Hypnopaedia Teaching in Brave New World - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 811 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/05/13 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Brave New World Essay Did you like this example? The authorities in Aidous Huxleys Brave New World (1932) use hypnopaedia or sleep teaching to exert control over the population in State World. At birth, children are conditioned in their sleep so they can fit in the future cultural spaces of their various castes (social classes). The application of the sleep teaching technique is used to control morality of the people through suggestion made while they sleep. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Hypnopaedia Teaching in Brave New World" essay for you Create order Admittedly, the concept of sleep teaching would interest any leadership authority involved in building or running a society efficiently. In the hypothetical scenario that I was to build my own society, I would reject the use of hypnopaedia and let people have free will and self determination within acceptable confines of the rule of law and established social norms. The fundamental reason why I would choose to reject the practice of hypnopaedia is that while it leads to a seemingly utopian world with order and perfection, in reality it creates dystopian destruction of the human psyche. The state leadership in the New World exerts absolute control of the people and suppresses creativity leading to artistic and literary minded people such as Helmholtz Watson living an oppressive and sad life. The human mind is best left to thrive in a natural and uncontrolled state to maintain the core of what makes humans unique and critically progressive; freedom. Due to the malleability of the brain, it is possible that if I choose sleep condition teaching in my society, I would still have to consider additional measures in future to ensure control and manipulation is maintained as people grow and change. In the novel, the state is compelled to constantly use Soma a drug that induces an false sense of happiness. Such a measure would not only be unsustainable b ut would also be dehumanizing, inhumane and torture as people would become dependent. Just like other drugs, citizens would also likely experience potentially acute withdraw symptoms, addiction and unhealthy dependency. In my society, I would let natural and traditional human control mechanisms and institutions such as human logic, constitutional laws, education, and good leadership help maintain social control. Instead of instructing people in their sleep to condition their thinking, I would instead use the funds to fully fund progressive education programs so that people become knowledgeable, productive, and easy to govern under democratically elected leadership and laws. Even in the State World, hypnopaedia is accidently discovered and not scientifically researched and developed for the interest of the public good. Controller Mustapha Mond and the leaders adopt it after a young boy accidentally discovers its potential in mind control when he is able to recite an English broadcast after someone left a radio receiver on while he slept, despite being Polish with no English language knowledge. Indoctrination engineered by sleep teaching is infraction of human rights and impairs development hence negative for positive human development. Therefore, I would avoid at all costs the interference of the natural cognitive function of my citizens as it would eventually be counterproductive. In the dystopian world under controller Mustaphas jurisdiction, the leadership interferes with the natural course of human life and development of self determination. After the artificial birth, the babies are assigned social status and caste against their will. After the programmed indoctrination, they grow up under close mental state control. Consequently, the citizens grow up as seemingly satisfied individuals but are in fact unstable and dysfunctional mind controlled individuals who cannot socially interact with other people in a normal world in a healthy way. The evidence is seen when a crowd goes in a frenzy of excitement and arousal after witnessing John (who grew up in the real world) a ttacking Lenina which demonstrates a lot of psychology instability in the citizens. In summative, given an opportunity to build a society of my own, I would aim for organic governance involving reason, logic and democratic consensus as opposed to psychological manipulation using methods such as sleep teaching. While technological advances might potentially develop in the future to an extent of allowing direct control of human brain, fundamental human rights regarding freedom of self determination are immutable. The authorities do not get to choose what decision people make or what they desire or want in life. Any attempt to interfere with such issues as evidence in Aldous Brave New World would lead to a dystopian society where the state prioritizes happiness over truth and technological convenience over scientific based practices. Basic morals, individual freedom, relationship ties, emotions and respect for family institutions are all lost in the State World and replaced with artificial drug induced hallucinations and meaningless casual sex. Such a state is not ide al for sustainable and wholesome human development as only a few individuals in leadership benefit from totalitarian rule while citizens remain stuck in a narrow mental stagnation incapable of healthy natural relations with others in and outside their world.

The Blonde Haired Captain Of The Soccer Team - 1440 Words

It was the summer of two thousand sixteen and I was going on vacation to South Korea with three of my best friends. I am a seventeen year old girl, whose dream was to go to South Korea one day. Ever since I was little my grandma always tried to teach me how to speak Korean. My whole family was supposed to go when I was twelve years old, until, she passed away in the year of two thousand ten and then we just felt it was not right. One of my friends that was going to be going with me name is Nyellah. She’s a very shy girl who does not like to be in crowds or talk to strangers. She is the dark haired captain of the soccer team. Another is Emma, she is the total opposite. She is the blonde haired captain of the cheerleading team. She is so†¦show more content†¦While in line they had a firework show that really brought out the colors and patterns in the tower. As we got up to the tower we learned that it had been open to the public since October 15, 1980, so it had been open for a long time now. The tower was 236.7 meters tall! â€Å"I wish we would have gotten here at sundown because this would be a beautiful picture with the Namsan Mountain in the background,† Nyellah said gloomily. â€Å"Omg, that would be so cool to see!† Exclaimed Emma. â€Å" I think we should all go on a shopping spree while we are here,† I grinned. â€Å"I heard that if you go to the Myeongdong Shopping Street they have the best skin care products for your face,† Acknowledged Reagan. â€Å"Yeah and that is totally what i need because my acne has been getting really bad lately,† Babbled Emma. We got into a cab and thankfully this time it at least smelt like overly strong perfume instead of nasty feet. The cab ride seemed like it took forever, but it had only been twenty minutes. When we got there, there was hundreds of thousands of Korean people that were walking the streets. The Myeongdong Shopping Street is known for there skin care product so there were like twenty different stores that had skin care products in it. Walking down the streets we saw the name brands Nike, Adidas, Forever 21, HM, and a lot of others. After we did all of our shopping we noticed a lady and a police man pointing at

Financial Instruments Disclosure and Presentation

Qestion: Discuss about the Financial Instruments for Disclosure and Presentation. Answer: Introduction Measurement can be defined as criteria for measurement of various elements in financial statement that are essential in the process of financial reporting. Measurement can also be defined as a process in which association of number is done with some elements of items or occurrence (Suppes, 1959). The calculation of quantifiable items for comparison and evaluation of the data in monetary terms is measurement. In order to understand the concept of measurement, the different methods for comparison and evolution of measurement must be considered. Measurement theory contains three major issues. The first one is representation which contains the extent to which any measured aspect provides a precise description of the material authenticity of the object in question (Charles, 2013). The second issue is uniqueness and it contains the extent to which the selected representation is the sole possible representation for the concerned object. The last issue is the issue of error. As the name suggests, error shows the difference between the same aspects over different points of time. Approaches of Measurement The concept of measurement is very broad in nature (Beaver, 1989). There can be many different interpretations of approaches when discussing about measurement. An analysis of the following approaches of measurement has been made in this report: historical cost, current cost, fair value, realizable value and value in use (ICAEW, 2006). In order to decide which one is the correct approach of measurement (Ijiri, 1975) for a given case, the cost effectiveness and the competency of the purpose should be viewed. In case of ambiguity, numerous secondary attributes should be taken into consideration. Examples of such secondary attributes include accuracy, reliability (ACS Distance Education, 2016), clarity, time frame and relevancy. Historical Cost As the name suggests, the historical cost of any asset or liability is the cost which was paid or is to be received in respect of the respective asset or liability. Any change in the market value of the said asset or liability is not considered (Ryan, 2001). The net is decided on the basis of the transaction that happens on the day the asset and liability are met. Example a company acquired some asset in 2010 for $1000. In 2013, the market value of that asset was $2000 and the company sold the asset in 2013 for $1500. As per the historical cost method, the profit of $500 has been made on such sale. The major principle behind this rule is that only that cost has to be considered which is being met; any cost which is not being dealt with is not relevant to the transaction. This method is very easy to calculate as the gains are not recorded until they are realized (Australian Accounting Standards Board, 2009). Even though this method is used in many accounting systems, it has some major drawbacks. The first one is that the historical cost method does not consider the present day market value of the asset. Hence, the real time gain or loss cannot be ascertained. The various opportunity costs and intangibles are not considered. So, there is no clarity and accuracy of the data and also the time factor is simply ignored. Current Cost Current cost is completely the opposite in comparison to historical cost. The problems faced due to use of obsolete data in historical cost method sowed the inception seeds of current cost approach. Current cost is also known as deprival value or value to the business (Ayers, Lefanowicz Robinson, 2000). The concept of value to the business holds that the gains should be recognized as and when they arise rather than when they are actually realized. Some assets do not have an origin value and hence the historical cost approach cannot be applied to them but such assets can be easily recognized through this approach. This approach measures the profits of the business to main the service potential or the operating capabilities. The major drawback of this approach comes when the replacement cost of a liability is to be ascertained. The costs of assets can still be ascertained from the market but until the liabilities are realized, the true value of such liabilities cannot be ascertained. Another drawback relates to the new and potential marketer entrants as the values put forward by them cannot be anticipated. Fair Value Fair value can be elucidated as the price that will be received when an asset is sold or the price that will be paid to meet the liability in an ordinary transaction between different market participator at the date of measurement in the present market conditions. When the price of an asset or liability cannot be determined on basis of historical and current cost, the fair value of such asset or liability is taken. Since this concept is based on measurement of market, the price is calculated under the presumption that the market participators will use this pricing taking into consideration the risk factor. So, the intention to hold the asset or sell the asset is not relevant in the fair value measurement approach. In short, fair value is a market based measurement and not an entity specific measurement. A chart depicting the various stages under Fair Value Measurement is presented in Chart 1. Controversy regarding Fair Value Measurement Fair value measurement gained acceptance as it overcomes the limitations of historical cost measurement approach (McConnell, 2010). As defined above, the fair value is the value at which an asset if purchased or sold between the parties to transaction. The key here is that this price is decided by the parties. Yes the definition states that such price is the price quoted in other ordinary transactions too. But there is no clear indication or demarcation on whether the chosen price is really the price in normal transactions. In other words, one may consider one set of figures and the other may consider a completely different of figures and so the fair value will be different in these cases. To accurately compute the fair value, a lot of factors are considered and the lack of even a single factor may result in completely different result. In other words, fair value is no longer fair (Chasan, 2008). The other point in this regard is that fair value measurement of an asset is impacted highly by the decisions and investments made by management (Moyer, 2008). Example, in order to calculate the cost of an asset, the expenses is adjusted. The decision taken on which expenses can be considered as fair will impact the fair value of the given asset. The biggest reason of such disparity in the usage of fair value is the ambiguity in the accounting standards that are presented for fair value measurement. The Australian Accounting Standards Board has issued (AASB) AASB 13 for fair value measurement (Landgate, 2013). The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have issued common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements (FASB, 2011). These requirements are stated in IFRS 13. The IASB has issued certain guidelines to be followed in order to use the measurement techniques. These include that a single approach of measurement might not provide useful data for all the assets and liabilities. And in such cases that approach should be selected which provides the best set of information. Various disclosures (Australian Accounting Standards Board, 2004) are to be made for selecting any approach or valuation method. This is what regulates the proper application of measurement approaches (Australian Accounting Standards Board, 2013). AASB 13 provides certain criteria for the methods that determine the fair value of any asset and liability. In order to determine the said value, an imaginary future transaction is drawn up and various factors which could affect the transactions are also taken into consideration. A number of potential market participants and even potential entrants are also estimated for such calculation. Most importantly, the price of such transaction, keeping in mind the above points is also drawn up and that price acts as the fair value of the transaction of future. The other reasons include the lack of study curriculums which could inscribe the various aspects of fair value measurement (Singh, 2015). There is also a lack of the basic studies in universities regarding the fair value system. Further, the rules and guidelines for fair value measurement are quite complex. The easy and stable nature of historical cost accounting is usually preferred over this method. Lastly, the numbers of businesses where this approach can be applied are very less. Fair value approach of measurement is gaining popularity and also a lot of criticism. This approach has been blamed for the questionable practices that resulted in the Wall Street crash in 1929 and was nearly banned by United States Securities and Exchange Commission during 1930s to 1970s. Because of the financial crisis of 2008, the fair value approach again came under the fire. The actions of some bankers (Badertscher, B. A., Burks Easton, 2012) and management level personnel were the reason behind this escalation especially during depression stages of market. Those actions resulted in a major fall of prices of assets and people blamed this approach for the downfall. Political nature of Fair Value Measurement Fair value measurement approach is followed worldwide on the basis of certain standards set by the relevant authorities. The base of conceptual framework was to act as an equivalent to the constitution (Ramanna, 2008). It could have acted as a shield to some extent for the accounting standard process. It could have been free from interferences if more importance was diverted on the interests of the users. As in the case of a legal system, the accounting system was adopted as jurisdictional structure which is the first indication to the political nature of the standard setting process. This way, the standards could be easily influenced for the benefit of certain set of individuals or corporations rather than as a benefit to everyone equally. During the establishment of these codes, many critiques raised queries. The major point raised in this regard was the complexity faced by the user of the financial information (Laux Leuz, 2009). Further, it was said that the reports of finance should provide relevant and needful information for every user. But the contention given for this query by the authorities was that each user has its own need and that it was not possible to satisfy every persons need. And so certain potential creditors and investors were selected as the primary group of users and the standards were set as per their conditions. The very selection of potential creditors and investors is of political nature (Fogarty, Hussein Ketz, 1994). Realizable Value Realizable value is the net of the selling costs of assets and the settlement costs of liabilities. Broadly, the realizable value and the fair vale are similar apart from the fact that realizable value is measured at the net of the costs of realization. The net realizable value is an entity specific measurement approach and it covers the value that the entity is expected to realize on the sale of asset. For example, a company decides to calculate the materials at cost rather than the market value even though the market value is lower than the cost. The company will do so in the expectation that they could sell the final product at a price higher than the cost. Even though this is a very effective approach as the costs are calculated using the net value for every product but in this, lies its biggest drawback. A lot of information is needed for calculations under this approach. Also, this approach does somewhere make assumptions of the expected results of future decisions. Value in use Value in use can be described as the present value of the future cash flows which are expected to attain from some asset. In other words, it is the discounted value (applicable to any business) of the future cash flow an asset. In this approach there is always an anticipation of possible variations in the value and time of the future cash flows. Many factors can affect the future cash flow of an asset, for example, liquidity, market participants. In order to calculate the value of an asset under this approach firstly an estimate of future cash flows (both incoming and outgoing) are to be calculated and then the proper discount rate has to be applied to the expected cash flows of future. The very basis of this concept forms its biggest drawback. Everything is based on what happens in future and estimates in this regards are made. The process of estimation itself is unreliable as it is prone to fluctuations and variations. Also, there are numerous factors which cannot e foreseen and there is always the risk of partial disclosures. Aurizon Holdings Ltd. Aurizon Holdings Limited is an ASX (Australian Securities Exchange) listed company and is number 41 in the ASX 100. Aurizon is an Australian based rail freight operator. The company works in different areas like transportation of coal from the coal mines to the port for export markets; the network area provides entry to the operation and management of the Coal Rail Network of Central Queensland; hauling iron ore for export; and also works as a heavy haul freight operator. Numerous other projects are taken up by the company, for example, Staurt Intermodal Facility Project, Moorebank Intermodal Project. Aurizon was earlier owned by the Government of Queensland. Currently, it is the countrys largest rail freight company (Aurizon, 2016). The Annual Report 2016 of Aurizon Holdings Limited states clearly that the financial statements have been prepared under the Historical Cost convention but it has also been adjusted by revaluating the assets and liabilities at Fair Value. Taking a finer look at the annual report clarifies that the company uses Fair Value measurement approach. The cash, cash equivalents and non interest bearing financial assets and liabilities are all measured at the fair value and it calculates the cost of the asset due to their short maturity. But, when the question comes of the fair value of those financial instruments which are not traded in any active market, the cost is calculated by using valuation techniques. The reason behind the use of valuation techniques is to attain recognizable market data and not to rely simply on the entry specific estimates (historical cost). The assets and liabilities which are measured at the fair value on recurring basis include interest rate swaps; cross currency interest rate swaps; and forward foreign exchange contract. The company has measured the fair value of interest rate swaps by net present value method of contracted cash flows. For the same calculation of cross currency interest rate swaps, the company has used the net present value of contracted cash flows (Aurizon, 2016). The reasons for such uses have been given. At critically analyzing the use of fair value by different methods by Aurizon Holdings limited, it is clear that the methods are used by thoroughly analyzing the market. This also means that the statement of the discussion is true and that the very use of fair value is controversial. In this given company, the company has used different methods for fair value calculations. The company adopts the method most suited to its financial reports; it may or may not be the most appropriately applicable method for the company. The AASB 13 does define the inputs to valuation techniques on basis of the level but by constricting a market base or potential participants, these levels and inputs can be influenced. This does not in any way mean that Aurizon has done that. The validity on which is the correct method for fair value measurement cannot be clarified unless each and every decision taken by management is known or the factors behind such decisions is clear. Conclusion Looking at all the above points we can conclude that fair value system is widely accepted principle and is still gaining a lot of attention. Though there are a lot political issues and criticism revolving around the concept, yet it has it inherent benefits. It needs to be kept in mind that no system is problem free. Every aspect of life is covered with some or the other drawback and hence, each person has to choose which decision has to be made. After evaluating the different approaches, it is clear that fair value is the most practical approach. It is the responsibility of the individuals, businesses and industries to follow the spirit of the standards. References ACS Distance Education. (2016). Accounting ConventionsandStandards. Retrieved from https://www.acs.edu.au/info/business/management/accounting-standards.aspx Aurizon. (2016). Annual Report 2016. Retrieved from https://www.aurizon.com.au/~/media/aurizon/files/investors/documents%20and%20webcasts/2016/full%20year%20results/annual%20report%202016.ashx Aurizon. (2016). Why invest in Aurizon? Retrieved from https://www.aurizon.com.au/investors/overview Australian Accounting Standards Board. (2004). Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation. Retrieved from https://www.aasb.gov.au/admin/file/content105/c9/aasb132_07-04.pdf Australian Accounting Standards Board. (2009). Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies. Retrieved from https://www.aasb.gov.au/admin/file/content105/c9/AASB129_07-04_COMPjun09_01-09.pdf Australian Accounting Standards Board. (2013). A Review of the IASBs Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting. Retrieved from https://www.aasb.gov.au/admin/file/content105/c9/ITC29_07-13.pdf Ayers, B. C., Lefanowicz, C. E., Robinson, J. R. (2000). The financial statement effects of eliminating the pooling-of-interests method of acquisition accounting. Accounting Horizons, 14(1), 1-19. Badertscher, B. A., Burks, J. J., Easton, P. D. (2012). A Convenient Scapegoat: Fair Value Accounting by Commercial Banks during the Financial Crisis. Accounting Review, 87(1), 59-90. https://dx.doi.org/10.2308/accr-10166 Beaver, W. H. (1989). Financial Reporting: An Accounting Revolution. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prenctice Hall. Charles, R. B. (2013). A Critique of the Concept of Measurement in Financial Accounting. Retrieved from https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2200860 Chasan, E. (2008). Is Fair Value Accounting Really Fair? Reuters. February 26 FASB. (2011). IASB and FASB Issue Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.gasb.org/cs/ContentServer?c=FASBContent_Cpagename=FASB/FASBContent_C/NewsPagecid=1176158544944 Fogarty, T. J., Hussein, M. A., Ketz, J. E. (1994). Political aspects of financial accounting standard setting in the USA. Accounting, Auditing Accountability Journal, 7(4), 24-46. ICAEW. (2006). Measurement in financial reporting: information for better markets initiative. Retrieved from https://www.icaew.com/~/media/corporate/files/technical/financial%20reporting/information%20for%20better%20markets/ifbm/measurement%20in%20financial%20reporting.ashx Ijiri, Y. (1975). Theory of Accounting Measurement, Studies in Accounting Research # 10. Sarasota, FL: American Accounting Association. KPMG. (2013). Fair Value Measurement. Retrieved from https://www.kpmg.com/FR/fr/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Documents/Convergence-US-GAAP-IFRS-Fair-Value-Measurement-QuestionsandAnswers-112013.pdf Landgate. (2013). Government Asset Valuation Policy 7.101 Fair value measurement of property, plant and equipment. Retrieved from https://www0.landgate.wa.gov.au/docvault.nsf/web/PS_PI_PV_VSP/$file/INF_VGO_POLICY_Measurement_of_Asset_Values7_101.pdf Laux, C., Leuz, C. (2009). The crisis of fair-value accounting: making sense of the recent debate. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 34(6-7), 826-834. McConnell, P. (2010). Response to Fair Value Accounting, Financial Economics, and the Transformation of Reliability. Accounting and Business Research. Vol. 40, No. 3. Moyer, L. (2008). How Fair Is Fair-Value Accounting? Forbes. June 25. Ramanna, K. (2008). The implications of unverifiable fair-value accounting: evidence from the political economy of goodwill accounting. Journal of Accounting and Economics, 45(2-3), 253-281. Ryan, J. B. (2001). Measurement in financial accounting: critical support for historical cost (Doctor of Philosophy thesis, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Wollongong). Retrieved from https://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2022context=theses Singh, J. P. (2015). Fair Value Accounting: A Practitioner's Perspective. IUP Journal of Accounting Research Audit Practices, 14(2), 53-65. Suppes, P. (1959) Measurement, empirical meaningfulness, and three-valued logic, in: C.W. Churchman and P. Ratoosh (Eds), pp. 129-43, Measurement: Definitions and Theories (New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.)

Made in the Image of God free essay sample

The Bible declares we (humans) are created in God’s image and some of us get the meaning of this wrong. Most people think this refers to being creative, sentient, knowing right from wrong, etc. On the contrary, each person formed in the image of God, has unique talents, full of dignity and gifts to use to glorify God. Many believers fail to discover their vocation because they do not totally comprehend what it means to be made in the image of God. Over the years, believers have heard pastors and theologians say repeatedly that their created in the image of God, but what does that mean? It is a complicated idea. However, the image of God is the foundational idea for understanding our worth and purpose in life, which starts in Genesis 1: 26-28, commonly referred to as imago Dei. [[? ]] Understanding how being created in God’s image; helps us understand our primitive worth as a creation made by The Heavenly Father. We will write a custom essay sample on Made in the Image of God or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There is much discussed regarding the words â€Å"image† and â€Å"likeness in verse 26. † Some arguing the different distinctions between the two, while other imply that they can be used interchangeably. [[? ] All things considered there is a lot to be said for the former concept, but modern scholars favor the latter. After creating humanity God instantly imposes on them the responsibility of caring and ruling over the created order. In Genesis 5: 1-3 these two words appear again, where the image of God and Adam is likened to the image of Adam and Seth. [[? ]] Hence, we gather from these verses that our significance links us to our Creator. In fact, if God is inestimable and of great worth, then humanity created in his image must have tremendous value respectively. The image of God in us endured our fall into sin. Illustrated in Genesis 9:6, [[? ]] God forbids murder on the basis that humanity is created in His image. In other words, this verse tells to us that even after the fall into sin, humanity still holds the image of God to some degree or another. [[? ]] This also confirms humanity as the crowing act of creation; created in His likeness, a little lower than Him-self; and that humanity is given dominion over the earth, with everything placed under their feet. In the New Testament, we are told again that humanity was created in God’s image. James 3:9 and 1 Corinthians 11:7 [[? ] reveals the image of man as a rationale for restricting cursing, yet, should allow certain acts of worship to be performed. Again reaffirming that the image may have been damaged by sin, but not completely lost. [[? ]] â€Å"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse the man who is made in the likeness of God. † [[? ]] All things considered, how we treat each other is an indi cation of how we value God. In my reading, there is a favorite quote which appears in the book â€Å"The Weight of Glory,† by C. S. Lewis, [[? ]] which says, â€Å"There are no ordinary people. You will never meet a mere mortal. † [[? ]] Keeping this in mind, the people you see every day, namely the ones to whom you give very little attention will live forever either under the judgment or salvation. Even the most inconspicuous person is not ordinary in God’s eyes. In view of this truth, how do we uphold the dignity of the people around us? Today, most believers focus on self-worth, and dignity without every mentioning one word of our sinfulness. There are others who place emphasizes on sinfulness and unworthiness without much to say about God’s grace or dignity. We should keep in mind not to focus on our sins to long without noting Gods-given grace. We need look no further than Apostle Paul to reaffirm this; he declares that the depth of sin leads to rejoicing in the Lord’s grace; â€Å"For I am the least worthy but the grace of God was with me,† [[? ]] (1 Corinth. 15:9-10). Comparatively in 1 Timothy 16, Paul refers to himself the foremost of sinners but also declares he is granted mercy for this reason alone, â€Å"Jesus Christ might show his perfect patience. † [[? ]] Admittedly, we can say the same. No matter what we have done, God’s grace is sufficient and works in us all. Failing to deny or acknowledge this as truth is to say that God’s grace is ostentatious. Therefore, it is always right to take time to confess, self-examine and repent. Eventually returning to God’s grace and dignity from which we were created. Now, while the image of God still remains after the â€Å"fall,† it is undoubtedly defaced and marred. As humanity is reclaimed, what will we look like when the process is finished? As God renews us, our symbolic design in the image of God will shine even brighter. Identically our gifts will extend and reach their full potential. In a biblical worldview, we will always look like Our Father. Romans 8:29 emphasizes that we are being â€Å"conformed to the likeness of His Son. † [[? ]] Christ is the perfect representative for the image of God, and as believers we are being formed like Him daily. Being created in the image of God provides for us a foundation for our work and vocation. If we are created in the image of God, we should share his characteristics. For instance, since God is creative, we to must be creative in our work. Knowing the foundation for our worth and dignity helps us to understand we all have gifts and talents to operate in accordingly. My vocation allows me to communicate with people every day, those who have not yet discovered their calling; and those who think they have nothing to offer. Admittedly, stressful events from the past defines their identity and has kept them from recognizing their worth, dignity, and God-given creativity. Nevertheless, when they realized the implications of being created in God’s image, their outlook changed. Rather than their past being the foundation for their identities, they began to comprehend what it meant o be in the image of God, these individuals began to believe they were talented, gifted and wonderfully made. Being created in the image of God is a powerful concept for seeking our vocations and living a purpose filled life. Being in the likeness of God’s image is not a given, it is a vocation. We are all called to reflect God’s redemptive love and creativity by being His representatives; caring and ruling over the things of the world, living through God’s Spoken Word. Word Count [1,207] BIBLIOGRAPHY C. F. H. Henry Image of God. in Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. Elwell, A. Walter. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001, 591-94 C. S. Lewis â€Å"Weight of Glory (Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis). † New York, NY: Harper Collins, 1949, 46 The Serendipity Study Bible, NIV Fully Revised, Littleton, Colorado: Zondervan, 1989 [1] C. F. H. Henry, â€Å"Image of God† in  Evangelical Dictionary of Theology,  ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd  Ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001), 591. [2] Ibid, 592 [3] Ibid, 593 [4] Ibid, 593 [5] C. S. Lewis. â€Å"Weight of Glory (Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis)†. (New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1949), 46 [i] In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.   He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created. 3  And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot  a son  in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. [ii] 6  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mank ind. [iii] 9  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness†¦7   A man ought not to cover his head,  since he is the image  and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. iv] 9  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in Gods likeness. 10  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. [v] There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors. [vi] 9  For I am the least of the apostles  and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted  the church of God. 0  But by the grace  of God I am what I am, and his grace to me  was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. [vii] But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. [viii] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Summary of The Merchant of Venice Act 1, Scene 3

Summary of 'The Merchant of Venice' Act 1, Scene 3 Shakespeares  The Merchant of Venice Act 1, Scene 3 opens with Bassanio and Shylock. Shylock confirms that Bassanio wants three thousand ducats for three months. Bassanio tells him that Antonio will guarantee this. Bassanio asks Shylock if he will give him the loan. Shylock asks if Antonio is an honest man. Bassanio takes umbrage at this and asks if he has heard otherwise. Shylock immediately says that he has not but understands that Antonio has a lot of his wealth and goods at sea and therefore he knows he has sufficient means but that they are vulnerable; Yet his means are in supposition. He hath an argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies. I understand moreover upon the Rialto he hath a third at Mexico, a forth for England, and other ventures he hath squandered abroad. But ships are but boards, sailors but men. There be land rats and water rats, water thieves and land thieves- I mean pirates- and then there is the peril of the waters, winds and rocks. The man is, notwithstanding, sufficient.(Act 1 Scene 3) Shylock resolves to take Antonio’s bond but wants to speak to him. Bassanio invites Shylock to dine with them. Shylock says that he will walk with them, talk with them do business with them but will not eat or pray with them. Antonio enters and Bassanio introduces him to Shylock. In an aside, Shylock shows a great disdain for Antonio, especially for lending out his money for free: How like a fawning publican he looks. I hate him for he is a Christian; But more, for in that low simplicity he lends out money gratis, and brings down the rate of usance here with us in Venice.(Act 1 Scene 3, Line 39-43) Shylock tells Bassanio that he doesn’t think he has three thousand ducats to give him straight away. Antonio tells Shylock that he never lends money out in order to gain exorbitant interest and condemns him for doing so; he has publicly derided Shylock for doing so in the past but says he is willing to make an exception in dealing with Shylock in this case. Signor Antonio, many a time and oft in the Rialto you have rated me about my moneys and my usances. Still I have borne it with a patent shrug, For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe. You call me misbeliever, cut throat, dog and spit upon my Jewish gabardine†¦ Well then it now appears you need my help.(Shylock, Act 1 Scene 3, Line 105-113) Shylock defends his business of money lending but Antonio tells him that he will continue to disapprove of his methods. Antonio tells Shylock to lend the money to him as if he is an enemy and as such he can punish him heavily if the money is not paid back. Shylock pretends to forgive Antonio and tells him that he will treat him as a friend and charge no interest on the loan but that if he does forfeit he says, seemingly in jest, that he will demand a pound of his flesh from whatever part of his body pleases him. Antonio is confident that he can easily repay the loan and agrees. Bassanio urges Antonio to rethink and says that he does not want to agree to those conditions. Antonio reassures him. Shylock also reassures Bassanio by saying that he will gain nothing from a pound of human flesh. Bassanio remains suspicious, Antonio believes that Shylock has become kinder and therefore could be becoming more Christian; Hie thee gentle Jew. The Hebrew will turn Christian; he grows kind.(Act 1 Scene 3, Line 176)

GPA, SAT and ACT Data for Top Virginia Colleges

GPA, SAT and ACT Data for Top Virginia Colleges From tiny liberal arts colleges to large state universities, Virginia has some excellent options for higher education. Nearly all of the states best schools have holistic admissions, so the admissions folks will be looking for more than good grades and standardized test scores. Challenging high school courses, a well written essay, interesting extracurricular activities and positive letters of recommendation are all important pieces of the admissions equation. That said, the empirical part of your application is still remarkably important. To see if you numbers are in line for Virginias top colleges and universities, follow the links below for college profiles and graphs of GPA, SAT and ACT data for accepted, waitlisted, and rejected students: Christopher Newport University Located in Newport News, a city in southeastern Virginia, CNU is a small public university with a wide range of academic strengths. Christopher Newport University ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for CNU Admissions College of William Mary One of the best public universities in the country, the College of William Mary has highly selective admissions. Its attractive campus is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. College of William Mary ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for William Mary Admissions George Mason University Established in 1957, George Mason is a large public university with a main campus in Fairfax, Virginia. The schools NCAA Division I athletic teams compete in the  Atlantic 10 Conference.  The university has been expanding rapidly with both online and traditional learning opportunities. George Mason University ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for George Mason Hampden-Sydney College One of the oldest colleges in the United States, Hampden-Sydney College is located in rural central Virginia on an attractive 1340-acre campus. Hampden-Sydney is one of the few all-male colleges in the country. Hampden-Sydney College ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for Hampden-Sydney Admissions Hollins University Located in Roanoke, Virginia, Hollins College is a private liberal arts college for women. The schools programs in English and Creative Writing are particularly strong, and overall strengths in the liberal arts and sciences earned Hollins a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Hollins College ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for Hollins Admissions James Madison University A relatively large public university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, JMU features an attractive campus and NCAA Division I athletic programs that compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. Academic programs in business fields are particularly popular with undergraduates. James Madison University ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for JMU Admissions Longwood University Located in Farmville, Virginia, Longwood is a small public university that emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. The Longwood Lancers compete in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference. Longwood University ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for Longwood Admissions Randolph College Randolph is a very small private liberal arts college located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Students who enjoy personal attention will appreciate the schools 9  to 1 student / faculty ratio and small class size. Biology, business, creative writing, and history are all popular fields of study. Randolph College ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for Randolph College Randolph-Macon College Located in Ashland, Virginia, Randolph-Macon is a small private liberal arts college with an attractive red-brick campus. Small class sizes and an 12  to 1 student / faculty ratio mean lots of personal attention from the faculty. Biology, communications, and economics are among the most popular majors. Randolph-Macon College ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for Randolph-Macon Admissions Roanoke College Roanoke College is a private liberal arts college located in Salem, Virginia, not far from Roanoke. The colleges strengths in the liberal arts and sciences earned it a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Roanoke College ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for Roanoke College Admissions Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar College sits on a huge campus in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The school has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in recognition of its strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences, and Sweet Briar also made my list of top equestrian colleges. Sweet Briar College ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for Sweet Briar Admissions University of Mary Washington As a public liberal arts college, the University of Mary Washington provides the personal attention of a small college along with the value of a public institution.   University of Mary Washington ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for Mary Washington Admissions University of Richmond The University of Richmonds attractive campus  sits just six miles from downtown Richmond. The university features an impressive 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio and small classes. The Richmond Spiders compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference. University of Richmond ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for the University of Richmond Admissions University of Virginia UVA is one of the top public universities in the country. The highly selective university has an endowment of over 7 billion dollars and takes pride in its beautiful and historic campus.   University of Virginia ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for UVA Admissions Virginia Military Institute VMI is one of the six senior military colleges in the United States. The school has selective admissions and competes in the NCAA Division I Southern Conference.   Virginia Military Institute ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for VMI Admissions Virginia Tech Virginia Techs many strengths earned it a place on my lists of top engineering schools and top public universities. The Hokies compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. Virginia Tech ProfileGPA, SAT Score and ACT Score Graph for Virginia Tech Admissions Washington and Lee University Located in Lexington, Virginia, Washington and Lee made my lists of top southeastern colleges and best liberal arts colleges. The school has highly selective admissions - to get in, youll need grades and test scores that are well above average. Washington and Lee University ProfileGPA, SAT Scores and ACT Score Graph for Washington and Lee Admissions

Your Inner Reptile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Your Inner Reptile - Essay Example This layer has been demonstrated in humans. However, glands on the skin of humans produce a lubricant, making the skin of a human soft to the touch and moisturized.In South Africa, a species named Mammal-like reptiles were discovered fossilized. They were reptiles with mammal-like features. Reptiles have sharp teeth, but these mammal-like animals had started to have differentiation of teeth. Their teeth were designed for better carnivore diet, but the differentiation came with it matching of teeth as strategy, to get a bite, and strengthened them with more teeth roots. Mass extinction eliminated most, but some survived with new better opportunity. During this time, some species were completely wiped off, but the ones that survived had better chances of survival. Among them were the mammal-like reptiles. They had resorted for underground homes to survive the extreme heat. In these surroundings, whiskers may have developed then as sensory organs to lead them in the underground tunnels. Years later, they started using the body hair for another purpose; for warmth. Hair from ancestors after the aftermath of the great extinction then became part of the mammalian body. Lab study of a developing lab tooth shows skin fold and form the tooth. This is not a new phenomenon of skin folding to form some vital connective tissues such as hair and glands. The E.D.A gene controls the formation of these organs from the skin. Abnormality of this gene leads to conditions such as the inability to dissipate internal high temperatures.