Biblical Context Of The Hebrew Bible - 2238 Words

Lydia ATS2185 Assignment 3: Essay (40%) 1. The Hebrew Bible contains at least three different creation myths. Discuss these different accounts, highlighting their similarities and differences. This essay requires the analysis of the different creation myths in the Hebrew Bible. Before proceeding, I will first define the key term- ‘Creation’ and fit it into a biblical context. According to the Oxford dictionary, creation is the â€Å"action or process of bringing something into existence. In a biblical context, the role of a divine being is involved, and creation usually refers to the divine making of the physical world and the universe through his divine power, wisdom and/or presence (Fortresspress, 2014). Another important term I would like to define is â€Å"myth†. In the context of this essay, myth does not pertain to the notion â€Å"false† or â€Å"fictitious† story that are often attributed to it. With relevance to ancient times, myths shall refer to traditional tales that expresses people’s perceived reality in relation to gods, their relationship with men and their role in the universe (Sarna, 1966). The story of the biblic al creation is one that has been highly debated upon. Various creation stories have existed since ancient Israel as people interpret and tell the stories in many ways. As such, the fact that there is a single creation story does not exist. The lack of unanimity in the biblical creation stories is an evidence of the various perceptions â€Å"creation†, making them aShow MoreRelatedThe Extent Of The Flood Recorded965 Words   |  4 Pagesexamine common words (â€Å"earth,† â€Å"all,† and â€Å"flesh,†) to argue that the biblical text cannot sustain a local/regional view of the flood. This conclusion is based on specific words and their usage in context not only in Genesis 6-8, but throughout the Old Testament. Old Testament Word â€Å"Earth† The biblical account of the flood is found in Genesis 6-8. One of the common words that is used in the account of the flood is â€Å"earth.† The Hebrew word for â€Å"earth† is × Ã– ¸Ã– «Ã— ¨Ã– ¶Ã— ¥ (erets) and has a range of meanings including:Read MoreRhetorical Analysis Of The Word Of The Lord Came From Me ! Essay1435 Words   |  6 Pagesnot without human elements and limitations, would that imply then, that one needs scientific, literary and critical methods to determine what these ancient authors meant when they expressed for example, that the word of God came to them? In this context, this study will explore the literary/narrative/rhetorical meanings of the expression ‘the word of God came to me as narrated in some prophetic books. First, the principle tenet of this study will focus on the connotation of the phrase ‘the word ofRead MoreThe Word Of God And The Sacred Scriptures Essay1204 Words   |  5 Pagesnot without human elements and limi tations, would that imply then, that one needs scientific, literary and critical methods to determine what these ancient authors meant when they expressed for example, that the word of God came to them? In this context, this study will explore the literary/narrative/rhetorical meanings of the expression ‘the word of God came to me as related in some prophetic books. First, the principle tenet of this study will focus on the connotation of the phrase ‘the word ofRead MoreGENESIS AND ANCIENT MYTHS OF THE NEAR EAST930 Words   |  4 PagesWhen one approaches the biblical text, it is important to explore the cultural context in which the text occurs. With regard to the Book of Genesis, it is important to examine the writing with other contemporary works of similar geography and topics. The people of ancient Mesopotamia, where the oldest civilizations originated, produced a number of stories of creation and natural occurrences. It is important to note that many of the storie s of the Sumerians, Akkadians and Hebrews began as oral traditionsRead MoreThe Word of God as Used in the Old Testament1508 Words   |  7 PagesWhen exploring the word of God in the Old Testament (OT), it is important to locate the texts into a social and historical context. It is in this context that the word of God is mediated by human expression. To deny the human expression is effectively to place a barrier between the word of God and it’s invitation to revelation. The OT can be seen as a â€Å"record of people’s experience of God’s self-revelation† (Rohr Martos, 2011, p. 22). Thus the theology underpinning the OT meaning and understandingRead MoreThe Israelites Still Family After Generations1506 Words   |  7 PagesThe Israelites—Still Family After Generations Since the 1600’s, Biblical writers, scholars, linguists and interpreters have concluded that the Bible was written by different people, with multiple revelations. The result is a compilation of stories that, in a written format, present the voice of God. The evidence for such a hypothesis is contained in the writing of Carr and Conway’s An Introduction to the Bible, as well as Richard Horsley’s In the Shadow of Empire. Both authors refer to sourceRead MoreThe Bible Is True Essay1099 Words   |  5 PagesFirst: to suggest that the Bible is true is to advocate that what it means is true; moreover, what it means is fashioned by the genres in which the Bible is spoken, the outlooks and its disposition it takes regarding history and the techniques by which cultural contexts were shaped and the meanings of the words that it uses. Second: to offer that the Bible is true is to say that we can faith in its content; we believe it to be guide to our faith. We would have to embrace the notion that there areRead MoreThe Importance Of Religion In Education882 Words   |  4 Pagesplaced in my heart is to ‘grow the remnant deep’. Although I have studied the Bible and have been a believer for many years, the depth of the interpretive tools taught in this class was new to me. In the past, I have completed many Bible Studies, studied Scripture looking for text meaning and application which included the help of commentaries, completed some inductive studies, practiced homiletics being a Bible Study Fellowship Group Leader, but that was the extent of the interpretive toolsRead MoreThe Hebrew Bible, By Marc Zvi Brettler1390 Words   |  6 PagesJewish Bible, authored by Biblical scholar, and professor, Marc Zvi Brettler, is an enlightening text, guiding people towards studying the Hebrew Scriptures purposefully. Brettler (2005) reveals his book provides a response to the frustration many readers hold towards the Hebrew Bible, with the conventional tendency of filtering it through the lens of present-day culture. Generally, he argues, as a result, this leads one to misconstrue passages or arrive at the definit ive conclusion the Bible holdsRead MoreChanges Due to English Evolution Affect Integrity of the Bible1705 Words   |  7 Pagescontrol of the Holy Bible without many recorded challenges for more than one thousand years, according to several historical documents. Church authorities told church members they could neither read nor interpret the text themselves. The principles clergy taught in church were what churchgoers often believed. Eventually, a high-ranking German monk named Martin Luther challenged church officials in the 16th century and began reading and interpreting the Scriptures. As he studied the Bible, he found many

The Cotton Gin - 1708 Words

The institution of slavery in the southern states of the United States of America was primarily based on economics rather than some type of natural admiration of the practice itself. When the Mason-Dixon line was created in the 1760s, Eli Whitney’s revolutionary cotton gin, which would eventually set slavery in the South, had not been created yet. However, there were still lines being drawn between the more industrial-based economy of the North and the more agricultural economy of the South. Slavery shaped the economic backbone of the South, and as it became more widespread after Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin, it became as strong as the political and social foundation of Southern character as well. Although there were times†¦show more content†¦This production led to an economic strength that made these states even more determined to defend the right to practice slavery. Despite the freedoms demanded in the Declaration of Independence and the freedo ms reserved in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, such as Amendment X (Document 1), slavery was both tolerated and classified in the Constitution. The South was also able to withstand the growing number of revolts, rebellions, and northern political opposition that was rising. Proclamations such as the Fugitive Slaves Law were established to provide for the return of slaves who escaped from one state into another state or territory, and the Underground Railroad became a serious threat to Southern plantation owners who needed more slaves to maintain their economic power. The Nat Turner revolt and the writings and speeches of the former slave Frederick Douglass were contributors to the growing conflict, but the South defended their claim to economic security through the practice of slavery until it became legally impossible to do so after the Civil War. Frederick Douglass vividly described his past years as a slave in the first of three autobiographies, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, which was published in 1845. He later wrote the two autobiographies, My Bondage and My Freedom, and The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, which mark his greatest contributions to southern culture. In The Life and Times of Fredrick Douglass, he

New York Air Pollution free essay sample

College Social Network Information Literacy Dalina Jimenez 01/16/2013 Topic: New York Air Pollution Thesis Statement: Waste creates toxic gases that can diminish air quality, causing environmental damage and lowers human quality of life in New York City. By looking at the NYC Environmental protection, nyc. gov I found a broad information on how new yorkers are getting affected with the poor air quality, explaining the death statistics which contribute to a 6% of death annually. Million of proposals had been implemented for this problem. In 2007 Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched the PLANYC to improve the environment. This website talk about the causes for this problem like the smoke generated for the mass transits on this city. I believe this is a good web site because it is directly related to my topic. It explains how the city is working to improve the air quality and also provide strategies to keep it clean. This website is reliable because is nationally recognized and it was revised in this year 2013, also is a government website. We will write a custom essay sample on New York Air Pollution or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The nyc. ov has another articles to read and get informed about what the city is doing to resolve this environmental problem such a air pollutants in nyc, emission for transportation, emission for building and constructions, etc. I searched the encyclopedia Britannica to find what is causing this damage in the city and in the world and what really mean air pollution so I can understand how serious is the situation and why it is important to keep the air clean. I found an article explaining the different pollutants factors. These factors are different kind of fuel, waste, factories, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and fine particulars. The six major air pollutants listed above have been designated by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This article is excellent because explain each of these factors and what mean clean air which is primarily of nitrogen and oxygen 78 percent and 21 percent respectively, by volume. The remaining 1 percent is a mixture of other gases, mostly argon. At the end, I found an article from Ebsco’s Academic Search Premier Database called â€Å"The Human Megacity†, in this article Mayor Bloomberg explained about his PLANYC, to make the city become more green, healthy, safe and efficiently. His intention is to keep New York City clean. References * Platt, R. H. (2009). The Humane Megacity. Environment, 51(4), 46-59. * air pollution. (2013). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/10772/air-pollution/286159/Ozone * Department of environmental conservation. (2013) chemical and pollution control. Retrieved from http://www. dec. ny. gov/25. html

Jones Blair Company Case Study Essay Example

Jones Blair Company Case Study Essay The market of Jones Blair can be divided to two groups: Dallas-Fort Worth area and Non Dallas-Fort Worth JBC’s potential segment(s) and strategy In order to reach these business goals at a time when growth is nonexistent, Jones-Blair must take immediate action and increase their sales team and refocus their sales energies. Jones Blair is a regional paint manufacturer that has to compete in a mature market (sales growth are expected to be the general rate of inflation) and also very concentrated, since the seven major producers account for upwards of 60 percent of sales. Therefore, in this market context, Jones Blair will need to increase its sales in volume, but keep its profit margin. The strategies to be considered in this case can be based on: consumer segmentation, targeting and managing marketing mix. Key Issues Recent research indicated that do-it-yourself painters do not care much about the brand and, consequently, about the quality of the paint (brand reputation was the 4th key criteria mentioned by the buyers to choose a covering) and it has become a commodity for this kind of consumers. Also, the company has been facing strong environmental pressure due to new regulations about the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is necessary for the company to invest in RD and it is also likely that the company will not see its costs of production decrease due to the activities of RD. -SWOT Analysis: Strengths ? High quality products ? High quality service with ? Knowledgeable sales representatives that know customers personally ? Mature market 1-2% sales growth long-term ? Shelf goods 43% of total industry dollar sales ? Specialty paint stores lumberyards most frequently patronized ? We will write a custom essay sample on Jones Blair Company Case Study specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Jones Blair Company Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Jones Blair Company Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Distributes through 200 independent paint stores ? Maintaining margins while increasing RD, material, labor costs ? Market to major business/financial center (DFW) ? Total sales/year increasing dollars sales rate 4% each year Weakness ? Slow sales growth ? Reduce emissions of volatile compounds ? Compliance w/ EPA = low profit margins ? Presence in DFW do it yourself market, in-home centers ? Non-DFW market ? New accounts, only added 5 in last 5 years ? High costs for product ? DFW Sales decreased ? Paint gallon-age hasnt changed in years ? Highest priced paint in service area, especially in DFW ? Awareness of the company Opportunities Need to increase customer awareness by 30% ? Increase demand for paint sundries due to trend towards do it yourself painting ? Interior more popular than exterior ? Expand beyond paint ? Primarily in DFW area, so advertising outside of DFW ? Increase advertising over all mediums, catalogs etc ? Develop new retail accounts leads and penetrations ? Professional painters could solicit business to them ? Discount coupon offers on every purchase after first to build loyalty ? Increase contractor sales ? Number of paint companies are declining at a rate of 2 to 3% a year ? US Paint industry is maturing, over $13 billion in 1997Threats ? Research design= low profit margins ? Customers choose store first, then brand ? Companies like Wal-Mart becoming bigger ? Competition from cheaper paint brands ? More options besides painting ? Competition in DFW market ? Competition in non-DFW market ? Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Sears, Kmart, Home Depot etc. , strong brand There are a few options to consider when determining how Jones-Blair Company will achieve their business goals of exponentially increasing company sales. One would be to make an additional expenditure in advertising in the DFW area to increase the awareness of the company brand to do-it-yourself painters. Another would be to cut the price in both the DFW and non-DFW areas of all paint products by 20% in order to achieve parity with national paint brands. As well, the company could consider increasing their present sales reps, eight, by an additional representative. Those within the company afraid to step forward and attempt to grow are content maintaining the present business plan and guard margins and control costs. The present plan has increased dollar sales by 4% annually without increasing the amount of gallons sold. In such an instance, increases in sales come with increases in variable costs related to the product. So with a contribution margin of 35% the final dollar amount to hit the bottom line would be minimal and not add significant value to the company. Given that the sales representatives forecast for the next year does not include increased demand for Jones-Blair paint this is additionally a risky business option. (See exhibit 1). After analyzing the previous options, it is apparently clear that in order to exponentially increase sales the Jones-Blair Company should hire an additional sales representative. †¦] -? However, as good as this market positioning is, the achieved total grossed sales amounts will not allow them to maintain current levels of research and development and adhere to the growing demands of environmental standards. and professional painters, these mass merchandisers have priced their products to capture a higher percentage of the home construction market and th e business from paint contractors. So with a contribution margin of 35% the final dollar amount to hit the bottom line would be minimal and not add significant value to the company. The cost of such an addition would be minimal with a base salary of $60,000, plus a 1% commission on sales. With 120 of the companytms 200 independent retail stores in the non-DFW area, the sales increases will be exponential and allow the company to reach established business goals. However, as the sales reps have focused on current customers over the last five years the sales team has added only five new professional accounts. As well, in the areas outside DFW, 70% of sales are derived from do-it-yourself painters. As well, the company could consider increasing their present sales reps, eight, by an additional representative. At present, 70% of sales within DFW are derived from professional painters. However, the benefit of cutting the prices would not increase company sales to a point where they could maintain current contribution margin numbers. Given that the mass merchandisers are presently not pursuing this market source, the Jones-Blair Company would do well to draw upon their superior salesmen and initiate sales from this resource. Thus resulting only in approximately a 3% increase in customer purchases, from 15% to 18%. A posed increase of approximately 3% in the DFW area would increase the companytms brand awareness by 5%, from approximately 25% to 30%. The companytms sales representatives have a superior reputation with their dealers. In such an instance, increases in sales come with increases in variable costs related to the product. -Alternative Courses of Action The market for do-it-yourself consumers is forecasted to reach US$ 5. 74 billion by the year 2003 (see appendix 2) and it seems to be the best segment for Jones Blair to focus its resources on, since it represents 90 percent of non-contractor-related volume outside DFW area and 70 percent in DFW. The company’s most important market is Dallas-Fort Worth, which reaches 60-67 percent of total sales in USD within the years 1992-1996 (Appendix 1). Nevertheless, this percentage has been declining throughout the years, on a decreasing average basis of 1. 43 percent per year (Appendix 1). The market in DFW is getting more competitive and in Jones Blair’s outlets there has been a decline in gallonage volume. Nevertheless, non-DFW outlets historically have grown in gallonage volume sales, which means that consumers in DFW area seem to be more price sensitive than outside this area. Recommendations Jones Blair will need to play up strength on distribution. This also means that they could expand their business into other areas. It is likely to be more profitable and successful to the company to sell to consumers located outside DFW area in this case. As the Vice President of Sales figured, it will cost $60,000 per year plus commission to the additional sales representative. The company will also need to segment their market and focus more on its most important segment of do-it-yourself consumers and work or its premium positioning through promotion efforts regarding Jones Blair’