Importance of Creeds in Christianity

Importance of Creeds in Christianity Why exactly was it important for early Christianity to get clear on its creeds, and what it claimed was necessary to be a believer? Creeds are statements that define the Christian belief most of which were formulated during the early times of Christianity before the church was split into the Orthodox and the Roman church. The creeds were crucial elements of the Christian faith, and it was important for all to have clarity, because through achieving clarity of the creed, one was able to understand the faith at a much deeper level. The creed was an actual declaration of what the faith stood for. If one did not understand the creed well then, they would not be fully aware of what they believe in. Clarity was also essential to solve any conflicts that could arise in a church, as these statements outline or define the faith and what it stands for. They served as the mirror that the proponents would use to solve any confusions or misunderstanding. In other words, the creed served as a problem-solving manual, through which one could refer for clarification (Van Voorst, 2015). Qualities of a believer according to early Christians In the early time of Christianity, dated from the time of Jesus, proponents of this religion set a good example defined by the qualifications that they believed as for what a true believer had to possess. They were obedient to the laws of the land even though in their hearts they belonged to the kingdom of heaven. They also had to obey what the earthly authority outlined for them to follow, for they well knew that any authority originates from God. Daily Christian practices were mandatory for anyone who qualified to be called a believer. Some of these practices included; going to church so as to fellowship with other believers, giving alms to the poor and the people in need, participating in prayers and observance of Christian feasts among many other requirements. What are the issues about what was considered non-negotiable and (arguably) what was not? The outline of how to live life for the early Christians was clearly illustrated in the creeds that were guided by principles from the Bible. It is from these principles that they were able to come up with doctrines that could not be negotiated and those that could. Non-negotiable aspects were the primary truths on which the faith was built. For example, the concept of the Trinity was one non-negotiable issue. Even though one could not understand how the Trinity was a representation of one God, they could not dispute with that or try to come up with a counter theory on the existence of God in the three aspects. Jesus Christ as the only source of forgiveness for the human sins was not negotiable. The Christianity itself was based on the existence of Jesus and so the only way of forgiveness. Negotiable aspects are those that people could appeal to the elders for regulation. The issue of tithing could be regulated when people felt that there was a good reason to do so. It had nothing to do with the original foundations of the faith. With reference to the Nicene Creed, should the filioque controversy be an adequate reason for the split between Orthodox Christianity and Western, pre-Reformation Catholic Christianity? The filioque controversy arose from the addition of the clause and the son to the original creed to form- I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father à ¢Ã… ¸Ã‚ ¨and the Son (Molloy,2012). This addition caused an implication of suggesting that the Holy Spirit is given to human beings through God the father and the son. As a result of the disagreements on the Pope allowing the addition of that clause, there was division in the church to form the Eastern and the Western Christianity in the year 1054.   This was not reason enough for the division of the church regardless of the explanations that people may have given. The fact remains that both the Orthodox and the Western Christianity believe in the power of the Son of God. They both attest to the fact that he has power and that means that if he is the way of salvation, then he can also give the Spirit for he is supreme. References Molloy, M. (2012). Experiencing the Worlds Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change (6th ed.) McGraw-Hill Education. Van Voorst, R. E. (2015). Anthology of world scriptures, 9th edition. Cengage Learning

Benefits of computing gross profit on sales in contrast to contribution margin Essay

The computation of gross profit on sales, which can be derived under the absorption costing approach, is a profitability measure normally conducted under financial analysis.   This accounting ratio outlines the gross profit generated from every $100 of sales.   Such measure is highly useful in financial analysis, because it provides indications on the profitability potential and cost efficiency of the company.  Ã‚   For instance, if there was an increase in sales of 10%, but the gross profit margin declined by 4%. This indicates that the cost efficiency of the organization deteriorated during the period.   Such analysis cannot be conducted under the contribution margin approach, because gross profit is not present.   However, under the contribution margin approach one can calculate the contribution to sales ratio which indicates the contribution determined from every $100 of sales.   This would also provide indications on the control of variable costs once compared over time. Difference in Net Income arising from different approaches. In the example of ABC Company the profit under the two methods is the same.   However, this is not always the case.   Profits under the two methods differ whenever there is movement in inventory.   This is due to the fact that since under the absorption costing technique fixed manufacturing costs are included in the cost of goods sold, a proportion of fixed costs will be included in inventory leading to such a difference. Contribution margin approach not allowable for external reporting. The contribution margin approach, despite being highly useful to provide valuable information for decision making, is not acceptable for external reporting.   This is due to the fact that it does not comply with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). For example, under the GAAP the income statement layout should clearly outline the gross profit made by the company.   Under the contribution margin method this is not highlighted.   Another important reason why the absorption approach is allowable for external reporting and not the contribution approach is due to the way in which the income statement is classified. The GAAP state that the income statement is classified by function, like under the absorption method.   In the contribution approach it is classified by cost behavior.   Indeed separation between fixed and variable costs is made under such method. This conflicts with another requirement of the GAAP. Reference: Drury C. (1996). Management and Cost Accounting. Fourth Edition. New York: International Thomson Business Press.   

A Separate Peace: Destroyed Everything Essay

In the 1940’s, World War II had a huge impact on the everyday lives of Americans. Many people had to sacrifice money, supplies, food and even lives to contribute to the war effort. However, the characters in John Knowles’ â€Å"A Separate Peace† appear to be sheltered from the influences of the international conflicts as a result of attending an all-boys boarding school. The novel focuses on the friendship between Finny and Gene, two friends who bonded during the carefree summer sessions at the Devon School. When the winter approaches, the students find themselves having to deal with stricter administration and rules. The new order and increasing impact of the war causes the students to stress and worry. In an effort to relieve the misery, Finny decides to organize a winter carnival for the pupils. Although the festivities of the winter carnival suggest that the boys have been successful in creating a separate peace, Knowles’ use of war imagery in describi ng the setting, prizes, and the boy’s behavior suggests that this peace is illusory. Although the setting of the carnival seems serene at first, a closer look at the descriptive language reveals that the Devon school is in a war-like state. The brutal winter causes the students to have a depressing view of their school life. The despair that the cold weather has brought with it causes Gene to loathe winter, he compares it to a â€Å"corrupt†¦conqueror† who’s presence has â€Å"destroyed everything†. In spite of getting ready for a carnival, Gene still finds it hard to return to the pleasant mood that he had felt during the summer semester. The difference between winter and summer signify the difference between times of war and times of peace. Like the winter season, the war appears to demolish everything, including the feeling of happiness. On the day of the festival, the students still cannot get rid of his glum attitude. Knowles describes the Saturday of the carnival to be â€Å"battleship gray†. Through the use of foreshadowing, th e author reveals the tension among the boys. Even though the students manage to get along at first, the sullen weather hints to the clash that will take place later on. As the activities are taking place, Gene shows amazement at the fact that everyone appears to be so careless and unrestrained. The narrator feels that the carnival had allowed the students to be liberated from the â€Å"gray encroachments of 1943†. The carnival permitted the students to have one day of freedom from the strict administrations at the school. However, Gene automatically connects the warm feeling to the horrific war. He realizes that the lack of restraint on the students is only temporary; they will soon have to return back to their normal lives after the carnival. This is similar to the way the peaceful life at the Devon school is only for the time being, the boys will eventually have to face the reality of the war when they graduate. Despite Finny’s effort to recreate the lighthearted summer life by organizing the winter carnival, he is unsuccessful because the school is not the friendly haven it once was. The rewards offered at the winter carnival reflec t the boys’ loss of innocence as they struggle to become men. At school, the students are taught to prepare themselves to fight in the war. This is the reason why one of the sought after prizes is a â€Å"set of York barbells†. It reveals the desires of the young men to serve their country. The teenagers all want to become great soldiers and to do so, they must start training as early as possible. Knowles shows that the characters are growing up and are accepting of their future in the war. The winnings also exposes that the adolescents are no longer the innocent kids they once were. A piece of hair â€Å"cut under duress† that once belonged to the â€Å"professional town belle† was placed on the prize table. The fact that the boys are after locks of hair from a prostitute means that they are going through hormonal changes and are testosterone-driven. As a result of not knowing how to deal with these developments, the students resort to taking forceful actions to fulfill their desires. Gene’s classmate, Brinker goes through great lengths to get awards which include doing irresponsible things. However, he does not show remorse for these actions. Brinker places the money from the â€Å"Headmaster’s Discretionary Benevolent Fund† on the prize table with â€Å"silent dignity†. As the kids grow older, they begin to act unethically and show a disregard for authority. As they lose their innocence, their moral compass also disintegrates. Although they are struggling to become adults, they end up acting immature and childish. The prizes appear to be normal on the surface but the deeper meaning reveals the teens’ malicious behavior. The normally well-behaved students act unruly and aggressively suggesting that they are taking on the demeanor of soldiers they are destined to become. During the planning of the carnival, the boys take on roles that parallel military positions. Brinker naturally played the part of the commander, he â€Å"super vises the transfer† and walks around â€Å"giving orders† to other students. The boys are acting more and more like soldiers as they grow older. When they get together, they operate as if they were actually in the military. The violent nature of the boys becomes evident when Knowles points out that the designated trumpet player, Chet, blew the â€Å"barbaric call of a bullfight†. The author is comparing the students to bulls, both are wild and brutal. The boys are no longer civil and friendly with each other; they have turned against their classmates. Like many real soldiers, the boys appear to be obsessed with violence and cannot contain their craving to fight. Though the carnival starts off good-naturedly and fun, it soon turns ugly when the cider-fueled boys show their savage behavior. They break â€Å"apart into a riot† and explode â€Å"like a bomb†. Despite Finny’s intention of having a jovial carnival, they young men ruin this chance by unexpectedly acting out. They could not hold back their destructive ways any longer, and the carnival gave them the perfect opportunity to break out. As it is in the war, peace at the Devon School is not possible and violence is inevitable. Chapter 9 ends with a telegram from Leper, a former student who had enlisted in the army, informing Gene that he has escaped from the military. This shocks the students back to reality as they come to the understanding that the war is real and that they are unprepared for such dangers. Using war-centered word choice, John Knowles makes it very clear that the feeling of peace that the characters feel is deceptive and short lived. Therefore, all the boys can do is wish for the war to end so they can find a real and permanent peace.

The Importance Of Oral Health Care Providers And Education

In first grade a friend came in and sat beside me at lunch, she had been absent for a few days and returned with very few visible teeth. Many students laughed and scooted away, but others became immersed in conversation about which of their teeth were rotting or what it was like to go to the dentist because they had never been. I began to notice the need for oral health care providers and education before I even knew I would be someone that would change it. At this time my favorite instruments were a paintbrush and a microscope. As I grew older I knew I wanted to help others and to make a difference in my small town but I assumed I would help through my artistic talents, maybe teach or become an art therapist. I loved science but when do you get to draw, sculpt, and paint as a scientist? The answer to this question became very clear one day as I sat in my dentist’s chair and he explained the instruments he was using and how he was using them. I started preparing for a career in dentistry at an early age but not without facing many obstacles along the way. As a first generation student I knew that blazing the trail from high school graduation to my white coat ceremony would not be easy. In high school I began talking to my dentist and his coworkers about his experiences and advice. Since my parents did not go to college, I reach out to counselors and college advisors to help prepare college applications and discuss ways to afford college. I received an academicShow MoreRelatedThe Dental System Of Dental Care930 Words   |  4 Pages Accessing dental care is a serious problem sweeping across the nation. So many people are not getting the dental care they need simply because they are not close to a dental provider. Many organizations have done research to help find a solution to this growing issue. Some feel education is lacking for the general public on oral health care, creating more of a need for dental procedures. 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