Report on Religious Field Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Report on Religious Field Research - Essay Example By examining deeply and becoming aware of various religious practices of every religion may contribute to understanding and appreciation of each recognized beliefs and values. This is the purpose of this paper. This will also present a unique experience of attending personally one of the church’s services to actually see what is the strength of a certain religious group that holds each member tightly organized and unified in worship to God. Report on Religious Field Service: St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church Regardless of where we live, we can see the conspicuous effects of religion in the lives of millions of people. Since religion is about our relationship with God, our spirituality, what is more expected from us is the influence of our religious teachings in our personality, daily conduct, and with our relationship towards the people around us. However, religion with its various forms, created a society characterized with conflicts, battles and even wars, instead of a pe aceful society. We are all aware of the past, wherein some dominant religions in the world played a role in great wars that devastated mankind and caused untold suffering. This may be one major reason why some people refused to talk or discuss about religion. Or maybe, some may experience a heated argument if they discuss about their differences in their religious practices and beliefs. ... Additionally, interest on knowing about other religious beliefs may correct some misconceptions about them. Among the various groups of religion in the world, the dominant one is Christianity. About one quarter of the world’s population claim to be Christian, yet, divided into various sects. The prominent forms are Roman Catholic, the Orthodox Church, the Reformists or Protestants in its numerous sects such as Episcopalian, Lutheran, Calvinist, Baptist, Methodist and other churches. All of these churches consider themselves to be established respectable religion. I am interested to examine and know more about the St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church because on my opinion, as I have observed, its religious beliefs and practices are very similar with the Roman Catholic. So, why does this church has to separate itself and be recognized differently? So, I decided to attend one of its Sunday services to see the actual liturgical ceremony and practices. I believe this is one best wa y to correct any misconception about them. To my surprise, the church or cathedral itself is far different from the Roman Catholic Church. It is very colorful because instead of various relics and icons, the church is surrounded by hand-painted illustrations of various Jesus Christ’s image, his twelve apostles, angels and even images of Mary, all painted in the walls. All the paintings have relevant stories on the life of Jesus. According to one worshiper I asked, artworks in the wall contribute to a feeling of heavenly splendor while observing the liturgical ceremony, which is very solemn and serene. He also commented that the paintings in the walls constantly reminding him of the

Cocaine Abuse and Addiction--Part II. (cover story) Essay

Cocaine Abuse and Addiction--Part II. (cover story) - Essay Example The process of treatment is actually quite intricate, with several services being needed, particularly with the addicts exhibiting additional social and psychological disorders. However, the situation is not as disturbing as it seems. It has been found that only 10-15% of people who try cocaine ultimately become addicted, and even if they do, most break the habit successfully. Treatments of various kinds pertaining to the many psychological, social and neurochemical causes of the problem may work for different patients under different circumstances. Some of the drugs which have been under production to counter the addiction are fluoxetine, which prevents the reabsorption of serotonin; antipsychotic drugs and also naltrexone, which neutralizes the gratifying effects of heroin. Researchers have been attempting to develop a compound that blocks cocaine’s access to the dopamine receptor without affecting its function in the absence of cocaine. They have also been observing drugs which raise the level of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the effect of which is believed to diminish the conditioned response to cocaine related cues in animals. Drugs that affect only one or several of the many kinds of dopamine receptors are being scrutinized. Yet another strategy to treatment is an antibody, which breaks down cocaine in the blood, thereby acting like a vaccine. Despite these endeavors, none of these techniques have proved to be really successful in combating the addiction, except for the temporary relief of abstinence symptoms. The only realistic, feasible treatment for cocaine addiction has been the 12-step groups along with different forms of behavioral and psychological therapy. In the 12-step groups, people help themselves by helping others. They meditate, pray, admit their mistakes and beg for forgiveness, share their stories with others, discuss the 12 steps and in the process, learn how to live