Amazing Grace

Over the past few weeks, we have watched Amazing Grace in class. These are my responses to the review questions.

1. Why was William Wilberforce determined to end the slave trade?

William Wilberforce had seen the awfulness of the slave trade with his own eyes (such as seeing the incredibly small booths and bad conditions that the slaves were transported in) which made him realise that the slave trade was inherently wrong. Also, he had a preacher as a child who had taught that slavery and the slave trade was wrong. His friends also influenced him to act so persistently, and to feel so strongly about the abolishment of the slave trade. On top of all these independent events, he had a strong Christian faith and strong Christian morals, from which he decided that the slave trade was wrong, so he was determined to end such inhuman and unchristian actions.

2. How did he ultimately achieve his objective?

Perseverance. As his friend told him: 'You must keep going, keep going fast!' And that is what he did. He just kept working toward achieving the abolition of the slave trade. He did several things, from convincing others through imagery and sensory bombardment (e.g. the boat party scene) to having a 390 thousand signature petition calling for the end of slavery. He was helped and influenced by others, also, to achieve his goal. He worked 'behind the curtain' on acts that would either directly or indirectly stop the slave trade or make it unprofitable or difficult to trade in slaves. These included bills to make neutrally-flagged ships to be board-able by authorities and, ultimately, the Slave Trade Act and the Slavery Abolition Act. Throughout all of this, he persevered and worked incredibly hard, with the support of others, and both direct and indirect means of helping his cause.

3. Why were so many politicians initially opposed to the removal of the practice?

Many politicians stood to gain from the slave trade and slavery, had fears of French invasions, did not want to lose investments and felt it would destroy their livelihoods to abolish slavery. They were also under the false impression that there were no Africans who opposed the trade. Additionally, they believed that Britain would fall into financial disaster if slavery was removed. For these reasons, many politicians were initially opposed to the removal of the practices.

4. What evidence of there of Wilberforce's Christian faith?

Wilberforce shows his Christian faith at many points throughout the film. He had a religious experience, and even considered going into a life of contemplation (he was advised and convinced not to by a fellow opposer to slavery and former slave trader) which shows he was serious about believing in Christianity. He made a speech in the aforementioned boat party scene where he says that: 'God made men equal.' which refers to and affirms his Christian faith. He is also married in the traditional Christian way. Although there are more examples, he was also motivated to abolish slavery because of his Christian morals, which show very clearly that he was a devout Christian.

5. How did Wilberforce's Christian faith impact his actions?

Without Christianity, Wilberforce would not have felt so strongly that slavery is wrong, and he may not have persevered so far. This shows how his Christian faith was absolutely fundamental to the abolition of the slave trade.

6. What did you think of the movie?

I think that Amazing Grace was a very profound and interesting film that was expertly made. I thought that the strong messages and amazing historically-based storyline was beautifully combined with a love story, fantastic period costumes and evocative settings.

7: How might the movie's message impact your own life?

This movie shows you just how far one can go if you just stick to your guns (proverbially, of course, I oppose violence in all forms) and work really hard (which I strongly believe in already). The movie implies that with a good intention and a strong motivation, you can actually change the world and be remembered for the good you did, rather than the bad. Finally, it tells you that you don't have to agree with society and that it is okay to oppose the idiocy of society. So, this movie gives me hope for the future: that people can and will continue to make the world a better place. This movie helps me to be less sceptical toward people who say that you can change the world. It also reinforces to me that I should continue to work hard at what I believe in and support my ideas about society with fact and base my ideas on what I believe is right, what my morals tell me and what I have experienced. I suppose I have been living under the impression that if someone says something that I disagree with so much it makes me sick to think about it, it is okay if I simply try to convince them on one occasion that what they said was wrong, without achieving results (or even simply ignore the comment to avoid conflict), but this has encouraged me to just keep going (perhaps they will realise one day). This movie shows me that keeping strong in your beliefs is key, and perhaps I should implement that idea in conjunction with working hard.

A Selection of Work from "Your Sneaking Suspicions?"

In this book, we looked at some fairly interesting stuff. I like the stuff about some of the bigger questions, so I am going to briefly mention my answers to the "Science vs. God" and "Bible Myths" chapters.

Science Vs. God

How did science and philosophy combine to dismiss faith in God?

• Galileo said that the planets did not go around the Earth, but actually revolved around the sun. This was not believed by the Church. When it was proved, it reflected badly on the Church.
• Darwin introduced the theory of evolution and survival of the fittest. The idea that there was an explanation for existence other than the one provided by the bible further worked to dismiss faith in God.
• Nietzsche said that God is dead.

Is Belief in God unscientific or unintelligent?

• Religion is not unscientific because I have witnessed the presentation of much information relating to the fact that human's actually need faith in order to get them through life.
• Whether religion is unintelligent or not is more difficult. I know many say that religions are based on well-meaning delusions, but even if they are delusions, then they would have taken some intelligence to concoct and get everyone else to believe them... however, following a religion just because someone else told you to is pretty unintelligent... but most people make a free decision about religion and what they believe and that must take some intelligence. So I suppose it depends where you stand with belief as to whether it unintelligent or not.

Bible Myths

Outline the four myths... what is Simon Smart's answers... explain whether you think it is a convincing argument.

1. Myth 1: The bible was lost in translation. Smart says that most available bibles are translated form original texts and languages. This myth doesn't really make sense because why would you want to change it in the first place (if you wanted to discredit it, you would keep it the same so you could mock everyone about it... if you believed it, you would want it kept the same)?
2. Myth 2: The bible is changed by scribes. Smart says that all ancient versions are the same, and there is no motive to change it (scribes were very strict in those days). This is pretty convincing, however, if changes were made, were they accidental?
3. Myth 3: The changes did happen by accident. Smart said that scribes always copied properly. This didn't so much as convince me, but affirmed a long-standing belief.
4. Myth 4: The bible is not the truth in the first place. Smart says that people died for the bible, and why would people die for falsities. This isn't a very convincing argument to me, because I watch of lots of crime shows and people have died for much less.

Sexuality- Second Lesson

The: 'Food for the stomach and stomach for food' theory can also be applied for sex, presuming that we don't live for higher purpose than just fulfilling urges. People are going to have sex because they can't control themselves: this is a presumption that accompanies the quote. We can go to far to the angel impulse also, this is saying one should never have sex- ever. Perhaps a compromise is more appropriate. I think this is vary true, because, it is widely known and believed that we actually have to have sex to reproduce (naturally) so not having sex ever is completely ridiculous. I think there is definitely a higher point, however, to human existence than just sex and reproduction though, so a compromise situation regarding sex is appropriate: neither over the top nor under the bottom... In the centre.

People have a spiritual dimension that animals don't... And this defines us as a species. Our ability to respond differently defines us... And knowing that indulging in the wrong way can be just as bad as indulging too much, and the fact that indulging responsibly is not bad. Actions that derive from lust, often create guilt... Both features of human nature, but both able to be transferred to other people with negative consequences. I find this concept quite confusing and difficult to grapple with... I suppose I always assumed that the things that make us humans make us better people, but this is portraying the opposite. I suppose I need to think it over a bit more before I decide if I agree or not.
Up to pg. 32.

A Selection of Previous Work

This is some of the work we did or questions we thought about in Term 1.

What do you make of people's conversion experiences?

They are not necessarily one event, and usually a series of events. These events are almost always unique to each person. Conversion is most often a gradual transition toward the chosen belief system, however they could also be a 'blinding light' experience; it is different for everyone. Traumatic events might lead conversion (conversion is common in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder patients) however traumatic events might also lead to a leaving of religion.

What do you make of the human need for spirituality?

This is an extract from my WISE project from last year... one section of my report was on this topic.

"It has been suggested that religion began as people started to believe that areas of their lives were controlled by supernatural powers that wished to be pleased. This can be seen in many polytheistic religions. Many began to follow a religion to please the gods of various aspects of life (such as the god of the River, Land, Life or Death) so that they would have a greater chance of survival. Perpetual suspense between life and death, want and plenty, the known and the unknown was and is one reason why people choose to follow a religion, so as to be able to explain these ebbs and flows.

Questions of greater truth, and wonder about the origins and wonders of the world appear to be the origin of some monotheistic religions, leading to another reason why people follow religions. As they try to find answers to the ultimate questions of human existence about the meaning and ultimate goal of life, some choose a religion to satisfy their curiosity. Religions could be followed to attempt to answer some of the great questions of human existence, such as: Is there a supreme being, Who am I, Why is there evil, pain and suffering, Is there life after death?

Some might follow religions to help them through life’s obstacles, to give them guidance on how to live and to help them overcome the limitations of human existence. Others may say that their religion explains the world and makes it more real to them. Individuals might choose to follow a religion because it makes their life more meaningful, relaxed or justified. Any or all of these reasons could be given as an answer to ‘why do you follow a religion?’ "

What is distinctive about Christianity?

The presence of grace is the most distinctive characteristic of Christianity. The fact that there is a fee offer of a relationship because of the sacrifice of Jesus.

What issues do you have with Christianity?

These are the issues I have Christianity: the implication of Genocide in the bible (Noah's Ark, Passover), picking certain bits from the bible to believe, while disregarding others (although almost all religions do this to some extent) and the horrible things carried out in the name of Christianity (such as the Crusades).

Does God care about suffering?

God does care about our suffering, because otherwise Jesus wouldn't have been sent to Earth with the ability to heal physical suffering (the lepers, the blind man) and relieve internal suffering (by giving us a way to be forgiven for our sins).

Sexuality - First Lesson

Summary of extract from Sex God:

By protecting ourselves and others in our minds, by respecting our bodies and others with our actions, we a preserving the image of God within ourselves, respecting the image in others and honoring God Himself. I think that respect is the most important thing within a relationship, and if each person values themselves, they will value the image within them, so this is very true.

Sexuality is about connection: emotionally, mentally, spiritually. It possible to have sex, but it is 'just sex'. There could even be no connection, making it not actually sex, when a pair are married. Sex is more than the physical. Actual sex involves a connection. This is also mentioned by Booth in an episode called Death in the Saddle, and I definitely like the sentiment. Here is the quote, because I like it, and it is nice to watch a show that actually addresses issues like this, instead of just glossing over them: "Booth: Here we are, all of us basically alone, separate creatures, just circling each other, all searching for the slightest hint of a real connection. Some look in the wrong places, some they give up hope because in their mind they’re thinking oh there’s just nobody out there for me. But all of us keep on trying over and over again. Why? Because every once in a while, every once in a while, two people met and there’s that spark. And, yes Bones he’s handsome and she’s beautiful and maybe that’s all they see at first. But making love? Making love … that’s when two people become one.

Brennan: It’s scientifically impossible for two objects to occupy the same space
Booth: Yeah, but what’s important is we try. And when we do it right … we get close.
Brennan: To what? Breaking the law of physics
Booth: Yeah, Bones. A miracle.

Booth: Those people, role playing fetishes, and their sex games. It’s crappy sex. Compared to the real thing." It is a very interesting point to bring up in our society, because you see sex everywhere... it's true... so I suppose instilling it young minds is a good thing.

When you understand and accept yourself, including being secure and at peace, you will be able to connect with other people and with God. This will also be coupled with accepting others, accepting your circumstances and accepting life. I think that knowing yourself is very, very important, so I agree with most of this. Even though sometimes everyone feels like they don't know themselves, the truth is, in my opinion, that questioning yourself is part of knowing yourself, being able to reflect on yourself is essential and knowing yourself will help you know others (because as we discussed in English last term, humans have been essentially the same for centuries).

Animals have no control over sexual urges. Humans should and are generally expected to have control, including regard for others and care for others. I think this is true, and that in order for those people who do terrible things to do them, they must have lost part of their humanity and their conscious. Humans and dolphins are the only creatures that have pleasurable sex, so there is very few ways you can compare human sex to animals. Therefore, the control humans have (well, that most humans have) really does define us from the other species we share our planet with.

Glee - Grilled Cheezus

What spiritual perspectives are present?

There are a variety of spiritual perspectives presented. On the most basic level, some believe in God, some don't. Some don't believe in God because he didn't hear their prayers, while others feel that Christianity alienates people of certain types, such as gay people or women. The idea that is pointless to follow any religion is expressed. On the other hand, the idea that you have to believe in something in order to get through life with something to ground oneself in, and that God is out there listening and watching and helping seems to be present also. The idea that God is someone to reach out to during difficult times is grappled with, although the idea that difficult times may draw people away from god is are also portrayed. An interesting point that is portrayed is the idea of an epiphany or an event of 'seeing'- such as seeing the image of Christ in the grilled cheese sandwich- may be the way that one becomes a believer in God. The idea of sacred rituals or occasions is also present.

How do these perspectives change?

The way in which one can go from being completely opposed to all religions to accepting that other will have their religions and that they may, possibly, being trying to help you with their religion is portrayed with the situation regarding Kurt.

The idea that God is completely responsible for things, such as answering prayers, also changes to an idea that God may be out there, but he doesn't necessarily 'grant wishes' or anything like that.