Theologische Aspekte — Blog — Ernst Zwiker

Theologische Aspekte

Human Dignity – Really?

....„Die Würde des Menschen ist unantastbar.“ So steht es wortwörtlich im deutschen Grundgesetz, und auch in der Allgemeinen Erklärung der Menschenrechte steht der Begriff gleich im ersten Artikel. Menschenwürde muss man sich nicht verdienen oder er…

Human dignity is the fundamental principle of the German constitution. Article 1, paragraph 1 reads: "Human dignity is inviolable. To respect and protect it is the duty of all state authority." Human dignity is thus mentioned even before the right to life. It does not need to be earned, and although it is an inherent part of every person FROM BIRTH, it is a right that is often badly abused.

The dignity of man is not an attribute like beauty or generosity. The term itself is based on the idea that the very existence of a person makes him or her valuable.

In spite of that, human dignity is difficult to comprehend and is used in many completely contrary contexts. In the debate about euthanasia, we speak of a humane or dignified death. Stem cell research on embryos can be seen as a right of or an attack on human dignity, depending on one’s point of view.

One German news agency reported a prison that was being run under inhumane conditions because several inmates had to share a cell without separate bathroom facilities. And of course everyone knows the saying, “That is beneath me (beneath my dignity?).”    

Example:

Menschenwürde 1 U.jpg

She asked him: “How much do the eggs cost?"
The old man answered, "Twenty-five cents apiece, Ma’am."
She said, "I’ll take six for one dollar, otherwise I won’t buy any!"
He replied, "Okay, you can have them. Maybe this will help get me going today. I haven’t sold anything yet."

She took the eggs and walked away with great satisfaction. She had won. She got into her elegant car and drove to a fancy restaurant where she and a girlfriend ordered everything they wanted, ate a little of it and left the rest on their plates. When she paid the $45 bill, she gave the owner $50 and told him to keep the change.                                                                                                                                                        Story by Rik Jason

This was a normal occurrence in the eyes of the owner, but compared to the previous situation with the egg salesman, doesn’t it seem a bit ridiculous?

Questions

  • What causes these differing reactions?

  • Why do we tend to wield our power and authority when dealing with have-nots?

  • Why are we generous with people who don’t need our generosity?

In both cases we see a demonstration of power. In the restaurant, she said in essence, “I have the power to pay you more than your product is worth. I’m a winner. Her statement to the beggar was, "I have the power to give you less than you want, but you will still be grateful to me."

 Dignity in the Past

Dignity was spoken of in antiquity.

1. Leaders in society were referred to as dignitaries, and they were recognized as such by their clothing and other symbols of power.

2. On the other hand, human dignity was recognized in the ancient world as something that all humans had in common and that distinguished them from animals. The reasons given for this were the power of human reasoning and the image of God in man.  

Human beings have free will. We can decide how to behave. The decisions we make are governed by our morals and ethics.

In the mid-1800s, humane working and living conditions became political buzzwords. The discovery of the degrading actions followed during the Nazi regime in Germany were a big influence on the development of its Constitution after 1945, making the dignity of man central to its value system. It is also a key value in all other German national and international statements and declarations.    

Human Dignity and Human Rights

Human dignity implies a certain truth from which other basic human rights are derived. These include prohibitions against discrimination, freedom rights (like freedom of opinion and speech), property rights, protection rights (like protection from torture and the right to a just trial), as well as for social human rights, like the right to free time and education, as well as health care, shelter and work. The last few lay a foundation for a humane existence. This also includes

But can a job be reconciled with the ideal of human dignity when it is so poorly paid that people cannot live in a humane way without supplemental government support? Are the old and sick treated humanely when the homes they live in are so sparsely manned with personnel that there is almost no time to give individuals the attention and care they need? What do refugee accommodations and care look like? Some voices express a felt disadvantage as compared with refugees. Really? 

....Was wir uns Menschen in all den letzten Jahrhunderten geleistet haben, steht unter jeglicher Würde!! Wenn man an all die Menschenleben denkt, die Opfer dieses Kriegswahns geworden sind, dann verschlägt es einem die Worte. Lieber Leser, liebe Les…

Our performance as humans in the last few centuries has been unimaginably inhumane! When we consider the number of human lives that were lost due to the insanity of war, we are left completely speechless. Dear Reader, it seems we have a huge problem. Wouldn’t you agree?

Terrorism and Human Dignity

Terrorism is endangering the rights and dignity of man on a worldwide scale. Democratic societies with their human rights for individuals are a favorite target for terrorists.  Rights of liberty have been greatly curtailed in the wake of anti-terrorism strategies. One example of that is the relaxation of data protection policies, such as the saving of digital data over a certain time period or the possibility to peek into another computer without the owner’s consent or knowledge.   

When terrorists are arrested, it is often difficult to treat them humanely. They themselves generally act in a way that defies the dignity of man and are willing to go to any length to reach their goals. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 cost the lives of more than 2000 individuals. Many of the actual perpetrators thereof are still walking around in complete freedom, but even they have a right to humane treatment because they are human beings. It is an inviolable right.

Theological View

In early Judaism and Christianity, the act of the creation of man in the image of God was understood as an indication of man’s dignity (Gen 1:27). At first, equality manifested itself as the equality of all believers in the eyes of God. Paul expresses it radically: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28).

....Es dauert seine Zeit, wenn jemand diese geschichtliche Tatsache verstehen und die Folgen davon begreifen will. Es lohnt sich sehr, dieses Ereignis zu überdenken. Man findet sie in den letzten Kapitel der vier Evangelien aufgeschrieben...The cruc…

The crucifixion: It takes some deep thought to understand this historical event, the results thereof and the opportunities it presents, but it is well worth the time invested. You can read the story firsthand in the last few chapters of each of the four Gospels.

The climax of dignity is seen in the fact that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, died to give every human being the possibility of having eternal life. By calling us His children, He raises us to a status higher than any other on earth. Every believer who calls God his or her Father and lives in the full awareness of his or her value as a child of God is clothed with unrivaled dignity.

Practical Application

It’s easy to talk about such things, but when it comes to experimentation and implementation of these concepts into real life, many just throw in the towel. It seems to be difficult to experience this kind of human dignity in everyday life.

Family

How does dignity look in the family? How much value do we place on our partners? Our children? The oldest? The youngest? The middle child?  Is anyone at a disadvantage? Do we validate the efforts of each with a heartfelt thank you?

How do I show recognition and appreciation for my faithful partner? Could it be that I take the effort that is put into our relationship for granted and hardly notice it, much less reward it with a warm hug?

Appreciation is closely connected with honor and respect. Making the effort to consider my partner’s value, taking him or her so seriously that I actually listen when he or she talks and act accordingly is a way of honoring him or her. Recognizing that my own weaknesses are plenteous and that I am often in need of forgiveness helps me to deal lightly with the mistakes of others.

....Die Familie ist wohl der intimste Ort, wo Würde gelebt werden kann. Da lohnt es sich, achtsam und behutsam mit seinen Familienangehörigen umzugehen...The family is the most intimate place where dignity can be experienced. There is great reward i…

The family is the most intimate place where dignity can be experienced. There is great reward in treating family members gently and carefully.

Work

What does work have to do with dignity? For many, it is a necessary evil. They have to do it, although they would much rather spend their time and energy on something else. People who unexpectedly lose their jobs suddenly realize how important work actually is.

Some people define themselves through their work. In other words, they base their entire value as human beings on their professional achievements (see BLOG). This becomes a problem when they are no longer able to work, no matter what the reason. A job well done is naturally appreciated and respected, especially on the social level. This makes us feel valued. Whether from colleagues or customers, the appreciation we receive can be vital to our emotional well-being. The dignity of man may be inviolable in theory, but practically, it matters how we feel about ourselves and treat others.

 Quelle/Source:  www.menschenrechte.jugendnetz.de/menschenrechte/glossar/menschenwuerde/

Transforming Toxic Thoughts - How Does It Work?

....Unser Gehirn - wohl das Sensationellste, was wir anzubieten haben !! Wie funktioniert es ?..Our brain - probably the most sensational thing we have to offer! How does it work ?....

Our brain - probably the most sensational thing we have to offer! How does it work ?

Hope you have been able to check out the previous blogs on the subject. If not, here you are:

TOX1 (Introduction)   TOX2   (Stress)   TOX3 (Brain)

One often hears the explanation that this predisposition already exists in my family. The good news: we are not a puppet of biology! Even when we are full of toxic memories and live in such an environment, our brain can actually be changed. An incredible feat that has been dubbed 'neuroplasticity'.

They say we can change our toxic thoughts in 4 days and replace them with new ones in 3 weeks!

Thoughts can be measured, they need space, they change, grow, enlarge or shrink, and they adapt. The result is that you are represented by your thoughts! Toxic thoughts make us toxic too. Good thoughts have positive effects.

Positive and negative thoughts go through the same processes in the brain. Only the chemical substances change their structure accordingly.

....Wer gelernt hat, das Gute zu sehen und sich dafür zu entscheiden, wird bis ins hohe Alter davon profitieren können...Anyone who has learned to see the good and to choose it will be able to benefit from it well into old age.....

Anyone who has learned to see the good and to choose it will be able to benefit from it well into old age.

If we want to detoxify our thought life, then we have to send a toxic thought through a set sequence again.

What does this order look like?

1. The brain collects electrical impulses

These impulses are collected through our five senses in order to find out their meaning. At the beginning of a thought it is possible to decide between good and bad impulses. Do I accept the thought or do I reject it!

First, a thought reaches the thalamus (transmitter control center), where most of the cerebral nerves meet. It connects the brain to the body and the body to the brain.

The thought goes from the thalamus to the cerebral cortex (outer part), where it is connected with already existing thoughts. This activates our inner attitude towards thoughts. This will influence our decision. If the memory is positive, then pleasant feelings are produced.

This process is recognized by the thalamus and then passed on to the hypothalamus, the chemical plant. If it is a negative thought, then the appropriate chemicals are now being prepared. The hypothalamus is considered to be the 'brain' of the endocrine system. He controls, among other things. our thirst, hunger, body temperature and our reaction to feelings. On a worry-laden attitude, stress hormones are sent to the main gland (pituitary gland), which warns the trillion cells in our body of a threat. The body adjusts to protection. This inhibits important further developing thoughts. But once we have made the habit of not worrying, the hypothalamus will produce feelings of peace.

....Was immer man über die Funktionalität unseres Gehirns sagt, es ist immer eine Vereinfachung. Es ist hochgradig komplex und immer voller Überraschungen...Whatever you say about the functionality of our brain, it is always a simplification. It is …

Whatever you say about the functionality of our brain, it is always a simplification. It is extremely complex and always full of surprises.

What can we do at this stage?

We can choose to reject or allow the current thoughts and incoming information. In the latter case, they will sink into our mind and subconscious and form the basis of who we are as a person.

The amygdala (our joy and fear center) and the hippocampus (responsible for memory and motivation) help us make good decisions. The amygdala is the driver that wants to protect us from threats. The thalamus will warn you if necessary. In the end she gives the OK or NOK.

The amygdala also has connections to the frontal lobe, which controls our reasoning and decisions, and our analyzing and planning. This gives our developed reason the chance to have a say.

At this moment there is an opportunity to say:

"I choose NOT to think about this thing anymore."

This sends the thoughts away, or they simply disappear.

....Vielleicht neigen wir zu denken, dass viele Wege zum Glücklichsein führen. Es gibt sicher solche, die schneller und kürzer sind, dafür intensiver !..Perhaps we tend to think that there are many ways to be happy. There are certainly some that are…

Perhaps we tend to think that there are many ways to be happy. There are certainly some that are faster and shorter, but more intense!

But if we don't stop thinking about it - be it positive or negative thoughts - then all information flows to the seahorse, the hippocampus. This calculates the incoming thoughts: Are they of short or long-term importance? The latter are then often processed during sleep. Such information then reaches the long-term memory, where it is stored as matter.

2. Reflecting on thoughts

Thanks to neuroscience, we now know that we don't have to allow any thought to control us!

The information remains in the hippocampus for about 24-48 hours and is continuously processed there. The basal forebrain is also included. Change now means that the thought is either retained, reinforced, or parts or the whole thought are adapted. It is NOT possible for parts to sink back into the subconscious without having been changed. This shows our potential, but also our responsibility.

The stronger we think, the more change we can bring about.

When we say: 'I can't do that!' then that supports our inability.

When we say: "I can do that!" then the whole body aligns itself with it.

....Wir können viel mehr als wir meinen. Wo ein Wille, da ist ein Weg. Erstaunlich, oder ?..We can do a lot more than we think. Where there is a will, there is a way. Amazing, isn't it?....

We can do a lot more than we think. Where there is a will, there is a way. Amazing, isn't it?

Neuroplasticity means that through our thinking, important neurotransmitters (chemical messenger substances that transmit electrical impulses) - especially serotonin - cause changes deep inside the cell and thus also the genes (epigenetics says hello).

Research shows that mental training in terms of imagination, visualization, deep thinking and reflection, triggers the same physical change in the brain as if one had actually carried out these imagined processes in practice.

The resulting thoughts are consolidated, stabilized and accessible at any time. Nothing stands in the way of a high level of competence. This can apply in both the positive and negative directions with corresponding consequences.

Repetition and training are necessary in order for protein synthesis to consolidate, stabilize and participate in us.

....Es gibt doch tatsächlich Menschen, die gerne trainieren. Setzen sie sich etwas in den Kopf, erreichen sie es auch ! Wie läuft das bei Ihnen ?..There are actually people who like to exercise. Put something in your head and achieve it! How are you…

There are actually people who like to exercise. Put something in your head and achieve it! How are you doing?

3. Write down thoughts

As you have probably already experienced yourself, the process of writing down consolidates memory and clarity and helps you think about it further. The visualization of thoughts and feelings promotes these processes.

The basal ganglia - nerve associations that correlate with the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the frontal lobe - have the important task of transforming thoughts and emotions into immediate action in thinking and LEARNING. So they help us write down the information we just understood.

The way we write them down is important.

Everyone is encouraged to create a thought journal with creative expression. Creative can mean: drawing free of straight lines, pictures or diagrams, allowing colors and structures to flow in. Create a MINDMAP, so to speak, where associative thoughts can be linked.

....Ein Mindmap erstellen macht Freude und hilft, Transparenz zu erreichen. Es wird damit leichter sein herauszufinden, wo der Hund begraben liegt...Creating a mind map is fun and helps to achieve transparency. This will make it easier to find out w…

Creating a mind map is fun and helps to achieve transparency. This will make it easier to find out where the dog is buried.

The left hemisphere is specialized in getting from the detail to the long shot, whereas the right hemisphere leads to the detail via the overall picture. Interesting.

4. Rethink thoughts

Thoughts can be transformed more easily the more consciously they are perceived.

Every time we ponder a thought and we control it with our minds, we can influence it as well. So it is in our power of free will whether we want to create new circuits and initiate a detoxification process.

What we think and feel about ourselves, what about our partner, our parents, friends and neighbors can all be examined and redefined.

We usually cannot control our circumstances, but we can determine how we react to them.

5. Implement thoughts

This last step quickly shows whether the previous steps were carried out correctly. This is because the practical steps are carried out according to the thought. Application steps. With these steps we have built a secure foundation for change, health and quality of life.

This overcoming step helps to recognize whether something is true or not. It shows whether theory and practice match. In doing so, it promotes integrity and makes us strong.

....Diese Lady freut sich scheinbar darauf, etwas Neues zu lernen, zu üben und es in die Praxis umzusetzen. Lassen wir uns doch anstecken !!..This lady is apparently looking forward to learning something new, practicing it and putting it into practi…

This lady is apparently looking forward to learning something new, practicing it and putting it into practice. Let's get infected!

he epigenetics shows, our perception shapes our biology. Our thoughts are powerful, they shape us. As Solomon said, as we think, so are we (Proverbs 23: 7).

3 activities that promote the healing process

Time of silence:

Studies show that people who pray and read the Bible every day are more likely to have positive thoughts. Spending time in nature also encourages good thoughts.

Nutrition:

Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and B vitamins lift our mood. They stabilize the blood sugar level and improve the functioning of neurotransmitters and nerves. Since the brain consists of up to 85% water, it consumes accordingly, which invites us to 'refill'. (at least 1.5 liters of water / day)

Move:

Physical exercise releases beta-endorphins, which create a sense of well-being in us and dispel tension and stress. It trains the will and promotes blood circulation with all the resulting benefits.

In summary

t can be said that the amygdala gives input and informs the mind (frontal lobe) about the emotions (roughly in a ratio of 9: 1, ie 9 times more often than it receives information from the frontal lobe). The thalamus and hypothalamus provide input regarding motivation. The memory networks provide information about memories that have already been stored. The central switching point mixes and combines everything. The heart also gets involved and supports the decision-making processes.

Theological Aspects

If the Bible says:

  • We are to put all our worries on Jesus (1 Pet 5: 7)

  • We are to control every thought (2 Cor. 10: 5)

  • We are to renew our senses (Rom 12: 2)

  • We should always be happy (Phil 4: 4)

  • We are to use the weapons of God, because with them all fortresses of the opponent can be overcome (2 Cor 10: 4-5)

  • We should look to HIM so that HIM influences our thoughts (2 Cor 3:18)

then it looks like that our Creator knows exactly how important all this is and that, as soon as we follow it, we live in a 'different', better world. Isn't that sensational!

And what I particularly like is that HE does not leave us alone in our endeavors, but supports us in a highly active manner, the more we get involved with HIM.

He would like to be our 'fixed star' who shows us the direction in every situation in life.

Faith, as defined in Hebrews 11:1, takes on a new depth when one knows that just thinking deeply about an action can equal the actual action. The same parts of the brain are addressed.

....Es ist ganz die Idee des christlichen Glaubens, dass wir dadurch lernen, Meister der Umstände zu werden und damit unsere Lebensqualität hoch ist. Wenn wir schon das Angebot haben, dass unser Schöpfer uns im Alltag helfen und uns glücklich sehen …

It is entirely the idea of the Christian faith that through this we learn to become masters of circumstances and so that our quality of life is high. If we already have the offer that our Creator wants to help us in everyday life and wants to see us happy and also provides everything we need, then__

__We can literally tear down toxic thought structures by deciding to make ourselves fully aware of the thought, to change it through repentance and forgiveness (protein synthesis) and to replace it with correct information according to Phil 4:8 or similar principles!

There are no harmless thoughts. Therefore we must be good stewards of our thoughts and emotions!

This is followed by two blogs where we will deal with the 10 typically toxic topics that challenge us every day.

PS. Reference book: Bible and "Who turned my brain off" by Dr. Caroline Leaf

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