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Jewish Traditions
1. I have encountered people from different backgrounds and some of the most significant symbols that I have encountered have to do with music and dance. I have related with people from other countries and I have found it interesting that they consider music and dance to be a major part of ministry. To them, engaging in such activities is a way of worship as well as a method of enticing others to join the church. The document highlights the importance of culture to people. I think that this is an important aspect to consider when relating to people in a spiritual way.
People hold on to their cultures for a reason. They do not want to abandon their practices if they do not clash with their religious beliefs. The church should be at the forefront in encouraging people to embrace religion. Religious leaders should be tolerant of other people’s cultures. They should not discourage practices without taking the time to know them and understand why people follow them. This is especially important as many societies become less homogenous. Nowadays, churches are composed of people from different nationalities and cultures. Therefore, the church should find ways of accommodating all the believers.
2. I do agree with the text concerning the importance of a person’s background when trying to understand the text. Moreover, I also think that it is true concerning the changes that people experience when they are reading texts. Initially, people begin with a vague idea concerning the meaning of the entire text when they read the first sections. This interpretation can be enhanced and confirmed as a person reads more of the text or it can be contradicted following the addition of more information. Despite this, I think that the part does contribute to making the whole.
A part of the text has significant information to warrant information. Thus, the choice of words used and how the writer chooses to phrase them is of great importance. Culture and other influences are important in the way that a person understands texts. In this case, someone who has no understanding or interest in cosmology may not use that as his or her first interpretation. He or she will use the knowledge he has acquired and the general idea he has formed concerning the text to interpret the information
3. David and Solomon had different leadership styles. The way they led was mostly influenced by the experiences they had had. Being in a position to experience what many people have is crucial in leadership. Solomon did not experience any problems as he had been brought up in a palace. He lacked the compassion and passion that his father had. Overworking the people as well as charging them high taxes can lead to revolt. Leaders should be concerned about the welfare pf the people they lead. They should show compassion and fairness in all areas.
Political leaders should ensure that people work under favorable conditions and they should advocate for better treatment of workers. Another issue raised is the differential treatment of the people even though they were of the same state. Solomon preferred Judah and the people knew this. His weaknesses in leadership led to the eventual breakup of the kingdom. There is a need for those in authority to consider the welfare of others. They should not discriminate against by one group by providing favors to the other, and then expect the people to be united. The church should be at the forefront in ensuring that it leads the people in the right direction.