Saturday, December 28, 2019

Spectral Evidence and the Salem Witch Trials

Spectral evidence was admitted in the Salem Witch trials, but condemned by many before and after as legally invalid.  Most of the convictions and executions were grounded in the testimony of spectral evidence. Spectral evidence is evidence-based on visions and dreams of the actions of a witchs spirit or specter. Thus, spectral evidence is  testimony about what an accused persons spirit did, rather than actions of the accused person in the body. In the Salem witch trials, spectral evidence was used as evidence in the courts, especially in the early trials.  If a witness could testify to seeing the spirit of someone and could testify to interacting with that spirit, perhaps even bargaining with that spirit, that was considered evidence that the person possessed had consented to the possession and thus was responsible. Example In the case of Bridget Bishop, she claimed  I am innocent to a Witch. I know not what a Witch is. when confronted with accusatory testimony of her appearing as a specter to abuse victims. Several men testified that she had visited them, in spectral form, in bed at night.  She was convicted on June 2 and hanged on June 10. Opposition Opposition by the contemporary clergy to the use of spectral evidence does not mean the clergy did not believe that specters were real.  They believed, rather, that the devil could use specters to possess and get them to act against their own will. That Satan possessed a person was not evidence that the person had consented. Increase Mather and Cotton Mather Weigh In At the beginning of the Salem witch trials, the Rev. Increase Mather, co-minister in Boston with his son Cotton Mather, had been in England, attempting to persuade the king to appoint a new governor. When he returned, the accusations, official investigations, and jailings in Salem Village and nearby were well underway.   Urged by other Boston-area ministers, Increase Mather wrote against the use of  spectral evidence, in  Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits Personating Men, Witchcrafts, Infallible Proofs of Guilt in such as are accused with that Crime. He argued that innocent people were charged. He trusted the judges, though he argued they should not use spectral evidence in their decisions. At the same time, his son Cotton Mather wrote a book supporting the proceedings,  Wonders of the Invisible World.  Cotton Mathers book actually appeared first. Increase  Mather added an approving introduction to his son’s book. Cotton Mather was not among the ministers who signed Increase Mathers book approvingly. Rev. Cotton Mather argued for the use of spectral evidence if it was  not the only evidence; he disagreed with the idea  of others that the Devil could not make an innocent persons  spirit act without their consent.   Cotton Mathers book was likely seen by the author as a counterbalance to his fathers book, not in actual opposition. Wonders of the Invisible World,  because it accepted that the devil was plotting in New England, was read by many as supporting the court, and the warnings against spectral evidence went largely unheeded. Governor Phips Halts the Executions When some witnesses accused the wife of the newly-arrived Governor William Phips, Mary Phips, of witchcraft, citing spectral evidence, the governor stepped in and stopped the further expansion of the witch trials. He declared that spectral evidence was not admissible evidence. He ended the power of the Court of Oyer and Terminer  to convict, prohibited arrests, and, over time, released all still in prison and jail.

Friday, December 20, 2019

The Marriage Of Same Sex Marriage - 861 Words

Redefining Marriage Same sex marriage has been an ongoing debate for many years. Gay people and gay supporters believe that they should be treated equally to marry whoever they want because it is how they feel and people should be understanding of that. By being human they argue that it is their right to have equality. On the other hand, Christians believe that they should not have the right to marry the same sex because it is an attack on the church and degrades the traditional concept of marriage. Due to Christians not believing in same sex marriage, they worry that now it is legal that they will be forced to accept it and preachers and pastors will be forced to marry gay couples. There are many standing viewpoints on the matter and these two points of view say the most. Does same sex marriage effect religion or not? Traditionalist who are against gay marriage believe that the dignity of marriage is being compromised. James Heiser says that it is against religious teachings and that it weakens the traditional concept of marriage. They argue that the awe, wonder, and dignity of marriage needs to be recaptured and that this is an assault on the family. Traditionalists point out that â€Å"while the Obama administration’s decision to stop defending marriage as existing between one man and one woman indicates a break with its former policy on the issue, a closer analysis shows that President Obama has a long history of gay/lesbian activism, unconstitutionally usurpingShow MoreRelatedSame Sex Marriage And Marriage948 Words   |  4 PagesSame-sex marriage and same-sex parenting are comparatively new controversial topics in today’s world and its â€Å"mainstream† morality. I was not exposed to any homosexual â€Å"lifestyle† while growing up. I know that I am strongly t raditional in my theological views, nevertheless, I vigorously believe that traditional marriage and parenting are devotional commitments between a man and a woman. Therefore, same-sex marriage and parenting are to me, issues of a society with strong traditional cultural identitiesRead MoreThe Marriage Of Same Sex Marriage941 Words   |  4 Pagesyears, anxiety toward obviously pervasive same-sex unions reached a peak when the state passed a law promising punishment to anyone entering a same-sex marriage. Today, romantic love between same-sex couples remains largely opposed to the political norm in modern-day America, but American tradition provides for some freedom for praiseworthy and devoted same-sex unions within communities, where the elders officially decide what constitutes an acceptable marriage. The idea has precedence in ScandinaviaRead MoreSame Sex Marriage754 Words   |  4 Pages 11/8/06 Argument Essay Same-Sex Marriage: Not a Match for Society Marriage, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is â€Å"the legal relationship into which a man and a woman enter with purpose of making a home and raising a family† (358).Although most people in the United States, including myself, agree on that definition, there are a select few who do not. Some feel same-sex marriage should be legalized; I disagree! I disagree because of its effects on children, its unnaturalness, and its religious immoralityRead MoreSame Sex Marriage1418 Words   |  6 PagesGay Couples Should Have the Same Rights As Married Couples Professor PHI 210 June 6, 2013 Same-sex marriage is a topic that has become increasingly more debatable throughout time. America has been said to be the â€Å"land of the free,† but when it comes to homosexual couples, it is far from that. If same-sex marriage was legalized, many positive outcomes could emerge from it; the society would be closer to equality, adoption would increase, gained social support for families would developRead Moreno to same-sex marriage!894 Words   |  4 Pageseverything builds up. I Corinthians 10:23 Against Same Sex Marriage - The Six Point Case Each of these six points against same sex marriage will be explained in detail in the following articles. Click on each link for more explanation. Natural marriage is the foundation of a civilized society. Homosexual behavior is inherently destructive. The law is a great teacher, and it encourages or discourages behavior. Government-backed same-sex marriage would encourage and normalize homosexual behaviorRead MoreSame-Sex Marriage 962 Words   |  4 Pagescaucasian because of laws passing interracial marriages around the 20th century due to Loving V. Virginia (Melina Patria). By the 1960s, the women’s rights movement was in full motion switching male and female roles drastically(Human right’s watch). The home may have no longer been spacious and big with the stock market crash of 1929(First Member Century). Its 2013 and there may be another possible alteration; same sex marriage. Even though same sex marriage may be a sensitive issue with people, as aRead MoreSame Sex Marriage1152 Words   |  5 PagesBiological Sex-Marriage: â€Å"An Alteration to Humanity† Submitted by: Ellicia Jiona Candelaria Submitted to: Mrs. Joan Bataclan ABSTRACT Biological Sex-Marriage: â€Å"An Alteration to Humanity† This study describes the advantages and also the disadvantages of couples of the same sex being married. It aims to explore how it affects the society and most importantly the church. Same-sex marriage, popularly known as gay marriage, is a socially or legally reorganized wedlock between two persons of similarRead MoreSame Sex Marriage884 Words   |  4 PagesSame Sex Marriage Is the definition of marriage being threatened in the United States? President Bill Clinton signed the federal Defense of Marriage Act into law on September 21, 1996. This Act defined marriage at the federal level as between a man and a woman. The federal DOMA statute ensured that no state would be forced to recognize gay marriages performed in other states and prevented same-sex couples from receiving federal protections and benefits given to married heterosexual couples. OnRead MoreSame Sex Marriage990 Words   |  4 PagesSupporters of gay marriage argue around the concept of equality in America. Our country is said to be found on the principle that all men are created equal, so that make it hypocritical to deny the rights of homosexuals, as it was hypocritical to deny freedom to African Americans or to prohibit women s suffrage. Supporters also believe that Gays should be allows the same benefits as regular married couples. For instance, only through marriage do same sex couple s have the rights to their partnerRead MoreSame Sex Marriage1120 Words   |  5 PagesSame sex marriage has been a topic on the rise throughout the U.S. It is what some of us may consider one of the more important topics of discussion for this time period. So far 17 states out of 50 have declared same sex marriage legal (States, 2013). Same sex marriage should be legal throughout the U.S. because same sex couples have a civil right to get married, along with a right to have access to the same benefits as heterosexual couples, and to be treated as equals without fear of discrimination

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Drugs and the internet Essay Example For Students

Drugs and the internet Essay Drugs and the InternetSince the beginning of the twentieth century, ever generation has had its own personality; its own new fad to inspire a whole new group of children and young adults, and to drive the elders crazy. The twenties had the Charleston, the fifties sported huge neon blue and pink finned automobiles. The sixties invented the hippie craze, and the seventies inspired the world with the magically funkadelic sounds of disco. The eighties were unfortunate enough to grace us with glam rock, big hair, and pastels. Nearly any member of the youth of the nineties surely would say that one of the most influential developments this decade is the Internet. The Internet has given everyone, regardless of age, access to never before imagined volumes of knowledge. Undoubtedly, if someone had the time to search, they could find anything they needed. Pornography, car racing, multi-player games, chat rooms, and shopping malls are just a finite portion of the content of the Internet. While some content is certainly beneficial to today’s Internet society, a large portion condones, encourages, and develops negative contributions to everyday life. One such issue, the avocation of illegal drug use through websites, Usenet, email, and countless other media plagues our society, especially the impressionable youth. The encouragement of drug use, and avocation of different methods of drug use enhancement is certainly harmful to society; the real question at hand is whether the U.S. government, or any institution for that matter, has an ethical authority to censor, regulate, maintain, or altogether ban sites that advocate illegal drug use. We will write a custom essay on Drugs and the internet specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now With a simple search on the Netscape version of the Excite search engine, one can find a veritable gold mine of information on illegal drug use. Illegal drug use, in fact, seems to be the only major topic of interest in these searches. Take for example a search on â€Å"Marijuana†: 32700 links were returned on that search string alone, the top three all links to pro-marijuana use sites. One such site, High Times, has a magazine in publication as well. The content of these top three sites all tend to discuss the same issues: why drugs are good, why drugs should be legal, why we as a society should enjoy the benefits of using drugs, how to use drugs better, and how to maintain your health as you use drugs. Some websites actually sell drugs themselves, equipment to better use drugs, and drugs to make it look like a user does not really use drugs at all. While some people would instantly argue the existence of these obviously unethical knowledge bases, some Internet users would as k them to look deeper. After scrutinizing some illegal drug use sites, one might find content that is less than malevolent in society’s general eye. One can find any number of health risk warnings, as well as sections pertaining only to methods of protecting a user’s body while taking his or her drug of choice. One such site, www.Erowid.org/entheogens/x/x_health2.shtml, defines actual dose maximums in order to prevent people from overdosing. The site also discusses the negative affects of the drug, including what foods to eat and what vitamins to take to counteract harmful effects on the body. After browsing through them, this site and many others seem to be concerned more with drug use safety for those that have already decided to take the drug, rather than promoting use, sales, and distribution. Other sites seem to come straight out of the â€Å"hippie† generation of the sixties and seventies. Some sites are decorated with psychedelic images of love, peace and harmony, while others broadcast to the Internet community their love and joy of their personal drug use. One such site quotes: â€Å"Respecting yourself between trips learn to meditate and then practiceit regularly. Take care of yourself, get some exercise, get some sunshine,get out in nature. Dont have your whole life revolve around just trippingand raving. Pay close attention to yourself and the world around you. .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d , .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d .postImageUrl , .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d , .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d:hover , .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d:visited , .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d:active { border:0!important; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d:active , .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u400da1bec70fda85983a0af50ad70b9d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Nonverbal Communication And Body Language EssayRealize that what you see in life really depends on what you are lookingfor. Without any reason, do something good for yourself, a friend, astranger and some one you dont like. (try to keep it simple and personal🙂 )Physically touch and be touched by people. Smile a lot, laugh out loud.†This passage clearly shows a general attitude of warmth and caring for people in general, and urges those who do use illegal drugs to see the beauty of the world for itself. As some drug users take on the attitude that drugs come first in life, all else behind, it seems that the general attitude, at least in the Internet community, is to love your neighbor regardless of your drug orientations. This brings up a quizzical point- the existence of drug related sites on the Internet are an issue of free speech, as long as they refrain from the actual sale of illegal drugs. Clearly an opinion, in this country at least, is completely uncontrollable. Whether a website urges someone to use drugs, use drugs carefully, use drugs in some new, experimental manner, or not to use drugs at all is not the point; the point is that they maintain the right to do so. Regardless of the merits of free speech, some people may say that websites, emails, Usenet, and any othe r variety of Internet media condoning illegal drug use should be explicitly illegal. Some say that anything directly encouraging a dangerous treatment of the Human body, especially one directed, to an extent, towards minors, should be shut down in all media, Internet and beyond. These people fail to consider tobacco sales, television, candy, and countless other harmful, everyday, legal products. The very same people that disapprove of drug related media fail to point out the flaws of tobacco sales; first and second hand smoke can cause cancer, medical evidence proves. Ecstasy, a well known drug in the nineties dance craze, however, causes death in no more than 1 per 3 million people on average doses, as well as directly affected only its user, much unlike tobacco use. Parents watch and allow their children to watch television on a regular basis, sometimes in upward of five hours a day. Television fails to stimulate the brain, promotes laziness, and at times provides poor role models . Candy, a favorite for all ages, causes tooth decay, changes in metabolism, and in some children, can cause extreme hyperactivity. Candy, television, and tobacco sales are all condoned and used by adults, yet they all cause some sort of harmful effects on the body. Not only are they harmful, but in some way they all seem to be addictive as well, much like a drug. Clearly it has been established that society’s resistance towards illegal drug use is a selective case, removing any possibility of an argument for the prevention of advertisements for illegal drug use due to the possible harm they may cause. Beyond that, free speech is in charge. Every citizen of this country has the right to express what he or she thinks, including the right to encourage and promote a better experience with drug use. With the small exception of websites that actually sell illegal drug materials, websites promoting drug use are scribed into the right of every individual, whether he or she is compos ing or reading. The government, U.S. or otherwise, has no ethical basis whatsoever to restrict, ban, modify, or monitor any of these sites based on encouragement of illegal drug use alone.