How far back does your memory go? Do you remember when you were 3 years old? 2 years old? 5 years old? Those were some of the questions we got asked in my cultural antropology class this morning. We delved into some of the focal points of the discipline, as it branches off from the main study of anthropology. The four main facets of anthropology are archaeology, linguistics, culture, and the physical/biological aspects.
It is interesting to note that when dealing with memories, one seems to have a cut off point. I can't remember much before I was 8 years old, while some can remember farther back than that. My professor brought up how most people start to remember things as far back as two or three years old, when they start to talk. It makes sense, then, to connect language learning with cognitive recognition, as if the two go hand in hand. Without the ability to speak, it is much harder to be able to remember and retain things.
We also discussed how a person who is both deaf and blind would have a hard time communicating with people, because their existence would not consist of much communication at all. Helen Keller was definitely an amazing case of overcoming those communication barriers.
On another note, I was reading in Galatians tonight, and while reading a commentary was exposed to some great insights. You wouldn't think you could get much out of five verses (Gal. 1:1-5), which happen to be the introductory paragraph of Paul's letter to the Galatians, but you can. After reading the commentary, it really opened and broadened the scope of my understanding. A few things stuck out to me. First of all, Paul's opening statement reinforces to everyone that he is a messenger sent by God, not by man. This alone gives him credibility in what he has to say. Secondly, the next couple verses solidify the whole salvation message of how God sent Jesus to rescue us from our sins. Paul also states Jesus as being the Lord of all, a bold statement for someone who came out of Judaism. Lastly, it's interesting to note how he addresses the multiple "churches" of Galatia, rather than simple a specific "church" as he does in his other letters.
In v. 6-10, rather than expressing thankfulness to God for the Galatians, he delves right into their problems. He tells them they are on the verge of apostasy from Christ who called them and saved them. He charges them to remember the truth, and proclaims a double curse (anathos) on anyone who tries to teach them otherwise. I think I am really going to enjoy learning Galatians on a deeper level. It's one of my favourite books of the Bible right now
Jake and I were taken out to dinner by my good friends the Torries tonight. They were on their annual trip down to the Gulf Coast to work with Mennonite Disaster Service. It was nice to visit with them and catch up, and I am glad Jake could come too!
Well, that was a long one today, and definitely the first time I have worked on a blog throughout the day. And what a lovely day it was. I could not get enough of the weather, so sunny and warm. I wish spring was just around the corner, instead of 2 or 3 months away...
Love,
Ashleigh
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