Marx’s Views on Religion vs. My Own Essay -- Psychology Religion Essay

Marx’s Views on Religion vs. My Own Karl Marx wrote that religion was, â€Å"an opiate of the people.† Although those words were not published in The German Ideology, they best describe his various views on religion. Marx wrote that there was a social relationship between the upper class or bourgeoisie and religion. The upper class that owned the means of production used religion as a tool to keep the working class or proletariat, oppressed and poor. Marx criticized that religion had so many ulterior motives that there was no actual spiritual meaning. He argued that religion existed because of the state of society and its class struggles. The existence of religion also helped limit or avoid change in society. Marx also believed that religion stripped us of our true humanity. â€Å"It is self-evident, moreover, that "specters", "bonds", "the higher being", "concept", "scruple", are merely the idealistic, spiritual expression, the conception apparently of the isolated individual, the image of very empirical fetters and limitations, within which the mode of production of life and the form of intercourse coupled with it move (51).† God or any higher power was something invented to deposit fear into. God was something to blame for our own inefficiencies and failures. He also wrote that humans give too much credit to God for their own accomplishments. Marx viewed everything as a human invention. The struggle between the working class and ruling class along with capitalism i...

Reflection Report of Dissertation on mpact of information system on student learning experience

Abstract This essay reflects the lessons and obstacles that I faced during the course of writing my dissertation. Utilizing the Gibbs Reflective Cycle in order to illustrate the process, this essay reflects upon different stages of the dissertation process and thus serves to assist me in developing a further understanding of the opportunities for carrying out better research in the future. 1 Introduction The process of writing my dissertation began with the drive to expand my current capabilities and broaden my educational experience. Throughout this reflective essay I have use the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, which includes elements such as a basic description, my reactions, an evaluation of the experience, analysis, specific and general conclusions and my personal plan for action (Timmons et al, 2013). 2 Gibbs Reflective Cycle2.1 DescriptionIn order to accurately illustrate the scenario, a basic description enables me to envision the entire process dispassionately (Hegarty, 2011). My starting point for the research was the idea that increased technology has an impact on the learning process. This area presented a well-researched topic in the private sector, yet, I felt there was little material available on this subject, upon which to base quality evaluation for public facilities such as schools. In the beginning there was considerable stress before there was a single word written. As the study began to form, I began to feel more at ease with the needs of the project. Yet, many times there was the perception of very hard to find literature and material for me that made this research difficult from the outset. Taken together with my father’s ill health, I had considerably mixed feelings as to my ability to take this on.2.2 FeelingsMy emotional approach to this project was ver y striking and seemed to influence the results I obtained (Jasper, 2006). The very beginning of this project found me apprehensive and concerned that my skills were not sufficient for the task. Further, my father was sick during this period adding to my perception of the need to do function under pressure. There was significant stress at the outset that I felt diminished as I grew more familiar with the project. . I found the scope of this entire process was a little daunting. Perhaps my most unique feelings during this study came as I evaluated the students; I found a need to connect with the interviewees causing me considerable worry and the question of if I was approaching them in the best manner possible. Sometimes I had to set aside personal bias in order to accurately reflect the results (Pearson, 2013). As the project began to come to a close, I found considerable pride in the fact that I learned a great deal about process and method.2.3 EvaluationIt is important to assess th e positive and negative aspects of the project (Oelofsen, 2012). Most positive was my expectation I could achieve the goals of this work. Leading the negative aspects was my lack of confidence in my skill. A negative that turned into a positive was the manner that I interacted with the students and lecturers, initially I felt I was weak at this, but as I learned I became better. Overall, this was a good experience that I definitely learned from.2.4 AnalysisThere is a need to take stock of the situation in order to evaluate the experience (Pearson, 2013). My overall goal was to make sense of the impact of technology on the students. Through the research process, I feel I have expanded my own research abilities through trial and error, and am now more equipped to carry out research in the future. I have found others have had similar research experiences which has made me feel that I am part of a community and can gain from other’s knowledge. This appreciation of experience is a key factor that will enhance each following research project.2.5 ConclusionThe conclusions from this reflection lend depth to my learning experience (Park et al, 2011). Overall I felt that I learned that the research problem often carries more than the one possible outcome, which in turn means that I must be willing to accommodate unexpected elements. Specifically, I learned that I should be more assertive during the interview process, yet open to each person’s interpretations of the questions. I also gained the ability to research and write at a higher level, thereby aiding my future efforts. 2.6 Personal Action Plan Each of these considerations has provided me with lessons for future research (Forrest, 2008). Next project, I will not be hesitant to engage with the material. I will remain confident in my research strategy and take steps to not second guess my approach in order to strengthen my research and stay on track. Most importantly, I will have the experience to begin and accomplish any research project. 3 References Forrest, M. (2008). On becoming a critically reflective practitioner. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 25(3), pp.229–232. Jasper, M. (2006). Professional development, reflection and decision-making. 1st ed. Oxford: Blackwell. Hegarty, B. (2011). Is reflective writing an enigmaCan preparing evidence for an electronic portfolio develop skills for reflective practice?. 2011(1), pp.580–593. Oelofsen, N. (2012). Developing reflective practice. 1st ed. Banbury: Lantern. Park, J. and Son, J. (2011). Expression and connection: the integration of the reflective learning process and the writing process into social network sites. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 7(1), pp.170–178. Pearson, J. (2012). HCAs: developing skills in reflective writing. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 6(3), p.140. Timmins, F., Murphy, M., Howe, R. and Dennehy, C. (2013). â€Å"I Hate Gibb’s Reflective Cycle 1998†(Facebookcopyright 2009): Registered Nurses’ Experiences of Supporting Nursing Students’ Reflective Practice in the Context of Student’s Public Commentary. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 93, pp.1371–1375.

Must Christians Chose Between Evolution and Creationism...

Must Christians Chose Between Evolution and Creationism? The debate of evolution and creationism has extended since the beginning of time. In fact, it is not even as simple as these two opposing views. Each person seems to have formed their own theory which has a unique list of beliefs and dimensions. This makes a complex and difficult task when trying to find agreement between each of these unique theories. However, many Christians are finding it necessary to discover an alternative to the extremist views of evolution and creationism. An article on the world wide web entitled the Theory of evolution vs. creation, summarizes the debate between evolution and creationism. According to this article, the controversy between these†¦show more content†¦Because creationism is centered around God, many Christians have been persuaded to join this cause. However, there are also many Christians who believe that evolution is the mechanism which best explains how life originated. This belief does not deny the fact that God is the creator, it only states that God used evolution as a tool to create. Thus, for Christians, the question still remains, must we choose evolution or creationism? II.EVOLUTION Traditionally, science was created to justify the presence of God and scientific theories were based on a supreme creator. In other words, our primary purpose for doing science was to prove Gods existence and to show Gods ultimate design or purpose in our world. However, in 1859, Charles Darwins, Origin of Species, shocked many people and caused them to reevaluate their established beliefs. Roland Mushat Frye likens Darwin and his theory to a volcanic eruption or a great earthquake which shook everything in its range and charged the contours of the land.(Frye,1983) According to the theory proposed by Charles Darwin, there are three main principles which play a role in the evolutionary process: the occurrence of random variation, the mechanism of heredity, and a struggle for existence.(Nelkin,1982) The interplay of these three principles determine the species whose characteristics will survive to be inherited by future generations. Darwins explanation of biological change excluded the necessity ofShow MoreRelatedCharles Darwin s Views On Evolution And Evolution1275 Words   |  6 Pagestwo or more events, in which the occurrence of one, precludes the occurrence of the other. Creationism and evolution are two notions that can be viewed as mutually exclusive or non-mutually exclusive, depending on the evidence that you are provided with as well as one’s personal beliefs. In order to appreciate this concept it is important to understand the meanings of both opposing arguments. Creationism is the belief that the universe and living creatures originate from specific acts of divineRead More Evolution Creationism in Education Essay3937 Words   |  16 PagesEvolution Creationism in Education The twentieth century has witnessed the escalation of the creation - evolution debate through famous court cases and Supreme Court decisions on the teaching of evolution in public schools, culminating most recently in a Kansas Board of Education decision. As this highly controversial issue of the teaching of evolution in American classrooms rages on, it may be difficult for some individuals of Christian faith to form an alternative belief other than the extremesRead MoreEssay about Creation vs Evolution2018 Words   |  9 Pagescreation of the universe. This is the idea of creationism. It is supported by many religious people. Creationism is supported by religion. 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Creationists or Christians will tell you that creation was how man was created. Which group of people is right? There is a bill in Texas State Congress over a new proposed set of guidelines for teaching biologyRead More Genesis, the Gospel, and Theistic Evolution Essay3102 Words   |  13 PagesGenesis, the Gospel, and Theistic Evolution Introduction Humans have asked questions about their origin and their purpose on earth for eons. The Bible tells humans that God created them and explains their purpose. However, since the Renaissance, humanism answers questions about origins by naturalistic means and science has been redefined in the process. Most institutions of higher education and many individuals have adopted the naturalistic theory of evolution to explain human origin withoutRead MoreHistorical Development Of Religious Research3743 Words   |  15 Pagesand finally the results of articles are compared and discussed to determine what kind of thesis or question must be analyzed in further study. Introduction As politics grew to be a global matter that requires engagement of all countries across the world, each custom, traditional idea and behavior began to collide with each other. Of all collisions that exist today, the one between Islam and the West is one of the most evident and the most influential confrontation. In most cases, the collisionRead MoreThe Truth Project: The Search of Truth1273 Words   |  6 Pageswhen a believer is no longer faced with the ‘what’ and instead challenged by a ‘why,’ lines begin to blur and minds start to blank. What can we possibly offer in response and from where can we derive our answers? Isaiah 6 gives us the solution: we must gaze into the face of God. This journey of seeking His face exposes us, exposes our culture, and turns us into world changers. This quest is only for those brave enough to explore the wondrous depths and layers of the Most High. It is the search for