The Outsiders novel SE Hinton

The Outsiders, written by S.E. Hinton and published in 1967, is a novel that explores the lives of two rival groups of teenagers. The book is set in 1965 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It provides an insightful look into the conflicts and connections between these two groups, known as the Greasers and the Socs.

Plot summary

The novel follows the story of a 14-year-old boy named Ponyboy Curtis, a member of the Greasers, who struggle to fit into society. The Greasers, a gang from the poorer east side of town, are in constant conflict with the Socs, a group of wealthier teenagers from the west side. Throughout the novel, Ponyboy and his friends face numerous challenges, including fights, misunderstandings, and tragic events.

The story unfolds through Ponyboy's perspective, showing how he deals with the difficulties in his life, such as losing his parents and navigating the complex dynamics between the Greasers and the Socs. The novel highlights the importance of friendship, loyalty, and understanding.

Characters and their gangs

The Greasers:

• Ponyboy Curtis: The 14-year-old narrator of the story, who struggles to find his place in society.
• Sodapop Curtis: Ponyboy's 16-year-old brother, who works at a gas station and is known for his charming personality.
• Darry Curtis: Ponyboy's 20-year-old brother and guardian, who takes on the responsibility of raising his brothers.
• Johnny Cade: Ponyboy's close friend, who comes from an abusive household and finds solace in the Greasers.
• Dallas "Dally" Winston: A tough, street-smart Greaser with a criminal record, who acts as a protector to Johnny.
• Two-Bit Matthews: A fun-loving Greaser known for his sense of humor and love of fighting.
• Steve Randle: Sodapop's best friend, who works at the gas station with him.

The Socs:

• Bob Sheldon: A wealthy Soc, who becomes a central character in the conflict between the two gangs.
• Randy Adderson: Bob's friend and another prominent member of the Socs.
• Cherry Valance: A Soc girl who befriends Ponyboy and Johnny, showing that the gap between the two groups isn't as vast as it seems.

Chapter summaries

Chapter 1:

We meet Ponyboy Curtis, who is walking home from the movies when he is jumped by a group of Socs. His brothers, Sodapop and Darry, along with other Greasers, come to his rescue. The chapter introduces the ongoing conflict between the Socs and the Greasers.

Chapter 2:

Ponyboy, Johnny, and Two-Bit meet Cherry Valance and Marcia at a drive-in movie theater. Cherry, a Soc, befriends Ponyboy, offering him a new perspective on the rivalry between the two gangs.

Chapter 3:

Cherry and Marcia's Soc boyfriends show up, leading to a confrontation. Cherry intervenes, leaving with her boyfriend Bob to prevent a fight. Later, Ponyboy and Johnny fall asleep in a vacant lot, only to return home to find Darry furious at Ponyboy.

Chapter 4:

Ponyboy and Johnny, fleeing Darry's anger, go to a park where they are confronted by Bob and a group of Socs. In the ensuing fight, Johnny kills Bob in self-defense. The boys run away and seek help from Dally, who gives them money and tells them to hide in an abandoned church near Windrixville.

Chapter 5:

Ponyboy and Johnny hide out in the church, cutting and bleaching their hair to disguise themselves. They pass the time reading Gone with the Wind and discussing their situation.

Chapter 6:

Dally visits Ponyboy and Johnny, informing them that Cherry has agreed to testify on their behalf. They return to the church to find it on fire with children trapped inside. Ponyboy and Johnny manage to save the children, but Johnny is badly injured in the process. In addition to suffering severe burns, the roof of the church caves in on Johnny, breaking his back.

Chapter 7:

Ponyboy and his brothers visit Johnny in the hospital, where they learn that his injuries are critical. The Greasers prepare for a rumble against the Socs, hoping to settle their rivalry once and for all.

Chapter 8:

Ponyboy visits Johnny again, and they discuss life, death, and dreams. Johnny's condition worsens, and he tells Ponyboy to "stay gold," referring to a Robert Frost poem they had read.

Chapter 9:

The Greasers win the rumble against the Socs, but victory is bittersweet. Ponyboy and Dally rush to the hospital to see Johnny, who succumbs to his injuries, leaving Ponyboy devastated.

Chapter 10:

Ponyboy returns home in shock, only to learn that Dally, stricken by Johnny's death, has committed a robbery and is killed by the police in a confrontation.

Chapter 11:

Ponyboy falls ill and struggles to recover from the trauma of losing Johnny and Dally. He also faces trouble at school, but his brothers support him.

Chapter 12:

Ponyboy goes to court, where he is cleared of charges for Bob's death. The novel concludes with Ponyboy finding peace through writing about his experiences, realizing that everyone has struggles regardless of their background.

Slang terms in the novel

• Greasers: A nickname for Ponyboy's gang, referring to their greased-back hair.
• Socs: A short form of "Socials," referring to the wealthier teenagers from the west side.
• Rumble: A fight between gangs.
• Hood: Short for "hoodlum," describing someone from a rough background.
• Tuff: A slang term meaning "cool" or "tough."

Conclusion

The Outsiders is a powerful novel that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and understanding across social divides. Through the experiences of Ponyboy and the Greasers, readers gain insight into the struggles of teenagers from different backgrounds. The novel's enduring relevance lies in its portrayal of the complexities of adolescence and the universal need for connection and acceptance.

Free lesson plan on the original 13 colonies

By Aaron S. Robertson

Here's a comprehensive lesson plan for a fifth grade social studies class focused on the original 13 colonies. The lesson is designed to be engaging and informative, exploring key aspects such as regional distinctions, economies, leadership, events, and international relations.

Lesson Title: The Original 13 Colonies

Grade: 5
Duration: 70 minutes
Lesson Objectives:

Understand the regions of the 13 colonies. Describe the geographical and cultural distinctions between the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies. Analyze their economies by exploring the primary economic activities in each region and how they influenced the development of the colonies. Identify key leaders and events by highlighting significant figures and happenings that shaped the colonies. Discuss colonial rule by explaining the relationship between the colonies and the countries that ruled them, particularly Britain.

Materials Needed:

• Textbooks: Social studies textbooks covering the 13 colonies
• Handouts: Maps, charts, and timelines
• Visual Aids: PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation with images of leaders, economies, and key events
• Art Supplies: For optional poster project
• Whiteboard & Markers

Lesson Structure:

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Warm-Up: Ask students what they already know about the 13 colonies and list their responses on the whiteboard.
• Overview: Introduce the topic, explaining how the 13 colonies formed the foundation of the United States.

Regions of the 13 Colonies (15 minutes):

• New England Colonies: Describe the states in this region, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Discuss the harsh climate; their focus on shipbuilding, fishing, and trade; and the cultural emphasis on religion and education.
• Middle Colonies: Cover New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Highlight the region's diverse population, fertile land, and agricultural focus on grains; as well as its role as a hub for trade and commerce.
• Southern Colonies: Detail Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Discuss the warm climate, agricultural economy based on cash crops like tobacco and cotton, and reliance on slave labor.

Economies of the Colonies (10 minutes):

• Discuss how each region's geography influenced its economy, leading to specialization in areas like shipbuilding, agriculture, and commerce.
• Compare and contrast the economies, highlighting how they shaped the development of each region.

Leaders and Events (10 minutes):

• New England: Discuss leaders like John Winthrop and events like the Salem Witch Trials.
• Middle Colonies: Highlight William Penn's role in founding Pennsylvania and promoting religious tolerance.
• Southern Colonies: Introduce figures like John Smith and events such as Bacon's Rebellion.

Colonial Rule (10 minutes):

• Discuss how the colonies were ruled by Britain, touching on taxation, governance, and the role of the British monarchy.
• Explore how these factors led to growing tensions and eventually the American Revolution.

Activity (10 minutes):

• Group Poster Project: Divide students into three groups, each assigned a region. Have them create a poster summarizing key aspects of their region, including economy, leaders, and notable events.
• Presentation: Allow each group to present its poster to the rest of the class.

Wrap-Up (5 minutes):

• Recap: Summarize the key points covered in the lesson.
• Q&A: Allow students to ask questions and clarify any doubts.
• Assignment: Assign a short homework task for students to write a paragraph on how the colonial economies impacted the development of each region.

Assessment:

• Class Participation: Monitor student engagement during discussions and group activities.
• Poster Presentation: Assess students' understanding through their group poster project.
• Homework: Evaluate the homework assignment for comprehension and analytical skills.

This lesson plan provides a balanced approach by integrating geography, economy, leadership, and international relations; thereby presenting students with a robust, holistic view of the original 13 colonies. It combines visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning methods, ensuring all students stay engaged and grasp the topic thoroughly.

Existential Christology of Kierkegaard

Søren Kierkegaard’s existential Christology

Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th-century Danish philosopher and theologian, is often regarded as the father of existentialism. His intricate philosophy interweaves theological concepts, existential questions, and a deep exploration of Christian individuality. This essay explores the main themes of Kierkegaard's works, particularly focusing on how these themes argue in favor of Jesus Christ as central to understanding human existence. Additionally, it provides detailed biographical information to contextualize his ideas.

Biographical overview

Søren Aabye Kierkegaard was born on May 5, 1813, in Copenhagen, Denmark. The youngest of seven children, his early life was markedly influenced by his father, Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard, a sternly religious man whose melancholy and guilt over perceived sins were imposed upon the young Kierkegaard. This familial atmosphere imbued him with a profound sense of existential dread and a fascination with the complexities of human existence and sin.

Kierkegaard studied theology at the University of Copenhagen, though his academic work often veered into the fields of philosophy and literature. His personal life was equally tumultuous, highlighted by a broken engagement to Regine Olsen, which deeply affected him and influenced his subsequent writings. Kierkegaard’s works were mostly published under various pseudonyms, each representing different viewpoints and exploring various philosophical and theological dilemmas. He died on November 11, 1855, leaving behind a legacy that would posthumously inspire existentialist philosophy and modern theology.



Existential Christology

Kierkegaard's theological thought is predominantly centered around the individual’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Unlike systematic theologians of his time, Kierkegaard believed that Christianity was not just a set of doctrines to be believed, but a personal journey of faith, marked by a subjective relationship with Christ. His works often critiqued the established church and Christian culture of Denmark for promoting what he saw as a superficial, complacent form of Christianity devoid of passion and authenticity.

1. The absurd faith

In Fear and Trembling, Kierkegaard discusses the concept of the "leap of faith" necessary for true belief, using the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac to illustrate his point. He argues that faith requires a suspension of the ethical, a move beyond reason that he describes as "absurd." Kierkegaard’s focus on Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son highlights the existential struggle between human understanding and divine command, which he ties directly to the individual's relationship with Christ, the ultimate 'absurdity' of God becoming man and dying on the cross.



2. The single individual

In Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments, Kierkegaard emphasizes that genuine understanding of Christian truths can only be grasped by the individual through a personal and subjective experience. This notion contrasts with the objective approach of doctrinal religion, arguing that each person must come to terms with Christ in a singular existential moment.

3. Christian suffering

Works of Love and The Sickness Unto Death explore the Christian concept of agape love and despair. Here, Kierkegaard delves into the idea that to be a Christian is to suffer as Christ did, not only physically but also existentially, by bearing the weight of one's own sin and the absurdity of life without despair.

Conclusion

Kierkegaard’s existential approach to Christianity revitalizes the narrative of Christ by placing the emphasis on personal faith and the paradox of the divine made human. His writings challenge believers to confront the implications of Christ’s life and teachings directly and personally, making a compelling case for the transformative power of true Christian faith.



Bibliography

This bibliography provides a foundation for further exploration of Kierkegaard’s philosophical and theological contributions, particularly as they pertain to his existential interpretation of Christology.

• Kierkegaard, Søren. Fear and Trembling. Translated by Alastair Hannay. Penguin Books, 1985.
• Kierkegaard, Søren. Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments. Translated by Alastair Hannay. Princeton University Press, 1992.
• Kierkegaard, Søren. Works of Love. Translated by Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong. Harper & Row, 1962.
• Kierkegaard, Søren. The Sickness Unto Death. Translated by Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong. Princeton University Press, 1980.
• Garff, Joakim. Søren Kierkegaard: A Biography. Translated by Bruce H. Kirmmse. Princeton University Press, 2005.

The joy of confession

Discover the joy, peace, beauty, forgiveness, and healing that comes with the Catholic sacrament of Reconciliation, also known simply as confession.

By Aaron S. Robertson

A talk I gave during a retreat for high school catechism students at my parish on April 14, 2024.

Sin is the obstacle blocking the joy that God intends for humanity, for each and every one of us. It’s a separation from God and a deviation from His divine will and purpose for creation, and it comes in many forms. Sin is any thought, word, or deed that violates God’s moral law, disrupts the harmony of the created order, and damages the relationship between humanity and God. Now, when we say thought, we really mean dwelling on bad or impure thoughts, whether they’re about ourselves, others, or God. We all have thoughts constantly running through our minds. This is a natural condition of our fallen human psyche. The real question is whether we let them stew to the point that we willingly allow them to turn into something more serious, like lust, jealousy, rage, unjust anger, the desire to harm someone or ourselves, and so on. Sin also comes in the form of not doing what we should have done - we call this omission. Did we purposely fail to stand up for someone or something in a situation in a way that would have been fair, just, holy, right? Did we intentionally withhold information or the entire truth in a situation that could have caused some sort of harm or distress to others? These are just a couple examples of sinning by omission.

Sin creates a barrier between individuals and God, hindering our ability to fully experience the joy, peace, and fulfillment that come from being in communion with Him. The effects of sin also create that same barrier between all of us. Sin leads to misunderstandings, misperceptions, mistrust, a distorted lens. It not only eats away at our individual relationships with God, but with one another.

The solution? The sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly called confession. And that solution is available here today. And so I respectfully challenge you to take advantage of it today.



I challenge you to go in there, into that confessional, and give it your best. That’s an absolute requirement if you want God’s forgiveness, healing, and the graces necessary to combat sin and temptation going forward. You must give it your best, and that also means genuinely being sorry. Try with everything you’ve got. Recount all your major, serious, intentional sins since your last confession. If you genuinely forget something, that’s totally okay. We all have flawed memories, and for many people, they’re trying to recount years and even decades of sins. But if you’re aware of something you’ve done or may have done – if it enters your mind at any time from now as you’re listening to me through your time in there – you can’t hide it. You need to disclose it. Is it tough to do this at times? Does it make us feel ashamed, embarrassed, pretty lowly? Dirty? Heck yes, it does. But I’ll tell you what. I promise you, with everything I’ve got, that if you go in there, and you genuinely try your best to recount your sins, to be totally honest with God and with yourself, to not beat around the bush and try to hide the seriousness of your sins in vague language, and just let it all come out; if you’re genuinely sorry, I promise you, with everything I’ve got, that things are gonna start happening in ways that cannot be explained by anything in this world.

If you feel separated, alienated from God and from others right now, if you’re tired of searching for answers and relief and distractions in other things, only to come up empty-handed, if you feel lost, if you’re tired of running and hiding, then today is your day. Go in there and give it your best, and walk out of there tall, forgiven, healed, joyful, and prepared to see the entire world and your life in a new lens. I sure did after 20-plus years. Have nothing to hide or fear. Priests have heard it all. God knows it all. Your secrets are safe with them. There is no sin He can’t or won’t forgive you for, there is no wound He can’t or won’t heal. God bless you. Thank you!

Don Bosco

Biography of Don Bosco

St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco ("Don" is a title given to priests in Italy), born Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco on August 16, 1815, in Becchi, Italy, was an influential Roman Catholic priest, educator, and writer known for his work with disadvantaged youth. His lifelong mission was to provide children and young adults with the educational and spiritual foundation to lead successful and upright lives.

Early life and education

Giovanni was the youngest son of Francesco Bosco and Margherita Occhiena. Tragedy struck early when his father died, leaving his mother to raise him and his two elder brothers alone. Despite the family's financial struggles, Margherita ensured that Giovanni received a basic education and instilled in him strong Christian values.

Driven by a calling to the priesthood, Bosco entered the seminary. His education was intermittently paused due to financial constraints, but he persevered and was ordained in 1841. His focus during these formative years sharpened towards helping boys who were left impoverished by the industrial revolution in Turin.

Work and achievements

After ordination, Don Bosco dedicated himself to the education and welfare of street children, juvenile delinquents, and other disadvantaged youth in the city of Turin. He established a night school for apprentices and opened his home as a refuge for the young and destitute. Bosco's educational philosophy was revolutionary, emphasizing love over punishment, which was a stark contrast to the harsh measures prevalent in the reformatories of the time.

In 1859, Bosco founded the Salesian Society, named after Saint Francis de Sales, renowned for his kind and gentle demeanor. The Society's mission was to continue his work through a network of educational institutions. It quickly spread beyond Italy, becoming one of the largest missionary organizations in the world.

Later years and legacy

Don Bosco was also a prolific writer and publisher, focusing on educational materials and devotional writings that furthered his pedagogical ideals. His efforts were recognized by the Church, and he received support from many quarters, including Pope Pius IX.



He died on January 31, 1888, in Turin and was canonized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church in 1934 by Pope Pius XI. His legacy lives on through the Salesians, who continue to operate schools and youth centers worldwide.

Key highlights

• Birth and early life: Born in 1815 in Becchi, Italy, faced early hardship with the death of his father.
• Ordination: Became a priest in 1841, dedicating his life to the education and betterment of disadvantaged youth.
• Educational philosophy: Pioneered a system based on love and moral persuasion rather than punishment.
• Founding of the Salesian Society: Established in 1859, it has grown into a global organization devoted to education and care of young people.
• Death and canonization: Died in 1888; canonized as a saint in 1934.
• Lasting impact: Salesian Society continues to be a significant force in global education and youth development.

Don Bosco's story is a remarkable example of dedication to the betterment of society's most vulnerable. His work and the movement he founded remain pivotal in the lives of millions around the world, demonstrating the enduring power of compassion and education.

For more details on the life of St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, check out the previous post, Feast of Don Bosco.

Democratic-Republican Party

The Democratic-Republican Party, also known simply as the Republican Party or Jeffersonian Republicans, was a political party during the early history of the United States. Formed in the 1790s by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, among others, the Democratic-Republicans emerged in opposition to the Federalist Party, led by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams.

The Democratic-Republican Party represented a distinct political faction with its own platform, ideology, and goals. They advocated for a decentralized federal government, strict interpretation of the Constitution, agrarian interests, and a foreign policy favoring France over Britain. They also championed individual liberties, states' rights, and agrarian democracy, contrasting sharply with the Federalists' support for a strong central government, commercial interests, and closer ties with Britain.

The Democratic-Republicans organized themselves into local, state, and national committees; held conventions; and nominated candidates for political office. They ran campaigns, mobilized supporters, and sought to influence public opinion through newspapers, pamphlets, and political speeches.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Democratic-Republicans dominated American politics, winning several presidential elections, including those of Thomas Jefferson (1800, 1804), James Madison (1808, 1812), and James Monroe (1816, 1820). They also controlled Congress for much of this period, shaping legislative agendas and policy priorities.

The Democratic-Republican Party's existence as a political party in the traditional sense is evident in its organization, activities, and electoral successes during the early history of the United States. While it eventually split into various factions and evolved into different political entities, such as the Democratic Party and the National Republican Party, its role in shaping the nation's political landscape during its formative years cannot be denied.

The Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers stand as one of the most influential collections of political essays in American history. Published between 1787 and 1788, these essays played a crucial role in shaping the discourse surrounding the ratification of the United States Constitution. Comprising 85 essays, the Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym "Publius." The primary objective of the Federalist Papers was to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution, presenting a robust defense of its principles and structure.

The need for the Federalist Papers arose out of the contentious debate over the proposed Constitution. After the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where delegates from the states gathered to draft a new framework for government, the document faced significant opposition. Anti-Federalists, who feared centralized power and distrusted a strong national government, voiced their concerns through newspapers, pamphlets, and public speeches. In response, Hamilton, Madison, and Jay embarked on a concerted effort to counter these arguments and persuade the public of the Constitution's merits.

The essays covered a wide array of topics, ranging from the necessity of a strong central government to the structure of the proposed system of checks and balances. One of the central themes of the Federalist Papers was the concept of federalism itself - the division of power between the national government and the states. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay argued that a balance between federal authority and state sovereignty was essential for maintaining stability and protecting individual liberties. They contended that the Constitution achieved this balance by granting specific powers to the federal government while reserving others to the states.

Moreover, the Federalist Papers delved into the intricacies of the proposed governmental structure, elucidating the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Hamilton, in particular, expounded upon the role of the executive in Federalist Nos. 67–77, defending the concept of a unitary executive with strong authority in foreign affairs and national defense. Madison, often hailed as the "Father of the Constitution," outlined the rationale behind the system of checks and balances in Federalist Nos. 47–51, emphasizing the need to prevent any one branch from usurping excessive power.

Beyond discussing the theoretical underpinnings of the Constitution, the Federalist Papers addressed practical concerns regarding its implementation. Hamilton, for instance, tackled issues related to taxation and finance in Federalist Nos. 30–36, advocating for a robust fiscal policy to secure the nation's credit and ensure economic stability. Meanwhile, Madison explored the mechanics of representation and the dangers of factionalism in Federalist Nos. 10 and 51, proposing institutional remedies to mitigate the negative effects of partisan strife.

The Federalist Papers were not merely a theoretical treatise; they were a strategic campaign aimed at persuading the American public and influencing the ratification process. The authors understood the importance of public opinion in determining the fate of the Constitution and sought to address the concerns of ordinary citizens. By disseminating their arguments through newspapers and other media outlets, they sought to sway public sentiment in favor of ratification.

The impact of the Federalist Papers cannot be overstated. Although the Constitution faced staunch opposition in several states, the cogent arguments presented in the essays helped to shift the tide of public opinion. Their influence was particularly pronounced in key battleground states such as New York and Virginia, where the ratification debates were fiercely contested. Ultimately, the Federalist Papers played a pivotal role in securing the ratification of the Constitution, laying the foundation for the American system of government that endures to this day.

In conclusion, the Federalist Papers represent a seminal contribution to American political thought. Through their eloquent defense of the Constitution, Hamilton, Madison, and Jay helped to shape the course of American history, ensuring the establishment of a strong and enduring federal republic. The essays remain a testament to the power of reasoned argumentation and continue to be studied and debated, reaffirming their enduring relevance in the annals of American political discourse.