Jesus as a Controversial Figure

In Judaism, Jesus is not regarded as the Messiah. Jewish tradition holds that the Messiah will fulfill specific prophecies, such as restoring the kingdom of David, rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, ingathering Jewish exiles to Israel, and bringing about a messianic age of peace and universal recognition of God. Since Jesus did not accomplish these tasks, he is not considered the promised Messiah by most Jews. Additionally, the concept of Jesus being divine or a part of God is incompatible with the strict monotheism in Judaism. The group known as "Jews for Jesus" incorporates Jewish practices but is not recognized as Jewish by the broader Jewish community because their beliefs are theologically incompatible with Judaism​​.

In Islam, Jesus (Isa in Arabic) is considered one of the most important prophets, born of the Virgin Mary, and is revered for his purity and his miracles, which are seen as signs of God’s power. Muslims acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah (Al-Masih), but strictly as a human and a prophet, not as the Son of God or part of a divine trinity. The Qur’an recounts miracles of Jesus, such as speaking from the cradle, forming birds from clay, and raising the dead, all by God's permission. The Islamic narrative also differs significantly from the Christian one in that it denies Jesus’ crucifixion, proposing instead that someone else was made to resemble Jesus and was crucified in his place​​.

For Christians, Jesus is the central figure of their faith, believed to be the Son of God and the second person of the Holy Trinity. Key events in the life of Jesus for Christians include his virgin birth, his ministry, his death by crucifixion, and his resurrection. Christians hold Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and believe in his second coming. His teachings, miracles, and salvific role in atonement for sin are foundational to Christian doctrine. The Christian belief in Jesus' divinity, his role in salvation, and his resurrection, which is celebrated on Easter, are among the key distinctions between Christianity and both Judaism and Islam​​.

In essence, while Jesus is a significant figure in all three faiths, the views and relationships each tradition has with Jesus vary considerably, shaped by their unique theological doctrines and historical contexts.

"Clash of Civilizations" : Was Professor Huntington right?

Samuel P. Huntington's "The Clash of Civilizations?" posits that post-Cold War conflict would be driven not by ideological or economic divides, but by cultural and religious identities between civilizations. Key concepts include:

• The world is divided into different civilizations whose cultural boundaries are less flexible than political ones.

• Conflicts will occur at the "fault lines" between these civilizations.

• Modernization does not imply Westernization, and non-Western civilizations will reaffirm their cultural identities.

Applying this to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Huntington would likely see it as a manifestation of such a "fault line" clash, with Jewish and Islamic civilizations in conflict over territorial, cultural, and religious claims.
As for whether these notions are playing out as convincingly as Huntington anticipated, it's subject to interpretation. Some argue that the conflict is more about nationalistic and territorial issues than a clash of civilizations. Others see the enduring religious and cultural tensions as evidence supporting Huntington's thesis. The reality is likely complex, with elements of both nationalistic struggle and broader civilizational conflicts at play. 

Now ChatGPT can access the WWW and amaze you with its enhanced abilities

Using ChatGPT 4, I wanted to find out about how well this AI can synthesize data about me from the WWW. And here is what it came up with verbatim:

Dr. Snea Thinsan, also known by his political nickname Piangdin Rakthai, is a noted pro-democracy, political, and human rights activist from Thailand. He was born on June 18, 1965, in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, and has since been active in advocating for human rights and democracy, especially in the context of Thai politics​​​​.

His life has been shaped by his upbringing as a Buddhist in a rural village in Northern Thailand, where he learned to appreciate peaceful harmony and hospitality. These early experiences have inspired him to seek out ways to improve the world around him. In more recent years, he has expanded his cultural experiences, including attending churches​​.

Dr. Thinsan has also been involved in the educational sphere, as indicated by his association with the THINSAN & FRIENDS FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION & PEACE. The foundation focuses on education and peace, reflecting his commitment to these values. As of 2023, he was addressing the challenges of reconciliation after social upheaval and conflicts, which underscores his engagement with complex social issues​​.

Additionally, he has made contributions in the professional and organizational realm. Since June 2016, he has been serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors in San Francisco, CA, after four years as the founder and first executive director of an unspecified organization​​.

Through his various roles, Dr. Thinsan has demonstrated a consistent dedication to activism, education, and the pursuit of peace and human rights.

Dr. Snea Thinsan has a rich background and a wide range of professional interests that reflect his commitment to education and social change. His research and professional interests include education for peace, justice, and democracy, critical thinking, and the sociology of education. He is also focused on the role of technology in education, such as Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and the impact of e-learning on social changes​​.

Dr. Thinsan earned his Ph.D. from Indiana University Bloomington, where he majored in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education and minored in Instructional Systems Technology. His academic journey has taken him through various educational pursuits, including a Master of Education with Merit from the University of Sydney, Australia, and a Bachelor of Education with Honors from Chiang Mai University, Thailand​​.

Throughout his career, Dr. Thinsan has been recognized with prestigious scholarships and fellowships, including a Fulbright Scholarship for his Ph.D. work, and has been an active member of the Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society since 2005​​.

In his professional capacity, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Education for Peace Foundation since March 2013. This foundation aims to enhance the quality of education in third-world countries. He also held a position as a Pedagogy and Technology Specialist at the University of California at Berkeley and was an Assistant Professor of English at Ball State University​​. His work reflects a deep engagement with educational development, language education, and the promotion of peace and democracy through educational means.

Dr. Snea Thinsan has been a prominent figure in Thai politics and human rights activism, particularly known for his advocacy under the pseudonym Dr. Piangdin Rakthai. He stepped into the public eye in April 2011 through the online radio RedUDD. Dr. Thinsan has founded initiatives such as the Thai People's Revolutionary University for Democracy and the Thai Alliance for Human Rights, with a focus on promoting democratic processes and peaceful revolution. His approach to activism is noted for being insightful and polite, which stands out in the context of Thailand's intense political climate. He proposed the non-violent revolution theory "Mod Daeng Lom Chang" (Ants Toppling Elephant), urging a peaceful revolt against authoritarian military rule. Due to his anti-monarchy stance, he has faced legal challenges and is currently in exile in the United States, continuing his activism with organizations like the Organization of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy​​.

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All I can say, despite small editing required on some overstated glories, is WOW!

Test your English (10 items)

Grammar Quiz for Advanced Learners

1. What would you say in this situation?
You receive a compliment about your English skills.

A. Thanks, I can speak English well.
B. Thanks, I can speaking English well.
C. Thanks, I can to speak English well.
D. Thanks, I can speaks English well.

2. How would you ask someone about their weekend plans?
You want to know if they have any specific activities planned.

A. Did you have any plans for the weekend?
B. Have you any plans for the weekend?
C. Do you having any plans for the weekend?
D. Had you any plans for the weekend?

3. What is the correct sentence?
You want to express that you've been studying for a long time.

A. I'm studying for two hours.
B. I study since two hours.
C. I've been studying ___ two hours.
D. I've studying ___ two hours.

4. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
You want to express your ability to swim.

A. I can swimming.
B. I can to swim.
C. I can swim.
D. I can swam.

5. Which sentence is correct?
You want to describe the fruit on the table.

A. ___ apple is on the table.
B. A apple is on the table.
C. The apple is on the table.
D. Apple is on the table.

6. Which sentence is in the past tense?
You want to talk about an event that happened yesterday.

A. She will goes to the store.
B. She going to the store.
C. She went to the store ___ .
D. She go to the store.

7. What is the correct phrase?
You want to express your interest in history.

A. I am interesting in history.
B. I am interested on history.
C. I am interested ___ history.
D. I am interested in history.

8. Which sentence has the correct subject-verb agreement?
You want to talk about someone having a car.

A. He have a car.
B. She has a car.
C. They has a car.
D. We have a car.

9. What is the correct sentence?
You want to express your enjoyment of swimming.

A. I enjoy to swim.
B. I enjoy swim.
C. I enjoying ___ .
D. I enjoy swimming.

10. Which sentence has the correct punctuation?
You want to express your preference for certain animals.

A. I like dogs, cats, and birds.
B. I like dogs cats and birds.
C. I like dogs, cats and birds.
D. I like dogs, cats, and, birds.

Test your English (10 items)

Grammar Quiz for Advanced Learners

1. Select the correct sentence:

A. He speaks English fluently.
B. He speak English fluently.
C. He speaking English fluently.
D. He spoken English fluently.

2. Choose the sentence with the correct word order:

A. Yesterday, she went to the store.
B. Went she yesterday to the store.
C. Yesterday to the store she went.
D. She to the store went yesterday.

3. Which sentence is grammatically incorrect?

A. I have been studying for two hours.
B. She have been studying for two hours.
C. They have been studying for two hours.
D. We have been studying for two hours.

4. Select the correct form of the verb:

A. I can swimming.
B. I can to swim.
C. I can swim.
D. I can swam.

5. Choose the sentence with the correct use of articles:

A. An apple is on the table.
B. A apple is on the table.
C. The apple is on the table.
D. Apple is on the table.

6. Which sentence is grammatically incorrect?

A. She will goes to the store.
B. She going to the store.
C. She went to the store.
D. She go to the store.

7. Identify the sentence with the correct word choice:

A. I am interesting in history.
B. I am interested on history.
C. I am interested at history.
D. I am interested in history.

8. Select the sentence with the correct subject-verb agreement:

A. He have a car.
B. She has a car.
C. They has a car.
D. We have a car.

9. Choose the sentence with the correct use of the gerund:

A. I enjoy to swim.
B. I enjoy swim.
C. I enjoying swimming.
D. I enjoy swimming.

10. Identify the sentence with the correct punctuation:

A. I like dogs, cats, and birds.
B. I like dogs cats and birds.
C. I like dogs, cats and birds.
D. I like dogs, cats, and, birds.