The Passover (Student Topic)

            In class, we celebrated the Jewish Feast of Passover; this is the same feast where our Lord Jesus Christ dedicated the bread and wine as his body and blood. Passover is celebrated to recognize the Exodus of the Jews from captivity in Egypt under the arm of Pharaoh. I will be discussing all of the representations of each item in the feast. The first item is a roasted shank bone (Zeroah): this represents the Paschal sacrifice made at the temple before it was destroyed. The second item is the bitter herbs (Maror): this symbolizes the bitter trials which the Israelites went through in captivity. The third item is the roasted egg (Beitzah): this symbolizes the Haggigah which is the festival sacrifice. This was always brought to the temple in Jerusalem except on Pesach when the lamb was used. The fourth item is the Charoset: this is a sweet mixture, symbolizing the mortar the Israelites used building for Pharaoh. The fifth item is the Parsley (Karpas): this represents the renewal of all life by God. There are also four cups of wine: one at Kiddush, one following the recital of Hallel, one after Grace, and one at the conclusion of Seder. These represent the promises of redemption (bring forth, deliverance, redemption, taking by God). The next item is the salt water; it stands to remember the tears shed in Egypt. Many also take it to remember the Red Sea. Then there is the three Matzot, representing the divisions of the Jews: Kohen, Levi, and Yisrael. This ceremony was ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ who is the Passover Lamb promised to Israel. By faith in him as the Messiah, a man can enter into the forgiveness of sins and a relationship with God and his Son, Jesus Christ.

Social Taboos as Conservation

In the article titled, "Social Taboos: 'Invisible' Systems of Local Resource Management & Biological Conservation," the authors discuss the existence of many different types of social taboos and how they act as conservation efforts, whether this is intentional or not. Essentially, in many different cultures, there are certain taboos—certain plants or animals that people in this culture avoid eating/killing/harming. The reasons that the taboos came about differ: it may be because of religion or politics, or it could be an effort to ensure a species does not go extinct. What the authors found is that, regardless of the reason, these social taboos can protect and conserve species on a local level. I found this really interesting, and it made me wonder if this type of system would lead to more successful conservation compared to government regulations. With a social taboo, there is a deeper understanding of why it exists, and why it is necessary. If local areas around the US could somehow adopt a taboo-type of cultural norm that protected nature from being completely destroyed or kept an endangered species from going extinct, I think it would be a lot more successful and have a lot more participation from people than a regulation that forces people to comply. This would be really difficult to implement, though, because there are many different subcultures across the country, or even in one region. People prioritize religion or personal values before thinking about what's best for nature. Pretty much all of the examples listed in the article are of small(er) groups and societies. Even though it would immensely help the conservation effort to have a social taboo on depleting natural resources, they can't be created out of thin air. Also, it would be tricky to implement a taboo across the differing values and priorities within each subculture.

Colding, Johan, and Carl Folke. "Social Taboos: 'Invisible' Systems of Local Resource Management and Biological Conservation." Ecological Applications, vol. 11, no. 2, 2001, pp. 584-600., www.jstor.org/stable/3060911.

Sunset Service at the Grand Canyon

During my family vacation at the Grand Canyon, we went to a sunset service on the south rim. The nondenominational service consisted of singing a few hymns, reading some scripture, and I think a short sermon. What I remember most (because this was 10 years ago) is the hymns. This is always my favorite part of any church service, but looking out at the Grand Canyon, while the sun was setting and creating beautiful light made is all the more memorable and touching. I don't know what it is about being in this awe-inspiring creation that can make a person feel closer to God. Maybe it's the lack or (or minimal) human interference because it's something He created as opposed to something we created. Even though I didn't know about his writings at the time, I can relate to John Muir's notion that being in nature can be a spiritual experience. And I full-heartedly agree that this is a big reason to have national parks and areas of nature where humans do not cause any kind of major disturbance.

Setting Boundaries

Assigned Readings (5)

The Ecology of Eden

We crave protection in any form we can acquire because humans are insecure creatures. People have an inborn need for walls or boundaries. We desire a border between our bodies and the world, such as clothes, which Eisenberg calls a “second skin.” This covering extends to our houses, yards, and cities. Even certain species of animals create homes for themselves like hives and nests. Some creatures prefer a safe surrounding rather than constantly facing the elements. One could argue that “all living systems need walls or boundaries of some kind” (pg. 103). Living beings are subject to injuries and sickness when completely exposed without any safe place to rest. We take this so far as to moderate other creatures through “our man-made or man-allied ecosystems are blanketing the planet, leaving only pockets of earlier forms.” We punish the forms of life we dislike.  We label the same plant a “weed” or “flower” based on our evaluation of its worth. Eisenberg writes “it is only at the height of civilization that almost all the wild things most people see are pests” (pg. 102). Humans quickly reached the top of the food chain and now where we stand we can decide if other organisms have value. We devalue creatures that we find dangerous or unsavory. Bugs, which carry diseases, are some of the most detested living beings on this planet.

Human Instinct

In chapter 1 of Ecology of Eden, Eisenberg states, "Humankind is a bacterium that was kept in check while the refrigerator was functioning, but took advantage of a power outage to run amok," (p. 7). This is a powerful comparison, but I am going to focus on the aspect of comparing humans to bacteria. Eisenberg compares humans to other natural beings continuously throughout this chapter. I can understand this comparison for early human history, before humans had a significant impact on the land (i.e. nomadic societies). But, after the point in human history when people created technology and really altered the land, can humans be compared to something like bacteria, which solely acts on instinct and has no conscience? I would argue that humans are not comparable to other species because we are more aware (or should be) of the impact human actions have on the land and the environment in general. Eisenberg uses language that implies humans are not fully aware of what they are doing while affecting the land. I believe this to be true; however, in recent years, people have had the knowledge of human influence on the environment and few have attempted to change society's ways. The comparison to other species who act solely on instinct is a fair one when referring to the past. I think that since humans now have the knowledge and awareness of the impact of our actions, we should use this intelligence to change our actions instead of continuing to act mainly on instinct.

National Parks Bucket List

Independent Topic (3)

Growing up, my parents were extremely adventurous, so whenever we had a free weekend we would visit National Parks on the west coast. If weather permitted, we were outside. There are photos of me as a toddler playing in a stream near Yosemite. Because of my upbringing in the outdoors, I have consistently viewed the National Parks in a positive light. About two years ago, I set the goal to visit every National Park during my lifetime. I do not count the parks I visited as a small child because I do not remember those trips. As a young adult, I reset the count at zero and began planning my trips. I saw the Grand Canyon as a freshman in high school. In October, I made a day trip to Shenandoah with some friends. Over winter break this year, I flew out to Las Vegas to start a road trip with my dad. We saw Death Valley, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef. Every time I arrive at a National Park, I hike part of it that way I get the full experience. I am completely content to continue spending my vacation time at these parks for the foreseeable future.

Grizzly Man

Independent Topic (2)

Grizzly Man (2005) was the first documentary I ever watched. Ten years later, it is still one of my favorite films and I have watched it at least a dozen times. It is the story of Timothy Treadwell, a bear activist who lived in the wild of Alaska for thirteen summer seasons. Treadwell would come in extremely close contact with the bears and other wild animals during this time. It is quite terrifying watching a non-professional interacting with a huge grizzly. Timothy asserted that he had an understanding and level of trust with the bears. He even gave them childish names such as “Mr. Chocolate” and “Rowdy the Bear.” In October 2003, Timothy and his girlfriend, Amie, were killed by a grizzly bear. Most people would say it was a miracle that he survived so long in that dangerous environment surrounded by deadly animals. Timothy always claimed he would rather die than kill a bear; he got his wish. I value a human life over the life of any animal. Two adults’ lives were ended because they were near grizzly bears. They should still be alive but due to their choice to go into the wilderness long-term, they are deceased. I love being outdoors but I also believe in healthy limitations. Timothy Treadwell set no limits on his encounters with bears and this was what killed him. He filmed some of the best footage of grizzly bears, but ultimately he paid for it with his life.