1st and 2nd Timothy Free Essays

string(52) " we tend to enjoy accepting blame for our mistakes\." INTRODUCTION The pastoral epistles are the letters that Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus in the New Testament. These books include 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. The title â€Å"Pastoral† comes from the instructional nature of the letters themselves. We will write a custom essay sample on 1st and 2nd Timothy or any similar topic only for you Order Now Timothy was an assistant to Paul during his ministry. He was taught the scriptures as a child by his mother who was named Eunice. Both Timothy and his mother were probably converted during Paul’s first missionary Journey. There is also evidence supporting that Paul led Timothy to the Lord because he calls Timothy his â€Å"son in the faith. [1] Timothy was highly recommended by the Christians in Lystra and Iconium at a young age. Titus was also a minister who accompanied Paul on at least one of his missionary trips. During Paul’s ministry in Crete, he raised new churches that Titus would have direct influence over. These letters are primarily instructions for the general functions within the church. Collectively they provide guidelines for all forms of leadership within the local church body. Paul touches on the subjects of women, elders, deacons, and overseers in relationship to authority and function. Before discussing the restrictions and responsibilities of each of these, I’ll briefly provide the historical setting for the pastoral epistles as well as the different views of Paul’s Authorship. Historical Setting These three letters were written after Paul was first imprisoned in Rome at the conclusion of Acts. The order and dates of Paul’s ministry between the release of his first imprisonment and his second imprisonment are not known. It is commonly accepted that he wrote the bulk of the pastoral epistles between A. D 60 and his death around A. D 67 to 68. Most believe that he began writing his first letter to Timothy within a year of being released from prison in Rome around A. D. 63. Paul informs Timothy that he left him in Ephesus so that he could go into Macedonia. There’s no evidence that he went anywhere else so he probably began writing the pastoral epistles there. Pauline Authorship Paul’s authorship of the pastoral epistles has been challenged by critics on four grounds. The first is the Historical Argument. This argues that the letters do not fit into the history of the book of Acts. The Second is the Ecclesiastical Argument. This claims that the organization of the local church as taught in these letters is to advanced for Paul’s lifetime. The the third argument is the Doctrinal Argument. This claims that the false teaching attacked in the letters is Gnostic heresy that took place during the second century. This argument also contends that the authors theological outlook is different than the outlook expressed by Paul in his other writings. The last argument is the Linguistic/stylistic Argument. This argues that the authors style, linguistics, and vocabulary differs from the writing in Paul’s other letters. Each of these arguments have recognizable flaws. Apart from those, the external evidence for Paul’s authorship is significant. Early church fathers such as Inatius, Polycarp, and Irenaeus concerned them as written by Paul. The evidence both internally and externally appears to supports the Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. NATURE OF LEADERSHIP IN SCRIPTURE Servant Leadership Jesus completely turned the table when there was no servant to wash feet as was custom. Under normal circumstances, a servant was expected to wash the dirty road-worn feet of guests. In John 13:1-17 Jesus provides his disciples with an excellent example of leadership. Jesus humbled himself to a position of servitude and washed his disciples feet. He says in 14-15, â€Å"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. † The most effective leaders are those people who are servants to others. Servant leadership is a leadership style that has gained a large amount of popularity in recent years. [2] Jesus modeled it perfectly in this example. Jesus got on his knees and washed the dirt of His disciples feet even though this act of kindness was customarily views as custom fit only for servants. Philippians 2:5-11 says, â€Å"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. † Christ was the ultimate example of servanthood. In his book The Leadership Genius of Jesus, William Beausay says, Servant leadership was the core of Jesus’ style. We see it reflected in the actions of his followers. His disciples were not docile little robots. They often asked him for help. They needed guidance and clearly felt comfortable approaching him for personal support. † (Beausay 23)[3] Jesus He, being God, humbled himself to the point of death on a human-made cross and showed us a perfect example of want it means to be a servant leader. All the pain He endured was for our sake. Paul, the author of the pastor epistles, understood this importance in leadership and lived in a way that showed servant leadership qualities. Not only did Paul write to train and instruct the early church, but he preached the gospel boldly and was persecuted for his devotion. Ultimately, he was more than likely killed for his faithfulness to God. It is from this perspective that Paul instructs the early church leaders in the pastoral epistles. Responsibility To Teach Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 4:11-12 that God has directed some as evangelists, pastors, and teachers. He writes that the purpose of this is â€Å"for the building up of the body of Christ. † He also writes in 1 Timothy 4:13, â€Å"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. To devote oneself is to give up everything for that one cause. It doesn’t take much research to see that our society does not like responsibility nor do we tend to enjoy accepting blame for our mistakes. You read "1st and 2nd Timothy" in category "Papers" In many cases to accept responsibility and and accountability is considered foolish. Paul thought it important that our church leaders devote themselves to such things. I, for one, believe that all of us are called to the ministry of proclaiming the Gospel. It is our responsibility as Christ followers to share the truth about who Jesus is with those around us. Certainly the presence of God can be experienced through nature and other visual stimuli, but something can be missing without a clear representation of the truth. 4 Knowing the truth is simply irreplaceable. 5 Just as God expects us to put forth this effort, Paul expected Timothy and Titus to abide by this principle and to teach it to their local congregations. We should take seriously the responsibility to present truth in our teaching and witnessing. CHURCH LEADERSHIP Deacons Deacons provide a ministry in the church that is associated with service of some kind. This service varies among theological and denominational customs. The word â€Å"deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning â€Å"servant. † Other uses of the word are diakonia, which means â€Å"service† and diakoneo, which means â€Å"to serve. †6 Broadened, it has come to mean any kind of service. Specifically we can find in scripture where these phrases were used applied to general service and spiritual service. Paul addresses the qualifications of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13: Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,  but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. He says first that deacons must be men of dignity. This stresses the importance of deacons to be men worthy of respect. This does not mean that they lead with a strong hand and enforce others to respect them. Instead, they are to live lives that bring honor to God. Thus, gaining them respect from others. Paul also says that deacons are not to be double-tongued. This means that they are to be self-controlled in speech. Any form of Gossip or slander should not be a part of his nature. Instead, he should speak out for righteous causes while being slow to anger. They also must not be deceitful. Deacons should not be addicted to much wine nor should the enter the position for what they can get out of it. Paul may have written this because of the pagan influence in first century world. He knew that every single deacon would be under the careful watch of non-Christians. It would be possible for a deacon to hurt his family and lose his witness if he was bondage to different excesses. Next, Paul writes that these men should hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. This means that they should hold a certain reverence for the soul purpose of service and honoring God. The Christian faith truly is mysterious. Sometimes people have to walk into situations where there are no clear certainties. Deacons must be confident and do with a genuine character. 7 Those wishing to be deacons must also be tested to see if they are beyond reproach. Just as Athletes wishing to be on Olympic teams have to prove themselves as disciplined competitors, so Paul believed that a person must have proven a spiritual maturity before serving as a deacon. 8 Attaining any spiritual maturity only comes from seeking to be more like Christ. Next, Paul writes that deacons are to be husbands of one wife, and good managers of the children and households. Though this verse is one of the most controversial of deacon qualifications, at least three things are clear. First, he must acknowledge and embrace the biblical emphasis on marriage and view of the home. Second, the deacon is to be devoted to only one wife. Third, there is a theme behind the passage that should remind the deacon of the absolute rejection of divorce. 9 Overall, Paul’s experience with young and growing churches taught him that deacons must be people with a strong spiritual character. Elders and Overseers Elders and Overseers share many of the same qualifications as deacons. Paul also lists their qualifications in 1 Timothy 3: It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable,hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity. but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?   and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Though Elders and Overseers are two distinct words, they seem to be used for the same role throughout scripture (Acts 20:17,28). â€Å"Elder† may be re served for someone who deserves the respect that someone of an older age would attain. â€Å"Overseer† may lean more towards the function of the person in that position. The qualifications that are mentioned here vary only slightly. Paul makes it a point to warn them to be free from the love of money. This may give evidence that elders were held responsible for financial matters within the church. In all matters they are to serve as unto the Lord. 10 Paul also says that elders and overseers are to be able to teach. This provides evidence that they were held responsible for teaching theology as well as doctrine in the church. Paul makes it a point to mention that elders and overseers are not to be new converts. New Christians can fall quickly to temptation and become prideful. They often hold on to their pride, while a more mature Christian has come to understand the importance of humility. Older leaders are more likely to have a servants mindset ingrained in their character. 11 These leaders have a unique role in that they oversee the affairs of the church body. One of these roles included protecting the church from false doctrine. Some of the false teaching during this time was sparked from gnosticism and Jewish speculation. There were a number of different variations to the gnostic doctrine, but the main emphasis claimed that gnostics acquired a knowledge normal believers did not have. Thus, Gnostics believed their faith was superior to others. It was the responsibility of all the church members to know the truth and speak out against it. That is why it is vitally important that elders spoke the truth against different forms of heresy. This type of leadership is a critical factor related to how well the church is doing in reaching the goal of spreading God’s word. 12 Women in leadership Paul makes it clear in the pastoral epistles that women play a key part in the church. They are vital in the raising and teaching of Children. He writes concerning them so that they will understand proper submission. He writes this in in the second chapter of 1 Timothy: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. First, Paul informs the women of the church to present themselves in a modest fashion. Paul, again new that non-christian eyes would be on believers. He did not want women to cause offense to anyone outside the Christian community. 13 Women He says that it is important they make a claim to Godliness. He then says that they should receive instruction submissively. This stresses the importance of male leadership in the church. Paul clearly points out that women are not to have any type of authority over other men. He reminds Timothy that Adam was created first, and then Eve. Paul stresses that women keep silent because it give a concrete and essential reason for the submission of women that is grounded in the creation story. 14 There are three major views when it comes to the role of women in the church. The first is total silence. There are surprisingly a large number of churches who practice this view. Second, is that they not teach Doctrine in the Assembly. Third, They may teach anything allowed by male overseers. The third view is what most churches use today. 15 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE CHURCH TODAY? Church’s today should strictly follow the biblical qualifications for deacons, elders, overseers, and women in the church. In light of a church’s specific situation, each church must decide what leadership roles will be as they seek to live out the biblical conception of that role. 16 Church’s today should seek to find men who can serve well. Men should be chosen only if they are well qualified and have developed skills in witnessing and other types of ministry. The most important qualities are found in those men who â€Å"hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience,† and are committed to serving other people. 17 The ability to work well with others should also be a key quality desired by churches looking for deacons or elders to serve. In today’s world, much of the work by the deacon involves a great deal of patience and understanding. 18 Church’s want to be able to trust that their deacons, and elders will exercise sound judgement in all matters concerning the well being of the assembly. It is clear that women were highly important to Jesus as well as Paul. There is no argument to be made that women are inferior to men. Jesus severed social and religious customs to show his high regard for women. 19 Women should strive to be excellent examples of Godliness in our church’s today. This is a very important role within our church’s. While they are not to exercise authority of men, they play a key role in teaching our children what it means to live godly lives. CONCLUSION Paul has outlined specific qualifications for the office of deacon, elder, and overseer as well as restrictions for women in regards to leadership. It is our job to strive for obeying these qualifications and restrictions in our own churches. Paul writes this in the fourth chapter of Ephesians: Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,   being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. It is God’s desire that we be unified. It his is intention for us to be moving as one unit towards one common goal. We need men who are faithful to serve in the role of deacon, elder and overseer to achieve this goal. BIBLIOGRAPHY Beausay, William II. The Leadership Genius of Jesus (Ancient Wisdom for Modern Business). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1197 Brindle, Wayne A. The Pastoral Epistles (Notes and Outlines). Liberty University School of Religion, 1996 Chartier, Jan. Developing Leadership in the Teaching Church. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press 1985 Dale, Robert D. Leadership for a Changing Church (Charting the Shape of the River). Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press 1998 Foshee, Howard B. The Ministry of the Deacon. Nashville, TN: Convention Press 1968 House, H. Wayne, The Role of Women in Ministry Today. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1990. Howe, E. Margaret. Women Church Leadership. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1982. Naylor, Robert E. The Baptist Deacon. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1955. Samra, Jim. The Gift of Church. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan 2010. Stendahl, Krister. The Bible and the role of Women. Stockholm: Fortress Press, 1966. ———————– 1] Wayne A. Brindle, â€Å"The Pastoral Epistles Notes and Outlines,† (Liberty University school of religion, 1996) [2] William Beausay, â€Å"The Leadership Genius of Jesus,† (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1197) [3] Ibid 4 Jim Samra, â€Å"The Gift of Church,† (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan 2010) 5 Ibid 6 Howard B Foshee, â€Å"The Ministry of the Deacon,† (Nashville, TN: Convention Press 1968) 7 Ibid 8 Ibid 9 Ibid 10 Robert D. Dale, â€Å"Leadership For a Changing Church,† (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press 1998) 11 Ibid 12 Jan Charter, â€Å"Developing Leadership in the teaching church,† (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press 1985) 13 E. Margaret Howe, â€Å"Women Church Leadership,† (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1982) 14 Krister Stendahl, â€Å"The Bible and the Role of Women,† (Stockholm: Fortress Press, 1966) 15 Wayne A. Brindle, â€Å"The Pastoral Epistles Notes and Outlines,† (Liberty University school of religion, 1996) 16 Robert E. Naylor, â€Å"The Baptist Deacon,† (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1955) 17 Howard B Foshee, â€Å"The Ministry of the Deacon,† (Nashville, TN: Convention Press 1968) 18 Ibid 19 H. Wayne House, â€Å"The Role of Women in Ministry Today,† (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1990) How to cite 1st and 2nd Timothy, Papers

A Symbol In Lord Of The Flies free essay sample

Essay, Research Paper The symbol of fire is used throughout the full book, Lord of the Flies. Although it is mentioned merely briefly throughout, the significance of these happenings has a strong consequence on the characters, book, and the reader. The writer, William Golding, uses the fire to demo the position of the people on the island. The fire is first mentioned in chapter three when Ralph decides that it is needed if they wish to of all time be rescued. It is once more reintroduced in chapter eight when Piggy suggests that it should be moved to the beach on which they are populating. Fire is subsequently mentioned in chapters 10s and eleven as the cardinal struggle in the book at that clip. This symbol is eventually mentioned in chapter 12 as it engulfs the full island. Golding uses fire as a symbol to stand for hope and commonsense. He besides uses the fire as a symbol from their absence from inevitable savageness. Fire is foremost introduced by Ralph as a agency to pass on with the exterior universe stating they need aid and necessitate to be rescued. He says? If a ship comes near the island they may non detect us. So we must do fume on top of the mountain. We must do a fire. ? He and Jack shortly come to the realisation that they have nil to illume the fire with ; immediately they notice that they can utilize Piggy? s spectacless. Piggy shortly becomes angry and is critical of how they use and maintain it. After Jack has agreed to maintaining the fire lit along with his choir male childs, he ascends to the mountain. One twenty-four hours while a ship is seen drifting by the fire is non illuminated. Ralph becomes really huffy at Jack even though he has caught a hog for nutrient. The fire is a gift signifier Piggy to the dwellers of the island. It represents the hope of being rescued. Subsequently in chapter 8, after Jack has seceded from Ralph? s folk, Piggy suggests that the fire should be moved to the beach. While the fire is being built many of Ralph? s followings leave to Jack? s folk. They build the fire by the bathing pool and visible radiation it when they are done. This shows Piggy? s commonsense because their was no point in holding to travel so far to maintain the fire lit. It besides helps to maintain Ralph? s head on something other than the bad things that have come of Jack and sezession. The Ralph represents the bathing pool because he is ever seeking to remain clean and the bathing pool is where people go to stay clean. The Piggy represents the fire because it was his gift to the island. Puting the fire next to the bathing pool represents the close bond between Ralph and Piggy. Again in chapter 10 fire is mentioned as the major struggle between Ralph and Jack. With their folk depleted, Ralph? s followings start to miss involvement in the fire and the hope of being rescued. One dark while Ralph? s folk is asleep Jack? s folk comes over and bargains Piggy? s spectacless and the power to do fire. Ralph and Piggy go to Jack and say that they would hold lief shared the fire with him, wholly he had to make was inquire. By stealing the power to do fire Ralph has lost the power to do logical determinations and the power to take. When Piggy says that he will portion the fire he truly believes that this fact will convey the two folks together and halt the warfare. This is proved false when Jack refuses to collaborate. The symbol of fire in this book shows the relationship of Ralph and Jack by the arrangement of the fire. It besides represented the hope of being rescued and every bit shortly as Jack gained ownership of it, all hope was lost for Ralph and his folk. The fire represented commonsense to Ralph all throughout the book and when he lost it he lost the ability to do logical determinations which would hold saved his life. This proves the point that the fire represents the position of the people on the island Bibliography Lord of the Fliess

The following description of the powers and proper Essays - Fiction

The following description of the powers and properties of various wand woods are taken from notes made, over a long career, by Mr Garrick Ollivander , widely considered the best wandmaker in the world. As will be seen, Mr Ollivander believes that wand wood has almost human powers of perception and preferences. Mr Ollivander introduces his notes on wand woods thus: Every single wand is unique and will depend for its character on the particular tree and magical creature from which it derives its materials. Moreover, each wand, from the moment it finds its ideal owner, will begin to learn from and teach its human partner. Therefore, the following must be seen as general notes on each of the wood types I like to work with best, and ought not to be taken to describe any individual wand. Only a minority of trees can produce wand quality wood (just as a minority of humans can produce magic). It takes years of experience to tell which ones have the gift, although the job is made easier if Bowtruckles are found nesting in the leaves, as they never inhabit mundane trees. The following notes on various wand woods should be regarded very much as a starting point, for this is the study of a lifetime, and I continue to learn with every wand I make and match. Acacia A very unusual wand wood, which I have found creates tricky wands that often refuse to produce magic for any but their owner, and also withhold their best effects from all but those most gifted. This sensitivity renders them difficult to place, and I keep only a small stock for those witches or wizards of sufficient subtlety, for acacia is not suited to what is commonly known as 'bangs-and-smells' magic. When well-matched, an acacia wand matches any for power, though it is often underrated due to the peculiarity of its temperament. Alder Alder is an unyielding wood, yet I have discovered that its ideal owner is not stubborn or obstinate, but often helpful, considerate and most likeable. Whereas most wand woods seek similarity in the characters of those they will best serve, alder is unusual in that it seems to desire a nature that is, if not precisely opposite to its own, then certainly of a markedly different type. When an alder wand is happily placed, it becomes a magnificent, loyal helpmate. Of all wand types, alder is best suited to non-verbal spell work, whence comes its reputation for being suitable only for the most advanced witches and wizards. Apple Applewood wands are not made in great numbers. They are powerful and best suited to an owner of high aims and ideals, as this wood mixes poorly with Dark magic. It is said that the possessor of an apple wand will be well-loved and long-lived, and I have often noticed that customers of great personal charm find their perfect match in an applewood wand. An unusual ability to converse with other magical beings in their native tongues is often found among apple wand owners, who include the celebrated author of Merpeople : A Comprehensive Guide to Their Language and Customs, Dylan Marwood . Ash The ash wand cleaves to its one true master and ought not to be passed on or gifted from the original owner, because it will lose power and skill. This tendency is extreme if the core is of unicorn. Old superstitions regarding wands rarely bear close examination, but I find that the old rhyme regarding rowan, chestnut, ash and hazel wands (rowan gossips, chestnut drones, ash is stubborn, hazel moans) contains a small nugget of truth. Those witches and wizards best suited to ash wands are not, in my experience, lightly swayed from their beliefs or purposes. However, the brash or over-confident witch or wizard, who often insists on trying wands of this prestigious wood, will be disappointed by its effects. The ideal owner may be stubborn, and will certainly be courageous, but never crass or arrogant. Aspen Wand-quality aspen wood is white and fine-grained, and highly prized by all wand-makers for its stylish resemblance to ivory and its usually outstanding charmwork . The proper owner of the aspen wand is

tokaimura nuclear accident essays

tokaimura nuclear accident essays To understand what happens in accidents you must first understand how reactors work. All nuclear accidents are unique and are not usually caused by the same problem some for example some are caused by equitment failure like in the Three Islands Plant in Pennsylvania, and some are caused by ignoring a simple test which was not administered correctly at Cherynobyl. Whatever the cause may be nuclear energy is still too cost effective to stop for a few accidents. Tokaimura is another accident which was caused by human error and is the focus of this research paper. Tokaimura is the worst nuclear accident ever to occur in Japan How does a nuclear reactor work you might say well a reactor produces and controls the release of energy from atoms, by splitting the atomic nuclei nuclear fission: fission is the splitting of one atom usually of uranium or plutonium to produce two smaller but equally massive parts. The fission process releases a large quantity of thermal energy as well as gamma rays and two or more free neutrons. These free neutrons fission other uranium nuclei which in turn give off neutrons that split still more nuclei this is called a chain reaction. In a nuclear power reactor the energy released is used to generate electricity which then in turn is spread to anyone who needs power. This is where Einsteins theory of relation comes in a little mass times the speed of light squared yields lots of energy. Now what went wrong at Tokaimura on the morning of September 30th 1999? This morning was a normal morning not unlike any other in the past three workers at the plant were finishing up purifying the uranium oxide they were processing to mke fuel rods the fast Japan Joyo research reactor. The three were working with a 18.8 percent pure concentration of uranium 235 instead of the normal 5 percent pure so they were unexpierienced with the higher concetrated ...

Ethical Arguments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ethical Arguments - Essay Example Organ trade basically involves the sale of the human inner organs like the heart, liver the kidneys and other vital organs for transplant. As of now, there is a worldwide shortage of organs that are available for transplant. Essentially, a lot of wealthy people who unfortunately require organ transplant are capable of paying any amount of money to have the treatments as long as they do not have to wait in line for donated organs. Conversely, a lot of poor people will gladly sell their organs to make a living. However, a large percentage belongs to those who die will waiting for organs due to shortage (Chia, 2009). The sale of these organs has three major implications: ethical, legal and financial implications. Although the sale has had loopholes in a number of issues, there is a need to look at some of the implications since they affect the international market in which we are a part of. ... This is because, thousands of patients die yearly due to shortage in supply of organs, while others undergo painful and pricey dialysis treatments. Consequently, consenting to a commercial market in organs is highly likely to reduce the needless deaths and sufferings that are present as it increases the supply of organs. Moreover, the cash payments will increase people’s enthusiasm to donate their body parts, as well as, contributing to the fall of the same prices and making them affordable to more patients. On the contrary, the opponents for the sale of human organs argue that, although the society may claim to have the obligation of preserving life and easing human suffering, this may not be fully applicable. In particular, they argue that the society in not in a position to assume any practices that would violate the rights of its members or cause injustices. Additionally, the society has the obligation to ensure that each of its members whether rich or poor has an equal ri ght to accessing medical benefits. The issues of having the rich buying organs from the poor appear to benefit the former as compared to the latter, hence inception of unequal allotment of health becomes unjust (Wilkinson, 2011). Needless to mention, individuals have the right to live their lives with much freedom and dignity. Wilkinson, 2011 argues that, the organ market would undoubtedly lead to abuse that entails the violation of freedom and dignity of persons. In essence, they say that such a scheme will give confidence to the most defenseless, who in this case happens to be the poor through treating hemselves and be treated as commodities, as well as, giving others the opportunity to violate their rights in

College Admission Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

College Admission - Essay Example In addition to Spanish, I would also like to learn languages such as German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Arabic. The reason why I am so interested in furthering my education at the Saint Louis University-Madrid Campus is that I plan to become a fully-licensed nurse practitioner in the future. My hard work ethic will hopefully help me to achieve my career goals; I have been working since I was 14. Currently, I am studying in conjunction with working as a bartender for almost 60 hours per week. Aside from this, I help an autistic child in the mornings. The reason why I feel so compelled to do this is that I love to help people of all ages and backgrounds; I am considering joining the Peace Corps. My hobbies include hiking, caving, and exploring. I do not feel in awe of new challenges because I see them as exciting and a chance for me to prove myself. I work best under pressure because I get a thrill of being able to overcome any obstacles that fall my way. I consider that learning is a life-long process, and is one that should not be taken lightly. There is never a time in our lives where we can claim to know it all. I prefer to be humble and open to anything that may improve my understanding about the world. My experiences with other cultures can help me to better understand how other groups of people think and

Consumer Buying Behaviour In Textile Retailing

Consumer Buying Behaviour In Textile Retailing Consumer behaviour is a complicated and diverse area of study. Since marketing is based on identifying, anticipating and providing customer needs it is important to understand them. There are two predominant types of buying: consumer buying, which consists of buying products for personal use, and organisational buying, which involves buying for organisational purposes. Consumer buying behaviour is defined as the buying behaviour of final consumers, individuals and households who purchase goods and services for personal consumption (Kotler et. al., 2001, pg. 858). Purpose of choosing this topic: For a marketer to satisfy customer needs efficiently and lucratively, understanding consumer behaviour is essential. Research into consumer behaviour allows the marketer to create target groups of people with common interests, values, beliefs and patterns of behaviour which will be discussed further in this proposal. Once a market segment has been identified, marketers can research the target market more thoroughly and the marketing mix, product, price, promotion and place can be adjusted to ensure the product position is correct. 2.0 Objective This dissertation will identify the main factors influencing consumer behaviour patterns, particularly in textile retailing. It will examine how buyer characteristics influence buyer behaviour and also how retailers react to such characteristics. In particular this proposal will look at the cultural factors, demographic factors and psychological factors that influence consumer buying. Also, it will investigate on different types of buying behaviour that helps to find how and why consumers make their purchase decisions. It is vital to note that the purchase of a particular product does not always derive the same type of decision making behaviour (East, 1997: 19). For example, an affluent businessman who enjoys collecting cars may not undergo complex buying behaviour as opposed to an average earning salesman who is buying a car for transportation purposes. 3.0 Method In order to achieve the objectives stated above, the research will utilise online survey and will consider the scope to which: Online community members share their views on buying; The sharing of pre-buying experience differs from the sharing of post-buying experience; Comments made by third party and direct contact through an online community affect buying pattern; Comments received on different company websites affect buying pattern. Also, the research will utilise online database: Mintel and Emerald, and published material: books, articles on newspaper, magazines, or journals. Feasibility There is no purpose at this stage to employ any company information for preparing the dissertation. The author wants to ensure if he needs permission from the online community to approach individuals to take part in the survey. Participants will be at liberty to withdraw from the survey at any moment of time. 5.0 To what extend the existing published material meets the proposal The dissertation intends to explore the knowledge of types and elements of buying behaviour that influence consumer buying behaviour such as cultural factors, demographic factors and psychological factors. This will significantly assist the marketers to invade the competitive market and come out with fruitful wings. Complex buying behaviour Dissonance-reducing buying behaviour Habitual buying behaviour Variety-seeking buying behaviourFigure A: High Involvement Low Involvement Significant differences between brands Few differences between brands Figure A shows the relationship between different types of consumer buying behaviour with the level of consumer involvement and the degrees of differences between brands. The level of involvement in a purchasing a product is related to the importance of the purchase, the risks involved and the type of cognitive processing that is generated (East, 1997: 19). It helps the marketer to keep a better hold on the competing market. Culture affects consumer behaviour in a variety of ways. It relates to customs and beliefs that are learned from the society in which an individual grows up. Aspects of our socio-culture, such as sub-culture, social class and reference groups play different roles in influencing consumers. A common pattern of behaviour can be observed within groups. Cultural change occurs at a very slow pace and can be seen to marketers as threats or opportunities. Cultural elements that influence consumer behaviour can also be said to be environmental influences. A reference group is one that the individual tends to use as the anchor point for evaluating his/her own beliefs and attitudes (American Marketing Association, 2004). Sub-culture plays an important part to marketers because of their influence on brands and types of product and services demanded by their members (Chisnall, 1975, p.98). Mintel (2003) reports that an emerging youth sub-culture, in which extreme sports is the focal point. He estimates that consumers spent  £4.5 billion on extreme sports goods in 2003, an increase of 29% on 1998. (See appendix 1, figure 3) Demographic elements (ref Fig.7 appendix.3) can significantly affect consumer behaviour. As an individuals stage of life progresses, so will the needs and wants of a product. To help marketers make a clearer distinction between demographic groups for market segmentation classification bases have been developed. A Classification of Residential Neighbourhoods (ACORN) is a popular geo-demographic technique used as a segmentation base. ACORN maps geographically the concentrations of a particular type of individual and can be useful for helping marketers decide upon store locations and targeting direct mailing (Beaumont, 1989). Lansing, J and Morgan, J (1955) have devised a popular and successful break down of the life cycle of families to successfully target a market. Each stage influences consumer behaviour in a different way (see table1 appendix2). Mintel (2001) reports that the greatest time of expenditure for women in the AB social grade are during the bachelor stage where 56% of women spent more than  £500 on clothes in a year. However, during the newly married couples, full nest 1 and full nest 2 periods the percentage of women that spends  £500 a year on clothes decreases to 35%. This percentage increases at the empty nest stage to 46%. (See appendix 3, figure 6) Psychological factors are related to perceptions, motivations, attitudes and personality of a consumer so it crucial to know how life patterns influence purchasing decisions. Psychographics are usually based on demographic information as well as ratings of consumers activities, interests and opinions (Williams, K, 1981, pg.91). Lifestyles and patterns have strong influences on consumer behaviour. Figure 7 (see appendix. 3) illustrates the main factors that form a lifestyle. Perception and motivation relates to an individuals interpretation of a product and company. Maslow recognises that people with intensive needs can be motivated to purchase the goods if identified properly (Lancaster, G, Massingham, L, and Ashford, R, 2002, pg. 80). With this, marketer can convey good brand awareness. The subject of personality is a very complicated area. There are many variables that reflect a comprehensive view of a personality. This makes it difficult for marketers to understand the link personality has with consumer behaviour (Williams, K, 1981, pg.133) 6.0 Timescale Milestone Task Due date Remarks 1 Stage 1: Area of interest identified 24 March 10 Completed 2 Stage 2: Specific topic selected 24 March 10 Completed 3 Stage 3: Topic refined to develop dissertation proposal 6 April 10 Completed 4 Stage 4: Proposal written and submitted 22 April 10 Completed 5 Stage 5: Collection of data and information 30 June 10 6 Stage 6: Analysis and interpretation of collected data 10 July 10 7 Stage 7: Writing up 31 July 10 8 Stage 8: Final draft prepared submission of dissertation 31 Aug 10 9 Final Deadline of dissertation 17 Sept 10 7.0 Bibliography American Marketing Association (2004). Dictionary of marketing terms: reference group Available from: http://www.marketingpower.com/live/mg_dictionary-view3860.php [Accessed: 2nd April 2010] American Marketing Association (2004). Whats hot whats not: Teens tastes in fashion change and change often? Teens also spend, and spend. Available from: http://www.intellisearchnow.com/mp_pwrpub_view.scml?ppa=7iempYZhklooprVSlj%216%3C%22bfej%5B%21 [Accessed: 2nd April 2010] Batista, E (2004). Wired News: What your clothes say about you. Available from: http://www.wired.com/news/wireless/0,1382,58006,00.html [Accessed: 2nd April 2010] Beaumont, J. R. (1989). An overview of market analysis: Who?, What?, Where? and Why? International Journal of Information Management Volume 9, Issue 1, Pages 51-62 Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VB4-45M2NCT-16_user=822084_coverDate=03%2F31%2F1989_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1303548251_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C000044499_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=822084md5=6b2bce837f0436807b24710842e5914a [Accessed: 3rd April 2010] Chisnall, P (1975). Marketing: a behavioural analysis. 1st edition. McGraw-Hill Book Company (UK) Limited. East, R. (1997). Consumer Behaviour: Advances and Applications in Marketing. Prentice Hall, London. Goldsmith, R (2002). Some Personality Traits of Frequent Clothing Buyers. Emerald, journal of consumer marketing, volume 6, number 3. Available from: http://oberon.emeraldinsight.com/vl=3977275/cl=13/nw=1/fm=html/rpsv/cw/mcb/13612026/v6n3/s6/p303 [Accessed: 3rd April 2010] Kotler et. al. (2001). Marketing. 5th Edition, Prentice Hall, Sydney. Lansing, J, and Morgan, J, (1955). Consumer Behaviour: Consumer finances over the life-cycle. 1st Edition. Clark, L.H., New York University Press. Lancaster, G, Massingham, L, and Ashford, R (2002). Essentials of Marketing: Understanding the Behaviour of Customers. 4th edition. McGraw-Hill Education. Mintel, (2001). Marketing to ABs UK June 2001. Available from: http://reports.mintel.com/sinatra/mintel/searchexec/fulltext=family+life-cycletype=reportsreport_titleresults=1000proximity=anywherevariants=trueorder=2/report/repcode=S192anchor=accessS192/doc/712626029repcode=S192#0 [Accessed: 2nd April 2010] Mintel, (2003). Extreme Sports UK November 2003 Available from: http://reports.mintel.com/sinatra/mintel/searchexec/fulltext=sub-culturetype=reportsreport_country=224report_titleresults=1000proximity=anywherevariants=trueorder=2/report/repcode=L439anchor=accessL439 [Accessed: 3rd April 2010] Moran, C (2004). Fashion Crime: hoodlums love their hooded tops The Times. Plummer, J (1974) The Concept and Application of Life Style Segmentation The Journal of Marketing. Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 33-37. American Marketing Association Williams, T (2002). Social Class Influences on Purchase Evaluation Criteria. Emerald, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Volume 19, Number 3. Available from: http://titania.emeraldinsight.com/vl=7203230/cl=70/nw=1/fm=html/rpsv/cw/mcb/07363761/v19n3/s5/p249 [Accessed: 3rd April 2010] 8.0 Appendices 8.1 Appendix 1 Figure 3: Consumer spending on extreme sports goods, 1998-2003 (Source: Sports Industry Research Centre/Sports Industries Federation/Mintel)  £m Index  £m at 1998 prices* Index 1998 3,470 100 3,470 100 1999 3,560 103 3,331 96 2000 4,107 118 3,227 93 2001 4,048 117 3,158 91 2002 4,319 124 3,088 89 2003 (est) 4,476 129 3,054 88 Figure 4: PDI, consumer expenditure and savings, 1998-2007 (Source: National Statistics 2002/Mintel) It demonstrates that between 1998 and 2003 while levels of disposable income have increased by 21%, consumer spending has increased by 22%. PDI at 1998 prices Index Consumer expenditure at 1998 prices Index Savings Index  £bn  £bn  £bn 1998 592.74 100 557.35 100 35.39 100 1999 614.50 104 582.90 105 32.80 93 2000 639.80 108 612.25 110 28.09 79 2001 676.08 114 638.52 115 40.02 113 2002 697.58 118 665.05 119 37.20 105 2003 (est) 715.02 121 681.01 122 56.52 160 2004 (fore) 732.18 124 697.36 125 62.86 178 2005 (proj) 749.02 126 715.49 128 68.16 193 2006 (proj) 768.50 130 734.09 132 73.86 209 2007 (proj) 787.71 133 753.91 135 76.75 217 8.1 Appendix 2 Figure 5: Socio-economic classification as defined by the National Readership Survey (Chisnall, P, 1975, pg.114). Social grade Social status Head of households occupation Approximate percentage of families A Upper middle class Higher managerial, administrative or professional 3 B Middle class Intermediate managerial, administrative or professional 10 C1 Lower middle class Supervisory or clerical and junior managerial, administrative or professional 24 C2 Skilled working class Skilled manual workers 30 D Working class Semi and unskilled manual workers 25 E Those at the lowest levels of subsistence State pensioners or widows (no other earner), casual or lowest-grade workers 8 Table 1: Life cycle stage (Lansing, J and Morgan, J, 1955) Stage Category 1 Bachelor stage young single people 2 Newly married couples young, no children 3 The full nest 1 young married couple with dependent children 4 The full nest 2 older married couples with dependent children 5 The empty nest older married couples with no children living with them 6 The solitary survivor older single people.