Christianity and Islam Essay Example for Free

Christianity and Islam Essay Christianity and Islam are two very significant Religions in the world today. Although they celebrate very different things, some of the things they celebrate are very similar. There are many differences between both religions predominantly with the way they celebrate festivals. On the other hand the rules that both religions follow are quite similar. Christianity stands as the most widespread religion with over 2 billion followers. Christians believe that there has only been one God and he is the one who created everything on the earth today. The main festivals that Catholics celebrate are Lent, Easter and Christmas. In Christianity these festivals are very momentous and are always celebrated. The reason behind why Christians celebrate these festivals is because it reminds Christians the way Jesus lived his life up to when he passed away. In the Christian Religion there are different spiritual leaders starting with the Pope, Priests, Bishops and Jesus. Christians attend Churches to pray to God and ask him for certain things but most importantly to celebrate significant days on the Catholic calendar. Islam began around 600AD in the Arabian Peninsula. The Islam community believes in one God called Allah. Islam was revealed to the prophet Mohammad in Mecca which is now modern-day Saudi Arabia. The key festivals that the Islamic community celebrate are called Ramadan which celebrates the gift of the Koran, Eid-al-Fitr which celebrates the first day after Ramadan has been completed, Dhu Al-Hijia and lastly the Eid-al-adha which is the festival of Sacrifice which occurs 70 day after the ending of Ramadan. Mohammad is an important individual when it comes to the history of Islam. He was the first person to ever be revealed to Islam and after his death many people began to follow Islam. His death gathered more people together and a wider community began to believe in the Religion of Islam. The Islamic community practices the five pillars of Islam which are Shahadah, Salaah, Zakat, Saum and Hajj. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a 40 period which is called Lent. It is important because we follow Jesus’ journey in the desert where he was forced to fast for 40 days. The time of Ash Wednesday becomes somewhat flexible as the date changes in the Liturgical Calendar. Sundays are not counted during the time of Lent which honours the Resurrection. Lent is a time of soul-searching and repentance. Traditionally on Ash Wednesday, Christians attend a mass where ashes are placed on their forehead as a sign or remorse and mourning. They are also the symbol of willingness to prepare themselves for the events which lead Easter. During Lent, Christians abstain from eating certain foods which they desire on a daily basis. In the Western Church, Christians have a tendency to to give up meat. The term ‘fasting’ is a personal act of devotion to God. It also helps us remember God. Abstaining from something that you enjoy is designed to bring you closer to God and helps you be come a better Christian. Also during Lent, the Catholic Church encourages Christians to give back to the community or all across the world by giving loose change or clothing to help the less fortunate. Ramadan is a period of time to abstain from eating during daylight hours of the day; this is only for people with a Muslim background. It is important to the Muslim community because it was the time where God declared the Koran to the prophet Mohammed. Ramadan occurs during the Ninth month of the lunar calendar when a new moon is occurring. The fasting period of Ramadan is quite different compared to the fasting period of Lent. In Ramadan, the Muslim community it is only permitted for people to eat and drink during Sunrise and then break their fast by eating dates only again at sunset. Not only do they abstain from eating during certain times of the day, they do not smoke, they abstain from sexual intercourse, and devote a whole month to their Religion. Muslims find it very difficult to not eat during the day, especially mothers with younger children. These difficulties arise when you are hungry and preparing food for younger children as you become tempted into eating. Not everybody in the Muslim community need to refrain from eating, children that have not hit puberty, pregnant women or breastfeeding women, people who are sick or people who are on a journey. Ramadan is designed to bring them closer to Allah, strengthen their willpower and self-control and is a test of self-discipline and faith. Christianity, Lent, Islam and Ramadan are very similar because their beliefs and festivals are very similar to each other although their Religions are very different. The things which the Muslim community believe in are surprisingly similar to what Christians believe in also.

Bridging the Gap Essay -- Education

Bridging the Gaps John W. Gardner said, â€Å"Much education today is monumentally ineffective. All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants.† Education today is very ineffective. It is in an in between phase of the ways of old and a time of complete reform. The main issue is that people often lose sight of why the education system should even be reformed. It shouldn’t be reformed because â€Å"that’s what everyone else is doing.† It needs to be reformed to bridge the gap for the students who have a different learning style. It should be reformed to expand knowledge for students. Education reform can have good and bad effects. Because the education system is very complex, educators are being faced with changes and they must decide what is best for students. Educators have been faced with so many changes over time. From a one room schoolhouse to three story buildings. Schools have gone from strictly religious to it being illegal for teachers to bring it up. Not even twenty years ago, many students such as farmers’ kids would drop out of school after eighth grade to work on the farm. School was enforced and college was not as highly encouraged. Now, most people go to college. Education has had many reforms. Some have happened over time and some just quickly took place, but all of them have had a huge effect on students. Through all of the changes of education, one has slowly started to take place all over the world. The education system was created with a three month break in the summer. Slowly, the idea of year round school has been planted in education. Students fear it, but should they? The idea of year round school is not what everyone thinks it is. Most year round sch... ...earning." Project Based Learning. Web. Mar. 2012. . Quillen, Ian. "Educational Technology Rides Stimulus Funding Wave." Education Week. 09 Feb 2011: 15. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 25 Mar 2012. Sadowski, Michael. "Time and Learning." Harvard Education Letter. March/April 1998: 4-6. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 25 Mar 2012. Solomon, Gwen. "Project-Based Learning: A Primer." TechLearning (2003). Web. Mar. 2012. . Sovern, Jeff. "Laptops in Class: How Distracting Are They?." Christian Science Monitor. 06 Jun 2011: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 25 Mar 2012. Thomas, Ph.D, John W. "A Review of Research on Project-Based Learning." The Journal of Learning Sciences (2000): 367-42. Web. Mar. 2012. .

Lennie & George in “Of Mice & Men” Essay

In the story â€Å"Of Mice & Men†, John Steinbeck creates a pair of low-class companionship as the story’s main character. This pair of companionship, George and Lennie is very different from each other, nothing alike, no matter talking about their figures, personality, IQ, etc, except that they both carry the same American dream as they spend their hard days traveling together and working in the ranch. Lennie is portrayed as being childlike. He looks up on George as a parental figure: â€Å"Lennie’s lips quivered and tears started in his eyes.† Lennie seek reassurance from George like a child does from their parents. He displays the excitement of a child: â€Å"Tell me about the rabbits, George. Tell me about the rabbits.† Steinbeck suggests that Lennie’s dependent on George and that we all need companionship even if the relationship is unequal. Not only is Lennie portrayed as being childlike, but also very forgetful: â€Å"I forgot, tried not to forget. Honest to god I did George†. Lennie always gets in trouble, and always needs George to help him out.: â€Å"Course you did. Well, look Lennie— if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like u always done before, I want you to come right here and hide in the bush†. Not only does he make himself in trouble but also gives trouble to George: â€Å"An’ whatta I got, I got you! You can’t keep a job and you lose me ever’ job I get. Steinbeck wants to give the readers a hint or preparation that a serious event is going to occur with Lennie, he also wants to convey that although Lennie is big, it doesn’t mean that he has a big brain nor can he be independent and look after himself. Lennie is also being put in a character with characteristic’s like an animal: â€Å"His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse.† Lennie enjoys keeping mice, but as a result always kills it:† They were so little, I’d pet them, and pretty soon they bit my fingers and I pinch they heads a little and they was dead— because they were so little.† Steinbeck wants to show that a big man also has a sensitive side, and that being strong also has disadvantages, especially for Lennie who enjoys to pet mice and as a result kills it very quickly due to his big, strong hands. Lennie’s physique is described by Steinbeck as being big, strong looking, but is also described to have body parts in which imitating an animal: â€Å"A huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws.† Although Lennie is very immature, but he is a very helpful and great worker : â€Å"Say, you sure was right about him. Maybe he ain’t bright, but I never seen such a worker.He damn near killed his partner buckin’barley. There ain’t nobody can keep up with him. God, awmighty I never seen such a strong guy.† Steinbck points out that even an immature, childish man like Lennie with low IQ, can also work better than a normal man, and that we should always give a chance to people like Lennie to work like a normal person with no prejudice against them. Lennie is a very simple minded man, and does whatever George tells him to do. He never thinks for himself and won’t bother to rate if it was dangerous or not, he simply just does as he says, like master and servant: â€Å"Tell you what made me stop that One day a bunch of guys were standin’ around Sacramento River.I was feelin’pretty smart. I turned to Lennie and says â€Å"Jump in† and he jumps, couldn’t swim a stroke. He damned near drowned before we could get him.† Not only does Lennie always listen to Georges demands, but he also never rejects him and never dares to argue with him. â€Å"He never got mad with it neither. I’ve beat the hell outa him, and he could bust every bone in me just with his one han’, but he never lifted a finger against me†. Steinbeck expresses to readers that Lennie looks up at George at a higher status, like an idol and believes that whatever George tells him to do, is  for his own good, which is why he listens to George not minding if it is dangerous or not. Where as the other main character in the story â€Å"Of Mice & Men†, known as George, is totally different from Lennie. George is suggested to protect Lennie too much, and that he doesn’t let Lennie talk when he is suppose to. When he sells Lennie too much, people might mistaken that George is hiding something about Lennie.: â€Å"Then why don’t you let him answer? What you trying to put over?†. George also uses a special technique to make Lennie listen to him, from this technique he gives pressure to Lennie so that he will always keep George’s words in mind.: â€Å"But you ain’t gonna get in no trouble, because if you do, I won’t let you tend the rabbits.† Steinbeck points out that George is protecting Lennie too much, and that he should always let him try and let him communicate more, socialize more and approach the outside world more, or else he would depend on George too much and takes it as an advantage. George is also suggested to be smart, and has a lot of common sense. He uses his sensitive sensitivity to teach and lead Lennie to the right track: â€Å"Tastes all right, don’t really seem to be running though. You never oughta drink water when it ain’t running, Lennie.† Not only is George sensitive but he is also very smart in the ability to judge correctly: â€Å"You never had none, you crazy bastard. I got both of ’em here. Think I let you carry your own work card?† Steinbeck shows the readers that it is an advantage for Lennie to be looked after by George, for George has the power to untie him from troubles he makes, and knows what’s best for him. Steinbeck also tells the readers, that the people with the same problems as Lennie should always be helped and be guided to the right way, instead of being discriminated. George also gets very fed up with Lennie sometimes, having to escape with Lennie from the troubles Lennie has caused from time to time.: â€Å"God a’mighty, if I was to live alone I could live so easy. I could get a job and  work, and no trouble. No mess at all, and when the end of the month come I could take my fifty bucks and go into town and get whatever I want.† But on the other hand, he also cares a lot about Lennie’s feelings, and always persuades him to think towards the positive side when Lennie is depressed.: â€Å"Aw, Lennie! I ain’t taking it away jus’ for meanness. That mouse ain’t fresh, Lennie; and besides, you’ve broke it pettin’ it. You get another mouse that’s fresh and I’ll let you keep it a while.† Steinbeck suggests that in order to be companionships, we will have to care for one and another’s feelings, Steinbeck also coveys that there aren’t any perfect pair of companionship, for there has to be arguments between people, since humans are born with these characteristics. George having to be a trustworthy companionship with Lennie, always believes in his partner no matter what happens. He will always trust Lennie for whatever he does, and the decisions he makes.: â€Å"Lennie never done it in meanness. All the time he done bad things, but never done one of them mean.† George makes the relationship between Lennie and him like a family, George tells Lennie about their dreams, and how they are different to other people, as if it’s going to come true. George gives hope to Lennie making him feel better and have a target so that he won’t feel that he is working for nothing and that they are working to make their dream come true.: † But not us! An’ why? Because †¦because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Steinbeck tells the readers that although these low-class workers are poor and lonely, they haven’t got a stable home. But George and Lennie are different. For they carry a hope, a dream. This is why George and Lennie are never lonely. Steinbeck also suggests that an American dream in those days, does not come true easily. Overall I think that John Steinbeck wants us to know that we should use Lennie and George as an example to how we should treat people with the same problems as Lennie is facing. Instead of discriminating them, we should always give them a hand of trust to help them. John Steinbeck also suggests  that although Lennie may have mental problems, but from this information, it doesn’t mean that Lennie is useless. He may be stupid, but he is very hard working and may be better than most normal workers working in the ranch. John Steinbeck also wants us to know that although people like Lennie often creates serious problems due to his stupidity, this doesn’t suggest that he can use his low IQ, and stupidity as an excuse to not face the problem and just find another job, not caring what he had done before.

Events Of The American Revolution - 1415 Words

Events That Led to the American Revolution Throughout history there has been many wars, some wars were fought for world domination and others were fought for independence. One war that fought for independence was the American Revolution. The American Revolution was fought between the colonists and the English with the French aiding the colonists. There are many causes for the American Revolution some of the causes are the French and Indian War, The Sugar and Stamp Act, The Boston Massacre, The Boston Tea Party, and the Intolerable Acts. The French and Indian War, also called Seven Years War, was a massive conflict involving Austria, England, France, Great Britain, Prussia, and Sweden. The war took place in Europe, India and North America. The English and French fought for the total control of the colonies in North America, the Caribbean, and in India. While the English ended up winning the war, they were left with a debt so enormous it almost destroyed the British government. One of the ways the British government tried to shrink their debt was by collecting taxes from the colonies in America. One of the first taxes was the Sugar Act, which imposed taxes on sugar. Although resented, the Sugar Act tax was hidden in the cost of import duties, and most colonist accepted it. However, England was just getting started with colonial taxes. By the following year, Parliament imposed the Stamp Act that required Americans to pay duties directly to England, not to localShow MoreRelatedEvents Of The American Revolution1264 Words   |  6 PagesEvents That Led to The American Revolution Throughout history there has been many wars, some wars were fought for world domination and others were fought for independence. One war that fought for independence was the American Revolution. The American Revolution was fought between the colonists and the English with the French aiding the colonists. There are many causes for the American Revolution some of the causes are the French and Indian War, The Sugar and Stamp Act, The Boston Massacre, TheRead MoreThe Events of the American Revolution542 Words   |  2 PagesFortunately the American Revolution terminated two hundred years of British rule and granted this great country’s leaders their sole right to govern within a sovereign nation. Several events led to this result and while some of these were long-term causes, most were immediate. The first immediate cause of the American Revolution was the Proclamation of Rebellion by King George III in the year 1775. This document attempted to subdue rebellion by the colonists; however the complete opposite was obtainedRead MoreMajor Events Of The American Revolution1649 Words   |  7 PagesWhen one considers the AMerican Revolution, there is much emphasis placed on the major events of the period. Major battles, major players and major events are at the forefront of the discussions. Names like George Washington, John Adams and George III come into play. Talks are highlighted with governmental proceedings such as the â€Å"Stamp Act† or with tragic events such as the â€Å"Boston Massacre.† While general histories of the American Revolution tell us that the calls for separation from Britain wereRead MoreEssay on The Events Leading Up to the American Revolution747 Words   |  3 PagesIn the event of America’s victory in the American Revolution lead to the birth of a new nation. However, before the American Revolution the original colonies of America were already becoming impatient with British rule. This was mostly a result of a for eign country trying to rule people an ocean apart, and by rule this meant collecting taxes Americans found unfair. This rebellion against British rule became more prevalent from the passing of the Stamp Act of 1765 created mostly by George GreenvilleRead MoreEvents That Led to The American Revolution Essay examples1385 Words   |  6 Pagesthat the American Revolution occurred because British colonists did not want to be British citizens any longer. This may have been the case for a select few, but many British colonists desired to maintain their status as British colonists and citizens. The foremost reason that the colonists began protests, boycotts, and petitions against the British was because they believed their innate rights as British citizens were being violated. The American Revolution occurred due to a chain of events and aRead MorePivotal Events Determining the Outcome of the American Revolution950 Words   |  4 Pages People of the 21st century might question what the most pivotal events were during the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence, which was one of these events was mainly written by Thomas Jefferson but edited by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. The Declaration of Independence was a celebration of the patriot’s breakaway from the British. Another event happened on Christmas day 1776, when George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River with the hopes of capturing the HessiansRead MoreHistorical Narratives Of The Major Events Leading Up For The American Revolution Essay2379 Words   |  10 PagesSummative Objective 1 for this Instruction: Students will use primary and secondary sources to create historical narratives of the major events leading up to the American Revolution. Summative Objective 2 for this instruction: Students will know the major events that led to the American Revolution. Means of Assessment (Describe briefly here, and attached below in each lesson): After you describe your assessment, mention how you will differentiate for a student with special needs (e.g., strugglingRead MoreThe Boston Tea Party Was A Key Event That Helped Propel The American Revolution1376 Words   |  6 PagesThe Boston Tea Party was a key event that further escalated tension between colonists and the British government which helped propel the American Revolution. With tensions rising due to a long list of taxes issued from Parliament in the past thirteen years, colonists felt an increased need to protest against subordination to Britain. At the time, Britain was repaying war debts and felt that they were entitled to the right to tax the colonies since they funded their expeditions. HoweverRead MoreThe Death Of A Shoemaker And The Tea Party By Alfred F. Young Essay1338 Words   |  6 Pages The American Revolution, today, is seen as a memorable event in history. It was a war against Britain for the independence of the thirteen colonies that began in 1775. Before the American Revolution began, there was a lot of conflict between the colonists and British authorities. The British raised revenue by establishing Acts such as the Stamp Act of 1766. The colonists were against it and tried revolting against Britain, leading to the Boston Massacre in 1770 of British soldiers shoot colonistsRead MoreThe American Revolution Through British Eyes By Christopher Hibbert872 Words   |  4 PagesIn his narrative Redcoats and Rebels: The American Revolution Through British Eyes, Christopher Hibbert portrays the sequence of events that happened in the American revolution from a British perspective. The author’s main idea in this narrative is to demonstrate the war from a different point of view and to emphasize the narratives from a British audience. Mr. Hibbert’s subject in this matter of the book, illustrates the life of the American people and the British loyalist representing both sides