Of the documents reviewed in class (excluding the U.S. Constitution), which do you feel serves as the most important at this point in time? Be sure to provide significant support for your argument.
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
The Importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Contemporary Society
Among the various documents that shape our understanding of rights and justice, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) stands out as one of the most critical texts in today’s global context. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the UDHR articulates fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to all individuals, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion. In an era marked by social upheavals, growing inequality, and widespread human rights violations, the UDHR remains profoundly relevant. This essay argues that the UDHR is vital for contemporary society due to its universal principles, its role in shaping international law, and its capacity to inspire global movements for justice.
Universal Principles of Human Rights
The UDHR establishes a comprehensive framework of rights that are inherently applicable to every person. Its preamble articulates the importance of recognizing these rights as the foundation for freedom, justice, and peace. In an age where issues such as racial discrimination, gender inequality, and political oppression persist, the UDHR serves as a reminder that these rights are not privileges but fundamental entitlements.
For instance, Article 1 states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This principle is crucial in combating systemic inequality and discrimination. Movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo draw on these universal principles to advocate for justice and equality. By grounding their demands in the UDHR, activists can articulate their struggles within a broader human rights framework, garnering international support and solidarity.
Shaping International Law
The UDHR has played a pivotal role in the development of international human rights law. Its principles have influenced numerous treaties, conventions, and national laws aimed at protecting individual rights. For example, documents such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) were directly inspired by the UDHR.
In contemporary society, these legal frameworks provide mechanisms for accountability and redress for human rights violations. They empower individuals and organizations to challenge abuses at local, national, and international levels. For instance, when governments fail to uphold human rights, civil society organizations can invoke international law as a tool for advocacy and change. The UDHR thus remains a cornerstone for legal recourse against oppression.
Inspiring Global Movements
The enduring legacy of the UDHR is evident in its ability to inspire global movements for justice. Activists around the world often reference the UDHR to highlight injustices and demand accountability from governments. The document has become a rallying point for various movements advocating for civil rights, environmental justice, and refugee protection.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UDHR’s emphasis on health as a human right has been instrumental in advocating for equitable access to healthcare. Organizations have utilized its principles to argue against vaccine nationalism and push for global cooperation to ensure that vaccines reach marginalized populations. In this context, the UDHR transcends its historical backdrop to address contemporary challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights serves as a crucial document in today’s world due to its articulation of universal principles, its influence on international law, and its ability to inspire movements for justice. As societies grapple with persistent inequalities and human rights violations, the UDHR remains a beacon of hope and a call to action. It reminds us that the struggle for human rights is ongoing and that collective efforts are essential to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals. In this regard, the UDHR not only shapes our understanding of justice but also empowers us to strive for a more equitable world.
