology.
Conservatism is also an ideology. There are two different types of conservatism: Moral and political. Moral has to do with the purging of sins. These sins included adultery, murder, and occasionally the subjeccts of homosexuality, abortion. Political conservatism has to do with spending less money and having less regulations from the country, and more regulations that have to do with local levels.
Jesus was about liberal politics, and moral conservatism. That is, he wanted to give more money and more freedom to the poor while remaining ethical, doing good deeds, etc.
Liberals are often viewed as child and family hating. They want more taxes and to spend more money. They are portrayed to republicans as a crime to society. They are viewed as Christ-haters. When conservatives make these demeaning remarks, they aren't acting as Christ did. How can they cover their attacks as defending christ when Christ's biggest teaching was to love others as you love yourself? Some conservative preachers followed suit, asking not to make peace with enemies, but to continue hating them.
Classes in society directly contradict Jesus' teaching. However this is a conservative ideology:that classes must exist to have a well balanced government.
There is a miscommunication in the politcal world that "liberals and liberalism" are at fault for the flaws in america. In fact, the words liberals and liberalism are very different terms. Liberalism is an ideology that pertains to a more republican characteristic. Liberalism pertains more to freedom from government,which is an old republican ideology.
Conservatism is also an ideology. There are two different types of conservatism: Moral and political. Moral has to do with the purging of sins. These sins included adultery, murder, and occasionally the subjeccts of homosexuality, abortion. Political conservatism has to do with spending less money and having less regulations from the country, and more regulations that have to do with local levels.
Jesus was about liberal politics, and moral conservatism. That is, he wanted to give more money and more freedom to the poor while remaining ethical, doing good deeds, etc.
Liberals are often viewed as child and family hating. They want more taxes and to spend more money. They are portrayed to republicans as a crime to society. They are viewed as Christ-haters. When conservatives make these demeaning remarks, they aren't acting as Christ did. How can they cover their attacks as defending christ when Christ's biggest teaching was to love others as you love yourself? Some conservative preachers followed suit, asking not to make peace with enemies, but to continue hating them.
Classes in society directly contradict Jesus' teaching. However this is a conservative ideology:that classes must exist to have a well balanced government.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
SL Blog #2
The people I am serving are mentees from 7th grade to sophomore year in high school. Glover is located in the Northwest and Northtown neighborhoods. Therefore, the mentees come from two different areas in Spokane. They are generally of lower middle class backgrounds. Communities in Schools runs GAME. Communities in schools is a program that actually works. Because of CIS, there are fewer dropouts. At this moment, 1/3 kids in spokane drop out. CIS is all about having mentors for young people. They believe young people need mentors in their life, to promote "student success." -cis website. Mentors help raise the self esteem, promote team spirit, and motiviate the students that they can put their mind to.
POV: I don't really understand why I'm here. My teachers talked to my parents about how I act with other students. Going to GAME on Wednesday nights are such a waste of time. We play dodge ball every week. I mean, I guess I do pick on other kids alot... I feel like i have to prove something to others, so I put up a front. I really wish I could be like the Gonzaga athletes. They are so cool. Sometimes they get mad at me for saying mean things to other people. Maybe I should listen. I'm not doing too well in school either. They say that's why I'm here. School is not fun... But I guess I'll have to stay put if i want to go to GU... Its really hard at home sometimes. My parents fight alot. I'm scared sometimes. I guess its nice to get away for a few hours a week. Maybe I won't skip GAME this time..
There is a need for an older role model in the lives of glover middle students. Many of them are chosen to be in game because they are at-risk. This may be with their families, how they interact with other people, or because they are not doing well academically. One in three Spokane students drop out. CIS is a program that actually reduces the rate of drop outs. When us mentors show kids how the mentors behave, the mentees want to follow that example simply on the premise that we are older. We can make a difference in their lives by showing them how to work with others, and how they can succeed.
Blessed are the young, for they are the future of the earth.
POV: I don't really understand why I'm here. My teachers talked to my parents about how I act with other students. Going to GAME on Wednesday nights are such a waste of time. We play dodge ball every week. I mean, I guess I do pick on other kids alot... I feel like i have to prove something to others, so I put up a front. I really wish I could be like the Gonzaga athletes. They are so cool. Sometimes they get mad at me for saying mean things to other people. Maybe I should listen. I'm not doing too well in school either. They say that's why I'm here. School is not fun... But I guess I'll have to stay put if i want to go to GU... Its really hard at home sometimes. My parents fight alot. I'm scared sometimes. I guess its nice to get away for a few hours a week. Maybe I won't skip GAME this time..
There is a need for an older role model in the lives of glover middle students. Many of them are chosen to be in game because they are at-risk. This may be with their families, how they interact with other people, or because they are not doing well academically. One in three Spokane students drop out. CIS is a program that actually reduces the rate of drop outs. When us mentors show kids how the mentors behave, the mentees want to follow that example simply on the premise that we are older. We can make a difference in their lives by showing them how to work with others, and how they can succeed.
Blessed are the young, for they are the future of the earth.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Katherine Conyers
Professor Bass
RELI120
Movie Paper #1
Crimes and Misdemeanors
The film Crimes and Misdemeanors was written by Woody Allen, and was released in the 1980’s. In Crimes and Misdemeanors, the characters Ben and Judah Rosenthal have different views of God and His/Her role in the universe. These different ideas of God affect how they carry out their lives.
The characters Judah and Ben have different images of God. Judah views God as a judge, while Ben views Him/Her as King. Over the years, Judah has become less religious, and more involved in his work and his money. Judah distances himself from God, because doesn’t know how to communicate with Him/Her. He has spent the latter half of his life focusing on everything but God, and therefore is out of touch with Him/Her. Judah is so distant from God, and therefore views him as a judge. Because Judah is sinful, God seems further away from him than He might to Ben. Judah has a pessimistic view of God. The only contact Judah has had in his life to God is when he is sinful. The only God Judah knows is judgmental and makes Judah feel like he is a horrible person. For Judah, the role of God is to be a conscience, and make people remember their actions.
Bens image of God is very different from Judah’s. Ben views God as King because it is all he knows. As a religious man, God consumes his life. God is his life and profession. As a rabbi, Ben is in contact, in person or while preaching, with many people on a daily basis. He helps them reevaluate their lives and their faith journey. He is a counselor to Judah when he is in need. He lays the law down for Judah and gives him advice to look for what is long lasting and self sustaining rather than the quick, temporary. This advice is much like his life. He has chosen to follow the kingdom of God on earth, rather than deal with the impermanence of human tradition. Because he is involved in his city via his synagogue he has a community. His faith brings him closer to others, and helps him think of the world as a warm, welcoming place. In the middle of New York, it is difficult for one to feel as if they are making a difference in the lives of others. Ben has an optimistic view of God because God has brought many people together in such a large area. He thinks the role of God is to bring everlasting hope, rather than the transient glimmers that the world has to offer.
Judah and Ben’s images of God directly affect how they live their lives. Judah specifically turns further from society because he is far from God. Judah is Jewish, and was raised in a very religious family. However, his family also has conflicting ideas. He has different input from his brother and father about how he should live. His brother is a humanistic idealist, and seems to be atheistic, while his father is religious and believes in tradition. This influences Judah to keep away from religion. Judah is under a pressure from his Brother to get into the real world, and pressure from his father to be righteous so he can go to heaven. Judah’s father tells him that “The eyes of God are always watching”. The thought that God is watching, is constantly brought up in the movie. The recurring thought reveals how guilty Judah feels about his actions. These opposite ideals are the battle that goes on in Judah’s mind throughout the movie. When he struggles with whether to commit a sin or not, he thinks back to his Father’s teaching. Because Judah is so distant from God, he sees the world through dog eat dog eyes. This competition makes him bury his nose in his work. He is so involved with his work and his money that he doesn’t consider the consequences of his actions. He chooses to fall in love with another woman, to mix up his mundane life. Maybe if had a good influence in his life he might think to consider the results of each small action that leads him further from the Kingdom of God. It also leads him further away from the world. Unlike Ben, who people depend on, Judah can more easily seclude himself. Sure, he may help the sight of some people, but he doesn’t have many close friends from his work. He doesn’t even know Ben that well when he confides in him. Rather than making a profound difference on the lives of others like Ben, Judah becomes reclusive and rejects the world entirely. He is pessimistic about God. The life Judah lives brings him further away from others.
It is ironic that Judah is an ophthalmologist, yet is ignorant of the consequences of his actions. At the same time, Ben is blind, but desires to positively impact the people around him with his faith and counsel. Woody Allen could have placed this metaphor in the movie to show that even the most prosperous of people have tragic flaws.
Judah and Ben live different lives because of their ideas about God. They have different places for God in their lives. Judah drifts away from God, while Ben finds God in everyday life.
The universe is what we make of it. Like Judah and Ben, we are conditioned by their parents, faith, or environment to view the world in different ways. The universe is what we make out of it. I think parts of it are fantastic, and others are unfamiliar and unfriendly. For example, I love Gonzaga University. When I leave my phone on a table, someone will tell me I dropped it. People smile here, and open the door for you. It is small enough where friendly faces can be seen everywhere. When I visited my brother in New York, I was scared out of my mind—it was a completely different story. He lived in Williamsburg when I visited him, which was very secluded from the big island, and very industrial looking. The city itself was shocking—the people looked like scenery because there were so many! In the hustle and bustle of daily life in New York, how is it possible for one to think of others? So I believe it depends where we choose to live. The universe is full of good and evil, and we have to find the place that suits us best. We can examine the role of God in our lives and try to let God positively affect our lives.
Works Cited
www.imdb.com
Professor Bass
RELI120
Movie Paper #1
Crimes and Misdemeanors
The film Crimes and Misdemeanors was written by Woody Allen, and was released in the 1980’s. In Crimes and Misdemeanors, the characters Ben and Judah Rosenthal have different views of God and His/Her role in the universe. These different ideas of God affect how they carry out their lives.
The characters Judah and Ben have different images of God. Judah views God as a judge, while Ben views Him/Her as King. Over the years, Judah has become less religious, and more involved in his work and his money. Judah distances himself from God, because doesn’t know how to communicate with Him/Her. He has spent the latter half of his life focusing on everything but God, and therefore is out of touch with Him/Her. Judah is so distant from God, and therefore views him as a judge. Because Judah is sinful, God seems further away from him than He might to Ben. Judah has a pessimistic view of God. The only contact Judah has had in his life to God is when he is sinful. The only God Judah knows is judgmental and makes Judah feel like he is a horrible person. For Judah, the role of God is to be a conscience, and make people remember their actions.
Bens image of God is very different from Judah’s. Ben views God as King because it is all he knows. As a religious man, God consumes his life. God is his life and profession. As a rabbi, Ben is in contact, in person or while preaching, with many people on a daily basis. He helps them reevaluate their lives and their faith journey. He is a counselor to Judah when he is in need. He lays the law down for Judah and gives him advice to look for what is long lasting and self sustaining rather than the quick, temporary. This advice is much like his life. He has chosen to follow the kingdom of God on earth, rather than deal with the impermanence of human tradition. Because he is involved in his city via his synagogue he has a community. His faith brings him closer to others, and helps him think of the world as a warm, welcoming place. In the middle of New York, it is difficult for one to feel as if they are making a difference in the lives of others. Ben has an optimistic view of God because God has brought many people together in such a large area. He thinks the role of God is to bring everlasting hope, rather than the transient glimmers that the world has to offer.
Judah and Ben’s images of God directly affect how they live their lives. Judah specifically turns further from society because he is far from God. Judah is Jewish, and was raised in a very religious family. However, his family also has conflicting ideas. He has different input from his brother and father about how he should live. His brother is a humanistic idealist, and seems to be atheistic, while his father is religious and believes in tradition. This influences Judah to keep away from religion. Judah is under a pressure from his Brother to get into the real world, and pressure from his father to be righteous so he can go to heaven. Judah’s father tells him that “The eyes of God are always watching”. The thought that God is watching, is constantly brought up in the movie. The recurring thought reveals how guilty Judah feels about his actions. These opposite ideals are the battle that goes on in Judah’s mind throughout the movie. When he struggles with whether to commit a sin or not, he thinks back to his Father’s teaching. Because Judah is so distant from God, he sees the world through dog eat dog eyes. This competition makes him bury his nose in his work. He is so involved with his work and his money that he doesn’t consider the consequences of his actions. He chooses to fall in love with another woman, to mix up his mundane life. Maybe if had a good influence in his life he might think to consider the results of each small action that leads him further from the Kingdom of God. It also leads him further away from the world. Unlike Ben, who people depend on, Judah can more easily seclude himself. Sure, he may help the sight of some people, but he doesn’t have many close friends from his work. He doesn’t even know Ben that well when he confides in him. Rather than making a profound difference on the lives of others like Ben, Judah becomes reclusive and rejects the world entirely. He is pessimistic about God. The life Judah lives brings him further away from others.
It is ironic that Judah is an ophthalmologist, yet is ignorant of the consequences of his actions. At the same time, Ben is blind, but desires to positively impact the people around him with his faith and counsel. Woody Allen could have placed this metaphor in the movie to show that even the most prosperous of people have tragic flaws.
Judah and Ben live different lives because of their ideas about God. They have different places for God in their lives. Judah drifts away from God, while Ben finds God in everyday life.
The universe is what we make of it. Like Judah and Ben, we are conditioned by their parents, faith, or environment to view the world in different ways. The universe is what we make out of it. I think parts of it are fantastic, and others are unfamiliar and unfriendly. For example, I love Gonzaga University. When I leave my phone on a table, someone will tell me I dropped it. People smile here, and open the door for you. It is small enough where friendly faces can be seen everywhere. When I visited my brother in New York, I was scared out of my mind—it was a completely different story. He lived in Williamsburg when I visited him, which was very secluded from the big island, and very industrial looking. The city itself was shocking—the people looked like scenery because there were so many! In the hustle and bustle of daily life in New York, how is it possible for one to think of others? So I believe it depends where we choose to live. The universe is full of good and evil, and we have to find the place that suits us best. We can examine the role of God in our lives and try to let God positively affect our lives.
Works Cited
www.imdb.com
Saturday, October 10, 2009
SL blog
Game is Gonzaga Athletes Mentoring for Excellence. We work with kids in middle school, playing games from 7-9pm. We help build self confidence and give them a safe place to hangout after dark. There is a wednesday group and a tuesday group. I go to the wednesday group, where we work at Glover Middle School.
Sunday, GAME had an orientational meeting. There were a bunch of us college kids learning about a few games to play. It was hillarious. i'm pretty sure i had more fun than i should as a young adult. First we played "on the creek, on the bridge" we would stand on one side of a rope and when our director said on the creek/bridge we would hop over. We played another game where five people stood up in the front and one would turn around and start telling a story until another person turned around and began- so me and 4 other people told embarassing stories about ourselves that were cut up into different times. it was hillarious!
So wednesday was my first day at GAME. It was so much fun! There were more mentors than mentees, which was a bummer but it was still a lot of fun. We played this game where one person would flip a coin and when i twas heads, they would squeeze the thumb of te person next to them, and create this chain reaction. Two lines tried to get to a koosh ball first. Then we had free time, so I reffed a sweet game of ping pong and played Jenga. Then we had this ultimate game of dogeball-which was the best game we played. We would run around and when we got hit with a ball, we would sit down untill the person who got us out was out. This was such a good system because everyone got to play for a longer period of time. Game was really fun. I can't wait to get to know the kids and make GAME a staple in my weekly activities.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
RP #3
Crossan continues to give examples of scenarios we have interpreted as true and makes them more plausible to what they could likely have been, by using previous text, and historical context. Crossan came up with a few shocking, yet notable revelations. He states that on palm sunday Jesus never paraded into town. Crossan belives the last supper never happened because the last suppers do not have corresponding dates.
Crossan goes over the scenarios where Jesus reappeared to the disciples or performed miracles. One of my favorites is when crossan goes over the woman that anointed Jesus. She remains unnamed, however Jesus says she'll be famous--contradictory to what is actually true,
Finally the epilogue comes where Crossan describes the characteristics of Jesus-how he came to the poor looking like them, with an entirely different message. you can feel how radical this Jesus guy was--walking up to strangers, telling them about the word of God--giving them hope. I think Crossans epilogue makes the biography come full circle. Jesus was the ultimate grassroots organizer--he had no political power, and just relied on others to spread the word of God. His "words" or advice became a revolution, an he starte a revolution of new thought, and revival of religious life. He brought the living into the kingdom of God.
Crossan goes over the scenarios where Jesus reappeared to the disciples or performed miracles. One of my favorites is when crossan goes over the woman that anointed Jesus. She remains unnamed, however Jesus says she'll be famous--contradictory to what is actually true,
Finally the epilogue comes where Crossan describes the characteristics of Jesus-how he came to the poor looking like them, with an entirely different message. you can feel how radical this Jesus guy was--walking up to strangers, telling them about the word of God--giving them hope. I think Crossans epilogue makes the biography come full circle. Jesus was the ultimate grassroots organizer--he had no political power, and just relied on others to spread the word of God. His "words" or advice became a revolution, an he starte a revolution of new thought, and revival of religious life. He brought the living into the kingdom of God.
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