Philosophical theology

Introduction The word philosophy is a Greek term which means love of wisdom (â€Å"Philosophical theology† par. 1). Theology is generally defined as a systematic and progressive study of religion. Theological studies primarily involve the influence of natural aspect of truth gained after completing religious studies course. This paper will focus on philosophy as theology. Under this title, the entire discussion focuses mainly on the use of philosophy in solving or interpreting theological concepts (â€Å"Philosophical theology† par. 1).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Philosophical theology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Overview This entire paper will focus on highlighting the philosophical implication and relationship between philosophy and theology. Currently, there are three globally known philosophically complicated Christian doctrines. They include; the trinity, incarnation and the atonement . Notable to mention is that, these doctrines have been the subject of discussion internationally as far as philosophical theology is concerned. This is because philosophy can be broadly used in the analysis of various theological doctrines. The first category of philosophy reveals the truth behind religious beliefs in addition to the available evidence from divine revelation. In this category, natural theology is used. The second category of philosophy involves the use of divine revelation (â€Å"Philosophical theology† par. 1). Under this category, philosophical techniques are employed in attempt to demonstrate the truth of all theological claims (â€Å"Philosophical theology† par. 1). Significance of philosophical theology Philosophical theology is considered to be an essential study since it helps in acquiring knowledge to explore beyond normal reasoning. Furthermore, it allows students to solve puzzles concerning human life and Metaphysics (Peter par. 3). On the o ther hand, theology also plays an important role in creating a society that respects religion. Universities that offer philosophical studies have excelled both spiritually and academically. Contrary to the expectation, many people criticize philosophy for the contradiction it develops on theology. According to scholars, philosophy instead of strengthening religious faith, it facilitates in weakening it. Critics say that, philosophy is only relevant in issues concerning moral behavior in the society (Luke par. 5). This concludes that a good philosophy definitely contributes to the development of the best theology (Peter par. 8). Analysis of philosophical theology For many years, the relationship between philosophy and theology has been undergoing hot debate across the world. Many theologians globally have been campaigning against philosophical interpretation of religion. Theologians claim that philosophy has very little to do with theology. They also claim that the use philosophical concept corrupts the interpretation of theology (Luke par. 1). These two disciplines were once considered to be mortal enemies; especially during the times of practitioners. This was supported by some early Christian thinkers like Tertullian (James par. 1).Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Tertullian further advanced with his arguments concerning the inclusion of secular philosophy into the theological doctrines. He termed this inclusion to be a reflection that was out of order. However, according to history, the use of philosophy has always been accepted as a natural complement to theology. These doctrines were developed by Saint Augustine of hippo (â€Å"Essential philosophy for theologian’s† par. 2). According to Saint Augustine, the entire legitimacy of philosophy was firmly developed from the underlying Christian faith and beliefs. Saint Thomas Aquinas also came up with another version explaining the relationship between theology and philosophy. According to Thomistic model, this relationship was equated to be like distinct enterprises. Thomistic model also clarified that, these two enterprises only differed primarily with their intellectual origin. According to Thomistic model, any philosophical concept starting point begins with data that can be seen, heard or felt (Murray and Rea par. 3). On the other hand, any theological doctrines starting point also depends on divine revelation recorded in the bible. Relationship between philosophy and theology It was not long before the deliverance of these two disciplines. The marriage between philosophy and theology led to the birth of philosophical theology. This meant that philosophy could be incorporated in theology or vise versa. It was more advantageous to employ philosophical concepts in persuading people to accept the theological teachings. In most cases, it was difficult for people to plainly trust the divine revelation contained in religious scriptures. Therefore, philosophy through arguments succeeded in persuading people to accept that God truly exists (Murray and Rea par. 3). Philosophy could also be used by theologians in clearing up ambiguous theological claims (Murray and Rea par. 4). A good example is the case of Jesus Christ. The theological details revealed that Jesus existed in both human and divine nature. The most contradicting question was; how did Jesus relate in these two natures on earth? At this point, theological claims cannot satisfactorily explain the contradiction. This is where distinctive philosophical techniques can be used in explaining logic on the contradiction. The marriage between philosophy and theology went on well throughout the entire 20th century. Nevertheless, towards the end of 20th century, the great divorce came about. One of the contributing factors to the divorce between philosophy and theology was advanced education. This changed most theologians who previously depended on traditional Christian doctrine to interpret the scriptures (Murray and Rea par. 5). Most theologians were able to think and fluently speak about God. This advancement encouraged many of them to abandon the metaphysical methods of interpreting the divine revelation. The divorce was also steered on by the belief that all theological doctrines were meaningless.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Philosophical theology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to the philosophers, any doctrines that did not have any empirical content were considered to be meaningless (Murray and Rea par. 5). The divorce did not last for long. After 40 years, theologians reconsidered the employment of contemporary philosophy in theology. Nevertheless, the use of philosophy was more eclectic as compared to how it was used during the St. Augustinian and Thomistic model era (Murray and Rea par. 5). Roles of contemporary philosophical theology The trinity theory According to theological doctrines, Christians are all affirmed to the claim that there is only one God. In addition to this, Christians also believed that God exist in three forms. God the father, son and holly spirit (Murray and Rea par. 10). Each of them was considered to be God. The argument facing the trinity statement was deeply puzzling. Critics argue that although the three persons are openly professed, in real life, people do not profess three substances but only one substance (Murray and Rea par. 10). In other words, every Christian believed in one God. According to the trinity, there were three Gods. Therefore, basing on philosophical theology, it is professed that there is only one God yet they exist in three (God the father, the son and the Holy Spirit) (Murray and Rea par. 11). Cornelius Plantinga, a well known philosopher, suggested that the trinity statement possessed highly puzzling power. According to him, the trinity statement was an understatement. Due to this understatement, many critics across the world have challenged the statement. This is because of the statements incoherence. Furthermore, many contradicting versions of the trinity have been created. The first group claimed that there was only one God. They argue that God the father, son and Holy Spirit are all distinct (Murray and Rea par. 12). They believe that there was only one identical God. Critics further argue that if both the father and the son were identical, then the father by due to identity transitivity should also be identical to the son (Murray and Rea par. 12). This was contradicting according to the theological teachings on holy trinity. Furthermore, another version suggested that; if both the father and the son were considered to be divine, then automatically, the father was distinct from the son (Murray and Rea par. 12). This generally concluded that there were two existing divine persons co ntrary to the theological doctrines.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Incarnation theory The theological doctrine of incarnation revealed that over 2000 years ago, the second person in the holy trinity (the son) took a human nature and became distinct among humans on earth (Murray and Rea par. 24). According to the doctrines, the son came to earth in two natural forms; as human and as a holy divine. The council of Chalcedon in the year 541 C.E also commented on the doctrine. The counsel supported the doctrines insisting that it respected the two natures without confusion. However, critics challenged the doctrine referring it to be impossible, absurd and self contradicting (Murray and Rea par. 24). Philosophers argued that it was impossible for one person to bear two characteristics that were not compatible with each other logically. Critics analyzed the statement and justified that humans were created and that they possess limited natural power. Human beings according to the critics had limited knowledge and wisdom (James par. 2). Therefore, it was im possible for a person to possess both human and divine natures. This was because, divine beings were considered to be superior since they created humans. Logically, it was impossible for one person to be both the creator and the created (Murray and Rea par. 24). Theology through the kenotic view explained the possibility of accepting the bible passage. According to the passage, Jesus took a human form. Jesus was born, grew up and even died like human beings. All this happened to him though he was in divine form and God. Moreover, philosophers have strongly criticized the passage and challenged the logic of this doctrine. According to critics, it was impossible for the son of God to voluntarily abandon his divine responsibility and become human. Atonement theory Traditional Christian theology strictly binds to the fact that human beings once in their lifespan are liable to die. This is a direct separation from God that developed due to the sinful behaviors committed by humans. Howeve r, according to Christianity, humans have only one way to salvation. That is through the work of Jesus Christ (Murray and Rea par. 28). Jesus suffering progressed until his death on the cross. The theory of atonement explains in depth on how the entire life of Jesus contributes to human salvation (Murray and Rea par. 28). Notable to mention is that, the theory of atonement was used both in philosophy and theology doctrines. However, the term was also considered not to be neutral. This is because it partially explained on how human salvation entailed. If it was not for the work of Jesus, then there would be no human salvation. The other theory that best describes the work of Jesus is the ransom theory. This theory was also known as the christus victor theory. The main idea stipulated by this theory was the victory of Jesus over sin and death. Human beings were considered to be in bondage with devil and death. The most crucial information was the strong competition believed to exist b etween God and devil. The competition developed over human souls. The agreement between God and Devil was that any human committing a sin should dies. But because of Gods love for humans, he came up with the plan to save mankind. This is why Jesus Christ came to earth and lived and died among human to bring salvation. However, Philosophers strongly reject this theory. Critics have launched argument that it was impossible for God to enter into any competition with another being. Moreover, critics have further challenged the fact that salvation only comes between God and devil (Murray and Rea par. 29). They claim that Jesus victory over devil was partly achieved via divine deception. The divinity of Jesus Christ was entirely kept a secret until his death. Jesus surprisingly resurrected from the dead through his divine power. More critics have also challenged the fact that God can not forgive without punishment. According to philosophy, forgiveness basically involved rejection to deman d reparation. Forgiveness also allowed offenders to go unpunished. Based on this information, critics have argued that it is totally impossible for one to substitute another person’s death penalty. Conclusion In summary, it is evident that philosophy can be used to interpret and explain theological doctrines. However, acceptance in this case depends on interpersonal faith. Works Cited Essential Philosophy for Theologians 2006. Web. James, South. Philosophy and Theology. 2 Jan. 1986. Web. Luke, Muehlhauser. Why Philosophical Theology Fails. 6 Aug. 2010. Web. Murray, Michael and Rea, Michael. â€Å"Philosophy and Christian Theology† The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2012). Edward N. Zalta  (ed.) Web. Peter, Kreeft. Why Study Philosophy and Theology? 24 July. 2009. Web. Philosophical Theology 2012. Web. This essay on Philosophical theology was written and submitted by user Dimitri Cardenas to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Preparing Your Yoga Essay Sample

Preparing Your Yoga Essay SampleHaving your yoga essay sample printed out to share with your class is a great way to practice and perfect your essay writing skills. There are many different options for delivering these types of materials, including online or CD-ROM, or in print form. Since so many students will be taking this subject at their school, it is important that you find the best way to get the class to read your essay.Preparing an essay on yoga in class can be a great way to learn some specific methods of writing an essay on a subject like yoga. Often, these ways of writing that you choose to use in class are a bit more formal and strict than the tips that you might want to use when writing your own essay. Regardless of the method, there are a few guidelines that you should follow when making your essay.The first thing that you should do when writing your yoga essay sample is to decide what you want your text to accomplish. This decision will help you decide the type of mat erial that you want to include. There are so many different styles of yoga that you can choose from that you will want to make sure that you have a topic that fits that style. If you have chosen a particular school that is similar to yours, this will help you understand how to do things the right way with your essay.The next thing that you should do is to make sure that you make the time to go through your yoga essay sample and make sure that it is completely organized. Remember that a lot of students at your school will be reading the paper, so you will want it to be easy to read. Often, students will stop and go over the essay or even keep it open in their books. This can be very distracting, so you need to make sure that you get your essay to them in a neat, clear package. This makes it easier for the class to read and understand.By using keywords in your yoga essay sample, you will want to be able to get your words out without having to type a long sentence. To get your keywords , try to use them consistently throughout the essay. For example, if you want to make a point about the benefits of yoga, try to include several keywords in each paragraph.The last thing that you should remember when using your yoga essay sample is to read over it several times. Make sure that you get every detail that you need to make your essay work. This will make sure that you are getting the most out of your yoga essay sample.When preparing your yoga essay sample, you will find that the class will become more relaxed and interested in your piece. As you progress through the class, you will begin to use your yoga essay sample as a way to teach others about yoga as well.

Free Essays on The Beast Of The Lord Of The Flies

â€Å"The Beast† – English 11 Final Exam Essay Throughout time, authors have been using various elements in their writings to symbolize other, deeper figures. In the literary pieces we have come across this year, there have been several bold cases of symbolism. In the Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer uses symbolism to signify the decline of the church. William Golding uses this narrative technique on several different occasions in The Lord of the Flies. The biggest illustration of symbolism in The Lord of the Flies is in relation to â€Å"the beast†. The beast is seen as a real object on the island which frightens the boys. In reality, the beast is something internal. The fear of the beast is in soul and mind of the boys, leading them to the natural chaos of a society with no reasoning adults. Throughout the story, William Golding expresses the need for civilized order to maintain the cruel savage beast in us all. Jack's tribe and fear of the beast contribute to the overwhelming belief that savagery, not order, and is needed to survive on the island. Symbolism was just as vivid in Shakespeare’s MacBeth. MacBeth had a tragic flaw which ultimately restricted him from conquering his goal. MacBeth was a tragic hero who fell from a position of honor and respect due to a flaw in his character. Macbeth was once a noble man, but unfortunately chooses to follow the advice and future telling of witches. Macbeth finds himself King, abuses his power and then gets killed. Macbeth goes through four stages until he reaches the end of his life; the first being his original state, his tragic flaw, his downfall and finally his suffering. These four stages help to justify Shakespeare's tragic hero symbolism. Both Golding’s Lord of the Flies and Shakespeare’s MacBeth use symbolism to convey their literary messages. â€Å"The Beast† and the witches in MacBeth symbolize potential destruction for civilizations. Both Lord of the Flies and ... Free Essays on The Beast Of The Lord Of The Flies Free Essays on The Beast Of The Lord Of The Flies â€Å"The Beast† – English 11 Final Exam Essay Throughout time, authors have been using various elements in their writings to symbolize other, deeper figures. In the literary pieces we have come across this year, there have been several bold cases of symbolism. In the Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer uses symbolism to signify the decline of the church. William Golding uses this narrative technique on several different occasions in The Lord of the Flies. The biggest illustration of symbolism in The Lord of the Flies is in relation to â€Å"the beast†. The beast is seen as a real object on the island which frightens the boys. In reality, the beast is something internal. The fear of the beast is in soul and mind of the boys, leading them to the natural chaos of a society with no reasoning adults. Throughout the story, William Golding expresses the need for civilized order to maintain the cruel savage beast in us all. Jack's tribe and fear of the beast contribute to the overwhelming belief that savagery, not order, and is needed to survive on the island. Symbolism was just as vivid in Shakespeare’s MacBeth. MacBeth had a tragic flaw which ultimately restricted him from conquering his goal. MacBeth was a tragic hero who fell from a position of honor and respect due to a flaw in his character. Macbeth was once a noble man, but unfortunately chooses to follow the advice and future telling of witches. Macbeth finds himself King, abuses his power and then gets killed. Macbeth goes through four stages until he reaches the end of his life; the first being his original state, his tragic flaw, his downfall and finally his suffering. These four stages help to justify Shakespeare's tragic hero symbolism. Both Golding’s Lord of the Flies and Shakespeare’s MacBeth use symbolism to convey their literary messages. â€Å"The Beast† and the witches in MacBeth symbolize potential destruction for civilizations. Both Lord of the Flies and ...

The Ethics Of Online Retailing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Ethics Of Online Retailing - Research Paper Example The first category of interactions involves disclosure statements and requests for information issued by marketers to prospective customers. These are legitimate statements and requests that aim to help businesses better tailor their products and services to their customers’ needs. Secondly, there are exchanges of information voluntarily undertaken by consumers, with the expectation that they will be subsequently contacted by the respective marketer. Third, there is the capture of information not volunteered by the consumer. Not all information gathered this way is unethical, because there is much that marketers may observe concerning consumers during the course of their transaction, but such capture must not be intrusive against the privacy of the consumer. The fourth aspect concerns information practices or the manner by which the gathered information (from both marketers and consumers) may be used by both parties. The past two decades of computer technology application has triggered a flurry of academic research concerning the proper use and abuse of the new medium. Internet capability has presented so many enticing prospects for business and especially it's marketing function that, as is often the case, the potential for use is accompanied with potential for abuse. Roman and Cuestas (2008) polled web consumers for their views about which unethical acts they have the greatest concern over. There are four such types of abusive practices, namely: security, privacy, deception and fulfillment or reliability. In the study, Roman and Cuestas (2008, p. 648) described each of the issues in the following manner: The researchers developed a rating scale by which they sought to measure the relative degree of consumers’ concern.

Term paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Term Paper Example Previous years saw a big rise in the number of, jet-airliner crashes. Worse lies ahead. That is spurring a new approach to air safety. When the manufacturers of the greatest numbers of aircrafts mentions that there could be a major air crash once a week by end of 2010, then the time is arrived to start worrying: Boeing has no commercial interest in exaggerating the threat that hangs over aviation. But Boeings bleak forecast has been echoed by others, including the head of Americas Federal Aviation Administration. The steady improvement in airline safety is about to come to an end. In this paper potential areas of improvement and how Aviation Safety Programs can gain its own advantage in the aviation industry will be discussed. Last decade was a particularly bad one for air disasters. Amongst a lot it saw the ValuJet crash in a Florida swamp (killing it), the explosion that blew flight TWA 800 out of the sky off Long Island (killing 230) and a disastrous mid-air collision near New Delhi in India (killing 349) On average, a jet was written off every 9.8 days. As per statistics gathered by Air claims, an aviation-insurance consultancy, there were 75 accidents that completely broke commercial aircraft (jets and small turboprops). These figures include the former Soviet Union. Crashes of big jet airliners-the kind nervous flyers have nightmares about-have raised from an average of 20.6 a year in the 1990s to 25 in the West, and from six a year in the 1990s to 12 in the former Soviet Union. That pushes up the fatality figures. Air claims suggests that "We may now be seeing the early stages of a gradual increase in the annual number of total losses, with the average for the 1990s being generally some10% up on the late 1970s and the 1980s." (Lengrath, 4) Before cancelling their next trip, nervous passengers ought to bear in mind that a rise in the absolute number of fatal crashes is not

The Worth and Purpose of Humankind Defined Essay Example for Free

The Worth and Purpose of Humankind Defined Essay What is Imago Dei? Imago Dei is our worth and our purpose defined. What does it mean that humankind is created in the â€Å"image of God?† In what different ways have theologians defined this term, and what should we understand it to mean today? What difference does it make for those who look to the authority of God’s word, and what implications does this leave us with both now and for eternity? When looking for the definition of Imago Dei, one can look several places. First, one can look to the interpretations of Biblical scholars who have commit their time to studying scripture. Second, one can look for themselves all through the Bible for the definitions and contexts provided. Third, one can look to what the world believes or doesn’t believe about Imago Dei, as is evident in both the injustices and humanitarian efforts of our time. Lastly, one can look at their own life- at what they have experienced and how they have lived their lives and discover what they believe or don’t believe about being created in the image of God. Thus said, I shall begin by answering the question, â€Å"How have Bible Scholars defined Imago Dei?† Most scholars agree with a basic outline of Imago Dei as is found in scripture, but there are several different ways of understanding its context. Theologian Wayne Gruden defines the image of God as â€Å"The nature of man that he is like God and represents God† (Gruden 1244). In Creeds of Christendom, Biblical scholar Phillip Schaff (1819-1893) explains that being made in the image of God means that God intended for us to know him intimately and to be in a reconciled relationship with him. â€Å"Man was originally formed after the image of God. His†¨understanding was adorned with a true and saving knowledge of his†¨Creator, and of spiritual things; his heart and will were upright, all†¨his affections pure, and the whole Man was holy† (Schaff 521). Schaff also notes the importance of knowing God’s design and original plan for us before the f all of man. God intended for us to be just like Him- holy, pure, and righteous in his sight (Schaff 521). Scholars of The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology have defined the â€Å"image of God† as  a fundamental biblical doctrine, an image that is â€Å"sullied by sin and that [is] restored by divine salvation† (Elwell 545). Scholar Millard J. Erickson believes that it is critical to understand who God is and who we are to Him. He says, â€Å"The implications of the image of God should inspire us and set the parameters for our view of all humanity† (Erickson 170). Erickson believes that the image of God goes beyond the substantive, relational, and functional views and that one must draw conclusions from all of scripture. I agree with Erickson that one finds a concise definition of Imago Dei in God’s word. So then, what does scripture say about Imago Dei? After much study of the Bible, Scholar Millard Erickson has outlined the places in scripture where Imago Dei has been best defined and explained. The first is in Genesis 1:26-27: â€Å"Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.† This is recapitulated in Genesis 5:1: â€Å"When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.† Then in Genesis 9:6, we learn: â€Å"Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blod be shed; for God made man in his own image.† Here we see that being created in the image of God implies that we have great worth and our lives are valuable to God. From this verse, we also see that sinful human beings co ntinue to bear God’s image. In the New Testament, the learn about the image of God as we learn about Jesus. In James 3:9, we learn that God hates when we neglect to respect and honor each other, as those who bear God’s image. â€Å"With the tongue we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God.† Much of the New Testament also explains that we are conformed more and more into God’s image- we become more like Him through the process of salvation. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, â€Å"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.† Erickson explains that from searching scripture, Bible scholars and church leaders have come to accept one or more of three views on the Image of God- the substantive view, the relational view, or the  functional view. The substantive view states that humankind has many of the same qualities and characteristics as God. These include the physical, psychological and spiritual likeness of God. The relational view states that we understand what it means to be made in the image of God through knowing him in a personal relationship (Erickson 122). We also better understand who God is and who we are through hum an relationships, such as the love relationship between a husband and wife (Erickson 123). Even more so, we understand the image of God through knowing the person of Jesus- For Jesus is the very likeness of God, and we become more like God through knowing Christ. The functional view holds that we understand who God is and who we are through what we do. In our dominion over creation and in our being commissioned by Christ to make disciples, we do our best to learn about all that God has given us and to honor God with our lives. We learn about God by following Christ’s example and by living a life worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1). This is the basis of what scripture tells us about what it means to be made in the image of God. Does everyone have a basic understanding of Imago Dei, then? What does what is going on in the world today, and the way that most people treat each other reveal about what people believe about this subject? Let us look at both the good and bad social realities of our culture, and ask ourselves, â€Å"What does life look like for those who seek to understand and accept what God says about Imago Dei compared to what life looks like for those who do not know God?† The list of atrocities and injustices through time is endless. One does not have to look far to see the evil that has resulted from people rejecting God and oppressing one another. Slavery, war, greed, and oppression- an ocean of these disasters has swept through time, making every child ask â€Å"why?† and â€Å"how† could this be? Today, still, there are injustices to the human race that are hard to understand. In fact, people look everywhere for answers- to the media, to scholars, to historians, and to their leaders, but their search is in vain. Their hearts are left burning and throbbing. What then has led to the bullying of children, the gossip, and most frightening, the genocides that never cease to degrade the human race and leave us asking, â€Å"Why?† It is this: Man has rejected God and does not know who he is, and in turn, they do not know who  their Creator has intended them to be. The more I see of the world, the more I know I have been spared. In knowing who God is and who he says I am, I have been set free. I am free to forgive, free to love, free to honor, and free to value each person that God has made in â€Å"his own image.† Knowing that every person on earth has infinite worth in God’s sight, so much that he came to earth to die a criminal’s death on a cross for their sins, that they might trust Him and be reconciled to the Him who loves them and treasures them more than they could ever imagine- this changes everything. I have seen the difference that believing the truth about God and about me not only in my own life, but also in the lives all around me. That others â€Å"know we are Christians by our love† is true in not all, but many communities of believers. When I see love that doesn’t look for any in return I know that there is an understanding of Imago Dei. For the sake of the Nations and for the sake of the church, my prayer is that Imago Dei will continue to be understood and lived out, that all might know God and be reconciled to him. What is Imago Dei? Imago Dei is where humankind finds all of their worth. It is what drives our convictions and frees us to love, forgive, and value each other. Theologians explain that the image of God is often understood through the substantive view- that we are like God in having the same physical, mental and spiritual qualities and abilities that he has, the relational view- that we understand who God is and who we are through a relationship with Him and through our relationships with others, and the functional view- that we better understand what it means to be made in the image of God through our experiences and actions, in living our lives for Christ. What difference does it make to know who God is and who he says we are? All of the difference in the world- literally. Works Cited Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Book House, 1984. Print. Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994. Print. Erickson, Millard J, and L A. Hustad. Introducing Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2001. Print. Schaff, Philip. Bibliotheca Symbolica Ecclesiae Universalis: The Creeds of Christendom. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1966. Print.

Edvard Grieg’s Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King :: Art

Edvard Grieg’s Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King When one thinks of the Romantic composers, the names Beethoven, Wagner, Chopin, or Liszt come to mind. Looking even further into the period one sees the names of nationalist composers like Glinka, Tchaikovsky, and Smetana. Unfortunately, there are still many composers of the Romantic era whose music is known, but for some reason there names have grown apart from there music. Edvard Grieg, a Norwegian nationalist composer, is one of these men. Many people would know Grieg’s work â€Å"In the Hall of the Mountain King† if they heard it, but would be unable to tell you who had written it or where the work originates from. Despite his lack of fame in today’s world, his music still is a prime example of the Romantic period and tendencies. Two works in particular are â€Å"Morning Mood† and â€Å"In the Hall of the Mountain King†, both from his Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, despite their very conflicting styles. Edvard Grieg is thought of in the music field as a symbol of Norway. He was born in Bergen, Norway on June 15th, 1843 the fourth of five children. Music interested Grieg from a young age and at the age of six he began piano lessons with his mother. His mother, Gescine Hagerup, was known as the best piano teacher in Bergen and led him firmly, but lovingly into the music field. At the age of fifteen in October of 1858, Grieg left to attend the Leipzig Music Conservatory. He did not have an easy time at the conservatory. During his time there, Grieg suffered an attack of pleurisy that caused permanent damage to one of his lungs. He also had problems with the institutional nature of the school. However, despite the hardships he faced, he graduated from Leipzig at Easter in 1862 with high marks. After graduation, Grieg moved to Copenhagen to broaden his musical scope. While in Copenhagen he met people that would become life long friends and idols. One of Grieg’s first idols, which he met in Copenhagen, was Niels W. Gade, the first great Scandinavian composer. Another of Grieg’s idols was Rikard Nordaak, a fellow Norwegian, whose enthusiasm for all things Norwegian was transferred to Grieg. One of the most important people he met in Copenhagen was his cousin Nina Hagerup. They were secretly engaged in 1864 and married by 1867.