Essays on Eternal Life

The Christian Bible and Islamic Quran chare a surprising number of similar themes and ideas as a result of their shared religious heritage and birthplaces; an example of this is found in the Bible’s “Sermon on the Mount” parable from the Mathew Gospel and the Quran’s “Lord of Mercy”. It is important to note that the Lord of Mercy referenced by the Koran can include a number of passages, as Allah is directly references as the Lord of Mercy many times; unless specified otherwise, this report will refer primarily to the opening of the Koran for simplicity. ...

Introduction

Over the years, several definitions of a cult have emerged. Even though some views are quite contrary to the actual intentions of these particular groups, perhaps there exist reasons why people think so. In sociology and other social sciences, cults have been described as being either semi-religious or religious grouping whose members are restrained by a single individual or grouping (Lorne 23). However, a theologically based understanding of a cult has it that a cult is just but a religious group that derives from a particular religion implicitly or explicitly denying one or more doctrines of the major religion. ...

Introduction

First Thessalonians is a book in the New Testament, and it is often regarded as one of Paul’s epistles to the Thessalonians. Research indicates that it was written in AD 52, which means that it is the oldest book in the Bible. The book examines Paul’s heart and mind as well as the message he relayed about knowing Jesus Christ (Wanamaker, 2013). In First Thessalonians, Paul had three critical purposes when writing the epistle. Primarily, he intended to encourage and motivate Christians Thessalonica, especially those who were progressing well in their new faith. Besides, Paul wanted to ...

Christianity and Physical Fitness

Christianity generally reveres John 3: 16 to be the most important scripture that guides Christian life because it assures believers about the existence of eternal life. Since God desired that man becomes a physical being by giving him food and labor according to Genesis 1:28-31; it is imperative that I also build on that to make my physical disposition in good shape. Exercise and training indeed prepare the physical body of a Christian for eternal life. This is because; training enables a person to preserve well the temple of God such that it can exist in this state even ...

Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Confucius are enjoying a meal of steamed dumplings and Kung pal chicken at P.F. Chang’s Restaurant. They are discussing the question: “What is the meaning of life?” I happen to be sitting on a table near them and I can overhear their conversation. Buddha begins the conversation by posing the question to the other three.

Buddha: What is the meaning of life?

Mohammed: (Looking up from his meal and putting on a serious face) I believe that life is sacred and a gift entrusted to humans by God. Every human being should live his life with skill and ...

It was in Dead Poets Society that I have first encountered the words Carpe diem. In the movie, the main protagonist (Keating) explains the phrase Carpe diem with this sentence: “Because we are food for worms, lads. Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold and die.” (“Dead Poets Society” 14:40－14:53) That is why Keating encouraged his students to “seize the day.” But the real question is what does it take in order for an individual to seize the day? For Robert Herrick, ...

The Complexity of the Cross

Perception and perspective is often considered one’s reality. This notion forces one to acknowledge their own perceptions and perspective, particularly when it comes to their faith as they solidify and identify their own beliefs. For those who belong to the body of Christ, each member has its own journey formulating a testimony that is based on a personal relationship that is rooted in the loving grace of Jesus Christ. Within each life with Christ, there are complexities that only the grace of God can heal. In spite of life’s injustices, evil forces, sinful flesh, and degradation, the ...

Daniel 12 is a scripture that talks about the end times when Michael, who is a great priest and a protector of the society, will arise. During the time, the righteous people will ascend to heaven and the wicked ones will descend to hell. The idea of resurrection and judgment is seen from the time the man dressed in linen and standing above the water lifts his hands facing heaven and swears by the ones who lives forever (Kralik). The man says “it will be for a diminutive period, and when the command of holy populaces lastly brakes, all ...

Introduction

For this assignment I have decided to write an exegesis of Matthew 17:1-13. I have chosen the New International Version (NIV) as it is easier to read and understand. The New Spirit Filled Life Bible commentary explains that the book of Mathew was written around A.D 50-75 (Hayford 1321). The author is not exactly known, but it is attributed to Matthew. The major theme of this book is that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and that he is the Son of God.

The Bible passage, Matthew 17:1-13, proceeds as follows;

  “Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, ...

Jesus’ attitude on Wealth, Humility, and Salvation

Jesus’ position regarding wealth and poverty is very different from how society views them. This is because the latter holds wealth in such high esteem that a person’s wealth can actually define his or her worth as a human being, while Jesus seems to place higher significance on humility rather than his or her riches. In this regard, the Bible is replete with examples wherein Jesus actually teaches rich men to abandon their worldly riches in order to attain eternal life, and that it is easier for the poor to gain salvation. This argument will be discussed and ...

The novel "The Stranger" by Albert Camus is one of the most important and popular of his works. It has a direct connection with the philosophy of existentialism and the absurd like most of the works of the author. The writer once again demonstrates the human and social relationships, as well as the internal conflict of the man himself by the example of the protagonist's life and feelings. The problem of the story touches upon many issues, but one of the main problems is the existence of God. The life of the protagonist Meursault is the way to truth ...

It was in Dead Poets Society that I have first encountered the words “Carpe diem.” In the movie, the main protagonist (Keating) explained that phrase Carpe Diem with this sentence: “Because we are food for works, lads. Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold and die (Dead Poet Society, 14:40- 14:53), that is why Keating further added, “Why I seize the day.” But the real question is what does it take in order for an individual to seize the day? In order to ...

The holiday plays a role in the process of socialization of the person, the perception of his role and relationship to social groups. With its emotional background, entertainment, unconventionality, often accompanied by joy and abundance, ability to use various benefits that are unavailable in ordinary time, gifts and entertainment and deviations from the usual rules restricting the behavior of people, holiday for many centuries attracts children and young people, deeply etching into their memory. It is a very important reason to identify oneself with other people – in the days of the feast, young people, often more clearly than in ...