Reaction to Household Education

“That every human being is to be made as perfect as possible: and that this must be done through the most complete development of all the faculties”. This is the whole point of the text and one agreed upon by myself. My initial reaction involved the fact that the writer herself must have been educated to engage in this argumentative style of writing and to prove the importance of her message. Infact I was correct, her biography reveals she received a home education.

Maybe a reason for her outspoken nature was due to her fear of her abilities as a woman, a result of the pressure placed on her from children. Her essay seems to be like a social commentary and observed issue that she wanted to address. 

The text is an eye opening matter of equal relevance today as women are easy  and easily undermined professionally and socially by men. Household Education is a very good topic. Even if a woman will not pursue professions of equal to men at least the writers is saying it will help them in the household.

Martineau is saying that you add to the value of the woman by educating her, there is nothing wrong with an educated sensible woman. Education will increase ability of being more attractive.

The footing of women is changed! On a matter of observation, I see more women in college today than men. My father tells me stories, whenever I ask him, of the history of the females in our family- a majority of them were housewives. The writers’ stance on girl’s education on equal terms to boys is amazing especially the fact that she shows no prejudice at all.

Particularly, was more interested her biography; you get the impression she had a very miserable and unfortunate life. That she was a feminist struck me. The writer makes very good arguments for the reason why women should be educated.

 

Nothing much was expected from women in that time and so most women were to get married and take care of the house.

It is outrageous that society is still undermining the ability of the woman as lesser of the species and where men are to be taking hold of society they now appear to falter. Our women are taking hold of education while our men are dying like flies. Funny, the writer sounds allot like Ellen white who believes women should be fit for life’s duty through education.  I believe in Household Education.

The romantic and early realism age of American literature saw writers who focused on this aspect of women rights. It is important because education will add to true beauty and intelligence- beauty of character.

Mythical_Poet

Reaction to Free At Last

The story is written; a third generation runaway slave who had fled bondage In the South for the freedom of the North, but still physically enslaved, in that she is the property of another. The work is surprisingly not an anti-slavery narrative, and the writer does not attempt to argue against the unfair institution of slavery. The writer is disturbed and repulsed by the idea that her freedom should be bought. The reason for this is that she is already unshackled mentally, her reasoning are sound. The forgiveness and strength of her grandmother that leads her wish well for her enslavers, is a character the writer willingly confess to not having and by such the narrative is not a romantic writing. Although her relationship with Mrs. Bruce shows genuine love, kindness and goodness, the writer has her own convictions which she only relents from not being forced but by sensibly reasoning the situation.

She is very independent thinker.

The writer offhandedly, but poignantly questions the institution of Christianity, that could sanction slavery as not only probable but acceptable. The freedom from captivity that the Bible espoused is not for her. She is threatened by a system that passed her down as inherited property. An interesting feature of the essay is that the writer’s education prevents her from freely accepting a purchase of her freedom. She refers to herself as an American a title that the law does not offer her.

But even so the writer is glad for the relief that the purchase of her freedom brings even though she hates the concept. The benefit her purchase brings is greater than the philosophical musing over the concept. She is free and she learns to accept that fact as important. She accepts the gratitude the past attempt that her father and grandmother made to purchase her freedom.

                                                                    

 Although three hundred dollars is a paltry sum for some one’s life it was what was required and paid. The story ends with her devotion to the kindness of a white woman Mrs. Bruce who pities and loves her people. The writer makes it clear that although her story does not characteristically ending in marriage as other stories; she is still free and even has ambitions of providing a house for her children and herself. She is indeed an example of a strong black woman; and she writes beautifully.

Mythical_Poet

2010

The Biblical number four (4)

What is the significance of the number 4 of the Bible? Is it simply an accidental occurrence or is it symbolic of a greater interpretation.  Why is the number 4 stamped all over the book. Here are few examples of mentions of number 4:

 1.  Four gospel accounts of Jesus life (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)

2. Four in the furnace (Shadrack Meshach Abednego and Jesus)

3.   Four children of the book of Daniel (Daniel, Shadrack, Meshack Abednego)

4.   Four seasons (spring, summer, autumn winter)

5.  Four regions of the earth (north, south, east and west)

6.  Four kings named in Daniel (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, Cyrus)

7.   Material creation, all that was created. (3+1=4).

8.   Lazarus in the grave for four days

9.   Noah and his three sons= 4

10. The four rivers in Genesis 2:10-14 (Pison, Eurphrates, Gihon, Hiddekel)

11. Jesus and the three wise men=4

12..  Four divisions of mankind (lands, tongues, families, nation) Rev. 13

13.Four beast Kingdoms in Daniel (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greek, Roman)

14.   On the fourth day of creation God created lights in heaven (sun, moon and stars) with four main functions (for signs, seasons, days and years)

And many more appearances

Brief interpretation:

In the scriptures the number four (4) represents all that’s materially created by God.  It is the act of Gods creative power. Importantly, four is the number that comes after  three.  Three represent the fullness of the Godhead (father, son and Holy Spirit) all separate and united persons of God.  Have you ever wondered why God loves and favors his first born children? Importantly first born doesn’t have to literally mean first begotten. Jesus was firstborn. Adam was Firstborn, Joseph was firstborn- they were all first begotten. Two parents and one child equals three (3). The first child of mother and father, especially male fulfills this threefold unity of God. Adam was the first born of God, he never had a biological mother or father, yet he was a son of God. Jesus is referred to as the second Adam. Jesus never had an earthly biological father, according to the Bible but he came of a virgin woman, yet he is the son of God. All this is saying one thing. One who obeys Gods law is a son of God.

In the context of children of God Jesus was not the only son of God. He was the only son of God who was sacrificed for sin, he gave himself freely but more came before him. Throughout the Bible you see mentions of different sons of God.  In the scriptures, Abraham son of God, Ephraim son of God, Daniel son of God, Jonah son of God, Enoch son of God, Noah son of God, David Son of God, Moses son of God. In-fact all the prophets of God were sons of God because they were righteous men. What was so special about Jesus? I will tell you the truth right now, something that pastors or theologians may not tell you readily, something you see time after time.

Listen

 What made Jesus so special was the life he lived and what he accomplished with Gods help. Jesus did not choose where he was born. Jesus did not choose his parents or land of birth or society or culture or language. Jesus choose to live his life in a positive way pleasing to God. He wasn't wealthy but everywhere he went people knew him and they gave him whatever he needed. He knew how to return a favor and he knew how to deal with people without using money. Sounds like a politician, hmm?He was a very good one! Try to think of anything Jesus did without using his mouth?Where he was born was not important, he rose above the obstacles of his time and his legacy is what he left for us an example to follow. His way of life, is what he choose, when he was tested in the wilderness. I can go on and on but you must figure it out by yourself- open your mind and think outside the box.

Dont let the miracles and signs and 'magic'  confuse you from seeing that Jesus was a man with weaknesses just like you. He got hungry, he cried, he felt pain, he got tired, he feared and he died! He did extraordinary things, 'impossible' things because he believed in himself, he believed in God. Ye, he was a real superman.


The question and am speaking to myself as well; how will people remember you when you are gone; what are you living for; what are you doing with your life?

He was a son of God because he readily obeyed Gods commandment, that’s all there is to it.

John 3: 16 says, and we all know this verse, “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever beleiveth in him should not perish but have everlasting life”. I find only one problem with this verse, the word begotten.

According to the Dictionary, the word begotten is an act of reproduction; it’s an animalistic behaviour that all human beings do to continue. It is a lower act of sex.  God does not have sex, unless he is a man. Biologically that would be impossible unless there is a deeper meaning to John 3:16. The bible mentions repeatedly,

God is a spirit and he is ONE according to Old Testament, no confusion here. In-fact comparing the old and new testament you will see a marked difference in how God deals with people. The God of the old testament punished Israel for  minor  offenses such as working on the sabbath. In the old testament there's a story of a man who was found gathering firewood on the sabbath. Those who caught him brought him to Aaron and Moses. God said to Moses, "he must die, tell the people to stone him"! They took him outside and stoned him to death! (Numbers 15:32-36). What about the 'he who is without sin'? Oh, perhaps he was used an example to intimidate those looking on, if by chance there were any who didnt stone, I guess everyone else was perfect.

If that dont scare you, I dont know what will. But I know God is not a bully even though he killed so many people, right.  On the contrary, the God of the new testament differs greatly in personality, but its the same God, he hasnt changed. Jesus kept referring to the law, law, law. Everything was about the law. In the new testament you see a softer side of God through Jesus Christ who is humble. 

It is almost like a father punishes you for doing something wrong, beating you with a belt. The next day he takes you out for some ice-cream to cool things down a bit. You appreciate the ice-cream and you forget the beating. You fear offending him in the future because he showed you kindness. Why would you risk his beating meeting his other side after he got you ice-cream?

Therefore the number 4 represents God and anything he created materially. Man is also one, Adam was single. We are more like Adam than Jesus- believe it. Adam represents more of Gods creative power than Jesus.  Over centuries it is mankind that developed, structured and populated the natural world, am I right?

Jesus’ function is more of an inspiration, a saving and restoring power. Adam was a normal man. Jesus was not normal according to the Bible, he was God. Jesus represents the potential of every human being to rise to the divine nature of God.  In other words Adam was lower nature, Christ was upper nature. Jesus became what Adam lost through sin.

The old testament God is saying "I run this", "you must do what I say or else" or if you dont do this, look what will happen to you. On the other hand the new testament God is saying, I love you, look how much I love you, look at my mercy, come back to me or else. After all he did say he is a jealous God

John 1:12 says, “to all who received him, he gave the right to become sons of God”

Roman 8:14 says, “All who are led by the spirit of God are the sons of God”

Jesus represents the grace of God, another chance, a second chance. He was perfect

Even though we are Adam (dust) we strive to be like Jesus. But both Adam and Jesus were men.

We want to be better human beings.

Mythical_Poet

dft1

Gods Wisdom

Question: Is all of Gods wisdom in the Bible?

No. It is not possible for all of Gods wisdom to be in the Bible. There is no book with enough space to contain all the wisdom of the almighty one. How? God only put in the Bible what is needed for man to know. There are things that God will not reveal to man, at least not on earth. God is truthful but he also keeps secrets he doesn't want you to know until the time is right. Like how he created the world in six days. And why he allows bad things to happen. Im sure you dont know when you will sleep, God forbid.

For example.the Bible gives evidence of life on other planets, but does not describe this life in detail and the nature of it. Why?God inspired men to create planes and computer technology and cars and electricity- all of this knowledge is not in the Bible, but its still Gods knowledge. In-fact there are things God reveals to Satan but will not reveal to man. Likewise there are things he reveals to man but will not reveal to Satan. Read the book of Job.

There are other books that were written that contain a knowledge of God  not in the Bible. These books do not contradict the Bible but complement it.There are secret things you will learn about God by living long enough in this world, things that are not written in the Bible. And like God you will not be able to tell this secret because nobody will understand. Gods knowledge is always being learned over and over. What do I mean- when one dies another is born.There are things you may never know until the day you die. God reserves his secrets for his servant,-man. Man is the greatest book God ever wrote.

Jesus said,
"I have much more to say to you, but you will not understand. But when the holy spirit comes, he will lead you into all the truth"- John 16:12-13. You better believe it, all of Gods wisdom is not in the Bible, the Bible is not a perfect book. Dont misunderstand and confuse yourself.

Mythical_Poet
2012

Reaction to The Tyranny of things

There must be more to life than gifts and festivities and things! I agree in totality with the writer. Morris’ keen sense of detailed observations are not without a source of inspiration other than- an inward sincerity of being fed up. We came into this world with nothing and we shall leave with nothing. If God gives a man wealth, riches and prosperity he should not worry about how short life is-Ecclesiastes. 

After reading Morris’ biography and carefully examining her essay, it became understandable as to the reason why she wrote the tyranny of things. She was born in New York USA a society with a very materialistic culture. The possession of things seems to be a glory of self and an addictive trait hard to demolish.

She could be sister to Isabella Bird who saw in nature a freedom from the hustle and bustle and clang of San Francisco. Morris celebrates the idea that there is more to life than material prosperity. Culture as we know has a material and non material aspect both of which are good if used appropriately.

There comes a time when we are tired. Everybody gets tired of chasing the wind, earning and spending, buying and selling in a never ending cycle. It is almost like vanity, something to satisfy the soul,s hunger. However, the heart cannot be found in material possession that decays and is no more. True happiness is found only in the simple things of life. The truth is we have made ourselves very complicated!

We make a sacrifice to live a free life but sometimes to  attain what we desire comes with a price. yes.When Christ told the rich man to sell all he had and give it to the poor, he was very sad because he was very rich. Yet in his heart the man knew he wasn’t living right and could not possibly give away what he held on to. He had to make a choice.

            Morris gives a good observation of ‘things’. Our Growing spiritually means that we are to be better than we were ten years ago not beset by childish things. Material possessions are only one small component of life; and the real wealth is wisdom, knowledge and divine understanding which last forever. The control of materialism can only prevent a person from true spiritual growth which is peace of mind


Mythical_Poet
2010 Summer

Argumentative (sample)

Meat should be allowed on Campus- yes or no.

Ms. Tomali, fellow students, good afternoon. It’s obvious my opponent is a meat eater, a meat eater who holds different values than that of the institution.

His reason for being bias is that he loves the taste of meat! He is confused, my reason is that I have accepted and respected the University meat policy.

As an institution of higher learning,  the University believes in the principles of the Bible; and for this reason we use the book as our guideline.

My opponent says that the principles of the Bible are not being upheld, what he fails to understand is that as an institution we cannot force you to follow our way of eating, However, you must accept the policies of the institution.

My opponent says you have a choice; we say, no doubt, you had a choice and you choose to be here, so please respect the policies, simple. Furthermore, according to the University conduct code, signed by all, it says, I quote, “no meat is allowed on campus”!

And, furthermore whoever said fish is meat?

Those of us who have done food and nutrition in the past would know that fish is not meat; it falls below the category of fish.

Jesus gave the people fish and so do we, while it may not be prepared and served at the cafeteria, it is prepared and served at the food center across campus for all who desire.

Importantly, my opponent may not believe in our way of eating but as an Institution, we will not tie him to chair and force feed him. He has a choice 

And finally, my opponent wonders how a man can serve two masters. I leave the choice to you; you decide who is  master and who is servant.

I thank you.

Mythical_Poet

Human Brain Power (Expository)

          Steve Gilman on an internet article is implying that, brainpower is simple put, “Intellectual Capacity”. The Pocket Oxford Dictionary defines the brain as “An organ of soft nervous tissue in the skull of vertebrates, the center of sensation and of intellectual and nervous activity”. In The New Book Of Knowledge Encyclopaedia, the writer claims, “The human brain is the most complex and highly developed of all brains” (336). Similarly affirmed by an internet source, “The human brain is the center of the human nervous system and is the most complex organ in any creature on earth” (Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia). In reality, we human beings possess a magnificent brain; unmatched, unchallenged or unequal to anything ever created. Surely, this ‘self assertive brainiator’ is the most delicate, highly designed and systematic structure in the world. Gilman continues, “Does a million dollars have any real power if it is simply buried in the ground?”  I will return to this question in a moment. The human brain can do many marvelous things; the brain was designed to be powerful. History demonstrates over thousands of years, the use or the effects of this powerful invention. To comprehend brain power, the expression of human intelligence, one would require a whole hearted focus on certain areas of study. So incredible is the brain, so unique is it, so structurally complex its parts, man is unable to deny its power..Thus, to fully understand the human brain power and potential one must combine the Scientific, the psychological and the religious perspective respectively

          Biologically, human Brain Power is evident in the structure, composition and function of its varying components. A dynamic structure supposedly intelligently designed to govern bodily demands is the brain; it is dynamic because of structure. It is stated by one writer, in the book, Life Science “More than ten billion neurons make the human brain. Firstly, the Anatomy of the brain is rather highly complicated, to begin with. In addition to billions of neurons, it is composed of and it also contains water; this organ is located in the skull of the human head. The Cerebrum, Cerebellum and Brain Stem are the three segments of the brain; each united and divided. As a result of its structure and composition many bodily functions are governed by these highly sensitive and complicated cells; the functions of these structures are visible. Research indicates brain neurons are responsible for the electrical charges that stimulate brain activity. Activities ranging from our ability to move, think, memory, hear, talk, taste, smell, balance, see ,sleep touch and even breathing and heart activity are all influenced by brain actions. Because of its “complication” to many scientists worldwide, the human brain is termed a “puzzler” as its mysteries seem impossible to unravel. To support the biological marvel of the brain a quotation is taken- taken from the Book, Exploring Physical Science, “Many attempts have been made to stimulate the activities of the brain..... However, such attempts to unravel the interconnections of the human brain have proved largely unsuccessful”. Trying to figure out the brain is like asking a kid about rocket science. How would he know? It continues, “For now, at least, the human brain still holds its many secrets”. “No one has been able to unravel or unlock all of the brains hidden activities because every time you look you find more” Life Science (359). Basically, you can see that the writers are saying the same thing. Thus, the power of the human brain is proved in three things: its structure, its composition and its functions.

          Previously, we saw that Brain power from a biological perspective lies in its structure, composition and function; the next step involves an analysis of the brain from a psychological perspective. Steve Gilman encourages his readers by saying, “Develop good habits of mind and you will have not just intelligence, but brainpower- the ability to use that intelligence effectively”. A sort of comparison is made between intelligence and the brain. Tom Robbins a United States novelist in a quotation states “If little else, the brain is an educational toy” (1936-) The significance of this statement is that, the whole function of the brain is not merely to retain information but to solve problems, problems for seemingly challenging situations. Like a toy, one has the ability to engage the mind with useful activity. Dr Ben Carson in his book Think Big quotes from a famous philosopher, “the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited”-Plutarch. Dr. Carson is a world-wide renowned Neurosurgeon who believes in the idea of - human brain power. In his autobiography, it outlines that Carson was gifted, in school; his classmates would tease him for being at the bottom of the class. Despite the odds, he weathered the storm and became an intellectual; a genius. Carson didn’t just rise to great success by merely thinking about it; he had to spend countless hours at the library, reading, before he could improve. So, was Carson as dumb as the other students in his class? Or, was he lucky? His case is tremendous evidence of “Brain power”. An example of the amazing fact that the brain has powerful retention capacity is as follows. Taken from an internet article, Brain Power: How Far can we actually reach? “Renowned French Philosopher Auguste Comte used to thoroughly assimilate his thoughts in memory before writing them” in addition , “his memory was so fantastic no book reference was necessary as a source in order for him to complete his six volumes of “ ‘positive philosophy’ ”. The human brain will go where you send. The human brain like Comtes’ can sort from memory your priorities. The human brain is indeed a psychological phenomenon. So now, a clearly analyzed understanding of “brain power” from a psychological perspective has been performed.

          Furthermore, I have previously attempted to demonstrate the essential importance of having a biological and psychological understanding of the brain. However, a religious investigation on the brain systems is useful. The human mind is the law and the law is the human mind. Turn with me to the Bible in the book of Psalms. According to the book of Psalms verse 14, it is said, “For I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (KJV). The interpretation of this quotation whether you believe or not consider it good or bad is that the whole human being including the brain was designed or created with such precision and keen attention to details that we are of immeasurable value . While walking some miles is a joy; running ten miles is a grief! Consider the fact that the animals were created wonderfully, the only thing that would differentiate us from them is our brain! Education, “God created the mind and ordained its laws” (41). This quotation is referring to creation. It is making a statement of declaration, a statement of historical event, a statement of fact. It wants to imply that human beings were intended to function on a spiritual level, function on a dependency to god, and function when the seat of human intelligence is submitted to a divine controller. Brain power is not something that humans originally possess; it is something that was ordained from the beginning. Truthfully, as a result of belief systems, we receive the assurance of unique design, unique value and unique brain power.

          In summary, the brain is like a powerful machine; this machine has the potential for excellence if put to correct use. The first aspect of our study outlined the biological components of the brain as important to understanding brain power. Brain power form this arena is based on the neurons and chemical components of the brain. Next we discussed the psychological perspective and saw how the mind is like a vessel, a vessel that if programmed correctly can be powerful. The final step was to analyze the religious perspective where we learned of a supernatural connection with this marvelous phenomenon. This marvelous phenomenon defends that human beings were created wonderfully with a brain, thus intelligent design being the reason for human brain power. One must unite all three perspectives together. I emphasize the point that human brain power is intellectual capacity. Yes, we do possess a magnificent brain. Human beings and human design and human intelligence and human brainpower are all the same. To answer the question outlined by Gilman from the start, “Does a million dollars have any real power if it is simply buried in the ground?” the answer is yes. Perhaps someone would discover the million dollars, perhaps he would dig it up, and perhaps he may decide to spend it after digging it up. Whether buried or not the value remains the same and only waiting to be discovered.


Mythical_Poet
2009