Recent orders

The Gospel of Mathew

The Gospel of Mathew

Abstract

The Gospel of Mathew is the first book in the New Testament and it dates back to the second century a.d. The main content of this first Gospel is related to issues on Judaism. Furthermore, it has provided a commendable transition to the New Testament from the Old Testament.

Content Reaction

The Gospel of Mathew has quite a strong connection to the Old Testament. Mathew has effectively ensured that the teachings of Jesus mostly concerning Judaism are known. He insisted that prophesies in the Old Testament were fulfilled by Jesus. He also preached new laws in various sermons like the one he gave while up on a mountain. Jesus had to hide in Egypt in the same manner that Moses did in order to get away from a vengeful king (Mertzger & Ehrman, 2005). Also, Moses took forty years to deliver the Israelites while in the wilderness, and Jesus was in the wilderness for forty nights and days while being tempted. It is thus clear that there is a continuation of the Old Testament in the Gospel of Mathew through the actions of Jesus Christ (Kaiser & Garret, 2006).

Positive Reflection- There are three key themes that have been echoed in the various passages in the Gospel of Mathew. Firstly, it is about the faith people need to have in God and this against any worldly or visible rewards or results. Secondly, it is about having faith in God and the reward that people will receive if they follow God and become his servants. Thirdly, it is about the downplaying and general matters concerning the people who were against God and the value of God’s power. The Gospel of Mathew is a book that truly reflects the true nature of God and the plans that he has for mankind. Therefore, the book is relevant to people who want to have a future in Heaven if they follow God’s teachings (Kaiser & Garret, 2006).

Critical Reflection- The Gospel of Mathew can sometimes attract quite a number of criticisms, especially among people who are in doubt of Jesus’ miracles. Even some of the people who saw him performing miracles did not believe him, and others even thought that he got his powers from the devil. However, the miracles performed by Jesus were for the purpose of doing good and not evil (Kaiser & Garret, 2006). It means that the devil only uses his power to cause harm and not to benefit people. People who want to gain entry into ministry should be well informed about this gospel so as to remove any skepticism that people may have (Mertzger & Ehrman, 2005).

Personal Reflection- It is evident that Jesus had come to earth in order to let people know and see God’s power. He therefore went to many towns where he performed miracles and urged people to repent. In my opinion, I believe that people would not have believed Jesus if he claimed that he was the son of God without any proof. People tend to believe the words of people who can provide evidence for their claims and in this case it was through performing miracles. The journey of Jesus’ life is extremely interesting because it is about a man who was quite different from the ordinary man. There are not many people who can undergo the suffering that Jesus went through and still abide by their faith. Indeed, the Gospel of Mathew has a lot of valuable information regarding the life of Jesus and its importance to Christians.

References

Kaiser, W. & Garret, Duane. (2006). NIV Archeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk through Biblical History and Culture. New York: Zondervan.

Mertzger, B. & Ehrman, Bart. (2005). The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The Godfather Part 1

Name:

Instructor:

Task:

Date:

The Godfather Part 1

The Godfather part 1 attained a world status as an epic film that set the stage for other gangster-depiction films. The film centers on a prominent book that goes by a comparable name, which is The Godfather by Mario Puzo. It is among the utmost respected films of all times as it occupies the top 500 films of the Empire magazine annually. It has an indelible foundation in the world cinema as it set a new stage for the production and conception of films.

This film describes the feuds and wars that exist between five families in the organized crime sector of New York. The story has killings on both sides of the families as they violently settle their disputes. It also follows the development of Vito Corleone who is worried over handing his business empire to his sons.

There are vital unique aspects that herald this movie as an epic in the production and directing of movies. Every part of the plot struck a meaning to the intended process of the story. In close relation to this concept, there was a clear emphasis on the process, instead of the conclusion of the movie. In the concluding parts of the movie, it was discernible that no clear star character pointed the movie towards a particular direction. As the plot develops, it is notable that the meek and subtle Michael is developing into a fearless head of a large crime business empire.

The movie entailed proper graphics that affected the contexts and themes of the different scenes. As the movie opens up, it is discernible that the family occupies a serene and garden setting. There is depiction of warmth and familial love in light settings. However, the movie used intense and quick-changing effects in depicting murderous scenes. This was an intention of showcasing different sides, thoughts and emotions of characters as the movie progressed.

The color of the film is principal in setting the mood of different contexts. In the scenes that entail Vito sat as the don in his office, there was mild light that accorded the same a dangerous feel. However, there is enough light that humanized the godfather. The wedding provided the brightest scene in the form of brig costumes which influenced a joyous mood. The major part of the film grounds in dark and gruesome representation of the mob nature.

The key scenes employ graphics, colors and additional effects to portray Michael’s character development. At the restaurant, where Michael expresses a plan to kill Sollozzo and his counterpart, the camera shot projects in a menacing sense. The camera advances forward on Michael when he elucidates the plan to Sonny. It is notable that Michael does not create any eye contact with any person. Through his positioning in the chair, it is discernible that he professes power and authority. As the camera stops moving, Michael blurts that he would kill both Solozzo and his counterpart. This form of camera movement focuses the audience into Michael’s eyes. Since he possesses a monotone voce, his eyes embody the emotion. This is a turning point for Michael whose dark and cold nature effuses. At the killing of Sollozzo and McCluskey, the camera pans to express the intensity in Michael’s eyes. Additionally, complimentary sound effects occur in the form of a squealing train whose breaks’ noise intensifies the experience of the scene.

In the opening scene, the part thrives on the background of slow jazz soundtrack. This compliments the plain background, which connotes affluence, evil, and mystery. The white writing is a contrast that professes fear, death, and coldness. This expresses the control that the Don had on individuals around him. As the title vanishes, there is an appearance of a black screen, which adds suspense and mystery to the film. A male voice, in an Italian accent, slowly blurts that he believes in America. The camera focuses on a character that would mildly appear in the film again. As he maintains a close-up talk the camera, the camera zooms out as the character slowly tells of his daughter’s rape. This opens up the audience into the theme of the film; corruption and crime. The scene comprises darkness that only lights his collar. As the camera zooms out, it is revealed that the man is conversing to a different person, Al Pacino, who ironically begins to cry. The protagonist reveals a soft and caring side in spite of the dark appeal that the room gives. Ads the camera moves to accord a close-up of the two individuals conversing, it is discernible that they open the audience into the theme of conspiracies that dominate the movie.

Another notable scene is the baptism part that employs montage editing. The scene appears and reappears as it both depicts Michael’s nephew baptism and his henchmen killing the family’s enemies. The montage editing expresses the disparity in activities between murders and a clam religious ceremony.

In the death of Vito Corleone’s death’s scene, there are two characters that are present; Vito Corleone and his grandson, Anthony Corleone. This scene transpires in an orange garden where the retired Don is spending his last times with the grandson. This is a moving scene that two individuals, from two different generations, sharing their lives in a mutual sense. Througout the scene, it is observable that Vito is trying to enlighten his grandson about his Italian identity. This scene projects a different side in Vito’s character. Oranges are elements that may signify Vito’s birthplace, Sicily. When Vito attains the shot, Anthony runs and asks where he is. This is a demonstration of a query about the birthplace of Vito. Vito replies that the best place to live is the Shadow of orange trees where he dies. The director intentionally leaves the body lying on the ground while the camera disappears.

The theme of this movie centralizes between the character of Vito Corleone and Michael Corleone. Vito Corleone is a strong, rational and standard leader. While he is strong in his businesses, he is caring and soft to his family. However, emotions considerably control Michael as he strives after avenging the death of his father. While Vito is spending his life’s last minutes with his grandson, Michael is hatching a plan to kill the family’s enemies. Vito has a static character of a man of whom individuals fear but also need. He strives to keep peace with other families who had threatened and killed his son. Michael is, on the other hand, a dynamic character who switches his caring character to a ruthless individual. Michael conceals a dark side that surfaces in his murder for all the New York dons.

The Godfather is a robust story from the beginning of the plot to the end. It follows the character development and change of Michael, which serves to draw the audience’s attention. It also possesses a simple cinematography that is effectively visceral. The acting is sincere and realistic and this lends credibility to the portrayal of the crime families in the 1960’s.

The Goalkeeper Position

The Goalkeeper Position

Name

Course:

Tutor:

Department:

Date:

GOAL KEEPER POSITION

The goalkeeper position is a major position of football. The goalkeeper area is rectangular and extends sixteen point five meters on each side of the goalposts and sixteen point five meters to the front forming a rectangle colloquially known as the 18-yard box. It is the most dangerous area in the field since any handballs and fouls normally lead to straight red cards and penalties.

Being a goalkeeper demands a lot of responsibility, as it is a thrilling moment each time the opponents come attacking. It calls for quick reflexes since each mistake is equal to a score. I find it being the hardest position to play in the field and also as the most interesting position too. Each time I direct the ball away from the goal I feel very proud of myself. It is also a frustrating position since the biggest blame is on me each time the opponents score. I have learned skills from great legendary goalkeepers like Messing who confirms that goalkeeping is intensely psychological.

“For ninety minutes, you are on the precipice of anger and tranquility,” he says. “You have to be coiled and ready to strike, and at the same time have the serenity of a yogi.” He says that juxtaposition is the greatest mental challenge of every game (Schaap, 2010, p22)

With this mind, I always know that before each game I have a responsibility and role to achieve in the field

Playing in this position requires a flexible person not only physically but also mentally. I have learned many virtues that have made me be successful in the playground. First is co-ordination with the fellow teammates. Success in a team cannot be achieved on solo basis and therefore working together in the field is mandatory. Every sports-person has to be responsible. This sense of responsibility makes me work hard and give the team my best always. Playing with the other twenty-one players’ demands that you respect one another and by this harmony is achieved in the playground. Appreciating the fact that we are all different and with diverse capabilities has helped move along well with other players. I have my strategy of play always, and using this strategy, I have perfected my skills very well and earned consistency in the field. I have also learnt to be able to analyze situations very fast. Normally the goalie is always under pressure and the decision I make is always based in quickly analyzing the situation before deciding on how well to move the ball from the vicinity of the goal.

Being a goalkeeper has been my passion and ambition since childhood and playing in this position means a lot to me. When I wear my jersey and move to the field, I feel a winner for I have achieved part of dreams. I feel happy each time we play and emerge as winners. Nevertheless, winning and losing is part of football. I feel okay even after a loss but I train harder for the next game. Playing in this position has helped me cope with life situations. Football runs in my blood and I feel connected to the game when I play. Am always enthusiastic in my role of play and I feel responsible for the team’s success or failure. This has extended to my life out of the field and I have grown to be more responsible for everything am involved in.

Being a goalkeeper is interesting and it’s the place to be for me. It has been fantastic and I feel my qualities are utilized and I have proved the worth of being in that position over time.

References

Schaap, Rosie. (2010), Playing On the Edge: The Psychology of a Goalkeeper, New York. Riverhead Books.