Abstract
This essay examines the content of Pre-Qin Chinese religious thinking, namely the religions of the Shang and Zhou dynasty. It explores the forces, which according to the religious beliefs of the Shang and Zhou people, controlled the human and non-human world. It shows that, according to these beliefs, the two worlds mentioned above co-existed and affected one another. Subsequently, the essay reveals that the ancient Chinese ideas about cosmic order and disorder were very closely related to the political domain.

From the Paper
"However, at the same time, it can be argued that the human world also controlled, or at least affected, the non-human world. The term "non-human" can be defined very broadly. It simply means "anything that is not human". The people of the Shang Dynasty believed that natural happenings such as storms, droughts, comets or eclipses were affected by human conduct. They were seen as warnings sent by the heavens, so that "human beings especially rulers might reform their personal conduct as well as their conduct of government." It is clear that there was a belief that the behavior of the human world would affect the happenings of the non-human world- bad behavior would cause natural disasters."

Tags:ideas, religious, supernatural, Shangdi, Confucius

Abstract
This paper explores how different religions approach matters of sexuality in what are often radically different directions. The paper begins by comparing eastern and western, Christian and other religions. Early in its history, Christian doctrine adopted a position where sex was intrinsically linked with sin. However, in India, traditions of religious tolerance ensured the links between sexuality and religion were kept alive. The end result of Eastern and Western traditional attitudes towards sexuality and spiritualism are expressed in the attitudes and tolerances of the people living in those societies. While the Hindu tradition ensures a dynamic religious experience, accepting, indeed demanding input and change, the Christian Church continues to cling onto ancient ideals put in place at a time when social control was sought and social cohesion required.

From the Paper
"Attitudes towards sexuality vary widely across different religious traditions, these variations in attitude being particularly evident when comparing Western Christianity with Eastern religious traditions embodied in Hinduism. There is a fundamental connection between religion and sexuality, however this connection is often hidden under layers of doctrine and is therefore not always clear. Different religions approach matters of sexuality in what are often radically different directions. In this essay, I will outline the similarities and differences in attitudes towards sexuality in these two religious traditions, Christianity and Hinduism, the history behind and reasons for these attitudes, and lastly, I will look at the effects these attitudes have on people who live under and adhere to those religious traditions."

Tags:catholic, hindu, paedophile, priests, sin, tantric

Abstract
This paper examines the history of anti-Semitism in Europe during the 19th century. The paper explores the similarities between the anti-Semitic prejudices that engulfed France and Russia in the late nineteenth century and then shows how in France, anti-Semitism was largely a right-wing Catholic movement, peppered with socialist support in the aftermath capitalistic change. The paper also provides a broad definition of anti-Semitism in general.

From the Paper
"Anti-Semitism is not an "identical phenomenon" similar to all countries, but rather based on individual national histories. The anti-Semitic prejudices that emerged in France and Russia in the late nineteenth century were both preceded by defeat in war, economic instability, and political change; circumstances exploited by the Judeo-phobic press and literature. However, while French anti-Semitism was derived from traditional religious dogmatism, and encouraged by the potent political force of anti-Republican Catholicism, the Russian experience was based on an ideological imperialism that was promoted by the government, and common to all "true" Russians."

Tags:france, history, jew, judaism, russia

Abstract
This essay details the personal journey C.S. Lewis embarked on with the Christian church. There are many references taken from his published works regarding his belief on faith and prayer and the need for personal development both within a congregation and outside the church. The main examination of this essay, however, focuses on Lewis's opinion of the church as an institution and whether such an institution is conducive to the development of a personal relationship with God.

From the Paper
"Clive Staples Lewis has become known as one of contemporary society's most distinguished Christian authors. Lewis emphasized the continuing Christian experience in almost all of his books, whether they be fictitious in nature, such as The Screwtape Letters, or autobiographical, such as Surprised By Joy. Despite an early intolerance for the Church because of its institutionalized nature, Lewis stressed in his later works the importance of attending Church as a part of the Christian experience. Therefore, although he believed the Church had problems as an institution, he believed that it was still an important vehicle for experiencing the mystical side of religion and coming into contact with God."

Tags:institution, spirituality, theism, lifestyle, converted, mystical, community, congregational, life

Abstract
The universal declaration of human rights is dissected in this paper in order to challenge the notion of human rights and religion interacting cohesively. The three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam and their opinions on human rights are carefully examined in this paper, as well as their differences and similarities regarding this issue. Several examples of said human rights violations are described in respect to these religions. This paper tries to find a balance between human rights and respect for religious belief , which depends on the most important human right, the right to choose.

From the Paper
"Judaism, Christianity and Islam have much in common. All are, "founded on the eternal command to love one God, oneself, and all neighbors. Each tradition recognizes a canonical text as its highest authority- the Bible, the Torah and the Quran." The similarities continue in delegating authority to officials to propagate the faith, the embracing of an expanding body to interpret and enforce the religion's decree, the presence of a refined legal structure (the canon law, Halakha and Sharia) and the endeavor of each religion to imbue its religious, ethical and legal values into the daily lives of individuals and communities. Religious laws are not necessarily in breach of human rights so long as the freedom to choose religion or no religion is acknowledged. However, as has happened throughout history and even today, when religious laws are constructed by a state affecting all citizens, their option of a different or no religion becomes impossible."

Tags:declaration, human, islam, muslim, nations, religion, rights, united, universal, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, freedom, of, speech

Abstract
This paper provides an in-depth look at the witch-hunt hysteria that overtook the village of Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century. The author discusses the rigid Puritan lifestyle, class systems, possible motivations behind the witch hunting, and the well-known story that started the anarchy, that of the Reverend Parris' household, plagued by suspicion of the occult.

From the Paper
"In the late 17th century, the lion quietly walked among the inhabitants of Salem , Massachusetts . Zealously obedient to this admonishment from the apostle Peter, the pious folk of New England searched their souls " and those of their neighbors " for even the slightest stain. These Puritan's believed it was their objective to stare down that lion, until Judgment Day saw him vanquished. In the spring and summer of 1692, that great lion roared, and brought with it devastation that tore Salem apart. Nineteen men and women, all having been tried, and convicted of witchcraft, were carted to Gallows Hill, a barren slope on the outskirts of Salem Village , for hanging. Hundreds of others were arrested and imprisoned on witchcraft charges. Dozens languished in jail for months without trials. Then, almost as soon as it had begun, the hysteria that swept through Puritan Massachusetts ended."

Tags:gallow, hill, witch, parris, tituba, puritan, nurse, good, putnam, bishop, massachusetts, satan, abigail

Abstract
The writer explains that the emergence of Islamic banking is an example of how religion has become subservient to economic needs, and more specifically, how Islam has become subservient to capitalism. The paper explains that although advocates claim that Islamic banking is distinctive from interest rate banking, such methods are merely window dressing - a way for the banks to legitimize themselves. The writer explains that in Shariah, Islamic law, people are prohibited from charging and receiving interest. The paper draws parallels between conventional banking systems and the new modes of so-called interest-free banking. The paper states that Islamic banks have been mimicking conventional banks, pushing for short-term, low-risk investments that are similar in quantity and risk to those obtained by other conventional banks. The writer explains that the methods used to evade interest prohibition include mislabeling interest under the false pretense of administrative costs and delegating puppet banks to alleviate responsibility from Islamic institutions. The writer challenges the advocates of this system who claim that it is Shariah-compliant. In summation, the writer states that it is evident that in the current Islamic system, Islamic beliefs have taken a second place to the capitalist system. Table of Contents: Introduction Lack of Sources for Islamic Banking Same Method, Different Name Murabaha is Not Profit Sharing Using Puppet Banks The Ulama Power Vacuum Advocates Conclusion Bibliography

From the Paper
"During the 80s, Muslim countries such as Sudan, Iran and Pakistan underwent the growth of Islamic banking due to an oil boom and the need for Muslim communities to establish a unique economic presence in the new international economic order (Pipes, 1982:45; cf. ICO: 1982). By 1995, 144 public and private banking institutions had been established claiming to practice "Islamic banking" (Shaik, 1997:118). However, this paper will argue that Islamic banking is conventional banking in disguise. Islamists have merely used the former to bypass religious restrictions to meet their capitalistic needs in a manner that is compliant, and sometimes even not compliant, to interpretations of the Shariah. Such assertions can be supported by examining characteristics of the current Islamic banking system. Nazih N. Ayubi has written about religion being subservient to the state. In this particular case, the evolution of Islamic banking has become an example of Islam being subservient to capitalism."

Tags:capitalism, conventional, koran, shariah

Abstract
This paper examines the ?father-creator? God, a ?trickster? God, and a ?love? Goddess of Greek, Norse and Egyptian cultures. The author believes that the ?father-creator? Gods have the most in common: Greek God, Zeus, the Norse God Odin and the Egyptian God Amen-Re. The paper introduces the ?trickster Gods?: Norse God Loki, the Egyptian God Seth, and the Greek God Prometheus. The paper also describes the ?love goddesses?: Egyptian Goddess Hathor, Greek Goddess Aphrodite and Norse Goddess Freya.

From the Paper
"The myths of these gods also referred to the sky. Both Zeus and Odin had palaces high above the mortal world, known as Mt. Olympus and Asgard. These palaces served as meeting places for the gods, and as observation decks. Zeus is often depicted as looking down from Mt. Olympus into the mortal world. Odin also gazed at mortals and gods similarly, from Hlidskialf, his throne in Asgard. Though he did not have a palace in the sky, Amen-Re was referred to as the "Sun" god. "

Tags:love, trickster, father, culture, fertility

Abstract
This paper examines what it believes is the appalling plight of women within the Islamic world and reveals that it is not the religion of Islam itself that is suppressing women's rights. It also explores the issue of whether or not the West should intervene in the emancipation of Islamic women. The paper explores the issues of marriage, women's right to work, abuse and rape, modesty and genital mutilation.

From the Paper
"Muslim women worldwide are being suppressed under the guise of the teachings of Islam. The status of the modern-day Islamic woman is truly appalling; a plight of ruthless oppression and denial of universal human rights. However this subjugation of Muslim women to sub-human standing is in direct conflict with the Qu'ranic Laws the Islamic equivalent of the Holy Bible and the foundation of the religion. Instead, what is now prevalent is an incorrect, monolithic interpretation of Islam that is fundamentally oppressive and patriarchical. As such the attention of the West " despite Colonialism's damaging legacy " should now be centered on the emancipation of Islamic women."

Tags:equality, gender, hijab, muslim, oppression, orientalism, polygamy, suppression

Abstract
After defining 'consciousness' in this paper, the author shows that the very fact that we all have privileged access to our consciousness and cannot analyze it from an outsider's point-of-view is a major reason why consciousness remains so mysterious. In addition, he puts forward his view that inevitably, a scientific explanation of consciousness will be possible.

From the Paper
"It is very hard to find an analogy to describe consciousness. We know nothing in the scientific world that draws a parallel with it. Consciousness is unable to be measured or analyzed because at present we know of no connection between itself and the physical body, even if there happens to be a portion of the brain where consciousness is localized. We all experience privileged access to our own consciousness, yet how can we determine for sure that other people and creatures are also conscious beings when there is no sure-fire way to prove this? How do chemical reactions and neural processes in the body trigger conscious events? This is what makes consciousness so mysterious. We take it for granted and all regard ourselves as conscious beings, yet very rarely do we actually stop to think about what it is and how it came to be."

Tags:brain, dennett, flanagan, mind, nagel, science, scientific, thinking