Position of the Christian Church on Homosexuality

Abstract The society we live in today places great importance on sex and sexual conduct. Unlike in the past when matters of sexual orientation were left in secret, the situation has changed and these matters have now been bared open to the public.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Position of the Christian Church on Homosexuality specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the past, there was a general accepted code of conduct and failure to adhere to that code was treated with disdain. However, this has changed and many sexual behaviors, which were frowned upon in the past are accepted and encouraged. From a young age, individuals are encouraged to conduct their lives in a manner that best suits them. This ambiance of acceptance and certification is best seen where homosexuality is present. Despite the acceptance of homosexuality as a way of life in America, some religions such as the Catholic Church have continu ed to oppose the introduction of homosexuality within the church and even go to the extent excommunicating those who are viewed as tolerant towards this behavior. This research paper seeks to provide evidence that disapproves the Catholic reasons for barring gay people from practicing religion. The aim of the paper is to prove that the church in general does not have any reason to bar homosexuals from the church since no relevant scriptures oppose the practice. Introduction The society we live in today places great importance on sex and sexual conduct. Unlike in the past when matters of sexual orientation were left in secret, the situation has changed and these matters have now been bared open to the public. In the past, there was a general accepted code of conduct and failure to adhere to that code was treated with disdain. However, this has changed and many sexual behaviors, which were frowned upon in the past are accepted and encouraged. From a young age, individuals are encourag ed to conduct their lives in a manner that best suits them. This ambiance of acceptance and certification is best seen where homosexuality is present. Despite the acceptance of homosexuality as a way of life in America, some religions such as the Catholic Church have continued to oppose the introduction of homosexuality within the church and even go to the extent excommunicating those who are viewed as tolerant towards this behavior.Advertising Looking for research paper on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This research paper seeks to provide evidence that disapproves the Catholic reasons for barring gay people from practicing religion. The aim of the paper is to prove that the church in general does not have any reason to bar homosexuals from the church since no relevant scriptures oppose the practice. (Coleman 100) The homosexual conclaves now active in almost every main American religion have forced the c hurch to face the topic of homosexuality in a more open manner and with more sensitivity than it have yet done. Despite this valid and fitting demand on the church to reexamine its stand, there are other reasons that compel the church to rethink its religious studies and performance. To begin with, homosexual Christians are members of the larger Christian family earnestly looking for acknowledgment from the church without being judged based on their sexual orientation vis-à  -vis to which they have no choice. Additionally, even though anti-homosexual prejudice has been present in the society, the church must realize the part it has played in propagating the stigma toward gays. It is important for the church to remember that they have the task of ensuring social justice and despite this mandate gay people continue to be denied employment, housing among other civil liberties all because of their sexual affiliation. (Nelson) The church is supposed to carry out its ongoing theological and moral work in a responsible manner. It is important to note that fresh insights continue to be revealed every day as Christians advance on their theological work. This should be a clear pointer that there is the possibility of new doctrines rising up with the progression of time. By accepting homosexuals as a part of the Christian family, the church will be enabling gays to love themselves something that will in turn boost their self-esteem and better their relationship with their fellow human beings. The Catholic Church has continued to disregard these basic truths something that has in turn led to rebellion within the church. (Siker 8)Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Position of the Christian Church on Homosexuality specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More By closely examining the points propagated by the church to deny homosexuals their rights to practice religion, one is able to realize that the problem emanates from the interpretive principles employed. Indeed, Jesus Christ is the holder of God’s summon to individual completeness and is the central point of God’s improving accomplishment. This automatically makes Jesus Christ the standard through which people must receive judgment. When interpreting the bible, it is important for the church to take in to consideration the historical context of when the bible was written and the existing civilizing situation. Additionally, the bible should be studied with an awareness of the civilizing relativity through which we identify and understand the Christian way of life. Most importantly, the church must be open to new interpretations of God’s truth that might be revealed through other regulations of human being inquisition. (Nelson) By reading the entire bible, one realizes that no single verse mentions homosexuality as being a sexual orientation. In reality, what the bible refers to are definite types of homosexual actions. The doctrine that classifies homosexuality as a physic orientation is somewhat recent. In all the instances that the bible mentioned homosexuality, it did so in reference to individuals who were regarded as heterosexually represented. According to Catholicism, the Onan story (Genesis 38:8-10) is a clear pointer that God intended that people should enter into relationships leading to procreation. While the story in its entirety does not involve homosexual behavior, it gives us important pointers as to the reasons for its primeval condemnation. In the story, Onan had refused to impregnate the wife of his late brother by withdrawing before ejaculation. Moses interpreted this refusal as serious violation of divine laws and for this reason, the Jewish God struck down Onan. (McGinley 133) Although this story might be seen to justify the church stand, it can be interpreted to mean different things. To begin with, the story is used to represent the strong theme of procreation that is used throughout the Hebrew understanding of reproduction. The awareness created by this story that the survival of a small clan depended mostly on abundant reproduction makes us to understand this story in a better manner.Advertising Looking for research paper on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Yet, the earths overcrowded state places the universe in a different light and should compel the church to rethink its position on procreation. Additionally, this story is based upon a biological misinterpretation that is present in the entire bible. At that time, scientists believed that the semen contained the entirety of nascent life. Since there was limited knowledge on the women reproduction system, it was believed that women only acted as a space for carrying through life. Therefore, the act of Onan deliberately spilling the seed was construed as malevolent destruction of life. When the same acts occurred during masturbation or homosexuality, the resultant punishment was equivalent to that of murder. The Onan story can also be understood in the Judeo-Christian tradition that failed to condemn the same acts if they were associated with the opposite gender. (McGinley 135) Perhaps to understand the Catholicism claim better, it would help to look at the story of Sodom and Gomorrah . (Genesis 19:1-29) According to Catholics and other sections of the church, this story explains clearly that God is opposed to homosexual activities. Although the dwellers of Sodom displayed a contemptible form of sexual depravity, their actions cannot be said to have been of homosexual nature. Throughout this passage, there is no point where the bible disproves affectionate, devoted, monogamous gay interactions. The bible is categorical in the passage that the people living in this period were guilty of homosexual rape, domineering desire and sexual exploitation. On top of these, the people had also breached the traditional Hebrew generosity customs and constant violation of basic social justice. (Siker 12) The fact that aloofness and unfairness are the primary sins of Sodom and Gomorrah is evident if the parallel Old Testament scriptures are anything to go by. This is clearly demonstrated in Ezekiel 16:49-50: â€Å"Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom, pride, fulln ess of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.† In fact, Ezekiel says in the following verse that compared to Samaria, Sodom and Gomorrah were honorable. (New Revised Standard Version) Some bible commentaries have claimed that the men of Sodom lusted after Lot’s guests because they were angelic beings and not ordinary men. The basis of the Genesis story reflects the emphasis placed on hospitality in Middle Eastern traditions. According to the passage, hospitality was so important such that Lot was willing to present his virgin daughters to be raped than let this happen to men he did not even know but whom he felt compelled to look after. This dispels the notion propagated by the Catholic Church that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their homosexual deeds. Additionally, the th eory that connects sodomy with homosexuality is unbiblical in its nature. Although practicing sodomy is condemned in several passages in the bible, it is not for the reason that it involved sex between men but because the participants were worshiping foreign Canaanite gods. The point where the church uses these scriptures to condemn homosexuality is therefore unfounded. (Coleman 106) Indeed, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is not used to censure just the same way that 2 Samuel 13 is not used to denounce heterosexuality. It is sad to note that the Catholic Church has capitalized on a scripture that addresses inhospitality and injustice to vilify homosexuals. Throughout the Old Testament, the bible contains numerous passages that criticize homosexuality and rape. However, all these verses address cultic defilement, which was prevalent in Canaan. In history, Canaanite fertility worship involving the things condemned in the passages talking about homosexuality was prevalent and this was viewed as a threat to Jehovah’s exclusive reign. Jehovah was the God who allowed people the freedom to choose what they wanted and this was not accomplished through cycles of genetic life. Sexuality was therefore perceived to be a part of human life that was supposed to be used in a responsible manner as a sign of appreciation to its maker. The passages that talk about this mystery are often misinterpreted and used to degrade gay people. (Nelson) Apart from this explanation, it was common in the Middle East to subject incarcerated male enemies to anal degradation. This was used as a sign of dominance and contempt. As far as homosexuality was understood to articulate such hatred and scorn in a society that placed high emphasis on the male race, such an activity was bound to receive such criticism. In Jesus ministry, there is no available record where he spoke anything about homosexuality. In the New Testament, Paul gave the only passages that speak about the practice. In one of the passages that is widely quoted in Romans 1:26-27, Paul was expressing his concern on idolatry, which had become prevalent in the first church. Being concerned about the negative persuasion that paganism had on the Roman Church, Paul perceives gay relationships as a form of homosexuality but is not categorical on whether the practice brings God’s anger. (Johns) Like in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Paul is concerned with homosexual lust and this is not an account of loving homosexual relationships. In Romans 1:27, Paul is clearly talking about homosexual relationships by men who had â€Å"left the natural use of women and burned in their desire for one another.† (New Revised Standard Version) Generally, these people had left their natural sexual orientation for the sake of exploring sexual exploits something that the bible has repeatedly warned us not to practice. It is therefore impossible to understand Paul’s warning as directed to people in loving ho mosexual relationships and are oriented in this manner. By barring homosexuals from religious activities on the accusation of going against the natural law is obviously something that is unbiblical and one that should be done away with. (Johns) The Catholic Church and the Christian churches in general are treading on shaky ground as far as recognizing the rights of gay people are concerned. Given the overwhelming evidence by bible scholars, which show that the bible does not out rightly object to gay relationships, it is time that the church softened its stand in the matter. It is sad to note that people are being locked out of ministry and even out of church doors based on their sexual orientation. The bible speaks against many things but sadly, church leaders have embraced some, which support their own selfish ambitions. Although the bible does not address slavery, the Catholic Church has rejected it since it views it to be against the bible teachings on love, justice and human di gnity. In the same way, the church should accept gay people as equal partners in any relationship. It is sad to note that in their desire to play it safe, churches lock people outside churches and ban them from practicing religion based on their sexual orientation. What is even sadder is that churches are doing this despite there being no clear restrictions on homosexuals within the church. From the look of things, it may take a long time for the complexities of ecclesiastical implications to be resolved. Many gay Christians have become tired of waiting for these complexities to be resolved and they have decided to come out of the closet. This should serve as a wake up call for churches that are yet to come to an agreement on the matter to speed things to ensure that gay Christians are accorded their right to practice religion. (Johns) Conclusion Unlike in the past when sexual matters were discussed in private, things have changed and people are beginning to appreciate their sexual orientation. Despite the awakening experienced within the church in the last few years, the Catholic Church is yet to accept gay Christians in their congregations. In trying to justify their actions, the church has come up with flimsy reasons that seek to justify their position. It is sad to note that the passages of scripture that the church quotes as a basis for their actions is usually quoted out of context. This has blocked many deserving Christians from holding positions within the church. From the look of things, the ecclesiastical implications concerning gay relationships are complex and might take a long time to resolve. Gay people have obviously got tired of standing in the sidelines and they have adopted a confrontational mode with churches that are yet to recognize their rights. Works Cited Coleman, Peter. Christian attitudes to homosexuality, 1980. SPCK, 100-122. Print. Johns, Loren. Homosexuality and the Bible: A Case Study in the Use of the Bible for Ethics, 2009. Web. https://www.ambs.edu/ McGinley, Dugan. Acts of Faith, Acts of Love: Gay Catholic Autobiographies as Sacred Texts, 2006. Continuum International Publishing Group, 133-145. Print. Nelson, James. Homosexuality and the Church, 1977. Web. http://www.religion-online.org/article/homosexuality-and-the-church/ New Revised Standard Version. Trans. Bruce M. Metzger. New York: Zondervan, 1983. Print. Siker, Jeffrey. Homosexuality in the Church: Both Sides of the Debate, 1994. Westminster John Knox Press, 1-100. Print. This research paper on Position of the Christian Church on Homosexuality was written and submitted by user Nico Minoru to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Birmingham essays

Birmingham essays Martin Luther King Jr. wrote this letter while imprisoned at the Birmingham city jail. I think in this letter Martin Luther King Jr. was trying to explain why he does all the things he do like marches, sit-ins, etc. He does all this trying to get freedom for blacks because it is about time they got it. Martin Luther King Jr. says that those are the only ways Blacks can gain their freedom. Birmingham city gave them no choice. He says the freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, the oppressed must fight to get it. (Letter from Birmingham 98). Blacks had to take direct action; they had always been told they have to wait. Well, quite frankly they could not wait anymore. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, wait basically mean the same thing as never. I think civil disobedience at that time was justifiable. An important point Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made was that Blacks have waited too long to receive freedom that is promised in the constitution and that is God-given. Therefore it was time to take action; black people tried negotiating with the city, but the community continually refused to negotiate and so that never worked. So, the Blacks had to take matters into their own hands. That is why they carried out sit-ins and marches and so forth. They could no longer wait and think time would ultimately give to them their rights. I agree with Dr. King. After a certain amount of time, all this mis-treatment cannot be endured anymore. African-Americans were bound to retaliate. After a while, the people would desire freedom and do anything to get it. I think Martin Luther King Jr. was justified in doing all the things he did and this letter was his attempt to explain to people why his actions are justified since everyone else was saying his actions were unwise and untimely. Civil disobedience had to occur to change things or else Blacks might still be going through all these things today. ...

Everson v. Board of Education - Religious Liberty

Everson v. Board of Education - Religious Liberty Under a New Jersey statute that allowed local school districts to fund the transportation of children to and from schools, the Board of Education of Ewing Township authorized reimbursement to parents forced to bus their children to school using regular public transportation. Part of this money was to pay for the transportation of some children to Catholic parochial schools and not just public schools. A local taxpayer filed suit, challenging the right of the Board to reimburse parents of parochial school students. He argued that the statute violated both the State and the Federal Constitutions. This court agreed and ruled hat the legislature did not have the authority to provide such reimbursements. Fast Facts: Everson v. Board of Education of the Township of Ewing Case Argued: November 20, 1946Decision Issued:  February 10, 1947Petitioner: Arch R. EversonRespondent: Board of Education of the Township of EwingKey Question: Did the New Jersey law authorizing reimbursement by local school boards for the costs of transportation to and from schools- including private schools, the majority of which were parochial Catholic schools- violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment?Majority Decision: Justices Vinson, Reed, Douglas, Murphy, and BlackDissenting: Justices Jackson, Frankfurter, Rutledge, and Burton  Ruling: Reasoning that the law did not pay money to parochial schools, nor did it support them directly in any way, New Jersey’s law reimbursing parents for transportation costs to parochial schools did not violate the Establishment Clause. Court Decision The Supreme Court ruled against the plaintiff, holding that the government was allowed to reimburse the parents of parochial school children for the costs incurred by sending them to school on public buses. As the Court noted, the legal challenged was based on two arguments: First, the law authorized the state to take money from some people and give it to others for their own private purposes, a violation of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Second, the law forced taxpayers to support religious education at Catholic schools, thus resulting in using State power to support religion - a violation of the First Amendment. The Court rejected both arguments. The first argument was rejected on the grounds that the tax was for a public purpose - educating children - and so the fact that it coincided with someones personal desires does not render a law unconstitutional. When reviewing the second argument, the majority decision, referencing  Reynolds v. United States: The establishment of religion clause of the First Amendment means at least this: Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church. Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another. Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion. No person can be punished for entertaining or professing religious beliefs or disbeliefs, for church attendance or non-attendance. No tax in any amount, large or small, can be levied to support any religious activities or institutions, whatever they may be called, or whatever form they may adopt to teach or practice religion. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can, openly or secretly, participate in the affairs of any religious organizations or groups and vice versa. In the words of Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect a wall of separation between Church and State. Amazingly, even after admitting this, the Court failed to find any such violation in collecting taxes for the purpose of sending children to a religious school. According to the Court, providing for transportation is analogous to providing police protection along the same transportation routes - it benefits everyone, and therefore should not be refused to some because of the religious nature of their end destination. Justice Jackson, in his dissent, noted the inconsistency between the strong affirmation of the separation of church and state and the final conclusions reached. According to Jackson, the Courts decision required making both unsupported assumptions of fact and ignoring actual facts which were supported. In the first place, the Court assumed that this was part of a general program to help parents of any religion get their children safely and quickly to and from accredited schools, but Jackson noted that this was not true: The Township of Ewing is not furnishing transportation to the children in any form; it is not operating school busses itself or contracting for their operation; and it is not performing any public service of any kind with this taxpayers money. All school children are left to ride as ordinary paying passengers on the regular buses operated by the public transportation system. What the Township does, and what the taxpayer complains of, is at stated intervals to reimburse parents for the fares paid, provided the children attend either public schools or Catholic Church schools. This expenditure of tax funds has no possible effect on the childs safety or expedition in transit. As passengers on the public buses they travel as fast and no faster, and are as safe and no safer, since their parents are reimbursed as before. In the second place, the Court ignored the actual facts of religious discrimination which was occurring: The resolution which authorizes disbursement of this taxpayers money limits reimbursement to those who attend public schools and Catholic schools. That is the way the Act is applied to this taxpayer. The New Jersey Act in question makes the character of the school, not the needs of the children determine the eligibility of parents to reimbursement. The Act permits payment for transportation to parochial schools or public schools but prohibits it to private schools operated in whole or in part for profit. ...If all children of the state were objects of impartial solicitude, no reason is obvious for denying transportation reimbursement to students of this class, for these often are as needy and as worthy as those who go to public or parochial schools. Refusal to reimburse those who attend such schools is understandable only in the light of a purpose to aid the schools because the state might well abstain from aiding a profit-making private enterprise. As Jackson noted, the only reason for refusing to help children going to for-profit private schools is a desire not to aid those schools in their ventures - but this automatically means that giving reimbursements to children going to parochial schools means that the government is helping them. Significance This case reinforced the precedent of government money financing portions of religious, sectarian education by having those funds applied to activities other than direct religious education.

Famous Indigenous person Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Famous Indigenous person - Essay Example Before he made his move to become a professional boxer, he had the opportunity of being the highest paid player in the  NRL (Australian Library, 2010, p. 34). His life as a teenager was characterized with him spending time in his fathers’ gym. It came to a time that he took part in some matches, though amateur, when he was at the age of 17. Being a talented basketball player, he played for a while before he came to notice rugby, a field that he excelled at. When he attained the age of 18, he made his debut in the rugby field, starting with the league rugby. After this, he came to be a member of the St. George-Illawarra Dragons (Marshall, 2008, p.34).  This was the Sydney franchise in the ‘National Rugby League’ (NRL) and was also the top professional organization for the sport based in Australia. In this team, he had the position of playing a position known as the five-eighth. This was also called the standoff and a person who holds this title serve as an addi tional center for a team's attacking line. Anthony Mundine is the son and takes after his father who is also a boxer; Tony Mundine. Anthony is also a member of the  Bundjalung people and is proud of this. He received a lot of attention when he converted to Islam religion (Hunter, 2008, p.45).  He converted to Islam in 1999. ... He is known as the most polarizing player in the sports history of Australia. In 2009, he was named the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person of the year and credited with winning the Deadly Award as the male sportsperson of the year back in 2010, 2009 and also in the year 2009 (Flood, 2009, p.89).  He is also the first professional boxer to have his fights broadcasted on television. Looking at his history, Anthony holds the title of being one of Australia's most celebrated and one of the most controversial athletes. Being a member of an indigenous Australian community, he started with voicing his opinion on the matter concerning racism at a time when he was a celebrated and recognized rugby player. Afterwards, he still continued to make his facts known even after he had left the field and joined professional boxing. He sometimes stated that people hated him for voicing his own opinions about racism and other factors that other indigenous people faced. He knew for a fact tha t he was hated and this did not discourage him. Being a fighter, he made himself known around the world and made efforts to maintain his titles (Ellis, 2009, p.302).   Antony’s particular impact on aborigines’ health and social life is that he gave them the courage to compete favorably with other communities in all fields. His success is evidence that any person can achieve a goal when he/she has set the mind on it. The health aspect was affected by Antony’s life since it he made the people aware on the advantages of taking care of one’s body. The social aspect was affected since Antony proved to the entire world that where an individual comes from does not matter, what is important is his mind. Discuss both the social and health impact on both indigenous and non-indigenous

Ethics Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethics Paper - Essay Example The ethical responsibilities I have to the families of children would call for me to contact all parents involved but chiefly the lesbian mothers in order to let them know what is going on in the classroom and what kind of treatment their child is being exposed to. The family of this child deserves respect due to its individual beliefs and child-rearing values, and should be highly engaged in the solution to their child’s classroom problems. I would ask these parents what their reaction to this behavior of the child’s peers is, and if they have any specific course of action that they would like to take or ask of me. I would be sure to make clear that I am in a position to do everything possible to help them and their child find a solution to this that fits their expectations, and am not coming to them without my own determination to resolve the issue. If they had no special expectations I would furthermore make clear to them that I can be trusted to adhere to the ethica l code of keeping mutual trust while completely respecting their families values as well as their child’s individual character. My next course of action would be to speak with the parents of the other children involved, and explain to them that as a teacher I operate by an ethical code of conduct that requires me to have a special, open, and considerate position towards all children in my class.

Trip Like I Do :: Essays Papers

Trip Like I Do Force and counterforce, resistance and power. What is the space and relation of one to the other? Are they to be understood as in parasitic or symbiotic relation? Does the yes need a no for its function, and in what ways? Could there be a â€Å"war† on Iraq without protests of such brutal possibilities? Slavoj Ã… ½iÃ… ¾ek’s â€Å"The Seven Veils of Fantasy† provides a relation of sincere hypocrisy within but ostensibly against ideology. Fantasy squirms throughout the piece as concealment of horror, creation of horror to be concealed, and vital sustaining support of an ideological edifice. Effectively, not taking ideology seriously and consistently is crucial to its survival; this sort of resistance is already internal to power in this analysis. Ã… ½iÃ… ¾ek’s painting of the space between ideology and resistance - the counterpower Foucault seems to have missed that is lodged already within power itself - fails to take its own acrylic depth seriously . And like a depth charge too, this catabolizes what remains of ideology itself in a bubbling broth wrenched from the ingredients that might fill it. To begin with, his conception of fantasy takes some descriptive moves to defend its apparently ridiculous presumptions. Upon reading it, the article’s quick acceptance of fantasy as distinct from a reality and external to it seems unimaginative and inexcusable. Yet, fantasy is not unreal for any reason but the old one: the terms are counterdefined and a matched pair of a dichotomy - people think so. â€Å"The aim of psychoanalytic treatment is thus to (re)focus attention from factual accuracy to hysterical lies, which unknowingly articulate the truth† (37). Your truth in terms of, uh, ours. Whereas fantasy can be experienced as completely compelling reality, Ã… ½iÃ… ¾ek nearly denudes it of alternative associations and frameworks. For him, fantasy cannot take a hold any more important than one inhering to desire, the real, and all the rest. His work ensconces it within the terms of a language/system - which itself is treated as something previous and joined, such that its conclusions can be presumed as already present. Not that his argument is circular, but the language that Ã… ½iÃ… ¾ek joins in order to strike such gymnastic maneuvers need not be taken as already ensuring the division of fantasy as an extricable parasite within a real.

Online tourism information management system

Introduction Nowadays, tourism Is one of the most Important Industries globally for many social, economic, technological, and geopolitical reasons. It presents an actual high quantitative and qualitative growth dynamics and potential, with substantial contribution to the global economy and employment, as it is the largest Job provider on the planet. Information is very crucial in tourism sector so it has been among the first to exploit new technologies and innovations. 1. 1 Background of the project Tourism Is one of the major contributors In the economy of Cube City.The city appends to be one of the most popular destination for travelers In the Philippines. Cube City Is largely known as Queen City. Cube has plenty of tourist attractions that encourages tourists to enter and explore the city. Some tourists may have a difficult time traveling in the city due to a lack of virtual representations of the city that may lead to an enjoyable stay. Tourists should have a virtual tourist guid e in traveling inside Cube Island to assist them in every destination they ought to go.To assist Tourists in traveling inside Cube, the researchers proposed to develop an inline tourism information management that allows tourists to search their preferred destination and the system will locate it via map. The system will also provide list of accommodations and transportation guides for the tourist In order to provide an easy way traveling in Cube. Also, the system will provide website links of hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and beach resorts companies so that tourists will be able to reserve online. 1. 2 Project objectives 1. . 1 General objectives This study aims to develop an online tourism information management for tourists in Cube to provide an interactive virtual tourists guide that may assist tourists in traveling in the city. 1. 2. 2 Specific objectives Specifically the study aims to: system; To analyses data gathered; 2) To create a system design based on the data gather ed; 3) To develop the proposed system; 4) To test and evaluate the developed system; and 5) To implement the developed online tourism information management system. 1. Significance of the project This project is significant in promoting tourism in Cube and to provide tourists a reliable information that may assist them traveling within Cube. This part of the project discusses about the benefits of creating the system to the following: Students The students can benefit from the system because it will provide additional knowledge in their chosen field. This will also help students in their further projects. Tourists The tourists can benefit from the system because it will provide a decent information and guide for traveling and staying in Cube.Local government The Local government can benefit from the system for it will help to directly boost tourism in the place. Not only that, this will increase the number of people employed. As a whole this will improve the local economy for it wil l become more industrialized. Business The businesses such as hotels, restaurants, beach resorts, and malls can benefit from the system for it will help gaining more customers that can rapidly increase their respective profits. 1. Scope and limitations of the project This project mainly focused on providing travelers and tourists a virtual tourism information management system that would allow them to search their destinations on a virtual map. The proposed system would make tourists find a simpler way to get information and guidance traveling in the city. The project aimed to develop an online tourism information management system to help boost tourism in Cube and to assist travelers and tourists in traveling in Cube.With the proposed online tourism management information system, the user can search and locate their desired destinations. Provided by website links of hotels, car rentals, restaurants, and beach resorts company, they can make reservations directly in a minimal time fr ame in these companies. Moreover, the system will provide a more efficient and interactive way of giving information and assistance to the users n terms of traveling in Cube. The proposed system will provide an overview of the region and its attractions. The weapon is user friendly when it comes to LU design. Assist tourists traveling in Cube.The system does not include online reservations and payments instead it will provide website links of companies that has these kind of transactions to help tourists find accommodations. Chapter II Review of related literature One of the essential factors to consider to have a better view of the project and to have a better evaluation on the project's functionalities, related literature, studies ND works should reviewed, analyses and studied. According to Chou (2004), Tourists need new sources of information in order to help them plan their trips and choose between alternatives tourist destinations.Because it is an information-rich industry, it depends on finding and developing new means to distribute travel and hospitality products and services, marketing information to consumers and providing comfort and convenience travelers. Tourism Management According to Upon (1993) and Sheldon (1997), Technological progress and tourism have been going hand in hand for years. Since the sass, Information Communication Technologies (Acts) have been transforming tourism globally. Developments in Acts have undoubtedly changed both business practices and strategies as well as industry structures (Porter, 2001).The establishment of the Computer Reservation Systems (Cars) in the sass and Global Distribution Systems (Gigs) in the late sass, followed by the development of the Internet in the late sass, have transformed the best operational and strategic practices in the industry dramatically (Bilabials, 2003; business [email  protected], 2006; Emmer, Tack, Wilkinson, & Moore, 1993; O'Connor, 1999). If the past 20 years have seen an emphasis on technology per SE, then since the year 2000 we have been witnessing the truly transformational effect of the communications technologies.This has given scope for the development of a wide range of new tools and services that facilitate global Tourism as an international industry and as the biggest provider of Jobs on the planet boasts a greater array of heterogeneous stakeholders than many other industries. The energetic growth and development of the industry are perhaps only mirrored by the growth of Acts. The accelerating and synergistic interaction between genealogy and tourism in recent times has brought fundamental changes in the industry and on our perceptions of its nature.The significance of crossing the new information threshold of universal, ubiquitous communications access has brought the entire tourism industry to the new levels of interactivity, propelling management by wire. Increasingly, Acts play a critical role for the competitiveness of tourism organizations an d destinations as well as for the entire industry as a whole (UNTO, 2001). Developments in search engines, carrying capacity and speed of networks eave influenced the number of travelers around the world that use technologies for planning and experiencing their travels.Acts have also changed radically the efficiency and effectiveness of tourism organizations, the way that businesses are conducted in the marketplace, as well as how consumers interact with organizations (Bilabials, 2003). There have been many new entrants among the players on the tourism stage, shifts in market share and balance of power, changes in political perceptions of tourism, and a growing recognition of the importance of tourism to an ever-increasing number of national and regional economies.Innovation Trends on Tourism Tourism firms operate in a business environment where innovation is important for their survival (Sorensen, 2007). Thus, the adoption of innovative methods that will aid every country to promot e and support its tourist product, from regional and national tourism organizations to various tourism enterprises can ensure the quality levels and the diversification of services that will lead to the increase of each country's share in international tourism demand. The main modern trends constitute the reference base for the analysis of the current situation in Greece.Destination Management Systems (DMS) The development of DMS can substantially support and enhance the competitiveness of tourism destinations and specifically of the small and medium tourism enterprises (Kigali, 2009). Chem. & Sheldon(1997, p. 159) defined the DMS as an inter- organizational system that links tourist products, suppliers and offers, with consumers and intermediaries in order to enable easy access to complete and up-to- date destination information and allow reservations and purchases.Consumers and demand dimensions Increasingly, Acts enable travelers to access reliable and accurate information as req uired by conventional methods (O'Connor, 1999). Acts can assist in the improvement of the service quality and contribute to higher guest/traveler satisfaction. Acts place users in the middle of its functionality and product delivery. Every tourist is different, carrying a unique blend of experiences, motivations, and desires. To an extent the new sophisticated traveler has emerged as a result of experience.Tourists from the major generating regions of the world have become request travelers, are linguistically and technologically skilled and can function in multicultural and demanding environments overseas. The development of Acts and particularly the Internet empowered the â€Å"new' tourist who is becoming knowledgeable and is seeking exceptional value for money and time. They are less interested in following the crowds in packaged tours and much more keen to pursue their own preferences and schedules.Increasingly, package tours are losing market share in favor of independently o rganized tourism facilitated by dynamic packaging. The contemporary/connected consumer is far less willing to wait or put up with delays, to the point where patience is a disappearing virtue. The key to success lies in the quick identification of consumer needs and in reaching potential clients with comprehensive, personalized and up-to-date products and services that satisfy those needs. Gradually new, experienced, sophisticated, and demanding travelers require interacting with suppliers to satisfy their own specific needs and wishes.Living in a hectic life, consumers in the developed world often have short periods of time to lax their batteries and also to engage in their favorite activities. Leisure time will increasingly be used for â€Å"edutainment†, I. E. The exploration of personal interests for both their personal and professional development. Travel and holidays are one of the most expensive items purchased regularly by households around the world, and it represents a significant proportion of individual's annual budget. The Internet has changed tourism consumer behavior dramatically (Mills & Law, 2004).Prospective travelers have direct access to a much rater wealth of information provided by tourism organizations, private enterprises and increasingly by other users/consumers. From information search, to destination/ product consumption and post experience engagement, Acts offer a range of tools to facilitate and improve the process. Customers search for travel-related information, make online air-ticket bookings, online room reservations, and other online purchases themselves instead of relying on travel agencies to undertake this process for them (Morrison, Jinn, O'Leary, & Lapping, 2001).Due to the popularity of Internet applications, most tourism organizations such as hotels, airlines, and travel agencies have embraced Internet technologies as part of their marketing and communication strategies. Information Search is a significant part of the purchase decision process and was revolutionized as a result of the Internet. Acts not only reduce uncertainty and perceived risks but also enhance the quality of trips (Fodders & Murray, 1997).The more research undertaken on a trip and the more information found, the better customer needs can be met and served. A well-informed consumer is able to interact ere requirements and to take advantage of special offers and reduced prices. According to Snigger, Mugged, Smelling, and World (1990), the four major factors that influence information search in the tourism context are the composition of vacation groups, the presence of families and friends at the destination, prior visits to the destination, and the degree of novelty associated with the destination.Cursory and McCauley (2004) developed a comprehensive theoretical model that integrated all psychological/motivational, economics, and processing approaches into a cohesive hole for understanding tourists' information seeking beha vior. Virtual communities are gradually becoming incredibly influential in tourism as consumers increasingly trust better their peers, rather than marketing messages. The most cited definition of a virtual community was firstly given by Rheingold (1993, p. 8) as â€Å"a virtual community is a group of people who may or may not meet one another face-to-face, and who exchange words and ideas through the mediation of computer bulletin boards and networks†. A Virtual Travel Community makes it easier or people to obtain information, maintain connections, develop relationships, and eventually make travel-related decisions (Steeplechase, Mills, & Kiang, 2007). Pogo and Fisheries (1998) stated that participation and attitude are the primary dimensions of consumer behavior in the virtual communities.Since many travelers like to share their travel experiences and recommendations with others, Was have become one of their favorite areas to post their travel diary. Additionally, online tr avelers are enthusiastic to meet other travelers who have similar attitudes, interests, and way of fife (Wang, You, & Fisheries, 2002). As such, better understanding WAC users' behavior and motivation can assist tourism practitioners and policy makers to establish, operate, and maintain Was in a more efficient way.This, in turn, facilitates consumer centric marketing or relationship marketing (Minnie, March, & Bilabials, 2006). Was, however, may be at risk of losing members if their members are not satisfied with the content, design, security policies, and repercussions for non- compliance with community rules (Allison, Accrual, Moss, & Stuart, 2005; Wang et al. , 002). The emergence of Web 2. 0 or Travel 2. 0 brings together the concept of social networking/virtual communities and applies it to the tourism industry.Trapdoors (www. Trapdoors. Com) is amongst the most successful social networking/virtual community in tourism that facilitates the reviewing of all hotels around the wor ld and brings together individuals in discussion forums. The system provides users with independent travel reviews and comments written from Trapdoors members and expert advisors and provides a powerful platform for interaction between peers Wang & Fisheries, Bibb). User satisfaction is a major factor for evaluating a travel organization.By analyzing Was' content, travel organizations can understand their customers' satisfactions and behavior, and undertake corrective actions to improve their offering. They can also increase brand awareness and strengthen brand association through the assistance of Was. Despite Was' large potential impact on the tourism industry, Prince (2000) stated that research on the topic is still at an infancy stage when compared to other geographical and physical communities.Recommender System receiving indications about what options are better suited in a specific case for specific individuals (Greeter, Mitch, Hang, & Fisheries, 2004; Arsenic & Varian, 1997) . According to Rich (2002), a recommender system can provide valuable information to assist consumers' decision-making process. A recommender system can support travelers in a complex decision-making process by identifying better customer requirements and by correlating those to other consumers and their preferences ( Fisheries, Worthier, & W ¶beer, 2003; Rich & Worthier (2002) and Rich Worthier (2006)).Personality has been related to the selection of vacation destinations, the choice of leisure activities throughout the vacation, and other travel- related decisions. According to LOL, Lorenz, Ashland, & Location (2004), when implementing tourism recommender systems, textual summary is used to classify the database item in themes or categories of the ontology. Although different recommendation technologies have been applied to tourism, Arabians and Rich (2005) argued that the existence of different business models present application challenges.