Abstract
This essay looks at Kierkegaard's ideas on becoming a Christian looking at his ideas of subjectivity, inwardness, objectivity, faith, God, paradox and despair. Keirkegaard contrasts what he terms 'religiousness A' and 'religiousness B' and attempts to show what genuine faith is.

From the Paper
"Kierkegaard's thought about the twin themes of becoming a Christian and living as a Christian. It is a process that will lead to real personhood, a journey to becoming a genuine self. Believing that there is an absolute qualitative distinction between God and Humankind, God's answer, the incarnation becomes an absolute paradox. This paradox engenders the possibility of offence within a person at the paradox and this cannot be overcome by the marshalling of evidence but only by a leap of faith. This state of faith or existence is called Religiousness B. In Kierkegaard's thought there are three stages of existence: the aesthetic (which in simple terms is living for pleasure), the ethical (a moral lifestyle) and the religious. The Religious can be subdivided into Religiousness A and Religiousness B. In this essay the emphasis will be on the latter stages by looking at certain key Kierkegaardian motifs, examining the themes of subjectivity or inwardness, Religiousness A in contrast to Religiousness B, faith and offence, paradox and despair. Religiousness B will not be dwelt on as this more pertains to existence as a Christian rather than the journey toward being one."

Tags:absolute, despair, faith, hegel, inwardness, objectivity, offence, paradox, religious, subjecti

Abstract
A discussion of God, process and the future as seen in John Cobb's "Early Process Theology". The paper explores John's Cobb's natural theology derived froma Whiteheadian process philosophy. It discusses in particular the nature and power of God and creation. The writer explains that process theology has as its foundational premise that everything in the universe is in process.

From the Paper
"Process theology can be neatly summed up in the reported words of a Greek philosopher: "You cannot step into the same rivers; for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you" (Heraclitus, b. ca 540 BC). Process theology has as its foundational premise that everything in the universe is in process. In fact, "to be actual is to be a process' (Cobb & Griffin, p.14). Every entity is a process in that it is a sequence of successive stages or events. Therefore in this system, process or experience of change is the starting point, rather than substance or being. The process thought of Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947) is what Cobb has attempted to within the context of a Christian theology without reliance on tradition or creeds. Cobb has written many books delineating his own type of process natural theology and applying it to different questions, ranging from the more practical to the more metaphysical or theoretical. He believes that everyone operates out of some type of natural knowledge, some without admitting or realizing it. In his process theology God and creation are continually in process and though order and individuality exist through the Logos, creation is still a battlefield of influences as each entity chooses in each moment whether to follow God or not. The best way in my opinion to look at the problems associated with this theology is to attempt to understand the relationship between God and chaos (that which existed prior to there being "some-thing"). Firstly, Cobb's method and approach to theology will be looked at, especially in relation to Gilkey's review of A Christian Natural Theology, this is followed by a look at process theology as developed by Cobb, as a system or answer to questions about God, process and the future."

Tags:bipolar, logo, natural, nature, omnipotence, prehension, theology

Abstract
This paper examines how post modernity is characterized by a rejection of things people thought they were certain about and how in recognizing a paradigm shift many are questioning whether this century has delivered on spirituality. It looks at how the effects of hyper-reality where the expectations of people are not closely related to the real world has meant a greater need to find a spirituality that is rooted in the personal and linked to the secular world.

Outline
Introduction
Spirituality - An Inward Movement?
Living Reality and Personal Experience
For Post Modernity -A Systematic Way of Attending to the Presence of God
Conclusion

From the Paper
"If spirituality is intimately connected with life then it could be said to be life breathed into all, as daily routines are followed in a way that generates life even in the mundane happenings (Treston, 1985, p. 90). Diverse groups throughout history have seen the nature of Christian spirituality in different ways. However, the common thread which emerges from a study of a range of spiritualities over time is one of lived experience, how people react, how they connect the everyday with the transcendent, and how they journey through life searching for direction. Evident in Newman, Merton, Day, Benedictine and Ignatian spirituality is life and growth- deeply linked to the spirit."

Tags:benedictine, ignatian, justice, leadership, secular, god

Abstract
This paper provides a clear explanation of Blaise Pascal's "Wager for Sceptics." It explores, in depth, its merits and its flaws and focuses on the flaws in Pascal's reasoning that resulted in it not achieving his stated goal. This paper demonstrates that, ultimately, the arguments against the "Wager for Skeptics" all stem from the incomprehensible nature of infinity, a notion that lies at the heart of Pascal's work.

From the Paper
"Emanating from his mathematical background, comes Blaise Pascal's Wager - a line of reasoning designed to lure people into the Christian faith. Pascal is acutely aware of human nature, and so bases his campaign around the reader's self-interests, rather than actual theological proofs. The Wager's basic proposition is that if a person believes in the Christian God, there is a chance of them gaining infinite reward. Conversely, if a person does not believe in God, they have no chance of gaining the reward which is on offer. This is a deceptively simple choice: one that immediately appears both enticing and convincing. However, our initial arousal begins to subside just as quickly when we realise that there are major flaws in Pascal's reasoning. Pascal attempts ardently, though unconvincingly, to quash some of the objections that might be proposed. The argument itself, however, if taken as convincing, leads to some unexpected outcomes - ones that do not align with those that Pascal intended. Ultimately, the Wager does not succeed in providing a compelling reason for believing in Pascal's God over any other form of belief."

Tags:infinity, faith, belief

Abstract
"Christian Discourses" shows a gentler more forbearing side of Kierkegaard's nature than some of his other works. One week before publishing it, during Easter, he underwent a strong religious experience, perceiving that God had not only forgiven him his sins but forgotten them too. "Christian Discourses" is divided into four parts:The Anxieties of the Heathen, Joyful Notes in the Strife of Suffering, Thoughts Which Wound from Behind for Edification and Discourses at the Communion on Fridays.

From the Paper
"Christian Discourses was published on April 26, 1848 yet the final draft had been completed by the end of the previous year. Also in 1847 (March), Edifying Discourses in Various Spirits was published, which declares that through suffering we are molded for eternity. In September, Works of love, Some Christian Considerations in the Form of Discourses was published, describing our duty of love to God and neighbor. SK had also completed the first drafts of Sickness Unto Death and Training in Christianity."

Tags:anxiety, christianity, edification, love, suffering

Abstract
The central claim of the ID movement is that certain biological systems are inexplicable by solely naturalistic causes. William Dembski, a prominent ID proponent, argues that he has proven that intelligent causes are responsible for a certain type of information found in nature. Far from meeting with the kind of fame that one might expect to follow such a seminal 'proof,' Dembski has been strongly criticized by scientists, philosophers, and theologians. This paper examines the most prominent critiques from these areas. It concludes that Dembski's scientific claims have been thoroughly refuted, his theology is built on what will appear to many as a false dichotomy, and philosophers have revealed serious flaws in his 'design detecting' analytic machinery.

From the Paper
"It is pertinent to note that no neo-Darwinian biologist would ever propose that this is how the flagellum came about. Evolutionists maintain that the flagellum evolved from earlier precursors that most probably fulfilled different functions. Dembski's imaginative prob-abilities are therefore not only ridiculous, but completely irrelevant to the question of complexity. Given that Dembski has not successfully demonstrated the complexity criterion, his argument fails and thus specification becomes irrelevant. Nevertheless, Howard Van Till has raised serious concerns even with this latter question. Recalling that Dembski's definition of 'specification' is that an event or object conforms to an independently given pattern, there is good reason to suspect that the flagellum is neither complex nor specified."

Tags:behe, creationism, deism, designism

Abstract
This paper begins by distinguishing between the two theories: Deontological approaches have, as the overarching "one" a norm or norms by which we live. Consequentialist ethics, in judging acts, rests on a controlling factor, such as agape love, the greatest good for the greatest number or increasing the total pleasure of man. Both approaches have strengths and weaknesses such as the danger of "I was just following the rules" in the deontological approach and consequentialism's main weaknesses of measurement; something such as love being indefinable Though they are different, they both lack from being isolated from the other and the more existential and community based ethical systems.

From the Paper
"A deontological approach to ethics is self-justified and intrinsically grounded. Its reference point is a norm or authority or being against which or who there is no argument (Gill P.5). In contrast, the consequentialist approach looks at the end product of a rule or act. The consequences are measured against a certain standard or goal in order to determine if they are desirable. For instance murder is wrong because society would break down if it weren't treated that way (P.7). They both have certain deficiencies that outweigh their strengths if they are used in isolation. They need to be informed by one another and by a third dimension, which could be called the existentialist. Only then do they make a useful organic whole."

Tags:utilitarianism, strength, weak

Abstract
This paper details Descartes's philosophical attempt at an ontological "proof" for the existence of God. Included is an outline of the intellectual and political times in which Descartes wrote, with a brief discussion of the possible impact this had on Descartes's arguments and focus. The history of ontological arguments and their validity is also discussed, as are the criticisms of such arguments.

From the Paper
"Rene Descartes was born in 1596 during a period of great scientific and religious upheaval. Scientific theories which had stood at the very core of society for over thirteen hundred years were being challenged by scientists such as Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei. They argued against the traditional Ptolemaic model of the Universe proposing instead a heliocentric model which suggested the Earth was not central but, along with other celestial bodies, circled the sun. Not surprisingly, this theory directly conflicted with Church doctrines which propagated the centrality of mankind in God's eyes and, consequently, a wide-spread conflict ensued between religion and science. The implications of this conflict led to a rise in speculation during these times regarding man's place in the world and God in relation to man."

Tags:cartesian, circle

Abstract
A primary source-based examination of the similarities and differences between the understanding and description of 'Ultimate Reality' (or God) as found in the Taoist and Hindu main theological texts, the "Tao Te Ching" and the "Upanishads". History and explanations of the differing religious traditions and the concept of 'Ultimate Reality' are supplied. Cause of creation and nature of reality are discussed. Many textual references included. Includes annotated bibliography.

From the Paper
"Although composed over two thousand years ago, the Upanishads and the "Tao Te Ching" are considered to be the mystical texts par excellence of their respective religious traditions. The content of these documents were foundational to the establishment of Hinduism and Taoism and continue to be highly referenced within these traditions today. Primarily identified for their mystical content, these texts reflect a desire on the authors' behalf to identify through direct contact a reality that transcends their own, an Ultimate Reality."

Tags:brahman, dao, daoism, god, hinduism, religious, taoism, texts, upanishads

Abstract
This paper explains that the skeptical arguments of the First Meditation avoid doubting rational belief and knowledge. This paper states that the belief in God is an important part of Descartes? defense of dualism and presents itself as a truth in the First Meditation. The author believes that Descartes makes several statements that would lead one to conclude that it is possible just to know things versus knowing things for certain.

From the Paper
"In the argument from dreaming, it is possible to doubt composite things in the dream, but he states that he cannot doubt the simple and universal parts from which they are constructed such as shape, quantity, size, and time because these are derived from real experience, much like paintings that draw on real things. Therefore, we cannot doubt studies based on simple things such as arithmetic and astronomy, but can doubt studies based on composite things such as medicine, astronomy or physics."

Tags:belief, knowledge, truth, think, dream