The reason
I chose the words redemption is manifold. First, the conception of coming back
from a setback is an idea that I not only hold in high esteem, but also am
trying to accomplish in terms of coming back to play sports while in high
school. By researching and enveloping myself in the origins of this word, I
hope to reinforce this desire. Secondly, there are highly religious
connotations regarding the word. While only spiritual myself, the history of
religions has fascinated me and seeing how specific words in religious texts
(namely, the Christian Bible) affect the meaning and interpretations of the
philosophy of the text will be especially interesting. Finally, modern popular
culture has emphasized the value of redemption and how sweet the feeling can
be. The Book of Eli, a
post-apocalyptic film that tests the value of humanity after society has broken
down and reverted to a more primitive form, shows that a man despite his past
failings may redeem himself with later actions, and that redemption is a very
ambiguous term that means entirely different things to different people.
