Write a Reaction Essay  Reaction essays are just that: a student’s expanded reaction to a discussion session, downloaded material, textbook reading or multimedia presentation. There is no research component required for this paper. (Although, if you choose, there can be.) It is not a formal piece. Still, it should be thoughtful and well-planned. That reaction can take many forms. These can include: 1.) Expand on an entry in a discussion section. (If you take this option, please cut and paste your initial post at the start of your reaction essay.) or 2.) Taking a particular position on a class discuss where there was a divergence of opinion. or 3.) Discussing how a particular discussion, module or textbook reading made you think of something in a new way or reminded you of a contemporary issue or literary work. or 4.) Write about the way an issue from the discussions, modules or readings connected you to some other aspect of your life. In this essay – a minimum of 300, maximum of 500 words – a student states his/her opinion/idea , backs up that opinion/idea and concludes the essay. This can be submitted at any time from the first day of class until the due day of the Reaction Essay. Each essay will be worth up to 75 points and based on:  Writing at least 5 - 7 clear paragraphs   -- up to 25 points Accuracy   -- up to 15 points Specifics/Giving Examples  -- up to 15 points Your own analysis - up to 15 points Grammar, spelling - 5 points THIS ARE SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS I WROTE TO CHOOSE FROM Discussion question 1: Read the selection From the Hebrew Bible (Reading 1.4b in Fiero.) As per Fiero, why are so many of the Commandments framed in the negative? How would they be different/contemplated if they were framed in the positive? Answer: I believe God could have positively framed all the commandments though there are various reasons for most of them to be framed negatively. One of the reasons is to see our commitment. Since most of the deeds in the commandments are so tempting, he wants us to show our commitment to our faith by prohibiting one's self from transgression. As he said "...If ye love me, keep my commandments..." in the Gospel of John chapter 14 verse 15, He wants us to show him our love by keeping and obeying his commandments. The other reasons were the people of Israel who were under the burdens of the Egyptians. Because the people of Israel were worshiping different Idols at that time, God had to give Moses the commandments, framing most of them negatively, so they would know what to do and what not. In my opinion, if the commandments had not been framed negatively, we wouldn't have had kept them to this day. Discussion question 2: Antiphonal music, cantors, responsory music and shofars laid the groundwork for other musical concepts/cultural ideas to come. Where do they -- or their manifestations -- show up in secular areas of the 21st Century in the United States? Answer: Anglican, Catholic, Baptist and Methodist churches use this form of music in their religious doctrines. In Anglican churches, cantors are used to chant psalms also the call to worship is done in a responsory manner where the lead chants one verse and the entire church chants the next verse, also classical anthems and hymns are sang using Antiphonal and responsory music. These kind of music is believed to help worshipers connect directly to the supreme being. in secular areas of 21st century, these kind of music are heard in sports like soccer for instance, the champions league anthem, also some national anthems are sung with these kind of music, and also group or organizational anthems are sung with these kind of music where there are verses and choruses or a call and respond.