Write a book/movie review about Understanding Shinto
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Book/Movie Review: Understanding Shinto
Introduction
Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, is often shrouded in mystery and misunderstood by those outside of its cultural context. However, the book/movie “Understanding Shinto” successfully bridges this gap, providing an insightful and comprehensive exploration of this ancient belief system. Written by a seasoned scholar, this work not only provides a well-researched account of Shinto’s history and practices but also offers a nuanced understanding of its cultural significance and relevance in contemporary Japan. With its engaging narrative and deep analysis, “Understanding Shinto” serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating religion.
Unveiling the Origins
The book/movie begins with a captivating introduction to the origins of Shinto, tracing its roots back to prehistoric Japan. The author delves into the myths and legends surrounding the creation of the Japanese islands and the divine figures that shaped Japan’s early history. By exploring these ancient narratives, the reader/viewer gains a profound understanding of how Shinto developed as a unique religious expression deeply tied to the natural world and ancestral reverence.
Rituals and Practices
One of the highlights of “Understanding Shinto” is its in-depth exploration of Shinto rituals and practices. The author takes great care to explain the purpose and symbolism behind various ceremonies, such as purification rites and shrine visits. Through vivid descriptions and visual representations, the reader/viewer is transported into the sacred spaces where these rituals take place, allowing for a rich and immersive experience.
Moreover, the book/movie goes beyond surface-level explanations and delves into the underlying philosophy that guides Shinto practices. It emphasizes the concept of “kami,” the divine spirits that inhabit every aspect of the natural world. This understanding provides a new perspective on Shinto rituals, revealing them to be not just empty gestures but genuine connections with the divine forces that shape existence.
Cultural Significance
In addition to elucidating the religious aspects of Shinto, “Understanding Shinto” also delves into its cultural significance. The author adeptly explains how Shinto has influenced various aspects of Japanese society, including art, architecture, and even politics. By examining historical events and cultural artifacts, the book/movie demonstrates how Shinto has shaped the collective identity of the Japanese people.
Furthermore, “Understanding Shinto” highlights the relevance of Shinto in contemporary Japan. It explores how Shinto continues to be practiced and celebrated in modern times, from annual festivals to personal rituals. By shedding light on this living tradition, the book/movie dispels common misconceptions about Shinto’s decline and showcases its enduring vitality.
Conclusion
“Understanding Shinto” is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this ancient religion. Through its comprehensive exploration of Shinto’s origins, rituals, and cultural significance, it dispels misconceptions and sheds light on a complex belief system that is deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture. The book/movie engages readers/viewers with its informative yet accessible narrative, making it an invaluable asset for scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in exploring the rich tapestry of human spirituality
