A examination of Sowell's work on economic theory using two of his books: "The Quest for Cosmic Justice" and "The Vision of the Anointed: Self Congratulating as a Basis for Social Policy".
Abstract This paper examines Thomas Sowell's work on economics and social justice by analyzing two of his books::"The Quest for Cosmic Justice" and "The Vision of the Anointed: Self Congratulating as a Basis for Social Policy". It looks at how Sowell's analysis explores the following questions : Is the paradigm of social justice exaggerated? Is society being manipulated to accept the views of an elite group of intellectuals, who have used the platform of justice to remove social privileges? Has the market system and price mechanism failed us? The writer suggests that Sowell's work should be mandated to be analyzed in conjunction with economics. The writer explains that economic theory is being used to subjugate and dictate policies that over-ride the primary components of the market economy. The writer believes that "The Quest for Cosmic Justice" and "The Vision of the Anointed" allow the economic student to realize that at the very fiber of every decision there are costs.
Outline:
Introduction
Quest for Cosmic Justice
The Vision of the Anointed Sowell's Work and Economic Theory
Has Sowell Gone too Far? A Critique of Sowell's Work
Conclusion
From the Paper "Economics has allowed many individuals (myself included) to be more analytical in their thinking and at times more technical when solving problems. However, the field has been known to produce ground-breaking research in issues that surpass the quantitative esoteric nature that is presented to many individuals. Thomas Sowell's works fall into the former rather than latter category. Sowell's truth-bearing books are sometimes hard to read, because of how unbiased and 'raw' his work is. I sometimes wonder if Sowell was not African American, what would be the reaction to his work, would it still be revolutionary or just racist babbling."
Abstract This paper takes a thorough look at the tax cuts and economic policies of President Reagan. It examines the article by Sowell and critiques his commentry of the tax policy. The paper discusses whether Sowell's analysis of the outcome of these tax policies were correct or not.
From the Paper "In The Vision of the Anointed, economist and social theorist Thomas Sowell makes an vital contribution to classical liberal and conservative thought by searching the ways in which a self-consciously elite, or "anointed," group uses ideas to maintain its power in American political life. Sowell regards American political dialogue as dominated by people who are sure that they know what is good for society and who think that the good must be achieve by lingering government action. This modern-liberal elite exerts its pressure through institutions that live by words: the universities and public schools, the media, the liberal clergy, the bar and bench. Its supremacy results from its command of the information that words convey and the attitudes that words inspire."
Abstract This five-page undergraduate paper examines the question of why God chose David as His anointed one. The author analyzes God's reasons for His choice and discusses how David symbolized redemption and helped in the salvation of the world.
Abstract It begins by investigating the Orthodox faith, outlining its fundamental tenets and practices, before outlining in detail the 'Holy Mysteries' or Sacraments. These are Baptism, Chrismation, the Holy Eucharist, Repentance of Confession, Holy Orders, Holy Matrimony, and Holy Unction or the Anointing of the sick. We move subsequently to the split between the Orthodox East and the Latin West, before concluding with an investigation of the distinctions with the Roman Catholic Church.
Abstract The paper looks at the decline of the Byzantine Empire and militaristic Islamic evangelism. It then looks at the effect of papal anointing of princes and the creation of the College of Cardinals.
From the Paper "The Papacy and The Crusades
The religious wars of the Christian monarchies of Western Europe in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries were waged to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims. When he called the First Crusade, Pope Urban II benefited from three ..."
Abstract This paper examines the nature of succession and the physical role of annointing in the coronation ceremony. It looks at the conferment of the sacred character and subsequent 'making' of the king and the numerous political, social and theological benefits. Also examined is the relationship of annointing and Carolingian propaganda as well as strategies of royal protection and succession disputes.
From the Paper "Inauguration rituals in early medieval Europe represented the fundamental rites by which kings were made. No Carolingian or Merovingian king simply succeeded to his kingdom as a matter of route and it is to this end that the process of anointment has been interpreted as a highly significant aspect of Carolingian kingship. Indeed the increasing regularity and apparent quasi-institutionalisation of royal anointments from the mid-eighth century onwards suggests an importance in itself. Pippin's anointment at Soissons in 751 preceded the anointments of his young sons in 754, the anointing of Charlemagne's sons in 781 and 800 and ultimately set in motion a wave of such inauguration rituals for much of the ninth century. Early medieval rule was to an extent, defined by ritual and symbolic emblems."
Abstract In this article the writer examines the modifications made to the rites of the seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church, during Vatican Council II. The writer explores the concept of the Sacraments. Further, the writer discusses how the changes of Vatican II transformed the sacraments into communal celebrations of personal encounters.
From the Paper "According to Price there are seven sacraments accepted by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches: Baptism Eucharist Communion Confession Reconciliation Confirmation Matrimony Anointing of the Sick Extreme Unction and Holy Orders. The three sacraments of Christian initiation are given once and include Baptism Confirmation and the Eucharist. The healing sacraments include Confession and Anointing the Sick. The sacraments are external rites that are external illustrations of internal spiritual grace. A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace Seven ... "
Tags: Pope John Paul XXIII, baptism, confession, confirmation, anointing the sick, matrimony, religion, Christianity, clergy, priesthood, celibacy, community
Abstract This research paper looks at the role of prophets in the 10th-8th centuries in ancient Israel, primarily during the period of the divided monarchy after King Solomon. The paper looks at the role of prophets as those who were allowed and expected to make sure the covenant with Yahweh was being upheld by the monarchy, and to remove him from power if necessary.
From the Paper "The quote above is the words of Samuel to Saul just before the establishment of the monarchy in Israel in the ninth century BC. Similar words were no doubt said to David who succeeded Saul, and Solomon after him, and to the long series of kings of Israel and Judah that followed, many appointed and sworn to uphold the covenant with Yahweh. The role of the prophets in the choosing of leaders of the ancient Israelites is extremely significant. While the covenant was between the ruler and Yahweh, it was the prophets who anointed and removed the ruler's right to be the protector of the covenant. Because of this power, we can see that the prophets in the ancient Israeli culture had a great deal of control over the kingdoms, perhaps more than the rulers themselves."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the Catholic Church. The paper focuses on the seven sacraments, namely Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick. The paper then goes on to review the 'general meaning of sacrament' as defined by various theologists.
From the Paper "In the Catholic Religion, there are seven sacraments. These represent ceremonies which reveal what is important and sacred for the Christians. Each sacrament is an important step in gaining religious trust and is an important opportunity to feel God's grace and power. People consider the sacraments to be God's "instruments" for shaping people's souls. The seven sacraments celebrated by The Catholic Church are: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. Each sacrament is very important for the spiritual life of each Christian, and none of them is considered to be more important than other. Each may be considered a step towards gaining the final spiritual tranquility. "
Abstract This paper discusses King David and King Solomon, two of the most prominent Kings in the Old Testament. It describes each of their backgrounds and discusses their major achievements as kings of Israel. The paper also describes some of the major events that occurred during their reign and the consequences of their deaths to the kingship and rule of the people.
Table of Contents:
King David
King Solomon
From the Paper "King Solomon is most well known for his wisdom, wealth and writing. His greatest achievement is the Holy Temple that he built in Jerusalem. His rule began at approximately 967 BCE. As seen above, Adonija attempted to declare himself king in favor of Solomon. Solomon's rise to the throne was therefore not without some difficulty, as Adonijah had support from a variety of people. Solomon was however wise enough to identify his opposition and banish them or kill them before any plans could be put in place to take over the throne. Instead he appointed his friends to key positions in the military, the government and religious posts."
"In addition to peace on his borders, King Solomon also accumulated fabulous amounts of wealth, including 12,000 horses with horsemen, 1,400 chariots, 700 wives and 300 concubines. Many of the marital alliances were for the sake of political alliances only."
Abstract This paper primarily aims to clarify whether Jesus Christ did miracles out of his own divine nature or by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. It begins by describing how the Tri-unity or trinity works (one God, three persons) and discusses what that implies as far as their interrelations go. It specifically discusses whether the Father is superior to the Son and looks at the Gospels for proof.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Tri-unity, Perfect Fellowship Of Three Persons In One Essence.
The Eternal Trinity
The Trinity in the Plan of Redemption
Jesus Christ's Reliance On The Spirit During His Earthly Life.
The Indwelling of the Spirit in Christ
The Conception of Christ
The Baptism of Christ
The Anointing of Christ
The Miracles of Christ
The Death of Christ
The Resurrection of Christ
The Post-Resurrection/ Pre-Ascension ministry of Christ
After the Resurrection
Conclusion
From the Paper "Jesus Christ, the son of God came to earth with the purpose of redemption. He lived a sinless perfect life on this earth being fully God and fully man for about 33 years. His cooperation with the Holy Spirit is another aspect of the example and lifestyle he left for us to contemplate and practice."
"In Luke 4, Jesus Christ himself talks of his own anointing of the Spirit. While studying this passage, I realized that the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christ was deeper than what I expected and thus modified slightly the content of this paper. I have come to the conclusion that to understand Christ's reliance on the Holy Spirit, one must first have an enhanced knowledge and understanding of the triune Godhead, their separate persons and works. Needless to say, neither I nor any other finite mind could ever fathom all the things pertaining to the tri-unity (or trinity); nevertheless the things that God has revealed in his word are sufficient to acquire a better picture of the cooperation of the trinity in the work of Christ during the period of his humiliation (and more specifically between Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit ). It will also be very helpful in finding meaning for the believer in the example of our Lord."
