30 Posts

This post makes for my thirtieth post. Hurrah.

For some reason, I can't put my picture of an Arabian Sand Cat up here.

I am in Exploring Computers and I am REALLY bored.

Never mind I figured out the Sand Cat thing :)

Chapter 4/5 test - - The Great Awakening

The Great Awakening was a religious revival movement through the Colonies of New England in the 1730's and 1740's. The Great Awakening was set off by a loss of religious passion throughout the colonies. Religion had become just another thing to mark off the "to do list." In fact, an overwhelming majority of the colonists did not even belong to a religious sect. When the colonies were first established there was a huge feel for religious passion, because it ignited the first colonists' effort to establish New England, their means for working came from their religion. After the colonies had been established and people were living comfortable lives, there was no more need for that passion to pull to together and say, "Hey, lets a build a colony in the name of OUR God." Simply because that had already been done for them.

The Great Awakening was ignited by a couple of ministers in particular. Johnathan Edwards, and George Whitefield. Edwards and Whitefield would minister about the tragic turn the colonists were taking in their views on religion. They made it clear that unless the colonists wised up and worshiped, and for the right reasons, they would all be damned to hell. The Great Awakening caused colonists to look at their religious beliefs on a more personal level. It made colonists realize that religion is their own responsibility, and was between themselves and God.

With this new idea the colonists possessed about religion, and how it was religion was on a completely personal level, another new idea emerged. The idea of separation between Church and State. If religion was on a personal level, then why should the State tell the colonists what to worship? If there is a state church, many colonists would just attend church simply because it was almost like a duty to their colony. But, with religion being on a personal level and not being overrun by the State government, colonists could find their own religious beliefs and values. If colonists belonged to some religious sect that they truly felt in sync with, then the colonists would be more passionate about their religion. Their religion would be what they truly believed, not just what the State told them to believe. With colonists believing their true beliefs, they would feel more compelled to worship, and for the right reasons. A State Church just doesn't work because not every single colonist would feel passionate towards the beliefs of the State Church, and many people would worship halfheartedly, and that is the ideal The Great Awakening helped launch.

My Picture Perfect View of America

This is a picture of Alaska. Of course, America has a lot going for it in the government and urban life. But, if I'm going to visit a country it's going to be for the nature, something I can't see in America. This picture of Alaska is just absolutely beautiful. And, if I lived in a different country, I would come visit this spot before I ever stepped foot in New York or Chicago. Now, don't get me wrong, I would love to go see all those different foreign cities too, but, some place like this would be my first choice.

My Kittens!!

I got two kittens as an early 16th birthday present! Their names are Jack and Murphy!

Jack is the one on the right, and Murphy the left.

Song 15 -- We Didn't Start the Fire

This song was written in 1989-1990. This song is simply about all the events that happened in Billy Joel's life. It is about trends and events, or the fire, and about not being the cause of any it but going a long with it, or coping with it. This story is told in list form, actually it's not really a story, it's just a list. I liked this song! I mean, it's Billy Joel the piano man! I like the beat, and I think it's a fun way of listing historical events in chronological order. This song just tells about all the events that can happen in America in one's lifetime.

Song 14 -- The Hands That Built America

This song was written in 2001 by U2. This song discusses America's events. U2 is an Irish rock band, so not surprisingly, the song starts with the Irish famine and the migration from Ireland to America. This song highlights many events that made America what it is today, including September 11, 2001. The hands that built America refers to all the hard workers and the events that builds up to what America is now. I like this song, I like U2 in general. They're a great band, and they have wonderful messages behind all their songs. They play music for a purpose, and that is very clear in all their songs. This song tells about how all sorts of different people and events come together and build up to build a nation.

Song 13 -- The Times They Are A-Changin'

This song was written in 1963. Simply enough, it is about change in America. The change was referring to a wide range of things, from racism to poverty to social issues. It was an anthem for all those who wanted change and were willing and ready to accept it. This song was written almost as a prediction or just a statement of what was happening. I liked the point of this song, but not the song itself. I never was a fan of Dylan, but, I give him credit for this song, the meaning is there. This song tells of America's constant ever changing society. It highlighted the 60's and 70's when views on social issues were radically turning.