-
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
Archives
Categories
Meta
Monthly Archives: October 2010
Gilgamesh II
In the Epic of Gilgamesh and the New York Times article “More Countries Adopt China’s Tactics on Currency”, there is a common theme of help your friend even if it is counterproductive to your own interests. In the New York Times Article, China is said to devalue their currency in order to help their trade partner the United States while affecting their own ability to import more. It is similar to the Epic Gilgamesh, where Enkidu went against being counter for Gilgamesh and instead help him instead which ultimately will lead to his death.
In the New York Times Article, the following is said “The Chinese press is filled with articles arguing that Americans do not appreciate China’s efforts on their behalf. While other nations’ currencies devalued against the dollar in the 2008 financial crisis, some economists note, the renminbi did not. And while Chinese exports may be artificially cheap, the effect has been to give American shoppers bargains at the expense of Chinese consumers.”
As noted on Tablet 7, “’Because they killed the Bull of Heaven and have also slain Humbaba, the one of them who pulled up the Cedar of the Mountain must die!’ Enlil said: ‘Let Enkidu die, but Gilgamesh must not die!’” (p.79, l.4-6).
Sources:
Damrosch, David and Pike, David L. 2009. Longman Anthology of World Literature The Ancient World, Vol. A 2nd Edition. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” p.56-97
Sanger, David E. and Wines, Michael 2010 “More Countries Adopt China’s Tactics on Currency” nytimes.com, October 3 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/world/04currency.html?ref=europe
Posted in Gilgamesh
Comments Off on Gilgamesh II
Gilgamesh and Genesis
In the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Book of Genesis, there was a common theme of an great flood. In Genesis it is cited in Chapter 6, God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before me, for earth is filled with outrage by them, and I am now about to destroy them, with the earth…………As for me, I am about to bring the flood, water upon earth, to destroy all flesh that has within it the breath of life from under the heavens, everything on earth shall perish…..” (p.34) In the Epic of Gilgamesh it was cited in tablet 11 by Utanapishtim, “…The Hearts of the Great Gods moved them to inflict the flood. The Father ANu uttered the oath of secrecy, Valiant Enlil was their Adviser, Ninurta was their Chamberlain, Ennugi was their Minister of Canals. Ea, the Clever Prince, was under oath with them so he repeated their talk to the reed house: ……” (p.91, l.14-20)
Sources:
Damrosch, David and Pike, David L. 2009. Longman Anthology of World Literature The Ancient World, Vol. A 2nd Edition. “Genesis” p.28-38
Damrosch, David and Pike, David L. 2009. Longman Anthology of World Literature The Ancient World, Vol. A 2nd Edition. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” p.56-97
Posted in Genesis - Gilgamesh
Comments Off on Gilgamesh and Genesis
Book of Job
In the Book of Job and In the New York Times article, “As Maliki Clings to Power, Iraq’s Fissures Deepen” there is an similarity between how the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki and God had control over people. In the case of Prime Minister Maliki, his power to appoint individuals to posts and positions and in the case of God, his power over Job’s life by allowing Satan to use him as a sort of test.
As cited In Chapter 2 of the Book of Job, “Skin for Skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. But put forth thy hand now, touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power; only spare his life.’”
In the Times article it was cited, “The past four years have been full of injustice and oppression,” Atheel al-Nujaifi, a Sunni who is governor of Nineveh Province in northern Iraq, said Sunday in Mosul. “ He accused Mr. Maliki of having abused his authority by arresting opponents, pressuring the courts, and hiring and firing security forces based on sectarian identity — practices, Mr. Nujaifi said, that Mr. Maliki continued even now as a caretaker leader with no mandate or parliamentary oversight. “Mr. Maliki’s continuation as prime minister will create a dictatorship,” he warned.”
Sources:
Damrosch, David and Pike, David L. 2009. Longman Anthology of World Literature The Ancient World, Vol. A 2nd Edition. P.125-140
Myers, Steven Lee 2010 “As Maliki Clings to Power, Iraq’s Fissures Deepen” nytimes.com, October 3 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/world/middleeast/04iraq.html?pagewanted=1&ref=middleeast
Posted in Book of Job
Comments Off on Book of Job
Book of Job
In a time of tragedy, one always questions if they deserve it. We are always taught that good things happen to good people but when something bad happens to a good person it blows us away. In The Book of Job, we see just that. Despite Job being a truly pious man who was admired by all, he suffered a string of misfortune caused by Satan. Satan was determined to prove to God that Job wasn’t as wise as he led on. First, Job’s children were killed and then Job himself became ill. None of Job’s friends could understand the reasoning behind what was happening. On page 131, line 8, Job’s friends asked him, “is not your wickedness great?” The only rational explanation they could come up with, was that he must’ve betrayed God. Job knew that he was innocent and never turned his back on God regardless of all the misfortune that came his way. Job’s fear of God superseded his fear of Satan and as a result he was given back all that was lost.
In the New York Times article “Defendant Ignited Fire, Cheshire Prosecutors Tells Jury”, Dr. William Petit Jr. was the sole survivor of a horrific event that killed his wife and his children. Dr. William Petit Jr. and his family were robbed by two men. After they ransacked the house, the burglars raped and killed his wife, tied down his children, doused them in gasoline and lit the house ablaze. Now the two killers involved are facing trial. One man is being tried this year and may face the death penalty, while the other man’s trial is next year. When reading the article and seeing pictures of the victims, you have to question why this would happen to Dr. Petit and his family. What did they do to deserve this? Unfortunately there is no accurate answer to this question, everyone has their own perspective and we must accept that. The story of Job teaches us that we cannot judge or understand Gods plan, only God can see the big picture and we should not try to figure it out ourselves.
Posted in Uncategorized
Comments Off on Book of Job
Book of Job
The Book of Job asks the question, “Why does God permit human suffering?” (A,125). There is no one person, man or woman, no matter how morally conscious, who is exemt from suffering. In the Book of Job, the main character, Job, has a blessed life. He has health, family, and holds a prestigious position in society. Job does not take his life for granted. He is sure to thank God every morning, and apoligize on his childrens behalf “if they have sinned, or cursed God in their hearts.” (A, 126.)
In the New York Times, Nicole John, 17 year old daughter to the U.S Ambassador of Thailand, Eric G. John, had a very similar life. She was beautiful, intelligent, rich, and among the elite status in society. She had all the oppurtunity to live a very fulfilling and joyous life. Although Nicole and Job shared similar material assets, Nicole was far more reckless. She was well aware of her privelaged lifestyle and lived as if she were to die tomorrow.
In the Book of Job, the devil hints to God that Job would betray God if God had not blessed his life so much. The devil challenges God to make Job suffer, and see how Job responds. The Lord finally said to Satan “Behold, he is in your power; only spare his life.” The devil takes everything from Job; yet Job remains steadfast and stays loyal to God. He even cursed the day of his birth. “Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the nght which said, ‘A man-child is concieved.'”
Nicole John was never challenged. She had everything at her fingertips. On August 27, 2010, after a night of partying, Nicole fell to her death. No matter the circumstances with her lifestyle, no one could ever predict that she would pass away so abubtly.
Nicole John’s death was a tragedy. It goes back to the initial question of “Why does God permit human suffering?” Nicole John was a beloved daughter, a sibling, and her family’s life is changed forever. There is no definitive answer to the question, but the book of Job’s lessons and themes still apply to everyday life.
Posted in Uncategorized
Comments Off on Book of Job
The Book of Job
The Book of Job tells a story about a man who is “blameless and upright, one who feared God, and turned away from evil.” He, Job, seems to have a prosperous life and is seen as one of the greatest people of the east. Job has ten children, an abundant amount of livestock, as well as numerous servants. In order to test his loyalty to God Satan takes away everything he has to see if he will blame God. Satan takes away his livestock, his servants, and his children, also Job develops blisters all over his body. Satan believes that Job only fears God and turns away from evil because he is blessed.
After all the good in Job’s life is taken away, Satan assumes that Job will curse God. However The Book of Job states, “Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God, and die.’ But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” (Job, 127) Which shows his beliefs are much stronger than assumed. This part of the story is similar to an article in the New York Times, For Female Marines, Tea Comes With Bullets. The article describes the women who are in the marines and their lives. The Book of Job and this article have many similarities based on with the way in which they deal with tragedy and coming to terms with the horrible casualties that happen. One female marine states in the article, “It’s not the living conditions, it’s not the mission, it’s this,” she said, gesturing toward a memorial display of boots, rifles and dog tags belonging to the dead Marines. She was, she said quietly, “too much of a girl to deal with these guys getting killed.” This female, in particular, quit the marines after seeing one of her male friends shot and killed. This shows how death, and dealing with death, can alter a persons beliefs and faith. These woman are surrounded by death and need to be able to not let it affect them.
This article and The Book of Job are also comparable on another aspect. In The Book, Job’s friends come to visit him after hearing about the evil that was brought upon him. One of his friends, Eliphaz, says in Job, “Think now, who that was innocent ever perished? Or where the upright cut off? As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of this anger they are consumed.” (Job, 129) This excerpt shows Eliphaz thinks that people that are evil are punished and those that are virtuous are exempt from punishment by God. Eliphaz says this to Job because he does not think that God would have allowed the horrible events that happen to him if he had not done wrong. This would mean bad things do not happen to good people, which is not always the case. Many people chose to have this belief because it makes life easier to deal with. This is seen in the New York Times article as well, one female marine talks about her belief in God and her hopes that he will protect her. The article elaborates, “But she readily says that she has relied on daily prayers — she is the daughter of a Minnesota stockbroker and a flight attendant who went to church every Sunday — and faith in God to get her through. Out on foot patrols, she said, ‘my life’s in his hands.’” This belief is common among religious people, they believe that God has full control over everything that happens. Which is why when horrible events take place, like death, people believe there is a reason for it.
Although The Book of Job and For Female Marines, Tea Comes With Bullets article are alike, there is one major difference. In The Book, Job does not choose to deal with loss and pain, it is brought upon him to test his beliefs. Where as in the New York Times article, the woman marines chose to go into the military and knew what they would have to deal with. However, dealing with pain and death is not easy either way and in both situations keeping your faith is important.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/world/asia/03marines.html?pagewanted=1&ref=world&src=me
Posted in Book of Job
Comments Off on The Book of Job
The book of Job
In the book of Job, Job is a wealthy and powerful man from a city named Uz. He has an extended family and livestock. He is “blameless and upright” carefully avoiding wrong doing so that he will not upset God (A 126). One day the “sons of God “, were having a meeting and Satan is also present. God tells Satan about Job’s personality, but Satan says to God that Job is a good person because God gives him a lot. God tells Satan to torment Job to show that Job will always be loyal to God.
The book of Job is about loyalty and friendship. After the news that Job receives about his livestock, servants and children, Job reacts only by tearing his clothes and shaving his head, but he blesses God in his prayers. Any human being would blame God for this kind of losses but Job did not, instead he maintains his loyalty to God. However, his friends are not showing any kind of pain for his losses even his wife tells him to “Curse God, and die”, (A 126) but he never wants to turn against God. Now his friends after learning what has happened to Job “, they made an appointment together to come to condole with him and comfort him” (A 126). They stay with him for seven days and seven nights and nobody said a word because they saw Job was suffering from his loss. However, as the days went by one of his friends Eliphaz believes that Job’s suffering must be the result of some sin Job committed, and then Bildad and Zophar agree with Eliphaz. To make things worse Zophar states that for whatever sins Job has done he deserves the punishments he has received.
A New York Times article on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 states, “Obama’s Chief for Economics Is Set to Leave” (Stoldber A1).This will be in addition to the many top level advisers that already left. This should not be happening at this time when the president’s popularity is decreasing. As Job’s friends turned against him, these executives are turning their backs on President Obama. These executives, by leaving their positions, are in a sense punishing President Obama. Similarly to Job, what has President Obama done to deserve such actions?
Posted in Book of Job
7 Comments
The Book Of Job: Amanda Trexler
In the Book of Job we are introduced to a prosperous character, Job, who is always careful to avoid any wrongdoing. Job is blessed with what many people hope for such as a wife and many healthy children, herds of animals, and a profound appreciation for God. Satan believes and challenges God that if he were to punish Job, Job would curse God’s name. Although faced with many hurdles so abruptly, with the sudden death of all of his children and livestock, Job did not curse Gods name. Unsatisfied with Job’s reaction Satan “…afflicted Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” (A127) Job proceeded to curse the day of his birth, “Let the day perish wherein I was born…” This story tells us of a man who is forced to experience terrible and embarrassing hardships and how he reacts to them. Job is a strong and upright man who loves God, but we see following these hardships that he is left contemplating his life.
In recent news, a student at Rutgers University was placed into a completely mortifying situation. Tyler Clementi was an accomplished 18 year old student who unfortunately was faced with must adversity due to his sexual orientation. He was secretly filmed during a sexual encounter with another male by his roommate, Dharun Ravi. His roommate proceeded to broadcast this footage online for the world to see. Dharun Ravi posted on twitter, “Roommate asked for the room till midnight. I went into molly’s room and turned on my webcam. I saw him making out with a dude, Yay.” (NY Times) By broadcasting this private footage, Ravi was in a sense punishing Tyler for his actions simply because he was different. Just like Job, Tyler Clementi was left questioning what he could have done to deserve such terrible treatment. Unfortunately, unlike Job, Clementi was unable to come to grips with himself and ended up choosing suicide to heal his pain. This again relates to the Book of Job because it left the public curious and wondering, why do so many terrible things happen to so many accomplished people with promising futures?
Posted in Uncategorized
Comments Off on The Book Of Job: Amanda Trexler