Powerlessness in the face of evil Essay

Most People have experienced, at one time or another, the frustration of simply not being able to escape a thought. If it is merely a song that keeps going through our mind, or a positive or neutral image, the problem is just that: frustration. But when it is an evil idea, our inability to throw it off, no matter what a person do, may drive into great inner need. For some people, it is a question of envy or jealousy; others are tormented by mistrust and spiteful thoughts; still others seem to struggle unendingly with lustful images and ideas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Two things are very important in our life. First, we should remember that we are not alone in our struggle. It is easy to forget this, especially when our inner struggle is long or intense. The struggle is a universal one, and may be overcome at least in part by sharing it with someone the afflicted person trusts, whether a pastor or priest, a spouse, a mentor, or a close friend. Second, people must remain reassured that there is a way out. Once people give in to the demons of self doubt and fear, the battle has already been lost. It is a general belief that the feeling of paralysis or powerlessness in the face of evil lies, close to being possessed. It may even be possession. One needs to exercise caution in using the word—there is a state in which people might feel besieged by evil spirits, yet do not let them take full possession of us. What the New Testament calls possession comes about when a person is completely dominated by the power of evil. But one must recognize that there are people today in such a condition.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In a world where everything is explained away by psychology and psychiatry, it seems tempting to dismiss the idea of possession. People have a medical label for every ill and, it seems, a cure. Yet there are so many people for whom psychiatry is ultimately of no help! One has often wondered that would happen if Jesus were to visit our overflowing mental hospitals. Suppression   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Though some evil thoughts can be easily dismissed (or overcome by a short prayer), others are much harder to expel. In the case of such â€Å"besetting† evil thoughts, our natural reaction is often suppression: to push the offending idea back down, deep into our subconscious, in order to rid ourselves of it quickly. But that never works. As Freud and countless others have shown, a suppressed thought will always resurface, just like a corked bottle that is pushed below the water but bobs up again as soon as it is released. The only alternative—to continue with the picture of bottle—is to grasp it and throw it out of the water altogether. In other words, the most effective way to truly rid our mind of a suppressed thought is to face it squarely and reject it. God the Creator and Creation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As a weak, despised, persecuted community who followed a crucified Messiah, the first Christians knew all too well in their own experience that after Easter Sunday the powers of darkness were still at work in and around them. But because they remembered the power of God that raised Jesus form the dead and made him to be not only their Lord but the Lord of the whole world, they were sure that however powerful the forces of evil may be, however much damage they may still do, they are doomed to failure in their attempt to take a throne that does not belong to them. These Christians, therefore, looked forward to the future with the absolute certainty that the justice and love of God that had been victorious would finally be victorious both in their own lives and in the world around them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The early Christians’ memory of Jesus’ resurrection also led them to remember the cross of Christ in a new way. It became for them a sign not only of Jesus’ (and God’s) powerlessness in the in the face of evil but also a sign of love of Jesus (and God), which was so great that he (and the God who sent him) was willing to suffer and even die for needy, suffering, sinful people. If the memory of Jesus’ resurrection meant confidence in God’s liberating power over the powers of evil, the memory of Jesus’ cross meant confidence in the self-giving, suffering love of a Christ (and God) that was present with them even in the depths of their suffering and dying. It meant that nothing could separate us from the â€Å"love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   James Charlesworth, with many others, sees apocalypticism as resulting from a collapse in the world of meaning. The apocalyptic texts are a lament over the failure of ordinary historical process to resolve human problems. They are a eulogy over an exhausted, worn-out earth and the present age of suffering, and they culminate in a vision of a new age in which â€Å"the wolf shall live with the lamb† and peace will prevail throughout the world. One side of Hebraic apocalypticism is irenic and conciliatory—the nations will finally be at peace with one another—while the other side is warlike and vengeful—the enemies of god’s people (either all Gentiles or some of them) will suffer ultimate defeat and receive punishment for their sins. Reactions to apocalypticism have varied, but a common modern repose is to see it as escapist. It tells that though the present world is filled with incredible evil, there is a realm beyond where God triumphs, the righteous flourish, and the wicked suffer. Once again, the lines are somewhat blurry in as much as the classical Hebrew prophets all announced that ultimate salvation was God’s work and not a human accomplishment. Apocalypticism is in effect an intensification of the sense of human powerlessness in the face of evil. Discerning the Divine   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first Christians remembered Jesus, the tragic and innocent victim of evil who cried, â€Å"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?† only to remember also that Jesus later had been raised by God’s power, victorious over the worst that evil could do. Christ is risen! From the beginning there were signs among believers that the Spirit of Jesus was inaugurating the kingdom of life in the face of the still present kingdom of death. The reality if resurrection provided a new way of viewing the cross of Jesus. More than a sign of God’s powerlessness in the face of evil, the cross became a sign of God’s amazing love that transforms the worst of evil into the fullness of life. Faith in a just and loving God is not based on good or bad experience in the immediate present.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One helpful answer to the troubling question Why is there evil if God is good and all-powerful? It is called the â€Å"logic of love† theodicy. This logic presumes that God originally created for the sake of enabling loving relationships, a purpose requiring the granting of real freedom to the created. God will love, but in the process open the door to the potentially wrong use of freedom, which is evil (â€Å"live† spelled backward). Thus, â€Å"though God does not protect us from ourselves, God is there redeeming every situation, though exactly how, we may not yet always know. Works cited Arnold, Heini. Arnold, Heinrich, J. Freedom from Sinful Thoughts. Plough Publishing House1997. pg. 33-35 Callen, L, Barry. Discerning the Divine: God in Christian Theology.   Geneva: Westminster John Knox Press 2004. pg. 134 Guthrie, C, Shirley. Christian Doctrine. Geneva: Westminster John Knox Press pg. 186 McClymond, James, Michael. Familiar Stranger: An Introduction to Jesus of Nazareth. WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing 2004. pg. 70

RED BULL Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

RED BULL - Assignment Example Red Bull is the first of its kind in the global market, and carved out for itself a new category that did not exist before. This distinction and the elements that built it are the sources of brand equity. Brand equity is defined as the added value that is endowed on economic goods as a result of branding (Bick, 2009; Farhana, 2012; M’zungu, et al., 2010; Znaidi & Fidha, 2012). it is – â€Å"[The] differentiation effect of brand knowledge on customer response leading to long-term outlook, customer knowledge, brand name, brand power, product innovation, brand quality, brand extensions, brand credentials, brand advertising, brand publicity and above all, effective brand management.† (Arora, et al., 2009, p. 75) 2. Case issues 2.1. Identification of Red Bull’s sources of brand equity The most important issue is the identification of Red Bull’s sources of brand equity, because they drive the product’s value creation. If the firm is to move product ion forward into the next higher level and avoid obsolescence, it must innovate along the line of its brand equity to ensure that what has been achieved has not been diminished. 2.2. Determination of new products under the Red Bull brand The innovation necessary to preserve brand equity and create value must emanate from the source of brand equity; having identified this in the first issue, the secondary issue is to put this knowledge into practice by choosing among alternative products that add further value. 3. Analysis of the Case The case treats on the entry of the Red Bull brand into new product categories, and the impact of this move on brand equity. These aspects are the gist of the three questions the answers to which follow: 3.1 Description of Red Bull’s sources of brand equity – Aaker’s sources of brand equity consist of 10 items spread over five dimensions, namely brand loyalty, perceived quality/leadership, associations/differentiations, awareness, a nd market behaviour (Gill & Dawra, 2010). These are all present in Red Bull. One element of brand loyalty is premium pricing; Red Bull is well received because its high price was seen to be justified by its added benefits above other drinks. Perceived quality and leadership are partnered with differentiation; Red Bull was marketed as the first energy drink, and thereafter leader of its class. The fourth dimension, brand awareness, was evident in German and Hungarian markets where, solely through word of mouth, mystique about the brand spread (including reference to â€Å"bulls’ testicles† as ingredient) such that the product was well anticipated and demand created long before its introduction. The fifth dimension, market behaviour, was positive in countries such as Austria where the product was first introduced, and the positive response worked to create brand equity in new markets Red Bull subsequently entered. 3.2 How Red Bull’s marketing program contributes t o brand equity The elements of the marketing mix employed by Red Bull all contributed to a different experience in the mind of the consumer, which was important in creating product recall and influencing future choice (Korkofingas & Ang, 2011). The marketing mix includes the 4 P’s, namely product, pricing, placement, and positioning. 3.2.1 Product – The first of a new class of beverage, the energy drink, which competitors first dismissed as a fad and then later on imitated. In Austria, the company needed to lobby for the creation of a new category, â€Å"functional food,† because the product did not fit into any of the established categories. The taste, which was adjusted to approximate the traditional cola, nevertheless retained a hint of â€Å"medicinal† flavour that still distinguished it as a functional beverage. 3.2.2 Packaging –

Social Service Worker Program to Deal with Oppression Research Paper

Social Service Worker Program to Deal with Oppression - Research Paper Example This research paper investigates the oppression of women domestic workers in Canada, the consequences of this oppression and how social services can be improved upon by analyzing a number of articles on the relevant topic. Stasiulis and Baken in an article titled "Negotiating citizenship: the case of foreign domestic workers in Canada", discuss the concept of citizenship as a negotiated entity and have used the example of foreign domestic workers in Canada as a means to demonstrate that citizenship is negotiated on global and national levels. They stated that because these domestic workers in Canada are often not citizens of Canada; they are colored workers originating from different countries but they work for predominantly white and affluent Canadian women. So they are often subjected to abusive conditions at work. The authors have pointed out that in the new era of globalization, the principles of Keynesianism which were in favor of expanding the social services network, have given way to a need for a higher level of competitiveness in order to succeed in the marketplace. Therefore, many Governments are re-formulating the concept of citizenship. Stasiulis and Baken have dealt specifically with the issue of oppression of domestic workers in Canada and how their non-citizenship status has contributed to their oppression and suffering. They point out that the notion of citizenship itself may need to be renegotiated, away from its earlier view of the relationship between a single individual and the nation state.

Multimedia Capstone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Multimedia Capstone - Essay Example The mind of the individual with the fundamental view about some aspect of reality, be it in his or her own individual life, the corporation, or society, is taken to be a given. This is similar to what in logic is considered an ‘a priori’ assumption – the decision has already been made in the individual’s mind about the way things are or should be, thus the person does not really think or consider the different solutions to the problem, or propose solutions that challenge traditional norms. Because of this, what we are programmed to believe becomes almost like instinct, shaping the way we view the world and our concepts of freedom within it as expressed through our actions. For this reason Gardner considers fundamentalists hard to convert to a new view, not because the fundamentalists believe the root tenets of a particular thought system and base their philosophy upon that, but because their pre-conceived notions are fundamental to the way they view the wor ld. This has the effect of conforming the mind of the fundamentalist individual to the programming patterns of the belief system to which he or she subscribes. From this, if one needs to actively change the mind of a fundamentalist individual or group of individuals, as in business management system changes or social movements, there has to be a means given that allows the individual to step above or outside of his or her own belief system, and see it as it is, as a belief rather than a universal truth or indisputable fact. With this there needs to be a situation where the alternative solution appears at the same time as the person steps outside of the fundamentalist belief. This is teaching through skillful means and may necessitate different approaches for different individuals, as not all personalities are the same or respond to the same effects in the same manner. So one must sculpt the teaching to the individual characteristics and sensitivities

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 63

Marketing - Essay Example While marketing identifies and determines the needs of the consumers, its promotional techniques become critical elements that help create customer base for the products. It is important that the needs of the customers are met by the products. The various channels of communication provide the necessary platform to showcase the features of the product. They not only attract target consumers but also motivate them to try and cultivate consumption habit towards the product. Hence, effectiveness of channels and the creativity in the advertisement become two most important factors for the success of the product. In other words, aggressive market growth of RDA would mainly depend on the channels that are chosen to advertise the products. While there are various direct channels of direct marketing like email, questionnaire, free sampling, social networking etc., the integrated market communication hugely helps in delivering effective messages regarding products to wider network of target consumers. Television advertising is more prolific but costly. However, various channels of viral marketing are not only cost effective but also well accepted. Products can be advertised on tickets, carry bags, balloons, posters, hoardings etc. The social networking sites and blogs have also emerged as cost effective channels of marketing that are very effective and trendy. Most importantly, they promote interactive sessions between consumer and producer, thereby providing ample of opportunities for creating a need for the product. The free sampling of RDA as supplement with chocolate flavored drink as promotion would also help develop taste for the product. Developing linkages with health centers and restaurants that serve healthy food would also help to expand its market. Its nutrient content would add value to it and thereby greatly contribute to its market growth. The major

3. Report - Base on Case study Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

3. Report - Base on Case study - Assignment Example Cliff Lewis has been ranked the highest for providing adequate support to the employees for the growth of the department. Before appointing Cliff Lewis as a head of the Department of Town Planning, the department consisted of 55 employees. It has been identified that out of 55 employees, 35 are appointed for technical purpose, 5 are appointed as a project directors and 5 are appointed as expert coordinator. Moreover, rest of 5 employees are appointed for the administrative support. On the other hand, the Department of Economic Development is ascertained to be organised in an effective manner. Cliff Lewis has been identified to be making efforts to design the department in an organised manner. The Department of Economic Development has been restructured by Cliff Lewis by developing four business units with 25 employees. The employees are recognised to be assigned with specific job roles based on which operations are needed to be performed. The Department of Town Planning is suffering from a poor infrastructure. It has been also observed that the Department of Town Planning has failed to achieve several responsibilities within the due time. In this regard, numerous conflicts have been witnessed with the organisation for increasing complexities and lack of business effectiveness (Rochdale Borough Council, 2015a; Hickman & Banister, 2007). It is expected that after being appointed in the position of Head of Planning for South Berkshire Borough Council, Cliff Lewis has been planning to bring various changes in its operational performances as well as structural base. Cliff Lewis has decided to develop a new planning relating to Town Planning and Development Department (Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, 2000). More elaborately, it can be ascertained that Town Planning is a part of national law of the country. Initially, Cliff Lewis has been planning to develop a

Evaluation of Diabetes Mellitus Intervention Plan Essay

Evaluation of Diabetes Mellitus Intervention Plan - Essay Example The paper looks into the evaluation of the intervention plans proposed earlier. Nutrition formed the necessary intervention plan for diabetic patients because of the sensitivity of the condition to blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels depend directly on the diet adopted by a patient. The evaluation of the nutrition plan looks into the physiological changes in the patients. A clear evaluation plan dictates the success of the dietary intervention programs because adjustments are possible to ascertain the accomplishment of the intended purpose (Ali, Echouffo-Tcheugui & Williamson, 2012). As a change in lifestyle, nutritional adjustment should come with benefits. Evaluation of the intervention plans can take place via three different strategies. With each type designed to ensure the patients suffering from diabetes mellitus comply and exhibit an improvement in their health status. The first method is the formative that entails providing the diabetic patients with information regarding a particular intervention plan. At this stage, the patients must confirm their full comprehension of the beneficial features of the program in question. In the nutritional intervention program, the patients need to be fully aware of the advantages of adjusting their diet. It is mandatory for the nurse to confirm the convenience and suitability of the nutritional program for its intended purpose. Scientific coherence consideration occurs at the informative stage. The second method applicable in the evaluation of the nutritional plan is process evaluation. It is vital for the nurses to have information perception adopted by the patients of the plan. The process evaluation presents a platform through which the nurses can determine the level of interest and willingness of the diabetic patients to embrace the nutritional plan. At this point, based on the reaction of the patients, adjustments are