Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #9: The Incarnation of God: "After viewing 'The Nativity Story', analyzing your chosen Christmas carol, and reading Philippians 2:1-7, reflect on the meaning of Christma..."
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born
The well-known Christmas carol, "Silent Night", is a description of the time of Jesus Christ's birth. It describes Jesus as the 'Saviour' who came from heaven, sent by God, to save the people. In this particular verse, readers can gain a sense that Jesus' birth was miraculous and important, when it emphacizes the fact that, "Shepherds quake at the sight." This shows that the shepherds quaked, or were emotionally moved, at the sight of the birth of Jesus. Secondly, "glories stream from heaven afar" shows that Jesus' birth was a gloried gift sent from heaven. Similar to in Philippians 2:1-7 and in Nativity, in "Silent Night", Jesus is described as being the Saviour of the people, and the Son of God.
Mary's role in Jesus' birth was being the mother. She gave birth to Him, as a virgin.
Joseph's role was to protect and take care of Mary during her pregnancy, and guide her to Bethlehem.
The shepherds were present at the time of Jesus' birth, and adored and praised His presence. One shepherd allowed Joseph and Mary to stay at his stable, the place where Jesus was born.
The Persian astrologers, also known as the three wise men, gave Joseph and Mary the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, when they visited Jesus.
Jesus is described as the Son of God and the child of Mary--who gave birth to Jesus as a virgin, through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is a Saviour for the people, and will eventually die for their sins. In my opinion, I believe God sent Jesus as a baby because this way, he can be portrayed as a humble, innocent person. Also, living the full life of a human being would give Him the full perspective on life, and would allow Him to better relate to God's sons and daughters. This way, He could be a caring and loving God, having close relationships with each and every one of us.
After viewing "The Nativity Story", "Silent Night", and reading Philippians 2:1-7, I believe the meaning of Christmas is to remember, praise, and celebrate God, our Saviour.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives: "Find where Islamic religious beliefs intersect with current events. Research a Western news source on the story and summarize the article fr..."
Western point of view: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/New-Yorkers-Sound-off-about-Mosque-Plans-Near-Ground-Zero-98366594.html
In this article from the Western news source, NBC, the writer seems to hold a very negative impression of the Ground Zero mosque and Islamic cultural center. DeMarco Morgan, the author of this article, claims that people all over New York are "boiling mad at the possibility." This is primarily because the citizens of New York are still emotionally stirred from the effects of 9/11. Barbara Sommer from Brooklyn, challenges, "How can we allow something to eradicated that memory--the pain and suffering." Others, plead that they "are still wounded," and their "hearts are bleeding," demanding that the state should have "tolerance for the 9/11 families. Morgan does address, however, that Muslim Americans are still to this day, feeling pressure for the 9/11 attacks, and challenge that the Muslims behind those attacks were from an small, extreme group of radicals. A vote is to be carried out among the members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission later this summer, to settle this despute.
Islamic country's point of view:
http://www.indonesiafirst.com/2010/08/8780/ground-zero-mosque/
On the other hand, in the article from the Islamic country's point of view, there are no cynical statements on the Ground Zero mosque and Islamic cultural center. Most of the article is informative about Ground Zero, and the World Trade Center's significance in terms of this issue. In addition, it also states that President Obama is strongly supportive of the mosque and Islamic community center. He believes that as Americans, who are committed to a society with religious freedom, Muslims should "have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country." Lastly, this article provides details on the funding, and how money will be raised to build the Ground Zero mosque.
Although both articles were written on the same news story, there were noticeably contrasting themes. First, the article from the Western perspective describes the feelings of the New York natives, who were strongly opposed to this development, while the article from the Islamic country perspective only mentions the opinion of President Obama. Next, the overall tone of the Western article is against the Ground Zero mosque, while the Islamic country article is remains fairly indifferent. Lastly, the Western article includes the fact that there was a hearing held to decide the matter, while the Islamic country article does not mention it at all. Despite the fact that both articles are written about the same issue, interestingly, they are different from each other, because they were written from two different perspectives.
Western point of view: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/New-Yorkers-Sound-off-about-Mosque-Plans-Near-Ground-Zero-98366594.html
In this article from the Western news source, NBC, the writer seems to hold a very negative impression of the Ground Zero mosque and Islamic cultural center. DeMarco Morgan, the author of this article, claims that people all over New York are "boiling mad at the possibility." This is primarily because the citizens of New York are still emotionally stirred from the effects of 9/11. Barbara Sommer from Brooklyn, challenges, "How can we allow something to eradicated that memory--the pain and suffering." Others, plead that they "are still wounded," and their "hearts are bleeding," demanding that the state should have "tolerance for the 9/11 families. Morgan does address, however, that Muslim Americans are still to this day, feeling pressure for the 9/11 attacks, and challenge that the Muslims behind those attacks were from an small, extreme group of radicals. A vote is to be carried out among the members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission later this summer, to settle this despute.
Islamic country's point of view:
http://www.indonesiafirst.com/2010/08/8780/ground-zero-mosque/
On the other hand, in the article from the Islamic country's point of view, there are no cynical statements on the Ground Zero mosque and Islamic cultural center. Most of the article is informative about Ground Zero, and the World Trade Center's significance in terms of this issue. In addition, it also states that President Obama is strongly supportive of the mosque and Islamic community center. He believes that as Americans, who are committed to a society with religious freedom, Muslims should "have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country." Lastly, this article provides details on the funding, and how money will be raised to build the Ground Zero mosque.
Although both articles were written on the same news story, there were noticeably contrasting themes. First, the article from the Western perspective describes the feelings of the New York natives, who were strongly opposed to this development, while the article from the Islamic country perspective only mentions the opinion of President Obama. Next, the overall tone of the Western article is against the Ground Zero mosque, while the Islamic country article is remains fairly indifferent. Lastly, the Western article includes the fact that there was a hearing held to decide the matter, while the Islamic country article does not mention it at all. Despite the fact that both articles are written about the same issue, interestingly, they are different from each other, because they were written from two different perspectives.
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