Annotated bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Annotated bibliography - Essay Example The Truth and reconciliation process offers restorative form of justice that seeks to repair and solidify relationships between conflicting parties, victims and the general society. Restorative justice differs from retributive justice as it does not recognize punishment for those found guilty of facilitating conflict. The purpose of TRC in championing truth and reconciliation process is to determine and unveil truth to the public regarding the issues behind a particular conflict. Truth and reconciliation process therefore seeks to facilitate acknowledgement about a certain conflict, public mourning, healing and forgiveness among the people. In light of the above, Derek Rasmussen’s recommendation of reconciliation to forgive remains the only viable and practical way to achieve restorative justice, which is the basis of truth and reconciliation process. This is a news article written by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in reflection of the factors that led to the creation of the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The article also identifies and recognizes commissioners appointed to serve in the TRC. According to the article, the move by the Canadian government through court to establish TRC related to the need to reconcile and console aboriginal Canadians who suffered in the Indian Residence School. The mandates of the TRC as indicted in the article were to investigate the reasons that led to the creation of the IRS system of learning and its impacts on the children. The article also reveals series of resignation by chairs of the committee as one of the challenges TRC of Canada faced. This article defines a very important material in facilitating the study bearing the clear information it depicts. Its importance to this study also relates to succinct definition and description of truth and reconciliation process as well differentiating restorative from retributive forms of justice. This article is an interim report of the

Political science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 12

Political science - Essay Example This paper assesses the success and shortcomings of the Oslo process from the Israeli point of view. This will help to learn lessons, which can be adopted in future political processes between Israeli and Palestine. In order to assess the success and shortcomings of the Oslo process from the Israeli point of view, it is important to consider the national goals of Israel. According to Brom (92), the national goal of Israel is to have full Israel sovereignty over all parts of the historical land of Israel. Basing on this, it can be argued that the Oslo process failed, since it contradicted the main national goal of the Israelis. This process then, according to Israelis, was flawed. It was quite clear that in order for the Oslo process to ensure an agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians, the territory of the historical land of Israelis had to be divided between the Palestinians and Israelis. In addition, the national vision of Israelis to ensure the existence of Israel as a democratic nation state of the Jewish people. Therefore, Israel expected that any political process with Palestinians would be based on their principle of two states for two peoples (Brom 93). However, this vision is considered unrealistic, and today, Israel is far away from achieving this vision. Nonetheless, the Oslo process failed in ending the status quo. Today, Israel is still pushing towards the achievement of a bi-national state, as it still retains the West Bank, and continues to expand its settlement enterprise. The Oslo process did not ensure the security of Israel. During the process, Israel had to take security risks. For instance, when Palestinian labourers were allowed to work Israel, this was a security risk to Israel (Brom 95). It is also believed that the Oslo process encouraged the Palestinians to embrace violence and resist the occupation of Israeli through armed protests. Therefore, the Oslo process gave the

Impact of Ethnicity on Politics

Impact of Ethnicity on Politics Introduction: The concept of Ethnic Identity and the resulting Politics is a somewhat recent development. History is full of examples where certain ethnic group got together and won over other ethnic groups for exploiting and snatching the assets of the other group. The battle for supremacy has exploited the ethnic ties in groups for their own benefit. The American Civil War – as is evident today – is a variation of this type of conflict. The crusades undertaken by Christians – however unchristian that may be – is also coming under this category. Today the politicians are roping in ethnic groups to strengthen their rank and file so that they can exploit the number game of today. The invasion of India by Babur, the first Moghul Emperor, was an ethnic groups’ invasion of a foreign land where the things needed by the group were available. The Moghul Empire, after a shaky start, lasted out for a few centuries. Hence, the fact Ethnic psychology played a significant role in shaping the history of the world is common knowledge. However, there must be something more in these group affiliations which is beyond religion, caste, creed or even culture. This paper examines the possibility of some basic reasons like economics, common threats, recurring frustrations or uncertainty factors which evolve an ethnic group and their contribution for stimulating political activities. Discussion: Every ethnic group shares not only a culture, religion, caste system etc but they also face certain common hostilities, frustrations and drawbacks which they want to overcome. These days there is no way other than politics by which they can make their statement heard and acknowledged by the concerned people. In the past whenever there was any common threat to a group they combined under an umbrella which later came to be called an ethnic group. In most of the cases it was religion but fact remains the group maintained solidarity by some thread only to fight against the threat facing them. There have been a number of ‘terrorist attacks’ all around the globe and in almost all these cases the roots are traceable to certain factions of a religion. The threats faced by these groups are numerous but it cannot be denied that the ethnicity factor had become dormant and the political ambition has become dominant. A case in point is that of the Gorkhas in the eastern part of India. It is well known that the Gorkhas are Mongoloid in origin but as far as religion goes most of them are either Hindus or Buddhists. They have an identity of their own but are supposed to play a secondary role in the body politic of India in general and West Bengal in particular. They claim to be affiliated to certain tribes and have been living in the remote hilly area for generations. Some clans are traceable to Chine uplands and are just not compatible to the society and culture of the main land India. These people, who have earned distinction by their services under the Royal British Army, have a very gallant regiment under the Indian Army. They are known to be very tough and brave in all assignments they are given. Yet they have started feeling that, outside the Indian Armed Forces, they are being deprived of their rightful claim to all the facilities due to them. As far as education goes they are not given any preference, all the important jobs in their home country of Darjeeling and adjoining areas are being given to the main land people. Thus they are now demanding that they should be giving a separate state under the Indian Constitution where they will be able to protect the interest of the hill people. This is a glaring example of ethnic politics. This ethnic group is trying to maintain its identity by resorting to politics whereby they are trying to protect the interest of the ethnic Gorkhas. In the past they have used all the means available to them – strikes, non-cooperation, work stoppages and even violence in many cases so that their demands are at least heard if not met. The situation has become so serious that the tourist traffic to the hills has plummeted to the rock bottom causing great harm to the state’s exchequer. However for the last forty years they have been given no consideration at all and the successive state governments have only made a mockery of their demands. Tall promises have been made but not a single action has been initiated for addressing their demands – most of which are towards protecting the rights of the ethnic Gorkha. The cultural background of the Gorkha people is significantly different from that of the main land population. Their way of life, social bonding and group affiliation has ensured that they project themselves as a different lot and therefore the ethnic political actions have created a significant impact on the total nation. People all over the country have slowly but surely started realising that the Gorkha people have a point to state. The major political parties are trying to woo their support in gaining advantage and clout in all local elections and other related issues. Thus they are now on the threshold making a big impact on the Indian political scene. Due to their geographical location they cannot think of going with the Chinese set up and the Indian politics has been dragging its feet in giving them their rightful claim. The ethnic identity has led to a significant polarisation of the political forces and may be in some occasion in the not too distant a future the identity of the Gorkhas are accepted and accommodated in the body politic of the Indian sub continent. When this long awaited eventuality takes shape it will once again vindicate the thinking that ethnic identity has a significant role to play in the political ambience of a place. The present day Gorkha movement is a clear validation of the existence of ethnic identity influence on the political development of an area. It may once again be recalled that the visible and manifested problems of the Gorkha people are just an expression of their frustration and anger at being deprived of the due facilities which is their rightful claim. The ethnic display of social bonds, cultural affinities and religious leanings are all but a manifestation of basically economic factors. This has been mobilised into an ethnic identity for influencing the politics of the place. Conclusion: The involvement of ethnic issues into creating any political identity is as old as history. However the truth is that the form and feel of such identity Politics on ethnic grounds has undergone a metamorphosis over time. The social, political, cultural, and racial aspects are all traceable to some common threat and frustration faced by the people. Such instances are countless in all countries but the issue of Gorkha people fighting to have their home land (on which certain knowledgeable write-ups were available) was chosen to highlight the main issues in the ethnic identity in politics. Here also the underlying reason for such consolidation of peoples will, could be traced to essentially economic and deprivation issues. Thus so long there are reasons to feel frustrated people will unite – amongst others – under the ethnic identity and try to wrench out political advantage from the authorities. Crowding under the ethnic banner for an identity and visibility will continue to be a dominant force in shaping the political situation of the world in the days to come.

An Application of Relational Dialectics Essay -- When Harry Met Sally

An Application of Relational Dialectics Leslie Baxter and Barbara Montgomery are interested in the communication that occurs in close relationships. I am going to focus on the three relational dialects which consist of connectedness-separateness, certainty-uncertainty, and openness-closedness. These three dialects are central to Baxter's and Montgomery's theory but they want to go more indepth than previous theorists have on these specific dialects. I will discuss this theory in the context of "When Harry Met Sally." Connectedness-Separateness: Billy Crystal plays "Harry," a man who believes that women and men can not be friends. Men always have sex on their minds so it interferes with the chance to be plutonic friends with women. He shows a separateness from women because he doesn't want to get to close to Meg Ryan who plays "Sally," a woman who believes the exact opposite. Their relationship starts out with contraditions and continues throughout the movie. As years pass, they meet up with one another again and continue their argument over the relationship between men ...

US Military Scandal

Weber Miscarried University In today's world a topic that is becoming more popular by numerous infamous scandals is that of business ethics. With companies and businesses alike now realizing that their consumers care about how the operations work in the company can affect their sales they are becoming more aware of how to run operations ethically.Although it is every groups goal to run plans ethically there are still many instances in which they fall short of this bar, whether it be because of greedy influences or being unaware of the laws it is a dilemma that must be approached wisely and handle with care. While most scandals involve a corporation or business while scanning the Internet I came across one that really caught my attention, a scandal within the US Military about cheating on tests, drug use, and the mishandling of missiles.First news broke about this scandal in early January when the Air Force reported its open investigation of unknown exam cheating and scandals involvi ng multiple officers in charge of our country nuclear forces. This recent scandal is one that was roughs to attention after the Air Force was investigating a non-related drug scandal at 6 other bases. This should come as a great concern to all people living in the US, for these are the generals and officers who are responsible for controlling the 450 nuclear missiles and fate of our country.When further looked into it was found that 34 officers, all high class lieutenants or captains, were somehow involved in this scandal, some who were either caught cheating on the monthly proficiency tests or those that were aware of what was going on and did not report the actions. Along tit these accusations it was made clear by Air Force officials that two of the suspected officers also had relations regarding illegal drug use with an officer from an air base in Wyoming.Being one of the most structured and toughest parts of the defense forces to get into the Air Force is not taking this situati on lightly as nuclear launch officers have no room for error handling such dangerous and destructive weapons. ‘The root of all this madness is still unknown but there has been one major discharge of a commander from the Base at Minot because it was seen that there as a â€Å"loss of confidence† in his leadership skills as well as the firing of a commander in charge of training missile crews after a large number of launch officers did poorly on tests.This is not the first scandal that the Air Force has faced after an incident in 2008 where the past secretary of defense Robert M. Gates fired a top general and civilian leader after a crew made a cross-country Journey unaware that 6 missiles on board were armed with nuclear warheads. The major dilemma in all this is these people are supposed to be the ones we as citizens look up to and protect our country et when we read news like this it really hinders our idea of what safety really is.With such difficult guidelines, laws, and requirements it is amazing that such a scandal would be present in an area as important as the protection and well being of the United States as a country, but also goes to show that scandals and dilemmas are present in every aspect of this world no matter what the subject at hand. US Defense Secretary Chuck Haggle has not taken lightly to this situation as he explained that he is â€Å"deeply troubled† by the slue of military scandals in recent months (Talisman, 2014).In January when becoming fully aware of all the problems inside the Air Force and military as a whole Haggle forced a review of operations which also included the Navy. In shear numbers 30 senior instructors have been accused of sharing answer sheets to nuclear qualification tests and 1,200 Navy soldiers, 200 of which were officers, took part in a long-term scheme involving fraudulent recruiting in order to collect roughly $100 million in promised recruiting payments (Talisman, 2014). Hazel's biggest worry is that none of this is by accident and is all a result of unethical behavior by people in uniform†.He along with many others believe that this is an issue that should be put on the top of the list and needs close attention and although it only involves a small number of those in service it is a matter of integrity that he wishes the forces can maintain regardless of those few who disobeyed the law. I felt that this issue was handled greatly and will continue to be throughout the rest of the investigation. Haggle understands the importance of the well being of the country and is not going to let this be something that could be the season for our downfall.Although investigations may take more than a year to complete I trust the decision of the Secretary of Defense as he made if the first problem to be addressed when regarding the military. If this were the situation for a company or business I think that they would have handled it the exact same way, firstly be removing those that were involved or believed to be involved in the problem. Second course of action would be getting down to the bottom of the problem and finding the source, which were ultimately the loosely supervised exams restored by senior leaders and lieutenants.After finding who was to blame for these faults it became evident that those people were to be interviewed immensely for why they took the course of actions they did. A document regarding this even went as far as saying that the â€Å"group testing† was viewed as â€Å"taking care of each other† and easing the pressure as the officers felt they needed a perfect score on the exams (Burns, 2014). So in the end I think this is being handled effectively and that it should have been done in no other manner.Although it is evident that this can instill a lot of fear in the eyes of those who live in this great country the military wanted to make it apparent that there was no evidence that the recent problems lead to mishandlin g of nuclear weapons or Jeopardized any citizens safety. Following this event it will be interesting to see how it progresses as the investigation continues with the interviewing of many officers and those involved in the scandal. Being that the scandal involves nuclear weapons I am curious to see if there will be any new laws or regulations that will be put in place during such vents such as exams and testing.

Steps to Christ

Many, especially those who are young in the Christian life, are at times troubled with the suggestions of skepticism. There are in the Bible many things which they cannot explain, or even understand, and Satan employs these to shake their faith in the Scriptures as a revelation from God. They ask, â€Å"How shall I know the right way? If the Bible is indeed the word of God, how can I be freed from these doubts and perplexities? † God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith.His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith. It is impossible for finite minds fully to compreh end the character or the works of the Infinite One.To the keenest intellect, the most highly educated mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in mystery. â€Å"Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? † Job 11:7, 8. 106 The apostle Paul exclaims, â€Å"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! † Romans 11:33.But though â€Å"clouds and darkness are round about Him,† â€Å"righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne. † Psalm 97:2, R. V. We can so far comprehend His dealings with us, and the motives by which He is actuated, that we may discern boundless love and mercy united to infinite power. We can understand as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know; and beyond this we must still trust the hand that is omnipotent, the heart that is full of love. The word of God, like the character of its divine Author, presents mysteries hat can never be fully comprehended by finite beings. The entrance of sin into the world, the incarnation of Christ, regeneration, the resurrection, and many other subjects presented in the Bible, are mysteries too deep for the human mind to explain, or even fully to comprehend. But we have no reason to doubt God's word because we cannot understand the mysteries of His providence. In the natural world we are constantly surrounded with mysteries that we cannot fathom.The very humblest forms of life present a problem that the wisest of philosophers is powerless to explain. Everywhere are wonders beyond our ken. Should we then be surprised to find that in the spiritual world also there are mysteries that we cannot fathom? The difficulty lies solely in the weakness and narrowness of the human mind. God has given us in the Scriptures sufficient evidence of their div ine character, and we are not to 107 doubt His word because we cannot understand all the mysteries of His providence.The apostle Peter says that there are in Scripture â€Å"things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest . . . unto their own destruction. † 2 Peter 3:16. The difficulties of Scripture have been urged by skeptics as an argument against the Bible; but so far from this, they constitute a strong evidence of its divine inspiration. If it contained no account of God but that which we could easily comprehend; if His greatness and majesty could be grasped by finite minds, then the Bible would not bear the unmistakable credentials of divine authority.The very grandeur and mystery of the themes presented should inspire faith in it as the word of God. The Bible unfolds truth with a simplicity and a perfect adaptation to the needs and longings of the human heart, that has astonished and charmed the most highly cultivated minds, while it enab les the humblest and uncultured to discern the way of salvation. And yet these simply stated truths lay hold upon subjects so elevated, so far-reaching, so infinitely beyond the power of human comprehension, that we can accept them only because God has declared them.Thus the plan of redemption is laid open to us, so that every soul may see the steps he is to take in repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, in order to be saved in God's appointed way; yet beneath these truths, so easily understood, lie mysteries that are the hiding of His glory–mysteries that overpower the mind in its research, yet inspire the sincere seeker for truth with reverence and faith. The more 108 he searches the Bible, the deeper is his conviction that it is the word of the living God, and human reason bows before the majesty of divine revelation.To acknowledge that we cannot fully comprehend the great truths of the Bible is only to admit that the finite mind is inadequate to gra sp the infinite; that man, with his limited, human knowledge, cannot understand the purposes of Omniscience. Because they cannot fathom all its mysteries, the skeptic and the infidel reject God's word; and not all who profess to believe the Bible are free from danger on this point. The apostle says, â€Å"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. Hebrews 3:12. It is right to study closely the teachings of the Bible and to search into â€Å"the deep things of God† so far as they are revealed in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 2:10. While â€Å"the secret things belong unto the Lord our God,† â€Å"those things which are revealed belong unto us. † Deuteronomy 29:29. But it is Satan's work to pervert the investigative powers of the mind. A certain pride is mingled with the consideration of Bible truth, so that men feel impatient and defeated if they cannot explain every portion of Scripture to their sati sfaction.It is too humiliating to them to acknowledge that they do not understand the inspired words. They are unwilling to wait patiently until God shall see fit to reveal the truth to them. They feel that their unaided human wisdom is sufficient to enable them to comprehend the Scripture, and failing to do this, they virtually deny its authority. It is true that many theories and doctrines popularly supposed to be derived from the Bible have no foundation in its teaching, and indeed are 109 contrary to the whole tenor of inspiration.These things have been a cause of doubt and perplexity to many minds. They are not, however, chargeable to God's word, but to man's perversion of it. If it were possible for created beings to attain to a full understanding of God and His works, then, having reached this point, there would be for them no further discovery of truth, no growth in knowledge, no further development of mind or heart. God would no longer be supreme; and man, having reached th e limit of knowledge and attainment, would cease to advance.Let us thank God that it is not so. God is infinite; in Him are â€Å"all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. † Colossians 2:3. And to all eternity men may be ever searching, ever learning, and yet never exhaust the treasures of His wisdom, His goodness, and His power. God intends that even in this life the truths of His word shall be ever unfolding to His people. There is only one way in which this knowledge can be obtained. We can attain to an understanding of God's word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the word was given. The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God;† â€Å"for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. † 1 Corinthians 2:11, 10. And the Saviour's promise to His followers was, â€Å"When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth. . . . For He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. † John 1 6:13, 14. God desires man to exercise his reasoning powers; and the study of the Bible will strengthen and elevate the mind as no other study can. Yet we are to beware 110 of deifying reason, which is subject to the weakness and infirmity of humanity.If we would not have the Scriptures clouded to our understanding, so that the plainest truths shall not be comprehended, we must have the simplicity and faith of a little child, ready to learn, and beseeching the aid of the Holy Spirit. A sense of the power and wisdom of God, and of our inability to comprehend His greatness, should inspire us with humility, and we should open His word, as we would enter His presence, with holy awe. When we come to the Bible, reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself, and heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM.There are many things apparently difficult or obscure, which God will make plain and simple to those who thus seek an understanding of them. But without the guidance of the Ho ly Spirit we shall be continually liable to wrest the Scriptures or to misinterpret them. There is much reading of the Bible that is without profit and in many cases a positive injury. When the word of God is opened without reverence and without prayer; when the thoughts and affections are not fixed upon God, or in harmony with His will, the mind is clouded with doubts; and in the very study of the Bible, skepticism strengthens.The enemy takes control of the thoughts, and he suggests interpretations that are not correct. Whenever men are not in word and deed seeking to be in harmony with God, then, however learned they may be, they are liable to err in their understanding of Scripture, and it is not safe to trust to their explanations. Those who look to the Scriptures to find discrepancies, have not spiritual 111 insight. With distorted vision they will see many causes for doubt and unbelief in things that are really plain and simple. Disguise it as they may, the real cause of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is the love of sin.The teachings and restrictions of God's word are not welcome to the proud, sin-loving heart, and those who are unwilling to obey its requirements are ready to doubt its authority. In order to arrive at truth, we must have a sincere desire to know the truth and a willingness of heart to obey it. And all who come in this spirit to the study of the Bible will find abundant evidence that it is God's word, and they may gain an understanding of its truths that will make them wise unto salvation. Christ has said, â€Å"If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching. John 7:17, R. V. Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which you do not understand, give heed to the light that already shines upon you, and you will receive greater light. By the grace of Christ, perform every duty that has been made plain to your understanding, and you will be enabled to understand and perform those of which you are now in dou bt. There is an evidence that is open to all,–the most highly educated, and the most illiterate,–the evidence of experience. God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises.He bids us â€Å"taste and see that the Lord is good. † Psalm 34:8. Instead of depending upon the word of another, we are to taste for ourselves. He declares, â€Å"Ask, and ye shall receive. † John 16:24. His promises will be 112 fulfilled. They have never failed; they never can fail. And as we draw near to Jesus, and rejoice in the fullness of His love, our doubt and darkness will disappear in the light of His presence. The apostle Paul says that God â€Å"hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. † Colossians 1:13.And everyone who has passed from death unto life is able to â€Å"set to his seal that God is true. † John 3:33. He can testify, â€Å"I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied; and now the Bible is to me the revelation of Jesus Christ. Do you ask why I believe in Jesus? Because He is to me a divine Saviour. Why do I believe the Bible? Because I have found it to be the voice of God to my soul. † We may have the witness in ourselves that the Bible is true, that Christ is the Son of God. We know that we are not following cunningly devised fables.Peter exhorts his brethren to â€Å"grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. † 2 Peter 3:18. When the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. â€Å"The path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. † Proverbs 4:18, R. V. , margin. By faith we may look to the hereafter and grasp the pledge of God for a growth of intellect, the 13 human faculties uniting with the divine, and every power of the soul being brought into direct contact with the Source of light. We may rejoice that all which has perplexed us in the providences of God will then be made plain, things hard to be understood will then find an explanation; and where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken purposes, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. â€Å"Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. † 1 Corinthians 13:12. Steps to Christ AY Society AY MISSION: The salvation of youth through Jesus Christ. We understand youth ministry to be that work of the church that is conducted for, with, and by young people. AY AIM: The Advent message to all the world in my generation. AY MOTTO: The love of Christ constrains me. AY PLEDGE: Loving the Lord Jesus, I promise to take an active part in the youth ministry of the church, doing what I can to help others and to finish the work of the Gospel in all the world. Pathfinder Club AIM The Advent Message to all the world in my generation.MOTTO The love of Christ compels us. PLEDGE By the grace of God, I will be pure and kind and true. I will keep the Pathfinder Law. I will be a servant of God and a friend to man. LAW The Pathfinder Law is for me to: 1. Keep the morning watch. 2. Do my honest part. 3. Care for my body. 4. Keep a level eye. 5. Be courteous and obedient. 6. Walk softly in the sanctuary. 7. Keep a song in my heart. 8. Go on God's errands. Adventurer Club PLEDGE Becaus e Jesus loves me, I can always do my best. LAW  · Be obedient  · Be pure  · Be true  · Be kind Be respectful  · Be attentive  · Be helpful  · Be cheerful  · Be thoughtful  · Be reverent Ambassador Club Aim The Advent Message to All the World in My Generation My relationship to Jesus Christ is of such a nature that it compels me to share with any who will receive it, the gospel—the good news of His soon return. Motto The Love of Christ Constrains Me I am drawn to Him by His exemplary life, the symbolic act of His crucifixion, His conquering resurrection, and His promise of an earth made new in the pattern of the original creation.The closer I find myself to Him, the closer I find myself identifying with the needs of my fellow human beings. Steps to Christ Summary Steps to Christ concentrates on God's inclusive love for His people and His merciful nature. Ellen White addresses how we can all be saved by grace and how we can become better Christians. She dedica tes each chapter to describe ways to get closer to God, following a set of steps that require higher and higher dedication and more understanding of God's wisdom. The first chapter if the book, â€Å"God’s love for Man† illustrates the quality of God’s love.His acceptance can be seen when we look around us and to the nature that surrounds us to then understand a little more about God and his mercy. Through sin we broke â€Å"God’s rule of love† yet in his infinite mercy he gave his only begotten son to pay the price for our redemption. This is God’s love for us. The second chapter of the book,† The Sinner’s Need of Christ† speaks about how through sin man became disobedient. In his sinful state he could no longer find communion with God, be in harmony with him.This has caused a separation between man and God. The third chapter of the book, â€Å"Repentance†, describes how we should repent from our sins. It shows us the difference between true repentance and repentance lead by the fear of punishment for transgression. Jesus can restore and cleanse all those who want to be purified and recognize that this can only be done through Him and in Him. The author also mentions that the Holy Spirit also moves those who do not know of the power of God but understand the wickedness of their sins.The fourth chapter of the book,† Confession†, illustrates that for confession to be genuine there must be a humble acceptance of guilt for actions. There must be a sincere desire without deception and hypocrisy. The fifth chapter of the book,† Consecration†, speaks about the surrendering of oneself wholeheartedly in order to be restored to His likeness. It goes on to emphasis that there must be a deep love of Christ and an earnest desire to yield all to Him. Steps to Christ is a book that concentrates on the life of Jesus Christ and the love that God pours down on us by his amazing grace an d his beautiful nature.During the first few chapters of the book it explains to us the way to come to God. After this the rest of the book explains how to engage and remain true to God. One vivid parallel I got from the book was that even though plants have thistles and vines have thorns, there are beautiful flowers still grow on them. This works wonderful with the main theme of the book â€Å"Steps to Christ† on how God has earning love for us even though we have â€Å"thorns and thistles†, and by his grace and mercy we can be made clean and develop into beautiful flowers. For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son†¦ † (John 3:16) tells us of Gods amazing love for man. We learn that even though we as sinful humans are always sinning God is always bestowing blessings upon us because of his extraordinary love for us. During the beginning of the book one of the most critical points the came popping out at me was about repentance. Ellen G. White t alks about the fact that there are generally two different types of ways to repent.One way you can repent is by true meaning and truly wanted forgiveness from God; while some others might only be repenting in fear for punishment, not actually being wholeheartedly apologetic for their sins. The book tells us that we must come to the Lord knowing that he is our best friend and there is no reason to not come to the Lord. As the book continues it tells us ways to stay connected to God and for us to live the rest of our lives in Him. Steps to Christ tells us that God will help us with our needs as long as we are faithful and believe in his promises. Mrs.White also says that when we have a close relationship with God he will fulfill his words to us. This speaks to me because it tells me to go directly to the Word for inspiration, which will increase us. The ninth chapter of the book, â€Å"The Work and the Life,† shows that when we have love for Christ we cannot keep it to ourselve s; the power of the Holy Spirit works through us to send Jesus to message everywhere we go and we become disciples of Gods love and when we have this passion burning inside we also want to work for Christ and do things that would benefit his cause and his love.Jesus can restore and cleanse all those who want to be purified and recognize that this can only be done through Him and in Him. Our human nature does not help us either on this question because we are naturally curious and we always want to know the answers for everything. He will provide us with enough evidence for us to understand some of the things that happen in our world. The tenth chapter of the book, â€Å"A Knowledge of God,† talks about how God speaks to us through various different forms.She also mentions that it is our responsibility to accept God’s gifts and to follow His ways. † God wants to make us Holy so that we be with Him at the end of times â€Å"reaching our highest possible developmen t,† but for that we must renew our whole nature and soul, giving our lives to God and trusting in Him to help us walk in His way. It is a promise that if we walk in His ways, serving Him, and if we believe Him, â€Å"He will fulfill His words to us. We have to help them by reflecting the light that shines to us and help them find Jesus.The fourth chapter of the book, â€Å"Confession,† emphasizes the fact that if we repent from our sins and we come to God and acknowledge our guilt, also showing reformation; we will be forgiven for our sins. White shows us that God will never make us believe in anything; He will always give us the options to believe it or not. In other words, if we repent and turn away from our sins and assume our faults, not by using self-justification or excuses, but by feeling it with a true heart, we can be forgiven. God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son†Ã¢â‚¬  Jesus, the one and only Son of God, that was once â€Å"oneà ¢â‚¬  with God, was brought to earth to feel the burden of our own sins. † This bridge is established by the coming of the Christ, who is â€Å"the way, the truth, and the life;† who is the â€Å"only way† or link to come back to the likeness of God and to enjoy his harmony and communion. † (White 40)The eighth chapter of the book, â€Å"Growing up into Christ,† states that without God there is no life, and nothing has life.

Free Essays on Precis

Precis #3 The utterance of untruth is not justified through suppression of doubts on the subject or ignorance of the truth. Taking a statement for what it’s worth, without any further inquiry, is not only doing one’s self harm but also doing harm to anyone who one retells that statement and to society as a whole. In the case of the ship owner, burying his uncertainties about the integrity of his vessel, regardless of its journey’s success, was a wrong. It is also faulty to believe on insufficient evidence or by purposely avoiding investigation. It is asserted that humankind believes blindly because it is afraid of doubt and unmotivated to investigate. One’s beliefs make one strong if one has strong convictions. If these convictions are untrue, however, that strength is stolen and unreal. By this process, it is possible that society could become totally complacent, accepting everything that it is told by whom ever tells it. The process starts at childhood; a mother telling her child what she knows of the world with the child believing everything on the basis of authority. The child has no reason to ask questions of what it is told because it has no reason to first question the validity of its parents. It also has no knowledge of the rules of authority. Some things may be discounted because they cannot be known by a human or by a human of the nature to which one is speaking. If a mother tells her child that its dead dog didn’t feel a thing when it died and that it went up to puppy heaven to be with all its doggie friends, there is immediate cause for the child to discount its mothers story. Children cannot understand this however. As the child grows it becomes aware that it should begin to question things which it has held to be true. It is easier to be skeptical of things one is learning than things one ahs held true for a lifetime. People believe falsehoods from their youth to keep peac ! e of... Free Essays on Precis Free Essays on Precis Precis #3 The utterance of untruth is not justified through suppression of doubts on the subject or ignorance of the truth. Taking a statement for what it’s worth, without any further inquiry, is not only doing one’s self harm but also doing harm to anyone who one retells that statement and to society as a whole. In the case of the ship owner, burying his uncertainties about the integrity of his vessel, regardless of its journey’s success, was a wrong. It is also faulty to believe on insufficient evidence or by purposely avoiding investigation. It is asserted that humankind believes blindly because it is afraid of doubt and unmotivated to investigate. One’s beliefs make one strong if one has strong convictions. If these convictions are untrue, however, that strength is stolen and unreal. By this process, it is possible that society could become totally complacent, accepting everything that it is told by whom ever tells it. The process starts at childhood; a mother telling her child what she knows of the world with the child believing everything on the basis of authority. The child has no reason to ask questions of what it is told because it has no reason to first question the validity of its parents. It also has no knowledge of the rules of authority. Some things may be discounted because they cannot be known by a human or by a human of the nature to which one is speaking. If a mother tells her child that its dead dog didn’t feel a thing when it died and that it went up to puppy heaven to be with all its doggie friends, there is immediate cause for the child to discount its mothers story. Children cannot understand this however. As the child grows it becomes aware that it should begin to question things which it has held to be true. It is easier to be skeptical of things one is learning than things one ahs held true for a lifetime. People believe falsehoods from their youth to keep peac ! e of...