Journal #10;: Science Vs. Religion

The question of science and religion is strong and opinionated. Throughout the developing centuries, questions regarding evolution and the creation of humans have been quite strong. Many secular philosophers believe that we (human beings) have evolved. Vocalized religious supporters believe that we are solely a product of God. These two arguments have been prominent among scientific and religious study.
I personally believe in science. Science has the ability to experiment and prove a certain question or theory throughout history. Religion is a strong example of science and religion. Faith, being a connected yet fantastical belief, cannot be proven. Religion is solely based on one's belief and theory. Among this strong belief, many religious supporters oppose secular resolutions and answers to common theories. The creation of humans has been a reoccurring question throughout history. Did God create the human race? Or does science tell another story? Many disagreements and stipulations have come about because of these two questions. In the modern society, scientific reasons seem to be the more common answers to this theory. I believe one may have a strong connection with a significant figure, but human beings were not created with a simple construction. We have evolved from microscopic material in the universe. Human beings resemble modern animals in various aspects. The human race seems to contain a monkey-like quality. Various humans act in bizarre and barbaric ways. When one looks closely, our race somewhat resembles that of a contemporary monkey. Evolution is an issue among many religious and secular supporters. I believe religion plays no such part in the creation of human beings. I believe one is not born with faith; one must obtain this faith throughout life. By obtaining this faith later in life, a human being may connect themselves further with the word and actions of God. Faith is respected among various support groups, yet these religious people in society do not respect the idea of evolution. I believe there is no issue with religion and the idea of creation, but I personally support the idea of evolution rather than religious creation.

Puritan Project

Journal #9 Organized Religion

Organized religion can be a controversial conflict among various age groups. Supporters of Christianity can have completely different views then supporters of Buddhism. Throughout history, Catholicism was used as a justifiable excuse to participate in various actions. Many classical pieces (artwork, novels, etc) had religious interpretations. The Bible, being claimed as a holy artifact, is not typically viewed as literature. Strong connections like this can determine one's satisfaction and relation to religion.
Throughout my life, I have opened my psyche to several religions. I believe every religion has a strong aspect, but one organized religion can not determine my interpretation of life and the lord. For sometime, I studied a small amount of Buddhism. Buddhism, being an enlightened and spiritual religion, captured my mind with various topics and ideals. I agreed with Siddhartha Gautama's theory, but I was unaware of the dedication and sacrifices a Buddhist must partake in. The attachment to material things was not a predicament for me, but I was unable to part with close family members and friends. Materials, such as electronics or toys, is one attachment that needs to be taken away. Buddhism allows believes the attachment to beings is a source of suffering. As much as I agree with this theory, I could not part with the ones I strongly care for; thus Buddhism was not a resolution for me.
Like government, I believe one can take various aspects of different religions. I believe traditional ideals may be retrieved from several religions. By retrieving these ideals, a personal religion may be formed. A supporter does not need an organized set of guidelines or artifact to relate to a higher power. The Bible is often seen as a symbol of one's belief in the lord. By using this as a symbol, some supporters do not believe the bible is a piece of literature. Regardless of one's religious preference, each being has an equal right to practice the religion they want to. As long as a supporter believes in their higher power, ultimate religious enlightenment may be found. If one did not believe in an organized religion, there would be nothing wrong.

Journal #8: Proofreading Response

I believe the "Impotence of Proofreading" is an odd, yet somewhat comical lecture on the importance of proofreading. The speaker was quite eccentric and brought about a good point. Although it was a good point that he indeed made, I believe he put too much emphasis on poor grammar. He did not seem to explain the true importance of proofreading and fixing any grammatical errors. This lecture was slightly comical, but almost too far fetched. I believe the speaker could have lessened the amount of errors in his discussion. He did not have a sufficient amount of knowledge on truly proofreading a piece. By not providing this knowledge, the lecture was somewhat fruitless. The speaker had also used too much comedy in his speech. If he lessened the amount of comedy used in his piece, he would obtain more respect and satisfaction from the lecture. The audience quite enjoyed his lecture, which was good, but I do not believe they walked out with any new knowledge of proofreading and grammatical errors. By not explaining the importance of this, the speaker's lecture was almost pointless.
I myself thought the discussion was slightly comical. Although I thought it was funny, I believe he put too many grammatical errors in the lecture. After listening to his discussion, I am now more aware of any grammatical errors. Because of this, I believe the speaker's discussion was somewhat of a success. Although I believe he succeeded in bringing about some commonly used errors, he did not seem to succeed in discussing various solutions to these problems. I believe his incorporation of suggestive themes seemed to break the ice a bit. By breaking this ice, his audience was not offended by the material and seemed to relax themselves a bit. I believe his use of these themes were quite successful. Although the speaker was quite entertaining, I do not believe he was successful in his attempt to resolve any issues among proofreading. He provided the audience with adequate knowledge of the errors, but he did not aid in any resolutions to these problems.

Journal #7: Superstitions

I am not a prominent believer of superstitions and obscure ideals. My response toward them is somewhat neutral. I believe one can stand with these superstitions. It is not illogical or absurd to believe in certain rituals or superstitions. One common one would be cemetaries and the holding of one's breath. While passing by a cemetary, it is a superstition to hold your breath to prevent any spirits that would enter your body. I do not know the origin of this belief, but it sounds somewhat Native. Many Native Americans believed in various rituals to carry on one's spirit. These rituals or beliefs may have carried into the twenty first century. When I was younger, I did believe this absurd superstition. Although i believed it when I was younger, I do not feel a connection with that belief now. Besides that specific superstition, I did not seem to follow anything else.
I do in fact believe in paranormal activity. I am not sure if paranormal events are classified as "superstitious," but I feel as if we are not alone. I believe certain spirits linger in this world in order to gain some sort of closure. This closure is often not obtained unless a significant figure in Christianity can perform some sort of ritual. I believe paranormal figures are all around us. Some may stay connected to specific human beings. These specific beings could potentially be family members or strong friends. Some people often speak of paranormal experiences or unexplainable interactions with another dimension. I believe spirits do not try to make contact with present day inhabitants because they are risidual, and therefore do not have the knowledge of their death. The spirits could potentially interact with beings due to unaware encounters. But I do not believe most spirits are demonic and violent. The majority of spirits will not try to harm one in anyway. Because of this, I believe humans should not be too terrified of paranormal figures.
Although I do not believe in traditional superstitions, I do believe in paranormal activity in our world. I do not feel it is something to be scared of or worry about.

Journal #6: Repercussions

In The Crucible, various characters in the novel seem to blame other minor townspeople for the demonic rituals being held. Abigail seems to deny any involvement in the activities. Her fear has taken over and she worries of an unfortunate resolution. This unfortunate resolution would be death by hanging. Although Abigail blames Parris's slave for the events, I can almost respect her decision. She fears death and believes there is no alternative. Although I can sympathize with her, I do not believe she should have pointed the finger at Titabu. This reaction was irrational and quite uncalled for. After I learned of Abigail's affair with John Proctor, I did not respect her decision anymore. She is manipulative and deceptive. This behavior could cost her a fulfilling life. I no longer sympathize with her decision because she wrongfully blamed a completely innocent bystander. She felt, because of her social status, that it would be acceptable to blame Titabu.
Throughout the novel, chaotic events have occurred. Multiple characters have fought with each other and have tried to establish an unforgiving turn of events. The witch trials in New Salem have brought about chaos and careless displays of religious discrimination. The characters in the novel cannot seem to forgive anyone who participates in secular activities. Their punishment is decided as death and there is no alternative option.
After Abigail is discovered with a needle in her stomach, it is speculated that Elizabeth has placed rituals upon Abigail. The young witch, of course, has knowingly placed the needle inside of herself in order to establish an ongoing relationship with John Proctor. Because of this framing, I speculate that Abigail will suffer some unfortunate punishments. After discovering the truth of the framing, I do not feel that Abigail has any good intentions in her life. All of the characters in The Crucible seem to associate any foreign activity with witchcraft. Because of this, the town of New Salem has suffered some hopeless attacks and accusations. The characters who have placed blame upon the other townspeople will discover the severity of their actions.

Journal #5 Punishment

Discipline, or punishment, seems to be an overlooked subject in the American society. Parents are often misguided when disciplining their children. Structure and punishment coexist. Many parents believe in a strong, tight disciplinary style. These children can often be classified as sheltered. Living in a sheltered life enables the child to connect with his or her family. Although it seems important to incoporate family into one's life, relationships and life experiences should be embraced. Sheltered children are unable to meet friends or communicate with the ones they do have. Facebook and other social networking sites have constructed fear into the minds of many parents. Many feel these social networking sights contain harmful material or people. Although many who oppose these sites have a relevant point, Facebook is used for relationships and communication. Many young children have the knowledge of harmful situations and seem to distance themselves from these predicaments.
In the modern society, Facebook is becoming a form of punishment. Because of the site's social prominence, many young members adhere themselves to the social networking life. Parents oppose this adherence and would like to see their children retreat from the site. Various members whitewash their personal information. Status updates, age, and photos are often blocked. By having this option, parents can trust the site a little more. But this does not change the disciplinary actions being taken.
Cell phones are also significant devices in an adolescent's life. By taking away his or her cell phone, the children get upset with their parents. This is similar to Facebook. Many children become infatuated with cell phones. Not having a cell phone at a young age seems quite odd in the modern society.
I believe a lot of the disciplinary actions are relevant and commendable. Because teenagers are interested in technology, a good way of punishing them would be taking away their Facebook or cell phone privileges. Parenthood has adapted throughout the generations. These disciplinary actions are not uncommon due to technology's prominence in the modern society. I agree with all the various punishments being used today.

Journal #4 Traveling Experience

I have not had that much traveling experience in my life. Although I have not flown to various states, I want to visit some. California, being a very vibrant and unique state, is quite appealing to me. I would love to see the various characters and scenery in that state. The music scene is also quite heavy in California, which would deeply appeal to me. Because I was born near Chicago, I enjoy being around large cities and fast paced areas. Chicago is only natural to me and I would not mind returning to Chicago later in my life. My political interests have also inspired me to move to Washington D.C. D.C. would aid in my infatuation with politics and government. I believe the originality and integrity the political state contains is quite intriguing and unique. Although I would enjoy visiting or residing in these areas, I’m not sure if I could easily leave Springfield. It has become my home and has fed my adaptions throughout the years.
I have visited very little places in the United States. I have been to Florida and Michigan. Florida did not heavily appeal to me. Although the state had many interesting sights and activities, it revolved around southern traditions. I did not enjoy the alligator hunting the state seemed so proud of. After eating at a southern restaurant, I realized how traditional Florida was. While in Florida, I went to Universal Studios, which was quite interesting. I enjoyed seeing all the attractions but was not impressed with some of the activities they had. After that, I did not really do much else. The trip was redundant and fattening. My inability to leave my comfort zone aided in the negative aspects of the trip.
I would love to leave the country and visit various countries. Europe seems quite interesting to me. All the characters and originality of the countries are really infatuating. It would be quite amazing to visit other countries. Although I have not traveled much, I am not a big fan of it. I would not mind visiting other places though.

Journal #3 Hostage Situation (Absent)

I do not know how I would react in a hostage situation because it has never happened to me. I do not know my emotions in that problem. I have seen various movies or read various novels with hostage situations in them. I hope I would not run across that unfortunate problem in my life.
I'm guessing I would not put myself in a harmful situation. I am aware of the dangers in life, but I believe I could potentially get caught off guard. Because I was orn in the suburbs of Chicago, I often dealt with paranoia when walking around in the city. I constantly watch my environment and anyone behind of around me. I ignore any homeless or strange characters on the street. Sometimes I take alternative streets in order to lose any creepy or sketch people. By knowing my surroundings, I can epect an attack or possible hostage situation. I do not know why one would take me hostage, because I am not a rich heir or anything of that sort. But i do place my wallet in my front pocket to prevent any confrontations in the city.
If I did, for some reason, get taken hostage, I would try to vocalize my struggles as much as possible, and if that does not work, I would try to reach a phone or communication device. If the criminal takes away any communication, I believe I would try self defense. I would not quit in a harmful situation like that. I do not want to get severely harmed. I am not that strong, but I believe I could potentially defend myself. By defending myself, I can prevent any bad situations. i wish I was as strong as a superhero, or possibly Jackie Chan. If I knew an awesome fighting style, I could defend myself against any criminals. I would also hope that authorities would try to aid in my release. That would make me feel horrible if no one was able to help me out. I would be extremely scared in a hostage situation, but I would hope that I could make it out completely alive.