Swifts Real Argument Essay Example For Students

Swifts Real Argument Essay Swifts Real ArgumentGod only knows from whence came Freuds theory of penis envy, but one of his more tame theories, that of reverse psychology, may have its roots in the satire of the late Jonathan Swift. I do not mean to assert that Swift employed or was at all familiar with that style of persuasion, but his style is certainly comparable. Reverse psychology (as I chose to define it for this paper) means taking arguments that affirm an issue to such a degree that they seem absurd, and thus oppose the issue. Swift, in An Argument The Abolishing Of Christianity In England stands up for Christianity, and based on the absurdity of his defense, he inadvertently desecrates it. He sets up a fictitious society in which Christianity is disregarded and disdained, but nominal Christianity remains. The author writes to defend this nominal Christianity from abolition. The arguments that the author uses, which are common knowledge in his time, if applied to Christianity in Swifts time would be qu ite dangerous allegations. Indeed, the reasons that Swift gives for the preservation of the fictitious Christianity are exactly what he sees wrong with the Christianity practiced in his time. By applying Swifts satirical argument for the preservation of this fictitious religion to that which was currently practiced, Swift asserts that their Christianity served ulterior motives, both for the government and for the people. We will write a custom essay on Swifts Real Argument specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now If we are to prove that the government was using religion for selfish purposes, we must be sure that it was not serving its intended purpose, the assurance of the moral sanctity of its policies. This is quite evident in the authors comment that if real Christianity was revived, it would be, destroy at one blow all the wit and half the learning of the kingdom; to break the entire frame and constitution of things This proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Christianity has no influence on the governments current policies. It even seems as if the government established Church isnt completely rooted in Christianity, as the author weakly suggests that, bolishing Christianity may perhaps bring the church into danger.The ways that the government actually uses Christianity are completely selfish. One such purpose is the consolation of allies, among whom, for we ought to know, it may be the custom of the country to believe a God. He later goes on to suggest the abolition of Christianity in pe ace-time in order to avoid the loss of allies. It also seems as if the government uses Christianity to pacify the commoners. Although Swift sarcastically interjects, Not that I with those who hold religion to have been the intervention of politicians to keep the lower part of the world in awe, he also says that religion is, f singular use for the common people.In other instances, the government does not use, but certainly benefits from Christianity. In several ways Christianity is a buffer from dissension, in that it takes a blow that might have instead landed on government. Many of the reasons that the authors opposition has given for abolishing Christianity deals with the settlement of unrest that comes from religious disputes. One such example they give is that if Christianity were abolished, there would be no more persecution of blasphemers. Swift answers that these people are naturally inclined to rebel against establishments. Therefore, if the church, their favorite object of rebellion, was taken away, they would resort to rebelling against the government. This statement suggests that ,deorum offensa diis curae (offenses against the gods are the gods business). If applied to the English government, it accuses them of only punishing blasphemers in the interest of protecting the government. Another argument that the author counters is that upon the fall of Christianity, Protestants and other dissenters would be able to again join in communion with the Catholic church. To this, the author retorts that while this may take away one reason for dissension, spirit of opposition would still remain. Thus, when these Protestants found themselves unhappily thrust back into the fold, they would simply find another area in which to dissent, and this time it may be an important area like government. While reaffirming the governments selfish motives, this accuses the Protestants of separating from the Catholic church not because of moral differences, but in order to qu ench their desire to rebel. Another unity that the authors opposition predicted would come from Christianitys fall would that of political and religious parties. Swift answers that these parties used religious differences as an excuse to argue, and that, if necessary, they would find any number of other matters to argue about. One very lilliputian example that he gives is that of two Italian factions that spawned from a dispute over the color of some ribbons. The author asserts that, much like the Protestants, these parties used religion as an excuse to fulfill their selfish desire to argue. .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 , .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 .postImageUrl , .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 , .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601:hover , .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601:visited , .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601:active { border:0!important; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601:active , .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601 .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua2a4cd4c0bc05895d240b2607d960601:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Should There Be A Nuclear Power Plant In Saskatche EssayLike the politicians, the people also have disposed of Christianity as far as letting influence their actions. The Christianity then practiced has no relation to real Christianity, uch as used in primitive times, to have an influence upon mens beliefs and actions. Apparently, even belief in a god, is more than is required of us (Christians). Also, y an entire change in the methods of education, the young gentlemen who are now on the scene seem to have not the least tincture of . This new generation, while not believing in the morals associated Christianity, still gain from their existence. While they disobey the laws associated with these morals, Swift asserts that breaking the rule wouldnt be nearly as fun if it wasnt considered wrong. The people also value church for selfish reasons. As Swift explains, church is many things for many people, none of which include spiritual fulfillment. For social butterflies, church is the perfect place to hob-knob or show off your latest outfit. For the businessman, where more meetings for business?, where more bargains driven of all sorts? Finally, for the insomniac, where so many conveniences or enticements to sleep? These statements apply more directly than any others in the article to the high church of England. All of the things that Swift says about this fictional religion would be very strong words if applied to the Church of England. It might be readily conceived by the innocent reader that Swift was an enemy of the church in his time. This couldnt be farther from the truth. Swift was involved in the church and politics all his life, often in the position of supporting political and religious factions. While this could be used to counter my thesis that Swift was criticizing the establishment, it can just as easily support it. Swift obviously didnt hate government or the church, on the contrary, it was his love of these things that led him to point out the injustices that were scarring them. Like a mother scolding her child, Swift finds fault in his beloved church, only that he may edify it. Swifts Real Argument Essay Example For Students Swifts Real Argument Essay God only knows from whence came Freuds theory of penis envy, but oneof his more tame theories, that of reverse psychology, may have itsroots in the satire of the late Jonathan Swift. I do not mean to assertthat Swift employed or was at all familiar with that style of persuasion, but his style is certainly comparable. Reverse psychology(as I chose to define it for this paper) means taking arguments thataffirm an issue to such a degree that they seem absurd, and thus opposethe issue. Swift, in An Argument Against The Abolishing OfChristianity In England stands up for Christianity, and based on theabsurdity of his defense, he inadvertently desecrates it. He sets up afictitious society in which Christianity is disregarded and disdained,but nominal Christianity remains. The author writes to defend thisnominal Christianity from abolition. The arguments that the author uses,which are common knowledge in his time, if applied to Christianity inSwifts time would be quite dangerous allegations. Indeed, the reasonsthat Swift gives for the preservation of the fictitious Christianityare exactly what he sees wrong with the Christianity practiced in histime. By applying Swifts satirical argument for the preservation ofthis fictitious religion to that which was currently practiced, Swiftasserts that their Christianity served ulterior motives, both for thegovernment and for the people. We will write a custom essay on Swifts Real Argument specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now If we are to prove that the government was using religion for selfishpurposes, we must be sure that it was not serving its intended purpose,the assurance of the moral sanctity of its policies. This is quiteevident in the authors comment that if real Christianity was revived,it would be, destroy at one blow all the wit and half the learning ofthe kingdom; to break the entire frame and constitution of things.This proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Christianity has noinfluence on the governments current policies. It even seems as if thegovernment established Church isnt completely rooted in Christianity,as the author weakly suggests that, Abolishing Christianity mayperhaps bring the church into danger.The ways that the government actually uses Christianity are completelyselfish. One such purpose is the consolation of allies, among whom, forwe ought to know, it may be the custom of the country to believe a God.He later goes on to suggest the abolition of Christianity in peace-timein order to avoid the loss of allies. It also seems as if thegovernment uses Christianity to pacify the commoners. Although Swiftsarcastically interjects, Not that I agree with those who holdreligion to have been the intervention of politicians to keep the lowerpart of the world in awe, he also says that religion is, Of singularuse for the common people.In other instances, the government does not use, but certainly benefitsfrom Christianity. In several ways Christianity is a buffer fromdissension, in that it takes a blow that might have instead landed ongovernment. Many of the reasons that the authors opposition has givenfor abolishing Christianity deals with the settlement of unrest thatcomes from religious disputes. One such example they give is that ifChristianity were abolished, there would be no more persecution ofblasphemers. Swift answers that these people are naturally inclined torebel against establishments. Therefore, if the church, their favoriteobject of rebellion, was take n away, they would resort to rebellingagainst the government. This statement suggests that ,deorum offensadiis curae (offenses against the gods are the gods business). Ifapplied to the English government, it accuses them of only punishingblasphemers in the interest of protecting the government. Anotherargument that the author counters is that upon the fall of Christianity,Protestants and other dissenters would be able to again join incommunion with the Catholic church. To this, the author retorts thatwhile this may take away one reason for dissension, spirit ofopposition would still remain. Thus, when these Protestants foundthemselves unhappily thrust back into the fold, they would simply findanother area in which to dissent, and this time it may be an importantarea like government. While reaffirming the governments selfishmotives, this accuses the Protestants of separating from the Catholicchurch not because of moral differences, but in order to quench theirdesire to rebel. Another unity that the authors opposition predictedwould come from Christianitys fall would that of political andreligious parties. Swift answers that these parties used religiousdifferences as an excuse to argue, and that, if necessary, they wouldfind any number of other matters to argue about. One very lilliputianexample that he gives is that of two Italian factions that spawned froma dispute over the color of some ribbons. The author asserts that, muchlike the Protestants, these parties used religion as an excuse tofulfill their selfish desire to argue. .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 , .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 .postImageUrl , .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 , .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3:hover , .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3:visited , .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3:active { border:0!important; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3:active , .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3 .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ubd06573f43443e3d258451eea7907ad3:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Ibsen: Do you feel sorry for Hedda? EssayLike the politicians, the people also have disposed of Christianity asfar as letting influence their actions. The Christianity then practicedhas no relation to real Christianity, Such as used in primitivetimes, to have an influence upon mens beliefs and actions.Apparently, even belief in a god, is more than is required of us(Christians). Also, By an entire change in the methods of education,the young gentlemen who are now on the scene seem to have not the leasttincture of virtue, honor, etc.. This new generation, while notbelieving in the morals associated Christianity, still gain from theirexistence. While they disobey the laws ass ociated with these morals,Swift asserts that breaking the rule wouldnt be nearly as fun if itwasnt considered wrong. The people also value church for selfish reasons. As Swift explains,church is many things for many people, none of which include spiritualfulfillment. For social butterflies, church is the perfect place tohob-knob or show off your latest outfit. For the businessman, wheremore meetings for business?, where more bargains driven of all sorts?Finally, for the insomniac, where so many conveniences or enticementsto sleep? These statements apply more directly than any others in thearticle to the high church of England. All of the things that Swift says about this fictional religion would bevery strong words if applied to the Church of England. It might bereadily conceived by the innocent reader that Swift was an enemy of thechurch in his time. This couldnt be farther from the truth. Swift wasinvolved in the church and politics all his life, often in the positionof supporting political and religious factions. While this could be usedto counter my thesis that Swift was criticizing the establishment, itcan just as easily support it. Swift obviously didnt hate government orthe church, on the contrary, it was his love of these things that ledhim to point out the injustices that were scarring them. Like a motherscolding her child, Swift finds fault in his beloved church, only thathe may edify it.Words/ Pages : 1,092 / 24