StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The Effects of Biblical Violence on Readers' Behaviors - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
An author of the current essay "The Effects of Biblical Violence on Readers' Behaviors" would address the violent content in Psalm 137. Moreover, the writer would investigate how this and similar verses can disturb the reader and influence its behavior…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER97% of users find it useful
The Effects of Biblical Violence on Readers Behaviors
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Effects of Biblical Violence on Readers' Behaviors"

 Yes, violent content in music or Psalm 137 can be used to encourage non-violent behavior as the excerpt from the African American Lectionary mentions, the disturbing verses, when examined would reveal the consequences of violent acts. However, such materials should be exposed to children under the guidance of a person in authority who is able to teach and explain efficiently the meanings or implications of the words or images used. With the easy access to violent materials readily available on the web for teenagers and very young children, the pressure of parenting has become more intense, challenging them to be vigilant especially to the music children listen to or watch. Although studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics give a low rate on the effects of music to listeners’ behaviors, that lyrics are generally not given much attention or in the case of children, are not fully understood because of their limited understanding and experience, researchers are open to the idea that somehow songs suggest certain undesirable actions. In a world where violence abounds, it is not a wise action for a person to isolate himself or for parents to isolate their children only to avoid the evils of this world. It is then important for every individual to educate one’s self and others about the consequences of a certain thought or action. For instance, the last lines of the aforementioned psalm speak about revenge to those who have done the Jews harm. However if one examines the verse closely, it is not the Jews who want to avenge themselves but that there would be another who would stand up against their enemies. This reveals their belief in the golden rule, that those who have wronged them will get their just punishments somehow. Such understanding could lead people to avoid doing evil towards others. II Yes, the Liturgy of the Hours should include the end of Psalm 137 however; it should be with the explanation or interpretation like that of St. Augustine’s, Origen’s, St. Ambrose’s and the like. The Bible could be interpreted literally and figuratively so it could not be treated similarly to lyrics of modern music where promiscuity and violence are explicitly expressed. As it is always advised by professionals in the case of children, parents should guide their children in the choice of songs they listen to and clearly explain tot hem what is good and what is not. Indeed, words have psychological effects on people so that even adults should choose their songs or meditate on the good implications of the songs rather than its evil suggestions. The Bible is actually full of stories of violence and promiscuity and surely, God did not like such stories to be exposed just for the sake of telling a story about a person rather have been narrated along with the consequences experienced by the people involved. They seem to be words from a parent saying, “Look, this is what happens to you if you do this and that.” This world is full of so many evils and that is just the way the God of the Bible wants people to look at it so that they would know how to prepare for the dangers they face each day. Therefore, preachers should do likewise, presenting all the truths and not just the things people want to hear from them. They have to send the people from the church to the world, armed with the necessary attitude and words of guidance that will keep them strong to avoid being involved in violent acts. III A group of students associated with campus ministry at CUA want to have a liturgical service which includes a reading of Psalm 137, which they understand through the lens of St. Augustine’s interpretation: Jerusalem represents the kingdom of God and Babylon represents the corruption of this world. Some students think the language at the end of Psalm 137 is too violent to be read or prayed, and point out that the Catholic Church has removed these verses from the Liturgy of the Hours. Others object that Scripture should not be censored and that, anyway, the Church has a long tradition of interpreting this language in ways that are consistent with the “rule of faith,” or sound faith and morals. If the violent ending of Psalm 137 is read, how would you recommend that the verse be explained by whoever delivers the homily/sermon at the liturgy? (2-3 paragraphs)   Probably, one of the best approaches to explaining the last verse of Psalm 137 is the means that St. Augustine embraced, concentrating on the figurative meaning of the verse, pointing to the death of evil desires while they are newly born, being totally destroyed, dashed to the Rock who is Jesus. There might be no more convincing message than that has been carefully considered, pointing to the death of evil deeds and having the Old Testament verses linked to the message of the saving grace of Jesus for the New Testament believers. Another approach in giving the sermon would be taking on the history of the psalm, explaining the truths behind the brutality of wars, that even children are not spared rather are killed to make sure that a certain race will have no remnants to be left to stand against their enemies in the future. In fact, some leaders have been instructed by God himself in the Old Testament to destroy their enemies completely meaning, even children and old women should be killed. Maybe in a little twist the preacher may explain the holy and wrathful nature of God. That God is love but He is holy so He hates sin and no sinner can enter His presence therefore anyone who enters the grace of God through Jesus Christ should discipline himself in avoiding sin as Paul did. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Short essay about three Questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words”, n.d.)
Short essay about three Questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/religion-and-theology/1440342-short-essay-about-three-questions
(Short Essay about Three Questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words)
Short Essay about Three Questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words. https://studentshare.org/religion-and-theology/1440342-short-essay-about-three-questions.
“Short Essay about Three Questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/religion-and-theology/1440342-short-essay-about-three-questions.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Effects of Biblical Violence on Readers' Behaviors

Borderline Personality Disorder

One of the personality disorders that psychiatrists and clinicians encounter often among their patients is Borderline Personality Disorder.... This is type of disorder that affects a significant percentage of people because of the unfriendly experiences them underwent in childhood.... … A large percentage of people suffering from BPD do not know what exactly is affecting them....
8 Pages (2000 words) Research Paper

Sociology: gender, sex and sexuality

It is further true that men are responsible for most crimes of violence in private life” (1).... Traditionally men also are associated with violence and superiority, and this gender script is very often developed with different cinema production.... So, the conception of patriarchy has biblical origin and asserts the power of men according to the examples of such biblical characters as Abraham, Jacob, David and Isaac....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Politics as Violence in Hobbes and Machiavelli

Stressfully, political philosophy has provided answers to these behaviors as an approach to correct erring human behavior.... This coursework "Politics as violence in Hobbes and Machiavelli" describes the political philosophies of Hobbes and Machiavelli as theorists in terms of politics and violence.... Recognizing the increasing scope, intensity and sophistication of vices and crimes brought about by globalization, politics has approached violence as an aggressive means to attain a certain stature and the fastest solution to achieve political power and agenda that tends specifically recruit others to form a stronger criminal group....
10 Pages (2500 words) Coursework

Criminal Justice Capstone: Domestic Violence Thesis

The paper "Criminal Justice Capstone: Domestic violence Thesis" looks into the problem of domestic violence and its prevalence in society.... In the United States, domestic violence is the leading cause of injuries to women between the ages of 15 and 44 and equally important.... hellip; The thesis begins by defining the concept of domestic violence to show its scope is not limited to physical and sexual assault.... The research hypothesis for this thesis explores the prevalence, extent, and nature of domestic violence which is gender-based....
59 Pages (14750 words) Thesis

Rape Abuse Rate from Criminology Point of View

The author of the following research paper "Rape Abuse Rate from Criminology Point of View"  highlights that Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (RAINN 2007).... hellip; According to the most recent data available from U....
13 Pages (3250 words) Research Paper

Viewpoint of Leopold and Schweitzer about Artificial Destruction of Ecosystem Centers

The history of evolution and biblical assertions of human superiority over nature assigns moral obligation to do the right thing for sustainable existence.... The paper "Viewpoint of Leopold and Schweitzer about Artificial Destruction of Ecosystem Centers" describes that environmental care is a contentious issue that has attracted diverse scientific and philosophical tests....
4 Pages (1000 words) Assignment

Biblical Value to Ethical Business Leaders

This project "Biblical Value to Ethical Business Leaders" investigates the importance of biblical values for modern business.... These Christian principals, and their effects on the"Jesus Christ set up a rudimentary organization initially consisting of twelve members....
13 Pages (3250 words) Capstone Project

Gun Crime Among Young Black Males

5 Counseling both biblical and secular302.... There have been various classes of explanations on the causes, effects and magnitude of gun crime among young black males in the U.... … 2.... History of gun crime172.... .... War and riots172.... .... Depression among the black males182....
36 Pages (9000 words) Article
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us