Wednesday, May 6, 2020
The Challenges For Unauthorized Immigrants - 921 Words
There are many beneficiaries because of DACA. ââ¬Å"These challenges likely contribute to unauthorized immigrantsââ¬â¢ below average levels of income, educational attainment, and above average levels of unemploymentâ⬠(Pope 2). DACA beneficiaries have experienced a pronounced increase in economic opportunities, and that these benefits appear to be the strongest for those attending four-year colleges and those with college degreesâ⬠(Gonzales and Bautista-Chavez 1). The next section of article was based on a survey of 2, 381 individuals. 60% have obtained a new job / A2.6: 66% went from unemployed to employ. 79% better job 45% increase their earnings / 64% earn higher salary 41% got a job that provided health or other benefits 77% reported that they are now able to more consistently cover bills 78% are better able to contribute to monthly household cover bills (Article 2 6). This is direct evidence of the economic boost provided by DACA. (Gonzales and Bautista-Chavez 3) 57% have obtained a driverââ¬â¢s license 49% have opened their first bank account 33% have obtained their first credit card ââ¬Å"DACA allow young people to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and to avoid sometimes awkward or uncomfortable situationsâ⬠(Gonzales and Bautista-Chavez 4). Social improvement ââ¬Å"Economic benefits appear to be greatest for those who attend four-year colleges and have already received their bachelorââ¬â¢s degreeâ⬠(4). ââ¬Å"Many of these young people work to contribute financially to their low-income parentsâ⬠(5).Show MoreRelatedName: Chiagozie Harry Okeke. Date: 02/20/2017. My Proposal1308 Words à |à 6 Pagesthe border control and security against unauthorized immigrants. Unauthorized immigrants in the United States of American border control has being a big problem and concern with regards to national security. There are a lot of people from various countries that want to migrate into United States for so many individual reasons known to them. The United States is a country known for countless jobs which other nations donââ¬â¢t have. A great number of immigrants, however, want to move away from theirRead MorePath to Citizenship1109 Words à |à 5 PagesMarcella Santana Hanna Gray English 121 27 February 2013 Path to Citizenship The Heritage Foundations, Tim Kane, Ph.D., writes ââ¬Å"Americaââ¬â¢s exceptional status as a ââ¬Ënation of immigrantsââ¬â¢ is being challenged by globalization. The biggest challenge for policy makers is to distinguish illusory immigration from real problem. The supported approach from recent years ââ¬Ëa policy of benign neglectââ¬â¢ is no longer an option.â⬠Members from the Senate and House of Representatives both recognize this and shouldRead MoreThe Immigration Reform And Control Act1145 Words à |à 5 Pagesindicated that a comprehensive immigration reform would raise wages, increase consumption, create jobs, and generate additional tax revenue, therefore in actuality really beneficial to the to the U.S.(Hinojosa-Ojeda). The fact is that nearly all unauthorized migrants still eventually succeed in entering the U.S despite tens billions of dollars spent to reinforce borders, which has caused commotion(Hinojosa-Ojeda). Decisions taken by the government upon this issue have not been handled well. TheRead MoreSigning Contracts With Labors Before Expelling Illegal Immigrants Essay1581 Words à |à 7 PagesSigning contracts with labors before expelling illegal immigrants to save the labor costs. Purchasing forward contract to lock the price of materials in case of imposing tariff on importation. Taking loan in foreign countries with lower interest rate and purchasing currency future to avoid the exchange rate fluctuation. Introduction As a quickly growing global manufacturing company, we are facing various and potential opportunities and challenges within the global market. Manufacturing remains a crucialRead MoreThe Immigration Of The United States1632 Words à |à 7 Pagesthemselves ââ¬Å"why immigrate?â⬠Although there are multiple answers to this question, many people face different challenges in life, and this just might have been what pushed the French and European to settle in the New World. Since the colonial era, America has seen a wave of immigrants migrate in search of freedom and equality. Is this the same immigration today? Nearly 11.6 million immigrants from Mexico reside in the U.S. Today Immigration has a significant impact on many aspects of life in the UnitedRead MoreThe Immigration Of The United States1628 Words à |à 7 Pagesthemselves ââ¬Å"why immigrate?â⬠Although there are multiple answers to this question, many people face different challenges in life, and this just might ha ve been what pushed the French and European to settle in the New World. Since the colonial era, America has seen a wave of immigrants migrate in search of freedom and equality. Is this the same immigration today? Nearly 11.6 million immigrants from Mexico reside in the U.S. Today Immigration has a significant impact on many aspects of life in the UnitedRead MoreUrban Space For The Latin Americans Immigrants Essay1686 Words à |à 7 PagesAmerica immigration policies exercised several measures in an effort to confine urban space for the Latin Americans immigrants in Atlanta. These efforts include restriction to access social space by the federal immigration officials, which limited their ability to build and sustain social and community life. The Department of Homeland Security effectively expelled undocumented immigrants from obtaining driving licenses, this made it hard for them to travel to job places, health centers as well as whenRead MoreImmigrants From Latin America s Annexa tion Of Mexico Essay1544 Words à |à 7 Pages Historically, Latinos have struggled against ethnic labeling, immigration as well challenges surrounding education. This can traced back to mid-19th century when according to Harvest of Empire Americaââ¬â¢s annexation of Mexico which gave the United States Texas, California, and the southwest. ââ¬Å"Mexicoââ¬â¢s territory was cut by half and its mineral resources by three-quarters. These appalling numbers help explain so much. In fact, you can arguably lay Mexicoââ¬â¢s poverty and loss through emigration rightRead MoreUndocumented Immigrants And The United States1332 Words à |à 6 Pagesmany vulnerable populations are undocumented immigrants. Undocumented immigrants also known as illegal immigrants according to Wikipedia (2016) is defined as ââ¬Å"the migration of people across national boarders in a way that violates the immigration laws of the destination countryâ⬠(para 1). The United States of America has on e of the largest population of immigrants. In this paper, I will be discussing the multiple stressors related to undocumented immigrants as well as the programs that can be used toRead MoreIllegal Immigrants And Illegal Immigration1286 Words à |à 6 Pagesin the United States reveals one challenge facing the banks and other institutions: whether to provide banking and other services to the illegal immigrants or to treat them as criminals because they are illegal and therefore, not to provide them with banking and other services. The articles, ââ¬Å"Crossing the Lineâ⬠by Stein and ââ¬Å"Illegal Immigrants ââ¬â Theyââ¬â¢re Money,â⬠by Rodriguez discuss the impact of illegal immigration in the United States and how the illegal immigrants should be treated. They both reference
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Our Brains and Digital Media
Question: Discuss about the Our Brains and Digital Media. Answer: Introduction Internet has become the most significant source for satisfying the needs of the informative demands. Concentrating on this modernised lifestyle, it has been seen that internet provides the opportunity to enhance the knowledge by searching for the relevant documents and the informative materials. The internet becomes intertwined with the daily lives eventually. Moreover, it can be inferred that people become much depended on internet instead of using the self-intelligence. It is quite true that internet has been providing the opportunity to enhance the knowledge. On the other hand, people have been losing their self confidence and collective potentiality, as they are much depended on the digital media. Hence, the thesis statement of this study is hoisting an argument. The argument is based on the discussion if the internet is affecting the human intelligence. The study will be presenting the argumentative discussion in justifying whether the internet creating the negative impact on th e human brain development. Discussion Internet works as the driving force for the drastic changes of the modern society. It has been altering the way of gathering relevant information, creating and fostering social bonds, and consuming news. However, the question arises on the effects of internet on human brains. It can be implied that internet has changed the pattern of study and increased the productivity in a progressive way. On the contrary, Carr (2008) argued that humans become much depended on internet instead of using the self-excellence. In many of the educational field, the students come across with some of the controversial situations. For example, when any student is carrying a laptop to the classroom, the professors think that the computers or internet is the source of distraction. Conversely, it has been seen that internet saves the time and provides the relevant information for the educational purposes. It is to be notified that the internet or the digital media has changed the human lives on a fundamental level. However, this statement is concerned with several argumentative discussions. First of all, it is important to know that the human brains are highly adaptable. Hence, people can thrive and survive in different environmental situations. When a human goes through any experience, it creates the linking between the different types of receptors presented in the brains (Mueller Oppenheimer, 2014). The repetition of such experiences helps in strengthening the pathways. It is noted that the enrichment of the experience and learning capabilities is possible if the connections increase in a frequent way. Similarly, while using the internet, the different experiences influence the human brains. The activities performed through internet usually suspend the logical and conscious mind. It is needless to mention that emergence of digital media has brought the significant evolution in this modernised world. Instant messaging, texting, using the social media sites, and browsing Google are undoubtedly distracting the people from other tasks. However, there are some of the benefits that internet has brought to the educational fields. Mueller Oppenheimer (2014) mentioned that without the internet, it was quite impossible to generate so much of the information. The immediate access to the internet has thus optimized the education system. Apart from the educational field, the effects of internet on professional field are also much commendable. The universe of the information is available through different internet sites and it has enriched the human knowledge in a significant manner. However, it is also to be considered that the learning process through utilising internet is still not accepted widely. Both the educational field and professional areas are associated with m ultitasking. In fact, the time constraints have always been the major concern for the people who have been working on more than one activity. In such cases, the internet is the most useful way to reduce the stress and saving the time by providing the necessary information. It is determined that there are the positive and negative sides of everything. Similarly, apart from the benefits, the internet sometimes creates some of the negative consequences as well. The research indicates that in the year of 1998, the average number of the Google search was 9,800, which has grown to over 4.7 trillion in todays date (Academicearth.org, 2016). This particular information is signifying the instant information that people can derive from the internet sources. The experiment undertaken in the year of 2011, it was observed that college students started remembering less information, as they could get access to the internet to extract relevant materials. This consequence is clearly indicating that people do not wish to waste their time on learning with the self-effort. They become much depended on the internet that can provide them useful information easily. The people in the society think that their knowledge is quite advanced to their past generation. However, the truth is the critical thinking in this current generation is somewhat declining. It is noticed that the internet has made the human lives easier. With the help of the internet, people can get access to any of the information as per their wish. Sir Nicholas Carr, an evaluator of internet and its impact, commented on the risk based on the internet use. He stated, We are evolving from cultivators of personal knowledge into hunters and gathers in the electronic forest... dazzled by the Nets treasures, we are blind to the damage we may be doing to our intellectual lives and even our culture (Nshss.org, 2016). This particular illustration has been confirming that internet is the major driving force for spreading a systematic trend of findings the fact and reporting it to the people. In spite of the number of benefits that people receive from internet; the negative consequences of i nternet is affecting the human intelligence. In this current era, people are much influenced by the perception of others instead of using their logical sense. In case of the academic field and the educational institution, this negativity has been affecting the students attributes. However, Pnard, Poussing Suire (2013) presented the argument by stating that the internet has brought the more innovative ideas that are useful for this advanced world. The technology has developed the professional skills and improved the lifestyle of the people in the society. On the other hand, Ingram Neil, a critic of the internets impact on society presented his counter argument regarding such matter. He exclaimed, We have become more insular, unadventurous, and less curious because of technology (Nshss.org, 2016). The extensive usage of the internet is signifying the development of the systematic suggestions related to the scattered thinking and short term attention span. It is noted that when people are working online, their brains take the con tinuous pressure in searching required information. People usually open many links and some of the sidebar advertisements divert the attention. It is seen the web pages contain the attractive pictures and different animations. These distractions are somewhat overbearing the amount of information. It is noted that when people are continuously interrupted or distracted, the human brains face the expansive and string neural connection. This connection provides the distinctiveness to the thinking capabilities. In explaining such conceptualised idea, Carr commented, When Facts and experiences enter our long-term memory, we are unable to weave them into the complex ideas that give richness to our thought... Whereas long-term memory has an almost unlimited capacity, working memory can hold only a relatively small amount of information at a time....and that short-term storage is fragile: A break in our attention can sweep its contents from our mind. With this elaboration, it can be interpreted that the continuous disruptions people receive while working online, mould the human brains in a different way. Therefore, people are unable to use their brains to present any logical implication. However, no one can ever deny the fact that internet is making people more intelligent, as it provides the enormous information that is helpful enough to enhance the knowledge. Still some of the arguments arise regarding the negative consequences of the internet use. These arguments are raised due to the previously discussed factors. Castaoà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã Muoz, Duart Sanchoà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã Vinuesa (2014) pointed out that the use of the internet has made the people less original and inattentive. People are now unable to make more comprehensions about any particular aspect. It is needless to mention that internet is the integral part of this modern society. It will continue providing benefits to human life in the upcoming days. In concentrating on the argument based on the negative impact of internet, it is seen that the concept related to the effectiveness of the internet is somewhat falsified. Carr (2015) suggested that it is much required to use the internet in an advantageous way, which can effectively enhance the intelligence and smartness. Using internet for deriving ideas is beneficial, but it is required to identify the way of using it. More specifically, people need to use their self potentiality of exploring any particular aspect. It does not mean that people should not browse internet. The internet should be used when it becomes essential. It is true that internet makes things faster, but, it is not necessary that the faster things are better. In order to increase the productivity, the self potentiality is also required. Hence, the argument r aised in this study is clearly portraying that internet is affecting the human brains. Conclusion The study is presenting the argumentative idea related to the impacts of internet on human brains. It is noted that in this modernised society, the internet has become the integral part. In spite of providing numerous benefits, internet is making people much dependent. It is noted that people have lost critical thinking capabilities as they get the frequent access to the internet. However, the argument based on this study is indicating the continuous disruptions on human brains due to the extensive internet use. Finally, it can be interpreted that it is necessary to use the internet in an advantageous way. Besides improving the human knowledge, it is important to explore the human potentiality. It is true that internet provides the opportunity to access the universe of the information. Due to such effects, people have been losing their self-confidence accordingly. The educational system is also much affected by the advancements of the digital media. The process of the education is si gnifying the drastic changes. Hence, it is to be interpreted that human engagements are more necessary than the use of the technological tools. The proper use of the internet will also help the human minds. References Academicearth.org, (2016). How the Internet is Changing Your Brain - Academic Earth. [online] Academic Earth. Available at: https://academicearth.org/electives/internet-changing-your-brain/ [Accessed 9 Aug. 2016]. Carr, N. (2008). Is Google making us stupid?.Yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education,107(2), 89-94. Castaoà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã Muoz, J., Duart, J. M., Sanchoà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã Vinuesa, T. (2014). The Internet in faceà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã toà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã face higher education: Can interactive learning improve academic achievement?.British Journal of Educational Technology,45(1), 149-159. Hesse-Biber, S., Griffin, A. J. (2013). Internet-mediated technologies and mixed methods research problems and prospects.Journal of Mixed Methods Research,7(1), 43-61. Madden, M., Lenhart, A., Cortesi, S., Gasser, U., Duggan, M., Smith, A., Beaton, M. (2013). Teens, social media, and privacy.Pew Research Center,21. Mueller, P. A., Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The pen is mightier than the keyboard advantages of longhand over laptop note taking.Psychological science,. Nshss.org, (2016). The Internets Impact on Our Thinking [online] Available at: https://www.nshss.org/media/1497/weyers.pdf [Accessed 9 Aug. 2016]. Pnard, T., Poussing, N., Suire, R. (2013). Does the Internet make people happier?.The Journal of Socio-Economics,46, 105-116.
Friday, April 10, 2020
Attachment Theory Essays - Attachment Theory, Human Development
Attachment Theory Attachment Theory Attachment or bonding is the developing relationship established between a primary caregiver, usually the mother, and her child. Attachment behaviors begin early in life. This narrow age limit is often called the critical period. This trusting relationship developed in infancy forms the foundation for a child's development. If a child has a secure attachment, he will grow up to view the world as a safe place and will be able to develop other emotions. It has become more and more apparent that a healthy attachment is most important in human development. Why do some children survive and even rebound in the face of adversity? Some children are able to adapt and rebound and develop the resources they need to cope. The basic foundations of a child's personality are formed in their early attachment to an adult caregiver. It allows the child to develop trust in others and a reliance on himself. Unless properly treated, unattached children grow up with pain and anger often vented on society. The major threat to attachment is separation. Some families do not have the strength to cope with chronic stress and repeated crises. Probably the single most important factor is the establishment of a secure attachment to the primary caregiver. The secure attachment is favored by a secure, relaxed, supported mother. Family conflict, violence and family breakdown that leads to poverty, threatens healthy child development. A caring parent with reasonable expectations is most likely to help the child develop the optimistic perspective and coping skills they need. Infants seem to rely on their caretakers long before they can indicate attachment with crying. In some hospitals, babies are scheduled to receive regular holdings and cuddling by staff members. Infants who do not receive contact comfort in infancy do not thrive and may not even survive. If the infant's physical and environmental needs are met sufficiently, the infant develops the ability to trust others and the environment. However, if the infant has not learned through attachment, he will carry this with him through life. Interventions are aimed at enhancing the adaptive capabilities and to strengthen coping skills within the client's family. Babies let their needs be known by cooing, babbling, gurgling, facial expressions and body movements. Coping with a child's demands can be exhausting to any parent, but they can help the child develop trust by paying close attention to what the infant needs. Attachment theory is important in social work. Social workers are a major provider of treatment. As a mother to an infant, a therapist who is available to their clients, and shows empathy, will provide a positive relationship. Clients are less prone to fear. There is a parallel between being a parent and a professional social worker. Like a parent, social workers do not have to be perfect, but they need to be sensitive to their client's needs. They have interdisciplinary relationships with other mental health professionals. They must be aware of the principals involved in attachment theory. Knowledge and skills related to this field of service are needed to better help the children with this disorder. Culture shapes the cycle of development or growth of the members of a family. This becomes especially important when moving from one culture group to another. Each group shares patterns of social and personal relationships. There is a heavy burden put upon some minority groups in the development of resources. Attachment is easily recognized across the world. We are all part of a nurturing system, the immediate family. It is important for social workers to understand culture differences when developing approaches to dealing with attachment disorders. Some may stress the development of independence and autonomy, while others identify a greater emphasis on maintaining relationships. By the first year of a child's life, they are supposed to become attached to certain people who have responded to their needs for physical care. Intimate relationships formed during infancy give rise to continuing relationships and individual development. This is an important stage necessary for coping. According to Bowley and Ainsworth, experts in the field of attention disorder, the love between a mother and an infant is the result of an attachment formed during that first year. This is the basis for all close
Monday, March 9, 2020
Online Social Networking Essays - Social Networking Services
Online Social Networking Essays - Social Networking Services Online Social Networking Online Social Networking BSHS/352 Technology in Human Services September10, 2012 Professor Valerie Avera, MA Online Social Networking Technology is an ever-changing field. Conversely, many businesses, and human services organizations over the world try to look for different ways to improve and be successful. Therefore, one way toward succeeding is by networking and linking themselves with similar organizations. A website, such as LinkedIn can provide any business or organization to grow and remain successful just by a click of the button. On the other hand developing into an online community helps many businesses owners and organizations stay connected to other agencies and the ability to offer more type of support services within the community. The following summary will explain how human service professionals can use social networking to connect with the community and further business opportunities whereas staying connected with other human service professionals. In addition, the summary will also explain how affiliating with the professional communities online can help offer more support services or quality refe rrals to clients and how attending approved training sessions provided by the online groups can keep human service professionals up-to-date and competitive in their field. The LinkedIn network system is a popular well-known site used by many businesses professionals around the world. This site provides business professionals and other types of organizations the ability to exchange information and other networking types of opportunities. Created by five founders, LinkedIn?s website officially took in 2003. The five founders asked 350 of their closet contacts to join their site and within the first month they had approximately 4,500 members in the network. By, the end of 2003 they had 81,000 members and to this present-day more than 41 million members has joined the networking website (?LinkedIn Company History,? 2011). After creating and reviewing the health care profile sites on LinkedIn the three chosen reputable professional business groups was Lighthouse Emotional Wellness, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center in Countryside IL. Lighthouse Emotional Wellness is a premiere center that offers a traditional combination of clinical services whereas a unique and holistic workshop program. The organization additionally offers integrative therapies sessions to treat the everyday physical, emotional, and mental struggles most individuals endure throughout life. In addition, according to their website blog Lighthouse Emotional Wellness belief is that ?wellness achieved facets of a person?s life, whereas the clients emotions can be a guide throughout his or her process of change, leading to greater happiness and better relationships? (?Lighthouse Emotional Wellness,? n.d.). The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots educational advocacy organization. Additionally they array of services also provides self-help support to family and consumer with enjoying the quality of life of individuals with severe mental illnesses. Moreover, NAMI also provide the community with access to services advocates, treatment, supports, and research. This organization is also steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope for those in need. In which, according to the organization web-site blog they offers training and education programs for family members, consumers, and the public that includes peer-to-peer support and counseling within a family-to- family- setting and giving referrals for many public networks ("National Alliance On Mental Illness,? 2012). Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center in Countryside IL, conversely, they do not offer continuing education opportunities or credits for licensed professionals. On the other hand they do offer employment networking for their clients through an agency called Employ Alliance, which specialize in job placement assistance. They match quailed individuals with targeted employers hiring people with disabilities. Helping hands also offers outpatient clinics for mental health (?Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center,? n.d.). Unfortunately, not all three companies offer monthly or yearly public meetings to network with other professionals in the health care. In the past people use to communicate by using the postal service or over the phone. When the public first became aware about online communication it made communicating faster and easier. Sites such as LinkedIn which allows their members to maintain a list of contact details of people with whom, they have some level of relationship, called Connections. Members can also invite anyone to become a part of his or her connection list. However, to stay connected within a professional community using a social
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Risk Assessment Practices at Happy Valley Play School Essay
Risk Assessment Practices at Happy Valley Play School - Essay Example Happy valley recognizes its obligation to protect the well-being of all children and youngsters, via a commitment that protects them. This paper will examine the risk assessment at Happy Valley Pre-school. The policy at Happy Valley Pre-school recognizes that the wellbeing of a child is paramount. All children irrespective of age, gender, disability racial, heritage, religious belief, identity or sexual orientation have an entitlement to equal safeguarding from all kinds of abuse or harm. To achieve this, Happy Valley preschool operates in partnership with parents, children, young people, caregivers as well as other agencies crucial in upholding young peopleââ¬â¢s wellbeing. The objective of the policy is to afford fortification for the young people and children who obtain Happy Valley services, together with the kids of adult affiliates or users. The policy also provides volunteers and staff with direction on processes they ought to embrace upon the event they suspect a young person or a child could be undergoing, or may be at harm or risk of. The policy applies to all staff, paid staff, agency staff, seasonal and volunteers workers, students and everyone else working in the best interests of Happy Valley preschool(Gandy 2008). The chosen senior associates of staff have to attend legal child safety training prescribed by the regional safeguarding children panel. The stipulation must guarantee every staff obtains child safety training fitting to their responsibilities and roles, particularly staff that are new to the school, every three years. Each staff whether voluntary or paid, supply workers, students, are subjected to CRV (criminal vetting) (Dept. of Ed. UK 2012). Happy Valley pre- school aids in preventing abuse through identifying as well as providing prospects for young people and children to cultivate concepts, skills, knowledge and attitudes that enable them to
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Presidential Powers Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Presidential Powers - Assignment Example President of America is the head of the state as well as the head of the government whereas in India, president is the head of the state whereas the prime minister is the head of the government. Being the head of the state and head of the government, American president enjoys a variety of powers in internal as well as external matters. Article II of the American Constitution, grants numerous powers to President of America. The power of president can be divided into two broad categories; one with respect to Domestic affairs and the other with respect to Foreign policy. This paper analyses the power of American president in through various perspectives. Type of powers of President of America ââ¬Å"Article II of the Constitution vests the powers of the executive branch in the President of the United States and details the powers of that officeâ⬠(Presidential powers, 2007). In other words, executive power is vested up on the president of America. All the governmental agencies are w orking under the president and these agencies taking instructions from the president. For example, president is the commander in chief of the armed forces in America and these forces function based on the instructions of the president.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
The Inspiration And Reliability of The Bible Essay Example for Free
The Inspiration And Reliability of The Bible Essay The Bible is not an ordinary book in circulation. In fact, because of its ordinary features, the Bible has been in question and had been greatly criticized for many years. It was not only the atheists and the liberals who were the greatest of its critics but the list also includes the religious non-Christian community. It is not however the responsibility of the Christian community to defend the Bible against its critics. This is because the Bible itself can prove its integrity and reliability. It is for this reason that the Bible is held extraordinary, inspired and reliable book. The Christiansââ¬â¢ responsibility is to believe. à à à à à à à à à à à In this paper, this writer aims to provide several but essential points that will prove the integrity of the Bible. This writer also explored several writings by respected and reliable theologians, archeologists and writers who worked on finding the answers to the questions and criticisms which aimed to disprove the truth of the Bibleââ¬â¢s reliability. TEXTUAL QUESTIONS ON THE BIBLE à à à à à à à à à à à Critics have been consistently claiming that there is a great possibility that the Bible passages have been copied and transmitted from generation to generation (C. Blomberg). Critics therefore point to the question whether the Bible has been accurately translated and transmitted. Craig Blomberg referred to this as the Bibleââ¬â¢s textual question. The textual questions include the occurrence of textual variations and the claims that the Bible has lost some truths. à à à à à à à à à à à There are several evidences available to us that prove these claims wrong. First, there are evidences that the Bible can be reconstructed from the original texts. Rabbi Glenn Harris, in his article entitled, Why the Bible is the Word of God: Can I Trust the Bible?â⬠made a good comparison of Homerââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Iliadâ⬠and the Bibleââ¬â¢s New Testament in order to stress the textual integrity of the Bible. Of the 20,000 lines content of the New Testament, only 40 lines are said to be in question and that is about just a half percent. As with Iliad, which is said to be the second ancient Greek/Latin literature having the most number of manuscript testimony, have 764 lines in question out of its 15,600 lines. IN comparison, the lines in question account for five percent. It is still to be noted that the textual criticisms of the New Testament will sum up to a matter of missing letters and misspellings that are too insignificant to alter the essence of the texts involved. Another point of comparison is on the number of manuscript evidences relative to the two ancient writings. Relative to the New Testament, there are more than 24,000 manuscript copies existing to date, 10,000 of which were in Latin versions and the rest were in other early versions. The Iliad had only 643 surviving manuscripts (F. Kenyon). HISTORICAL QUESTIONS OF THE BIBLE à à à à à à à à à à à The Bible, especially the Old Testament, is full of stories- narratives that place the Bible in question. However there are archeological evidences that prove these events, places and Bible characters to have been actually taken place and existed. Of the long list provided by archeologists and Bible scholars, Bryant Wood has provided some of them. King Solomon, for example, who was made famous for his great wealth have been proven to have actually existed. Archeological records have proven his wealth exactly as the Bible described. The land of Canaan was also in question as to its existence but writings on clay tablets recovered in Syria in 1970s in the Ebla archive proved it to be true. The Assyrian king ââ¬Å"Sargonâ⬠mentioned by the prophet Isaiah was proven to have actually lived when the kingââ¬â¢s palace was discovered in Khorsabah in Iraq. In the same discovery also the proved the occurrence of the capture of Ashdod by its records in the walls of the palace exactly as how Isaiah had recorded. Upon the discovery of the Hittiteââ¬â¢s records and their capital at Bogazkoy in Turkey that proved the Bibleââ¬â¢s records of their existence. à à à à à à à à à à à By dating the manuscripts, the Bible can prove itself historically reliable. A well-known archeologist said that ââ¬Å"the average gap between an original composition and the earliest available copy is over 1,000 years for other works of manuscriptâ⬠(N. Geisler). The New Testament autographs, according to Harris dated 40 to 100 A.D. while its earliest copy was printed about 125 A.D. The gap of 250-300 years between the said dates therefore corroborates with the average gap. AS with the Old Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947 must be sufficient enough to prove its integrity. Including a copy of Isaiahââ¬â¢s scroll, the Dead Sea Scrolls also revealed a 95 percent similarity to the said texts of our Modern Hebrew Bible. The remaining five percent of the text, according to Gleason Archer ââ¬Å"accounts for the obvious slips of the pen and variations of spellingsâ⬠(G. Archer, 1974). It is thus fair to conclude that ââ¬Å"archeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of the Old Testament Traditionâ⬠(F. Albright). THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS OF THE BIBLE à à à à à à à à à à à The Bible is not merely a historical book that records the events relative to the foundation of Christianity. The Bible, more importantly, is a book that contains moral guidelines and ethical religious standards set for all mankind. Simple analysis will therefore answer the question why the Bible has been theologically criticized. Since the Bible by itself is authoritative, in the sense that there were not few rules and regulations contained therein, there are people who will be made morally guilty, and if not, uncomfortable. It is but a natural reaction of the concerned ones to object to the Biblical doctrines and by all means, to have it rendered as a myth. The Bible is therefore held in the situation where it has to prove itself true and reliable. à à à à à à à à à à à Having the Bible in an acid test, let us first look into the reliability of the prophecies contained therein. The Bible has so far fulfilled 2,000 of its 2,500 prophecies to date (H. Ross). It is true that it is the fulfillment of his prophecies that distinguishes a genuine prophet with that of a mere fortuneteller. The Bible has been proven to have the genuine prophets as by the fulfillment of their prophecies with 100 percent accuracy. Hugh Ross in his article entitled ââ¬Å"Prophecy: Evidence for the Reliability of the Bibleâ⬠presented thirteen independent prophecies and their fulfillment. This writer, for the purpose of discussion, would like to have five of the well-known prophecies and the fulfillments. à à à à à à à à à à à The Prophet Danielââ¬â¢s prophesied of the coming Messiah and the account of his death. After the restoration of Jerusalem in 458 B.C, Jesus Christââ¬â¢s ministry began 483 years later, exactly as had been prophesied. His death, according to the prophecy, will occur before the destruction of the Jerusalem, which had actually happened in 70 A.D. The birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem is a historical fact which happened exactly how prophet Micah foretold. The Land of Edom, now part of Jordan, has been foretold by the prophet Jeremiah, to become a barren and uninhabited wasteland. Examining the area in our time, the prophet had it accurately described. The prophet Isaiah prophesied that Cyrus will destroy the mighty Babylon, including Egypt, and will make the Jews free without ransom. After 150 years, Cyrus was born, had conquered Babylon and won over Egypt after 30 years. The Jewish exile also occurred according to what the prophet predicted. Another prophecy that has been historically proven to have been fulfilled was the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. As had been prophesied by Zechariah, Jesus was betrayed in exchanged for 30 pieces of silver, the sum of which were used to purchase a piece of land as place of burial for poor aliens. THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE à à à à à à à à à à à The evidences and proofs of the Bibleââ¬â¢s integrity and historical authenticity as have been explained and mentioned in the above sections. These evidences are enough to prove itself worth as infallible and divinely inspired. However, there are still doubts that the Bible is just a compilation of the writings of ordinary human beings who lived before and after the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This claim can be disputed by mere presentation of the obvious facts about the Bible. The authors of the forty authors of the different books of the Bible were persons of different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. Those authors came from the different continents of Africa, Asia and Europe and who wrote in different languages-Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. The said authors were kings like Solomon, political and religious leaders like Paul, ordinary fishermen like Peter, physician like Luke and many others. The fact that their works were written in different styles and forms and were actually written with a thousand years time span, it is but hard to question how the views and events they have recorded came in harmony even if they have not personally met. If the Bible is not divinely inspired, it would be hard to imagine how the different books will come together in harmony, relative to its content. Here is one formidable foundation of establishing the reliability of the Bible: à à à à à à à à à à à Jews preserved it as no other manuscript has ever been preserved. With their massora, they kept tabs on every letter, syllable, word and paragraph. They had special classes of men within their culture whose sole duty was to preserve and transmit these documents with practically perfect fidelityâ⬠(R. Bernard, 1949). à à à à à à à à à à à J.C. Ryle, in his ââ¬Å"The Inspiration of the Bibleâ⬠has carefully explained few of the many reasons why one should have faith on the fact that the Bible has been divinely inspired. This writer adapted the five listed facts on the said article as follows: à à à à à à à à à à à The extraordinary depth, fullness and richness on the Bibleââ¬â¢s contents- Ryle had specially mentioned the intangible spiritual things that were importantly discussed in the Bible. Since the Bible is not just a record book, it has special accounts of the soul, eternity, the Holy Spirit, the Heaven and the Hell, eternity and many more. These things are beyond manââ¬â¢s imagination and manââ¬â¢s capacity to explain and yet these things are true and existing. If the Bible has been manââ¬â¢s own ideas and feelings, it would have been a compilation of the things that he can comprehend. If the Bible is just a mere religious writing, then it should have included manââ¬â¢s own criticisms on the other religions that contradict to what it fosters as Christian doctrines. The Bible has also a complete account of the worldââ¬â¢s beginning and end including its inhabitants and the other creatures and things in the universe. It has accounts of both good and bad conditions and the means of getting along with it. To sum it up, the Bible is complete in the sense that it has treated all the aspects of human existence and the things and events that affect the whole world. à à à à à à à à à à à The Bible has the extraordinary unity and harmony in its contents. This is despite the fact that the Bible has different authors in different walks of life, who lived in different periods and eras, who spoke different languages and written in different forms and styles. ââ¬Å"They all write as if they were under one dictationâ⬠(C. Ryle). à In whatever way they have expressed the ideas, they all unified to one central thought: the relationship of man and God. à à à à à à à à à à à There is extraordinary wisdom and majesty in the style of the Bible that makes it unique among all writings that existed and still existing. The Bible cannot be compared to other readings in any aspect because it stands on its own: unique and proven reliable and true. The Bible speaks of wisdom and not just mere knowledge. Without using internal evidences, that is, by using its own words, the Bible has been proven its unquestionable integrity. As Ryle said, ââ¬Å"there are no weak points, and motes, and flaws, and blemishes.â⬠If we are to look into the laws, the rules and regulations it had set forth for man, we can clearly draw the fact that the Bible speaks with authority. It has truth and the Bible is determined to foster the truth and to reveal what God wants of the human race. The Bible speaks without doubt and sort of uncertainty as to its stand and views on every little thing. The Bible has the element of accuracy and preciseness in its presentation of facts. With God as the central figure in the Old Testament and His Son, Jesus Christ in the New Testament, the Bible had established and made shine the Majesty of God. What the Bible teaches cannot be bought and acquired anywhere and with any other means other than reading the Bible and with faith in God. à à à à à à à à à à à The Bible contains spiritual things that suit the need of mankind. Man is not a mere creature that can be compared to robots. Man is a moral creature, unique to other creatures for its feelings, reasoning ability, the spirit and his relationship with God. It is therefore vital for man to have his spiritual needs to be satisfied and that these cannot be given by even the writings of the most intelligent human being on earth. What I am trying to point out is that the Bible has the purpose of guiding man towards building and taking care of his personal relationship with God. The Bible distinguishes the food of the body from the food of the soul. à à à à à à à à à à à There is also the extraordinary fact of the Bibleââ¬â¢s effect on the nations where it was written, taught and read. As has been said earlier, the Bible does not only aim to educate and to inform. It has also the vital purpose of satisfying the spiritual needs of every human being that no other book can provide. The Bible is the only book that speaks accurately of the facts of the future, the present and the future of the world the human race. CONCLUSION à à à à à à à à à à à By discussing the different questions and criticisms about the Bible, we were able to establish the fact of its integrity and reliability. By using external evidences like archeological records and discoveries, we were able to prove that the Bible is historically reliable. By looking at the prophecies and comparing them to the fulfilled ones, we were able draw out the conclusion that the Bible has in fact ninety five percent textual reliability and has one hundred percent accuracy on its prophecies. Relative to its inspiration, we have proven that the Bible is divinely inspired as evidenced by its fair and complete presentation and treatment of ideas and things even those beyond what the human mind can comprehend. In is therefore but fair enough to conclude that even without defending the Bible, it can by itself stand firm enough to prove its integrity and reliability. WORKS CITED Archer, Gleason L. ââ¬Å"Survey of Old Testament Introductionâ⬠. Chicago: Moody Press, 1974. Blomberg, Craig. ââ¬Å"Can the Scriptures be Trusted?â⬠Retrieved on May 29, 2007 from http://www.dtl.org/bible/article/trusted.htm Harris, Glenn. ââ¬Å"Can I Trust the Bible?â⬠Retrieved on May 29, 2007 from http://www.gospeloutreach.net/bible.html Kenyon, Frederick G. ââ¬Å"The Bible and Archaeologyâ⬠. Harper Row, New York, ,1940, p. 288. McDowell, Josh. ââ¬Å"Evidence That Demands a Verdictâ⬠à San Bernadino, CA: Heres Life Publishers, 1979. Ramm, Bernard. ââ¬Å"Can I Trust My Old Testament?â⬠The Kings Business, Feb., 1949 pp. 230, 231. Ross, Hugh. ââ¬Å"Fulfilled Prophecy: Evidence of the Reliability of the Bibleâ⬠Retrieved on May 29, 2007 from http://www.gospeloutreach.net/bible4.html Ryle, J.C. ââ¬Å"The Inspiration of the Bibleâ⬠Retrieved on May 29, 2007 from http://www.biblebb.com/files/ryle/inspiration_of_the_bible.htm Wood, Bryant. ââ¬Å"In what ways have the discoveries of archaeology verified the reliability of the Bible?â⬠Retrieved on May 29, 2007 from http://christiananswers.net/q-abr/abr-a008.html à Zeolla, Gary F. ââ¬Å"Science and the Bibleâ⬠Retrieved on May 29, 2007 from http://www.dtl.org/bible/article/science.htm Zeolla, Gary F. ââ¬Å"Have the Precious Truths Been Lost from the Bible?â⬠Retrieved on May 29, 2007 from http://www.dtl.org/cults/article/precious.htm
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