A Critique of Religious Exclusivism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A Critique of Religious Exclusivism - Essay Example For that matter, the other groups are insignificant and wrong due to the fact that they are outside the belief that the group has (Robinson). The main view of the group can be considered as one of the main reasons for the criticisms targeted to the group and the beliefs that it has. This can be attributed to the fact that application of such strict beliefs can be considered as a failure to have an open understanding of the group on other religious groups. The influence and input of other groups, components of the surroundings and ideas can be considered essential in the development of a concept, belief and principle. Thus, included in the reasons for criticisms toward exclusivism is the disregard to the benefits and advantages that are contributed by other groups with different beliefs. The main essence of believing in religion is the concept of salvation. Exclusivism is the belief that the particular group, are the people who can achieve the salvation on the basis of the religion that they are practicing. One of the common examples of exlusivism, or particularism as preferred by others to be called, is the Christian exclusivism wherein people that do not know Christ will not have salvation (Robinson). Such view can be noted that exclusivism can be considered as an ignorant point of view since it only presents the opinion of a particular group. In addition, it fails to consider the different aspects that related to the answering of the spiritual needs of the people. Exlusivism then can be translated at some point of oppression because the people that are part of such religious groups have real life friends and families that they interact with. Exclusivism can be a hindrance specifically in a rapidly changing world wherein adaptation and not exclusion is the answer. May it be religion, or any concept for that matter, openness is important to be able to grow, develop and be effective. Thus,

A midsummer night's dream Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A midsummer night's dream - Essay Example The action swings back and forth between these characters and with typical dexterity Shakespeare interweaves these separate threads into a colorful tapestry. The action commences in Athens, and then repairs to the woods outside Athens before climaxing again in Athens. The setting of the action in the woods is an essential aspect of the play. It is the realm of fairies and there is magic in the air, literally! It is a world far- removed from reality and where imagination is given free rein. In this surreal, setting the lovers find an escape from the restrictions of polite society and can shed their inhibitions. The woods are beautiful, dreamy, and mysterious but it can turn menacing and the characters find themselves confronting their dark sides before completing the transformation which holds the key to their collective happiness. And it is in this theme of transformation that permeates the play that the woods have particular significance. Northrop Frye speaks of the â€Å"green world† in Shakespeare’s comedies as a place offering brief solace from the mundane difficulties that pervade human existence (qtd. in Sullivan Jr. 184). In the words of Laroque, â€Å"The green world was regarded as a place of escape from the constraints of the law and of everyday life, a place of change and deep interior transformation† (29). The woods in A Midsummer Night’s Dream perform this function admirably. Athens has become an inhospitable place for the lovers Hermia and Lysander as Egeus wishes his daughter to marry Demetrius and he would rather have her executed as per the laws of the land than allow her to follow the dictates of her heart. When Theseus is asked to preside over this conundrum he finds that his hands are tied and he says: These lines reflect the harshness and rigid cruelty of the hub of civilization that is Athens.