Jesus And The Kingdom Of God Essays - Prophets Of Islam, Free Essays

Jesus And The Kingdom Of God Essays - Prophets Of Islam, Free Essays Jesus And The Kingdom Of God The Gospel of Thomas is unlike any other scripture written about Jesus. It is a collection of Jesus' secret sayings that only someone who actually knew him, like his twin, would be able to recount. Jesus, in the Gospel of Thomas, is a teacher that points his followers in the direction of the Kingdom of Heaven. He explains that the kingdom is a place with no poverty, where all is revealed and that it is already inside and around them but they must learn how to find it. The Kingdom of Heaven, according to Thomas' Jesus, is within each one of us. This concept of god and the kingdom being a part of everyone is a common theme throughout the Bible (Lk 17:21). In the third saying, Jesus tells his followers that the way to gain access to this Kingdom inside us is to learn about ourselves. The knowledge that we came from the Kingdom (GTh 49), that we are sons of the living father (GTh 3), and that are human bodies and lives are not worth anything (GTh 87) are the keys to the Kingdom. If we do not know ourselves then we will not enter the kingdom and we will be in poverty forever (GTh 3). He also says that once we get back into the Kingdom there is nothing that we will not understand (GTh 6b). The Kingdom of Heaven is like Adam's paradise in Eden. Jesus said that, whoever among you shall become as a child shall know the Kingdom (GTh 46). Eden was a place of innocence and to become like a child would be to become innocent. In saying 37, the disciples ask when he will be revealed to them and he answers when they can be naked without shame and jump on their clothes like children. This is not unlike Adam and Eve innocent, child-like, and undressed in Eden. Jesus explains that the Kingdom of the Father is a treasure that lasts forever. He describes it as a pearl that a merchant found and did all he could do to buy it so that he could cherish it for the rest of his life (GTh 76). Jesus tells another parable in which the Kingdom is a treasure buried in a father's farm and he and his son never find it but the next man that owns the farm finds it (GTh 109). The first two men never found the Kingdom of Heaven because they did not look within their own land or themselves but the third man does a little digging and finds this eternal treasure. He who searches, will findit will open to him (GTh 94). In most stories about the Kingdom of Heaven, there is a sense that it will happen in the future but, in this Gospel, Jesus gives of the impression that the Kingdom is here now. He said, What you look for has come, but you do not know it (GTh 51). He tells us that the kingdom is already here but because we do not have knowledge we just do not see it (GTh 113). He explains that the end is where the beginning is (GTh 18). It is almost as if the future and past are combined and that time is irrelevant. The kingdom will happen for us when we know ourselves. However, there is a contraction because saying 57 gives us the idea that there will be a final judgment day. In this saying, the Kingdom is like a man who plants good seed but another man puts bad seed in with the good seed. The first man does not pull out the weeds until harvest day because he is afraid that he will pick out the good plant on accident. On harvest day, it will be obvious which are which and the weeds will the burned. Jesus' role in the Gospel of Thomas is to lead his followers to the Kingdom. He tells them parables that they must understand and follow in order to get into the Kingdom (GTh 82). He tells them that heaven is inside them (GTh 3) and spread out upon the earth (GTh 113). He also teaches that if we look

Generation Gap Essay Example

Generation Gap Essay Example Generation Gap Essay Generation Gap Essay The first part of our life was ruined by our parents, and the second-by our children. Th. Scott A â€Å"generation gap† is a popular term used to describe wide differences in cultural norms between the members of a younger generation and their elders. This can be defined as occurring when older and younger people do not understand each other because of their different experiences, opinions, habits and behaviour. The term first came into prominence in Western countries during the 1960s. Although some generation differences have existed throughout the history, during this era differences between the two generations grew significantly in comparison to previous time, particularly with respect to such matters as musical tastes, fashion, drug use, humour and politics. During what was known as the â€Å"Roaring Twenties† a large generation gap occurred due to the older generation having just fought in the war, finding it inappropriate that the younger were out at dance halls listening to jazz music. The so called â€Å"MTV Generation† could also be considered a generation gap between older generation in the late 70`s and younger generation in the early 90`s. The gap was created by the reduction of recycled culture with the advancement of original programing on cable television during the later half of the 80`s, limiting the younger generation`s awareness of pop culture references that predate the 1980`s. Nowadays, older generation is thought to be independent, experienced, serious and self-sufficient people. : While younger people have their own subculture with distinct styles, behaviours, and interests. Members of this subculture often signal their membership by making distinctive and symbolic tangible choices in, for instance, clothing styles, hairstyles and footwear. However, common interests, dialects and slang, music genres and gathering places can also be an important factor. When most young people hear the words â€Å"superior music† they immediately associate them with contemporary music act, such as Madonna or something like that. Elderly, on the contrary, prefer to listen to classical music, because they find it eternal, delightful and tasteful one. Fashion is very important nowadays. Youth consider fashion as a synonym for glamour, beauty and style. For adult people fashion is not so important, that`s why their style is often outdated and out of fashion. According to the words by Henry David â€Å"Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new†. All things considered, there are so many differences between generations. However, people should not allow these differences to affect the relationships between parents and children. Even if you are lack of common opinions, interests and views towards life, it does not mean you don`t have to get on well with the adult or younger generation. Our life is full of more important things and values, that we have to treasure.