Diomedes One of the Finest Greek Soldiers Essay - 747 Words

In The Iliad, by Homer, many of the characters can qualify as the Greek definition of a hero. In this epic, a hero is not solely represented as the most valiant warrior but rather on other characteristics that can be admired. Diomedes possesses these characteristics that represent a hero on and off of the battlefield. Thus, he is one of the greatest heroes of the entire epic. To the Greeks, besides being a skilled warrior, a hero contains several other admirable characteristics. For example, they must respect all aspects of authority. The Greeks give heroes no room for arrogance or pride. Instead, they were to be modest, and give credit to their culture and the gods for any help they contributed. They also had to believe and†¦show more content†¦He is also seen with Odysseus, crediting Athena for a successful reconnaissance mission in the Trojan camp. As well as being humble, Diomedes accepts fate and acts accordingly. He is very persistent and never backs down. Not a word of retreat. Youll never persuade me. Its not my nature to shrink from battle, cringe in fear with the fighting strength still steady in my chest. I shrink from mounting our chariot--no retreat--on foot as I am, Ill meet them man-to-man. Athena would never let me flinch. (5. 279-284) The gods inspired Diomedes to not back down. This shows his bravery and persistence. In regards to his calm personality, Diomedes demonstrated a serene demeanor throughout the majority of the poem. Diomedes only became angry twice, one which could be blamed on Athena. Fueled by divine strength, Diomedes begins to single-handedly drive back the Trojans. When he is about to kill Aeneas, but Aphrodite decided to intervene and save her son. This angered Diomedes, and triggered him to thrust his spear into her hand (Book 5). Throughout the rest of The Iliad, Diomedes is portrayed as a level-headed individual. This trait may be best exemplified when Odysseus and he find a Trojan to spy on, Dolon (Book 10). Diomedes keeps calm and level-headed and does not become fueled by rage. To the Greeks, a hero contains many other characteristics besides being a good soldier. All of these characteristics mold DiomedesShow MoreRelated Essay on Diomedes, the True Hero of Homer’s Iliad1552 Words   |  7 PagesDiomedes, the True Hero of The Iliad In The Iliad, written in a 3rd person omniscient point of view, Homer gives a very serious account of the tenth and last year of the Trojan War.   It was in Homers account that the very idea of becoming a legendary hero reached its pinnacle; the choice of the better hero was not decided on the events they participated in, but rather by their characteristics.   The ancient Greeks had strict criteria for individuals to follow if they were to be seen as heroesRead MoreThe Iliad By Ancient Greek Poet Homer Essay1527 Words   |  7 PagesIliad, written by ancient Greek poet Homer, chronicles the battle and events during the final weeks of The Trojan War, an armed conflict between the Achaeans army and the defenders of Troy. It further recounts the story of the wrath of Achilles, the greatest warrior in the Greek army, against King Agamemnon who unfairly appropriates Briseis, the lovely maiden belonging to Achilles after relinquishing his own maiden, Chryseis, in order to end the plag ue sweeping the Greek armies. Infuriated by Agamemnon’sRead MoreDemigods in Iliad1451 Words   |  6 PagesDemigods In The Iliad by Homer, the ancient Greek gods have many extraordinary abilities. They take pleasure in eternal youth by consuming ambrosia and nectar, resisting disease, and influencing the tides of war between Trojan and Achaian soldiers. In addition to these supernatural powers, the gods have the benefit of immortality. Immortality is the birthright that primarily separates gods from mortals and thus, it is the most precious of supernatural powers. Gods such as Zeus, Thetis, and AphroditeRead MoreHomers Iliad Study Questions1777 Words   |  8 Pagesthat if they help, there will be patronage. 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The first text that gives Odysseus a major role is the Iliad. WhenRead MoreIliad Overview 1298 Words   |  6 PagesAn epic poem outlined by the Oxford English Dictionary says that its a â€Å"lengthy poem, usually one derived from ancient oral custom, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the historic previous of a rustic† The aim of the poems is to know the time of antiquity during which an epic poem depicts many things and readers can derive many causes from the poems. The Iliad of Homer, throughout which several things are, derived from the compilation of twenty-4 books, models theRead MoreThe Epic Of Gilgamesh And The Iliad2165 Words   |  9 Pagesand Achilles as Portrayed in the Writings â€Å"Epic of Gilgamesh† and â€Å"The Iliad† â€Å"Epic of Gilgamesh† and â€Å"The Iliad† presented conflict between the ancient kings, the gods, and finest warriors with other ordinary community members. Throughout the writings Gilgamesh, the king of Uru Community, and Achilles, one of the greatest Greek warriors, struggled to resolve the conflicts between the gods and their community members. However, Gilgamesh misused his powers to a point that the gods created Enkindu toRead MoreThe Myth Of The Amazons And The Great Story Of Hercules2882 Words   |  12 Pagesusually associating with supernatural appearances. The ancient Greeks told their cosmos through teachings and tales concerning their gods and heroes, and the importance of the culture and ritual practices to show their natural state. The myth of the Amazons and the great story of Hercules explain the ancient Greeks use mythology to show their natural world around them. Myths were also intricately connected with religion in the Greek world. They explained the origins of the gods, where humanity had

Reflection On The Word Reflection - 701 Words

For me the word ‘reflection’ means taking time to really dig deep into my thoughts, to contemplate something meaningful and significant, to make a decision that often involves me and my future. It has a personal and emotional connection. Daudelin (1996) uses the word ‘reflection’ to encourage managers to create time to recognise the value of learning from past and current work situations (‘experience’) and to adapt this learning to new situations. I would prefer to choose the words ‘thought’ or ‘consideration’ when applying the idea of reflection to my own work environment. To fix my thoughts on what I have learned or to carefully consider how to approach a problem would, for me, be a better fit. I might, however, choose to reflect on how the past year has been or to reflect on the direction the organisation is taking, but not, as Daudelin suggests, bring the word into every day use. Boud et al. (1985) suggest that we can’t learn from experience alone and ask the questions: What transforms experience into learning? What enables learners to profit from the situations they find themselves in? How does experience relate to new situations? Daudelin (1996, 39) offers a definition of reflection that catches its relation to learning: Reflection is the process of stepping back from an experience to ponder, carefully and persistently, its meaning to the self through the development of inferences; learning is the creation of meaning from past or current events that serves as aShow MoreRelatedReflection Paper : Word Identification Essay1125 Words   |  5 PagesReflection Paper: Word Identification According to an article online called â€Å"Phonics Vs. Phonological Awareness†, phonics is the method of teaching beginning readers to connect the sounds of spoken language with letters or a group of letters. When teaching beginner readers, you start with letters and then students are taught sounds that those letters stand for or make. Phonics deals with the eyes and ears. It is important for students to know and learn word identification. It is easy to get phonemicRead MoreReflection Paper : Word And Grace1237 Words   |  5 PagesReflection Paper – Word and Grace I. Introduction Two of the greatest things we have from God are the Word and grace. These things that commonly define Christianity as a whole, a religion based on salvation by the grace of God, not by works as said in Ephesians 2:8-9 â€Å"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.† (NIV) We learns things like this and a lot more from the Word, which is the BibleRead MorePrayer 750 Word Reflection Of Prayer1000 Words   |  4 PagesModule 4 – Winter 2014 By: Charmaine Warford Morning Evening Prayer 750 Word Reflection Prayer has been a part of the life of the Church from the very beginning. In Acts 2:42 Luke tells how the Christians â€Å"devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers†. In Acts 3:1 Paul tells of Peter and John going to the temple ‘at the hour of prayer’. The first Christians through remembrance, thanksgiving and prayer linked their daily lives to theRead More2000 Word Critical Reflection on Strategies the Learner Has Used to Facilitate Learning - Preparing Facilitators of Practice Learning and Assessment3005 Words   |  13 Pages| Preparing Facilitators of Practice Learning and Assessment Word count: 2179 | The purpose of this assignment is to critically reflect on strategies used to mentor a second year mental health student in a community mental health team. The essay will refer to interpersonal skills used to develop the mentor-mentee relationship, and the practical steps taken to facilitate learning; to make this more tangible the focus will primarily rest on the author’s approach to teaching the learnerRead MoreTheological Reflection : What Is Philosophical Reflection?1277 Words   |  6 PagesUnit 2 Individual Assignment Theological Reflection: What is Theological Reflection? What does Theological Reflection entail? What is the importance of Theological Reflection? Reflection is part of life. According to a modern idiom in the dictionary once bitten, twice shy; it is the ability to reflect on the actions and reactions that enhance knowledge. Wise men are those who ponder over their actions and make necessary productive changes. Otherwise, if one keeps doing things the same wayRead Morestudy skills988 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ Using critical self-reflection to improve and refine my study skills Using critical self-reflection to improve and refine my study skills Critical self-reflection refers to analysing one’s personal skills and qualities in depth. Critical self-reflection also involves being able to identify where one has strengths and weaknesses, as well as finding a solution on how to better ones self. In this essay I shall be writing about how critically reflectingRead MoreLearning New Vocabulary At Parkview Middle School972 Words   |  4 Pagesvocabulary (administered on a Google Forum in the student’s Google classroom using their chromebooks) A VKS pre-test over the seven target words of evidence, conclusion, counterargument, argument, cite, inference and introduction given on paper) one final vocabulary quiz (administered on a Google forum on Google classroom using student’s chromebooks) and student reflections on strategies based on a Likert scale (administered on on Google forums on Google classroom using student s chromebooks) All dataRead MoreHome As A Place Of Reflection975 Words   |  4 PagesLea ving Home,† Pastan depicts home as a place of reflection. The whole poem is based on a mother’s reflection of a time when her daughter had left home. However, the home that the mother describes is not a psychical place, but a feeling. The home is the relationship between the mother and her daughter. Pastan’s, â€Å"To a Daughter Leaving Home,† relies on a single speaker, word choice, flashbacks, and sentence structure to depict the mother’s sorrowful reflection, in order to create a home that is definedRead MorePersonal Reflection And Development Plan1431 Words   |  6 PagesPersonal Reflection and Development Plan Reflective practice has helped many people to improve their learning. It is a valuable tool often used by healthcare and education providers to improve their approach to work by questioning their actions. Throughout my short time spent in Higher Education (HE) I have learned many new aspects of learning like different learning styles and models of reflection and this provides me with an opportunity to look back over these ideas and reflect. This will allowRead MoreMirror by Sylvia Plath, Analysis875 Words   |  4 Pageswater, reflections, and colors as having human characteristics to emphasize the strong theme of change throughout the poem. From the beginning of the poem, we see that it revolves around water. We find out that the mirror is unmisted and swallows everything. We see that by the end of the poem, a girl is drowning and a fish is rising to take over her. In the poem water is both a reflecting surface and an actual lake. So, water, in this poem, is both clear and mysterious. In line 2 the word swallow

Competitors of CSR, ISO course in Hong Kong Free Essays

Life cycle thinking for green and socially responsible products and services 10. Managing CARS along supply chains 11. Human Rights and Business 12. We will write a custom essay sample on Competitors of CSR, ISO course in Hong Kong or any similar topic only for you Order Now Fair operating practices governance and intellectual property 13. Consumer issues and sustainable consumption 14. IS026000 implementation 15. Socially responsible investment and course conclusion HOOK Baptist University 1 . 2 weeks before course commencement 2. SEC and EGGS 3. 75% attendance 1 . Environmental Management System Principles and Good Management Practice; 2. ISO 14001 :2004 Requirements and Standard Interpretation: 3. Improvement from the Previous ISO 14001 :1996 Standards: 4. Development and Structure of ISO 14000 Series; and 5. Transition Period for Certification. EGGS Group ISO 26000 – social Responsibility $5,000 (22 Hours) *Award of certificate Recognize and explain the benefits of adopting ISO 26000 Identify and prioritize core issues of social responsibility Identify and engage with Use existing systems to ensure core issues and principles are addressed Identify gaps in expertise and internal training requirements Set appropriate improvement targets Productivity Training Institute CARS Workshop : Discuss the New Situation of CARS in Modern Business (7 Hours) *Have CARS auditing service for 1 hour Section 1 : Planning Introduction of new CARS standard? ISO 26000 Steps in managing CARS?Planning, Implementation, Reporting Stakeholder engagement ? understanding and integrating stakeholders need CARS planning matrix Section 2: Cases in CARS activities Environmental Protection – Waste / Energy Reduction, Education Employee Care – Work-life balance, corporate culture building and bonding Finding the niche in community support, e. G. MONGO, Social Enterprise Consumer Protection – Advertisement, Products/Service Description, Customer Complaint Handling Section 3: Implementation and Reporting Organizational Governance Monopolizing company-wide CARS involvement CARS reporting and communication HOOKAH An in-defenestrating of international standards (ISO 26000) -What Does Social Responsibility Mean to Your Organization? -To provide an in-depth understanding of international standards (ISO 26000) in implementing social responsibility -To introduce latest management standard with regard to social responsibility Organization Governance Environment Performance Fair Operating Practices Consumer issues Community Involvement and Development The Relationship of an Organization’s Characteristics to Social Responsibility Understanding the Social Responsibility of an Organization for Integrating Social Responsibility Throughout an Organization Communication on Social Responsibility Enhancing Credibility Regarding Social Responsibility Practices Reviewing and Improving an Organization’s Actions and Practices Related to Social Responsibility ISO 14000 courses S?S Group ISO 14001 :2004 – Environmental Management Systems Carbon Matters courses Carbon matters and auditing leading scheme – Green Data Centre and Cloud Security Seminar Free seminar for 3 Hours Supporting corporate to have carbon auditing Security and standard of green data How to reduce cost and carbon emission through using green data Observation and edition of carbon emission and effectiveness of green data centre Electronic engineering system management Executive Diploma in Low Carbon Management and Sustainability Reporting Module 1 Low Carbon Management Fundamentals Module 2 Energy Management for Green Environment Module 3 Carbon Management for Green Environment Module 4 Corporate Sustainability Reporting Indoor air quality courses Occupational Safety Health Council Indoor Air Quality in Workplaces 3. 5 Hours (Full attendance and pass in the final exam) Related legislation Health effects of air contaminants Occupational hygiene monitoring Preventive and control measures The use of occupational hygiene standards HUSK Space Wor kshop on Indoor Air Quality (IAC)-Field Sampling of Microbiological Parameters -The course consists of 2 half-day workshops with lecture and practical sessions *attendees will have satisfied requirement for being a Hong Kong Inspection Body Accreditation Scheme (HAS) The course consists of 2 half-day workshops with lecture and practical sessions. Topics for lecture include: Introductory Microbiology for indoor air Decontamination and disinfection Indicator micro-organisms and their significance Methods of sampling (indicator and pathogenic micro-organisms) Equipment and materials used in field sampling Pro’s and con’s of different sampling methods and devices transport considerations of samples. Topics for practical sessions: Basic microbiological techniques-aseptic procedures, disinfection, and proper disposal of microbiological waste. Indoor air sampling-sampling techniques, use and maintenance of sampling devices. Reading of results-total bacterial counts and total fungal count, interpretation. How to cite Competitors of CSR, ISO course in Hong Kong, Papers

Collective Memory free essay sample

Not too long ago, pulling down an old landmark to make way for a new highway or other structure usually caused nary a whimper from the public. Such apparent insensitivity to the destruction of part of the citys heritage was widely attributed to a lack of a sense of belonging, or, more bluntly, a refugee mentality. Not anymore. The much publicized protests over the demolition of an old ferry pier seem to have awakened the public sentiment described by sociologists as collective memory. It is a term new to many in the city. All the years I have lived in Hong Kong, I have never heard it mentioned. This new concern must be a good thing because caring about our past is seen as reflecting our heightened sense of belonging. Our love for this city which we call home is embedded in our memories, which can be brought back in a flash by a familiar building, road, teahouse or song. We will write a custom essay sample on Collective Memory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The about-to-be demolished ferry pier with a clock tower, built in the 1960s has little to distinguish itself either in design or scale. But it was, for many years, the favorite rendezvous for young men and women. In time, that rather plain and utilitarian structure assumed an aura of romance enshrined in the hearts of countless Hong Kong couples. To be sure, we still have the leisurely ferries, the clattering trolleys and the cable peak trams to arouse our collective memory. But we are beginning to miss those symbols of our past that we have lost and gain a new passion for holding onto the ones that are fast slipping from our grasp. This passion is about preserving a slice of life that is shared and cherished by the people of Hong Kong. It must be distinguished from commercial projects dolling up old buildings as new entertainment centers or tourist attractions. Hong Kong people paid little attention to the demolition of the quaint red brick railway terminal in Tsimshatsui many years ago. Only a lonely clock towel remains to remind us of the romantic days of rail travel. But the public is taking an active role in the ongoing discussions about the use of various old public buildings. They include the former marine police headquarters on a small knoll in Tsimshatsui and the Central Police Station on Hollywood Road in the center of town. This new passion for preservation doesnt mean that Hong Kong people have become particularly sentimental or nostalgic. Collective memory leaped to our consciousness at a time when we are facing unprecedented challenges. In face of mounting competition from mainland cities, the question of relevance becomes ominously pressing. As confidence is waning, Hong Kong people are delving into their past in hope of rekindling the spirit, regenerating the energy and reestablishing the will power which helped them turn formidable challenges into spectacular opportunities. Lessons of these glorious struggles are deeply ingrained not so much in official records or history books as in the collective memory of Hong Kong people. Much of those memories were thrust into the dark recesses of our minds in the go-go years of the 90s, when speculative daring replaced brainpower and hard work as the passport to wealth. The prolonged recession brought about by the Asian financial crisis in late 1997 was taken by many as an excuse for indulging in self-pity, rather than reflecting on past excesses. Now that Hong Kong has emerged from that painful economic down-cycle, we can focus our attention on rediscovering our traditional strengths in our collective memory to utilize the unprecedented opportunities presented to us by the economic development on the mainland. E-mail: [emailprotected] com. cn

Puff Daddy free essay sample

In November, 1997, three of my cousins and I attended a Puff Daddy and the Family concert. It was held at Gund Arena in Downtown Cleveland. The Family tour has performed all over the United States in major cities. The show includes the majority of their current songs. To me Puff Daddy (Sean Combs) is the ultimate musician he composes, he dances, he raps, he produces, and he even has his own record label Bad Boy Entertainment. All this success for someone under thirty! Puff Daddy definitely wont stop. My main purpose in going was to see Mason Betha (Mase), one of the many members of the family. Throughout the entire concert there were a number of impressive tributes to the late Notorious B.I.G., former member of the Bad Boy family. The show also played one of Tupacs hit songs Hail Mary in tribute. The dancers, performers, audio and lighting effects in fact the whole concert was so complex it was nothing less than audiences have come to expect from this artist. We will write a custom essay sample on Puff Daddy or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page .

The Electoral Commission If Ghana Past and Present Essays

The Electoral Commission If Ghana Past and Present Essays The Electoral Commission If Ghana Past and Present Essay The Electoral Commission If Ghana Past and Present Essay The hallmark of a democratic system is the willingness of the principal actors/interest in society to accept the inherently uncertain outcomes of the electoral competition. An electoral system is a method by which votes are translated into legislative seats. The Electoral arena in democracy is the most important element of politics; because it is the primary forum of intergroup competition. It is in the house of parliament not in the streets that individuals and groups in multi-ethnic societies are expected to resolve their difference. Ghana’s electoral system has the following basic characteristic: * Universal adult suffrage for citizens who are 18 years or older (it used to be 21 years up to the advent of the Second Republic); * Official registration of voters; * Non-compulsory registration or voting; * Secret ballot; * Registration of political parties; Political parties are not allowed to sponsor candidates for elections to District Assemblies and lower local government units; * Presidential election where the winner requires more than 50% of the valid votes cast; * Parliamentary and local elections on the basis of the first-past-the post; * A run-off election in case no winner emerges on the first ballot; * No minimum voter turn-out required for presidential/parliamentary elections; and * A permanent electoral commission; IMPORTANCE OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM Political institutions shape the rules of the game in which democracy is practiced and is often said that the easiest political institution to manipulate for bad or good is the electoral system. In translating votes cast in an election into seats in the legislature, the choice of electoral system can effectively determine who is elected and which party gains power. Under the current study only two most commonly practiced electoral systems will be thoroughly considered: the First Past the Post and the Proportional Representation systems. Though is a known fact that most country’s political framework are often specified in the constitution and thus difficult to amend, electoral system change can thus be subject to manipulations by unscrupulous majority. Mill (1958) The choice of an electoral system may lead a country to formation of coalition government or a minority government while another may allow one party to assume majority control. 2. 1. 2 ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND PARTY SYSTEM The consequences of an electoral system may go beyond primary effects: Some encourage or enforce the formation of political parties; others recognize only individual candidates, others encourage the relative sizes of political parties in the legislature, so is the internal cohesion and the discipline of political parties; some may allow factionalism, while another system encourage parties to speak with one voice and suppress dissent. Mr. Chairman, I must say past attempts to build democracy without parties have failed. Notable examples are the George Washingtons, General De Gaulle, Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin THE INFLUENCE OF AN ELECTORAL SYSTEM An electoral system can influence the way a party campaign and the behavior of political elite, determine the broader political climate, encourage or retard alliances between/among parties. The electoral system can serve as an incentive for parties and groups to be broadly based and accommodating or to base themselves on narrow appeals to ethnicity or kinship ties. THE ROLE OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION IN THE DEMOCRATIZATION PROCESS. The framework for the structure of the Electoral Commission of Ghana can be found in 3 articles of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Articles 43(1),52 and actile53. There are three models of election management bodies in the world. 1. The Independent Model of Electoral Management 2. The Governmental Model of Electoral Management 3. And the Mixed Model of Electoral Management Some guiding principles for all EMBs: * Independence . Impartiality. Intergrity. Transparency. Efficiency * Professionalism . Service -mindedness FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION The functions and powers of the Commission are spelt out by the Constitution (see Article 45 in particular) and other laws. They may be summarized as follows: * The compilation of the voters register; * The demarcation and periodic revision of electoral boundaries for national and local elections; * The conduct and supervision of all public elections and referenda; * Voter education; * Setting the dates of public elections; Making regulations for the performance of its functions; * Appointment of staff in consultation with the Public Service Commission; * Issuance of national identity cards; As amended by EC Amendment Act 2003 section 2(d) to undertake the preparation of voter identity cards and in section 12(1c) the issue of voter identity cards to repeal the identity cards Decree 1972. * The registration of political parties and supervision of the election of their national and regional exe cutive members; STATUTORY FUNCTIONS Conduct of election of the officers of certain statutory bodies, including: the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG), the Ghana Medical and Dental Association, the Houses of Chiefs, and the District Assemblies. * Proper storage of election materials * Empowers the Commission to register Ghana citizens living abroad i. e persons in service of Ghana or govt duty or UN missions and their spouse. THE MISSION STATEMENT OF THE COMMISSION The EC is a Constitutional body mandated to deliver free and fair elections as a means of advancing the course of democracy and good governance in Ghana. This is to be achieved by: * Developing a professional competent work force that exhibit a high sense of personal integrity. * Building confidence and trust in the electoral system. * Establishing transparency and verifiable electoral process. * Maintaining a high level of accountability of resources made available by the State and Donors. * Treating all stakeholders in elections fairly. Maintaining a reliable and credible voters register and Making the electorate knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities. ABSTRACT In the early days of democratic elections in most African countries, elections were managed by a department of governments, usually located in a ministry. The changes over a period have increasingly been the establishment of a separate body for purposes of the administration and management of elections. Electo ral Commissions in Africa differs in their structures, functions, powers and the tenure of their members . In spite of this , ideally, the main attribute of an independent electoral commission as in the case of Ghana includes: a practical rather than theoretical legal guarantee of the independent of the commission from government or any other external body, security of tenure of office, commission’s ability to hire, train, reward, discipline and fire it own staff and the provision of adequate resources for the commission to effectively carry out its functions must be guarantee and enforced in law. An overview of the electoral Commission of Ghana, obviously shown an overhaul of the entire set up in order to guarantee transparency, cost-effectiveness election management, use of technology and true collaboration with political parties. In this regard, with the exception of a few things that require secrecy, election administration is seen as public business which must not only be done in the open but must also be opened to public scrutiny. The lessons offered by the Ghanaian experience shown a distinction between a theoretical and practical independent election management body undergoing real structural and non-structural changes in the discharge of its mandates. A condition, I hope other African election administrators are increasingly positioned to an acceptance of this principle.

Religions in the Modern World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Religions in the Modern World - Essay Example In his desperate search for a reason to hope, for a reason to believe in a better life now and in the hereafter, man has for time immemorial made recourse to the guidance of a supreme being. He has expressed his belief in this being through diverse forms of worship known as religions. Antiquity had its religions. No period in human history has probably ever witnessed a boom in religions like the modern era. There has been the birth of thousands of religions in the last century, each religion vying for adepts. In an analysis of the number of adherents of the major religions of the contemporary world, the Religious Tolerance website makes allusion to David Barret et al, editors of the â€Å"World Christian Encyclopedia†. According to the editors’ Comparative survey of churches and religions AD 30 to 2200, â€Å"there are 19 major world religions which are subdivided into a total of 270 large religious groups, and many smaller ones. 34,000 separate Christian groups have been identified in the world." According to the same web source, Christianity has the largest (but declining) membership, be it 2,039 million adherents. Islam follows trail with 1,226 million adepts and is a growing religion. Judaism counts 14 million members world wide. Wicca is the smallest religion with only 0, 5 million members. It is interesting to note that the source informs of 775 million persons with no religion. It may not be an overstatement to say that aside Christianity and Islam no other religion has ever attained the degree of fame Judaism has attained, especially in the last century and more so in the last two decades. This is certainly because Judaism is linked to the Jewish nation. This nation has been the object of several controversies. She is the hot pot of political tensions in the Middle East. The Jews or the Israelites believe in their divine right to the land of Palestine. The United Nations (UN) and the Zionists created the state of Israel on 29.11.1947 (E:/theorcracywatch.org/Christian_zionism_israel_forms.htm) Your last name 2. Peace has never existed between the Israelis and the Palestinians since that date. But the Israeli determination to ensure their sovereignty is more than firm. The source of this unshakeable resolve to ensure their autonomy, aside being backed by the constant support of the Zionist is rooted in the historical background of the Jews presented in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. In one of his works, Professor S. D. Kunin of the Department of Theology and Religion of the University of Durham wrote; "The biblical depiction of God's promise of the land clearly provided a strong religious and emotional tie to specific geographical location, and continues to provide political and religious motivations for many Zionists" (Kunin). It is interesting to discover the link between religion, sovereignty and territory. The biblical depiction mentioned by Kunin is embedded in what is known as the covenant myth. The rediscovery of this myth in the last two decades by the Jews has added more force to the emotional, religious and political ties mentioned by Kunin. Due to this discovery, the Zionists have had more reason to affirm the right of the Jewish nation to be situated where it is today. A criticism of Kunin's statement would necessitate an eminent discussion of the covenant myth and its rediscovery as well as the role of the Zionists in the Jewish nation before any judgement can be made of the merits of that assertion. Judaism, Jewish politics, Jewish social life and culture all draw their origins and inspirations from the old Testament of the Bible. It probably started with the covenant God made with Abraham. (Genesis 12.) Daniel J. Elazar, explaining the rediscovery of the covenant myth in an article entitled; "Covenant as the Basis of the Jewish Political Tradition" published on the Jerusalem Centre for Political Affairs website states clearly states that, "the covenant is as much a