Seeking the Holy Ancient Traditions, Modern Practices Free Essay Example, 750 words

ï » ¿I. Introduction (160 words) Rituals and beliefs associated with indigenous religions still are a central part of life in the Americas (both North, South, and Central). These respective spiritual practices and cosmologies are so important to the way the universe unfolds—as told from the perspective of peoples who have made such incredible contributions to society, even as modernity encroaches upon their ways of living. However, the issues of imperialism and colonization, capitalism and property rights, and a host of ideologies (including materialism, pragmatism, anthropocentrism, and logocentrism) only reinforce the idea that with these rituals and beliefs are actually being found and practiced instead of being lost and neglected forever. According to Esposito, Fasching, & Lewis (2001), â€Å"Indeed, the end of the twentieth century seems to have brought with it a period of religious resurgence, a development that defies countless theorists who predicted that the irresistible secularization of civiliza tion by the forces of modern science would lead to the disappearance of religion† (pp. 1). II. Imperialism and Colonization (200 words) Imperialism and colonization have signified total domination and victory for the oppressors, who were mainly Europeans wanting to impose their own rituals and beliefs upon the native peoples of North, South, and Central America. We will write a custom essay sample on Seeking the Holy: Ancient Traditions, Modern Practices or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Especially, the cosmology among indigenous women of North America—particularly Mexico—highlight an internal struggle between the oppressors (the Spanish) and the oppressed (the native peoples of Mexico). According to Marcos (2009), â€Å"[I]ndigenous spirituality [and] influences of feminist and Latin American ecofeminist liberation theologies [highlight] women in Mexico's indigenous worlds †¦emerg[ing] from a[n] indigenous cosmovision and cosmology. [N]ative women's fight for social justice [equals] a ‘de-colonial’ effort [where] indigenous women†¦recaptur[e] ancestral spiritualities[, discarding] the mantle of colonial religion, gender oppression, and elitism† (pp. 25). It was not too long ago that criollos used to be in charge of haciendas where the indigenous women would be subservient. With the advent of political and social advancements, these indigenous women have been able to keep their own traditi onal beliefs and rituals—oftentimes either masking them with Catholic symbols and imagery in order to resolve the difference between their own native, innate religious beliefs and practices versus the religion which was imposed upon them by the oppressors who invaded Mexico. III. Capitalism and Property Rights (100 words) Speaking of that political power which, for so long eluded the indigenous peoples of the Americas—they are only just now starting to be able to gain their rights. Usually this happens through peaceful, nonviolent protests and coordination with local leaders and religious lobbyists. According to Micon (2008), â€Å"[W]ell-paid lobbyists who develop good working relationships with legislators and mobilize their constituents are the key to religious political action organization’s impact on state government. [R]eligious political action organization[s may attempt to get more] visibility, but it jeopardizes [their plight]. [This helps them]†¦achiev[e] their goals and objectives of social change† (pp. 409-410). IV. Materialism, Pragmatism, Anthropocentrism, and Logocentrism (200 words) Materialism has often been the center of so many attitudes that comprise the crux of Western culture. It is this Western civilization and its new ideas against which many indigenous peoples revolt. According to Esposito, Fasching, & Lewis (2001), â€Å"The impressive achievements of Western civilization†¦was typically followed†¦by a religious and political backlash, manifested in a struggle for national liberation and independence as indigenous peoples sough to reclaim their autonomy and to reaffirm the value of their own ways of life† (pp. 29). Pragmatism, or common sense, is often stressed in relation to beliefs and practices in Western culture, so much so that indigenous rituals may seem unusual to outsiders. Additionally, anthropocentrism, or the idea that â€Å"the world revolves around oneself, † is also a foreign concept to indigenous peoples—who are usually focused upon the community and what is good for everyone together. This is contrary to the Western perception that everyone is an individual, to be heard. Logocentristic ideas, that speech is very important and one of the highest forms of communication, is also a Western idea contrary to the indigeous notion that there is power and communicative ability in silence. Indigenous beliefs, therefore, won’t always make sense to Westerners. V. Conclusion (90 words) Undoubtedly, indigenous rituals and beliefs were openly practiced long before the advent of Western civilization. How these manifestations of faith in various world religions—especially in the Americas—demonstrate the way that the following elements have had an effect on indigenous beliefs: imperialism and colonialism; capitalism and property rights; and, of course, a myriad of attitudes which reflect Western beliefs contrary to indigenous beliefs, such as materialism, pragmatism, anthropocentrism, and logocentrism. It is hoped, in the future, both the indigenous and Western civilizations will learn to share and appreciate beliefs. REFERENCES Esposito J. L., Fasching D. J., & Lewis T. (2001). World religions today. Marcos S. (2009). â€Å"Mesoamerican women’s indigenous spirituality: decolonizing religious beliefs. † Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, 25 (2): 25-45. Micon J. (2008). â€Å"Limestone prophets: gauging the effectiveness of religious political action organizations that lobby state legislatures, † from the 2007 Paul Hanly Furfey Lecture. Sociology of Religion, 69 (4): 397-413.

The Martial Arts School Program - 1608 Words

The aim of this paper is to make the proposition and methodological defense to evaluate program planning in reference to the organization selected from module 2. Based to implementing the Ernie Reyes West Coast World Martial Arts Association’s program; the program implementer must commence by learning about the martial arts school program; its mission statement, goals, and objectives must be understood. These elements are capital when interested to implementing an organizational program. 1 Many methods can be utilized to implement any program. In the case of the martial arts school, the program implementer can utilize the quantitative or qualitative methods, or both as mixed method for collecting data. The selection of quantitative†¦show more content†¦This methodology helps design the studies scientifically. In quantitative research methodology, data can be collected without the participants, Rudestam Newton (2007) noted that Quantitative research seeks objectivity by standardizing the procedures and measures as much as possible data and by distancing the researcher from the participants. When proceeding for the implem entation of the martial arts school, the implementer can also applicate the qualitative research method to gather data. This method requires a series of interviews, observations, and open-ended questionnaires. Effectively, qualitative research method in program evaluation allows rapid surveys, direct and indirect interactions with participants, and feedbacks from stakeholders and clients are necessary. Questionnaires or likers reports are also necessary, since feedback from clients, employees, stakeholders, and others individual willing to learn about the program that is being implemented within the organization would bring a plus in terms of modifying, implementing, or discontinuing the program. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative method to develop the martial arts school program is a good bet since both method would work. The optimization of the quantitative method may promote slow data collection procedure; this process involves standardized assessment, statistical

The Secret Circle The Divide Chapter 19 Free Essays

â€Å"Do you want a latte or a cappuccino?† Adam asked from the head of the line at the coffee shop counter. â€Å"Surprise me,† Cassie said, and then watched him interact with the barista, placing his order and counting out his money. Cassie pretended not to know him for a moment and imagined he was a stranger she’d just seen for the first time. We will write a custom essay sample on The Secret Circle: The Divide Chapter 19 or any similar topic only for you Order Now She observed his cut jaw and broad shoulders, those auburn curls. Yes, she thought to herself. It would be love at first sight all over again. Things between Cassie and Adam had come around full circle. The past few days since the confrontation with Scarlett at the docks had been romantic and exciting, just like the first days of their relationship. When he kissed her, she shivered with that familiar pleasure and excitement, of loving him so completely with her entire body and soul, and knowing he felt the same. Since the truth had come out about Scarlett, Adam went back to being Adam, and Cassie went back to being Cassie, but happier and more confident. Adam returned to their table, setting down an iced mocha topped with whipped cream and a giant chocolate-chip cookie. â€Å"You said to surprise you,† he said. â€Å"You’re trying to get me high on sugar.† â€Å"That’s how I like you best.† He dipped his finger into the whipped cream for a taste. Cassie glanced at the door, but the girl entering wasn’t Scarlett. Adam laughed. â€Å"She’s only a few minutes late, relax.† â€Å"I know.† Cassie broke off a hunk of cookie and shoved it into her mouth while Adam took another swipe at the whipped cream. She looked away, not wanting to be caught watching him lick it from his fingers. â€Å"Should I leave you and my iced mocha alone?† she asked. Adam blushed, pushing the drink closer to Cassie and out of his reach. Then he wiped his mouth with a napkin and tried to be serious. â€Å"I’m so glad for you,† he said. â€Å"Scarlett is pretty amazing. I can totally see how the two of you are related.† â€Å"I tried to tell you,† Cassie said. â€Å"I know. And I’ve never been happier to admit that I was wrong.† â€Å"Well, you can tell Scarlett that in person, if she ever gets here.† Cassie glanced at the door again and then took a sip of her drink. â€Å"I’m starting to worry that she hasn’t shown up yet. I’m going to call her.† But Scarlett didn’t answer her phone, and Cassie began to worry even more. â€Å"I have a bad feeling about this,† she said. She knew if she phrased it that way, Adam would take her seriously. â€Å"Then we should go over to the B and B and see if she’s there.† Adam stood up, wasting no time. It was exactly what Cassie wanted him to suggest. Sometimes his predictability was her favorite thing about him. The bed-and-breakfast where Scarlett was staying was a Georgian building just off Old Town Square. It was one of the most beautiful historical B and Bs in New Salem, owned and operated by an old man whom Cassie knew by sight. She’d grown used to seeing him walking his three Pomeranians around town. A few times, she’d bent down to pet one of the dogs, but she never engaged in much conversation with the old man. He was who answered the door when they arrived, the dogs yapping and jumping around his feet. Cassie introduced herself and Adam while the man ordered his dogs to be quiet. Once inside, she stuttered a bit before saying, â€Å"Sorry to bother you, but my sister, Scarlett, is a guest here. We were wondering if she’s here.† It was the first time Cassie had ever said those words, my sister. It felt exhilarating to say it, but it also felt foreign, as if she were telling a lie. The man nodded and rubbed at the silver scruff on his chin. â€Å"Yes, yes, Scarlett with the crazy hair,† he said. â€Å"So she’s here?† Cassie was momentarily relieved. â€Å"No,† he replied. â€Å"She hasn’t been here since yesterday.† Adam noticed the panic in Cassie’s eyes and pressed for more information. â€Å"Are you sure? She never came home last night, not even to sleep?† â€Å"No, she didn’t,† the man said, straightening his posture. â€Å"But that’s really not your business. A girl has a right to her privacy.† His eyes ricocheted between Adam and Cassie, and then he raised his white eyebrows. â€Å"I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave. I can’t give out information on my guests to two strangers, kids or not.† â€Å"Of course,† Adam said. â€Å"We understand. Thank you for your help.† He left a phone number so they could be reached in case Scarlett returned, or if he heard anything of her whereabouts. Back in the car, Cassie turned to him. â€Å"Now I’m really worried sick. What should we do?† Adam focused on his driving. â€Å"I think we should give it a little more time,† he said calmly. â€Å"We don’t know that she’s in trouble. She could just be out and about.† â€Å"Out and about?† Cassie was exasperated. â€Å"If she was just out and about, then she would have shown up at the coffee shop when she was supposed to, or at least answered her phone.† â€Å"Cassie.† Adam chose his words carefully. â€Å"Try to remember that we don’t know all that much about Scarlett. She could be off visiting friends and forgot to call you.† â€Å"So you think she’d just stand up her new sister?† â€Å"That’s not what I’m saying.† â€Å"You think she’s some kind of flake,† Cassie said. â€Å"Just because she’s not as uptight as all of you.† â€Å"All of you?† Adam gripped the steering wheel tightly and brought the car to a halting stop. â€Å"You mean us, the Circle? Why do you keep insisting on separating yourself from us? I don’t understand it, Cassie.† Cassie was feeling too much all at once to make sense of it. But here they were again, having the same fight they seemed to keep having. She was tired of Adam always trying to reason her out of her true feelings. â€Å"I’m not separating myself,† she said. â€Å"But I don’t know what more you need to fully accept Scarlett. She’s my sister, Adam.† â€Å"I know,† he said, continuing along Crowhaven Road to Cassie’s house. â€Å"I didn’t mean anything by suggesting she might not be in trouble. Do you see how quickly you jumped to that conclusion?† Cassie didn’t want to admit it, but she did see that. She was silent until they reached her house. â€Å"I guess I’m just shaken up,† she said finally. â€Å"Let’s just give it the night,† Adam said. â€Å"If you still don’t hear from her, I promise we’ll get the group to look for her in the morning.† â€Å"Okay.† Cassie reached over and gave Adam a kiss on the cheek, but she didn’t invite him into her house. That night Cassie had a dream. One minute she was on a beach, tanning beneath the summer sun with the sound of the ocean and seagulls filling her ears, and the next minute she heard a scream. It was a bloodcurdling scream for help, much like Melanie’s scream the night Constance was killed at the festival. In the dream, Cassie opened her eyes and found she was no longer on a sunny beach but in a field or a meadow, at night. And the sky overhead had turned murky, like a poll uted body of water. The scream for help came louder. Cassie thought it was coming from a shadowy house in the distance. It was unmistakably Scarlett’s voice, but Cassie couldn’t get to it. In fact, she couldn’t move at all. Scarlett! Cassie yelled out, still within the dream. I can hear you! It was all so vivid, Cassie was sure it was real. The connection worked, Scarlett replied, relieved but still terrified. Where are you? Cassie asked. I don’t know! The hunters are holding me captive. They’re torturing me, studying my powers. Please help me! Try to stay calm, Cassie said. Think hard, is there any clue as to where you are? Help me, Cassie. Please, hurry. I think they’re going to kill me soon. No! Cassie was losing her. The connection was fading. Scarlett, can you still hear me? I promise we’ll find you, somehow. Scarlett? Hello? Hang on. We’ll save you! Cassie sat up in bed, startled. She was fully awake now, in her bedroom, alone. Her mahogany furniture stared back at her. She could hear her mother snoring down the hall. All was as it should be. It was three in the morning. Adam had said to give it the night. But what if Scarlett didn’t have till morning? She had to call him. Shaking, she dialed Adam’s number, and the moment he answered, she said, â€Å"Scarlett’s been kidnapped.† Adam sounded groggy and confused. â€Å"What?† â€Å"I dreamt it. But it wasn’t a dream. She came to me, Adam. We communicated.† â€Å"Are you sure?† â€Å"I’ve never been more sure of anything. It’s the hunters. They have her.† â€Å"Okay.† Adam cleared his throat. â€Å"I’ll put out a call to the others. Where should we meet?† â€Å"Behind my house, out on the bluff. We can’t risk waking my mom.† â€Å"Done. I’ll be right there.† â€Å"Adam, one more thing.† Cassie could hardly express how thankful she was to have him at a time like this. â€Å"I love you.† She could almost hear him smile. â€Å"I love you, too,† he said. How to cite The Secret Circle: The Divide Chapter 19, Essay examples