Strain Theory by Robert Merton | An Analysis

Strain Theory by Robert Merton | An Analysis In criminology, the strain theory describes social structures inside society that may support people to carry out crime. Following the work of Emile Durkheim, Strain Theories have been supported by Robert King Merton, Albert K. Cohen, Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin, Robert Agnew, and Steven Messner and Richard Rosenfeld. Strain may be either: Structural: this applies to the procedures at the community level which break down and impact how one judges their requirements, i.e. if specific social controls are insufficient or there is little regulation, this may alter the individuals outlook as to methods and prospects; or Individual: This term represents the hostility and barriers faced by persons as they look for ways to fulfill their needs or desires, i.e. if the norms of a society become important to a person, in fact accomplishing them may become more significant than the methods. The History of Strain Theory Strain theory was created from the work of Durkheim and Merton and derived from the theory of anomie. Durkheim concentrated on the reduction of societal control and the strain that was caused at the individual level, and Merton analyzed the cultural connection that is present between the individual and the standards of society. Anomie can be split into two separate levels. The first of these levels is the macro side of anomie, which is apparent in the capacity of society to establish restrictions on societal norms and goals, and ultimately control an individuals conduct. The micro side of anomie, also called as strain theory, is focused on the motives underlying the bigger probability of deviance that accumulates from the breakdown of society. In accordance with this micro side of anomie, the reduction in societal controls generates more desire to perform deviant actions (Agnew Passas, 1997:2-3). Agnew and Passas (1997) dealt with the similarities between the macro level of anomie and control theory; however, they claimed that the micro level theory of strain should be judged in a distinct way different from the control theory. Agnew (1992:48) also contrasted and compared strain theory to control theory and social learning theory. The theories vary in the kind of social relationships that they emphasize and the motivations on which they are established. The control theory hinges on the notion that the breakdown of society frees the individual to carry out crime; strain theory is motivated on the strain that is put on the person to carry out crime (Agnew, 1992). Social learning theory is founded on the fundamentals from a group that bring about a constructive or positive view of crime (Agnew, 1992). In accordance with strain theory, individual deviance is created due to negative treatment from others, and this causes anger and disappointment (Agnew, 1997a). Control theory, tho ugh, is founded on the lack of significant relationships with non-deviant others, i.e. family, church, and social learning theory is based on positive interactions with other that are considered deviant. (Agnew, 1992). The attractiveness of strain/anomie theory began in the late 1960s owing to the need of data presented by analysts and the political and social environment of the decade (Agnew Passas, 1997). The lack of supporting evidence can be due to many deficiencies in the original methods used by the analysts (Agnew Passas, 1997). Generalization of the theory and an ignorance of the earlier revisions caused a body of work that distorted the original definition of anomie/strain theory (Agnew Passas, 1997). Together with these deficiencies, modern theorists have claimed that empirical evidence in fact supports the theory (Agnew, Cullen, Burton, Evans, Gregory 1996). Mertons Strain Theory: Economic Goals, Educational Means Delinquency In the history of modern criminology, few theories have realized the impact of Mertons (1983) theory of strain and deviance. It has withstood a half-century despite a sizeable amount of literature opposed to its theoretical basis. Disillusionment with its empirical verification, on the other hand, has caused many to discard it as a possible explanation for delinquency (Hirschi, 1969; Johnson, 1979; Kornhauser, 1978). In view of the fact that the strain theory incorporates both mental and structural account for crime, its dismissal would be a critical loss to criminology. Together with reservations about the significance of social class in the birth of crime, the denial of Mertons theory of structurally induced strain could create a typical shift toward theories of individual behavior lacking structural context. The historical significance and unique contribution of strain theory deserves a re-examination before its final rejection. Mertons original explanation of strain was criticized for its theoretical uncertainty (Cohen, 1955; Lindesmith Gagnon, 1964). For instance, Merton gave examples of deviance perhaps linked with different methods of adjustment although he did not offer any statements regarding the methods by which each adaptive method might impact various crime results (Clinard, 1964a). The consequences of this type of vagueness are apparent in trials for the research of strain impacts on juvenile delinquency. The theory appears to mean that innovation causes utilitarian kinds of delinquency although does not state whether strain clarifies common kinds of juvenile crime for example sabotage or personal crimes of a non-utilitarian character (Gibbons Jones, 1975; Thio, 1975). The theory is implied as to whether strain should foresee crime prevalence or frequency or both, or critical against non-critical types. Akers operationalization of Agnews theory: Sources of strain Akers (2000) has operationalized Agnews version of the Strain Theory, as follows: Failure to achieve positively valued goals: the gap between expectations and actual achievements will derive from short- and long-term personal goals, and some of those goals will never be realized because of unavoidable circumstances including both inherent weaknesses and opportunities blocked by others; and the difference between the view of what a person believes the outcome should be and what actually results increases personal disappointment. Frustration is not necessarily due to any outside interference with valued goals, but a direct effect on anger, and has indirect effects on serious crime and aggression. Agnew and White (1992) have produced empirical evidence suggesting that general strain theory was positively able to relate delinquents and drug users, and that the strongest effect on the delinquents studied was the delinquency of their peers. They were interested in drug use because it did not appear to represent an attempt to direct anger or escape pain, but is used prim arily to manage the negative affect caused by strain. Up to this stage, strain theory had been related with types of strain as opposed to sources of strain while the stress of ones surroundings can be shown to involve with the expectations of just and fair results. These may be major events or minor hassles that build up and discourage over time. Frustration causes disappointment, bitterness, and anger all the emotions normally linked with strain in criminology. It is normal for persons to feel pain when they are refused fair compensations for their efforts, especially when measured against the endeavors and compensations given to others for similar results. Agnew (1992) deals with anger as the most decisive emotion as it is almost always aimed outwards and is generally linked to breakdowns in relationships. Study shows that the stress/crime relationship seems to hold regardless of guilt emotions, age, and capacity to deal with when events take place simultaneously or in close sequence. Robert Agnew In 1992, Agnew maintained that strain theory could be fundamental in describing crime and deviance, however that it required review so that it was not attached to social class or cultural standards; however, re-focused on self standards. He mapped out a general strain theory that is neither structural nor interpersonal; however, emotional and motivated on an individuals direct social status. He claimed that an individuals concrete or anticipated failure to realize positively valued objectives, actual or expected removal of positive values, and actual or anticipated presentation of negative motivation all results in strain. Strain appears from negative relationships with others. If persons are not dealt in the way that they anticipate or want to be dealt, they will lose their trust in the role others play for achieving goals. Anger and disappointment support unconstructive relationships. This will generally involve more one-sided action since there will be an innate wish to avoid unwanted rejections, supporting more general isolation. If specific rejections are general feelings that the situation is unjust or unfair, stronger and more negative feelings may inspire the person to engage in crime. This is especially true for younger people, and Agnew proposed that study concentrate on the overall , currency, duration, and grouping of such stressful events to find out whether a person deal with strain in a criminal or compliant way. He especially found temperament, intelligence, factors interpersonal skills, relationship with criminal peers and conservative social support important factors of self-efficacy. Robert Dubin Dubin (1959) judged deviance as a task of society, disputing the hypothesis that the deviant action resulting from circumstances of anomie is essentially damaging to society. For instance, a person in the ritualistic environment is still playing by the regulations and contributing to society. The only deviance lies in discarding one or more of its prescribed objectives. Dubin maintained that Mertons concentration on the interactions between societys stressed objectives, and institutionalized agreed methods was insufficient. Dubin thought an added difference should be made between cultural objectives, organizational methods and organizational standards since individuals identify standards individually, explaining them and operating them in a different way. The individual educational skills, principles, and behaviors may influence a person to internalize a norm one way. Another individual with different experiences may justifiably internalize in a different way. Both may be doing realistically in their own terms; however, the behavior is different. Dubin also expanded Mertons classification to fourteen, with particular focus in Innovation and Ritualism. Merton put forward that the new response to strain was linking the objective, although discarding the organizing agreed methods of realizing the objective. The connotation appeared to be that not only did the person discard the methods, he must vigorously innovate unlawful methods as a replacement which would not always be correct. Dubin also believed that a difference should be made between the real behavior of the individual and the principles that pushed the behavior. Rather than Innovation, Dubin put forward Behavioral Innovation and Value Innovation. Likewise, in Ritualism, he put forward Behavioral Ritualism and Value Ritualism (Dubin, 1959). Merton (1959) remarked on Dubins changes, claiming that although Dubin did make suitable contributions, they took the motivations off of deviancy. Operationalizing Strain for Juveniles Merton termed strain as an individuals response to a dysfunction between objectives and accessibility to the socially accepted methods for their achievement. Mertons original writings (1938; 1957) appear to spell out clearly that economic wealth is a principal goal in the meritocratic society and that education is the conservative ways for realizing wealth. At present, for instance, a college degree is usually considered as a minimum requirement for entry to a good job or professional job. Strain would be possible when a person is firmly dedicated to making much wealth nevertheless considers college as outside attainment. It is thought that structurally induced strain amongst juveniles would be considered correctly as the dysfunction between economic objectives and hopes for finishing college. On the contrary, the preferential operationalization of strain in delinquency researches has been the difference between educational aims and hopes. The argument for using this evaluation is that job expectations are less helpful as objectives for juveniles since these expectations are too far removed from their conscious concerns (Agnew, 1986, 1984; Elliott, Huizinga, Ageton, 1985). This normally used measure deviates considerably from Mertons theory. If strain is redefined completely in the field of education, the educational methods in Mertons original theory become both objectives and methods, and the central theoretical significance of economic objectives is lost. The basis for this version of strain for juveniles is challenging. Although juveniles may have trouble in thinking about future jobs, their financial aspirations may be strong and clear. For both hypothetical and rational motives, as a result, juvenile strain is a product of the dysfunction between economic objectives and educational prospects rather than as a dysfunction between educational aims and prospects. Conclusion In 1969, Hirschi proposed within a control outlook that high expectations to customary objectives performed as limitations on delinquency (1969) and that the calculation of a measure of strain would not enhance the descriptive competence of dedication alone. As against the strain position that high expectations in the presence of low expectations raise the chances of delinquency, Hirschi (1969) presumed that the (negative) relation between aspirations and delinquency (supportive of control theory) does not reverse when expectations are held constant. His assessment using educational expectations showed that while higher goals reduced the chance of delinquency in his sample, differences in educational expectations are not significant in the causation of delinquency for two reasons: few boys in the sample have expectations considerably beyond their expectations; and those boys whose expectations far exceed their expectations are at no greater risk to be delinquent than those boys whose expectations are the same (1969). More researches by Liska (1971) with several data sets strengthened Hirschis result. Similar to Hirschi, Liska computed juvenile strain as the dysfunction between educational expectations and reported results showing that Mertons stress proposition might be interpreted more simply by dedication or control theory. Therefore the most overwhelming criticism of strain theory relates to its noticeable failure in empirical research, mainly its failure in relation to control theory (Johnson, 1979; Kornhauser, 1978). In contrast, the majority of the studies supporting such results ignored the importance of economic success objectives in creating strain (Bernard, 1984). Hirschi recognized the possible value of income expectations in testing control and strain proposals (1969). His and Liskas denial of strain theory, though, depended on the assessment of objectives and methods as educational expectations Is EC Law Compatible with Parliamentary Sovereignty? Is EC Law Compatible with Parliamentary Sovereignty? Is the primacy of EC law over inconsistent UK statutes compatible with the doctrine of Parliamentary Sovereignty? The notion of Parliament as the supreme law-making body in the UK is a long-standing shibboleth of the British constitution[1]. Acts of Parliament have traditionally been deemed to be the highest form of law in the UK, and the courts were denied the authority to challenge them[2]. In 1972, however, the signing of the Treaty of Rome brought the UK within the scope of EC law[3]. The European Court of Justice has emphasised the primacy of EC law over the national law of its member states[4] and national courts are expected to recognise this. The British courts’ apparent capitulation[5] might suggest that Parliamentary sovereignty has now been usurped by the primacy of EC law. If true, this would be a major upheaval in our constitutional framework. However, on a closer analysis it seems that accession to the EC has had a less revolutionary effect on the British constitution than was initially feared. This paper will consider the relationship between these two seemingly irreconcilable doctrines and examine the question of whether they are capable of co-existence. Parliamentary Sovereignty Parliamentary sovereignty has a lengthy history in British constitutional law[6]. The definitive analysis was provided by Albert Dicey in the late 19th Century in his text Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution[7]. Essentially, the principle provides that Parliament is the highest law-making authority in the UK. It â€Å"has the right to make or unmake any law whatever; and further, that no person or body is recognised by the law of England as having a right to override or set aside the legislation of Parliament.†[8] Dicey expands on this assertion to emphasise that Parliament was competent to pass laws on any subject[9]. The only thing that it could not do is bind its successors[10]. Furthermore, the courts lack the authority to challenge any statute that has been enacted using the correct procedure[11]. Primacy of EC Law Britain acceded to the European Communities in 1973, with the signing of the Treaty of Rome. EC law was given effect in Britain through the enactment of the European Communities Act 1972, which gave direct effect and application to EC law[12]. Article 10 of the Treaty of Rome, as amended, states that there is a duty on all member states to comply with Community law and not to impede its application and the European Court of Justice has vociferously emphasised its expectation that EC law will prevail where it conflicts with the domestic law of member states[13]. In Costa, for example, the ECJ states that â€Å"the precedence of Community law is confirmed by Art 189 (now 249) EC, whereby a regulation â€Å"shall be binding† and directly applicable in all Member States†[14]. In other words, EC law takes primacy over domestic law. The British courts have since demonstrated their willingness to comply with this instruction[15]. In Factortame No. 2[16], for example, Lord Bridge stated that â€Å"under the 1972 Act, it has always been clear that it was the duty of a UK court when delivering final judgment to override any rule of national law found to be in conflict with any directly enforceable Community law.†[17] Conflict between the doctrines The potential for conflict here is self-evident. The courts cannot serve two masters but, as long as these two competing doctrines co-exist, this effectively appears to be what they are being asked to do. On the one hand, Parliamentary sovereignty dictates that the courts have no right to question an Act of Parliament. On the other, EC law, which declares itself to be supreme, expects national courts to declare Acts of Parliament invalid to the extent that they are inconsistent with EC Law. On a practical level, it appears that the primacy of EC law has overwhelmed Parliamentary Sovereignty. The UK courts have grown more comfortable with applying EC law where it conflicts with UK statutes and EC law has become an accepted part of the British legal system. As Munro points out, however, it is important to remember that Parliamentary sovereignty is a legal doctrine[18]. It is not concerned with the political or practical effects of accession upon the authority of Parliament, but with whether, legally speaking, parliamentary sovereignty is preserved[19]. This is an important consideration. In cases that followed the enactment of the 1972 Act, Lord Denning attempted to reconcile the apparently conflicting norms[20]. He argued that, although EC law was treated by the courts as prevailing over conflicting domestic law, EC law was only offered this status on the basis of an Act of Parliament, the 1972 Act. As the 1972 Act has no greater status than any other parliamentary statute, it could be repealed by an express provision in a subsequent Act of Parliament. The legal concept of Parliamentary sovereignty is therefore preserved.[21] The 1972 is not presented as being in any way superior to a normal Act of Parliament[22]. Indeed, during the ministerial discussions that preceded the passing of the Act it was acknowledged that any attempt to do so could readily be overturned by a subsequent Parliament[23]. Of course, the doctrine of implied repeal cannot operate in respect of the 1972 Act since it is not considered to be overridden by subsequent contradictory enactments. As Munro points out, however, this is a characteristic shared by other legislation and does not necessarily threaten the sovereignty of Parliament[24]. Ward believes that parliamentary sovereignty is an archaic legal fiction that ignores political realities and serves no purpose in a modern setting shaped by the twin influences of globalisation and decentralisation of power[25]. He considers that we would be best served by abandoning the idea of Parliamentary sovereignty in favour of a â€Å"new constitutional order†[26]. However, even he acknowledges that, on the legal plane at least, the concept of Parliamentary sovereignty undoubtedly continues to exist alongside EC law[27]. Conclusion As Munro has argued, is important to distinguish the legal concept of Parliamentary sovereignty from a political or pragmatic interpretation of the term. While it may be that repeal of the 1972 Act and withdrawal from the EC would be impossible in real terms, Parliament retains the legal option to do this. Therefore, it is theoretically possible to reconcile the apparently conflicting doctrines within our constitutional framework. BIBLIOGRAPHY Barnett, H.A. Constitutional and Administrative Law (Cavendish: London) 2004 Bradley, A. â€Å"The Sovereignty of Parliament – Form or Substance?† in Jowell, J. and Oliver, D. The Changing Constitution (Oxford University Press: Oxford) 2004 Dicey, A.V. Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution (Macmillan Education: Basingstoke) 1959 Goldsworthy, J.D. The Sovereignty of Parliament: History and Philosophy (Oxford University Press: Oxford) 1999 Munro, C. Studies in Constitutional Law (Butterworths: London) 1999 Ward, I. A Critical Introduction to European Law (Butterworths: London) 1996 Ward, I. The Margins of European Law (Macmillan Education: Basingstoke) 1996 Algemene Transport en Expeditie Onderneming Van Gend en Loos v Netherlands Inland Revenue Administration [1963] C.M.L.R. 105 Costa v. Ente Nazionale per lEnergia Elettrica (ENEL) [1968] C.M.L.R. 267 McCarthys Ltd v Smith (1979) 3 All ER 325 R v Secretary of State for Transport ex p. Factortame Ltd (No. 2) [1991] 1 A.C. 603 (HL) 1 Footnotes [1] See generally Goldsworthy, J.D. The Sovereignty of Parliament: History and Philosophy (Oxford University Press: Oxford) 1999 [2] Bradley, A. â€Å"The Sovereignty of Parliament – Form or Substance?† in Jowell, J. and Oliver, D. The Changing Constitution (Oxford University Press: Oxford) 2004 (hereinafter â€Å"Bradley†) at 28 [3] Barnett, H.A. Constitutional and Administrative Law (Cavendish: London) 2004 (hereinafter â€Å"Barnett†) at 192 [4]Ibid [5] Bradley supra note 2 at 46 [6] See e.g. Munro, C. Studies in Constitutional Law (Butterworths: London) 1999 (hereinafter â€Å"Munro†) at 127 [7] Dicey, A.V. Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution (Macmillan Education: Basingstoke) 1959 (hereinafter â€Å"Dicey†) [8] Dicey supra note 7 at 39 [9] Ibid [10] Dicey supra note 7 at 44 [11] Dicey supra note 7 at 45 [12] Munro supra note 6 at 201 [13] See e.g. Algemene Transport en Expeditie Onderneming Van Gend en Loos v Netherlands Inland Revenue Administration [1963] C.M.L.R. 105 (hereinafter â€Å"Van Gend en Loos†) and Costa v. Ente Nazionale per lEnergia Elettrica (ENEL) [1968] C.M.L.R. 267 (hereinafter â€Å"Costa†) [14] Costa supra note 13 at 271 [15] Bradley supra note 2 at 46 [16] R v Secretary of State for Transport ex p. Factortame Ltd (No. 2) [1991] 1 A.C. 603 (HL) (hereinafter â€Å"Factortame†) [17] Factortame supra note 16 at 659 [18] Munro supra note 6 at 206 [19] Ibid [20] Ward, I. The Margins of European Law (Macmillan Education: Basingstoke) 1996 (hereinafter â€Å"Margins†) at 76 [21] See e.g. McCarthys Ltd v Smith (1979) 3 All ER 325 [22] Munro supra note 6 at 204 [23] Bradley supra note 2 at 47 [24] Munro supra note 6 at 207 [25] Margins supra note 7 at Chapter 4 [26] Margins supra note 7 at 82 [27] Margins supra note 7 at 85

Machiavelli Vs. King George III :: essays research papers

MACHIAVELLI VS. KING GEORGE III During colonial times, King George III was a tyrant ruler. He was unstable and constantly inflicted hardship upon the people of the American Colonies. King George III thought that imposing more demands on the colonists would allow him to reach his goals such as bringing in more money for the British government. Machiavelli, on the other hand, thought that a ruler needed his subjects to be on his side so that there would be less resistance. King George III did not follow Machiavelli's manual for being a good prince. Machiavelli's main lesson was "a prince must always seem to be generous, merciful, faithful, spirited, and humane.† If a prince does not have those characteristics, his people will lose all support for him. King George III did not make sure people from the American Colonies saw him as a good King. King George III did not go out of his way to cover up his wrong doings. Instead, everyone knew he did not really care about the American Colonists. They knew he only cared about the land, and acquiring the largest empire. The King continually broke his own laws, contrary to Machiavelli's principles. Machiavelli once said, â€Å"a prince should always be able to come up with a reason for war†. King George III didn’t have a reason. He kept sending armies into the American Colonies. He transported large armies of foreign mercenaries to kill people and confiscate their land. By doing this, King George was only sabotaging himself. Machiavelli spoke of a balance between good and evil. "In actual fact, a prince may not have all of the admirable qualities listed, but it is necessary that he should seem to have them. Indeed I will venture to say that when you have them and exercise them all of the time, they are harmful to you; when you just seem to have them, they are useful. It is good to appear merciful, truthful, humane, sincere, and religious; it is good to be so in reality. But you must keep your mind so disposed that, in case of need, you can turn to the exact contrary".

Walden and Transcendentalism

Henry Thoreau’s masterpiece, Walden or a Life in the Woods, shows the impact transcendentalism had on Thoreau’s worldview. Transcendentalism is a philosophy that asserts the primacy of the spiritual over the material. Transcendentalism puts the emphasis on spiritual growth and understanding as opposed to worldly pleasures. Thoreau’s idea of transcendentalism stressed the importance of nature and being close to nature. He believed that nature was a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. A walk in the woods therefore was a search for spiritual enlightenment.One should look ‘through’ nature, not merely ‘at’ her. In Walden, Thoreau’s idea of transcendentalism is broken into three areas. The first is the importance of the spiritual world as opposed to material wants. He accentuates this idea by explaining how the physical world only exists so that souls can experience life to the fullest. Thoreau speaks a great deal about physical prope rty in the first chapter, entitled â€Å"Economy†. He keeps a detailed record of the economic cost of his venture into the woods and explains to his readers his pity for the people who have numerous material possessions.Thoreau states, â€Å"When I have met an immigrant tottering under a bundle which contained his all†¦I have pitied him, not because that was his all, but because he had all that to carry. †[1] The second transcendentalism theme is the idea of individuality- the idea that an individual is unique and should act according to his personality and ideals. Individuality is a basic idea of the transcendentalists and they firmly believed that one should search for ‘self-discovery’.Thoreau observed, â€Å"Every man is the builder of a temple, called his body, to the god he worships, after a style purely his own, nor can he get off by hammering marble instead. †[2] He emphasized the â€Å"style† as an individual style, one that was distinctive to each person. He even told his readers in Walden that he went into the woods to search for knowledge and truth. Self-discovery and individuality were also attributed to any other characters in Walden that were mentioned. Thoreau takes great pains to describe each character, even down to the farmer’s â€Å"wrinkled, sibyl-like, cone-headed†[3] infant in chapter 10, â€Å"Baker Farm†.He makes sure his readers understand the unique attributes of each individual in his experiences. As Thoreau once said, â€Å"It is what a man thinks of himself that really determines his fate. † The final prominent transcendentalism theme expressed in Walden is the importance of experiences. Transcendentalists believed personal experience is how one learned. Literally, people learned everything the hard way. Thoreau demonstrated this clearly in the experiment of living in the woods for two years. He explains in Walden that he wanted to experience living simply fo r an extended period of time.Notice that Thoreau did not speculate, draw conclusions, or even ask someone who had tried it. The only way, in his mind, that he was going to learn about living simply was to undergo it personally. In speaking about life in the chapter, â€Å"Where I lived and What I Lived For†, Thoreau said,â€Å"†¦if [life] proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion. †[4] He emphasized living and feeling everything to be able to understand life and its meaning.Walden is often viewed as simply a proponent of environmental care and nature. However, it persuades the reader to do much more than take care of nature. In fact, nature is not even the most prominent ideal in Thoreau’s writings. The thesis of Walden is clearly stated in the first few pages of the book. Thoreau writes, â€Å"With respect to luxuries and comforts, the wisest have ever lived a more simple and meager life than the poor†¦None can be an impartial or wise observer of human life but from the vantage ground of what we should call voluntary poverty. [5] The entirety of the â€Å"Economy† chapter is devoted to material possessions and Thoreau’s idea that the physical pleasures exist only to help the soul endure. Very little time is spent on the goodness of nature. When it is mentioned, it is shown, as was stated above, that nature serves as a sort of looking glass to spiritual ideals. Because this book was quoted often by radical groups in 1960-70, Walden became a sign of disobedience and rebellion to the conservative community. However, there are a few ideas of which Christians can approve. The first is non-materialism.Thoreau quotes Matthew 6:19 saying, â€Å"By a seeming fate, commonly called necessity, they are employed, as it says in an old book, laying up treasures which moth and rust will corrupt and thieves break through and steal. It is a fool’s life, as they will find when they get to the end of it, if not before. †[6] He takes great pains throughout the entire book to make sure his readers understand that material possessions should not be the only thing in which people place all of their happiness. The second idea Christians can applaud is the idea of individuality.As was mentioned above, Thoreau kept the Transcendentalist idea of a person’s individual worth in his writings. Because of this belief, he was one of the most outspoken human rights activists in his lifetime. He wrote A Plea for Captain John Brown supporting John Brown’s efforts to end slavery. Thoreau said, â€Å"I do not believe in erecting statues to those who still live in our hearts, whose bones have not yet crumbled in the earth around us, but I would rather see the statue of Captain Brown in the Massachusetts State-House yard, than that of any other man whom I know. I rejoice that I live in this age, that I am his contemporary. [7] His belief in the basic human rights of every man stemmed from his support of individuality and the unique worth of every person on this planet. Even though there are a few ideas that Christians can applaud in Walden, there is one of which they should be wary. This idea is the idea that rebellion and disobedience towards government is acceptable if one believes the government is wrong. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his eulogy for Thoreau, articulated this idea, saying that Thoreau opposed the government. Thoreau disrespected government officials by refusing to obey tax laws and paid for it by spending a brief time in jail.However, many people, instead of realizing the negative influence Thoreau was creating, idealized him for his ‘patriotic’ stance. Thoreau says in Walden, â€Å"One afternoon, near the end of the first summer†¦I was seized and put into jail, because, a s I have elsewhere related I did not pay a tax to, or recognize the authority of, the state which buys and sells men, women, and children, like cattle at the door of its senate-house. †[8] He did not recognize the authority of the government because of the slavery in the country. Even though slavery is immoral, Romans 13:1 clearly states, â€Å"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. †[9] The Bible articulates that Christians must be subject to those whom God has placed into authority. Thoreau discourages this idea and instead institutes an attitude of rebellion. Christians should be cautious of this attitude and worldview. Very few instances occur in which Christians should rebel against authority. The only instance where they should rebel is under a government which demands that its citizens disobey God’s orders. Walden was written many years ago and ye t, society can still learn from the author’s words.Whether the ideas are detrimental or helpful, everyone can agree that Thoreau was a strong Transcendentalist with a distinct mindset. This mindset affects everyone who reads his works. Emerson once articulated that Thoreau inspired many around him through his idealistic thinking. Thoreau has inspired, and will continue to inspire, numerous people through his book, Walden or a Life in the Woods. ———————– [1] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 56. 2] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 175. [3] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 161 [4] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 74 (brackets added) [5] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 16 [6] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 9 [7] â€Å"Thoreau–On John Brown,† Virginia Commonwealth University, http://www. cu. edu/engweb/transcendentalism/authors/thoreau/johnbrown. html (accessed September 15, 2010). [8] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 137 [9] â€Å"Passage: Romans 13:1 (ESV Bible Online),† Good News / Crossway Home – Christian Books, Gospel Tracts, and the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, http://www. gnpcb. org/esv/search/? q=Romans 13:1 (accessed September 15, 2010).

Death Penalty And The Old Testament Essay - 2141 Words

Death Penalty according to God in the Old Testament Christian church has been divided for many controversial topics because of issues such as self-center or lack of a deep analysis of the scriptures. Death penalty is one of those controversial topics relating the pro-life or pro-death argument. It is also known as capital punishment, and it is the ultimate punishment for extreme and sadistic delighting crimes. It is a message stating that there is a line that has been crossed according to society. In the Old Testament, God gives commands to cleanse the Earth from sin. However, is it human responsibility and power enough to decide whether to take a human life? The unjustified power that humans have attributed themselves to dictate death penalty violates the human existence that should be taken only by Divine Grace. In their book â€Å"The Death Penalty Debate,† John Howard Yoder, professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame and H. Wayne House, dean and professor of theology at Western Baptist College state that â€Å"there is no doubt that Yahweh encouraged, commanded, and personally enforced the death penalty during the Old Testament era† (35). Deuteronomy 9:13, for example, commands to â€Å"purge the evil from among Human,† leading a belief that in order to aid the Earth, justice must be taken with humans’ own hands. However, basing the legal system on this passage, everyone would think that it is a commandment from God not to accept any â€Å"unpardonable† crime. Purification ofShow MoreRelatedCapital Punish Relating to The Old Testament Essay1430 Words   |  6 Pages Why do some christians agree with the capital punishment? Some Christians feel that the Bible has spoken to the conflict, but many believe that the New Testament replaces the Old Testament law. Skimming through the Old Testament you can find many cases in which God orders the use of capital punishment, with the acts of God Himself. God was somehow involved directly or maybe indirectly, in the taking of life as a punishment for Israel or whomever threatened or harm the city of Israel. In GenesisRead MoreCapital Punishment Essay example710 Words   |  3 PagesCapital Punishment Lets keep society safe and give murderers what they deserve - the death penalty. In this essay I will hope to set out both sides of the argument, for and against Capital Punishment. The advantages and the disadvantages will be considered in conjunction with Christian teachings and belief. The Christian teachings, Old Testament and New Testament will also be compared with human reactions to the subject. From my research and analysis inRead MoreThe Importance Of Capital Punishment In The United States990 Words   |  4 Pageschair and lethal injection (Statistics, 2017). Among the 31 states who currently have death penalty laws, the State of Texas leads all other states in the number of prisoners executed (545) since 1976 (Statistics, 2017). While Texas adorns the dubious distinction of executing the most prisoners, the State of California surpasses all other states in the union with the number of inmates (744) awaiting execution on death row (Statistics, 2017). Although the State of California has the highest number ofRead More Capital Punishment and the Bible Essay1355 Words   |  6 PagesCapital Punishment and the Bible      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Capital punishment has always been an arguable issue and for good reason. The Old Testament clearly calls for the death penalty on many occasions, whereas; many of the teachings of Jesus and others in the New testament readily denounce it.   Therefore, both advocates ands opponents of capital punishment have Biblical references to support their beliefs.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Opponents use the creation story to show that all are created in Gods Read MoreEssay on Death Penalty Arguments519 Words   |  3 Pagesthat the death penalty should be re-introduced in to our society. They say that the murderer doesnt deserve to live while others argue the point. I will examine the arguments on both sides. If we turn to the bible for some advice whether or not to re-introduce the death penalty we can find help in the Old Testament. The covenant recorded in Genesis 9 says, whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed. This is the same as what the Old Testament teachesRead MoreWhy Georgia Should Stop The Death Penalty1202 Words   |  5 PagesHideous crimes deserve the death penalty, or so the southern state of Georgia says. Consequently, Georgia holds one of the nation’s top records for carrying out capital punishment, with more than 950 implementations in its 250 year history of executions. Meanwhile, national scholars continuously debate death penalty pros and cons, and the debates ignite both passion and protests. Georgians opposing the punishment intensely explicate numerous reasons for overturning the law, including unreasonableRead MoreShould Capital Punishment be legal in the U.K?1022 Words   |  5 Pagesmore people wanted it in cases of murder with Police Officers or children involved. Capital Punishment is the most severe deterrent or retribution in existence and aims to deter future obligates from committing such heinous crimes for which the death penalty would be apportioned. The principal of this being that the ‘future criminal’ will be so afraid that the idea would be banished from their mind. This form of punishment also helps to protect society from such horrific crimes. Some Christians believeRead More Capital Punishment Essay - Christians and the Death Penalty1114 Words   |  5 Pagesand the Death Penalty nbsp; Almost all societies have dispensed with the principle of an eye for an eye, and considered it a step toward more enlightened civilization. Christians who cite an eye for an eye in their defense of the death penalty are usually unaware of the strict criteria that God imposed before it could be used to take human life. The Old Testament also allowed the death penalty for crimes that today we consider less than misdemeanors -- clearly, the Old Testament law is archaicRead MoreThe Free, Home Of The Brave925 Words   |  4 Pagessystem is a little messed up. We punish murderers by putting them on death row and killing them. The law says that it is wrong for people on the street to kill other human beings but somehow it is okay to kill someone because that person committed an unforgivable crime inside of a prison. I believe that the punishment is more effective if the offender is just locked away for the rest of their life without the possibility of parole. Death is an easy escape from their wrongdoings, but put a murderer/ sexRead MorePlatos Belief that the Human Soul is Immortal1297 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Old Testament, but does have one in the New Testament. It can be concluded that Christianity adopted yet another Platonist theory into its own doctrine. Prior to the usage of Plato’s immortal soul theory, the Old Testament focused on absolute death. In Genesis 35:18, it is written that, â€Å"Her soul was departing (for she was dying).† This statement implies that once the body dies, the soul too disappears. Both the soul and body are entwined according to the Old Testament. In fact, the Old Testament