Christian Faith In A Postmodern Context Theology Religion Essay

Christian Faith In A Postmodern Context Theology Religion Essay The book written by Lieven Boeve, Interrupting Tradition: An Essay on Christian Faith in a Postmodern Context deals about his argumentations on the new context that challenges Christian tradition to recontextualise itself. The fact that the Catholic Church and the Catholic faith gives meaning to life and existence facing the new reality in recent years wherein the transmission of the Christian tradition is a struggle in a large part of Western Europe particularly in Flanders. Boeve divided the book into three parts contain three to four chapters each. The first part deals with clarifying the situation in which the Christian tradition finds itself. Part two shows a radical confrontation between the Christian faith and modernity, and part three provides an historical line of thought to the present day and offer an analysis of the problem of fundamental life options (postmodern context). In the first three chapters, Boeve discus tradition and its development from modern and postmodern context. Tradition, which defines as belief, passed down in a society that can presently be experienced. In Christian tradition, it is evident that these beliefs show an important role in the very foundations of Christianity. The mere fact that truth has history led the theologians on the idea of the development of tradition. Therefore, it is indeed necessary by the passing of time that every shift in context comprises a challenge to the Christian tradition to reformulate itself in dialogue in present context. This is done through a process of recontextualisation where it shows a fact that tradition is undergoing a process of development. In line with this part of the book shows tradition viewed in the modern context that has something to do with cultural modernisation process where secularisation to which religious tradition lost its primary role as source for human values, and the generalization of values presents that respect in value and truth was only viable only in private arena. On the others hand, these evolution leads to another perspective which is the modernitys master narratives where human desire of progress in his own way. In the postmodern context, it views tradition with a definitive end. This happened because of the primary issues facing it individualisation and pluralisation. Boeve in this part of the book shows not really the end of the tradition but rather it shows a wider perspective, that a person should have an individual reflexive decision that can only be experienced in faith but it lies always the reality of choosing because this remain an option. In part two, faith in the postmodern context leads to a comparison between an open and closed narrative, which shows a clearer view, more importantly with the importance of the open narrative which does provide an adequate opportunity for a recontextualisation of the Christian narrative in our postmodern context. From these, Boeve shows way that leads closed narrative towards an open narrative and experience the modern experience of transcendence. Boeve, finally tackles in the last part of the book about the foundation of an open Christian narrative. This deals with the recontextualisation of Christian narrative in the actual context. It shows here in giving purpose to a Christian narrative. This purpose showed by the author is done by God who definitely revealed Godself in a specific human person which is Jesus. It also stated in this part about the negative theology. It is the authors intention that through this negative theology, may see the interruption of Christian narratives by God that the God who is incomprehensible, hidden and absent still can be revealed. In addition, Christianity Interrupted by the world religions, Boeve pictures different parables as a way of explaining Christianity interrupted by the world religions. In the present day situation, we may include ourselves having different narratives because in light of searching for truth, we are engaging on the same reality of being blind or having different perspective- plurality. It can also be like the parable of the ring, which indicates and tries to reveal who is the best among religions and who had the ultimate hold to the truth, but in line with the interpretation, no one can claim as the best holder of the truth. Final judgement is deferred until God comes. At the last part of the book, which is the epilogue, Boeve conclude with a reflection on the position of the Christian in the contemporary world. It is clearly stated here that faith is no longer a socio-structural option but it is a genuine faith option as an explicit choice for the Christian narrative to build human framework for a particular narrative. Faith as a faith option implies a religiously-motivated critical consciousness. Lastly, the content of the faith in the end under the pressures of modernity, one may gain nothing but worthlessness. However, Boeve shows still a positive outcome behind this situation that one may misled but soon he will find the right direction. Interrupting Tradition effectively shows the situation of Christian faith in the postmodern context by providing a perspective about the current situation of the tradition. This is the reality in that challenges tradition to be recontextualised itself. The author achieved his goal by providing this book a title that is relevant and really interrupts tradition. Likewise, it also interrupts the reader by showing arguments and facts of the reality facing by tradition. This book presents a new understanding in the part of the reader that eventually affects his own perspective and to be aware of the Christian tradition facing a dilemma. It also provides material that can lead a person to rethink what he believes. Nevertheless, even though this is the reality, every reader of this book must gain enough courage to engage in a dialogue and turn to praxis. Moreover, after reading this book we end full of hope with strength to face the new tomorrow and thanking God for giving us our own tradition as a source of foundation of our Christianity. We are in the darkness but soon find the light. As what is stated in the last part of the epilogue (p. 183), Perhaps such an open concept may be compared with a compass that, wherever one may be in the world, always points north and thus helps one finding the right direction to follow.

Political Dimension of Globalization

In chapter four, â€Å"The political dimension of globalization,† Steger did a tremendous job in analyzing the intensification and expansion of political interrelations across the globe. Steger brought up two major issues, which I found intriguing, dealing with how globalization affects modern nation-state system, which traced back to 17th-century, and the demise of the nation-state that gave rise to a â€Å"borderless world. On the other hand, Xiaohua Ma discoursed of reconciliation and forgiveness in her essay, â€Å"Constructing a National Memory of War,† showed how War Museums served as an important role in constructing national memory. Altogether, National memory mends the gap between political interrelations across the globe. The nation-state, a form of political organization originated out of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, served to decide on specific rules of relations within and between states to avoid perpetual disagreements.With the nation-state system, th e states manage domestic affairs, everything from education, military to welfare and population. This system strived to put a clear distinction between domestic territory, where the authority of the state was absolute, and the international realm where nations were expected to follow minimal rules to avoid conflicts. This had been a foundation that Steger believed convey â€Å" a sense of existential security and historical continuity† (Steger, 56). However, when this diplomat failed to follow through, states brutishly engage themselves by going to war with each other.Steger made an excellent point on the fuel behind the mental and physical energies required for large-scale warfare, for example, World War I and II, came from â€Å"people’s very own belief in the superiority of their own nation† (Steger, 57). Even political scientist David Held pointed out, â€Å" Differences among states are often settled by force†¦international legal standards afford only minimal protection† (Steger, 58). The needs to make â€Å"foreign† countries felt subordinated to a larger imperial authority are the causes for the gap between political interrelations.In a way, this related to Ma’s essay by showing how War Museums are intended for peaceful purposes. In her essay, she defines National memory as commemoration â€Å"for purposes of strengthening national identity or international prestige. † War museums served to focus on grievance, and, by commemorated in certain ways, reinforced national pride and identity. Furthermore, National memory strengthens political interrelations across the globe. The demise of nation-state, calling it â€Å"borderless world,† sought to convince people that the decline of territory power is because of political and social change as a result of globalization.Because a state can only be self-governing if it can exercise authority over a given territory, globalization, which rely on data and communication technologies, made â€Å"borders† seem irrelevant. These so called â€Å"techno-economic juggernaut† aimed to crush any governmental attempts of strengthening policies and regulations. This issue linked with the economic aspect of globalization, showing how transnational corporations can have a huge impact on the political dimension of globalization. Steger pointed out that â€Å"global markets frequently undermine the capacity of government,† which leaded to people believing in the decline of nation-state.However, government still has the power in deciding the fate of their economies. Factors like education, infrastructure, and population movement account for most of the country’s economic system. Likewise, Ma said in her essay that National memory could shape and reshape postwar relations, or it could cause domestic discontent as a result of economic downfall. Thus, possibly shifting the focus from reshaping postwar relations to lingering wartime grievances. As a result, globalization ceased the end of nation-state by creating a â€Å"borderless world,† which eventually created global chaos.National memory serves as a foundation to help strengthen the political conflicts between states that caused by globalization. Ma discussed two perspectives of â€Å"Memory Wars†: humanistic and political view. The humanistic view put strong emphasis on forgiveness, the feelings of guilt and remorse; political view, by rectifying the wrongs, helped rebuild â€Å"international rehabilitation and thereby national prestige. † Altogether, this helps rebuild the postwar relations between states at a nation and international level.

Self Account

At my senior secondary level, I was surrounded by lots of art related competition or activities. Personally, I love drawing and designing. I have studied art and participated in lots of art competition in order to broaden my horizon. I am glad that I have got the champion in a competition organized by the Hong Kong Civic Education Foundation Ltd and an outstanding grade in drawing competitions organized by the Hong Kong Heart Foundation Limited. These awards really built up my confidence. In my opinion, drawing is not only a hobby but also a great way to improve your interpersonal skills and become more patient.In addition, I enjoy getting along with people very much. I was the peer counselor at senior secondary level and I join a community service group which help the needy once a month. I like meeting people and helping them through community service. Every month I went to the kindergarten or elderly home to do volunteer work, I play and chat with them. The experience enriches my l earning, enhances my communication skills and exerts a positive impact on my life. I also become more analytical, observant and aware of people’s needs. I hope my cheerful personality can bring joy to the needy and contribute to the community.Besides, I am intrigued by discovering something new every day, which makes me particularly interested in science. My most beloved subjects are Physics and Biology. Physic gives me the propensity to look in depth into the daily application of Physic, how they affect our life and theory behind. I have to admit that it is fairly a challenging subject and it trained me to have an inquiring mind and be conscientious to perform the best in my sheer ability. Biology allows me to learn about our own remarkable human body, I relish in learning the part regarding different types of diseases and the miracle of body structure.It is a paramount importance for the medical professionals when they are avidly performing their duty. We are able to compet e with others only if we are well-equipped. Hence, I think academic result is very important, so I would work very hard to achieve a good result, I hope I can enter a great university and pay back the community in the future. Also, I have set a career goal to participate in a service industry that could benefit the needy. I would try my best to love and serve the community to make us live a better world.

Macbeth As A Tragic Hero - 2015 Words

Macbeth Show how Macbeth is seen as a tragic hero â€Å"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.† The words ‘tragic hero’ has undergone a deceptive and detrimental process, it goes from a favorable connotation to a repulsive connotation. A tragic hero makes â€Å"judgment errors† that are inescapable and it ultimately leads one to one’s own downfall. In the play Macbeth, the protagonist, Macbeth is seen as a tragic hero, who commences as an ethical and noble hero, but as his dark and powerful ambition unleashed, it consumed him into perpetrating ruthless acts, which led him to his own doom. Macbeth is seen as a tragic hero because when his power and social stratification is threatened by others, it forces him to go to extreme measures in order to sustain his solida rity. As well as, tragic heroes tend to be doomed to make fatal judgments. To further exemplify the characteristics of a tragic hero is that Macbeth is responsible for his own fate and he chooses to fight honorably to reconcile himself. The play commences with Macbeth fighting honorably to protect the king and the citizens of England from harm, Macbeth fought two battles in one day, he is viewed as a righteous and virtuous hero who is admired by everyone, â€Å"brave Macbeth he deserves that title.† Duncan, the king of EnglandShow MoreRelatedMacbeth as a Tragic Hero985 Words   |  4 Pages In William shakespeare’s Macbeth,Macbeth is a classic example of a tragic hero in shakesperean work.Macbeth display the major characteristics of a tragic hero throughout the play until his tragic end.The play potrays Macbeth as a lost cause by showing how he fell from being a honest and just man who fought for whats right, to a cruel,superstitious,ambicious dictator.In william shakespreares Macbeth,Macbeth is a tragic hero because he compromises his honor and negates his moral values in orderRead MoreMacbeth As A Tragic Hero1139 Words   |  5 PagesThe Macbeth character in Macbeth by William Shakespeare can be played many ways.  Macbeth s relationship with other characters in the play and Aristotle s theory of a tragedy are ways in which Macbeth is shown as a tragic hero I am going to explain to you how Macbeth is a true tragic hero. 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Macbeth is represented as a tolerably good man up