Compare and Contrast Islam and Christianity

Two of the world’s major religions are Islam and Christianity, which have historical and traditional connections. The two faiths share a common origin in the Middle East. Despite the common belief that these two religions are different and represent two different cultures, they share many similarities. Similarities between the two religions include their common origin from Abraham, their monotheistic view, and afterlife beliefs, but there are often overshadowed by the differences such as their religious text, prophets, and holidays.

Christianity and Islam are known as Abrahamic religions because they have a common origin through Abraham. In Christianity it is believed that God made a covenant with Abraham that led to the coming of Jesus Christ. According to Christian belief, God’s love for his creation was so infinite that he was determined to bridge the gap that man made when he sinned. In this God made the first covenant with Abraham. The covenant included the promise of a future savior, Jesus, who would come through Abraham’s descendants. However, Christians don’t trace their linage back to Abraham, but rather view themselves as adopted sons because they consider themselves sons of Jesus, who was the future promise for Abraham’s descendants. In Islam, Muslims trace their linkage back to Abraham through Ishmael. Muslims consider Ishmael to be the first-born son of Abraham and to be the “Father of the Arabs.” In addition, Abraham’s second son, Isaac, is called “Father of the Hebrews.” Muslims see Ishmael as the one through which God’s covenant would be fulfilled. As in Christianity Abraham is not so much the founder of the religion, but rather viewed as someone who sought God’s will.

Both Christianity and Islam are monotheistic religions. Monotheism is the belief of the existence of one and only one god. In Christianity, Christians believe that there is only one true God. However, in addition to believing in one God they also believe that God can be divided into three separate people. This is known as the Holy Trinity, a doctrine of the Christian faith that states God exists as three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but still exists as one God. The Islamic view of God is often called strict monotheism. Muslims believe I only one god called Allah who is a unique indivisible being who is independent of creation.

Christianity and Islam also share similar views of the afterlife. They both believe that the fate a person meets in the afterlife depends upon their actions when they were alive. In both Christianity and Islam if a person does lives a good, moral life in earth they will be rewarded with eternal life and happiness. The same is believed if a person lives a corrupt live. According to both Christianity they and Islam they will spend eternality in hell.

Although Christianity and Islam have these three similarities, there are also many defining differences that clearly set these religions apart from each other. One significant different is each religion’s path towards salvation and the afterlife. Even though both Islam and Christianity believe in similar afterlives, the road taken to get to each is unlike. Followers of Christianity believe that proper sacraments must be done in order to reach salvation. Depending on the branch of Christianity, these sacraments differ from branch to branch. For instance, Christians strongly believe that a baptism, or christening, is necessary for someone of this faith to undergo in order to reach salvation. Similarly, a confirmation, a religious initiation into the Christian church, is strongly advocated in this religion. However, Islam does not require these types of sacraments in order to achieve salvation. Although both religions push for good deeds from their followers, Muslims are pushed to follow the “Five Pillars”. These are five basic principles that should be followed in order for a believer to obtain salvation in Islam. These two routes to salvation are two prominent differences that set Christianity apart from Islam.

Another contrast between these two faiths is the primary holiday that is celebrated by each, Christmas and Eid. Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus; however, Eid is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan, a month long fast by Muslims. Although every religion has holidays, the way each celebrates in the United States significantly differs. Even though Christmas still has a religious aspect to some, it has been greatly commercialized by those who celebrate it. However, Muslims have been able to keep Eid strictly religious and emphasizes the importance of prayer. Christianity is emphasizes bringing families and friends closer to one another during Christmas, while Islam focuses on bringing people closer to God on Eid.

The last contrast between these two religions is the sacred text used by each. Christianity uses the bible, which is a combination of the Old Testament and the New Testament. However, Islam focuses on the Qur’an. Though the Qur’an is claimed to be the literal word of God, the bible is a combination of the word of God, human accounts and interpretations. Due to the different religious texts used by the two religions there are different teachings and rules followed by each. These texts are the back bone to what followers set for their set of morals and beliefs.

Christianity and Islam are the two largest religions in today’s world, and although they may have had similar origins, they both have several similarities and differences now. Their origin, belief on the afterlife and monotheistic belief may all be the same; however, their path towards salvation, holidays and sacred texts are different. Both religions still have millions of followers, and both are highly respected.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

On October 16, 2011, the American Cancer Society held the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is an opportunity to help fight breast cancer by raising funds and awareness. The walk is not a race, but rather a gathering honoring those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, while celebrating those who are survivors as we work together to end this disease. The slogan for this year’s event was “More pink for green,” meaning that with the generosity and donations from this year’s participants the American Cancer Society hopes to find a cure to this terrible disease. The goal for this year is $ 900,000 and will hopefully be reached by the 10,000 walkers who signed up for the event.

On this beautiful fall day families, friends, and even pets were dressed in pink attire as they came out to enjoy the company of others and help find a cure for breast cancer. The activities started at nine o’ clock in the morning with registration at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. In addition, various tents were set up by different organizations in order to inform people about breast cancer and ways they can help make a difference. Also, many of these tents accepted donations for the cause and handed out refreshments, in order to help people keep their energy up. One of the main events that helped get the crowd pumped up and ready to walk was the performance by St. John’s University’s cheerleaders and dance team. Thanks to their enthusiasm and liveliness they were able to lift the spirits of so many people including cancer survivors.

The cancer survivors were the focal point of the event and lead the walk as we celebrated their victory in their battle against cancer. One cancer survivor said that she does this walk because it allows her to help others who are going through what she went through by providing them with emotional support. She also said that participating in the walk reminds her that she is lucky to have survived and that she is grateful to have come this far and to be alive. Many emotional stories were exchanged among the cancer survivors. Another woman, named Myra shared her story about her ongoing battle with breast cancer. Myra had beat breast cancer once before in 2002, when she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. She was given chemotherapy and radiation for six weeks. She then remained cancer free for nine years. Last November, she went for a mammogram screening and everything was normal. However, in December she felt a lump in her breast and went to the doctor. When Myra went to the doctor they told her it was nothing and sent her home. Myra, however, continued to feel worse and worse and could feel the lump getting bigger. She soon came down with a fever in January and went back to her doctor. This time the doctor took blood tests and did a sonogram. The sonogram showed there was a change in her breast and that the tumor had gotten bigger. They then did a biopsy, which showed the tumor was cancerous. The doctor then removed the tumor and started chemotherapy. This time Myra has stage four cancer. Myra has currently been undergoing treatment at Elmhurst Hospital. Myra said she is doing the walk because both she and her friend have cancer and that they are grateful they have the energy and strength to complete the walk this year. In addition, Myra said that she believes that it is important to keep positive in order to beat the disease again and that is what the walk enables her to do.

The walk was not only important to cancer survivors and those who are struggling in the ongoing battle against cancer, but also to those who have lost a loved one as a result of breast cancer. Throughout the walk posters could be seen of those who were being remembered and honored by their loved ones as a result of completing this walk. The walk not only provided a good source of exercise and support system, but also allowed for the formation of new friendships and ideas to be shared. The walk started at 111^th Street and made its way to the Unisphere of Flushing Meadows Park (the globe), the National Tennis Center, past the Queens Zoo and Hall of Science, and finally ended where it stared. The completion of the walk was a victory in many ways. It showed that we can work together to make breast cancer a thing of the past allowing people to live longer, happier lives. It also signified our respect and honor for those who were not as fortunate and lost their lives in this battle.

The walk was made possible by the over two hundred volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts in order to make this year’s walk a success. In addition, many organizations supported the event by collecting donations, giving out goods, and walking. These organizations included Jamaica Hospital, Jet Blue, Queens Hospital, Main Street Radiology, Elmhurst Hospital, Local 342, Local 338, UFT, and St. John’s University. Various high schools including Forest Hills High School and Bayside High School also participated in this event, showing that people of all ages can help make a difference. 

The director of the event, John Link, said that this year’s walk was successful and exceeded expectations. John also said, “ We moved our walk site this year, so there was a lot of extra work and stress about planning that, and when all was said and done, we couldn’t have been happier. There is a lot to work on and improve on, but overall, all things considered we had a great walk.” According to John, the event started eighteen years ago in Queens and it is a year round process in terms of planning. In the Queens office there are nineteen people who work internally on the event. However, there is also a centralized staff that works on the collateral, website, customer service, and databases. In addition, they were able to promote the event through word of mouth, posters, brochures, phone calls, emails, radio, television, websites, and sponsors. John also added that, “There is LOTS people can do to help. Form teams, walk, sign up online, fundraise, promote the event, invite survivors, try to secure sponsors, volunteer at the walk, volunteer at the office, send out emails to get donations!” However, despite the success of the event this year John and his crew hope to make next year’s event even better. “Many things have to be ironed out and considered, but we are going to do what we have to do now to make sure this year was successful, and start early and start planning the logistics of it next year, and make it event better!”

This year’s walk was a success due to the support and help of the volunteers and sponsors. To help make difference and next year’s walk even better visit the American Cancer Society’s website, www.cancer.org, to sign up and learn more about what you can do to help.

Compare and Contrast (Prom night to Halloween night)

Since I was little I loved to get dressed up and pretend that I was someone else. I can remember getting excited whenever my mom would experiment with new hairstyles on me or let me play with her makeup. However, from an early age I learned that beauty hurts. I learned this unfortunate lesson while my mom was trying to blow dry my hair and got a brush stuck in it. I remember ending up at the beauty salon, crying as I waited for the hairdresser to cut the brush out. I watched as my long hair was transformed into a short bob. At first I was crushed because I had never had short hair before, but I came to realize that this was a form of change that was only physical and could not effect who I was on the inside. Although your prom night and Halloween may seem like to completely unrelated events that both allow you to recreate and present yourself in a new light.

Prom was a huge event at my high school. It was the one night that everyone would get together and celebrate. However, the biggest thing about prom was what you were going to wear. I attended a Catholic high school and was required to wear the typical schoolgirl uniform everyday for four years. So picking a dress for prom was a big event since it would be one of the few times that my peers would see me dressed up. I remember using all my free periods looking at prom dresses, hairstyles, and makeup ideas with my friends.  After months of research I finally found the perfect dress and accessories to match. My dress was a short blue sequined dress that came with an attachable skirt. At first, I was unsure about my choice because it was not really the type of dress anyone would expect me to wear, but after carefully consideration I decided to get the dress. Prom is a once of a live time event and I wanted to make the most of it. In addition, to finding the perfect dress my friend had gotten us a hummer limo. I couldn’t wait for prom. Prom night itself was a magical event. It was held upstate and had the most amazing scenery. In addition, everyone on there looked amazing and had a great time. My favorite part was that I got to dress up and be a princess for a night.

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. I love the horror and thrills that come along with Halloween, in addition to being able to be someone different for a day. Last Halloween I attended my school’s Halloween dance as a pirate. I choose to be a pirate along with several of my friends because of our obsession with the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Our costumes consisted of shredded pirated attire, boots, sword, and of course a pirate hat. Throughout the night we danced and had had fun and mingled with the other creatures there. Afterwards we upheld our annual tradition of sleeping over at one of my friend’s house, where we watched horror movies and told scary stories all night long.

My prom night and Halloween night were two completely different events that turned out to have many differences and similarities. Differences between the two events include the atmosphere. Prom was more of a final get together among my classmates and I, while the Halloween dance was a chance for us to just have fun. In addition, the dress codes between the events were complete opposites. The Halloween dance was a chance to be someone totally different while Prom was basically a chance to dress up. Similarities between the two events were despite the location and purpose I had a great time being with my friends. Another similarity was both events gave me the opportunity to step out of my usual comfort zone and become someone else in the process.

In conclusion, despite being two unrelated events my prom night and Halloween night had many similarities in addition to the differences. Both prom and Halloween provided an opportunity for me to show my off my sense of style and personality without changing who I really I am. In addition, I was able to create an alter ego for myself for each event and fulfill it. The differences between my prom night and Halloween included the extent I went to in expressing myself. For prom I wanted it to be like a fairy tale so I kept things traditional. However, I went all out on Halloween transforming myself in to a full on pirate. Despite the differences among these events I had an unforgettable time at both and created memories that will last a lifetime.

New York Times Vs New York Post

Newspapers are becoming a fading medium of entertainment in today’s society. The most common thing people do in our age of technology when they want to obtain more information about a certain subject or want to get the latest news is surf the Internet. However, newspapers can still be a valuable asset in today’s society and are still read by many people. Two of the most popular newspapers out there are the New York Times and the New York Post. Although they both give us the latest stories about what is going on the world around us they each have their own unique writing style and audience for which they are aimed toward.

The New York Times is a conservative newspaper that aims at giving its readers the facts about the current stories and issues going on in the world around us. The articles in the New York Times provide an ample amount of detail and tend to report their stories in an unbiased manner, in order to allow the reader to form their own opinion on the subject.  The writing style of the New York Times seems to be aimed toward readers who just want the facts about the story and nothing more. In addition, the New York Times is divided in to many more sections than the New York Post and covers a wider array of topics. The New York Post, on the other hand is more of a tabloid-based newspaper that can be mistaken for a magazine as you flip through it. The New York Post contains both articles on issues relevant to our society as well as pop culture. The New York Post seems to be aimed more towards the common people as it provides the news mixed with entertainment. For example, the headlines and titles in the New York Post are catchier and the font is bigger. Also, many more of the pictures included in the articles are in color, which help draw attention to the article and entice the reader. Despite these differences between the New York Times and the New York Post there are many similarities between them as well.  Both paper contain similar sections such as, news, sports, and finance.  Also despite the fact that both of these paper both named after New York the contain stories and articles about global topics not just ones that take place in New York.  Both papers report current issues going on in our society and affecting our daily lives.

One story that both the New York Times and New York Post had in common was a sports article relating to the New York Jets football team. The article was about the midseason trade of Derrick Mason, the wide receiver of the New York Jets.  Both papers tell that Mason was sent to the Houston Texans because he was not living up to the expectations that the Jets had for him. According to both papers Mason was having difficulty learning the offense and made negative comments about the teams performance. Although both paper report the same story their reporting styles differ. The New York Post was more effective in grabbing the reader attention because it used an appealing title, “Houston, you have our problem” as opposed to the title the New York Times uses, “After Five Games, Jets Part Ways With Mason.” In addition, in the article featured in the New York Post the picture is in color while in the New York Times it is in black and white. I n addition, although the article in the New York Times was filed with an ample amount of detail it contained relatively few quotes when compared to the New York Post. However, it seemed that the quotes in the New York Post gave the reader a better overview and understanding of the story and the events surrounding it.

Both the New York Times and New York Post are highly acclaimed newspapers that get the job done in reporting the news, but both do it in their own unique style that appeals to different members of our society.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Advance

On Sunday, October 16, 2011 the American Cancer Society will be holding a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park at 9:00am.  The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is an opportunity to help fight breast cancer by raising funds and awareness. The event is not a race, but rather a celebration of survivorship and strength with the goal of ending this disease that affects so many people.

Breast cancer is a common form of cancer that affects not only women, but also men all over the world. In the United States breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancer. In addition, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in woman, exceeded only by lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society the chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 3% and that in 2011 about 39,520 women will die from breast cancer. However, death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment. At this time more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. This shows that breast cancer is not the end and can be overcome as we work towards a cure with the help of events such as the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Cancer survivor Margery “Margie” Gould Rath first developed making Strides in 1984. She wanted to find a way to celebrate fellow cancer survivors by raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Working with a committee of fellow cancer survivors and other volunteers, she created a “move-along-a-thon” called Making Strides Against Cancer to bring people of all abilities in an event to help fight cancer. The first event was held in Boston and drew 200 participants. It became a yearly event in the city. The event officially became known as the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in September 1993. It attracted 4,000 walkers at events in Boston and Manchester, New Hampshire. Since then, Margie’s vision has inspired nearly 7 million walkers to participate in Making Strides events in more than 200 communities across the country while raising more than $400 million to fight breast cancer. Margie remained a dedicated volunteer for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program until she lost her battle with cancer in 2001.

Help keep this event going and the memory of Margie alive by coming out on Sunday, October 16. While the event has no registration fee or minimum fundraising amount, people of all ages are welcome to participate and encouraged to raise funds. With your help the funds raised can be used for numerous things to help improve the lives of those battling breast cancer including finding a cure. For example, with the funds raised we can educate men and women to live healthy lives to reduce the risk of breast cancer and get screened early, provide people facing breast cancer with information and emotional support, invest in and conduct research that can lead to discoveries into breast cancer’s causes and cures, and work with legislators to support laws that can help fight breast cancer and help all people get access to screening and care.  In 2010, more than 800,000 people across the country joined the American Cancer Society in walking towards a cure and raised more than $60 million. So come out and join us for a few hours of exercise and entertainment as we walk together to put an end to breast cancer while honoring those who have fought or are still fighting the battle.

NOT A REAL OBITUARY-SCHOOL PROJECT

Amanda Dhaneshwar, a retired crime lab worker died on Sunday night in her sleep in her home.  She was 103 years old.

It was believed that Amanda had died of natural causes due to her old age. However, an autopsy was conducted and showed that there was an unusual substance present in Amanda’s system. Tests are still being conducted to determine her cause of death and if foul play could have been involved.

“She was a hard worker who never gave up on a case no matter how difficult it was to solve.” Raymond Keller, Amanda’s former boss said. “It is know our turn to do the same for her and give her the justice that she deserves.”

A memorial service is being planned in memory of her on Friday at her home in Jackson Heights.

Amanda was born in Queens and grew up in Jackson Heights. She graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School in 2011 and went on to study at St. John’s University. She received her Masters in Toxicology in 2016.

She went on to work that as a crime lab technician. Amanda spent countless hours on a variety of cases. She was determined to solve every case she was assigned and never gave up without a fight. She wanted to make sure that every case was brought to justice.

Amanda got married to her husband in 2021. He was an architect and built them their own home where they spent their lives together. Amanda’s husband died last August at the age of 104 from a heart attack.

Despite the loss of an amazing woman, Amanda’s memory will live on the presence of her daughter Jessica Jackson of New York; her son Alex Jackson of Florida; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Altoids Advertisement

Today's media uses women as a medium in order to sell a variety of products thru sex appeal. An, example of this can be seen an advertisement for Altoids Smalls. In this ad a woman can be seen wearing a short, backless purple dress holding a package of Altoids behind her back. It can be inferred from her environment that she is about to meet her date. In the background a set table with candles can be seen. In addition, the advertisement says, "When you lean in make sure he doesn't lean out."The main purpose of this ad is to make women feel that in order to have a successful date they need be dressed in a sexy manner and have the fresh breath that you can only get come form Altoids Smalls.