How do the later canons of the Catholic Church respond to Protestant views like Luther’s? What appears to be at stake in this defense of marriage and celibacy?

1. What are three major ways in which the Protestant Reformation affected the lives of people in Europe?

The religious effect after the protestant reformation led to the split of Christianity in Europe in to two groups, the Catholics and Protestants. Secondly, there was a political change which brought about the initial development of democracy; in addition, the Kings ensured that they exercised complete power of their Kingdoms. The reformation affected the social and cultural setup of the Europeans by changing values and challenging various beliefs and cultural activities such as marriages
2. What are three ways in which you think religion affects people’s lives today?

Religion affects ones social being, in that it acts to control the people that one associates freely with and tends to eliminate the people who do not have the same religious interests. Religion may affect ones lifestyle by controlling how one eats and what one wears. The cultural values are set within the boundaries of the religion one submits to, for example the rituals from birth to adulthood are dictated by religion.
3. On what grounds does Luther attack the practice of celibacy? Do you agree with his basic premise? 

Luther believed that celibacy was an approach of denying the realities of nature. To Luther, a man or a woman is unable to stay without a companion as a result of a natural urge for procreation. He describes the urge as a natural response that was designed intentionally, with the body parts present; they were placed by God the creator for a reason. Therefore, Luther argues that the force of nature cannot be stopped, caged or diverted by human believes. He describes the force of procreation as a natural response similar to eating, drinking and sleeping. Hence, celibacy tends to stand against a natural effect that cannot be stopped. I agree with Luther’s view on celibacy based on the natural need for man to procreate for the purpose of continuity of life. The practice of celibacy results to denial of the natural occurrence for human nature that has been granted to every human being. The act of self denial may be controlled by human beings but it may cause them not to be ultimately fulfilled in their natural purpose in life.
4. How do the later canons of the Catholic Church respond to Protestant views like Luther’s? What appears to be at stake in this defense of marriage and celibacy?

The response of the Canons in view of Luther’s belief in celibacy is that marriage is acceptable, but a willing member of the congregation can set themselves apart to practice the act of chastity after making a vow to remain celibate.  Those that are not given to the vow can live under the acceptable sacrament of marriage. The act of denial is given to the one who has committed their lives to remain celibate. According to the Canon celibacy is acceptable and can be achieved and controlled by a human beings sense of commitment. What appears to be at stake following Luther’s belief, is the belief that a human being cannot make a vow to remain celibate and stand by it. The main issue according to Canon is that the state of marriage does not excel the state of celibacy. According to Luther, the nature of marriage does overrule the state of celibacy.

II. The use of violence is justified where there is oppression of the people, mismanagement of public funds, infringement of people’s rights and where the oppressing group does not allow room for negotiation.

First of all, conflicting groups should negotiate to solve their differences amicably, but when negotiations fail, there is no option but the oppressed group to use violence. Secondly, infringement of citizen’s rights necessitates the use of violence. For instance, when people live in fear of death they can resort to violence to prevent the situation. The bastille and the great fear period during French revolution instilled fear in the citizens. Fear alone can kill someone. It is better for a person to counter fear before it comes in control. Furthermore, the reign of terror during French revolution brought fear to the public.  Therefore, fear and infringement of people’s rights justifies the use of violence for people to get what they want.

Oppression and fiscal mismanagement justifies the use of violence. When the state oppresses the citizens, they can resort to violence just like in French where there was rampant feudalism and unfair taxation.  It is right for the government to tax the citizens so that it can use the revenue for defense and infrastructural development. However, where the government overtaxes people, and negotiations fail, violence is justifiable.  

However, there is a level of violence and death that is unacceptable no matter what the goal or intended outcome. The use of violence should not lead to death of innocent civilians. Also, the use of violence should not go to the extent of affecting future generations. For example, using of nuclear bombs that can cause human genetic mutation of the future generation where children can be born either physically or mentally handicapped

3Question 1

The transition from agricultural based production to factory-based production faced some challenges. The laborers were reluctant to shift. The reasons most likely to be the causes of slow shifting include the following, firstly the workers were uncertain of future sustainability of the factories. Most of the workers had for a long time worked on the farms and were confident of its viability. Few of them hence were willing to risk their long career for new frontiers. The second probable reason is that most of the agricultural laborers lacked education and specialized skills to work in factories. Lack skills to operate the factory machinery discouraged most of the laborers. Thirdly, the majority of the workers had a history of working in unfavorable conditions. The fear of inhumane treatment was hence instilled in the employees.

Question 2

Working class women faces some problem compared to middle-class colleagues. Working class women hold a low paying job, the money obtained as wages or salary is insufficient to cater for all the needs required. The jobs are also unstable; it implies that various factors can lead to losing of the job. Hence, they are vulnerable to job loss. Additionally, the working class women have poor access to healthcare and social benefits compared to the middle-class women.

Question 3

As a member of parliament, the first law I would pass to protect factory workers is wage bill. It is evident most factory workers were overworking and got less pay. The wage bill will provide a framework, which guides how workers are compensated for their services. The second bill will be focusing on working conditions of the factory. Poor working conditions have effects on health and morale of the workers. The bill would be setting a threshold on the working conditions and outlining the measures taken against employers who contravene the law.