Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Film - Essay Example However, in the later part, which is The Trip to Italy, the scenario is a bit different and these two men are again sent to Italy on a road trip to six different places starting from Pompei and ending at Capri, Amalfi Coast. Both Brydon and Coogan has started liking each other and their relationship has grew stronger. They travel across Italy in search of the finest food and beautiful scenery. the film also tells about the weak and crucial relationship of Coogan with his ex-wife and his teenage son. Coogan is now more accepting and happy then before. He is now accepting and forgiving Brydon’s enthusiastic and happy attitude. The film also offers strong humor as the duo imagines a scene from ‘Batman’ makes their voices as the character of Bane and others. In short, the film offers great fun and enthusiasm for the viewers. From some very fine and expensive foods from around Italy to the beautiful sceneries of Tuscany and Amalfi Coast, The Trip to Italy is a must watch. 52 Tuesday (2013) is family drama film directed by Sophie Hyde. The film begins when the sixteen years old Billie discovers that her mother’s gender transition. Bellie enjoys being with he mother a day back from school she discovers that her mother is now transited to a man and from now on called James. Bellie is asked to go to his father Tom. James, the transited mother promises Bellie that she will spend every Tuesday together. The film captures 52 consecutive Tuesdays and only Tuesdays to capture the year on the screen of this family. Bellie in the school gets attracted to a couple Josh and Jasmine and finds herself sexually drawn to the couple, on the other hand James begin with the testosterone shot and makes a sexual relation with his co worker Lisa and keeps this relationship secret from her daughter. After few weeks Bellie refuses to meet James, still have

Submit a critique of an ealy years research paper from a uk scholarly Essay

Submit a critique of an ealy years research paper from a uk scholarly journal - Essay Example child care costs, barriers to access, and feelings about child care of parents of preschool- and school-aged children specifically in the area under study which is the United Kingdom in 2007 (Kazimirski, Smith, Butt, Ireland and Lloyd, 2008, p.1). The analysis is undertaken through the focus on the different areas in the study presented such as the focus of the study, the methods used in data gathering, the results and organization of data and the analysis and conclusion. The study is based on the aim to determine the effectiveness of the childcare program in England since 1990 including the 1998 National Childcare Strategy. The results had been gathered through the 2007 Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents. These results can be summarized in different points (p.1) One of the points gathered is that there is a high percentage of family belonging to the population under study that undertaken childcare or early years provision (84%). Of the said percentage 65% had informal care which is relatively more common than the 54% which can be classified as formal care provision. Although there is an expected increase in the interest for take-up of formal and informal childcare, the result showed that it had failed to increase specifically on the people belonging to low income families, the lone parents and the ethnic minority groups (p.1). Other trends include childcare cost specifically the services of nannies and day nurseries which had been classified to be the most expensive in London and South East on the per hour basis. Although this is the case, the services of childcare providers are still sought specifically during school holidays and outside standard hours or days. The affordability became an increasing trend through the years as well as availability of providers (p.1). The results of the study had been achieved through survey research which can be considered as one of the important methods to gather first hand data. A total population of 7200

Globalisation , the World Economy and MNE's mini essay - 2

Globalisation , the World Economy and MNE's mini - Essay Example ges the expansion into the foreign markets, the following options have to be analyzed closely and critically: doing more, growth and expansion, increasing acquisitions and going global. Following the extensive research and the number of case studies done in RIM, this essay aims at understanding the effects with RIM decides to do more. Research and development play great role in ensuring that the needs of consumers are met in terms of consumer tastes, preferences, technological changes, and market trends as well as maintaining healthy competitions. RIM like any other organization has to have a team that carries out research to know what is new and to develop new enhancement to meet the requirements. RIM had already gained the success in its recruitment strategies, such as the local drive and the nationwide campus recruitment drives (Smith, 2005; Pg. 184). It majorly relies on professional networks and personal initiatives of employees who keep an ear on the ground in the name of finding new talents. Another option is to expand corporate programs to the many universities and colleges by maintaining frequent and intense graduate recruitment drives. RIM is a global renowned organization and it can use this advantage to form a scouting group that would move across all the continental markets recruiting the best talents. Canada being one of the most attractive countries to live in terms of standards of living and good economy among other benefits could attract the emerging developers from the RIM markets (Cavusgil, Knight, and Riesenberger, 2008; Pg. 122). Alternatively, RIM has posted many of its available job opportunities online in order to source for potential employees. The applications were received for positions advertised; this provided an opportunity to choose the best talents from over 800 applicants worldwide. RIM also has creative websites that do structured recruitment. The Research in Motion Company is still controlling everything at Waterloo (the

Global Business Context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Global Business Context - Essay Example This essay declare that principal macroeconomic variables and government policy instruments change in response to external factors over the course of a business. For example to curve the influx of imported items that will cut a big portion of the local industries’ customer base, the government can increase taxes of imports of certain types of imports. To combat inflation, the government can order the banks to release plenty of money into the economy. In order to make the factory workers happy, the state pass a law ordering all companies to increase the basic salary. This paper stresses that the Gross Domestic Product, the inflation rate and the unemployment rate are the three major, widely cited and watched macroeconomic variables of economic activity. And, gross domestic products will take into account all the production inside a country, independent of who, domestic or foreign, owns the production site. What is important is that the production takes place inside the territorial boundaries of the U.S. Most wages increase when business profits and prices of basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter increase. Shifts in labor market that can create unemployment or the reverse which is increased employment in some sectors of industry. The shifts in public policies affecting labor demand (such as minimum wage, worker safety, and even foreign trade legislation) can create shifts in the unemployment rate. ... And, gross domestic products will take into account all the production inside a country, independent of who, domestic or foreign, owns the production site. What is important is that the production takes place inside the territorial boundaries of the U.S.Also, most wages increase when business profits and prices of basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter increase. Shifts in labor market that can create unemployment or the reverse which is increased employment in some sectors of industry. Also, a few of these shifts are attributable changes in GDP are caused by changes in aggregate demand or aggregate supply, or both. Additionally, the shifts in public policies affecting labor demand (such as minimum wage, worker safety, and even foreign trade legislation) can create shifts in the unemployment rate.Further, increases in foreign currency exchange rates favor the exporter in times of increase but favor the buyer when prices of goods and commodities decrease. The unemployment ra te decreases when there is an increase in company profits. Unemployment rate had decreased to its lowest term from 17.2 percent in 1986. This according to the Northern Ireland Yearbook, 2005.Furthermore, inflation increases every year forcing business to increase the priceof its products. Inflation in an economy can be the result of an increase in aggregate demand that is not accompanied by an increase in aggregate supply. Clearly, this is known as demand-pull inflation. Further, a rise in any component of aggregate demand can produce demand-pull inflation. One reason for a sudden, unanticipated rise in aggregate demand can be an the unexpected rise in the supply of money. For

London millennium bridge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

London millennium bridge - Essay Example London Millennium Bridge London Millennium Bridge links the city of London with the Bankside. It’s 330m steel bridge over the river Thames and is 330m long. It’s the first bridge that was built across the Thames River in London since the opening of the Tower Bridge (1894). Another special feature about the bridge is that is the first pedestrian only bridge. The city is linked near the St Paul's Cathedral with the Tate Modern art gallery on the Bankside. The bridge officially opened on 10th June 2000 and was immediately closed after being open for 2 days as it swayed alarmingly. The movement was not expected to be so great and this led to a lot of criticism of the project. The extensive research took place on the design and the bridge was reopened again after modifications to the original design on 22 February 2002. Since, then it has not had any troubles and today is one of the major attractions of London attracting thousands of pedestrians and tourists every day. The M illennium Bridge is a simple concept which has been given shape via an extensive and complex design. Findings of the Review The review views the Bridge in 2 phases. First phase is before the reopening of the bridge in 2002 (after numerous modifications were made) and the second is after the reopening immediately after the opening and the 2 years that it was closed. The review terms the first phase as a complete failure due to the following reasons: It did not meet the criteria of a successful project It was not completed on time It overshot the initial budget The final product was not of the best quality and had to be redesigned Extra funds had to be raised in order to do the modifications The review terms the second phase as a success due to the following reasons: There is no wobbling and meets all the technical requirements It leaved up to the expectations It has contributed and generated revenue through tourism It has created jobs as it has opened up new business opportunities in the surrounding area Response to the Review Even though the findings of the review are accurate and based on quality research, it does not take into consideration all the factors into consideration before terming it as an initial failure. Yes the fact that the engineers failed to come up with a design that could have predicted the wobbling and make necessary modification cannot be ignored. But this kind pedestrian effect on the bridge was unpredictable. As there hadn’t been any previous recordings that had caused such major effects (Zasky, 2011). Also there are numerous other factors that need to be considered. Prior to this, there hadn’t been much literature on the lateral vibration of a bridge. Even though there were numerous instances where lateral vibration was observed, it was not given much attention and hence was not incorporated into bridge building codes (Newland, n.d.). Examples of other bridges that have registered lateral vibration are Auckland Harbour Roa d Bridge, Groves Suspension Bridge and Birmingham NEC Link Bridge. The research that has gone into finding a solution for the problem has lead to new literature on the topic and this will be used as benchmark for all the future projects. As mentioned above numerous other bridges, which are different in design and technology to that of London Millennium Bridge, that have vibrated due to the load of the crowd have come to light (Newland, 2003). Project manager of the Bridge said, â€Å"

The Psychological Effects of Ecological Disasters Essay Example for Free

The Psychological Effects of Ecological Disasters Essay The highly advanced technologies emerging nowadays bring many conveniences today that seemed impossible fifty years ago. Yet, such improvements and developments are expected to bear different consequences. Ecological disaster, although a natural phenomenon, is a consequence of man-made hazard. According to Kessler, Sonnega, Bromet, Hughes, and Nelson (1995), majority of the population have experienced â€Å"at least one traumatic event throughout their lifetime†. Although the frequency of traumatic events is high, many people, especially the adults, are able to survive from different forms of disaster and are likely to recover from any traumatic event. However, there are some who are unable to cope with the trauma from such events, such as the children who are prone to resilience. It is indeed a traumatic and stressful experience to be present in any occurrence of an accident, calamity, or a tragedy. Victims of disaster are likely to demonstrate some stress and emotional reactions such as grief, anger, fear, depression, anxiety, and somatization. Other victims of ecological disaster are observed to manifest behavioral expressions of stress which include changes in illness behavior, problems in role functioning at home and in work, troubles of substance abuse, and domestic violence. Moreover, people who are suffering from severe mental illness (SMI) are more prone to experience Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD (Bromet Dew, 1995; Havenaar et al. , 1997). One of the most severe and traumatic disasters occurred on April 26, 1986 was the explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which took place for almost 10 days. The explosion resulted in the enormous release of radioactive materials (e. g. iodine and caesium radionuclides) in the areas of Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Belarus. Such radioactive materials are known to cause thyroid cancer (The Chernobyl Forum, 2003-2005, p. 10). Approximately five million people living in Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia were contaminated with radionuclides. Most of them were emergency workers and on-site personnel including army, local police and fire services, and power plant staff. Some residents of the said areas were also affected. The disaster response actions of the authorities such as the evacuation of people from affected areas somehow reduced the health consequence of the radiation exposures. Aside from thyroid cancer which hit the affected population, there is a notable increased in psychological problems among the residents of affected areas. Such was the result of disturbance and trauma brought by the explosion. People experienced stress and anxiety because of the lack of information about the effects of such radiation and its consequences to social and economic security (The Chernobyl Forum, 2003-2005, p. 7). Until today, the concerned authorities are having difficulties in identifying and eliminating the psychological burden of the Chernobyl explosion. Meanwhile, many researches demonstrated that the occurrence of ecological disasters such as tragedy, terrorism event, traumatic accidents, and others could cause psychiatric disorders to human victims. Such disorders include depression, anxiety, somatization, ASD and PTSD. Accordingly, there are several factors that are believed to contribute to the cause of psychiatric disorder following the occurrence of ecological disaster. Some believe that the impact of psychological effects of disaster depends on the amount of information given to victims of traumatic events. Other researches identified that a victim with lower level of education is prone to experience psychiatric disorder after the occurrence of a disaster. In addition, people who experienced many negative events in life are more likely to manifest mental disorders brought by traumatic event. Meanwhile, other researches assert that people with positive and optimistic personalities are less vulnerable to psychiatric disorder. This research paper will delve into the psychological effects of ecological disasters and will highlight the various factors that affect victim’s psychological processing of Chernobyl explosion, particularly the residents of Former Soviet Union. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this quantitative study is to identify and explore the factors that affect the mental processing of the victims of Chernobyl explosion. Respondents for this study are the affected residents from Former Soviet Union. The analysis for this study will dwell on whether Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and resilience can be predicted using variables such as participant’s age, gender, distance from disaster site, educational level, fewer life stressors, positive personality traits, and empowerment from having more information about the disaster. Moreover, the researcher will attempt to identify those victims who are likely to experience psychiatric disorder after experiencing ecological disaster and those who are not prone to such psychological disorder. It will also attempt to enumerate the different ways and treatments which will be useful in preventing the psychological effects of ecological disaster. Statement of the Problem Generally, this research study aims to examine the factors that affect the psychological processing of the victims of ecological disaster, particularly the victims of Chernobyl disaster from Former Soviet Union. Specifically, this study aims to answer the following problems: 1. What are the possible psychological effects of ecological disasters? 2. Who are the victims of disaster that are likely to experience psychological disorder? 3. Who are the victims of disaster that are likely to cope from experiencing disaster thus overcoming traumatic and stressful obstacles? 4. How do other victims manage to overcome psychiatric disorder following the occurrence of disaster? 5. Why do other victims fail to overcome psychiatric disorder following a traumatic event? 6. What can be done to manage and prevent (if possible) the psychological effects of ecological disaster? 7. Who are the proper authorities responsible for addressing the psychological problems brought by the occurrence of ecological disasters? Hypotheses There are various factors that make the victims of ecological disasters more susceptible to psychological disorder, and these factors are the subject of hypothesis for this study. According to researches, the possibility for victims to develop a psychological disorder depends on the personality of the victims, level of education of the victims; amount of information given to victims of disaster; and quantity of negative events experienced by the victims. Based on the studies conducted by Aspinwall and Taylor (1992) and Scheier and Carver (1995), it was discovered that having a positive personality or being optimistic can contribute to the victims’ physical and psychological well-being. In addition, Scheier and Carver’s (1995) study reveals that optimistic people believe that they could overcome any adversity. Thus, instead of avoiding the obstacles and challenges, optimistic people use problem-solving skills to cope with difficulties (Scheier Carver, 1995). Furthermore, numerous research studies have found that dispositional optimism (positive reason for migration, American acculturation, mastered of English language, and overall life satisfaction) could also lessen the impact of stress to the experience of an individual (Ben-Zur, Rappaport, Ammar, Uretzky, 2000; Herman-Stahl Petersen, 1996; Aspinwall Taylor, 1992). People who have positive outlook are likely to use health care services following the experience of any traumatic disaster. Still, there are factors that contribute to positive personality of individual such as demographic and social aspect, attitudinal-belief, and other structural variables (Anderson Newman, 1973). The researcher assumes that people with negative view of life and are pessimist are prone to experience psychiatric disorder following the occurrence of a disaster. Meanwhile, results of the research studies conducted by Breslau et al. (1997), Kessler et al. (1995), and Kulka et al. (1991) demonstrated that people with lesser educational attainment are more likely to experience PTSD such that lesser educational attainment is correlated with increased level of PTSD. Yet, there are inconsistent results from the empirical literature regarding the psychological and mental health of elderly adults. Majority of the literature review indicated that older people have a greater risk for physical injury and monetary loss, and have fewer social support, which then suggest that elderly are more vulnerable to experience stress. Thus, this group is at a higher psychological risk of developing psychological disorder in the face of disaster (Krause, 1987; Phifer Norris, 1989). Therefore, the researcher presumes that people with high educational attainment and younger population are likely to be resilient to post disaster stress and trauma. Many research studies established that the individual’s perception of risk following a disaster can cause poor health effects which is either physical or mental illness (Kazakov, Demidchik, Astakhova ,1992; Baverstock, Egloff, Pinchera, Ruchti Williams, 1992; Moysich, Menezes, Michalek, 2002). Yet, not all individuals have the same perception on the impact of hazard as according to Lazarus and Folkman (1984), perception on risks varies differently from one another. However, the level of stress caused by any traumatic event to an individual depends on how he or she perceived the risk of a disaster. To elucidate, the amount of information available for the victims of disaster affects his or her perception of risk (Renn Rohrmann, 2000). It is important to note that risk messages enclose factual, value-related, inferential, and symbolic meanings (Havenaar, Cwikel Bromet, 2002). In the case of Chernobyl explosion, limited information about the consequences of the explosion was disseminated to affected residents. Thus, people who have little information following radiation disasters like Chernobyl are likely to experience PSTD. In addition, the perception of the exposure has a significant impact on women, especially women with young children. The researcher then presumes that people who are less informed about the possible effects of disaster such as women and children are likely to suffer from psychological disorder. Other researchers established that victims who are exposed to the most intense features of the disaster are likely to develop the most severe stress reaction and are likely to experience poor mental health outcomes (Weiss, Marmar, Metzler Ronfeldt, 1995; Goenjian et al. , 2000). The degree of exposure significantly affects mental health outcomes. Individuals who are often exposed to high levels of stress in their everyday lives have a higher risk of experiencing mental disorders. Thus, the researcher assumes that individuals who are furthest from disaster sites are more resilient. Rationale for the Study The incidence of exposure to disaster is more frequent than expected. According to result of the research study conducted by Kessler et al. (1995), majority of the population have experienced a minimum of a single traumatic phenomenon in their lifetime. Epidemiological studies conducted by different researchers and specialists have found that approximately, three quarters of the majority population in the U. S. has experienced a single traumatic phenomenon in their life (Green, 1994). To elucidate, approximately one billion people have been affected by natural disasters within the past 25 years (Weisaeth, 1995). Moreover, in a national morbidity survey, researchers found that 60. 7 percent of adult men and 51. 2 percent of adult women in the United States have been involved to at least one traumatic event or an ecological disaster (Kessler et al. , 1995). Meanwhile, in North America, an estimated 17 million people are prone to a natural disaster each year (Meichenbaum Fitzpatrick, 1993). Furthermore, in a meta-review of psychosocial consequences of disasters, it was found that approximately 11% of individuals are suffering from minimal impairments, 50% from moderate impairments, while 21% and 18% are experiencing severe and very severe impairments respectively (Norris, Friedman, Watson, 2002). With these data, we could affirm that disasters are common events or phenomena. Since majority of the population are prone to experience traumatic events such as accidents, tragedy and other ecological disaster, it is important that people have enough understanding and are knowledgeable about the possible psychological or mental health consequences caused by these traumatic events.

The Worth and Purpose of Humankind Defined Essay Example for Free

The Worth and Purpose of Humankind Defined Essay What is Imago Dei? Imago Dei is our worth and our purpose defined. What does it mean that humankind is created in the â€Å"image of God?† In what different ways have theologians defined this term, and what should we understand it to mean today? What difference does it make for those who look to the authority of God’s word, and what implications does this leave us with both now and for eternity? When looking for the definition of Imago Dei, one can look several places. First, one can look to the interpretations of Biblical scholars who have commit their time to studying scripture. Second, one can look for themselves all through the Bible for the definitions and contexts provided. Third, one can look to what the world believes or doesn’t believe about Imago Dei, as is evident in both the injustices and humanitarian efforts of our time. Lastly, one can look at their own life- at what they have experienced and how they have lived their lives and discover what they believe or don’t believe about being created in the image of God. Thus said, I shall begin by answering the question, â€Å"How have Bible Scholars defined Imago Dei?† Most scholars agree with a basic outline of Imago Dei as is found in scripture, but there are several different ways of understanding its context. Theologian Wayne Gruden defines the image of God as â€Å"The nature of man that he is like God and represents God† (Gruden 1244). In Creeds of Christendom, Biblical scholar Phillip Schaff (1819-1893) explains that being made in the image of God means that God intended for us to know him intimately and to be in a reconciled relationship with him. â€Å"Man was originally formed after the image of God. His†¨understanding was adorned with a true and saving knowledge of his†¨Creator, and of spiritual things; his heart and will were upright, all†¨his affections pure, and the whole Man was holy† (Schaff 521). Schaff also notes the importance of knowing God’s design and original plan for us before the f all of man. God intended for us to be just like Him- holy, pure, and righteous in his sight (Schaff 521). Scholars of The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology have defined the â€Å"image of God† as  a fundamental biblical doctrine, an image that is â€Å"sullied by sin and that [is] restored by divine salvation† (Elwell 545). Scholar Millard J. Erickson believes that it is critical to understand who God is and who we are to Him. He says, â€Å"The implications of the image of God should inspire us and set the parameters for our view of all humanity† (Erickson 170). Erickson believes that the image of God goes beyond the substantive, relational, and functional views and that one must draw conclusions from all of scripture. I agree with Erickson that one finds a concise definition of Imago Dei in God’s word. So then, what does scripture say about Imago Dei? After much study of the Bible, Scholar Millard Erickson has outlined the places in scripture where Imago Dei has been best defined and explained. The first is in Genesis 1:26-27: â€Å"Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.† This is recapitulated in Genesis 5:1: â€Å"When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.† Then in Genesis 9:6, we learn: â€Å"Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blod be shed; for God made man in his own image.† Here we see that being created in the image of God implies that we have great worth and our lives are valuable to God. From this verse, we also see that sinful human beings co ntinue to bear God’s image. In the New Testament, the learn about the image of God as we learn about Jesus. In James 3:9, we learn that God hates when we neglect to respect and honor each other, as those who bear God’s image. â€Å"With the tongue we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God.† Much of the New Testament also explains that we are conformed more and more into God’s image- we become more like Him through the process of salvation. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, â€Å"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.† Erickson explains that from searching scripture, Bible scholars and church leaders have come to accept one or more of three views on the Image of God- the substantive view, the relational view, or the  functional view. The substantive view states that humankind has many of the same qualities and characteristics as God. These include the physical, psychological and spiritual likeness of God. The relational view states that we understand what it means to be made in the image of God through knowing him in a personal relationship (Erickson 122). We also better understand who God is and who we are through hum an relationships, such as the love relationship between a husband and wife (Erickson 123). Even more so, we understand the image of God through knowing the person of Jesus- For Jesus is the very likeness of God, and we become more like God through knowing Christ. The functional view holds that we understand who God is and who we are through what we do. In our dominion over creation and in our being commissioned by Christ to make disciples, we do our best to learn about all that God has given us and to honor God with our lives. We learn about God by following Christ’s example and by living a life worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1). This is the basis of what scripture tells us about what it means to be made in the image of God. Does everyone have a basic understanding of Imago Dei, then? What does what is going on in the world today, and the way that most people treat each other reveal about what people believe about this subject? Let us look at both the good and bad social realities of our culture, and ask ourselves, â€Å"What does life look like for those who seek to understand and accept what God says about Imago Dei compared to what life looks like for those who do not know God?† The list of atrocities and injustices through time is endless. One does not have to look far to see the evil that has resulted from people rejecting God and oppressing one another. Slavery, war, greed, and oppression- an ocean of these disasters has swept through time, making every child ask â€Å"why?† and â€Å"how† could this be? Today, still, there are injustices to the human race that are hard to understand. In fact, people look everywhere for answers- to the media, to scholars, to historians, and to their leaders, but their search is in vain. Their hearts are left burning and throbbing. What then has led to the bullying of children, the gossip, and most frightening, the genocides that never cease to degrade the human race and leave us asking, â€Å"Why?† It is this: Man has rejected God and does not know who he is, and in turn, they do not know who  their Creator has intended them to be. The more I see of the world, the more I know I have been spared. In knowing who God is and who he says I am, I have been set free. I am free to forgive, free to love, free to honor, and free to value each person that God has made in â€Å"his own image.† Knowing that every person on earth has infinite worth in God’s sight, so much that he came to earth to die a criminal’s death on a cross for their sins, that they might trust Him and be reconciled to the Him who loves them and treasures them more than they could ever imagine- this changes everything. I have seen the difference that believing the truth about God and about me not only in my own life, but also in the lives all around me. That others â€Å"know we are Christians by our love† is true in not all, but many communities of believers. When I see love that doesn’t look for any in return I know that there is an understanding of Imago Dei. For the sake of the Nations and for the sake of the church, my prayer is that Imago Dei will continue to be understood and lived out, that all might know God and be reconciled to him. What is Imago Dei? Imago Dei is where humankind finds all of their worth. It is what drives our convictions and frees us to love, forgive, and value each other. Theologians explain that the image of God is often understood through the substantive view- that we are like God in having the same physical, mental and spiritual qualities and abilities that he has, the relational view- that we understand who God is and who we are through a relationship with Him and through our relationships with others, and the functional view- that we better understand what it means to be made in the image of God through our experiences and actions, in living our lives for Christ. What difference does it make to know who God is and who he says we are? All of the difference in the world- literally. Works Cited Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Book House, 1984. Print. Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994. Print. Erickson, Millard J, and L A. Hustad. Introducing Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2001. Print. Schaff, Philip. Bibliotheca Symbolica Ecclesiae Universalis: The Creeds of Christendom. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1966. Print.