Civil Marriage In Lebanon Politics Essay

Civil Marriage In Lebanon Politics Essay Civil marriage has lately become a controversial issue in Lebanon. The media has been publicizing it quite intensively. It has even become a political issue debatable by most parties on both side of the political divide. The concept of civil marriage has gained much territory in this country and has already reached a point of no return. As such it can no longer be neglected or forgotten. Nowadays, civil marriage is legalised in most countries. It should, in fact, be encouraged here in Lebanon for several reasons. First, civil marriage is a right for believers and non-believers alike who wish not to marry in any or under the auspices of the religious institutions. In the absence of civil marriage, both believers and non-believers have only one choice: getting married in religious institutions. Civil marriage does not exclude religious ceremonies; it complements them, if so desired. The crux of the matter here is the right of choice. Lebanon does not offer that choice yet. MP Ghassan Mokheiber is one of the few politicians who support civil marriage in Lebanon, it should be one of the basic rights for the Lebanese people (Mahdawi, March 19, 2010). There is, nevertheless, a bright side to this issue. Despite the fact that the Lebanese people are deprived of this right on their own territory, they are, however, not deprived from their countrys recognition of their right to have their civil marriages carried out abroad. So, a couple who engaged in a civil marriage abroad is entitled to have their marriage fully recognized in Lebanon. Upon its return to Lebanon, the couples marriage is both legitimate and legal. Civil Marriage 3 Second, civil marriage is a blessing for men and women from different religious backgrounds who wish to enter into mixed marriage. In fact, it is the best refuge for secular arrangements. The progress of the secular culture has forced a regression of the religious option. This transfer of authority away from religious onto civil jurisdiction means that the power of regulating peoples live now lie in the hands of elected appointed civil officials. The clergy, stripped of its formal authority to regulate peoples civil lives, can no longer influence peoples choices in a secular state. In a country where civil marriage is practiced, the presence of a civil official simply validates the marital bonds of a bride and a groom away from religious conventional practices and authority. It is then a strictly civil affair. A clear illustration is when Rafik, a Druze, and Jeanette, a Catholic, decide to get married in Cyprus. Irrespective of their faiths, they can be joined in matrimony in a country where civil marriage is common practice. Rafik and Jeanette would have encountered several obstacles if they were got married in Lebanon. The first obstacle is that when one member of the couple is obliged to change to the religion of the other member; it seems as a conflict between religions. Given the society in Lebanon, most likely Jeanette will be the one to change. Furthermore, Druzes are not allowed to marry from another faith. Normally, people are born Druze. So, from a Lebanese religious stance, a Druze marrying a Christian would not be possible. Besides, Jeanettes family cannot allow for her to marry into a community other than Christian. Things can become even more complicated knowing that both Jeanette and Rafik are irreligious. Hence, the only solution for Jeanette and Rafik is to get married in Cyprus Civil Marriage 4 before a civil official leaving all their religious troubles as well as their religion-driven social taboos and customs behind them. Upon their return to Lebanon, the Lebanese authorities will legalize their civil marriage. Their married civilian status will then be clearly indicated on all their civilian extracts (No Civil Marriages in Lebanon). Third, civil marriage in Lebanon is a major step toward reinforcing interreligious dialogue. It helps build one Lebanese identity, which, in turn, will lead to a successful and healthy melting pot. One very important political decision consistent with this objective was taken as late as the mid 1990s. It was decreed that the religious denominations on identity cards be banned. This was the only successful of several failed attempts since the 1950s to legalize civil marriage in Lebanon (CopperWiki). Opponents, however, have always had the upper hand probably they were more vocal and more powerful. Their source of power could be either due to their formal position or to their leadership capabilities. One such attempt took place in 1998 when President Elias Hrawi was very close from introducing civil marriage into the Lebanese system. At that time, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and some other ministers objected (Mahdawi, March 19, 2010). The reason why Hariri didnt accept to sign the bill was that Lebanon is not ready yet. Same as Hariri, and on the other end of the religious panorama, Lebanons Maronite Christian Patriarch, Cardinal Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, declared that civil marriage is not in the line with the teachings of the Church. He also added that Solidarity with Lebanons Muslim community is a need (Yeranian, May 6, 1998, p.7). These negative voices have appropriately sparked many bitter criticisms. How does he want to establish this solidarity if hes an opponent of civil marriage, in the time that civil marriage Civil Marriage 5 is almost the only solution to live that solidarity? In another trial in 2002, human rights activists re-shed the lights on civil marriage, but unfortunately, without any success (Ajami, August 3, 2007). Finally, the simplicity and the expediency of civil marriage are far more convenient than the traditional ones. One blessing is not to worry about any delays or religious constraints. The presence of a civil official or a judge to join the couple is the only requirement. It is a practical arrangement for couples-to-be. A civil wedding ceremony may be arranged much faster than that of a traditional wedding. Moreover, civil ceremonies tend to be a favorite option given  the budget-conscious couples.  In fact, thousands of singles go through the civil marriage never to regret it. For the Lebanese, Cyprus is Las Vegas. Not for gambling, but à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ for marriage. While Las Vegas is the destination of choice for Americans looking to get married quickly, for the 400 Lebanese couples who travel to Cyprus every years seeking civil marriages, the decision is more calculated, (Luca, August 26, 2009). Besides, it is a most convenient half-an hour away refuge from Lebanon. In Cyprus, an average wedding costs less than $1,000; this sum represents 1% compared to the cost of a marriage that often reached thousands and thousands of dollars in Lebanon (Ajami, August 27, 2007). Civil marriage turns to be some kind of business where there are big financial profits. The famous slogan of Cyprus civil marriage is Just say I doà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ well do the rest.   The rest costs between $1,200 and $1,900. (Luca, August 26, 2009). Civil Marriage 6 Civil Marriage is just one chapter under the much bigger umbrella of civil society reforms that Lebanon needs to undergo badly. Other related problems that need to be addressed with equal urgency and importance include gender equality, child custody and divorce, which are all very closely related. Together with civil marriage, as and when updated, they compose the base for civil society. The current society relies on a complicated mix of religion. The first step towards modernization of our society should be its deconfessionalization. Religious leaders should be told to restrict their role to spiritual business specifically. Once our society turns secular, then other social issues, including civil marriage, would be addressed much more effectively. It is clear now that all the good and valid causes and benefits are there for as an immediate implementation of civil marriage regulations as possible. There is quite a dichotomy in the present situation: Civil marriage isnt allow in Leban on; while it is recognized if perform elsewhere. To many Lebanese the solution is very simple and could satisfy both sides: make of civil marriage a choice for interested couple (Mattar Law). The key to this solution is politicians, taking a courageous decision to launch the appropriate and serious workshop toward the implementation of civil marriages in Lebanon. The quicker such a decision, the quicker the solution. But, will it ever occur? And if so, how soon? Civil Marriage 7

The Farewell Sermon of Muhammad :: Islam Religion Essays

The "Farewell Sermon" of Muhammad The apostle continued his pilgrimage and showed the men the rites and taught them the customs of their hajj. He made a speech in which he made things clear. He praised and glorified God, then he said: "O men, listen to my words. I do not know whether I shall ever meet you in this place again after this year. Your blood and your property are sacrosanct until you meet your Lord, as this day and this month are holy. You will surely meet your Lord and He will ask you of your works. I have told you. He who has a pledge let him return it to him who entrusted him with it; all usury is abolished, but you have your capital. Wrong not and you shall not be wronged. God has decreed that there is to be no usury and the usury of `Abbà ¢s b. `Abd al Muttalib is abolished, all of it. All blood shed in the pagan period is to be left unavenged. The first claim on blood I abolish is that of Ibn Rabà ®`a b. al Hà ¢rith b. `Abd al Muttalib (who was fostered among the Banà » Layth and whom Hudhayl killed.) It is the first blood shed in the pagan period which I deal with. Satan despairs of ever being worshiped in your land, but if he can be obeyed in anything short of worship he will be pleased in m atters you may be disposed to think of little account, so beware of him in your religion. "Postponement of a sacred month is only an excess of disbelief whereby those who disbelieve are misled; they allow it one year and forbid it another year that they may make up the number of the months which God has hallowed, so that they permit what God has forbidden, and forbid what God has allowed." [Koran 9:37] Time has completed its cycle and is as it was on the day that God created the heavens and the earth. The number of months with God is twelve; four of them are sacred, three consecutive and the Rajab of Mudar, which is between Jumà ¢dà ¢ and Sha`bà ¢n. You have rights over your wives and they have rights over you. You have the right that they should not defile your bed and that the should not behave with open unseemliness. If they do, God allows you to put them in separate rooms and to beat them but not with severity.

Analysis of Rosemary’s Baby and Religious Faith

Is God Dead? Rosemary’s baby written by Ira Levin is a masterpiece of modern day horror that emphasizes the importance of religion. Rosemary, Guy Woodhouse’s wife and a young soon to be mother was raised by a strict religious catholic family. As she supposedly became agnostic towards her catholic faith, she left behind her an angry, suspicious father, a silent mother and four resenting brothers and sisters (Levin, 24). Throughout the novel we learn that Rosemary has re-embraced her religious beliefs and has never truly abandoned them.The author is also depicting a crisis of faith in the modern era explaining how there is a growing decline in religious belief in the 60’s. Rosemary regrets doubting and turning away from her religious beliefs after she discovers that pure Satanic evil does exist, and is residing next door. She re-embraces her religious beliefs as she utters a prayer â€Å"Oh Father in heaven, forgive me for doubting! Oh Jesus help me save my innoce nt baby† (287). This reveals how she seeks forgiveness of ever doubting gods existence and the power of religion itself.She is not only seeking forgiveness, but help for her baby. She realises that becoming agnostic and leaving her faith behind has allowed the devil to enter a doorway in her life. She re-embraces religion because it is her last hope since Guy, Doctor Sapirstein, the Castevets have all terribly deceived her: â€Å"All of them, they were all in it together. All of them witches† (257). This betrayal caused her to search for hope and to reconcile her inner conflict she had with her own faith. Moreover, as Rosemary is giving birth she apologizes to her baby â€Å"I’m sorry, my little darling!Forgive me! † (272). She is apologizing for being too late and for failing to protect her new born from the evil that surrounds her. Rosemary knows that if she had not put aside the importance of her catholic faith, this would not be happening. She then ask s the child for forgiveness because she feels that it is her fault. This foreshadows how she wants to accord importance once again to her religion. She feels that she could be forgiven if she became a true catholic again. At this moment she would do anything to save her child from â€Å"those witches†.Furthermore, Rosemary sees her helpless baby in a monstrous bassinet in the hands of the evil Satanists. She then proves re-embracement of her religious faith as she avoids collapsing and crying. Instead, â€Å"she shut her eyes tight to stop the tears and said a quick Hail Mary† (293). Even after all she has just been through, she still takes time to say a prayer. This demonstrates how she still has hope and faith. Additionally, not only does Rosemary go through evolution by re-embracing religion; she has also never abandoned her beliefs.When asked by the Castavets if she is religious, Rosemary's response is flustered and confused: â€Å"No, no not at all, I was brought up to be but now I am agnostic† (76). As Mrs. Castevet wanted more details about how she truly felt about the Pope and religion, Rosemary answers: â€Å"Well he is the Pope; I’ve been conditioned to have respect for him and still do† (77). This demonstrates that even though she does not think of him has holy anymore, she still has respect for him. This proves that the way her family raised her impacts her view on the Pope regardless if she is religious or not.As the Pope is visiting New York, Rosemary takes time to watch his appearance on television and to listen to his speeches. She mentions that the Pope’s speech at the UN â€Å"moved her† (102). Which reveals once again that he is important for her and that she respects him. As well, Rosemary receives a phone call from her sister Margaret and reveals an important declaration: â€Å"Religion doesn’t mean as much to me now as it did back home† (104). This reveals to us how religion r emains meaningful to her even though it is not as important as it used to be. As Rosemary wavers in her own beliefs, she does not abandon them.Furthermore, in Rosemary’s dream we perceive how she is in conflict with the beliefs towards religion and her agnostic point of view. She dreams of a church burning on fire and of catholic prejudices (113). Her unconscious reveals how her loss in interest with the catholic faith troubles her. In the dream, the Pope is also there with a suitcase and she asks him for forgiveness (116). This foreshadows how she wishes the Pope would forgive her for ever doubting the religion and how she seeks acceptance from him and her family. Lastly, the author is aiming to depict a crisis of faith in contemporary society.This is seen when Rosemary picks up a copy of Time magazine that was right next to her. â€Å"Is God dead†? It asked in red letters on a black background (255). This reveals how the society is doubting the existence of god. It a lso expresses the need for society to recognize that it is behaving as if God were no longer active in the world. The fact that the author took the time to mention this specific magazine foreshadows how Rosemary is not the only one doubting existence of god. As well, when Rosemary see’s the cover of the magazine she looks for the index right away and turned to the show business section (255).She did not read it because at that moment the existence of God did not mean much to her. This reveals how the God of the Christian past no longer served a function. For instance, the â€Å"Bramford† is a perfect example. Its morbid history of cannibalism and Satanism, infanticide and suicide, becomes reason for the growing decline of religious belief (26). Society is asking â€Å"If God does truly exist, how could he let these things occur? † 1,001 Words WORKS CITED Levin, Ira. Rosemary’s Baby. New York: New American Library, 1967. Print.

Modern times Essay

Janie Crawford, a free spirited individual, is the main character in the book â€Å"Their Eye’s Were Watching God† which was written by Zora Neale Hurston. It should also be noted that Hurston was an anthropologist because of the book’s historically accurate perception of the expectations black women lived up to during that time. The story unfolds around Janie’s life and how she fought against the male oppression she endured in her two marriages all the while trying to define herself as her own person. This oppression she endured with her marriages shows the influences and ideas that men had over women during that time period. If someone was to look at this novel in the perspective of an anthropologist you would have to say that it is a fictional novel with historical merit of how life was for women in the South during the 1920’s. The story scenes centers on a town and its citizens that was created as a black community. Not only was there oppression but also exploitation that Janie had to endure. In her first marriage to Killicks this was shown when he intended to put his wife in the field working the plows. Janie is powerless and without free will. â€Å"Ain’t got no particular place. It’s wherever† (31), Killicks claims. Killicks always was able to shut her up when he felt she was trying to assert herself. A good example was when he used derogatory threats against her family when she tried to talk about their marriage while shoveling manure. Then when the scorn wasn’t enough to keep her quiet the threat of physical violence began to be used. â€Å"Don’t you change too many words wid me dis mawnin’, Janie, do Ah’ll take and change ends wid yuh†¦Ah’ll take holt uh dat ax and come in dere and kill yuh! † (31). Joe Starks, her second husband, also exploited Janie by working her in his store. He seemed to silence her voice all too often. There were many times he would point out that she was just a trophy wife of someone in authority. Janie seems to be bothered by the high stool that Joe insists she sit on and when I first read that part I envisioned a child being punished. For this marriage silence is golden, on the part of the wife. The first time Joe quieted her, Janie said it left her feeling cold. When he refused to allow her to speak at his election for mayor she felt that it took, â€Å"the bloom off of things†. At the elections Tony Taylor wanted Janie to speak, â€Å"uh few words uh encouragement from Mrs. Mayor Starks,† that is when Joe takes the floor and says, â€Å"mah wife don’t know nothin’ ‘bout no speech makin’. Ah never married her for nothin’ lak dat. She’s un woman and her place is in de home† (42). A belief that held true for sometime even in today’s world. It was interesting that Stark used verbal cues to make Janie shut up and be obedience using her looks or intelligence as tools for his oppression. If you were to ask any battered woman today they too would say how insults and put downs helped in breaking their self esteem in order for their oppressor to gain control. In Janie’s first marriage violence was always just a threat; in her marriage to Stark it became real. Stark beat her over a poorly cooked dinner once (68) and for insulting his sexual abilities he struck â€Å"Janie with all his might† driving â€Å"her from the store† (77). Killicks on his last day with Janie threatens to kill her, Stark when bedridden and helpless wishes â€Å"thunder and lightnin’ would kill her! † (83). Violence goes hand and hand with oppression and exploitation. The threat of violence physical or verbal has consequences that follow the victim throughout their lives. Janie was basically just property in the eyes of her men. To do whatever their bidding and was often thought of as no better than a mule. There was one part of the book where it talked of a man that did not like to beat his wife because he felt it was just like stepping on baby chicks. He used empathy instead of moral rights as to why men shouldn’t beat their women. Are women thought of as just baby chicks or mules? The answer is yes and still can be applied in modern times.

Il Faut Laisser Maisons essays

Il Faut Laisser Maisons essays Analysis of Il Faut Laisser Maisons... Il Faut Laisser Maisons... is a poem written by Pierre Ronsard and published in the book Derniers vers de Pierre de Ronsard in 1586. This poems central idea is that the spirit is more important than the body, because the spirit has far fewer limits than the body. As soon as one dies, the spirit is free from the bonds of the body. These lines: Laissant pourir à §a-bas sa dpouille de boue and Franc des liens du corps, pour nà ªtre quun esprit. show that Ronsard succeeds in establishing the theme by making it clear that it is necessary to leave the possessions of this world and material things to become a spirit. Ronsard is the speaker of the poem which takes place late in his life. Cest fait! jai dvid le cours de mes destins and Jai vcu, jai rendu mon nom assez insigne, prove that Ronsard has lived awhile and accomplished some things in life. Ronsard intends to teach a significant moral lesson which is the theme. The message is implied, because Ronsard wishes and challenges the reader to interpret and look deeply to understand this moral lesson. He places most emphasis on ideas to help develop this message. Ronsard skillfully develops the poems mood, one of inspiration and thoughtfulness. He believes in the freedom of the spirit in life after death. This line: Heureux qui ne fut onc, plus heureux qui retourne illustrates the poets pensive mood and logical thinking. Ronsard feels that it is better to have lived than never to have lived at all. He thinks deeply about what must be given up and accomplished to become a spirit. Ronsard also knows that there is always hope once he becomes a spirit. Pierre Ronsard uses examples of personification and symbolism to emphasize the theme and to create a deeper meaning of...

Samuel de Champlain essays

Samuel de Champlain essays Samuel de Champlain was born in 1567, in the town of Brouage, Saintonge, on the Bay of Biscay in France. Very little is known of his family, other than his father was a ship-captain. Fairly early in his life, he joined the army and became quartermaster for the cavalry. Then, in 1599, Samuels uncle took Samuel to Spain for Samuels first voyage. There, Samuel took command of the St. Julien (The Virtual Museum of New France). He took his ship, and chartered to the West Indies. He landed at Vera Cruz, and even made it inland as far as Mexico City, and returned home after passing Panama, where he conceived a plan to make a canal across the isthmus (Samuel de Champlain). He reached Spain in March 1601. His journey was recorded in an account named Bref Discours (Historical Bopgraphies). He soon returned to France, whereupon French King Henry IV gave Samuel de Champlain a pension to explore land in North America. He sailed for the New Land on March 15, 1603, in the Pontgrave, with his eye set on founding a new colony. They reached Tadoussac on May 24 of that year. Tadoussac was a trading location where the Saguenay joins the St. Lawrence River (Samuel de Champlain). They set anchor here and rested. Soon after their arrival in Tadoussac, Samuel and a few of his men took a small riverboat up the St. Lawrence River. They continued until they hit the rapids of St. Louis, above current-day Montreal. They turned around and went back to Tadoussac, where they sailed back to France in August, 1603 (The Virtual Museum of New France). Before long, the brave explorer was back at sea. Sieur de Monts, a French Prince, had recently received new land in Acadia, and had it arranged that Samuel would sail to the New World and found a new colony (Champlain). Sieur de Monts sailed with Samuel to Acadia, where they landed at Sable I...

A Separte Peace Essay Essay Research Paper

A Separte Peace Essay Essay, Research Paper In life, historical events frequently play an of import function in a individual s life. Many times people can drastically hold a alteration of sentiment over dark. In A Separate Peace, the whole ambiance at the Devon School changed as World War II progressed. The male childs either thirstily awaited bill of exchange, preferred to enlist in the country of war they wanted, or did non desire to travel at all. The pupils at the school were forced to make activities for enjoyment since old 1s could non be played because of deficiency of stuffs. When a friend returns from the war, the male childs at Devon got a existent sense of what the war was like. The male childs learned that traveling to war was non all merriment and games like they had anticipated. The influence World War II had on the characters in A Separate Peace and life at the Devon School, was clearly depicted through their actions and activities. The beginning of the novel allows the reader to acquire a feel of what the Devon School was like during that clip period. Students of war age were invariably go forthing Devon to travel to the war, either by pick or by bill of exchange. Whether childs wanted to travel or non, the expectancy was ever present. As winter approached the Devon school, so was the infringing shadow of the war. The male childs were called out to assist shovel free a troop train trapped by snow-blocked paths. The experience # 8220 ; brings the war place # 8221 ; for all of them, and they realized they would hold to confront a important determination really shortly. Maturity leaps upon them, whether they # 8217 ; re ready for it or non, at the stamp age of 17. The exhilaration of the war had gotten to everybody at the school, including the staff, and made it a helter-skelter topographic point. The male childs were able to acquire away with disobeying the regulations. Many pupils cut category, and left schoo l evidences frequently and were non penalized. When Leper returned from the war the male childs realized that take parting in the war wasn t all merriment and games, and that a batch of bad things happened. When Leper told Gene how he had been discharged on charges of insanity, Gene blew up at Leper. Gene had thought the war was a good topographic point, and the impression of a Section Eight Discharge was non what he wanted to hear. It wholly ruined Gene s ideas and his hopes. Gene was wholly set on enlisting in the ground forces, to see what so many other s were sing, until Leper informed him of the war s negative facets. Leper, more defeated than anyone, did non portion his ground for returning place with everyone. He was ashamed, and did non desire to portion the horrors of war with everyone. Scarcity of popular stuffs made it hard for the male childs at Devon to go on with some normal activities. Finny, the athletic male child he was, made up Blitzball, a game named after the celebrated Blitzkrieg ( a German war maneuver ) . The game of class was successful in maintaining the male childs busy. Along with athletic creative activities, the male childs started a nine called The Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session, a nine which about six male childs signed up for. The nine met about every dark, and had particular inductions for the members. The nine was designed to give the male childs something to make because they were unable to take part in the regular things they did. The male childs at Devon were non holding the same sort of school twelvemonth that they had had in the yesteryear. Partially because of an interuption in their day-to-day lives. World War II had a strong influence on life in the novel A Separate Peace. The writer displays the influence through the character s actions and activities. The pupils at the Devon School were overwhelmed with the thought of war, and were thirstily expecting their going to an country of it. However, when a good friend returned from the war with a different thought of how it was, the male childs rethought their avidity. The male childs were forced to do up games and such to take part in to maintain them occupied when they weren t perusal. This novel showed that like with other major historical events, war can wholly change a manner of life, altering everything from personalities to activities.