Thursday, December 13, 2012
First Semester Reflection
This is the diagram I made about what I learned. I learned much more than what was on this diagram, but these are just some of the main and more new aspects.
The Count of Monte Cristo Storyboard
Abbreviation key
WS- wide shotMS- medium shot
CU- close up
VO- voice over
If the voiceover quote goes through multiple boxes, it means that the voiceover spans over all of those shots while still being once piece of dialogue.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Information Literacy
From
tear-stained, chubby cheek years to hunched back, wrinkled skin years, people take
in information. However, the ability to observe information does not
automatically make a person information literate. The Presidential Committee on
Information Literacy, sums up information literacy as the ability to
"recognize when information is needed and…locate, evaluate, and use
effectively the needed information" ("Information Literacy Competency Standards
for Higher Education").
Information is a necessity in recreational, instructional, and academic
situations. While information literacy is being increasingly associated with
technology, it can apply to any other source of knowledge. The most impacting
or “effective” pieces of information can come from a huge variety of sources,
including online articles, pictures, books, diagrams, interviews, and periodicals.
In finding resources, critical thinking plays a major role. A person must discern
if the information is credible and applicable to a certain topic ("Information Literacy
in the Core Curriculum ").
In addition, author’s intent, bias, context, and diction are just some of the
aspects that information literate people will include in their analyses.
The
key word for me is “discernment.” Normally, I don’t have a problem with telling
when I need information. If I can’t carry on with my task, it’s pretty obvious
that I am missing some type of information. One of the hugest areas of
difficulty is determining credibility, especially with the Internet. Depending
on the situation, I have different standards. For a recipe, good reviews or
four out of five stars might be enough to convince me of a recipe’s
credibility. However, for research papers, I have to put in a lot more effort.
I tend to use books more than the Internet. While books can still have flaws, I
know that the editing process makes them more reliable. If I do use Internet
sources, I check into the nature of the source and background of the author.
For simple craft type activities, I tend to choose instructions with good pictures
because the results seem more guaranteed to turn out nice. Especially because
of AP classes, I have come to realize the importance of analyzing resources.
Mr. Robinson described it like this: evaluation is the depth charge that
protects the duck of evidence from a pike of doubt that wants to destroy your
stance (I hope this makes sense). Before I actually knew the term, I had
already made information literacy an important part of my life.
Works Cited
"Information
Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education." Information Literacy
Competency Standards for Higher Education | Association of College and Research
Libraries (ACRL). Ed. American Library Association. American Library Association,
2012. Web. 4 Dec. 2012.
Competency Standards for Higher Education | Association of College and Research
Libraries (ACRL). Ed. American Library Association. American Library Association,
2012. Web. 4 Dec. 2012.
"Information Literacy in the Core Curriculum ." Definition and Standards. Ed. Loyola
Marymount University. Loyola Marymount University, 2009. Web. 4 Dec. 2012.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Revenge
A
sword on the brink of plunging into a murderer is beautiful and chilling. In a
story I was so consumed by a couple years back, a man sought to avenge his
father's murder. I was so deeply immersed in the story that I went through a
mini withdrawal period. Yes, I'm drawn to justice fighters, and I know I'm not
the only one.
Our
society is constantly being fed with real and ficticious acts of justice. I
hear stories of life sentences for mass murderers and death penalties for
terrorists. When judges declare punishments, I feel comforted because there’s
one less criminal to worry about and victorious because those criminals are
getting the punishment I feel they deserve. The
Avengers and other super hero movies all focus on giving villains the
punishment they deserve, and people (including me) just soak them up.
Even
going back to older classics, it’s clear that people have always been attracted
to revenge. Mass murder was suddenly acceptable and supported when it was in
the form of revenge against Penelope’s suitors. The Count of Monte Cristo’s
plot for revenge is eagerly digested years and years after it was published. An
act of injustice leads to a total shift in character and focus. Revenge becomes
everything. Deception and manipulation are crafts to be admired, not frowned
upon.
It’s
hard to see the evil in revenge when the cause is noble. In my head, I can
still imagine the man’s father being stabbed for a crime he didn’t commit
(going back to the story that I was obsessed with before). When the son was
ready to murder the killer, I felt slightly unsettled. Death can’t fix death
(human death, to be specific). Well, it might fix it temporarily, but not in
the long run. That’s where God factors in. Vengeance is His, but it’s so hard
to accept. If I replaced the father in the murder scene with someone I love, it
would be a lot harder to declare that “death can’t fix death.” I would hope that I would be able to
forgive, but I’ve never had a friend or relative brutally murdered, so it’s hard to
know what I’d do. I think my first desire would be justice on the human level—not
God’s, but that’s part of what makes God so amazing—He can make the impossible
happen.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Modeling Dumas
First portion: Dumas’ description of Dantès
on page 106 in the first and second full paragraphs
It includes a lot of comparative description
to evidence physical, mental, and emotional changes in Dantès life. The
description has a “flowing” feel, beginning with anaphora and going on to other
specific descriptions.
1. Her eyes, though bright, held a slight
cloudiness from the hardships of those difficult years. Her hands, with faded
calluses, remembered the many mornings she mopped up the floors for her grandmother.
Her cheeks, once so relaxed with a hint of baby fat, were now a thinner frame
for a bittersweet smile. The silent strength she gained from those endless
mornings of caregiving was reflected in her assured, but open stance. Optimism
mixed with seriousness was the mark of each comforting reply she gave to her
grandmother.
2. Their play clothes were traded with
clingy, revealing outfits. Their mouths, once producers of fairy tales and
unrestrained invitations, were now plastered with lip-gloss pouts. Their once
wild, pig-tailed hair was now constantly being curled, straightened, and coated
with special products for others’ approval. Every facial and body expression
showed an attitude of testing rebellion. Makeup was a mask for the emptiness
and insecurity that infested their teenage bodies. In those moments alone, they
were not able to hide themselves from the loss of their tree house days.
3. His shoulders were stiff from the
clenching feeling in his chest. His fingers, which used to float across the
piano keys with the sound of his daughter’s voice, were now clenched into fists
of sorrow. His legs, once a chair of comfort and laughter, now shuffled to the
beat of sobs. Shadows under his eyes marked the nights he woke up from dreams
where his daughter smiled and reached out her vaporizing hand to his solid one.
Grief was the cloak he wore to avoid all life except for the buried one he
focused on.
Second portion: King Louis XVIII’s joke about
the weather on page 47
This corny sense of humor in the dialogue made
the characters and their relationship seem more real to me. Corny comments, puns,
and skewed responses pop up everyday in conversations with family and friends.
This sense of humor can be pretty ridiculous and receives reactions of
annoyance, lightheartedness, or awkward courtesy laughs. [Random writer’s note:
These sets of dialogue show a really weird sense of humor. You might not even
understand the “jokes” behind them.]
1. “Can I have half your hot dog?”
“Only if you can mustard up some money to
give me in return.”
2. “I absolutely love this cake. I just can’t get over how amazing it is.”
“If it’s so perfect, then why don’t you marry it?”
3. “I ran into my high school history teacher
yesterday!”
“I hope you didn’t get hurt.”
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The Good Earth Book Review
In her historical fiction book, The Good Earth, Pearl S. Buck describes
the life of Wang Lung, a Chinese farmer, as he seeks land and the wealth it
holds. With his ever-serving and dedicated wife, O-lan, there to help with
family and work, his life is forever changed. Wang Lung must deal with family
members, the environment, and himself to fulfill his desire to gain land and
riches.
I
would rate The Good Earth with four
out of five stars. While historical fiction is not my favorite genre, I still
enjoy reading it to get a taste of the culture and mindset of times gone by.
While gaining understanding, I also gained an appreciation of the fact that I
don’t have to live under the constraints of that society (especially since I am
Chinese). Buck was able to evoke some really strong reactions and emotions
towards the characters and events in her book. It takes skill to get a reader
to develop such a deep dislike of one character and such a great admiration of
another. Although the characters’ actions show that Buck has a good
understanding of human and natural tendencies, it felt like some events were
too predictable at times. Overall, I think that The Good Earth is a subtly powerful and valuable book to read.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Screwtape Analysis Revision
Ad Hominem Inspiration
In The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, an experienced demon, Screwtape, asserts with disdain that the “Enemy wants to turn the man’s attention away from self to Him” (70). The irony of this statement is that Screwtape’s criticisms draw the reader’s attention even more to God in a positive way. In his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis uses Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s character to trigger meaningful responses towards God.
First, Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks prompt deeper thoughts in response to God’s nature. At the beginning of the book, Screwtape expresses a disgust of Jesus’ fully God-fully human nature (Lewis 2). Jesus’ human nature allows Him to truly understand the feelings, difficulties, and needs of humans. Furthermore, it is a reminder of Jesus’ grace seen in His purpose for coming to earth--to redeem mankind through His life, death, and resurrection. Later, Screwtape pinpoints God’s protective power as a reason for difficulties with leading people astray (34). Through this blaming of God, a reader can see that God has total sovereignty and omnipotence to help humans during temptation. Also, Screwtape’s contempt towards God’s love of each unique human being sparks thoughts about His endless love and creativity (65). God creatively crafted every person with different physical and character traits, yet loves everyone the same. Many of Screwtape’s criticism’s draw more attention to and provide a deeper understanding of God’s glorious attributes.
Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s desires help to build a deeper understanding of God’s perfect will and plan. For example, the criticism of God’s desire for humans to be His “‘free’ lovers” and servants could spark a new appreciation and understanding of God’s purpose for believers (Lewis 7). Also, Screwtape expresses a disgust of God’s wanting to honor those who do His will (23). This disgust serves as a reminder that living for God will always be worth it, even when it feels like God is allowing many hardships to happen. Additionally, by pointing out how awful it is that God wants humans to be conscious of their actions, Screwtape is directing readers to a self-evaluation that would enable them to honor God more (25). Several times, Screwtape’s disdain for God’s desires provides insight on the proper focus of a Christian’s life.
Finally, Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s actions, or supposed lack thereof, spark an appreciation of the free will and personal relationship that God offers. Through Screwtape’s criticism that God is much “inferior” when using “practical propaganda,” the reader can come to an appreciation that God does not manipulate thoughts (Lewis 2). This could result in a person elevating God in praise for allowing humans to have free will. Screwtape also expresses extreme distaste of God’s ability to communicate with humans (3). This points out the advantage that believers have over evil because of the personal relationship and two-way communication they have with God. Christians can take comfort in the truth that God does not make them face the temptations and wickedness of the world alone. Much later in the book, Screwtape is very upset that God made the patient immune to temptations aimed at destroying his purity (105). This section serves as a great reminder that God can empower Christians to have the strength and courage to withstand temptations in thought and action. Screwtape’s criticisms of God’s character-revealing actions repeatedly point out many relationship-driven blessings that believers can thank God for.
Overall, Lewis uses Screwtape’s ad hominem assaults against God’s character to inspire earnest and worthwhile reactions towards God. Criticisms of “the Enemy” capture attention before sparking a greater understanding and appreciation of God. Ultimately, this should lead the reader to a deeper relationship with God.
Works Cited
Lewis, Clive S. The Screwtape Letters. New York: HarperCollins, 1996. Print.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Screwtape Analysis
In his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis uses Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against “the Enemy” to encourage deeper thinking about God. Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks prompt deeper thoughts about God’s nature. At the beginning of the book, Screwtape expresses a disgust of Jesus’ fully God-fully human nature (Lewis 2). Jesus’ human nature allows Him to truly understand the feelings, difficulties, and needs of humans. Furthermore, it is a reminder of Jesus’ grace seen in His purpose for coming to earth--to redeem mankind through His life, death, and resurrection. Later, Screwtape pinpoints God’s protective power as a reason for difficulties with leading people astray (34). Through this blaming of God, a reader can see that God has total sovereignty and omnipotence to help humans during temptation. Also, Screwtape’s contempt towards God’s love of each unique human being sparks thoughts about His endless love and creativity (65). God creatively crafted every person with different physical and character traits, yet loves everyone the same. Many of Screwtape’s criticism’s draw more attention to and provide a deeper understanding of God’s glorious attributes.
Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s desires inspire thoughts of God’s perfect will and plan. For example, the criticism of God’s desire for humans to be His “‘free’ lovers” and servants could spark a new appreciation and understanding of God’s purpose for believers (Lewis 7). Also, Screwtape expresses disgust of God’s wanting to honor those who do His will (23). This disgust serves as a reminder that living for God will always be worth it, even when it feels like
God is allowing many hardships to happen. Additionally, by pointing out how awful it is that God wants humans to be conscious of their actions, Screwtape is directing readers to a self-evaluation that would enable them to honor God more (25). Screwtape’s disdain for God’s desires provides insight on the proper focus of a Christian’s life.
Finally, Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s actions, or supposed lack thereof, sparks an appreciation for the free will and personal relationship that God offers. Through Screwtape’s criticism that God is much “inferior” when using “practical propaganda,” the reader can come to an appreciation that God does not manipulate thoughts (Lewis 2). This could result in a person elevating God in praise for allowing humans to have free will. In addition, Screwtape expresses extreme distaste towards God’s ability to communicate with humans (3). This points out the advantage believers have over evil because of the personal relationship and two-way communication they have with God. Much later in the book, Screwtape is very upset that God made the patient immune to temptations aimed at destroying his purity (105). This section serves as a great reminder that God can empower Christians so that they will have the strength and courage to withstand temptations in thought and action. Overall, Lewis uses Screwtape’s ad hominem assaults to capture attention before igniting a greater comprehension and appreciation of God.
Works Cited
Lewis, Clive S. The Screwtape Letters. New York: HarperCollins, 1996. Print.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Screwtape Conclusion
Chapter 29: Courage (161-2)
Chapter 30: Fatigue (166)
Chapter 31: God’s Upperhand (175)
Chapter 30: Fatigue (166)
Chapter 31: God’s Upperhand (175)
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Screwtape 26-28
Chapter 26: Relationship Problems (141)
Chapter 27: “Heads I win, tails you lose”
(148)
Chapter 28: Prosperity (155)
Once again, I'm sorry for the background noise. When I listened to the recording earlier, I didn't hear it.
Once again, I'm sorry for the background noise. When I listened to the recording earlier, I didn't hear it.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Screwtape 22-25
Chapter 22: "Deadly Odor" (119)
Chapter 23: “Christianity and politics”(126-7)
Chapter 24: Pride
Chapter 25: Pleasure and Desire (137)
Sorry for the background noises. I don't have a good microphone.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Chapters XVI-XVIII Questions
Church brings “...people of different classes and psychology together in the kind of unity the Enemy desires.” Why is this such a problem for Screwtape?
Screwtape desires that people either be indifferent towards or roaming between churches, focusing more on the "taste" instead of the experience itself (81). However, a unified and welcoming church family would allow the believer to experience and participate in church as it should be--one accepting and united body of Christians growing, worshiping, and fellowshipping together. This type of church encourages the opposite of indifference and complacency. Rather, it encourages the believer to continue to attend (instead of roaming), get involved with the fellow church members, and have a discerning, yet open mindset aimed towards growth.
Describe your ideal church.
While the church campus would be taken care of and look presentable, it would be more about its intangible characteristics. It would be a church characterized by passion and love for God, hospitality, prayer, worship that is wholly focused on bringing glory to God, acceptance of all people groups, constant growth, support of missions, and community outreach. Anyone who sets foot on the campus would sense the love of God and be welcomed.
“...all I want....” What are your reactions to this sin?
My first reaction was to consider if I use the "all I want" excuse to justify gluttony. Honestly, I'm not a picky eater, so the "all I want" excuse would not apply to me and food. In fact, the mother's mindset seems kind of weird and sad to me since I have a different way of thinking. If I were on the receiving end of this type of situation, I would probably be amused, cater to the person's wishes (if I was feeling generous), question the person's attitude (in my mind), just brush it off and continue on, or offer some type of verbal retort. However, I am guilty of using an "all I want" type of excuse in other situations that don't involve gluttony.
“...insatiable demand for the exact, and almost impossible, palatal pleasures which she imagines she remembers from the past.” Gone are the days “...when her sense were more easily pleased and she had pleasures of other kinds which made her less dependent on those of the table.” What does this mean?
This statement is showing that the mother's life has been overtaken by an obsession with having food just the way she recalls it in her idealized memories. She is never satisfied and never will be.
Why would God want “complete abstinence or unmitigated monogamy” for us?
God established marriage as a totally devoted relationship between husband and wife. "Complete abstinence" is a way of being totally devoted to a spouse even before marriage. In addition, even if a person will be single for life, God still wants that person to be pure. God really cares about us and knows that if we don't have "complete abstinence," we can suffer from emotional scars and physical consequences. God wants us to have "unmitigated monogamy" to preserve the sanctity of the marriage relationship. God joins a husband and wife as "one flesh" (95). If a person has "complete abstinence or unmitigated monogamy," he or she remains pure and devoted to both God and spouse.
Define “being in love.”
According to Screwtape, "being in love" is "the blend of affection, fear, and desire...that makes marriage either happy or holy" (96). It is a general phrase, at times used lightly and falsely, which characterizes a relationship that should be lasting and devoted.
Screwtape desires that people either be indifferent towards or roaming between churches, focusing more on the "taste" instead of the experience itself (81). However, a unified and welcoming church family would allow the believer to experience and participate in church as it should be--one accepting and united body of Christians growing, worshiping, and fellowshipping together. This type of church encourages the opposite of indifference and complacency. Rather, it encourages the believer to continue to attend (instead of roaming), get involved with the fellow church members, and have a discerning, yet open mindset aimed towards growth.
Describe your ideal church.
While the church campus would be taken care of and look presentable, it would be more about its intangible characteristics. It would be a church characterized by passion and love for God, hospitality, prayer, worship that is wholly focused on bringing glory to God, acceptance of all people groups, constant growth, support of missions, and community outreach. Anyone who sets foot on the campus would sense the love of God and be welcomed.
“...all I want....” What are your reactions to this sin?
My first reaction was to consider if I use the "all I want" excuse to justify gluttony. Honestly, I'm not a picky eater, so the "all I want" excuse would not apply to me and food. In fact, the mother's mindset seems kind of weird and sad to me since I have a different way of thinking. If I were on the receiving end of this type of situation, I would probably be amused, cater to the person's wishes (if I was feeling generous), question the person's attitude (in my mind), just brush it off and continue on, or offer some type of verbal retort. However, I am guilty of using an "all I want" type of excuse in other situations that don't involve gluttony.
“...insatiable demand for the exact, and almost impossible, palatal pleasures which she imagines she remembers from the past.” Gone are the days “...when her sense were more easily pleased and she had pleasures of other kinds which made her less dependent on those of the table.” What does this mean?
This statement is showing that the mother's life has been overtaken by an obsession with having food just the way she recalls it in her idealized memories. She is never satisfied and never will be.
Why would God want “complete abstinence or unmitigated monogamy” for us?
God established marriage as a totally devoted relationship between husband and wife. "Complete abstinence" is a way of being totally devoted to a spouse even before marriage. In addition, even if a person will be single for life, God still wants that person to be pure. God really cares about us and knows that if we don't have "complete abstinence," we can suffer from emotional scars and physical consequences. God wants us to have "unmitigated monogamy" to preserve the sanctity of the marriage relationship. God joins a husband and wife as "one flesh" (95). If a person has "complete abstinence or unmitigated monogamy," he or she remains pure and devoted to both God and spouse.
Define “being in love.”
According to Screwtape, "being in love" is "the blend of affection, fear, and desire...that makes marriage either happy or holy" (96). It is a general phrase, at times used lightly and falsely, which characterizes a relationship that should be lasting and devoted.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Chapters XII-XV Questions
What is the “safest road to Hell”? Do you agree or disagree?
The "safest road to Hell" is the one in which a person drifts away from God slowly and undetected (61). I agree that a growing apathy towards honoring God is the "safest road to Hell" in the demon's perspective. It's similar to that myth about how a frog can be boiled to death if a person slowly increases the water's temperature. If the change was not gradual, then the frog would have jumped out. Basically, if i were to slowly draw away from God (which I have before), then I wouldn't really care about the dangerous changes in my life. I end up living in a fantasy, convincing myself that I can love God in my skewed mind even if my heart isn't truly into it. If I don't recognize that I am going down a bad path, then I would probably never stop. However, if I were to make an extreme choice to turn away from God, like turning to a drug addiction, I would be more likely to reach a "pit," realize the emptiness and error of my ways, and turn back to God because He is the only source of redemption.
What is the role of “nothing” and “small sins”? What does that mean for you?
The "small sins" are subtle and seemingly inconsequential actions that slowly lead people to "the Nothing," which is a state of apathy towards God (60-61). This reminds me that I really need to be careful about decisions that I make because even small things can drastically alter my relationship with God. In all things, God must be my priority. One specific application would be making sure that I read the Bible often and with and open and searching mind. It's so easy to just quickly read over a passage, making way for other things to become my idols because God isn't truly first in my life.
“When He talks of their losing their selves, He only means abandoning the clamour of self-will; once they have done that, He really gives them back all their personality, and boasts (I am afraid, sincerely) that when they are wholly His they will be more themselves than ever.” What does this mean to you?
This reminds me of that verse in which Jesus says that if any man will go after Him, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Jesus. It shows that when I surrender to God and put off my own desires, I can experience true freedom and life to the fullest. True freedom, joy, and passion are not found by doing what I want; they are found by pursuing God.
Wormwood says that he will “...eradicate from my patient any strong personal taste which is not actually a sin, even if it is something quite trivial such as a fondness for country cricket or collecting stamps or drinking cocoa.” What strong personal tastes do you have, even if they seem to be trivial?
Some of my "strong personal tastes" on the negative side include a dislike of slugs, snails, centipedes, and littering. Some of my "strong personal tastes" on the positive side include an appreciation of plants, the sky, celestial bodies, rain, chantilly from Liliha Bakery (and a lot of other food), the uniqueness of violas (over violins), chopsticks (over forks), the colors blue and orange, and instrumentals.
Give a contemporary example of each of the following: “You should always try to make the patient abandon the people or food or books he really likes in favour of the "best" people, the "right" food, the "important" books. I have known a human defended from strong temptations to social ambition by a still stronger taste for tripe and onions.”
In regards to people: Someone might ignore, not stand up for, or make fun of a quirky friend in order to be accepted by the popular/"in" crowd.
In regards to food: If coworkers go out to eat lunch together, one might order a salad to appear more healthy, when actually that person really wants a juicy burger and fries.
In regards to books: A person might read a book that contains a lot of inappropriate and corrupting content because it is popular, and he/she does not want to appear prudish.
Which human said “...active habits are strengthened by repetition but passive ones are weakened”?
Joseph Butler said this in The Analogy of Religion.
What are three “real positive Pleasures” in your life? Why are they such pleasures?
I enjoy playing music as a way to thankfully use the ability that God has given me. I enjoy looking at and being in the midst of nature to appreciate God's amazing handiwork in this world. I enjoy reading as a way to exercise the mind and imagination that God has given the author and me.
“...kill their animal self-love as soon as possible...to restore to them a new kind of self-love - a charity and gratitude for all selves.” Define your self-love.
I aim to avoid bragging and grabbing attention for the sake of impressing others. At the same time, I'm not the type of person who always puts myself down in order to get others to tell me otherwise (but I still need to watch out for the false humility that Lewis mentions earlier in the chapter). I also believe that every other person is valued and loved by God. I believe that everyone deserves respect, so I try to be kind to others.
The "safest road to Hell" is the one in which a person drifts away from God slowly and undetected (61). I agree that a growing apathy towards honoring God is the "safest road to Hell" in the demon's perspective. It's similar to that myth about how a frog can be boiled to death if a person slowly increases the water's temperature. If the change was not gradual, then the frog would have jumped out. Basically, if i were to slowly draw away from God (which I have before), then I wouldn't really care about the dangerous changes in my life. I end up living in a fantasy, convincing myself that I can love God in my skewed mind even if my heart isn't truly into it. If I don't recognize that I am going down a bad path, then I would probably never stop. However, if I were to make an extreme choice to turn away from God, like turning to a drug addiction, I would be more likely to reach a "pit," realize the emptiness and error of my ways, and turn back to God because He is the only source of redemption.
What is the role of “nothing” and “small sins”? What does that mean for you?
The "small sins" are subtle and seemingly inconsequential actions that slowly lead people to "the Nothing," which is a state of apathy towards God (60-61). This reminds me that I really need to be careful about decisions that I make because even small things can drastically alter my relationship with God. In all things, God must be my priority. One specific application would be making sure that I read the Bible often and with and open and searching mind. It's so easy to just quickly read over a passage, making way for other things to become my idols because God isn't truly first in my life.
“When He talks of their losing their selves, He only means abandoning the clamour of self-will; once they have done that, He really gives them back all their personality, and boasts (I am afraid, sincerely) that when they are wholly His they will be more themselves than ever.” What does this mean to you?
This reminds me of that verse in which Jesus says that if any man will go after Him, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Jesus. It shows that when I surrender to God and put off my own desires, I can experience true freedom and life to the fullest. True freedom, joy, and passion are not found by doing what I want; they are found by pursuing God.
Wormwood says that he will “...eradicate from my patient any strong personal taste which is not actually a sin, even if it is something quite trivial such as a fondness for country cricket or collecting stamps or drinking cocoa.” What strong personal tastes do you have, even if they seem to be trivial?
Some of my "strong personal tastes" on the negative side include a dislike of slugs, snails, centipedes, and littering. Some of my "strong personal tastes" on the positive side include an appreciation of plants, the sky, celestial bodies, rain, chantilly from Liliha Bakery (and a lot of other food), the uniqueness of violas (over violins), chopsticks (over forks), the colors blue and orange, and instrumentals.
Give a contemporary example of each of the following: “You should always try to make the patient abandon the people or food or books he really likes in favour of the "best" people, the "right" food, the "important" books. I have known a human defended from strong temptations to social ambition by a still stronger taste for tripe and onions.”
In regards to people: Someone might ignore, not stand up for, or make fun of a quirky friend in order to be accepted by the popular/"in" crowd.
In regards to food: If coworkers go out to eat lunch together, one might order a salad to appear more healthy, when actually that person really wants a juicy burger and fries.
In regards to books: A person might read a book that contains a lot of inappropriate and corrupting content because it is popular, and he/she does not want to appear prudish.
Which human said “...active habits are strengthened by repetition but passive ones are weakened”?
Joseph Butler said this in The Analogy of Religion.
What are three “real positive Pleasures” in your life? Why are they such pleasures?
I enjoy playing music as a way to thankfully use the ability that God has given me. I enjoy looking at and being in the midst of nature to appreciate God's amazing handiwork in this world. I enjoy reading as a way to exercise the mind and imagination that God has given the author and me.
“...kill their animal self-love as soon as possible...to restore to them a new kind of self-love - a charity and gratitude for all selves.” Define your self-love.
I aim to avoid bragging and grabbing attention for the sake of impressing others. At the same time, I'm not the type of person who always puts myself down in order to get others to tell me otherwise (but I still need to watch out for the false humility that Lewis mentions earlier in the chapter). I also believe that every other person is valued and loved by God. I believe that everyone deserves respect, so I try to be kind to others.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Chapters IX-XI Questions
Why do our “trough periods” make us so vulnerable? Is this applicable to you?
"Trough periods" are dangerous because we lack the vigor to resist temptation, therefore being more likely to give in to evil and turn our backs on God (43). This is very applicable to me. When I feel energized and "on fire for God," I feel more motivated to do what's pleasing to Him. Generally, I'm more patient with family members and accomplish necessary tasks more quickly and with a better attitude. However, when I'm feeling down and tired, I lack discipline. I get more easily annoyed with family and do things with a half-hearted or bad attitude.
What beautiful truth about pleasure does Screwtape share? Make a list of pleasures.
Pleasures are made by God alone. However, those pleasures can be twisted and used as a means to disobey and displease God (44).
1. Food-God has blessed me with sustenance that can also be a source of creativity and enjoyment. However, food can become an addiction that will harm my body, which is a "temple of God."
2. Music- Music, whether lyrical or instrumental, can communicate deep messages. Those messages can be positive or negative, and it is up to me to decide what type of music I will let into my mind.
3. The Internet- God has provided humans with the knowledge to invent and use the Internet. It can be a really helpful tool for finding information, communicating, and viewing random things for enjoyment. However, people can post almost anything on the Internet, so I have to be careful about what I see. Even if I accidentally encounter something inappropriate, I must have the discipline to either report it or leave the site.
What are your thoughts regarding “parallel lives”? What does this mean to you?
I think that the concept of acting differently in different situations and with different people is a very common struggle. It is a problem that I have been trying to overcome for a long time. After my youth pastor talked about "being genuine" and "living one life," I knew that I had a problem with acting differently in different situations. After some thought, I concluded that it's not always a bad thing to act differently during certain situations. For example, I obviously shouldn't be addressing a superior or more respected person in the same way that I would address friends and family. However, living "parallel lives" does get dangerous if I am compromising my standards in one situation, yet acting "proper and good" in the other situation. I have to continually make sure that I'm not living a compromising "parallel life." I realize that living a half-good, half-bad type of life is even more dangerous than living an all-out bad one.
What are your thoughts on music and joy after reading this chapter?
It makes a lot of sense that music and joy are interrelated and that the demons hate both (53-54). True joy only comes from God. It exists despite trying circumstances because God is always there to provide it. Music, when not being twisted to lead people down dark paths, can be a great source of worship and glory to God. That connection and reverence to God is something that those who don't have a right relationship with God can never quite understand.
"Trough periods" are dangerous because we lack the vigor to resist temptation, therefore being more likely to give in to evil and turn our backs on God (43). This is very applicable to me. When I feel energized and "on fire for God," I feel more motivated to do what's pleasing to Him. Generally, I'm more patient with family members and accomplish necessary tasks more quickly and with a better attitude. However, when I'm feeling down and tired, I lack discipline. I get more easily annoyed with family and do things with a half-hearted or bad attitude.
What beautiful truth about pleasure does Screwtape share? Make a list of pleasures.
Pleasures are made by God alone. However, those pleasures can be twisted and used as a means to disobey and displease God (44).
1. Food-God has blessed me with sustenance that can also be a source of creativity and enjoyment. However, food can become an addiction that will harm my body, which is a "temple of God."
2. Music- Music, whether lyrical or instrumental, can communicate deep messages. Those messages can be positive or negative, and it is up to me to decide what type of music I will let into my mind.
3. The Internet- God has provided humans with the knowledge to invent and use the Internet. It can be a really helpful tool for finding information, communicating, and viewing random things for enjoyment. However, people can post almost anything on the Internet, so I have to be careful about what I see. Even if I accidentally encounter something inappropriate, I must have the discipline to either report it or leave the site.
What are your thoughts regarding “parallel lives”? What does this mean to you?
I think that the concept of acting differently in different situations and with different people is a very common struggle. It is a problem that I have been trying to overcome for a long time. After my youth pastor talked about "being genuine" and "living one life," I knew that I had a problem with acting differently in different situations. After some thought, I concluded that it's not always a bad thing to act differently during certain situations. For example, I obviously shouldn't be addressing a superior or more respected person in the same way that I would address friends and family. However, living "parallel lives" does get dangerous if I am compromising my standards in one situation, yet acting "proper and good" in the other situation. I have to continually make sure that I'm not living a compromising "parallel life." I realize that living a half-good, half-bad type of life is even more dangerous than living an all-out bad one.
What are your thoughts on music and joy after reading this chapter?
It makes a lot of sense that music and joy are interrelated and that the demons hate both (53-54). True joy only comes from God. It exists despite trying circumstances because God is always there to provide it. Music, when not being twisted to lead people down dark paths, can be a great source of worship and glory to God. That connection and reverence to God is something that those who don't have a right relationship with God can never quite understand.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Chapter V-VIII Questions
What is Screwtape’s idea on the best way for humans to die? Why?
Screwtape believes that the best way for humans to die is in a nursing home where they have the misconception that their lives are fine and taken care of. In addition, they believe that they can do anything they please without regards to morals or eternity. In a demon's perspective, this is a good way to die because humans are placing the entirety of their trust on human abilities and reasoning. Because the humans are believing that anything is permissible and focusing on pleasant gratification, it takes their minds off concerns for their future eternal lives after death.
How do you picture the devil? What does this chapter challenge you about regarding the spiritual warfare over your soul?
I picture the devil as a dark, shadowy demon figure that lurks around influencing or tempting masses of people to do wrong and turn from God. This chapter reminded me of the reality of spiritual warfare. Screwtape wanted Wormwood to convince his patient that demons don't exist. This shows that disbelieving or forgetting about the existence of demons causes a great weakness because we won't be on our guard. We certainly wouldn't be fighting against something that "doesn't exist." However, if we are constantly aware of the raging war, we can, with God's help, fight against the evils that face us each day.
What is the “law of Undulation” (37)? Give an example of this in your life.
The "law of Undulation" expresses the concept that humans experience a cycle of "highs and lows." There is always a certain point in life, during which circumstances or feelings are good, when we must face some type of hardship. Even when we overcome this hardship, once we get up to another good point, or "peak," in life, we will face another hardship, or "trough." I can see the "law of Undulation" in my relationship with immediate family members. Sometimes I feel really grateful for my family, especially when spending some quality time with them. However, through the bumps of daily life, I get upset at or frustrated with them. Eventually, I work out that conflict and restore the relationship to how it was before. The cycle of of a good relationship, conflict, and resolution continues on.
“Our cause is never more in danger, than when a human, no longer desiring, but intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys” (40). What are your thoughts on this?
Out of all of the reading tonight, this quote stuck out to me the most. It reminded me of Job, and how it seemed like God punishing or forsaking him; yet, Job never cursed God. The human from this quote should be the type of human that I should be striving to be. My life should be so consumed by a love for God that, no matter how difficult life seems, no matter how hard it becomes to believe that a loving God would allow hard times to happen, I will seek to glorify Him.
Screwtape believes that the best way for humans to die is in a nursing home where they have the misconception that their lives are fine and taken care of. In addition, they believe that they can do anything they please without regards to morals or eternity. In a demon's perspective, this is a good way to die because humans are placing the entirety of their trust on human abilities and reasoning. Because the humans are believing that anything is permissible and focusing on pleasant gratification, it takes their minds off concerns for their future eternal lives after death.
How do you picture the devil? What does this chapter challenge you about regarding the spiritual warfare over your soul?
I picture the devil as a dark, shadowy demon figure that lurks around influencing or tempting masses of people to do wrong and turn from God. This chapter reminded me of the reality of spiritual warfare. Screwtape wanted Wormwood to convince his patient that demons don't exist. This shows that disbelieving or forgetting about the existence of demons causes a great weakness because we won't be on our guard. We certainly wouldn't be fighting against something that "doesn't exist." However, if we are constantly aware of the raging war, we can, with God's help, fight against the evils that face us each day.
What is the “law of Undulation” (37)? Give an example of this in your life.
The "law of Undulation" expresses the concept that humans experience a cycle of "highs and lows." There is always a certain point in life, during which circumstances or feelings are good, when we must face some type of hardship. Even when we overcome this hardship, once we get up to another good point, or "peak," in life, we will face another hardship, or "trough." I can see the "law of Undulation" in my relationship with immediate family members. Sometimes I feel really grateful for my family, especially when spending some quality time with them. However, through the bumps of daily life, I get upset at or frustrated with them. Eventually, I work out that conflict and restore the relationship to how it was before. The cycle of of a good relationship, conflict, and resolution continues on.
“Our cause is never more in danger, than when a human, no longer desiring, but intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys” (40). What are your thoughts on this?
Out of all of the reading tonight, this quote stuck out to me the most. It reminded me of Job, and how it seemed like God punishing or forsaking him; yet, Job never cursed God. The human from this quote should be the type of human that I should be striving to be. My life should be so consumed by a love for God that, no matter how difficult life seems, no matter how hard it becomes to believe that a loving God would allow hard times to happen, I will seek to glorify Him.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Chapter I-IV Questions
What are you passive about because of the "ordinariness of things" (4)? Is it your family? Your life? Your church or school?
I have become passive about the mess in my room. Before school started, I cleaned up my room. However, in the rush to get my uniform or pack my bag, I just left some things lying around. The first couple of times, I cleaned up the stuff I had left behind. Eventually, I forgot to clean up the things I had left behind in the morning. Every time I went into my room, I didn't let it bother me that my room was messy. The mess in my room became "ordinary" and something I didn't care to fix. Instead of being a good steward with the things God has allowed me to have, I let messiness become acceptable.
What do you think about the following quote? "The Enemy allows this disappointment to occur on the threshold of every human endeavour" (7).
I think that this quote is so true because it (in addition to the following examples) illustrates the challenge of translating thinking into doing. However, as Lewis mentions later in the chapter, people can overcome that "disappointment" to come out of the experience as a stronger person. I, along with other people, conceptualize situations or achievements that are greatly desired. We enter the process of making a glorious dream come true only to find out that the actual process is much harder than expected. We face the difficult task of overcoming the conflicts or complacency that stand in the way of that idealized goal. For example, I decided to make a music track on GarageBand for a video project last year. I imagined that I could make this absolutely amazing track that would sound really professional and match my video perfectly. However, when I actually tried to use the musical typing function, I had a hard time making the different tracks fit together nicely. I eventually overcame that "disappointment" to finish the track. Of course, it wasn't as good as I had first expected, but I was able to finish the song and gain more valuable experience.
What are your "daily pinpricks" (11)?
Here are a few of them:
1. I get frustrated when my younger brother refuses to or takes a long time to help take care of our dog (e.g,, walking, picking up after, or washing her). Sometimes the best solution is to just give up and do it myself, but at the same time, I want him to be more responsible.
2. There's this one group of people at school who seem to have such a hard time throwing away their trash after lunch.
3. Loud or distinctive chewing noises from certain family members can sometimes get to me.
I've been working on overcoming these "pinpricks." Some have been easier to overcome than others (or maybe it's just because I've worked longer and harder to overcome certain "pinpricks".
I have become passive about the mess in my room. Before school started, I cleaned up my room. However, in the rush to get my uniform or pack my bag, I just left some things lying around. The first couple of times, I cleaned up the stuff I had left behind. Eventually, I forgot to clean up the things I had left behind in the morning. Every time I went into my room, I didn't let it bother me that my room was messy. The mess in my room became "ordinary" and something I didn't care to fix. Instead of being a good steward with the things God has allowed me to have, I let messiness become acceptable.
What do you think about the following quote? "The Enemy allows this disappointment to occur on the threshold of every human endeavour" (7).
I think that this quote is so true because it (in addition to the following examples) illustrates the challenge of translating thinking into doing. However, as Lewis mentions later in the chapter, people can overcome that "disappointment" to come out of the experience as a stronger person. I, along with other people, conceptualize situations or achievements that are greatly desired. We enter the process of making a glorious dream come true only to find out that the actual process is much harder than expected. We face the difficult task of overcoming the conflicts or complacency that stand in the way of that idealized goal. For example, I decided to make a music track on GarageBand for a video project last year. I imagined that I could make this absolutely amazing track that would sound really professional and match my video perfectly. However, when I actually tried to use the musical typing function, I had a hard time making the different tracks fit together nicely. I eventually overcame that "disappointment" to finish the track. Of course, it wasn't as good as I had first expected, but I was able to finish the song and gain more valuable experience.
What are your "daily pinpricks" (11)?
Here are a few of them:
1. I get frustrated when my younger brother refuses to or takes a long time to help take care of our dog (e.g,, walking, picking up after, or washing her). Sometimes the best solution is to just give up and do it myself, but at the same time, I want him to be more responsible.
2. There's this one group of people at school who seem to have such a hard time throwing away their trash after lunch.
3. Loud or distinctive chewing noises from certain family members can sometimes get to me.
I've been working on overcoming these "pinpricks." Some have been easier to overcome than others (or maybe it's just because I've worked longer and harder to overcome certain "pinpricks".
Copyright
Poster URL: http://smore.com/48pm
Copyright provides a way to give authors their proper and/or desired rights of ownership. Whether the copyright deals with reproduction, derivative works, profit, or something related to all three, we must learn to accommodate and abide by all of the restrictions. I definitely wouldn’t want someone to improperly take credit for or just take something that I worked hard to make. Because authors put a lot of time and effort into their products, they deserve to have restrictions placed in order to receive proper credit for their works. Anything less would be robbery.
Copyright provides a way to give authors their proper and/or desired rights of ownership. Whether the copyright deals with reproduction, derivative works, profit, or something related to all three, we must learn to accommodate and abide by all of the restrictions. I definitely wouldn’t want someone to improperly take credit for or just take something that I worked hard to make. Because authors put a lot of time and effort into their products, they deserve to have restrictions placed in order to receive proper credit for their works. Anything less would be robbery.
Reading
from this
website (in addition to my experiences from many school projects) helped me to
gain a deeper understanding of copyright.
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