ABSTRACT The supernatural has been a topic of sociological study for over a century, and belief in the existence of paranormal phenomena is permeating into various aspects of the media. Although publicly labeled as a deviant group, paranormal believers comprise a majority in the United States. When different supernatural belief systems are combined under… Continue reading Religious Differences in Supernatural Beliefs (My Master’s Thesis)
Category: Society
Social Media Responsibility
Most of us feel compelled to post only the "best" aspects of our lives on social media. Others post mostly the "worst". Those of us who present the "best" parts of ourselves on social media are not only seeking validation and praise, but are inadvertently harming others. Those of us who present the "worst" are… Continue reading Social Media Responsibility
Exposing the “Mental Health Crisis”
In sociology, mental health has long been viewed as a “social construction” like gender, race, etc. It is absolutely true in this case. Autism is new a “spectrum” that can be as wide as the mental health community wishes it to be. Homosexuality and transgenderism used to be afflictions that no longer appear in the… Continue reading Exposing the “Mental Health Crisis”
Ohio State Juvenile Reforms
A Brief History of Ohio Juvenile Institutions Prior to the institution of the Ohio Reform School in 1857, male juvenile offenders were sent to adult penitentiaries. The ORS housed boys between 8 and 18 years old. It adopted the cottage style “open system” rather than a large structure to house inmates. Boys entered the ORS… Continue reading Ohio State Juvenile Reforms
Take a Stand on Your Knees
Modern American Christians are emotionally and spiritually soft. We believe that society is persecuting us when stores greet us with “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. We feel as though society is after us when a baker is fined and put out of business for not baking a cake for a same-sex wedding. Sure, this… Continue reading Take a Stand on Your Knees
Social Suicide and Mass Murder
On Valentine’s Day a 19-year-old kid marched into his old high school and opened fire on students who walked out of their classrooms when the killer pulled a fire alarm just before the end of the school day. Reports have come out giving us some insight on his life. The media (both mainstream and social)… Continue reading Social Suicide and Mass Murder
Less “Reform”, More Revival
In the aftermath of last weekend’s Las Vegas massacre, Democrats came out almost immediately and called for new gun control regulations. Republicans came out and defended the Second Amendment, and back and forth we went. When a maniac in a Dodge Charger drove into a crowd in Charlottesville, we began fighting over what statues were… Continue reading Less “Reform”, More Revival
Debate Should Not Lead to Death
I have been in my fair share of arguments. I have debated on Facebook, among friends, and in classrooms full of people. When the situation isn’t resolved, I generally leave the conversation feeling awful. No matter how hard I try, I just cannot convince the other side that I am right. I do not want… Continue reading Debate Should Not Lead to Death
Notes on Deuteronomy 28-29
Chapter 27 ends with 12 curses for those who don’t listen to God’s commands. Chapter 28 begins with 8 blessings that come to those who “hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God” (verse 2). The “balance” is 12 negatives to 8 positives (so far). The “balance” goes even further off kilter (according to… Continue reading Notes on Deuteronomy 28-29
Notes on Deuteronomy 21-27
This passage gives us some clarity as to what marriage is in God’s eyes. While the debate over legalized same sex marriage still rages on, the Bible says nothing about marriage being recognized by the government as “one man, one woman.” God’s word says nothing about hospital visits or filing your taxes jointly. There’s nothing… Continue reading Notes on Deuteronomy 21-27
Simmons' Opinions 