Free Essays on Niebuhr Vs Augustine

Reading the selection by Reinhold Niebuhr on his thoughts of Augustine’s theories was an interesting comparison to the other works we have recently read. His views were similar to some, but almost opposite of others. Although Niebuhr and John Howard Yoder are not necessarily representative of opposing "schools" in Christian social ethics, they do emphasize opposing themes that have been hot topics in the Christian world in the past century. Niebuhr states that he does not believe that pacifism would actually work in society. He separates idealism away from his main point of view- what we know as Christian Realism. One of the greatest things Niebuhr accomplished was bringing Augustinian thought back into public eye. Augustine’s ideas had fallen out of fashion among modern Christians. Niebuhr modernized his ideas and brought them back into current discussion. Niebuhr’s Christian Realism is based on Augustine’s understanding of human nature. Recognizing that humans have the innate will to survive, he knows that we will do whatever it takes to prolong our lives. This is the root of selfish desire, or original sin, as Augustine preached. We try to achieve self worth by getting more power, prestige, pleasure, or wealth. Sometimes we do it in a constructive way, other times in a harmful way. Niebuhr explains that once we start seeking out these things, rivalry between people begins. We would rather fight than compromise if there were a logical chance of gaining something. But Niebuhr says that fighting is irrational. Humans need each other in order to survive. He pre aches that we need to work together for the benefit of all, but occasional uprisings are unavoidable. Because of this, Niebuhr reasons (in an Augustinian way) that a social hierarchy is needed. Both theologians recognize the need for order. Yoder and Niebuhr differ greatly in their opinions on religion. Yoder is a definite pacifist, whereas Niebuhr s... Free Essays on Niebuhr Vs Augustine Free Essays on Niebuhr Vs Augustine Reading the selection by Reinhold Niebuhr on his thoughts of Augustine’s theories was an interesting comparison to the other works we have recently read. His views were similar to some, but almost opposite of others. Although Niebuhr and John Howard Yoder are not necessarily representative of opposing "schools" in Christian social ethics, they do emphasize opposing themes that have been hot topics in the Christian world in the past century. Niebuhr states that he does not believe that pacifism would actually work in society. He separates idealism away from his main point of view- what we know as Christian Realism. One of the greatest things Niebuhr accomplished was bringing Augustinian thought back into public eye. Augustine’s ideas had fallen out of fashion among modern Christians. Niebuhr modernized his ideas and brought them back into current discussion. Niebuhr’s Christian Realism is based on Augustine’s understanding of human nature. Recognizing that humans have the innate will to survive, he knows that we will do whatever it takes to prolong our lives. This is the root of selfish desire, or original sin, as Augustine preached. We try to achieve self worth by getting more power, prestige, pleasure, or wealth. Sometimes we do it in a constructive way, other times in a harmful way. Niebuhr explains that once we start seeking out these things, rivalry between people begins. We would rather fight than compromise if there were a logical chance of gaining something. But Niebuhr says that fighting is irrational. Humans need each other in order to survive. He pre aches that we need to work together for the benefit of all, but occasional uprisings are unavoidable. Because of this, Niebuhr reasons (in an Augustinian way) that a social hierarchy is needed. Both theologians recognize the need for order. Yoder and Niebuhr differ greatly in their opinions on religion. Yoder is a definite pacifist, whereas Niebuhr s...

Idioms and Expressions in English Using Work

Idioms and Expressions in English Using Work The following idioms and expressions use the noun / verb work. Each idiom or expression has a definition and two example sentences to help your  understanding of these common idiomatic expressions with work. English Idioms and Expressions All in a days work Definition: nothing special, part of the routine Dont worry about it. Its all in a days work.Cooking is all in a days work. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Definition: Idiom meaning that you need to have fun in order to be a happy, healthy person Go home! Remember: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.Im worried about him. He hasnt yet understood that all work and no play makes jack a dull boy. Dirty work Definition: Necessary, but uninteresting, or difficult work He did the dirty work on that project.Have you got around to doing the dirty work yet? Get down to work Definition: Stop relaxing, focus on important task Hey, lets get down to work here!Sorry, Ive got to get off the phone and get down to work. Get worked up over something Definition: become angry or annoyed about something He got all worked up over the last exam.Dont get worked up over the garden. Ill take care of it tomorrow. Make short work of something Definition: do something quickly I made short work of the assignment and moved on to the next job.Give it to John. Hell make short work of it. Work like a horse Definition: work a lot, work very hard Janet works like a horse!Why dont you ask Tom. He works like a horse. Work out for the best Definition: eventually finish well Dont worry about your problems. Everything will work out for the best.The divorce worked out for the best for the whole family. Work something off Definition: lose weight Im going running to work dinner off.She went to the gym to work off a few pounds. Throw a monkey wrench in the works Definition: cause a disturbance in something that seems clear and understandable I hate to throw a monkey wrench in the works, but dont you think we should ask Andy to help.Everything was set to go when Jack threw a monkey wrench in the works!