Study On Faith Seeking Understanding Theology

Study On Faith Seeking Understanding Theology Daniel L. Migliore in the book he authored, the 2nd edition of Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology, made an effort to strengthen the fullness of Trinitarian faith and its relational understanding of God, creation, reconciliation, and consummation. It is an expanded and updated version to the earlier edition which presents a foreword to Christian Theology that is both critically respectful of the classical theological tradition and critically open to the new voices and emphases of recent theology. As an introduction to Christian Theology, Faith Seeking Understanding contains fundamentally theological themes which are catholic in nature and critical of the beliefs and way of living of the faith community. Its basic coverage makes it suitable to first readers in theology and its criticism from the liberal theologians point of view recommends reflection to renew and rethink the beliefs and practices of traditionalists or of those who observe the beliefs and practices they had but have totally forgotten the core message of what they believe and practice. In line with the spirit of optimism, humility of heart and open-mindedness, the criticisms employed, having their respective criterion, entails a challenge to rediscover the journey of faith. Upon reviewing it, one was reminded that a believer in the true sense is a learner who constantly looks for the truth and searches for the way. As the impetus of various theological movements became obvious, the first edition of the Faith Seeking Understanding was born in the immediate context of the mainline Protestant church in North America. The authors reflections on the inseparability of faith and practice were formed in a small Presbyterian congregation in Pennsylvania. Unsatisfied with its inadequacy in the present human situation of widespread anxiety and insecurity, Migliore brought to existence these updated and expanded edition. This was done to respond to the need of the church especially in times of crisis where clarity of conviction and purpose is certainly necessary in this time of uncertainty. In order to obtain a better understanding of the values it points, one needs to notice where the author with his reflections is coming from. Three methods were utilized and influenced its contents in one way or another. First, theology was presented in a way that highlighted the Word of God posing questions to man. Second, theological questions were formulated by an analysis of the human situation in a given period as seen in its philosophy, literature, art, science, and social institutions. Lastly, praxis approach of liberation theology is apparent. Faith Seeking Understanding discusses the importance and purpose of the pursuit of faith for understanding. Here and now, faith sees only dimly and the questions of faith abound. There are events that will challenge our beliefs and practices which may, at the same time, open us up to a praxis that may overcome evil and suffering, violence and ambiguity. Faith seeks understanding not for the sake of obtaining knowledge but seeks wisdom that will illumine life and practice of Christian virtues. It is not speculative knowledge! Quoting various philosophers, theory without practice is empty, practice without theory is blind. When faith is rethought and understanding of it is sought, its purpose and meaning gains clarity. The author provides sources from which believers may claim to have knowledge of God in relation to human condition. It does not confirm what we already know about Him rather utterly surprises and disturbs a believer. God reveals himself but remains hidden. As Tersteegen states, A God comprehended is no God. Understanding of faith does not mean to know all the known and the unknown but the application of what was understood in service of God and his creation. Although man cant fully understand God or faith, the seeking is not a waste but leads one to become a better person with better understanding and better witnessing with an open mind and a humble heart. The Triune God revealed and celebrated in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit attested by the Sacred Scripture viewed through the eyes of those who are suffering and weak connects the main points. It tells the reader that the understanding of God is always an initiative of God! Mans is a response. The tradition of faith is interpreted from its center, in Jesus Christ, allowing Him to become a transforming power in human life. Faith seeks development not in theory but through personal encounter and witnessing of God sought through faith. This lays down the liberating love that creates a new community. In this time of crisis, in a world characterized by violence, nuclear threats, ecological crisis, spiritual confusion and what not, a right understanding of the confession of faith in God the Creator is perhaps more important today than ever before. A Christian faith that seeks understanding clearly emboldens, sharpens and makes patent its identity respecting the character of other religions. Understanding may be achieved through attentive and trustful reading and hearing of the witness of scripture in company with other members of the people of God. Faith Seeking Understanding truly captured its purpose of reexamining faith in order to appreciate it fully and become an active and responsible believer who consciously recognize our identity as we freely respond in faith and in joyful hope of discovering the truth of what was handed to us and what was hidden from us. This will help us posses a new perspective and a new criterion of understanding. There is so much to discover in faith thus the use of intelligence is essential to avoid reducing faith into a euphoric feeling. There is lot of things to learn about the Triune God thus we are in need to intensify our witnessing of charity. As Pope Benedict XVI states in his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei, Faith is choosing to stand with the Lord so as to live with him, this standing with Him points towards and understanding of the reasons for believing. Faiths real prize is not realized until its worth is examined. Faith Seeking Understanding by Daniel L. Migliore proves to be a timely response to the signs of the time as the world encounters crisis of ambiguity and precariousness. The honesty of the author is to be commended for there is no pretension as he acknowledges that some topics remain broken and incomplete. However, it is also just to subject the criticism of the author into criticism for he is also doomed to human condition. In addition, Catholic readers should remember the background of the author to reconsider the apparent biases towards Catholicism.

Julius Caesar Essay -- essays papers

Julius Caesar Expository Essay The decisions that one man makes can determine the length of life. Rome has many people that have the characteristics to be great leaders. Antony is a manipulative man, Brutus is an honorable man, and Octavius is a quiet strength. All three men would do an excellent job in leading Rome. Antony is a manipulative man. This is shown throughout the play in several cases, but most prominently at Caesar’s funeral. â€Å"I thrice presented him a kingly crown which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?† (III, ii, 96-96). Antony is very cleaver in the way that he presents his case to the people. He uses rhetorical questioning to show the people that Caesar was in fact not ambitious. Antony also played on the people’s greed, to influence them to his side. â€Å"I found it in his closet; ‘tis his will/and they would go kiss Caesar’s dead wounds†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (III, ii, 129, 132-133). Antony is very smart in the way he does this. He knows how to talk to the people to get them to believe his side of the story and revenge Caesar’s death. Likewise, Antony is conniving. He uses this strength by flattering Brutus, and falsely befriending the conspirators into letting him speak at Caesar’s funeral. â€Å"I doubt not of your wisdom. Let each man render me his bloody hand.† (III, i, 200-201). Antony presents his case in such a way that Brutus and the other conspirators think that he is on their side, when in fact he really is going to turn the common people against them to revenge Caesar’s death by creating a war. Furthermore, Brutus is an honorable man giving him the chance to be a great leader. Brutus is an idealist man , who is optimistic about assassinating Caesar. â€Å"Grant that, and then is death a benefit. So are we Caesar’s f... ... the only way to honor his dead uncle was to revenge his death. Even thought Octavius is the quiet strength of the second triumphant, he displays his leadership qualities and respect for others in a diplomatic way. In conclusion, throughout the play Rome has a source of people who would make excellent leaders and guide Rome to victory. Antony is seen as being a manipulative man and proves that nothing will stand in his way to revenge his friends death. Moreover, Brutus proves that he is an honorable man by keeping his motives pure and standing by his story that he truly loved Rome more than Caesar. Likewise, Octavius played a small roll as a quiet by-stander, yet proved his point that he will not stand for being push around in any sort of matter. Antony, Brutus, and Octavius learn that the decisions they make today could very well be their death of tomorrow.

Applying Branding Techniques Essay

Introduction The Brand Techniques simulation is based on cosmetic company’s building of a new brand. Ca’Shara is a United States based cosmetic manufacturer and marketer of skin care, hair care, and make-up. Ca’Shara has an established brand presence and known for quality products. The recent consumer interest in natural products has made Ca’Shara management decide to cater to this segment of the cosmetic market. The company has decided on a 5,000 year old health care system from India called Ayurveda. As the newly appointed Brand Manager, I will be responsible for building the new brand Three executives gave their expert advice in the decision making process throughout the simulation exercise. They were Tina Trotter, Head of Sales; Monique Knight, Brand Consultant; and Jim Reding, Country Manager. Perceptual Map The simulation give the psychographic profile of the Ayurvedic customer as Caucasian to African American, age 18-35 with an income of $50,000 or higher. The consumer survey shows the customer base largely holistic and classy with a combined 55%. Meaning they like the natural base products and exclusive products. The principles of Ayurveda are explained as the Three Doshas. This is important to understand because it shows the three skin types the new brand will target. This will be dry, oily, and irritable. The brand position choice made was high on both holistic and classy and titled Enduring Secrets from the East. This was incorrect. The correct choice was high holistic and low classy. Correct title is Perfect balance, mind and body. The reason for the choice was because of the psychographic percentages only contained a slim difference in weighted value. I didn’t realize this choice meant the brand would need to carve out a new niche instead of competing against another company’s products. The choice made meant the perception of the product would be set as a lofty, unreachable goad of  perfect in every way alleviating all concerns and possible disadvantages. Brand Name, Logo, & Slogan Two choices were made correctly using the focus group information. The brand name chosen was Natural Balance because it aligned with the brand positioning. Logo number 2 was chosen because of the market survey’s information. The logos green color and curves match the preferences of the focus groups. The shape gives the feel of feminine soft. The slogan of A Return to Nature was chose, but was not the best choice as it was similar to a competitor’s slogan. This choice doesn’t allow the brand to stand alone and differentiate itself in the market. It could dilute the brands identity. According to Cron.com the choosing of a name, logo, and slogan are nearly as important as the products sold. â€Å"If you choose your name and logo well, they will stay in your customers’ minds and remind them of the value your company offers. In fact, a well-chosen name and logo can help you to stand out amount the competition. Your customers will instantly think of your memorable business name and logo whenever they are in the market for your products or services.† For this very reason, the slogan that is similar to another like product is a grave error. Brand Associations- The Final Look Now we are down to choosing the brand associations. Who will promote and what events or causes will be align our brand with? The focus groups chose Maria Switzer as the spokesperson. They also pointed to two functions of interest, Partner with GreenEco and providing grants to women’s trust funds. These choices used $27,300 of the allotted $34,000. Total cost of these choices is $327,000 and under budget. It makes sense for a product that is built around natural ingredients to be associated with an environmental group like GreenEco. It also shows the company’s long term commitment to the environment. The choice of providing grants to women’s trust funds is a choice that gives back to the community in a broad spectrum. The customer base can see where they may see benefit locally for the dollars they’ve spent. The choice of Maria Switzer was that of a strong, independent female with her own sense of style. The public’s view of longevity is associated with this individual’s unique persona. Beyond the Simulation The simulation was good about applying the principles of brand positioning, but there are more ways to make your product stand out among similar brands. One additional aspect is to show ownership. The simulation had a spokesperson picked, but customers like to be able to identify an owner. This is true for large and small company’s ability to stand out from the competition. Knowing the face behind the product is important to keeping the consumer engaged. Per the SBA, â€Å"Businesses really thrive when the energy of the owner is there.† A good example was Steve Jobs involvement with Microsoft. Small businesses can equally benefit from the consumer having a face behind the product or service. It lets people know the owner is involved and active with the business. Another way to have stood out was not only the shape of the container, but to have the container recyclable, biodegradable, or refillable would have been a good aspect to have. This would further appeal to the profile of being environmentally friendly and support the GreenEco cause the brand is supporting. The brand in the simulation, Ayurveda, immediately had a sense of well-being and soothing associated with the brand. Not only is it not irritating to the individual’s skin, but the environment too. The brand was immediately associated with everything â€Å"green† in today’s society. Service vs. Tangible product Had the simulation used a service instead of a tangible product application there would have been no real difference. A brand is in the minds of the consumer. It is setting or understanding their perception of the product or service offered. Conclusion The simulation was an excellent tool in learning and applying the branding techniques. It was only after wrong decisions were made and explained, that I understood why they were incorrect. At that point they seem obviously wrong. Making sure to use the differences of a product or service is the key to finding a niche and making a product stand out among the masses. References Chron, retrieved March 9, 2014 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/choose-company-name-logo-2348.html SBA retrieved March 9, 2014 from http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/10-tips-help-you-build-and-grow-stand-out-small-business-brand

Balanced Literacy Literature

Balanced Literacy Literature Pennypacker, S. (2006). Clementine. New York, NY: Hyperion Book CH. The book entitled Clementine is written by Sara Pennypacker. It dwells upon the life of the girl, Clementine, who is very active, resourceful, helpful, creative, responsive and kind. It is possible to state that Pennypacker (2006) depicts an average child who is trying to find her way in the world (performing at school, developing relationships with peers and adults). Adults try to make Clementine follow their rules.Advertising We will write a custom annotated bibliography sample on Balanced Literacy: Literature specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, this girl has her own logic. Pennypacker (2006) uses first person singular which makes the book very intimate. The author tells the story in the way Clementine (a little girl) sees it. Admittedly, this book can be regarded as a great reading for 3-graders. Students will eagerly read the book to find out more about the girl who is just like them. Apart from being a good book for practicing reading and writing skills, the book is also didactic. Students can associate themselves with the cheerful girl and learn many important lessons. Thus, students will be able to develop their reading and writing skills and, at the same time, they will be able to develop appropriate behavioral patterns. Haddix, M.P. (2007). Dexter the Tough. New York, NY: Simon Schuster Children’s Publishing. The book written by Margaret Haddix (2007) and entitled Dexter the Tough is concerned with quite a difficult period in the life of Dexter, the protagonist of the book. Dexter has to handle many difficulties. Thus, his father is getting some cancer treatment and his mother has to spend a lot of time in the clinic. Dexter has to live with his grandmother and has to attend a new school. Of course, Dexter sees everything in the worst light as he is overwhelmed by quite serious problems. Even the cheerful teacher evokes ra ther negative feelings in him. Haddix (2007) tells a story of a child who faces certain problems. Thus, the book will be a good treat for children who find themselves in similar situations. The book provides certain answers which can help children find their own ways to overcome their difficulties. Thus, Dexter understands that his behavior is quite inappropriate. He also learns to develop proper relationships with his peers. He also finds a friend. This friendship helps Dexter to change his outlook. The book is a good source to use in the 5th grade. Students will be interested in the plot and at the same time they will develop their reading and writing skills. The two books mentioned above can be used in a balanced literacy classroom. As far as Clementine is concerned, this book can be used to practice all components of a balanced reading program. Thus, the teacher can read some passages aloud to make the students acquainted with a model of fluent reading. The book is suitable for developing vocabulary as well.Advertising Looking for annotated bibliography on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, such topics as home, classroom, school, etc. can be developed. It is also possible to develop silent reading. The teacher can ask the students to read some passages aloud for the class. It is also possible to act out some passages: a student reads Clementine’s words, a student reads Margaret’s words and so on. Furthermore, the students can practice retelling. Thus, the teacher can ask the students to read some parts of the book at home. The students will retell these parts during the next class. Finally, the teacher can ask the students to write short essays on the book. For instance, the students can write what it means to be attentive. They can also write about Clementine. They can try to reflect upon her behavior and her relationships with Margaret. They can also try to com pare Clementine with someone they know (or with themselves). As far as Dexter the Tough is concerned, the book can also be used to develop reading and writing skills. In the first place, the teacher can ask some students to read passages aloud for the rest of the student. Furthermore, the students can be asked to scan certain passages to retrieve the major idea of the passage. The book can also be used to work on vocabulary. Thus, while working on a particular part of the book, the students can be asked to write out all adjectives or verbs they can find in the passage. It is also possible to practice saying synonyms and opposites. Thus, the students can try to replace all adjectives with their opposites, or they can try to put as many adjectives to a particular word as they can. As for writing skills development, the book can be very helpful. For instance, the teacher can ask the students to evaluate Dexter’s actions at school or focus on his thoughts. The students can reflec t upon Dexter’s problems and the ways he chooses to cope with his problems. They can try to express their opinion and suggest the best solutions. The teacher can also ask the students to reflect upon their difficulties and the ways to overcome them.Advertising We will write a custom annotated bibliography sample on Balanced Literacy: Literature specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References Haddix, M.P. (2007). Dexter the Tough. New York, NY: Simon Schuster Children’s Publishing. Pennypacker, S. (2006). Clementine. New York, NY: Hyperion Book CH.

From Hell Chapters 4-8 Essays

From Hell Chapters 4-8 Essays From Hell Chapters 4-8 Essay From Hell Chapters 4-8 Essay A significant portion of Chapter Four of From Hell consists of the main character, Doctor William Gull, traveling through the city of London with his driver, Netley. The journey through the city contained a lot of history that seems to be very important to Dr. Gull, like the architecture of the building; he is obsessed with how these buildings came to be and the story behind their creators. Gull’s focus in a lot of these structures associates with the history of the oppression of women. He describes to Netley how women once ruled the world and men were their subjects but eventually men revolted and have had the upper hand in society ever since. Gull is fixated on this part of history and it is essential to him that women will never have power again, which is partly why he is following the orders of the queen. He shows his obsession when he boldly states that â€Å"chaining womankind thus must be reinforced, carved deeper yet in History’s flesh, enduring ‘til the Earth’s demise†(Moore 25). This understanding of history leads him to take his journey around the city of London with Netley. Towards the end of the chapter, Gull forces his companion to connect the dots of the locations they’ve been to on his physical map. The stops on his map reveal a star, shown on page 36, which is connected to Freemasonry, the worship of nature and man and Satan. Earlier in the chapter, Gull retells the history of multiple murders in a specific building and hypothetically asks if the motive behind these murders were â€Å"a ritual act, to shape society†(29). This foreshadows the malevolent acts that will happen shortly to women because he abhors them. Readers can assume that his future actions will be evil, but his motives are to reshape society and keep the blackmailing prostitutes from destroying it. At the beginning of Chapter Five, from pages 4 to 15, both the lives of Dr. Gull and Mary â€Å"Polly† Nicholls are simultaneously shown on the same :

Philosophical aspects of qualitative research Essay

Philosophical aspects of qualitative research - Essay Example Philosophical tenets influence qualitative research in relation to data analysis, data collection approach and research questions. Philosophical aspects of social science are applicable in qualitative research. Qualitative research in social science involves focusing on exploring of ideas, meanings, patterns, inconsistencies and the nature of conflicts in individual’s behaviors and thoughts (Bryman, 2009). The technique provides a technique of eliminating cases of bias in interpreting data. A core value in the use of qualitative research is that it is interpretative and interactive. Philosophical theories are applicable in qualitative research influence the process of data analysis, the general approach to data collection and formulation of research questions. In qualitative research, the data analysis aims at finding understandable output. The focus of the analysis is not in simplification of figures, but it concentrates on giving the figures, some meanings (Hammersley & Traianou, 2012). The approach used in the data collection process greatly affects qualitative research techniques. The nature of the data collected in quantitative research must be in a form that is easy to interpret. Qualitative research questions often lead the researcher towards obtaining information that explains the human behavior. They assist in obtaining information that explains why and how certain phenomena occur in an individual’s

Best Buy business problem and technology solution Essay

Best Buy business problem and technology solution - Essay Example This paper also details technological solutions to enable and to augment the proposed business solutions to get Best Buy back on its feet financially and strategically. These technological solutions are the use of an ERP system or the enhancement of the existing ERP system to make the supply chain more efficient; and the use of data analytics to better understand buyer behavior and preferences (Crosby, 2014; McIntyre, 2014; Zacks Equity Research, 2014; Google, 2014). Best Buy is a retailer of electronics products for consumers, products for computing and for cellular communications, related products for entertainment, home appliances, and the services that are tied to their merchandise. Best Buy is a multinational concern. Aside from owning physical retail outlets spread out in its key geographic markets, Best Buy also has several web properties as well as call centers. Its e-commerce platforms include The Phone House, Future Shop, Magnolia Audio Video, Geek Squad, Pacific Sales, Best Buy Mobile, Five Star, The Carphone Warehouse, and Best Buy. The company divides its operations as a multinational between the United States market on the one hand, and the international market on the other, with the latter made up of its combined operations in Mexico, Europe, China and Canada. In these different latter markets Best Buy employs different subsets its stable of brands. For instance, in China, Best Buy makes use of its Five Star Brand, while in Europe Best Buy has traction as The Carphone Warehouse, Geek Squad, and The Phone House. The US market is comprised of six product segments or categories, namely mobile telephony and computing, services, electronics for consumers, the appliances segment, entertainment products segment, and the others segment. The entertainment division offerings include digital downloads of media, as well as DVD and CD sales, together with Bluray sales. Services include after sales and