Amusing Ourselves to Death

Neil Postman makes a simple distinction: the problem is not that society is being entertained, but that there is no realization that entertainment is engulfing every aspect of society.  This point shows how much America has been shaped by entertainment and television; we have been conformed and molded to the point where we don't even realize it's happening.  Postman readily admits that there is nothing wrong with being entertained.  The problem lies in the ignorance of society towards the cheapening of intellectual, religious, and rational activities by media entertainment. 

Neil Postman

One point that Postman reiterates from his book is the idea that we are becoming a nation consumed with the technology.  In Amusing Ourselves to Death, Postman talks about the cities that used to define us: New York City, Chicago, and Boston.  All these cities reflected moral values and hard work.  Today, however, we are best reprented by Las Vegas, a city consumed with entertainment and being amused, representing the major change in society's values.  Continuing the same idea in his speech, Postman calls us "pets" of technology; we are consumed with them.  No longer using them to benefit our hard work, they often use us.  We have become consumed by technology and using it in every aspect of life 

Postman also remains constant in his idea that society is becoming too superficial.  In his book, he discusses how how William Howard Taft was not taken as seriously because of his weight.  He was judged and discriminated against.  In the same way, society is now even more focused on the superficial with their obsession with cloning.  Trying to eliminate all flaws, cloning is being used incredibly superficially.

"Civility Not Censorship"

1.  Linda Chavez begins her column saying, "Civility in public discourse is important..." She uses these six words as a springboard to her argument: civility is necessary; empty, shallow, and bland discussion is not.  By beginning with these words, Chavez not only admits to the necessity of civility, but provides herself with an opportunity to present her argument.
2.  Fitting in with all the political metaphors based on wars, fighting, and aggression, bellicose speaks of one who is inclined or eager to fight, aggressively hostile, belligerent, or pugnacious.Chavez used the word "bellicose" to truly convey the types of metaphors being used.  By using an adjective in the same field as the metaphors being discussed, she is able to blend her writing with her argument.
3.  Chavez is trying to convince her readers that, while civility is very important, it is more important to express one's emotions and beliefs in a way that is true and accurate.  She best exemplifies this point when she says, "Does that mean we should ignore efforts by political figures or others to inflame passions by using hateful words? Of course not -- and that's what the efforts to bring civility to public discourse should be about...It would be a good thing if all of us, not just politicians and pundits, learned to think before we speak -- but being thoughtful doesn't mean we have to be bland."  In saying this, Chavez clearly states her beliefs that honest, powerful, and moving speech can be diplomatic and appropriate.

4.  I fully agree with Chavez' statement.  While it is very important to honor others' differences, it is even more important to express oneself truthfully and sincerely.

"Conserve, reuse, recycle."

Semrau's point is most clearly revealed when he said that we should "use what [we] have until it can no longer function."  In stating this, he sets the reader up for the rest of his narrative, which tells the story of his life and his future plans.  Semrau's deliberate withholding of information adds an unexpected twist to his story.  By not initially revealing the big picture, it changes the way the reader views Semrau's attendance of medical school.  The reader is given the impression that he is going to attend medical school as a student, making it appear that he plans to reuse his mind by venturing into a arduous new career field.  An unexpected twist comes, however, when the reader realizes that Semrau is actually attending medical school as a cadaver.  This twist gives the reader a whole new meaning to the word "reuse."  Instead of just reusing his mind, he is reusing his entire being "until it can no longer function."  He is a living example of his belief in reuse.  Semrau's method of writing is very effective because the reader is able to fully grasp how far Semrau is taking his beliefs in the necessity of reusing.

"Savior of the Nations, Come"

     The hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come" focuses on Christ's coming to Earth, both when he was born of the virgin Mary as a man and when he will come again as our Lord and Savior.  Luther states, "Marvel now, O heaven and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth."  Luther is in awe of Christ's humility and selflessness in leaving Heaven's glory to come to Earth, being born into the worst possible conditions.  He also writes of Christ's sinless life; his awe-inspiring miracles; and his conquering of sin, death, and the devil.  In addition to writing about Christ's birth and life on earth, Luther addresses the glory of heaven that awaits believers.  He claims, "Boundless shall Thy kingdom be... [and] Glorious is its light divine," expressing his anticipation of heaven's grandeur.

     To place emphasis on Christ's glory and purity, Luther frequently uses description, making Christ's righteous characteristics stand out.  In the 2nd stanza, Luther describes Jesus as "pure and fresh," giving the reader a visual representation of Christ.  Later on, he describes Christ's glory, saying "High the song of triumph swell."  The reader can picture the praise of Christ's righteousness growing and "swelling," as he returns to Earth. 

Sermon Diagnostic

1. Pastor Borghardt referenced Jesus 26 times in his sermon on the Saints. He used the verbs makes, slain, took on, saved, died, rose, reigns, does not push, came, and lives.

2. Pastor Borghardt and Jonathan Edwards preached contrasting sermons.  Although they shared a similar goal, converting unbelievers to Christianity, they differed when it came to the means they used to persuade their audience into conversion.  On one hand, Edwards focused on condemnation and the wrath of God, almost completely ignoring God's saving grace.  He hoped to make sinners obey Christ out of a fear of punishment.  On the other hand, Pastor Borghardt preached the gospel of Christ's death and resurrection as the payment for our sin.  He taught that sinners are saved by faith, not by works done out of fear. 

"Law banning items from rearview mirrors is being rethought"

1. This article discusses the new bill that will allow drivers to hang items from their rear view mirror.  Although many people never realized it was illegal, this bill will prevent them from possible ticketing.  The bill claims that hanging objects will be allowed as long as they don't obstruct the driver's vision, and police will have the ultimate decision of if the object is safe or not.
2. "The bill doesn't specify what size items must be before they are considered too big, and gives officers discretion to pull over drivers."  The lack of specific regulations on size make purely objective.  There is technically no legal or illegal size for objects hanging from the rear view mirror; it is solely based on the police officer's opinion.
3. I disagree with the ban.  Small objects, such as air fresheners and prayer beads, can not possible obstruct the view of the road.  They have no effect on a person's ability and are not hurting anyone.