Rachel+2010

Type [|**http://www.australiansuficentre.org/article_paradoxself.htm**]

//[|The Helper]//** The caring, interpersonal type. Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. **At their Best:** unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.
 * Type Two

//[|The Peacemaker]//** The easy-going, self-effacing type. Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually grounded, supportive, and often creative, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent and emotionally distant, simplifying problems and ignoring anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. **At their Best**: indomitable and all- embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.
 * Type Nine

The Sufi Way’s approach to spiritual growth encourages both contemplative practice and the living of a full, balanced life that is present to both the joys and the suffering of the world. To these ends we facilitate inner school and service training programs, practice and study circles, meditation retreats, healing and worship services, cross-cultural pilgrimages, rites-of-passage, and individual spiritual guidance. The Sufi Way is known particularly for the creation of musical meditations which evoke a sense of inner peace and communion, and for the inclusive use of teachings and practices from diverse sources. Also characteristic of the Sufi Way is an on-going search for ways to inspire change, both in individuals and in the world. An example of this is the sponsoring of interfaith “bearing witness” pilgrimages to the Middle East and Asia as a means of citizen-to-citizen diplomacy across borders. Public programs are sponsored regularly in Britain, Europe, and the United States, and an annual summer school is held in July-August, usually in Britain or Europe.

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 * CHRISTIANITY ASSIGNMENT**

Christianity today remains the most dominant religion in the world with over 2.1 billion adherents following its monotheistic belief structure which has progressed since the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, Christ was a Jew which signifies the beginnings of Christianity to revolve around the adaptation of the strict guidelines of Judaism and focus of loving human relationships. This meant that Christianity fell into a small sector of Judaism and the message of Jesus remained confined to only Jewish adherents. It was the influence and the contribution of **Paul of Tarsus** to the development of Christianity through his establishment of the doctrine that turned Christianity into a small sect of Judaism into a worldwide faith that was open to all. Through the close study and analysis of Paul's life, journeys and letters in the bible the significant impact of such a man on Christianity is notable as the development of Christianity through the eruption of Christian communities around the roman Empire and laying foundations in ideology.
 * Outline the contribution of Paul to the development and expression of Christianity (10 marks)** //

Paul, born in Tarsus (Turkey) as Saul, worked as a tent-maker and well educated in his Jewish faith. Paul however was a Jewish Pharisee, which enabled him to persecute those “followers of Jesus” or Christians. As he writes in Phillppians 3.4-6, “…following the law of the Pharisees, in my zeal a persecutor of the church.” Paul continued to persecute Christians in many different cities, mostly Damascus until he was converted to Christianity after a supernatural event. During one of Paul’s journeys to Damascus he experienced a vision which influenced is conversion which significantly symbolised a turning point in the development of Christianity. As written in by Paul in Acts 22.6, “I fell to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me...I am Jesus of Nazareth.” Paul was blinded and lead to Damascus, where he became certain that his vision of Jesus symbolized his calling to spread the Gospel. A disciple called Ananuas restored Paul’s vision and he was then baptized as a follower of Jesus. This conversion or metanoia that Paul experienced enabled him to believe that he had been given a divine mission in his epiphany to go to preach the word of God and the salvation brought by faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul argued that salvation was for all and challenged the Jewish notion of being “God’s chosen ones.” This saw a dramatic shift from Rabbinic Judaism as he began to convert gentiles to followers of Jesus. Christian communities were established around the Roman Empire and it was Paul’s determination and enthusiasm that allowed him to travel extensively and preach persuasively, also teamed with his establishment as a Jew and Roman citizenship. These elements and characteristics allowed Paul to be great influence in spreading the word in both Roman cities and Jewish synagogues. During 44, 48 and 55 CE Paul underwent three extensive journeys which allowed the growth of Christianity to spread across the massive Roman Empire followers of Jesus strengthened. Peter, who established a small community in Jerusalem did not believe in converting gentiles, which went against the belief of Paul. This disagreement resulted in a confrontation describes in one of Paul’s sources “I opposed him to his face, because h stood condemned…he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came back he dres back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party”. Galatians 2.11-14. After his third journey Paul was accused of teaching against Jewish law in Rome and was physically attacked and imprisoned by the Romans, and it is generally agreed upon that he was martyred around 65 CE.

Pauls Writings make up over a quarter of the New Testament. Paul composed many letters throughout his life to churches and individuals who he had succeeded in converting during his journeys. Paul composed 13 letters that depict the foundation of Christian beliefs and practices that are today still used as guidelines for modern adherents today. Paul entwines his most important theme of “agape” within his writings which can be identified in one of his earliest writings; his first letter to the Corinthians, 13, “Love is patient and kind…Love is eternal…”. Paul’s most important message is “without his outlook on life and love, humanity is without essence and goodness”. Paul’s writings influence followers of Jesus to continue to spread the message of peace ad love in various Christian communities across the world.

Paul of Tarsus provided an immense andtable contribution to the growth and development of Christianity through his missions and writings. Through his journeys he spread the word of the Christian faith, establishing churches and Christian communities which shifted Christianity from a sect of Judaism to one of the most dominant religions we see today. His most famous works throughout his letters are today still used by modern adherents as guidelines for the way of life as the message of peace and love continues to spread throughout the world.

Paul of Tarsus is largely responsible for the expansion and progress of Christianity and is considered Christianity’s second founder. He remains an important figure for all denominations of Christianity and his contribution remains sustained on the development and establishment of Christian faith today. His writings continue to be used by modern day adherents in education of faith and Christian guidelines for activities in daily lives. Paul’s work notable shines through the importance of Christian belief in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Today, the most significant contribution of Paul was his establishment of the written tradition of Christianity.
 * Analyse the impact of Paul upon Christianity (15 marks) **

The impact of Paul upon Christianity can be seen through his explanation to early Christians the message and mission of Jesus Christ. Throughout his various journey’s Paul preached the word of the lord, educating those who eventually converted to Christian faith. Paul spread the message of Christianity in the Graeco-Roman world, establishing Christain communities there and in surrounding areas. Paul’s approach portrayed the concept of the universal Church open to all, which grew from the sect of Judaism. ‘Gentile of Jew, servant or free’ (Galataians 3:28), Paul describes in his writings that Christianity accepts all kinds and does not discriminate, therefore the Christian faith being universal. “Interpretatons of Paul’s teachings through history have seen different understandings of how that belief is expressed. What began as a means by which Gentiles could access salvation has led to divisions that have serpared expressions of Christianity up to today.**” (class textbook)**

Paul allowed the translation of the message of Christianity from its Palestianian origins to the urban environment of the Graeco-Roman world. He created the faith understandable by all cultures and religions and enabled Christianity to remain significant to a range of situations different from Jesus. Christian communities formed in house churches which provided a house for adherents of the Christian faith to meet and share a meal over discussion. “Membership of the Hellenic Christian church was different and included tradespeople as well as nobility or the wealthy, such as the cloth merchant Lydia (Acts 16:11-15, 40)” (**class textbook**)

Paul’s writings were composed of ideas and teachings about the nature of Jesus himself, as human and divine. His letters were the earliest Christian writings and influenced the authors of the Gospels and His epistles were written to give guidance to early Christian communities. Paul wrote about the theology of Jesus Christ and the church in various letters to Church communities. It was in 325 CE that The Council of Nicaea debated the nature of Jesus and established the doctrine of the trinity, which wiped Paul’s already defined clarity. Paul’s sources provide guidleines for adherents about how to live their lives through Christian faith, offering guidance in ethics. Paul also warned Christians to live a life that is worthy, “we are God’s work of art” (Ephesians 2) Through his behaviour and writings, Paul exemplified the way a Christian should live their life, providing inspiration for new followers that it is possible to undergo a “metanoiac” experience and repent previous actions. The clear fact that Paul not only changed his beliefs but also his behaviour is at the essence of religious adherence and has retained its importance in the life of contemporary Christians.

Paul’s writings had influenced the authors of the Gospels and theologians such as Saint Augustine and Martian Luther who appreciated the work of Paul and the messages portrayed within his sources. Paul is considered to be Christianity’s second founder, the great interpreter of Jesus mission. In his writings Paul provides directions for the Christian adherent as his epistles or letters offer a guidance in Christian ethics. These ethics were those such as community-membership of the body of Christ and what is involved, religious practice and how to pay homage to the Last Supper and to remember the reason of Christs sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:24). An example of how Paul had a major impact on Christianity was in his letter to Ephesians 5:29 – 33 which portrays the idea of how the ceremony of marriage expresses Christian beliefs. His writings are also used at marriage and funeral ceremonies, as well as by some feminist in feminist theology.

Paul’s teachings have impacted on the development of Christianity significantly and continue to have an extraordinarily large impact today. The change his teachings brought and the effect they have had upon the course of Christianity remain significant today within the Christian faith as adherents continue to appreciate and be educated by his writings. His role in Christianity as a missionary had provided support for the biblical churches. Still today the different expressions of Christianity look to Paul for guidance and direction in understanding the role of women and sexuality. Modern adherents today continue to refer to the works of Paul as guidelines and teachings on how to live a happy and fulfilled life.


 * JUDAISM ASSIGNMENT**

> Within the Judaism religion, Marriage is identified as an important holy ceremony holding with it great significance for both the individual aswell as the surrounding Jewish community. Judaism marriage is a sacred ritual within a Jewish adherent’s life, as it not only allows them to create a physical/spiritual union with another but with the Jewish community of past and present generations. The sacred marriage ritual is linked with various sacred texts of the Jewish religion which is why the marriage tradition of Judaism is significant for both the adherent and the community. > > Marriage is identified as an important aspect for Jewish adherents as Judaism considers marriage to be humanity’s ideal state of existence-any person without a spouse is not considered to be complete. However, marriage is just as significant for the individual as it is for the community. Marriage is a means of strengthening the community as it brings people in the community together, maintaining traditions which is a vital part of Judaism itself. > > This Jewish view has a biblical and Talmudic foundation which explains high marriage rates within the Jewish religion. All aspects of the build up to the marriage and the marriage itself and the process of divorce, has been developed through tradition and is explained in the Talmud. Marriage is seen as a way in which a Jewish man and woman will contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the community, as with marriage comes the production of Jewish children, therefor increasing the Jewish community. > > Marriage serves the purpose of //“Propagation of the human species”.// The first command of the Torah, "//Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth”// Genesis (1:27-28), expresses that men and woman must marry and have children. There are 613 Mitzvot that refer to marriage- around permissible and taboo sexual relationships, duties and obligations of husband and wife and the responsibility to bear children. > > The Jewish religion has various teachings about marriage. The Talmudic Law expresses: //the requirement to be fruitful and multiply is fulfilled when a man has fathered at least one son and one daughter- (t//hereafterr orthodox Jews allow contraception). Judaism considers that marriage makes it possible for woman and man to develop their personalities as complete individuals as they both contribute qualities of each other to the marriage. Judaism also condemns homosexuality in the Torah (Leviticus 18:22;20;13) which defines that same gender marriages are not allowed. > > There is no Jewish equivalent of an engagement; in Orthodox communities there is an announcement of marriage which is followed up with formal negotiations and agreements about time, place and nature of the wedding ceremony. This is then followed by the seven days of celebrations, involving the community and indicating its significance. During Shabbat before the wedding, the Chatan (groom) is called to read the Torah within the synagogue and in reform congregations the Kallah (bride) may also be called to do so. The Kallah is authorised by the Torah to immerse in the Mikvah (ritual bath) before the marriage. > > > A Ketubah is the marriage contract which is used mostly in Orthodox marriages. Conservative marriages instead use a certificate of marriage. The Ketubah portrays obligations for the Chatan(groom) to provide food, clothing and sexual satisfaction to his Kallah(bride) and is signed by two witnesses before the marriage who agree to the promises made by the couple. The Ketubah is important for two reasons: > 1 )It provides a link for the Chatan and Kallah from every generation who have been married according to the Jewish law. > 2) It reminds the Chatan and Kallah to protect each other in the way those couples of past generations did so. > The ketubah is publicly read and witnessed by members of the community and is traditionally written in Aramaic. It is specified in the Talmud, reinforcing marriage as a covenant and contractual ritual > > On the day of the ceremony, the couple must fast which is similar to Yom Kippur (day of atonement), allowing the couple to cleanse and seek forgiveness for sins of the past. The marriage is allowed to take place on any day of the week, except Shabbat or any High Holy Day. The ceremony can be within a synagogue or outdoors as long as it remains underneath a canopy called a Huppah, which symbolises the house or home they will both make together. They do not have to be married by a Rabbi but often a Rabbi does preside. > > The ceremondy is divided into two parts; the //Kiddushin// (betrothal) and the //Nissuin// (marriage). The //Kiddushin// begins with two blessings. The first is over wine. The second one states that the couple are for each other, forbidding them to have relationships with others. It then proceeds to the ring ceremony, where the //Chatan// places a ring on the //Kallah's// hand, formalizing the marriage as he recites; “//Behold you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the Law of Moses and Israel”//. Physical acceptance of ring shows that she publicly accepts the contractual arrangement of the marriage and begins the life they will start together. > > > The //Nissun// ceremony is the most important part of the marriage and involves the recitation of the //Sheva Berakhot//, or the seven blessings. These include themes on the creation of human beings and survival of Jewish people. The most important part of the wedding is the breaking of the glass by the Chatan, after wine has been consumed by the couple. After it has ended the couple spend time in //Yihud// (seclusion) before proceeding to the wedding feast. At the feast the Sheva Berakhot are recited again, and every night for the following week while the family and community hold feasts. This ritual shows the communities involvement in the marriage it’s significance. > > > Judaism compares marriage to God’s eternal covenant within Israel. They determine it to be life-long and divorce is always regarded with sadness. Adherents believe that sex is not just a way to make children but to express and deepen love. Monogomay, along with faithfulness and loyalty, is expected in a marriage as the Jewish religion believes sex creates a bond between man and woman in order for them to pursue a happy marriage. > > Marrying out of faith is marriage between Jews and Non Jews and is opposed by Jewish law and teachings. It is felt that through marrying out faith it may result in children that are not Jewish, as the mother must be Jewish in order of conceiving a Jewish adherent. The central role of the family is to raise a Jewish family. However, Orthodox adherents believe this can only be accessible through two committed Jewish partners. Non-Jewish adherents may not be married in a synagogue as Rabbis cannot participate in a non-Jewish ceremony. By marrying out of faith, it also affects the community by not reproducing Jewish adherents, signifying its significance. The Torah also portrays a list of more prohibited relations within Judaism, such as close relatives, people not validly divorced from previous marriages, ex-wives of blood relatives, or sisters of ex-wives of blood relatives. > >
 * 1) ** Students are to write an essay on Jewish Marriage analysing the significance of Marriage for both the individual and community. **