“A Doubter Gives Lessons in Faith” by Gerald M. Fagin
The idea that strikes me most in this article is the idea of learning for example Doubting Thomas. Initially perceived as a kind of negative character immersed in doubt, Thomas turns out to teach significant lessons of inclusion of doubt and question in religion, as well as the acquisition of faith through community (Fagin).
I strongly agree that faith, however strong it might be, is inseparable from uncertainties. The latter mostly happen to people at times of helplessness against illness or other circumstances. These uncertainties give people an opportunity to feel that their core faith is still strong, and to make their faith even stronger.
What remains unclear is where we ultimately get faith from. Does it come from within ourselves? Or does the community play a greater role in establishing our faith? Or does the mere contemplation of the omnipresent Lord instruct us on our way to faith?
The article bears a direct relation to my life since it answers the question of doubting people’s experience in their faith. Rather than dismissing doubting as improper, the author proclaims it to be an integral part of faith. This relieves my uncertainty as to how I should treat moments of doubt when I experience them.
A Speech Delivered by Cole Higgins at the March 18th Memorial Service Honoring the Life of 9th Grader Eugene Choi
The most striking idea in the speech is the unique combination of weakness and strength in Eugene Choi. His friend sensed it when carrying Eugene on his shoulder and was thus inspired for not letting down the trust Eugene showed to his friends (Higgins). Demonstrating strength in difficult situations was the precious lesson Eugene taught to his friends.
The paragraph that extremely appeals to me is the part where Cole addresses Eugene’s parents. Ensuring Dr. and Mrs. Choi that they would see the amazing qualities of their son live on further in his friends sounds indeed inspiring and supporting for the parents who are grieving for their only child.
As Cole dwells on how difficult it was for other students when the perfect Eugene came to school, I wonder whether the teachers and parents really changed their attitude to them. Did they really judge the other students more strictly against the perfect example of Eugene?
True friendship is something that I value very highly in my life. A friend for me is a committed person to rely upon at any time. In addition, I share Cole’s idea that it is worthwhile following our friends’ good examples and becoming better by acquiring the positive characteristics we see in our friends.
C. S. Lewis Quotes
The most interesting idea among Lewis’ quotes is the thought that one should aim high despite the possible difficulties since aiming low would lead to nowhere (Lewis). This claim supports ambitious people and shows that even if we cannot do everything we plan, it is better to have more plans and accomplish everything than have few plans and waste the time for nothing.
I strongly agree with the idea that learning from experience is the best, although the hardest way of learning. We remember our own mistakes and the conclusions we make from them much better than lessons learned by someone else since it is our pain and our challenge.
What remains unclear to me is the idea that “men have got together apart from the women and done things” (Lewis). Why were men separated from women? Could not both men and women do things efficiently? Are women considered of no practical value by Lewis?
A direct relation to my outlook is found in the quote “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” (Lewis). I consider age to be rather a benefit of experience than a hindrance to personal progress and therefore seek every opportunity for further self-improvement and new accomplishments.
“Do Animals Have Souls?” by Deborah Jones
A curious idea that attracted my attention is that we do not actually have a soul, we do not own it as some material possession (Jones). Rather, we ‘are’ body and soul combined. Our essence is our soul which dwells temporarily in our physical body, and this is a significant point in understanding the relationship with our soul.
I strongly agree with the idea that suggested ‘absence of soul’ should in no case be a justification of any cruel acts against animals. Mankind can dominate the world wisely, by using its virtues but not by justifying unbecoming actions by initial superiority.
The big question of how animals participate in salvation remains still unanswered. Since they possess souls as any living beings, do they automatically possess the right to salvation? Are there any sins that animals commit? Is there separate heaven and hell for animals?
For me, the article is highly relevant in its call for humane treatment of animals. Even though they may seem speechless creatures, my experience with pets shows that animals are able of understanding and communication. Sometimes they do it even more efficiently than certain human beings since animals are mostly sincere and very dedicated to their owners.
“Former Eagles Owner Tose Remembered for His Unbending Generosity” by Gordon Forbes
The most captivating idea from the article is the idea of a rich man sharing his wealth with the poorer people almost unlimitedly. This reminds of the legendary Robin Hood’s behavior, with the difference that Tose lost his ability to help the others as he squandered all his money gambling.
I agree with the final idea that in fact, Tose did not take much for what he gave to the world. He has helped millions by providing money for charity and simply tipping workers, and what he took instead was an enjoyable and careless life for himself. Once it did not hurt anyone, it can be considered as a small remuneration for Tose’s generous efforts.
I wonder why people still stuck to Tose even despite his unpredictable manners which were not always perfect. Was it just for money or did Tose possess certain charisma that made people forgive him for all his rudeness?
Tode’s attitude to money as something “disposable and replaceable” appears similar to my view of money (Forbes). Finance is something that comes and goes, and if we can use it wisely for our own good and for the benefit of others, then we can say that money performs its function of satisfying people’s needs.
“Genesis and Darwinism”
The idea of combining the message of the Book of Genesis with the teaching of Darwin for a fuller understanding of the world appears most appropriate in modern society. The ultimate truth stated in the former and the explanatory nature of the latter combine together to provide a most convincing picture of both the physical and spiritual world.
I cannot quite agree with the necessity of calling a general forum with the central question of “who made the world” to raise (“Genesis and Darwinism”). This is a too complicated issue to solve at present, and efforts should be rather focused on integrating the existing knowledge to gain a deeper understanding of life but not to solve its mystery which is hardly possible.
I wonder why there exists such an intolerable attitude among the proponents of Darwinism and Genesis. In fact, those theories are not mutually exclusive; rather, they complement each other. Therefore, the opposition is surprising and quite narrow-minded for me.
Contemplating on the way I understand the world, I prefer to include both the views of Darwinism and Genesis. On the one hand, the scientific explanation of how life developed appears most convincing to me. On the other hand, the way life appeared at all is laid out in Genesis in a figurative yet accessible way that makes on believe and have faith in the ultimate creative ‘intelligent design’.
“How I Got Young Again” by Mitch Albom
The idea that attracted me most in the story is the thought of organizing a friendly reunion for those who shared positive experiences in the past. This allows people to re-experience the positive moments and thus to re-fill their reservoirs of positive energy that helps them go on further in life.
I agree with the idea that re-living positive experiences from your past makes one feel younger (Albom). Not accidentally do adult people involve in seemingly childish activities such as fighting for teddy-bear prizes in shooting galleries or yelling and screaming at roller-coasters. This brings one back into the happiest memories of one’s younger years.
I wonder what kind of friends and relations the narrator of the story has now. Has he found any exciting hobbies that give him the same kick as playing music in an old basement?
The idea that the friends you have as a teenager are unique totally coincides with my life experience. Those are really special people for me, with whom we possess a common secret language, a whole range of references and associations that are unknown to the others, and with whom we can simply relax and enjoy ourselves without putting on the conventional grown-up masks.
“Pope Benedict on Hope” by Gerald O’Collins
The most captivating idea for me in this article is the thought that people may have different kinds of hope, from small everyday ones to more global “great hope” of true lasting happiness, and only the latter brings the ultimate rest and satisfaction (O’Collins). This classification of hopes as to their scope helps to realize the constant urge for the unknown better life, which is actually a spiritual life.
I strongly agree that one of the most efficient ways to practice hope is engagement in prayer (O’Collins). Prayer gives people the opportunity of contemplating over their wishes and communicating them to God. Thus they receive the hope of superior support in their aspirations.
I wonder why science lacks the moral values necessary for streamlining its achievement for the greater good. And why are scientific revelations applied for wrong and evil purposes so often? Why does God allow making such revelations if they do not benefit people’s morals?
Hope is the integral part of my life: at any moment I hope for something. These hopes range from having the weather nice enough to go for a walk, to getting a good job, to having a happy family. Apart from myself, I also rely on the Divine Providence in guiding me on the right way for fulfilling my hopes. This hope for divine help is the greatest hope that I possess.
“The Case for Life after Death” by Peter Kreeft
The most thrilling idea among all the arguments for life after death enlisted by Peter Kreeft appears to be the thought that we cannot deny the existence of something only on the grounds that we have not seen in within our reality (Kreeft). This corresponds to the principle of ‘thinking outside the box’, looking beyond what is immediately visible for new solutions.
I cannot quite agree with the idea that the soul has no parts. Sometimes we face situations when we feel affection towards several people and describe this attitude as giving parts of our soul to them. Therefore, in a certain way, soul can be shared in parts with the others and then it is not totally an indivisible whole.
It remains unclear whether the author separates mind and soul or uses them as interchangeable terms when discussing the evidence for soul from the nature of man. If mind is similar to soul and indivisible as well, how can we explain the state known as ‘being in two minds’?
For me, the immortality of soul is best seen in the fact that, unlike the body which gets older and perishes, the soul can be trained and developed unlimitedly. This ability for constant development and improvement cannot but be for some higher purpose which appears to be life after physical death.
“The Good Samaritans” by Nancy Gibbs
The most thrilling idea in the article is the unique cooperation between a world-famous musician and a no less famous computer genius who have joined their forces in the fight against poverty and illness (Gibbs). The charisma of the one and the intelligence of the other appear to be a perfect combination for success.
I strongly agree with the part of the article where the author claims that modern world needs no pity but passionate action (Gibbs). Pity is more a passive state that is emphatic but inefficient. On the contrary, getting passionate about some injustice would sooner conquer that injustice by taking adequate action.
I wonder why the fight against poverty is taking place exactly at the present moment in history. What combination of historical conditions has triggered the general public urge to conquer the global poverty? Do modern people possess a special feature of character or do they simply have more money to give away?
The attitude of active fight against injustice is the one most appealing to me. I prefer not to waste time in pity but to gather all the resources available to struggle against the negative situation and to overcome it as soon as possible so that there is no need for pity any more.
“The Life of Sigmund Freud”
The most interesting idea stated in Freud’s biographical sketch is that subconscious impulses, once analyzed and understood, can be explained and mastered (“The Life of Sigmund Freud”). Indeed, once you understanding something, it is easier to control it, and there is no reason why subconscious impulses should be an exclusion from this pattern.
I strongly agree with the statement that there is a link between physical and psychological (“The Life of Sigmund Freud”). It can be often noticed that when a person feels psychologically depressed, the overall physical condition worsens, and vice versa.
I would like to know in more detail, why it is mainly the sexual impulses that govern human behavior according to Freud. Could those impulses possibly be of other nature than sexual? If they are sexual, aren’t they rather physical than psychological?
From my personal experience I can say that there is a strong link between my physical and psychological sides. Not infrequently do I see dreams that are projections of my hopes and wishes which I would not admit otherwise. Urges restrained in daily life become apparent to me in dreams, and once I realize them, I feel more composed and comfortable with my existence.
“U2’s Hi-Tech Tent Revival” by Steve Braden
In this article, the idea that “realms of the sacred and the profane have never been so blurred” appears most interesting (Braden). More and more Biblical ideas are exploited in video and audio materials, which leads to unprecedented secularization and popularization of the sacred messages.
I fully agree with the statement that “contemporary cultural attitudes are influenced more by the people who write popular songs, movies and television programs than all the classrooms and pulpits in this country put together” (Braden). Already in quantitative respect, people spend more time for entertainment purposes than for study, and education is no longer viewed as providing the moral standards for the general public.
I wonder whether it is irony the author of the article uses with reference to the tickets price when he writes “nobody ever said salvation was cheap” (Braden). In the context of mixing the sacred and the profane in a consumption-driven culture, it appears quite an ironic statement.
Watching the modern crowd fanatically worshiping their pop-idols, I ask myself whether there are any sacred messages that are delivered to that crowd from the stage. I am afraid that true spirituality can be reached only by way of individual humble contemplation and not by boisterous mass movements. However, I consider it worthwhile of popular groups to bring some sacred messages to their fans through their songs.
“Uncertain Sympathies” by Michael V. Tueth
The concept of a “welcoming church” appears most intriguing in this movie review (Tueth). On the one hand, it presupposes welcoming everyone in the realm of faith, without excessive judgment and disapproval. On the other hand, it bears the dangers of losing control over the congregation by an excessively tolerant approach.
I agree with Father Flynn’s idea that sometimes people demonstrate too much judgment of humanity for the sake of virtue (Tueth). It is necessary to differentiate between kindness and light-hearted attitude to life. Remaining a rigid uncompromising person does not always mean remaining virtuous.
It is intriguing for me how the mystery of the film is solved and which party turns out to be right – the one searching for the uncompromising truth or the one promoting tolerance and compassion.
In my personal experience, it has always been quite an undertaking to maintain the right balance between keeping to the rules and remaining humane and tolerant. However difficult it is, I still consider it necessary to be able to judge the situation individually each time, and take an appropriate approach.
“What Is God’s Answer to Human Suffering?” by Peter Kreeft
The key idea that appears most intriguing and inspirational in the dilemma of what God answers to human suffering is the transformation of the meaning of suffering as the link connecting people with God (Kreeft). In this aspect, suffering no longer appears as burdensome but rather as the necessary contribution of people in the relations with God.
I strongly agree with the idea that true love is willingness to suffer (Kreeft). Feeling the other’s life with meaning and making it better for the price of own suffering is the best reward for a true lover. Giving everything of oneself to the other, even if it leads to suffering, is the core essence of love.
I wonder how to bring the message of true love as God envisaged it to people who associate love only with happiness. Indeed, love is mostly connected to purely positive experiences and emotions. However, love is much more complex and bears much pain with it, which people also need to understand.
The idea of suffering as a necessary part of love has greatly helped me in my relationship. There were moments when my partner caused me emotional pain and suffering, but learning to forgive and accept that suffering I have made it possible to go through it and preserve the true love that is the essence of existence.
References
Albom, Mitch. “How I Got Young Again.” Parade. Parade.com. 2008. Web.
Braden, Steve. “U2’s Hi-Tech Tent Revival.”America Magazine. AmericaMagazine.org. 2002. Web.
Fagin, Gerald M. “A Doubter Gives Lessons in Faith.”America Magazine. AmericaMagazine.org. 2007. Web.
Forbes, Gordon. “Former Eagles Owner Tose Remembered for His Unbending Generosity.”USA Today. USAToday.com. 2003. Web.
“Genesis and Darwinism.” Editorial. America Magazine. AmericaMagazine.org. 2005. Web.
Gibbs, Nancy. “The Good Samaritans.” Time. Time.com. 2005. Web.
Higgins, Cole. A speech delivered at the March 18th memorial service honoring the life of 9th grader Eugene Choi. n.d. Reprint.
Jones, Deborah. “Do Animals Have Souls?” The Arc. AllCreatures.org. 2000. Web.
Kreeft, Peter. “The Case for Life after Death.” Truth Journal. Leadership University. 2002. Web.
—. “What Is God’s Answer to Human Suffering?” Peter Kreeft. PeterKreeft.com. 2010. Web.
Lewis, Clive Staples. “C. S. Lewis Quotes.” BrainyQuote. 2010. Web.
O’Collins, Gerald. “Pope Benedict on Hope.”America Magazine. AmericaMagazine.org. 2007. Web.
“The Life of Sigmund Freud.” WGBH Educational Foundation. PBS.org. 2004. Web.
Tueth, Michael V. “Uncertain Sympathies.”America Magazine. AmericaMagazine.org. 2009. Web.