The Contributions of Religion in World Civilization

The Contributions of Religion in World Civilization There have been heated debates concerning contribution of religion in advancing peace and causing conflict. Proponents of religion argue that it is a source of peace and tranquility in the world.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Contributions of Religion in World Civilization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They further argue that religion is the main source of hope for people because it promotes peace thus enabling people live harmonious and happy lives. On the other hand, opponents argue that religion is one of the main reasons for conflict in the world. Careful study and analysis of the contributions of religion in world’s civilization reveal that it contributes to both peace and conflict. Religion creates and fosters hope by empowering people through teachings that encourage peace. This is achieved by establishing cooperation between members of different religions. In the 21st century, religion has bee n a great force in advocating for justice in many regions of the world, especially underdeveloped and developing countries. Religion also rallies people against social injustices such as wars. For example, in the 1980s, Eastern and Western churches came together to promote peace in the world by participating in the peace movement. Many religions are involved in charity work and humanitarian aid activities. In many third world countries, the largest proportion of the population is poor. This means that they barely afford basic human needs. Churches create organizations to help poor people improve their lives by feeding, housing, and educating them. Before the world attained civilization, religion played a great role in causing conflicts. Religion was then a political institution that sought to amass wealth and power by conquering the world. Different religions fought wars in the name of their God, gods, and goddesses. Today, violent conflicts are linked to religious affiliations base d on race, culture, economic and territorial factors, and ethnicity. Most religious conflicts are based on differences in beliefs, teachings, and ideologies. Religion-based conflicts usually result in bloody wars because each religion considers itself superior to other religions. One of the religious groups that promote hate thus causing conflict is the Islamic extremists. Their beliefs promote hate and violence among people based on their religious affiliation. In ancient days, radical Christian groups exist that believed in violence as a problem resolution strategy.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, Christianity has evolved significantly and eradicated extremism in most of its sects. Difference in ideologies ad beliefs is observed in the main religions of the world. These include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. They all believe in one God but th eir beliefs and teachings are different. Some religions advocate for structural violence by establishing authoritarian decision-making structures that suppress efforts to promote egalitarianism. In many countries, churches have supported and promoted policies of dictatorial regimes. Recently, the Vatican supported the eminence of military rule in Haiti by rejecting the candidature of Aristide. This is clear evidence of religion’s involvement in promoting conflict either directly or indirectly. Islam has been accused many times of promoting hate and violence in the world. Its Jihad teaching has been a major cause of conflict and war especially in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Extremist groups such as Al Qaeda and Al Shabab use this teaching to launch attacks on members of different religions. The Middle East has undermined the eminence of religious tolerance as an avenue for peace and tranquility in the region. Historically, religion has been the cause of some of the bloodiest wars in the civilization of the world. This is because religion was a political entity that sought wealth and power. Religious leaders were powerful people who controlled larger regions and multitudes of people. Different religions fought wars in the name of their God, gods, and goddesses. Today, violent conflicts are linked to religious affiliations based on race, culture, economic and territorial factors, and ethnicity.

Different Types of Natural Selection

Different Types of Natural Selection One important thing for teachers to do after introducing a new concept is to check for complete student understanding of the main ideas. They also must be able to use the new knowledge and apply it to other situations if a deep and lasting connection of other scientific and evolution concepts is to be obtained. Critical thinking questions are a good way to monitor a students understanding of a complex topic such as the different types of natural selection. After a student has been introduced to the concept of natural selection and given information about stabilizing selection, disruptive selection, and directional selection, a good teacher will check for understanding. However, sometimes it is hard to come up with well constructed critical thinking questions that apply to the Theory of Evolution. One type of somewhat informal assessment of students is a quick worksheet or questions that introduce a scenario to which they should be able to apply their knowledge to come up with a prediction or a solution to a problem. These types of analysis question can cover many levels of Blooms Taxonomy, depending on how the questions are worded. Whether it is just a quick check on understanding vocabulary at a basic level, applying the knowledge to a real world example, or connecting it to prior knowledge, these types of questions can be adapted to the class population and the teachers immediate needs. Below, there are some of these types of questions that use a students understanding of the types of natural selection and links it back to other important ideas of evolution and various other science topics. Analysis Questions Use the scenario below to answer the following questions: A population of 200 tiny black and brown birds is blown off course and ends up on a fairly large island where there is a lot of open grassland with small shrubs right next to rolling hills with deciduous trees. There are other species on the island such as mammals, many different types of vascular and non-vascular plants, an abundance of insects, a few lizards, and a somewhat small population of large birds of prey similar to hawks, but there are no other species of small birds on the island, so there will be very little competition for the new population. There are two types of plants with seeds edible for the birds. One is a small-seeded tree that is found on the hills and the other is a shrub that has very large seeds. 1. Discuss what you think might happen to this population of birds over many generations with respect to the three different types of selection. Formulate your argument, including backing evidence, for which of the three types of natural selection the birds will likely undergo and debate and defend your thoughts with a classmate. 2. How will the type of natural selection you have chosen for the population of birds affect the other species in the area? Choose one of the given other species and explain what sort of natural selection they may undergo because of this sudden immigration of small birds to the island. 3. Choose one example of each of the following types of relationships between species on the island and fully explain them and how co-evolution may occur if the scenario plays out how you described it. Will the type of natural selection for these species change in any way? Why or why not? Predator and Prey relationshipMutualistic relationshipCompetitive relationship (for food, mates, etc.) 4. After many generations of offspring of the small birds on the island, describe how natural selection could lead to speciation and macroevolution. What would this do to the gene pool and allele frequency for the population of birds? (Note: Scenario and questions adapted from Chapter 15 Active Learning Exercises from first edition of Principles of Life by Hillis)