Religion and Violence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Religion and Violence - Research Paper Example Only intensive and concrete planning, prevention and interventions can help to reduce violence caused by religious extremism and misinterpretation of holy doctrines in adverse ways. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate religion and violence by examining the historicity of religious violence, the ways religions promote or oppose violence, and effective initiatives to support inter-religious harmony. There are four historical moments that reveal the origins of religious violence. The first is associated with the diffusion of world religions during the 4th to 7th centuries of the Christian era. Christianity became the dominant religion of Europe through displacement of the religions native to the continent, and through the officialization of the new religion in the Roman empire. While Christianity spread to Ethiopia in Africa and to South Asia, Hinduism spread to Indonesia, Buddhism to China, Korea and Japan from India. By the beginning of the 8th CE, Islam covered Spain and the Arab world, and went to Sind in the Indian subcontinent. â€Å"Much violence was involved in the transcontinental spread of the world religions†2. Although most of the pre-colonial spread of religion was associated with political conquest and physical violence, this was not always the rule. For example, violence did not characterize the spread of Hinduism. Christianity scarcely used violence in spre ading to South Asia. King Ashoka converted to Buddhism, unable to bear the carnage of the Kalinga war, and propagated the religion through peaceful means. The second historical moment was colonialism characterized by racial superiority and cultural conquest through the â€Å"civilizing mission†. This was in addition to political and economic domination, and was charged with religious violence. â€Å"The European missionaries did not even recognize the religions of the New World as religion†3, not even as human beings. Not only were the First Nations not allowed their cultural identity, they were physically liquidated. The people of Africa were considered as primitive, without history and without religion. Hence it was thought to be necessary to convert them to Christianity in large numbers. However, in the case of Islam, they put up a stiff resistance, resulting in violent conflicts between the two imported religions. Today, the leading religion of 50 percent of the Af rican states is Christianity, the other main religion being Islam, thereby relegating native religions to the background. In the Orient composed of the three great civilizations of China, India and Egypt, dominant religions prevailed, related to Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam respectively. Therefore, the scope of Christianizination of these regions through colonialism was limited. The third historical moment is that the European model of the nation-state has been endorsed by religious nationalists in most parts of the world, establishing political hegemony by the religious majority, and the cultural assimilation of the religious minorities into the â€Å"nation†. The diasporic Jewish community in Europe which was economically prosperous, were the object of European wrath through the holocaust4. The cold-war era which saw a rapid spread of the concept of the nation-state experienced great violence based on religion, by Christians. Homogenization that erases the cultural identity of peoples and nations is a violent process. The cold-war period which occurred for four decades, divided the world into three: the capitalist democracies of the world, the socialist one-party system of the second world, and the

What main objectives did the British and Russian Empires pursue in the Research Paper

What main objectives did the British and Russian Empires pursue in the course of the Great Game in Central Asia and Afghanistan - Research Paper Example This rivalry spanned years and periods in the lives of the people affected by the rivalry. It also went through different phases in for the countries concerned. This paper shall now discuss the objectives which the British and Russian Empires had in the course of the Great Game in Central Asia and Afghanistan. It shall provide the historical beginnings of the rivalry, including its highlights and significant events. It shall also discuss the significant objectives which the empires had in the Great Game. It shall also highlight the rivalry of the empires in Afghanistan and in Central Asia, as well as the impact and the overall goals achieved in these nations by these empires. Body Britain and Russia were involved in a major rivalry in Central Asia at the start of the nineteenth century; this went on to the early 1900s (Szczepanski, 2011). Much of Britain’s reasons for wanting control and influence over Central Asia have been tied in with its goal to establish a British India. Russia, on the other hand, was seeking to increase its territory as a means of establishing the largest empire in the world, and if gaining India from Britain would ensure this goal then it was willing to secure any means to conquer India (Szczepanski, 2011). ... This convention also set forth the border zone between these two empires, and later declared Afghanistan part of the British protectorate. Despite the establishment of this convention, the relationship between these two empires remained strained and tension-filled. This tension was somehow minimized when these territories allied with each other during the First World War. Specific details of this â€Å"Great Game† shall be discussed forthwith. In the latter part of the 19th century, the Russian and British Empire showed stirrings of a conflicting and tense meet-up. As Russia was expanding its power and territories to its east and southern borders, Britain’s power over its empire and territories was being threatened (Johnson, 2006). When British interests in India were also threatened, Britain became fully determined to secure its interests. This period marked a major rivalry between these two empires, and this ‘Great Game’ became clearly apparent in Europe and well into the Far Eastern region of Asia (Johnson, 2006). Prompted by Russia’s seeming interest in India, Britain increased its military activities in Afghanistan and Tibet, and many of these military activities were often disastrous for the countries involved (Johnson, 2006). From the early 18th to mid-19th centuries, Russia exercised its power over India which was then under British control. The Russians were not able to gain as much progress in terms of empirical conquests in the 1700s and 1800s, but in the 19th century, they were seriously posing a threat on India. The distance between the British and Russian empires was also starting to close in, and both empires were now aiming to conquer as much land as the land that lay between

Select a newborn baby you have cared for in the NICU and critically Essay

Select a newborn baby you have cared for in the NICU and critically explore the nursing care and management within the first 6 h - Essay Example aid parents to be sensitive and responsive to their infant’s behaviour and enhance social interactions, confidence, and practical care giving; interventions directed at infants and families with diagnosed developmental delay or chronic illness (Shelton1999, p.118). In terms of limiting sensory overload/deprivation, NICU is perceived as overly stimulating relative to natural uterine environment. Minimizing the effects of the NICU, advocates of this approach suggest minimal handling and reduction of sensory input. The protection from possible hazard such as bright lighting is perceived to minimize the stress response and subsequently promote enhanced stability and tolerance of handling (Phillips 2003, p.84) The stress signals of the autonomic system entail aspects such as bowel strain, cough, sneeze, or yawn, tremor, twitch, or startle, respiratory pause, gasping, or sighing. Stress signals of the motor system encompass aspects such as hyper-flexion, protective manoeuvres, gape face, and fixed and stereotypical postures. Newborn developmental care yield significant outcome improvements indicated by fewer days on the ventilator, shorter hospital stay, early feeding success, a reduction within the number of complications, enhanced neuro-developmental outcomes during the initial eighteen months of life, and enhanced parent/infant bonding (Ricci and Kyle 2009, p.720). Advancements registered in neonatal intensive care have largely enhanced the survival rates of premature infants within the last two decades. It is essential to highlight the non-verbal language of the premature infant signs of stress such as colour changes, change in heart rate, yawning, open and gaping mouth, change in breathing rate and pattern, hiccupping, extended limbs, and squirming. The signs of stability encompass: stable colour, consistent heart rate, regular breathing pattern, hand on face, sucking, smiling, hand to mouth, relaxed tone and posture, and clear sleep states. The newborn p eriod remain distinctively distinguished by the inseparable relationship between a mother and her infant. To facilitate the formation of an attachment to built, infants need to be close to their mothers to prompt their needs and mothers need to be close to respond to them. The process of reciprocity is adaptive as the mother discovers to recognize her infants’ cues, adapt to her behaviours and responses and satisfy the needs of her infant. Parents with an infant in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) experience numerous feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and loss of control and they fluctuate between feelings of inclusion and exclusion relayed to the provision of healthcare (Ricci and Kyle 2009, p.721). Nursing interventions that facilitate positive psychosocial outcomes are necessary to minimize parental feelings of stress, loss of control, and anxiety. Mothers of infants requiring exceptional care start their experience parenthood in the unusual and intimidating en vironment of the environment of the

Nicholas Romanov Essay Example for Free

Nicholas Romanov Essay Nicholas II was the last of the Romanov dynasty rule as the Czar of Russia. His rule began on 1st of November and finished on the 15th of 1917. During the time of Nicholas’s reign Russia saw him go from the great and powerful â€Å"little father† to a much more dishonorable and weak â€Å"bloody Nicholas†. Nicholas II was unsuccessful and the reason behind all of Russia’s many downfalls such as WW1 and the Russo-Japanese war. Bloody Sunday, The October Manifesto and the Russo-Japanese war were all events that support how unsuccessful he was as Czar and prove that he was the worst ruler of his time. The Russ-Japanese was the beginning of the on going failure of Czar Nicholas II. The war began over both Japan and Russia wanting control over Manchuria, Russia was defeated and shaken. The Czars people began lose their faith as it started the many strikes and demonstrations in St. Petersburg. Starting a war was Nicholas’s plan to divert the attention from the national problems of Russia, however created the original division between the Czar and his people. The war was fought in the far eastern reaches of Russia and most of the population lived in Moscow and St. Petersburg, so talk of the war created little enthusiasm for people to fell about the war, which Nicholas was hoping for. Bloody Sunday was an event that brought attitudes and opinions of hate towards Nicholas II and branded him with the new nickname â€Å"bloody Nicholas† which also creates a sense of how the working class felt about their Czar. Bloody Sunday was the massacre of innocent peasants holding a peaceful petition led by father Gapon, outside the winter palace and through the streets of Russia. Peasants marched unarmed and carrying religious symbols on flags hoping that their Czar would show compassion and help his people like a Czar should. This was not the case. The Imperial Guard fired 3 shots before shooting into the crowd killing over 200 people and injuring many more. Bloody Sunday provides clear evidence of Czar Nicholas failure and how unsuccessful he was at addressing the problems of Russia. The October Manifesto was a result of the horrible occurrences of Bloody Sunday in 1905. The October Manifesto was issued by Nicholas II to serve as a response to the Russian Revolution in 1905, but in fact, created an even bigger problem for the Czar to solve. The idea was to create a Duma and grant public liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly and religion. The plan was to bring back the bond between the Czar and his peasants but backfired and led to failure. The duma was unsuccessful as the Czar still had full control and was unwilling to share, which created an even bigger uproar among peasants as it was beneficial for the wealthier individuals of Russia more so than the working class. Nicholas II was now dealing with two gigantic holes in society that couldn’t be fixed, proving how unsuccessful he was as a ruler. In conclusion, Nicholas II was a highly unsuccessful ruler for the three major events of his reign bringing him failure and eventually leading him to his abdication. Bloody Sunday, the October Manifesto and Russo-Japanese are all stages of the Romanov Dynasty that prove Czar Nicholas was ineffective and distorted ruler, who was unsuccessful in solving the problems of Russia, which led to the downfall of the country and the end of an empire.

The Future of Genetic Engineering Essay -- Expository Essays Research

Any time in this modern era where one talks about the science of genetics, it is nearly impossible to think about the moral implications and ethical decisions that the future possesses. Currently, there aren’t many laws that govern this field of science, and one must wonder what will happen and how genetics will be governed. Two articles that I have recently read gave me a better insight on what to expect. In one article, the author, Deborah Gridley, discusses the heated topic of genetic discrimination. Genetic discrimination is defined as â€Å"discrimination against an individual or against members of that individual’s family because of real or perceived differences from the ‘normal genome† (Gridley 973). The benefits of genetic advances are quite clear. â€Å"As the genetic causes of many diseases are found, effective treatments and cures may be developed† (Gridley). However, with genetic benefits come risks – many of which are evident in America’s history of genetic discrimination (Gridley 974). Exclusionary immigration laws, forced sterilizations, employment and insurance hardships, ... The Future of Genetic Engineering Essay -- Expository Essays Research Any time in this modern era where one talks about the science of genetics, it is nearly impossible to think about the moral implications and ethical decisions that the future possesses. Currently, there aren’t many laws that govern this field of science, and one must wonder what will happen and how genetics will be governed. Two articles that I have recently read gave me a better insight on what to expect. In one article, the author, Deborah Gridley, discusses the heated topic of genetic discrimination. Genetic discrimination is defined as â€Å"discrimination against an individual or against members of that individual’s family because of real or perceived differences from the ‘normal genome† (Gridley 973). The benefits of genetic advances are quite clear. â€Å"As the genetic causes of many diseases are found, effective treatments and cures may be developed† (Gridley). However, with genetic benefits come risks – many of which are evident in America’s history of genetic discrimination (Gridley 974). Exclusionary immigration laws, forced sterilizations, employment and insurance hardships, ...

How Internet Affects Life Essay

Nowadays, the use of Internet is increasing especially among adolescence or more accurately, students. The Internet issue is discussed by the adults and parents. Most of them are worried that the use of Internet is dangerous to their kids. Some others said that Internet may bring benefits to their children especially to those who will be sitting for an examination. On my opinion, Internet has both benefits and drawbacks. First of all, let me talk about the benefits first. As we know, Internet is mostly used by students. By surfing internet, students can visit various websites to assist their studies. The examples of popular websites are tutortv.com , unicliq.com , and tutor.com.my. They can visit the websites and revise their studies in more exciting way. Some of them are free. Students can visit it anytime they want. The websites also provide useful notes and exercises. At the same time, students can get additional information that they cannot find it in books. For instance, they can go to ‘Google’ or ‘Yahoo’ search engines to search for more ideas to write an essay. In short, Internet provides vast informations and knowledge which is very beneficial for the students. Next, Internet also provides lots of social networks such as Facebook , Twitter, MySpace and many other. Through these social networks, we can add more friends and make new friends. We can also know friends from other country as these social networks are used internationally. Other than adding friends, we can also strengthen our relationship with our friends and family who are staying far away from us using Skype. We can see them in front of our eyes eventhough they are actually far away from us through web camera. Besides, Internet also offers entertainment. We canwatch videos of our favourite artists by just one click through ‘Youtube’ website. We can also watch favourite movies without paying. Plus, there are many artists born from ‘Youtube’. So, fans can know more about the artists from Youtube. Meanwhile, 4shared.com provides tracks, videos and files that can be  downloaded for free! Internet users can enjoy themselves at anytime watching their favourite artists’ performance for free. Internet doen not only offersbenefits for students but also to those who want to gain more money. It also provides business opportunities. As for example, mudah.my gives a wide room for surfers to promote anything they want to sell. Through this, people with no job can gain money and support their lives by doing the online business. However, as I said earlier, Internet also brings bad effects to its users. Firstly, it can encourage cyber crimes. Besides that, students who spend too much time on Internet may neglect their studies and do not finish their homework. This should be avoided as studies are important especially to teenagers. Although Internet can add more friends to our list, yet, it still can develop anti-social behaviour. Not all of the users use Internet to make friends, someof them only play video games or just sit down wayching videos on Youtube. They will only sit and ignore what is happening around them. The worst thing is, they may not realise that there is an earthquake out there! This anti-social behaviour may leads to health problems. The users will just stay at home and sit in front of computer and this will cause them to be lazy couch potatoes. It will also lead to obesity. Next, most students will not attracted to surf knowledgeable websites, but wasting their time on other non-beneficial things. Wasting timeon Internet can cause students to neglect their studies. Not only time is wasted but also money. With the uses of more electricity non-stop, utility bills may increase dramatically. We just not pay for the electric bills but also internet monthly bills. The conclusion is, everything has its own benefits and drawbacks. However, it depends on how we are using it. If we spend more time using it for benefits, we will get positive effects. But if we use it more to non-beneficial things, we will get negative effects. So, it depends on you.

Digital Fortress Chapter 30

Alfonso XIII was a small four-star hotel set back from the Puerta de Jerez and surrounded by a thick wrought-iron fence and lilacs. David made his way up the marble stairs. As he reached for the door, it magically opened, and a bellhop ushered him inside. â€Å"Baggage, senor? May I help you?† â€Å"No, thanks. I need to see the concierge.† The bellhop looked hurt, as if something in their two-second encounter had not been satisfactory. â€Å"Por aqui, senor.† He led Becker into the lobby, pointed to the concierge, and hurried off. The lobby was exquisite, small and elegantly appointed. Spain's Golden Age had long since passed, but for a while in the mid-1600s, this small nation had ruled the world. The room was a proud reminder of that era-suits of armor, military etchings, and a display case of gold ingots from the New World. Hovering behind the counter marked conserje was a trim, well-groomed man smiling so eagerly that it appeared he'd waited his entire life to be of assistance. â€Å"En que puedo servirle, senor? How may I serve you?† He spoke with an affected lisp and ran his eyes up and down Becker's body. Becker responded in Spanish. â€Å"I need to speak to Manuel.† The man's well-tanned face smiled even wider. â€Å"Si, si, senor. I am Manuel. What is it you desire?† â€Å"Senor Roldan at Escortes Belen told me you would-â€Å" The concierge silenced Becker with a wave and glanced nervously around the lobby. â€Å"Why don't you step over here?† He led Becker to the end of the counter. â€Å"Now,† he continued, practically in a whisper. â€Å"How may I help you?† Becker began again, lowering his voice. â€Å"I need to speak to one of his escorts whom I believe is dining here. Her name is Rocio.† The concierge let out his breath as though overwhelmed. â€Å"Aaah, Rocio-a beautiful creature.† â€Å"I need to see her immediately.† â€Å"But, senor, she is with a client.† Becker nodded apologetically. â€Å"It's important.† A matter of national security. The concierge shook his head. â€Å"Impossible. Perhaps if you left a-† â€Å"It will only take a moment. Is she in the dining room?† The concierge shook his head. â€Å"Our dining room closed half an hour ago. I'm afraid Rocio and her guest have retired for the evening. If you'd like to leave me a message, I can give it to her in the morning.† He motioned to the bank of numbered message boxes behind him. â€Å"If I could just call her room and-â€Å" â€Å"I'm sorry,† the concierge said, his politeness evaporating. â€Å"The Alfonso XIII has strict policies regarding client privacy.† Becker had no intention of waiting ten hours for a fat man and a prostitute to wander down for breakfast. â€Å"I understand,† Becker said. â€Å"Sorry to bother you.† He turned and walked back into the lobby. He strode directly to a cherry roll-top desk that had caught his eye on his way in. It held a generous supply of Alfonso XIII postcards and stationery as well as pens and envelopes. Becker sealed a blank piece of paper in an envelope and wrote one word on the envelope. ROCIO. Then he went back to the concierge. â€Å"I'm sorry to trouble you again,† Becker said approaching sheepishly. â€Å"I'm being a bit of a fool, I know. I was hoping to tell Rocio personally how much I enjoyed our time together the other day. But I'm leaving town tonight. Perhaps I'll just leave her a note after all.† Becker laid the envelope on the counter. The concierge looked down at the envelope and clucked sadly to himself. Another lovesick heterosexual, he thought. What a waste. He looked up and smiled. â€Å"But of course, Mr†¦.?† â€Å"Buisan,† Becker said. â€Å"Miguel Buisan.† â€Å"Of course. I'll be sure Rocio gets this in the morning.† â€Å"Thank you.† Becker smiled and turned to go. The concierge, after discreetly checking out Becker's backside, scooped up the envelope off the counter and turned to the bank of numbered slots on the wall behind him. Just as the man slipped the envelope into one of the slots, Becker spun with one final inquiry. â€Å"Where might I call a taxi?† The concierge turned from the wall of cubbyholes and answered. But Becker did not hear his response. The timing had been perfect. The concierge's hand was just emerging from a box marked Suite 301. Becker thanked the concierge and slowly wandered off looking for the elevator. In and out, he repeated to himself.