...religion and that conveys their way of life. Religions have many values, beliefs, and aspirations among them. Worldwide many religions are practiced daily although some may be practiced more than others on a daily basis. I have learned about many aspects, values, and what the motive to practicing a certain religion may give to life. To studying certain religions in the classroom to attending churches and services of specific religions I have learned a great deal of information revolving around the true aspects of our worldwide ways of life. Among the few religions I attended in person to view what cultural values, beliefs, and aspects that individuals abided by were the Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, The Greek Orthodox Church, Unitarian-Universalist Church, and Pilgrim Baptist Church. All in which shared different views and progressions on the way of life. The Vietnamese Buddhist Temple I found to be one of the more interesting locations out of all because of the formal one on one interaction with the monk. My impression of the religion and its “world view” from the apparent architecture and artifacts was an impression that actually stunned me because of the precise actions of such an individual. The site conveyed a very neat and high class appearance in the terms of how those individuals live the daily life. The monk was very detail oriented in what he would describe as the Four Noble Truths. The monk made a very intriguing statement saying “You signed a contract to die when...
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...mother and father, two parents of a very strong Christian faith. I was brought up in the church all my life, so the Bible to me is not only considered a guide but a way of life. The Bible doesn’t speak on homosexuality very often when it does, it condemns it as sin. Wahls mentions that, sexuality of his parents was rejected by the Christian faith in which they were both raised. This led them to embrace the more accepting teachings of Unitarian Universalism. This teaching is what they instilled in Wahls, which is why he considers himself a Unitarian Universalist. This is something my Christian faith would not allow me to be, because the teachings of a Christian are much more strict then those of a Unitarian Universalist. In my opinion there are more differences than similarities when comparing my life to Wahl’s life. We were both raised by parents of different sexualities. Wahl’s was raised as a Unitarian Universalist, but I was raised as a Christian. I was privileged to have both my parent’s teach me how to take care of myself. Wahl’s learned how to shave from his best friend’s dad. And he learned how to tie a tie from an article in Playboy. Although I strongly stick to my Christian beliefs, I would never discriminate against anyone for being...
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...November 2014 Unitarian Universalist I had the pleasure of attending a Unitarian Universalist service in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. At first I was intimidated by the thought of attending a religious service because I was not raised in the church, and do not currently practice a religion of any sort. My mentor, knowing my personality, suggested the Unitarian Universalist church. I had never heard of this religious organization before, so after doing some research, I realized that this was definitely the place for me to attend. I was pleasantly surprised by the service, as was my husband who is a diehard atheist. Unitarian Universalism is an organizational embodiment of the extremely liberal religious tradition in the United States (Hemeyer, 2010). The current Unitarian Universalist Association is the result of the Universalists and the Unitarians coming together (Hemeyer, 2010). To better understand the Unitarian Universalist we know today, we are going to look at origins of the Universalists and the Unitarians prior to when they merged. The Universalists believe that all persons will eventually be saved by God, which means that salvation is universal and not restricted to a certain number (Hemeyer, 2010). Universalism was already present by the time of the American colonies (Hemeyer, 2010). John Murray (1741-1815) has been referred to as the father of American Universalism (Hemeyer, 2010). He preached what may be considered the very first Universalist sermon in America in 1770...
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...seven children for a woman of a lower class. During this trying time, the family never wavered from their Congressionalist beliefs and their Puritan background (Hodes). The reason why the beliefs of the Richardson family held precedence over the rest of their daily lives had to do with their ancestors being part of the Puritan settlements (Hodes). The Richardson family held tight to their Congregationalist roots which may have some reason why when Eunice married William Stone at the age of seventeen small problems presented their selves. Once Eunice married Stone, she took up the beliefs of his family. The Stones’ held tight to a Universalist belief which meant that they believed everyone had a chance to receive the gift of salvation, not just the ones who felt entitlement to the gift (Tindall, Shi). Eunice’s new fascination with the Universalist faith...
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...words “I do!” In America there is a growing population that is not granted the right to walk down the aisle or have their relationship legally recognized. Regardless of sexual orientation, everyone is entitled to the same rights. Yet in most states, the estimated 3.1 million same-sex couples in this country (Bernstein, 247) cannot legally marry. The controversial topic of legalizing same-sex marriages is not a matter of heterosexual versus homosexual; it’s a matter of the laws of our nation not providing equality. As a straight Christian female, I object to homosexuality but I don’t pass my judgment on to others. More importantly, as a citizen, I know, religious beliefs Christian or any other have no weight in arguments regarding the laws of this democracy. I am outraged by this injustice in America and it’s seems to me that same sex marriages should by all means be legal. This is considered bureaucratic power. Bureaucratic power is a system of government in which most of the decisions are by state rather than elected officials. There are so many reasons why gay (or lesbian) marriages should be legal in the United States. First, look at the document on which this country was founded on, the Declaration of Independence, which states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, which among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It’s clear to see, this document’s...
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...Marriage and Same-Sex Couples One of the leading political debates in our country today is the legalization of same-sex marriages. The very image of marriage is evolving on an on-going basis due to society and the major changes between society defined unions. In 2003 Webster’s Dictionary changed the definition of marriage to include same-sex marriage. Marriage, as per society, is a special event in almost everyone’s life. Marriage should be about getting married to someone you love. Marriage should be a natural event no matter what sex that person is. It is not just a piece of paper that binds you together; it also involves legal aspects, economic and social issues as well. The focus of this paper will be on these issues and how they are intertwined. When society first started discussing this issue they were set on the fact that it would destroy heterosexual marriage and that it would bring harm to everyone. It has been discussed on every major television program and/or channel. Almost everyone has an opinion on the subject but most will not support it with hard facts. According to revised estimates from the 2010 Census, there were 131,729 same-sex married couple households and 514,735 same-sex unmarried partner households in the United States. In the 2000 Census there were 594,391 households headed by same-sex partners and in 2011. Maggie Gallagher, co-author of “The Case for Marriage,” testified in front of the Senate that gay marriage activists are misrepresenting...
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... Final paper: Interpersonal Relationships Natalie Simmons COM 200 Interpersonal Communication Lakisha Bryant January 23, 2012 Dear Mr. & soon to be Mrs. Johnson: An interpersonal relationship is a fulfillment that every individual needs. In your relationship, you have already made the necessary steps to achieving a meaningful and long-term marriage by seeking advice. Every relationship is not perfect. There will be some barriers that come throughout your marriage, but with awareness and preparation, you can work through them and maintain a healthy relationship for many years. By taking an Interpersonal Relationship course, it has given me the necessary tools to become more aware of relationships and communication with others. Throughout this letter there will be several topics that will prove vital to the success of your future marriage. The principles of Interpersonal communication will help develop strategies for your life, improve empathetic listening, and the importance of managing interpersonal conflicts will serve as a guide to a long and healthy marriage. As a couple, you have made the choice to settle down with the man/woman of your dreams. You have decided that you are going to be married and by seeking advice, you are making the first step to maintaining the love and respect you are so passionate about in your relationship. The first step is: To know the principles and misconceptions in Interpersonal Communications “Interpersonal...
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...Children of Divorce MBrooks University Abstract Within the past 30 years it is safe to say that divorce is an epidemic that has affected about fifty percent of families in the United States. When discussing the topic of divorce, one must think about the many issues they must face in the ‘long term’, and in the present that affects children. Many problems have added to the family’s interaction before the divorce, as well as, ongoing conflict afterward. The stages of divorce affect children in different ways depending on their coping skills in their stage of development. Furthermore, the consequences of divorce may impact the child’s overall sense of security in meeting their most basic needs. Studies have also shown that children’s responses to divorce can attribute to behavioral problems. Children mimic what they see, so reassuring your children is a vital part of getting them through this difficult time. Further discussions will pose positive attributes due to a great support system and having well-adjusted children after divorce. Children of Divorce Vows are exchanged in the presence of our Father, and the verse that changes everything from that moment of promise on is—“a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? Matthew 19:5. ’And, you may kiss the bride…” Blissful couples leave the church with the intention of living happily ever after, not really thinking the statistics are against them from...
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...prefer to know how her child got the nerve to ask such a question? It can not be denied that in today’s time, sex has become a household term. If before it was considered taboo, nowadays, it may be spoken as easily as saying one’s name. In effect, it may now be discussed everywhere by everyone including children. The term is actually not a bad one. In fact, it is a gift from God to any married couple. It is the process by which two people, blessed by God, become instruments of His creation. What makes it a “dirty” thing now is what many young people do to it. Sex has been abused and done by people even at a very young age of 14. This scenario has led to teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, single parenthood, premature marriages, broken families, and eventually, poverty. The only solution the goverment sees that can be deemed possible to curb these incidents is by sex education---teaching sex in basic education. Are we Filipinos ready for this? I do not think so. But have got another option? No, we don’t. We have got no choice. This leads us back to teaching sex in school. But how can this be done? There have to be rules or guidelines that must be implemented in order that the right goals may be achieved and not create more complications. When these have been set, then these will serve as the basis for implementing sex education. First, before sex education is implemented in school, there must be a selection process to be done by the officials of the Department...
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...A seminar was conducted about marriage. At first I was skeptical about the marriage seminar idea because at first we were required to attend, second of all I didn’t know who the speakers were, and last at that time of the day my attention was very slim because of the hussle and bustle of school works. Upon entering the auditorium, I was expecting a marriage councilor or a parish priest to give the talk, but to my surprise it was a couple. They began the seminar by introducing themselves as a couple who has been married for a very long time. Well to me, at least the seminar conductors were experienced and they know what they will be taking about during the seminar. Also, they told us that they conduct the seminar yearly in Don Bosco for a consecutive 8 years already. Upon hearing this, I had a lot of expectations already even before the seminar started. So the seminar started about the whole background of marriage. Of course, there were several scenarios where there are a lot of reasons why a person should or should not get married in the first place. The first thing I remember they told us when they began the seminar is that marriage is not an event, it’s a lifetime commitment. To me the statement wasn’t really a surprise. Being a born-again Christian, I was exposed to the do’s and don’ts of having a relationship. In the seminar, they told us that building a relationship we should always consider marriage. That our reasoning and actions should always lead to a proper and God...
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...Real names of these solo parents were withheld due to confidentiality of their cases. SOLO PARENT 1 Lourdes is a solo parent for almost eight years now. She had an illicit relationship with a married man for 15 years and they had three children – two girls and one boy. Her lover provided Lourdes with monthly allowance when he was still alive. But after his death in 2004, Lourdes became a solo parent to her three children. Unfortunately, Lourdes did not finish secondary education thus; she availed of the food processing training being offered by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to solo parents as well as unskilled women to augment their family’s subsistence. After her training, Lourdes utilized her skills and now she sells homemade Longganisa, Tocino, Tapa, and Leche flan to government offices, schools, and her neighborhood to sustain the family’s income. SOLO PARENT 2 There are various cases of solo parenting in Dagupan City due to a number of reasons such as death of spouse, battering, abandonment, and infidelity. One of these cases is the case of Olive who was widowed at the age of 44 years old and left with four children (two girls and two boys). Olive was married to Armando, a person with disability due to polio and he was self-employed as a shoe repairman along A.B. Fernandez Avenue in Dagupan City. Armando had a habit of drinking alcohol after his work and he usually spent half of his daily earnings to sustain his alcoholism...
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...Office of the City Prosecutor of Pasay City. She alleged that her marriage with respondent in 1978 had not yet been legally dissolved when the latter contracted a second marriage with one Cecile Maguillo in 1991. Issue: Whether the trial court erred in finding that the first essential element of bigamy, which is a first valid marriage contracted by private respondent is wanting. Arguments: Petitioner: Petitioner maintained that the respondent committed an act which has all the essential requisites of bigamy. The prosecution pointed out that the marriage of petitioner and respondent on 18 November 1978 has not yet been severed when he contracted a second marriage on 16 February 1991, for which reason, bigamy has already been committed before the court declared the first marriage null and void on 27 April 2007 Respondent: Respondent moved to quash the Information on the ground that the facts charged do not constitute an offense. He informed the court that his marriage with petitioner was declared null and void by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 16, Naval, Biliran on 26 April 2007; that the decision became final and executory on 15 May 200[7]; and that such decree has already been registered with the Municipal Civil Registrar on 12 June 2007. He argued that since the marriage had been declared null and void from the beginning, there was actually no first marriage to speak of. Absent a first valid marriage, the facts alleged in the Information do not constitute the crime...
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...In the following rational argument, I will support why adultery is unethical. The term adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man or woman and a partner other than the legal spouse (Collins English Dictionary, Dictionary.com). What makes adultery unethical is that it involves the breaking of a promise. One of the vows two parties promise each other when they get married is that they will abstain from sexual relationships with other people. Because of this promise both spouses have the expectation that the other will behave in conformity with it. Thus, when one of the parties has sexual intercourse with a third person he or she breaks that promise about sexual relationships which was made when the marriage was entered into, and defeats the expectations of exclusivity by the spouse. The breaking of this promise leads to the intentional infliction of substantial pain by one spouse to another. The immorality of such things as breaking a promise and deceiving someone and the action of adultery is, in a strong sense of prima facie, wrong or unjustified. According to Raja Halwani, in his book titled Sex and Ethics: Essays on sexuality, virtue and the good life, the unique wrongness of adultery results from adultery being an assault on a person’s self-conception and self-worth as a human being emotionally, sexually and erotically. It is rational to want to sustain one’s love on the basis of how it was formed, namely, through sexual intimacy and...
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...desegregation between races, specifically Blacks and Caucasians. Despite decades of desegregation, cultural and social differences still exists. These differences are present in the institution of marriage. Americans have and are slowly evolving away from segregation. In the past forty years a multitude of changes have transformed schools, jobs, voting booths, neighborhoods, hotels, restaurants and even the wedding altar, facilitating tolerance for racial diversity ( Norman 108 ). Since the 1960's, when the housing discrimination was outlawed, many Blacks moved into mainly Caucasian neighborhoods. The steadily growing areas in the west and south-west are least segregated, because these areas never had the entrenched Black and Caucasian sections of town (Randolph 154). Even more visible signs of desegregation can be seen in the areas of education. A study done by the University of Michigan shows that integration on campuses occurs on a regular basis. The racial lines are crossed routinely; about 50% of Blacks and 15% of Caucasians reportedly study together. Eating patterns also share the same similarities. At a social level there has been a steady convergence of opinion on a variety of racial issues. Since 1972, surveys have asked whether the respondent would favor a law making inter-racial marriages illegal. In 1980 the results showed that 30% of Caucasians and 18.3% of Blacks favor such a law. By 1994, the collected data showed 14.7% and 3.2% respectively. Similar trends have also been...
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.... INTRODUCTION Child Marriage is one of the burning problems of Indian society. In India, despite amended laws advocating 18 as the legal minimum age at marriage for females, a substantial proportion i.e. every third adolescent girl in the age group of 15-19 year is married and every second married adolescent girl has given birth to a child. According to the Registrar General of India (RGI) Report (2001) Rajasthan has the highest (40.8) percentage of females ever married among 15-19 year old girls as compared to India (24.9 %) followed by Bihar (39.6 %), Madhya Pradesh (34.1%), Jarkhand (32.9%) and Andhra Pradesh (32.3%). Among the various districts of Rajasthan, Bhilwara is at the top with 61.9 percent. Reflecting the country’s diversity, few women (12%) marry before age 18 in Goa and Himachal Pradesh, while nearly 57 to 61 percent do so in Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Bihar. Differences by area of residence are also stark: 28% in urban areas vs. 53% in rural areas. Yet, there has been a slow trend toward delaying marriage: Nationally, the proportion of women marrying before their 18th birthday declined by five percent from 1993 to 2006 (50% to 45%).NFHS5 Vicious Circle of Girl Child's NeglectHigh MortalityMal NutritionNon-Preference for Girl ChildLow Expenditure on Health Care of GirlsLow Awareness LevelDowry,Child MarriageLow Literacy Level, Low Investment on Girl EducationVictims of OppressionGirls are socialized from the very beginning to accept the culture of male...
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