Hit The Lights: What Kind of Union is Best for Today's Society?

Throughout history there have been major changes to our society caused by numerous social factors. Factors such as economics, technology, education, and values are just some of the causes of the "Evolution" of our society. These dramatic changes that have been made to our society have greatly changed the way we see certain things. Consequently, one rather serious question must be asked, what type of marriage is best suited for a society like todays which is constantly changing and evolving?

Firstly, a marital union is defined as a social union or legal contract between individuals that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found. That being said, due to these changes there are several types of marital unions that take place in our society. Same sex marriages have become extremely common and accepted and the traditional form of monogamous marriage between a man and a woman remains intact in our society. Interestingly, in certain areas of North America (particularly in the State of Utah) polygamy a union in which there are multiple spouses is not only practiced but also tolerated. However, one question still remains: Which of these unions is best for today's society?

As we all know, the typical "Nuclear Family" has been the backbone of our idea for what a family should resemble for a very long time. However, considering what is happening in our society today is this true? Although some would argue against the traditional family, which has been a constant in American society for an excruciatingly long time. I must assert my firm belief that it is still the best type of union for today’s society. Being raised in an environment like this myself, I believe it is both very effective and instrumental in raising children to become productive members of society and to create a unified family. For example, within this family a father is able to show his son how to become a man and a mother can show her daughter how to become a woman. Secondly, the tradition man and woman monogamous union creates a nurturing environment for a child. This is done by having several family members that are a part of the “Nuclear Family” thereby creating a comforting environment. 

In conclusion, although there are many types of unions that are large parts of our society. I must side with the side in which I believe is best suited for our society due to my belief that the traditional monogamous union between a man and a woman is still the union that is best suited for a society that is in constant change. Being raised by two parents in this union I can say that I turned out “OK”.  However, I am in no way ruling out all other types of unions. 

Heaven and Hell: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Everyday, horrible things happen in this world that we call our home. Countless "good" people are killed, raped, stabbed, smacked, slashed and are troubled by other numerous violent actions every day. One might begin to wonder exactly why bad things do happen to good people. However, this question is a very difficult one to answer and in order to do so, an individual must truly assert their own belief in the following: Is there really a god?

Firstly, the terms "good" and "bad" must both be understood to have multiple meanings. For example to a terrorist who has been taught his entire life to go out and sacrifice himself in the name of his god would consider what he would be doing as "good". However, to a normal Canadian citizen such as myself, what this man considers as "good" is considered "bad" to me. Therefore, when a "bad" thing happens to someone it could  be considered "good" to someone else. However, one question still remains. Regardless of whether something is considered "good" or "bad", why do these things happen?

According to the philosopher John Mackie, the reason for all the suffering in the world is simply that there is no god. This is a belief known as religious skepticism. Mackie classified his solutions as to why there is suffering into two categories, Orthodox and Unorthodox. Orthodox solutions usually preserving the traditional characteristic of god and Unorthodox usually disproving certain characteristics of god. One rather interesting Orthodox solution is known as the "Freedom Response". This view establishes that suffering is the price individuals pay for their own freewill. This is because other humans cause suffering not god. Essentially, suffering and evil is caused by humans having their own freewill.  Now, after understanding and reading about this theory as an individual who believes in god I must admit this is the only theory that could explain all the suffering and pain in the world to me. 

In conclusion, although Mackie has argued against the "Freedom Response", I must admit that this is the only solution that can truly make sense to me. As someone who does believe in god I must state that although there is a lot of pain and suffering in this world, it is not because there is no god it is because  it is self-inflicted suffering. Only through this view can I truly comprehend and grasp the idea of why bad things happen to good people.