今天青主提到耶穌到底是我們的主或是夫子(老師)

也開始再想  自己是否太過度美化一些期待  總之繼續練基本功囉~~讀經&禱告

下周六就是預約明天了!!  要好好加油囉

美國文學感謝主!!終於趕上了  (期待超前囉!!

分享第一周跟第四周的心得  晚安安  i love you, Lord

America Literature Reflection Week 1

After reading the explorers, authors the same time, introduction and works, I begin to realize they are not just the first one to raise the flag of their nation, but like a “king” to the new land.  As a result, they are not some self-boasting authors, but the decider of the frontline.  Moreover, their works may strongly impact the readers and therefore their nations’ decision later because others don’t really have the chance to come to the new land.  Their works matter, it works!

I am reading the book for class of English Literature called the An Historical and Geographical Description of Formosa by Psalmanaazaar George around 1700.  From today’s perspective, it is just a made-up story, totally nonsense.  However, though questioned by some, the book was widely accepted and believed to be the real Formosa story.  It may seem to be ridiculous that Psalmanaazaar could convince people that he comes from Asia despite the fact that he is white.  And this strange phenomenon can be answered by the fact that people those days have very vague idea of how the world unknown looks like.  Though from history research and documents we can see that for our authors of this week—de Vaca, Columbus, or John Smith—none of them is lying, but do I think that in those days, back to the days like the 16 or 17 centuries, their work do play an important role, no matter how ridiculous (like Formosa’s story) or real it is.

So though nowadays, we may see some flaws in them—like white-people-centered, calling them barbarous people, lacking of respect, too much exaggeration, etc.—maybe would laugh at them or finding it ridiculous, but I think we shall never forget their distribution as brave explorers, the honest authors, and faithful citizens.

Actually, I even find that they are somehow quite “modern” that to some degree, they do try to describe things in an objective tone.  As for calling the natives lack of civilization, I think it is quite easy to understand.  At least, the Chinese, I think, has done worse to the other groups—no matter putting their name with a “dog” shape in ancient time or cut off their chance to go to school or get good jobs.  Even now, I think people still can’t achieve the goal of respecting other ethics.  Though we do use political right words to call them, but what about our value and deeper thought?  I think we still have a long way to go.

America Literature Reflection Week 4

        As I read through the reading list, my mood is like going to the deep down and then suddenly to the high ground.  I read the sinners in the hands of an angry God first.  Though I am a Christian, believing myself is the one saved and redeemed, I somehow feel a little kind of afraid.  (Maybe it is because I believe in God and also his judgment that I may be scared).  But the tone is very strict and justice, and even make me chill a little bit.  Actually, when I was reading the article, I was facing some kind of decision at the same time.  So mentioning the angry of God actually makes me afraid at the thinking of whether my choice would be unpleasant to God, and I really do hesitate through the reading and also my decision making.  It was such an interesting experience.  But after I stop myself for a little bit, pray for God forgiveness (if I’ve done something wrong knowingly or unknowing), I make my decision quickly and finish the reading thoroughly.  And move to Franklin’s story.  I actually start from the second chapter.  And I found it very fun to look at his way of reflection of his sin.  He is so true to his judgment of what’s good and put it into practice so honestly.  He even put a journal and keep a record, which he even does some analyst.  Oh, he is SO CUTE!!  And I also found some key words familiar like “Quaker” and “Cecero”.  First of all, I am a Quaker myself, at least my church belongs to the Quaker (though we don’t tremble in our gathering together as the tradition meaning of Quaker; some special tradition are gone but some still left, and are often emphasized when needed.  For example, we are often told about the fear of the Lord, hospitality toward brethren, and world peace.)  Second, Cecero is one of a famous person in our textbook of Western History of Education.  I even showed my friends in education department with it; it’s like showing off a little bit, despite the fact that it is written in Latin which I can’t understand.  American literature, again, appeal to me as friendly and familiar.  I put the way to wealth at last.  I think it is interesting to include all those “as poor Richard said”.  And as I read through it again and again, it becomes like some sort of rhyme.  And I love it, it is so funny though full of wisdom.  I even put some sentences in my diary to remind myself some basic attitude toward life.