Saturday, January 25, 2020

Influence of Social Inequalities on Life Chances and Health

Influence of Social Inequalities on Life Chances and Health THE CONTEMPORARY NATURE OF SOCIETY AND THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL INEQUALITIES ON THE LIFE CHANCES AND HEALTH STATUS OF INDIVIDUAL 2.1  Use data to explain inequalities which exist in health and social care Social Inequality is the existence of unequal opportunities and rewards for different social positions or statuses within a group or society (Moffitt, 2015). The distribution of social and healthcare is determined by a wide variety of factors which include individual factors as age, sex, social and national factors. There is growing evidence of inequalities in both the distribution and access to health and social care. In 2016, the equality trust organization in the United Kingdom (UK) reports that, compared with other developed countries, the UK has a very high level of income inequality. They explained that Households in the bottom 10% of the population have on average a net annual income of  £9277 whereas the top 10% have a net annual income over ten times what is earned by the bottom 10%. The implication for this is that the people who fall within the bottom 10% of the population will not be able to access quality health care while at the same time maintaining a good standard of living. It can be said arguably that more than 50% of the incomes of these people are spent on housing. In Great Britain, wealth is even more unequally divided than income. 45% of all wealth is held by the richest 10% and the poorest 50% by contrast own just 8.7% (Equalitytrust.org.uk, 2016). Societys categorization contributes to the difference in life expectancy in different regions. Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that over a two year span from 2012 to 2014, life expectancy in Kensington and Chelsea was highest in the UK and Blackpool had the lowest life expectancy (74.7) for new born babies. This can be attributed to societys constructs, for example, people in Chelsea and Kensington are classified as rich and therefore have a high standard of living than people in Blackpool who are classified as poor. That means people in the rich communities of Kensington and Chelsea may have longer life expectancy because they can afford better social services than those in Blackpool. Most of the people in these rich communities are gainfully employed and earn much more income even for the same service of job than those in the poor communities. Further to this, a report on Blackpool in 1990 suggests that it is not really social class but the age structure and patterns o f employment of people in the lowest social classes that really explain the differences. Overall, life expectancy has steadily increased in the UK but some communities have higher life expectancy than others (www.ons.gov.uk, 2016). However this gap in the life expectancy can be narrowed with evenly distribution and access to health and social care in the society. One of the ways through which inequality in the distribution of health can be measured is morbidity and mortality. ONS reports that cancer was the cause of about 28% deaths that occurred in 2015 and 26% in circulatory diseases. Again, it can arguably be concluded that, people in the high social class bracket are more exposed to such circulatory disease whereas people in the low class bracket die of preventable diseases. In our traditional society, people in the lowest social class have a higher proportion of older people working in more dangerous industries so they are likely to have higher levels of illness than those engage in less dangerous work. The fact that education is a strong predictor of infant and maternal mortality, adult morbidity and mortality and a range of life course developmental and health outcomes is well supported by research evidence (Bartley, 2007). 2.2  Social inequalities from sociological perspective Sociologists study health and illness not only because they go to issues at the center of human existence but because they help us understand how society works (White, 2009). To the sociologist point of view, the experience of sickness and disease is an outcome of how society works. For example, poor living conditions in some parts of Liverpool can be attributed to the cause of diseases and high mortality. In addition, poor housing environment, smoking, drugs, unhealthy eating, obesity, lack of exercise to lose weight all contribute to poor living conditions. Even when living conditions are improved and medical practices also improved but inequalities based on class, gender and ethnicity are not tackled, the difference between the rich and poor will persist and widen. Diseases and inequality are often linked. The outcome of the uneven distribution of political, social and economic resources necessary for a healthy life is the social gradient of health. Those at the top of the social system are healthier and live longer while those at the bottom are sicker and do often die from preventable diseases and accidents. It is assumed that health differences are biological. For example, in Liverpool, a household will be smoking since generation and this contribute to unhealthy life styles and death. Inequalities in health are not only common between people of different socio-economic groups but they can exist between different genders, different ethnic groups, and the elderly. We need to also consider the inter-generational causes of health inequalities. In this instance, inequalities in health are passed from generations. This is not only to do with genetic factors, but the mothers health behaviours during pregnancy and circumstances and behaviour as they raise their children (Barker, 1992). Sociologically, social inequality as a social problem encompasses three dimensions, namely, ideological supports, social reforms and structural condition. Structural conditions include things that contribute to social inequality and can be measured objectively, for example, wealth, poverty, education. Ideological supports are the ideas and assumptions that support social inequality present in a society e.g. formal laws and public policies. Social reforms includes things such as social movements, organized resistance and protest groups. Marxism which views society as conflictual and exploitative holds that inequality in health arise because people value higher profits than health. Marx believed that social class was based on economic factors. The Functionalist theorists believe that inequality is inevitable but desirable and plays an important function in society. As such, a level of inequality is acceptable in society. Important positions in society require more training and thus should receive more rewards such as high pay or status to attract the most talented people. Social stratification and social inequality, according to this view, lead to a meritocracy based on ability. They see modern societies such as UK as meritocratic, to a large extent. By this status is achieved and based on individual ability, occupational positions are allocated. Many sociologists have used the Registrar Generals scale of working class and middle class in the past, in order to measure social class. Conflict theorists, on the other hand, view inequality as a result of groups with power dominating groups with less power. They believe that social inequality hinders societal progress as people in order to maintain the status quo those in power repress the powerless. In todays world, domination is achieved primarily through the power of ideology i.e. our beliefs, views, thoughts, norms, values, world views and expectations through a process known as cultural hegemony. 2.3 How inequalities which exist in health and social care can impact on an individuals health status and life chances. Social inequalities that exist in health and social care impact on the individuals health and life chances. These impacts may be seen as advantage for some group of people but negative for others. The privilege ones who find themselves at the better side of the inequality will be well off than the others. Health is determined by several factors including genetic inheritance, personal behaviors, access to quality health care, and general external environment. The inequalities that exist in health can be measured in terms of inequalities in conditions such as wealth and material goods. The inequality in income affects the access to social care and health. Those with high incomes are better off and can afford to pay for extra services besides the basic ones guaranteed to all by the government. The difference this makes is that, the individual who may be able to afford these extra services is less likely to die from preventable diseases. The individual with low income may enjoy only basic social and health care which may not cover the needs at the moment. The end result of this individual is shorter life expectancy. The inability to afford better housing services and live in better communities exposes the individual to a high morbidity. One aspect of society that is gaining attention in todays society is the discrimination in gender. On Friday, 9th December, 2016, a panelist on ITV news discussion comment toys meant for boys and girls and identifying colours with gender at an early age. According to the discussion, the stereotyping isnt healthy for a society and efforts must be made to reduce and eventually erase the ideology in the minds of children at early age. They are advocating retailers to stop categorizing toys by gender. Like the functionalist theory holds, this form of stereotyping is inevitable thus it can only be reduced and not erased. Gender inequality can still be found also in the workplace today despite equality laws such as the Sex Discrimination Act. Divisions based on gender can be seen in the gender pay gap and under-representation of women in politics. However, the numbers of females going into higher education and entering professional careers such as medicine amongst others is increasing. A persons career and aspirations may not be achieved due to inequality in social care and health. For instance where, the inequality in health is attributed to a genetic issue. The individual may be limited by society in certain endeavours. By reason of a persons impairment, the individual faces stereotyping in the community even in schools. However, this notion is gradually fading out in the UK as efforts are being made to bridge the gap between people of learning ages for example in schools, and visually impaired are provided with brails and learning aids to foster learning. In contemporary Britain, some sociologists, however, see inequality based on ethnicity as the most important cause of social division. For example, members of some minority ethnic groups underperform at school and experience higher levels of unemployment compared with other groups. Women, older people and children are at more risk of poverty than other groups. Other sociologists also argue that inequalities based on gender, ethnicity, class and age are all significant in todays society, and therefore, they are seen as interlinked aspects of inequalities rather than as completely separate aspects. People of African Caribbean background are more likely to be in occupations that are classified as working class. This impact on their chances of upward social mobility. This may also have consequences for their childrens life chances including educational opportunities. Many sociologists argue that social class remains an important concept because social class still impacts on peoples daily lives. Class-based inequalities in life chances persist in the 21st century. So, while class may have changed, it has not declined. Over the last 40 years, reforms in such areas as education and employment have addressed different aspects of gender inequality. For example, introduction of anti-discrimination laws such as the Equal Pay Act (1970) by government to reduce gender inequalities. Other reforms and policies have been made to address inequality based on ethnicity in areas such as education, employment, and criminal justice. Through funding bodies such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission which enforces equality laws governments have tried to reduce inequalities between different ethnic groups as well as through legislature such as the Race Relations Act in the 1970s. In conclusion, although there has been a reduction in social inequalities in our society, there exists however, a gradient between people from affluent backgrounds and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. For a fact, a country where wealth is evenly distributed, these kinds of issues of social inequalities are at minimum. But until the UK gets to a level of even wealth distribution, efforts and continued vigilance will be required by all to help curb the problem. References Barker, DJP, editor. Fetal and infant origins of adult disease. London: BMJ Books; 1992. Bartley, M., Head, J. and Stansfeld, S. (2007). Is attachment style a source of resilience against health inequalities at work?. Social Science Medicine, 64(4), pp.765- 775. Equalitytrust.org.uk. (2016). The Scale of Economic Inequality in the UK | The Equality Trust. [online] Available at: https://www.equalitytrust.org.uk/scale-economic-inequality-uk [Accessed 14 Dec. 2016]. Haralambos, M. and Holborn, M. (2008). Sociology: Themes and Perspectives. London: Collins. Health Knowledge. (2016). Inequalities in the distribution of health and health care and its access, including inequalities relating to social class, gender, culture and ethnicity, and their causes. [online] Available at: http://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/medical-sociology- policy-economics/4c-equality-equity-policy/inequalities-distribution [Accessed 14 Dec. 2016]. Moffitt, K. (2015). What Is Social Inequality in Sociology? Definition, Effects Causes [online] Available at: http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-social-inequality-in-sociology-definition- effects-causes.html [Accessed 14 Dec. 2016]. Nettleton, S (1995). The Sociology of Health Illness Ons.gov.uk. (2016). Deaths registered in England and Wales- Office for National Statistics.[online]Availablat: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriag es/deaths/bulletins/deathsregistrationsummarytables/2015 [Accessed 14 Dec. 2016]. Ons.gov.uk. (2016). Life expectancies- Office for National Statistics. [online] Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriag es/lifeexpectancies [Accessed 14 Dec. 2016]. White, K (2009). An Introduction to the Sociology of Health Illness. 2nd ed. SAGE Publications. Los Angeles. Appendix

Friday, January 17, 2020

Primordial Sound Meditation Essay

Donna Miesbach opens the lecture asking if anyone participates in meditation. Her knowledge begins for her at the age of 17. The passion she emits when teaching primordial sound meditation is evident with the discussion she leads. Informative about Dr. Deepka Chopa making the Vedic tradition of India available and able to read to many people. Bringing meditation back into society. Meditation can be described as entering a state of complete awareness. Meditation is about oneself; you with your mind. A place you can fulfill your purpose, get in tune with your soul, no stress, anxiety or fear. Meditation relieves stress and helps to remember self wholeness. It rejuvenates the cells to wake up, relaxes the physical, mental and energy body, introduces serenity, bliss and clarity all while bringing balance to every area of life. Meditation is stated as a three step process. The basis starts with our state of mind.; many thoughts stimulate and stress our emotional, mental, energy and physical bodies. The â€Å"meditation station† describes the normal state of mind of not being normal but abnormal with effects of receiving sensory stimuli that react in uncontrolled ways. Also that our thoughts can be opposing of each other, thoughts that bring warm, cuddly, relaxed emotions can also initiate fear, anxiety and paranoia. A tool used to transition thru meditation is Mantra, defined as â€Å"man=mind† and â€Å"tra=instrument† so as a whole † Instrument of the mind† The first step of meditation is gaining control over our mind, to concentrate. All effects are directly or indirectly in all areas of the body and mind. Concentration derived from the Latin words â€Å"To† † Center or fixed center point† offers mental influence and mental imaging, looking at the word as a whole can be further defined as † bring to a common point.† and the â€Å"act or state of bringing to a fixed point or focus†. With concentration you are bringing the highest forms of energy, power and forces to a focus point , keeping it from dissolving over multiple areas. Focused concentration can be difficult to achieve with current lifestyle, duties of family, work, school, schedules, appointments all correlate to keep the mind restless. With the obstacles of swirling thoughts, applying the control of voluntary attention and exercising self will are key to facilitate ones control of attention and will . Practicing paying attention to concentration, you gain the experience to exercise your will to just be witness to any distracting thoughts that populate; instead of using imagination or daydreams in lieu of concentrating on the object of your meditation. So primarily the goal in the first area of meditation is to concentrate, provide un forced attention and focus on one object whether it’s a personalized mantra, a saying, chant or actual object. The next step instructed is mind and body connection and silencing of the mind best known as Meditation. In meditation the attention is unbroken, effortless, a steady flow of concentration. The focused attention is also applied to the object of meditation and the state of meditation that initiates deeper and deeper concentration which then proclaims true knowledge, universal awareness and can begin to restore balance. You become connected to feelings, sensations and everything connected to that object. Best quoted is Albert Einstein † Everything in the universe is relative to everything else† This deep concentration and connection ultimately brings your meditation to connect you to everything; uniting your object and your mind. The final step of meditation occurs in the state of contemplation and ultimate consciousness. The experience of not being conscious of just our body and thoughts but being part of the universe and cosmos. Some imply it is a birthright and destiny to attune to this state of realization, truth, consciousness and bliss. You become connected to the universe as it is connected to you in a simple, spontaneous action. Nothing is forced, what happens is what is supposed to happen. Meditation takes practice. Overall patience and understanding to accomplish the deepest form of meditation requires you to have the abilities of focusing on an object, reject unwanted/unwarranted thoughts not related to the object, promoting the power to controlled thoughts, the capacity to stop them, comprehension to separate ones self from thoughts, and all is done to master and achieve a silent mind. This deep state of meditation refers to the silent mind as a powerful experience. A silent mind is related to being alert and sensitive to surroundings, compassionate towards others, removing harmful notions from the mind, judgments, rejection, hatred, anger, jealousy and any thought process that is implying one of being wrapped in ones own confusions. Primordial sound mediation is best explained as a healing practice. Experience inner peace and it reminds oneself of our essence, improves inspiration, compassion, love, health, enthusiasm and creativity in daily living and relations. Primordial sounds consist of basic, essential sounds and vibrations from nature. Mantras are primordial sounds that are depicted from the Vedic mathematics, which determine the exact sound or vibrations developed using the date, time and location of a persons birth. If used correctly to influence the quieting of the mind, you can fall into meditation easier and faster. The mantra guides you from levels of clustered thought activities, to complete silence. You are no longer affected by internal commotion and are able to in-tune to true, and peaceful awareness of the universe. This allows the mind, physical body and energy network that supports and sustains the physical body ability to function at maximum effectiveness. Mantra deepens meditation, it blesses our lives with the universe ,provides true knowledgeable wealth of the soul, gives a roadmap to heightened awareness and clears, relaxes, and rejuvenates the body.. There are many types, forms and ways of meditation. All meditation types possess the ability to restore physical, mental and emotional self well being. The fact that we use roughly 5% of our minds substantiates the importance of relaxing beyond the busyness and ciaos. Other meditation can include walking, simple, mindfulness, journey, vibrational and central channel meditation, all techniques allow anyone to incorporate and fit into their lifestyle. The tasks of the present day insist that people are more human doings with the constant feeling of needing to be doing something or going somewhere, always doing. We need to be referring to ourselves as â€Å"human beings† so it incorporates the importance of attention, concentration, self peace and we are just beings; here to be!

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Laocoon and His Sons - 919 Words

This essay is an attempt to address the marble sculpture commonly known as Laocoon and His Sons, and why exactly I believe it to be a work of high art, of great value and significance to the species. Laocoon and His Sons is a marble sculpture representing a scene that is a part of the tale of the siege and invasion of Troy. Laocoon was the protagonist in a play by Sophocles that is now lost. He was also written about by Virgil. The statue itself is one of the most famous sculptures of Greek and Roman antiquity, its subject is Laocoà ¶n, a Trojan high priest, who, along with his two sons, is – according to legend - attacked and killed by two snakes, or sea serpents. The tale is known as myth, but its content may have symbolic roots in actual†¦show more content†¦History is hearsay. We can’t be sure. One of the pieces defining characteristics, what makes it such a marvel, is how the physique is anatomically perfect. This speaks of a highly developed culture, with an intricate understanding of anatomy and physiology. But, also of a culture that privileges physical strength and beauty. The Greeks of the time were either artists or warriors, or often both, so strength and beauty were central in their world. Laocoon and His Sons is a much more naturalistic piece than earlier Greek works; in which the figures were often idolized; lacking luster, life, emotion, humanity. Cleobis and Biton, a set of sculptures from the Archaic Period, exemplify this quite well; posing, rigid, golem like figures; lacking the humanity they are supposed to represent. The Hellenistic baroque style of Laocoon and His Sons gives us a much more true-to-life representation in comparison to earlier works. This work has inspired artists and regular humans alike down through the centuries, one of whom it is partic ularly well known to have influenced greatly was Michelangelo; as can be seen in some of his pieces; e.g: The rebellious Slave. I summation, I think this piece is truly of note to art historians. Above, I have highlighted some reasons I think this is the case. Bibliography: Virgil, (reprint) 2003. The Aeneid. London: Penguin Classics. Pollitt, J. J. 2006. Art in the Hellenistic Age. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 5 Pliny,Show MoreRelated Polykleitos’ Bearer and Laocoon and His Sons Essay1812 Words   |  8 PagesPolykleitos’ Bearer and Laocoon and His Sons Polykleitos’ is a Roman statue. It is made out of marble and it is 6 feet 6 inches tall. The statue is of a male who looks to be athletic someone who works out. The statue is standing in a contrapuntal position; it has its left leg slightly bent witch causes his foot not to be flat on the platform under him. That position helps the statue stay balance. It is not rigid. The statue has no facial expression. It is serious. It eyes are deep andRead MoreAnalysis of The Famous Sculpture, Laocoà ¶n and his Two Sons Essay examples1786 Words   |  8 PagesThe piece I decided to analyze is the famous sculpture, Laocoà ¶n and his two sons. I decided on this particular piece for a few reasons, one being the emotion we see on the subjects’ faces, and the other being the importance for future art. When I began this research I could not have possibly understood the relevance this piece had on the art that was yet to come. The Hellenistic period of Greek art spans from the time of Alexander the Great’s death in 323 to 30 B.C.E. (â€Å"Hellenistic Period† 1)Read MoreThe Classical And Hellenistic Period1098 Words   |  5 PagesDionysus. â€Å"Zeus gave Dionysus to Hermes to protect the baby from Zeus wife, who was jealous† because Zeus was unfaithful to his wife Hera with Dionysus’s mother, Semele (Bergman). Hermes, the messenger of the Greek gods, is sculpted leaning against what appears to be a tree covered in draping. His right arm, that is broken, reaches upwards as if he is holding something. His left arm, holds a small child, Dionysus, who reaches towards something that Hermes may have been holding. Dionysus is the godRead MoreExamples Of Heroes Of Beowulf1503 Words   |  7 Pagesbe a descendent from Cain, son of Adam and Eve, who murdered his brother Abel. The author writes, â€Å"†¦his [Grendel] glee was demonic†¦before morning he would rip the life fr om limb and devour them [Danes warriors], feed on their flesh..,† which gives a clear depiction of how gory it was when Grendel struck the hall at night (Heaney, 49). Beowulf exhibits the characteristics of bravery and courage when he first arrives at the mead hall to meet King Hrothgar; by expressing his desires to fight off GrendelRead MoreSummary Of The Snake In Book Two Of The Aeneids1373 Words   |  6 Pagessnake attacks from hiding, as did the Greeks from the â€Å"womb† of the Trojan horse. Subsequently, brutality as an attribute of the snake is imposed on the scholars consciousness in Book Two of The Aeneid through the account of the destiny of Laocoon and his two sons. Hence, the snake is an appropriate analogy for the fundamental character of the Greek invaders (brutality), their preferred means (ambush), and their ultimate instrument of destruction (flame). But the snake is an ambivalent image. ApartRead MoreLaocoon’s Children and the Limits of Repre sentation Essay examples1228 Words   |  5 Pagesrendering of children in art forms during Hellenistic times. This idea is then divided into different sub-categories: Laocoon group depiction of children, the different versions of children, and the viewer’s interaction to the role of children in Greek and Roman mythology. With respect to the first sub-category that is listed, the sculpture of the struggle of Laocoon and his Sons is used to underscore the ideals connected with children. It is in the sculpture that we see Laocoon’s son’s depictedRead MoreThe Laocoon Group1229 Words   |  5 PagesThe Laocoon Group from page 96 in our text (Fig. 3.30). This statue depicts a scene from Virgil s Aeneid. The scene takes place shortly after attempting to warn the Trojan s not to bring the horse into the city, Laocoon goes to the altar of Poseidon with his sons to make a sacrifice when all three are attacked and killed by two sea serpents sent by the gods. Thi s was because of the warning and it is even mentioned that is specifically for throwing his spear at the horse and piercing it. Read MoreLaocoons Influence on Renaissance Artists2087 Words   |  9 PagesThe desire and urge to establish stronger connections with the classical past brought about the search and discovery of many ancient manuscripts and artworks. One of the most celebrated discoveries occurred during the height of the Renaissance: The Laocoon. Perhaps one of the world’s most famous Hellenistic sculptures, it was originally located in the palace of Titus. It was then lost for over a thousand years before its rediscovery in 1506. Pope Julius II immediately acquired it, and displayed it inRead MoreCompare/Contrast 2 Ancient Sculptures782 Words   |  4 Pagesleft). This statue represents an eternal existence reflected in its emotionless calm and enduring serenity. In this statue Menkure and His Chief Queen from the Old Kingdom’s 4th Dynasty are depicted; it is thought to have originally stood on the processional causeway leading to Menkure’s pyramid at Giza. However, the statue was discovered buried with him inside his tomb. â€Å"It is believed to have been the first double statue of its kind made.†This sculpture shares all of the conventional qualities commonRead MoreEl Greco : The Greatest Spanish Painter Of The Era2129 Words   |  9 Pagesspent approximately half of his life traveling and apprenticing in Italy. El Greco had traveled to Rome, where he was influenced by the Florentine and Roman Mannerism techniques. As El Greco traveled through Italy he worked alongside the famous artist Titian in his studio in Venice. Other artists El Greco worked under include Tintoretto, Jacopo Bassano, and Veronese. El Greco’s exploration of art through Europe finally brought him to the most influential location of his career, Toledo in 1577. In

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Essay On His Prophets - 1437 Words

Once Balaam’s eyes were opened, he fell to his face because he could go no lower than the ground that supported him. It is not uncommon for God to give His prophets their most powerful revelations during moments of extreme rebellion, sin binges, and fatal moves, and not during long fasts, or deep consecrations as some would suspect. Stern rebukes might come by angelic interventions, trances, transportation to the throne room, and divine visions or dreams. Gods’ aim? To keep the prophets from sabotaging their divine destiny. Balaam responded to the sworn-drawn angel with â€Å"I have sinned,† as did nine others in scripture--but not all received pardon. Pharaoh uttered â€Å"I have sinned† twice during the devastation of his dynasty through†¦show more content†¦But the kind of sorrow the world has †¢brings [leads to; results in] death. EXB After the rebuke, God granted him permission to go to Balak, but with the command that he must speak only that which he was bidden by heaven. Two things were at play here. Firstly, the prophet was being given over to his own devises. â€Å"But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts lust: and they walked in their own counsels† (Psalms 81:11-12). Secondly, God wanted to prove to Moab and Midian that Israel possessed impenetrable divine protection. Balaam verified this in one of his utterances. â€Å"Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought† (Numbers 23:23)! King Balak took the prophet up to a mountainous terrain overlooking the entire Israeli camp west of the Jordan River. Burnt offerings were made upon seven altars at three different locations and, after seeking the word of Lord, Balaam opened his mouth and blessed Israel each time, much to the Balak’s dismay. The first prophecy spoke of Israel’s divine favor, expansion and her distinction as a separate nation. Within this utterance, Balaam revealed his inward intent to curse Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hathShow MoreRelatedElijah The Prophet By Elijah1099 Words   |  5 PagesElijah the Prophet I have decided to write my Old Testament essay on the mysterious prophet Elijah. According to the bible, in the book of Kings, Elijah was not only a devoted prophet of God, but he also served as a worker who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel, under King Ahab’s reign. Elijah is remembered for his remarkable faith and devotion to God. In writing this essay, I will tell the story of one the many adventures that occurred in Elijah s lifetime. Of course, there are so many alterationsRead MoreDifferences Between Sunni Creed And Zayid Creed1363 Words   |  6 PagesImam al-Mutawakkil have some major fundamental differences, as you may expect since both come from opposite spectrums of Islam; but, after careful analysis, one may be surprised to find that both creeds hold a fair amount of similarities. In this essay, I plan to compare and contrast the Sunni creed and Zayid creed by showing you evidence of the significant similarities and differences in these two short texts. Even though one branch may have something that the other may not have, one can still seeRead MoreEssay on Theme of Blindness in Sophocles Oedipus the King758 Words   |  4 Pagesmurder his father and marry his mother. After reading or viewing this play, it is apparent that there are a few different themes, though the one which will be discussed in this essay is the theme of blindness. 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