Parables of the Kingdom Essay Example

Parables of the Kingdom Paper Marks Gospel is a synoptic gospel, meaning it is very similar to those of Luke and Matthew. It is believed to be having been written during a period when Christians were being persecuted at the hands of the Romans which obviously coloured the message it contained and it is also believed to be the earliest gospel written this gives the impression of it being a fairly accurate record of what happened. Marks main objective was to show that Jesus was the Messiah, and this is why he chooses to focus on the last three years of Jesus life. One of the main teaching points from Marks Gospel is the Kingdom of God; what Jesus meant by this term and how one could become a part of the Kingdom of God. The idea of a K.o.G. was not new; indeed, many Jews had their own impression of what the K.o.G. entailed. To those who lived by the rules of God they were already a part of the Kingdom. But the term was also seen as a reward to these devoted followers a future concept; heaven, and an eternal life. Marks Gospel begins with a key point in Jesus life his Baptism. Unlike the Jewish ceremony of repentance, Jesus Baptism is accompanied by many signs a dove, the heavens opening, and words from God himself; We will write a custom essay sample on Parables of the Kingdom specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Parables of the Kingdom specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Parables of the Kingdom specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer You are my own dear son. I am pleased with you. Ch. 1 V. 11 Mark realises the importance of this event and see it as a perfect time to announce the K.o.G. is here, after his Baptism Jesus declares; The right time has come, and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the good news! Ch. 1 V. 15 Jesus taught in a way no other preacher did, and inevitably, caused quite a stir. He used short stories with hidden meanings called parables and allegories. By carefully studying each parable individually, we can discover what they teach us about the Kingdom of God. His followers enjoyed listening to the stories which answered their questions about faith and God. The first parable in Marks Gospel is the Parable of the Sower, Ch. 4 V. 1-9. The Sower (Jesus) spread his seeds as he sowed, just as Jesus offered the K.o.G. to everyone. The seeds that fell onto the path did not grow these seeds represent the people who choose not to listen. The seeds which fell onto the rocky ground sprouted, but the little soil meant that they soon dried up in the hot sun. These seeds represent those who listen, but the message does not sink in, and is soon forgotten. A few seeds fall among a patch of thorny bushes; these seeds grow too, but are choked by the brambles as they start to grow tall. These people listen and follow, but the pressures of life build and they soon realise they have no time for God. But there are many other people like the seeds which fall onto good soil, grow tall and bear fruit who hear Jesus words and act upon them. These people bring God fully into their lives, undoubtedly, some more than others. This parable shows how the Kingdom of God is available to everyone, as long as they are prepared to respond in an appropriate way to Jesus teachings. The Parable of the Lamp under a Bowl, Ch. 4 V. 21-23, has a shorter, and simpler, meaning. Jesus questions his audience; Does anyone ever bring in a lamp and put it under a bowl or under the bed? Doesnt he put it on the lamp stand? Ch. 4 V.21 His message; dont hide your faith. Do as the lamp does, spread light, spread your faith. The Parable of the Measure, Ch. 4 V. 24-25, isnt so much a parable, more of a direct teaching point. Jesus explains; Pay attention to what you hear! The same rules you use to judge others will be used by God to judge you but with even greater severity. Ch. 1 V. 24 He is basically saying treat as you wish to be treated, or suffer the consequences of a harsh judgement by God. The Parable of the Growing Seed, Ch. 4 V. 26-29, has a slightly deeper meaning than the previous two parables. Jesus explains how a farmer scatters seed in his field, then as he sleeps, works and goes about his day, all the while the seed is sprouting and growing he cant explain it, it just happens. As does human faith, nobody knows how, or even why faith develops. It cant be forced on people, but can be helped by being an active part of the church community. Just as some seeds grow, others dont. Jesus can preach, but there is no guarantee listeners will develop faith. The final parable of Ch. 4 attempts to explain what the K.o.G. is like. The Parable of the Mustard Seed, Ch. 4 V. 30-34, likens the K.o.G. to mustard seed, the smallest seeds in the world, which has been planted in the ground. After a while, the smallest seed grows into the largest plant, offering comfort and shelter so that birds may come and make nests. The one seed represents Jesus, and the tree that from this seed, Christian faith. Just as the tree gives shelter, so does the community of believers; the Church. Having looked at the parables and the messages they give we need to recognise that there is a difference between a short simple story parable which gives a single teaching point about the Kingdom of God, and the much more involved example of the allegory. The Tenants in the Vineyard is an allegory from Marks Gospel. A man plants a vineyard and lets it out to tenants. When the time came to gather the grapes, he sent a slave to gather his share of the crop from the tenants. But the tenants seized the slave, beat him and sent him home with nothing. The owner sends another 2 slaves but they fail to return, so he sends his own son, sure they will respect his son. But the tenants seize his son too, and kill him. Then the owner of the vineyard goes along to see why his people arent returning. He sees what has happened, kills the tenants and hands the vineyard over to others. The owner of the vineyard represents God, and the vineyard, Israel. The slaves sent by the owner represent the previous Kings and Prophets sent by God. The tenants represent Jewish Leaders and the owners son represents Jesus, and his crucifixion is represented by the tenants killing him. The owner handing over the vineyard to others shows us God made the Kingdom of God available to everyone, including gentiles. This is really making a comment about the relationship between God and the Jews. Every point/stage of the story has a point of comparison to the real life experience of the Jews in rejecting Jesus they have turned their backs on God so the final message is that the word will now be preached to everyone and all who respond will be able to enter the Kingdom of God. We now need to consider why Jesus taught in this style. There are a few simple reasons the stories are easy to listen to and easy to remember, as well as being related to their everyday lives (seeds, lamps, etc.). Those listeners who were thinkers could read deeper into the stories; work out more meaning from some of the messages. This form of teaching worked on my levels. Also, parables could be directed at individuals, such as Jewish Leaders, Pharisees, etc. We know the Jewish leaders reacted angrily to his teaching and made plans to kill him they obviously understood the message. This earth will never be Gods Kingdom. Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion showing that you have considered another point of view. Your answer should refer to Marks Gospel. To bring this discussion up to date, we need to consider whether there is any evidence showing us Jesus teaching was acted upon and if it has had any effect on the world we live in. It is probably easier to take into consideration all of the bad things in the world today, and use these examples to say that pain, suffering, greed and wanton destruction is all around us and that there is little evidence that we are part of Gods Kingdom. One example, we can look at is the World Wide Drug Culture. Everyday, people are making à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½millions through the import and export of illegal drugs and narcotics. The people involved range from highly dangerous, narco-terrorist groups to well educated, new age businessmen and people who are out to make easy money. These substances are then sold on street corners and in back alleys, either for recreational use, or to feed an addiction. All of this corrupt behaviour leads us to question the possibility of Gods Kingdom on earth. Even more so, when we take into account the growing lack of respect for human life, evident when we look through this mornings newspaper, and read of Americas latest worry; the Washington Sniper. So far, a skilled shooter has taken the lives of seven innocent civilians including that of a teenage boy each with a single, silenced bullet shot from long distance. All attacks are believed to have unprovoked; evidence of ruthless terrorism sweeping the globe. Despite the large amount of evidence supporting the darker side of life, there is plenty of good in the world, and because of this we have faith. We need to remember that throughout the parables in particular the Sower, the seed growing secretly, etc. we are told that the kingdom is available and it is up to us to make the appropriate response. The incidents looked at which seem to indicate that there is no evidence of the kingdom here on earth could simply be the actions of those who fail to respond to Gods message. For example, churches still flourish and new ones are being built everyday due to the demand for them alongside new developments such as housing estates, etc. People want a place to worship and a place to provide a focal point from which to develop their work within the local, and wider, communities the mustard seed continues to grow, spreading its branches across the world in acts of love and kindness and establishing the Kingdom. Despite all negative behaviour; peop le still have faith, and still follow God. Many people take part in voluntary work whether it involves something as simple as helping out at their local charity shop, or for the more adventurous, travelling to a Third World country and working, either with the sick or helping to deliver food/nourishment, etc. Such people who involve themselves in this type of work could be seen to be following the instructions given in A Lamp under a Bowl to be seen as Christians; spreading the light of faith. Todays world can be seen to be not too far removed from the world in which Jesus first preached the Kingdom. All are still called to respond to his message but only some respond, and then to varying degrees. Those who do respond must accept the responsibility to continue establishing the Kingdom and allow it flourish here on earth.

Digital Art Exhibition Review

Digital Art Exhibition Review Introduction Digital or new media art has greatly transformed the world or art. Digital art emerged in the 1970s and has gained immense popularity with advancement in digital technology. Prior to the digital art era, modern art was more prevalent. Sometimes, digital art is often grouped as a form of modern art but comparing it with most modern art works, it is evident that there is significant difference.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Digital Art Exhibition Review specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More New medial or digital art therefore refers to a variety artistic works prepared using digital technology (Miller 2008, p. 31). Other phrases such as multimedia and computer art are also used to refer to digital art and all the artistic work the common features are referred to as new media art. Uri Dotan is one of the most successful digital artists. Based in New York, the artist has many artistic works under his name. Uri Dotan’s works of art are common in many exhibitions not only in New York but also in other parts of the world. With advancement in internet technology, many artists have resorted to online exhibit to display their works of art. In this paper, I will review Uri Dotan digital art online exhibit. Digital art has wide usage in advertisement and filmmaking. It plays a significant role in the modern world where graphic representation has found wide use in the field of marketing. The wide usage of the internet has also created very significant ground for growth of digital art. Digital art can be created in various ways. Some of the artistic works are purely computer-generate while other could be generated from other sources. The works of arts could be generated through scanning, vector graphics and other technologies (Christiane 2006, p. 46). The works of art therefore can refer to works of arts created through other means and later transformed using a computer program. Digital Exhi bition Uri Dotan’s online art exhibit is one of the most fantastic online exhibitions to visit. Unlike conventional art exhibit, online art exhibit is accessed from any place in the world, as long as one has internet connection. Online exhibit is therefore open to large audiences. With many upcoming artists, online exhibition provides an efficient ways for displaying artistic works to the public. Uri Dotan is a skilled artist as demonstrated in his works of art. The common theme in his artistic works is that of influence of technology. In his works of arts, the artist is able to take his audience many years ahead of their time. Using his skills in digital art, the artists capture his imagination of the future. Digital art is first of all created in the mind of the artist before being projected electronically (Churchill 2007, para. 3). Uri Dotan demonstrates his imagination as he takes us fifty years ahead of our time through his skills by creating artwork that shows influence of technology on society (The Williams Gallery 2008, para. 2).Advertising Looking for essay on art? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The extraordinary Uri Dotan’s sculptures and paintings exist in digital world. The artistic works appealing to the eye right from the first pages of the online exhibition. Digital art criteria To review an exhibition successfully, one need to use some criteria. Each style of art has some expected criteria. Although the criteria are not explicit, an artist using a particular artistic knows the standard that his or her work or art should meet. Digital art style in one of the challenging styles to analyze. This is above all due to the dynamic nature of the style where digital artists keep coming up with new things every now and then (Wands 2007, p. 79). Digital art mainly comprise of paintings, sculpture and other work of art that have been transformed using digital technology. For digital art to be considered to be successful, It should be able demonstrate relationship with the work of art from which it was obtained. Uri Dotan is able to demonstrate this as looking at his work one knows that he or she is looking an artistic work. The second criterion that Uri Dotan is able to demonstrate in his work is that is able to the medium as a tool to communicate his message rather than as an end. Their criterion that Uri Dotan is able to demonstrate in his work is originality. All the artistic works in the exhibit are not derived from other people’s works but they are original. The last important criterion of good work of art demonstrated in Uri Dotan work is life. All his works of art have life in themselves and therefore, they are able to be appealing to eyes. Digital Virgin The first artistic work to be encountered is given the name Virgin. The beautiful digital painting is an abstract sculpture. The digital Venus is created in an architectural space giving it an outstanding pose (The Williams Gallery 2008, para. 4). The painting is composed in a vertical rectangle with figure centered. The painting is movable and recognizable; it as if the artist is welcoming his audience to view his remaining works of art. Digital Dancer The second artistic work in the online exhibit is referred to as Digital dance. The artwork is comprised of bright strips of metal. The work is poised vertically by use of architectural space (The Williams Gallery 2008, para. 6). Although all these are features of a conventional work, there is no doubt when looking art work that one is looking and a virtual sculpture. Although virtual, the artwork is able draw emotions of creativity associated with world of art rather than technological environment. Uri Dotan’s proficiency in digital art continues to unfold as one meets his other works. The second phase of his exhibits begins with a figure which is more mural Navado-like. Tree leaves and sticks have also been used to symbolize hair and the hand. A pedestal, in three dimensions, sits in front of the mural. Beneath this figure, a keen observe is able to what looks like human feet.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Digital Art Exhibition Review specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Uri Danton’s artistic demonstrate his command in digital art. The artist is able to explore various styles in his artistic work. For his fifth piece of work (labeled Hummingbird), Uri Danton has decided to make use of an angle and walls, as opposed to the all too familiar rectangle (The Williams Gallery 2008, para. 7). The image is not completely enclosed but some of its parts come out of the case. The image seems complicated with shadow falling on the wall. In total, there are eight Uri Dotan’s artistic works in the online exhibit. All the eight digital images are wonderful and they demonstrate Dotan’s proficiency as a digital arti st. The artist is able to create spaces and fill them with desired figure. Conclusion Digital art is a major revolution in the world of art. Advancement in digital technology has provided artists with a tool not only to create new images but also transform old works of art. Uri Dotan has demonstrated his skills as a digital artist. In the online exhibit, his work comes out as of high quality and skillful. Reference List Christiane, P., 2008, Digital art. New York: Thames Hudson. Churchill, S., 2007. The Art of Digital Show. Web. Available from:Â  artofdigitalshow.com/ . Miller, R., 2008, Digital Art: Painting With Pixels. New York: Twenty-First Century Books. The Williams Gallery., 2008. Uri Dotan. Web. Available from wmgallery.com/dt1095.html .Advertising Looking for essay on art? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Wands, B., 2007, Art of the digital age. New York: Thames Hudson.

Investigative Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Investigative Study - Essay Example But from 1 October 2011, employers will no longer be able to dismiss an employee just because they have reached 65 unless they can objectively justify doing so, which in many cases will be difficult to prove. For example, an employer recruiting within the emergency services will be justified in having a retirement age as such a service requires a significant level of physical fitness. ‘When the DRA was introduced in 2006, it was not intended to be subject to initial consultation and review until 2011. This review date was brought forward due to the economic climate and the changes this has brought with it. In addition to this, the Government consider that people are living longer and should therefore be given the right to work longer if this is something they wish to do’(McGowan 2011). Between 6 April 2011 and 1 October 2011, only employees notified before 6 April 2011 and whose retirement date is before 1 October 2011 can be compulsorily retired using the DRA procedures . This effectively means that after 6 April 2011, if procedures have not already been commenced, employers will not be able to compulsorily retire employees without objective justification for doing so. a. Discussion of the implications to employees e.g. assessment of fitness to work, HRP, L&D, compliance with equality legislation The implication of this for employers is it may cost the business more in terms of insured benefits like life insurance and private medical coverage beyond the normal retirement age. The Government responded by stating that an exception will be introduced to the age discrimination rules so that employers do not suffer a detriment in this respect. However, this has not been confirmed yet. Employers can no longer simply rely on an employee reaching 65 for retirement to occur. This has the potential of affecting succession planning in an employer’s business. Employers are therefore under more pressure than ever to introduce policies and procedures that deal with the workforce generally such as work force planning and formal performance management procedures. The default retirement age of 65 for employees is currently an important exception to the ban on age discrimination in the workplace. Currently, if the statutory retirement procedure is followed employees cannot bring legal claims against their employer for forcing them to retire. Employees can ask to continue working, but employers are under no obligation to say yes. ‘The statutory retirement procedure requires an employer to notify an employee of their intended retirement date no more one year and no less than six months before that date’ (http 2010). ‘Less than a quarter of employers are in favour of scrapping the default retirement age of 65, while even fewer have made plans for it, according to new research’ (GP Business 2011). Law firm DWF's study discovered that only 24% think the new regulations that come into effect on April 6 this year are a good idea and just16% have made provisions for the change. In the wake of the findings, DWF held an HR directors' forum in