A Critical Précis of “The Mystery of Persons and Belief in God by C. Stephen Evans
1. Name of author, title, appropriate publishing information, followed by a verb such as argues, believes, reports, and finally a “that clause containing the author’s thesis or major assertion.
In “The Mystery of Persons and Belief in God” from the web site http://www.orgins.org/articles/evans_mysterypersons.html, C. Stephen Evans asserts that if we examine human nature and desires with a Christian mindset, we will discover good reasons for believing in God.
2. A brief explanation (one paragraph or less) how the author supports and develops his or her thesis.
Mankind’s evil deeds point to our greatness, for only a creature with self-consciousness and freedom can be truly evil. We are created in the image of God and we were created to enjoy a special relationship with God. We possess imagination and the power of reflective choice. We are creative beings with the power of free choice because we were made in the likeness of the Person who created the whole of nature by a free choice. Many people use this power of choice in terrible ways. This does not mean human freedom is an illusion; rather that God takes our freedom so seriously that he allows our actions to produce their full consequences. Down through the ages we have been incurably religious. The urge to believe in and worship a higher power is present in virtually every human culture. The fact that we have a deep need to believe in and find God strongly suggests that God is real.
3. A sentence stating the author’s purpose for writing.
Evans is trying to convince the reader that humans were created with the need for God causing us to believe in and worship God hence God is real.
4. A sentence identifying the author’s audience.
Christian-minded believers of God who are seeking proof of God’s existence.
5. Your evaluation of what the author wrote (no more than three paragraphs).
I found Evans’ arguments inadequate proof of the existence of God. Throughout the article the term “if Christianity is true…” is used repeatedly. The use of an “if” statement as the fulcrum of his philosophy places the entire philosophy on shaky ground. One would be forced to assume the Christian belief system is true, at least the most basic concepts, in order to believe in Evans’ philosophy. Additionally, Evans uses his arguments as particulars to jump to his final conclusion; a leap of faith, if you will.
Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving is a novel in which religion is of great importance. One of the main themes in this novel is faith in God and oneself, and even more, the conflict between belief and doubt. Irving writes in such a way, that this is very evident throughout the book. John Wheelwright, at the start of the novel, is a young boy who does not seem to know much about how strong his faith really is. Part of the reason for this, is that the choice between believing in and doubting God is that there isn’t any complete evidence that He even exists.
William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is a play involving by deception, disloyalty, trickery, eavesdropping, and hearsay. The play contains numerous examples of schemes that are used to manipulate the thoughts of other characters; it is the major theme that resonates throughout the play. Ironically, it is one of these themes that bring serenity to the chaos that encompasses most of the play.
Humans can think, feel, and reason which differentiate them from the rest of God’s creation. The ability to reason enables human beings to think and reflect on their own nature and the nature of God. The bible teaches us that God created man in his image and likeness. In the beginning of creation human nature was perfect because we were created by God. Genesis 1:31 describes Human beings were created very good by a loving God”. God created humans to operate their lives according to wisdom under God’s kingly reign (Diffey, 2014). God’s purpose in creating mankind was to work and serve (Genesis 2:15), and have dominion over earth (Genesis 1:26-28) The fall of Adam and Eve separated humanity from God and wisdom. This act plunged all of humanity into a history characterized by idolatry (Diffey, 2014), and is the root cause of all human
Odenwald (Odin’s Forest) in Germany is filled with mystery, endless legends, culture and history. For all those nature and history lovers out there, Odenwald Germany is a gem to be explored, whether you travelling by car, motorbike, bicycle or on foot. Odenwald Germany has something for everyone. If you prefer towns or cities to the open spaces filled with fresh air, rolling hills, deep forests and wildlife, Odenwald Germany has an abundance of medieval towns, museums and well preserved castles. Germany has so much to offer and has become cheaper to visit than its neighbours since the arrival of the euro. An area abundant with rolling hills, castles, churches in medieval towns, dark forests and streams filled with fish.
Among all the communication mediums used in an organization, emails are used widely as an effective form of a business communication. From the company’s CEO to an employee of the business, emails are very easy and inexpensive. “Internal emails can function as an effective communication for sharing basic information, such as new cafeteria prices, paper use guidelines, or security precautions, for example. Sending simple messages to an entire workforce with just the click of a mouse is fast, easy, convenient and can save the company money”. (Lorette,
Paul Tillich. “What Faith Is”. The Human Experience: Who Am I?. 8th ed. Winthrop University: Rock Hill SC, 2012. 269-273. Print.
In “The Reason For God: Conversations on Faith and Life,” Timothy Keller fostered conversations with an assortment of people outside the Christian faith. The purpose of the conversations is to explore true Christianity and address the criticisms of Christianity. The following are overviews of the first three discussions.
Charles Dickens’ novels criticize the injustices of his time, especially the brutal treatment of the poor in a society sharply divided by differences of wealth. He lived through that world at an early age; he saw the bitter side of the social class system and had wanted it to be exposed, so people could see the exploitation that the system rests on. But he presents these criticisms through the lives of characters, Pip and Magwitch.
Remember that electronic email is about communication with other people. When you compose an e-mail message, read it over before sending it and ask yourself what your reaction would be if you received it. Anytime spent on making out email clearer is time well spent.
Abstract: Electronic mail is quickly becoming the most prevalent method of communication in the world. However, e-mail systems in corporate, institutional, and commercial environments are all potential targets of monitoring, surveillance and ultimately, censorship.
Peacocke, A. R. Theology for a Scientific Age: Being and Becoming--natural and Divine. Oxford, OX, UK: B. Blackwell, 1990. Print. (BL 240.2 .P352 1990)
subject) and gradually narrows to a specific thesis. The thesis, or thesis statement, tells the reader what you
In the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Pip's struggle and ultimate failure to become a gentleman was due to social pressure. Dickens comments the stratums of the Victorian social class system. The novel shows that money cannot buy love or guarantee happiness. Pip's perspective is used to expose the confusing personality of someone transcending social barriers. Dickens also shows a contrast between both class and characters.
However, the strong, yet subtle implications that Charles Dickens introduces to his novels, particularly “Great Expectations”, has made a strong impression during his time and even in the modern day. Dickens explores the wide gap among the “most wretched criminals (Magwitch), the poor (Joe and Biddy), the middle class (Pumblechook), and the very rich (Miss Havisham)” (Gupta, 18), a social hierarchy resulting from the Post-Industrial Revolution. “Great Expectations” demonstrates the role of social class in the society by emphasizing that social class does not define the character of the individual, the relationship with in the characters, and the value of the characters.
Often in Great Expectations, social class level and its effects on a person are widely explored. Dickens gives the book its main theme through this tactic. He shows that even though being rich and being high in the “social ladder” can be beneficial, having true friends is the real way to win in life. Pip urges himself this entire novel to become an overall better person and it is not until the end that he realizes the true meaning of happiness and prosperity. This is found when he realizes the support he has in his real