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Life and Times of Jesus, 2007.
An analysis of the impact of Jesus on the geographical, political, religious and social environment of his time.
1,256 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the life and times of Jesus, as it maintains that an understanding of Jesus' historical context is extremely helpful, perhaps even essential, to a true understanding of Christianity. It looks at the geographical, political, religious and social environment of Jesus' time period and discusses how these factors contributed to the impact that he had in his time.
From the Paper
"Because the concept of sacrifice was extremely important during Jesus' time, it follows that the concept of forgiveness was equally important. People could ask for forgiveness, and they did not have to engage in personal suffering or sacrifice in order to receive such forgiveness. Furthermore, because God had the obligation to forgive the repentant, so did fellow Jews in the community. This is an aspect that has been incorporated into modern-day Christianity. In fact, forgiveness is not optional in the Christian church, but is taught as a duty for true Christians. For example, according to John Owen, who outlined the basic tenets for Protestant churches, forgiveness was to be given even to those who were cast out of the church. In fact, such persons had a right "to be forgiven both by those who in an especial manner were offended by him, and by the whole church." (Owen, 66). Moreover, Christians have a duty to make forgiveness an active thing, by applying the promises of the Gospel to the sinner and re-admitting him into the church. (Owen, 66)."
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St. Augustine of Hippo, 2006.
This paper discusses St. Augustine of Hippo (354 to 430 A.D.) and his conversion to Christianity.
815 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in 386 A.D., St. Augustine of Hippo experienced a penultimate life-changing event which resulted in his conversion to Christianity and ended his hedonistic lifestyle. The author points out that this conversion to the faith and tenets of Christianity led St. Augustine to attack a number of humanistic and secular organizations, which were very influential in Europe during the latter years of the Roman Empire. The paper concludes that the conversion of St. Augustine literally opened the proverbial door to much human experience and thought in matters of religion and theology and paved the way for many influential religious and philosophical thinkers that followed him.
From the Paper
"In Book 11, Chapter 26 of his Confessions, St. Augustine discusses the concept of time which during the early years of Christianity was viewed as an extension of God Himself. He writes that, "It would appear to me that time is simply an extension, though what it is an extension of I have no idea. I begin to wonder if it is perhaps an extension of the mind itself." It should be noted that without his conversion to Christianity, St. Augustine would never have been capable of such deep thought, for what he is attempting to say is that the power of God extends into infinity with time being a mere extension of His power."
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"The Scarlet Letter"--An Analysis, 2007.
This paper analyses Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlett Letter" in the context of Puritan society.
921 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 39.95
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Abstract
In this analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlett Letter," the concept of sin and puritanical society is examined. The reviewer focuses on the protagonist, Hester Prynne, and her development and eventual transcendence of her punishment for adultery. The paper also examines the role of Hester's daughter, Pearl, linking her symbolically with the concept of original sin. The paper concludes by contrasting Hester's strength with Reverend Dimmesdale's downfall.
From the Paper
"Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter addresses the issue of sin, responsibility, and even salvation in the Puritan society of North America. Sentenced to wear her sin of adultery in the form of the letter 'A' on the outside of her dress, Hester Prynne is forced to live with the ignominy of having borne a child out of wedlock. Hawthorne initially uses the scarlet letter as a symbol of Hester's sin, but the meaning of the letter evolves throughout the novel as Hester is eventually empowered and her secret lover is enfeebled by the sin they had both committed. The evolution of the letter shows the power of accepting punishment and persevering over the enervating capacity of trying to hide and escape sin."
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Medieval Literature and Christian Themes, 2007.
An analysis of the influence that Christianity had on Medieval European literature.
919 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the influence of Christianity on Western (particularly European) literature in the medieval period of world history. It addresses and puts into perspective some of those influences. The paper gives some examples which are found in several published books and journals to illustrate the influence that Christianity had at the time.
From the Paper
"Although the great literary "masterpieces" of Medieval Germany "often lack specific Christian references," the Notre Dame Introduction to Anthropology continues, "the impact of religious values is always present." In the book, The City of God, Christian concepts of "virtue and vice and interlaced with ingredients of a knight's courtly behavior. The Notre Dame narrative admits that there is "controversy among scholars" today as to whether some works which are not "obviously moral or didactic in tone" are expressing "normal medieval" ways of approaching subjects. Still, that having been said, it would be "equally questionable," the narrative asserts, to imagine that any literature, "however secular in conception," could have been written without being permeated by "the prevailing intellectual climate, which was thoroughly Christian.""
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Religion and Magic, 2007.
An analysis of the different types of religion and magic and how one culture may change to accept another.
1,282 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the contrast that exists between the worlds of religion and magic. It begins by defining several types of religions and then discusses two types of magic that exist. The paper then discusses cultural change, as it can apply to an individual, a group or an organization. The paper concludes that revolution still occurs today and will continue happening in the future because people have different beliefs and practices.
From the Paper
""Acculturation is a process in which members of one cultural group adopt the beliefs and behaviors of another group" (Rice University, 2006). There are cultural groups that have the power to convince other people and this is the reason why minorities are easy to encourage. Although, cultural groups can convince others, they can also assimilate some of the cultural beliefs of the minorities. According to the Website of Rice University, "assimilation of one cultural group into another may be evidenced by changes in language preference, adoption of common attitudes and values, member's hip in common social groups and institutions, and loss of separate political or ethnic identification (2006)." This is also a process where two cultures are combined together to harmoniously unify."
"One example of acculturation is when the Spaniards introduced to the Mayans the Christianity as religion. The Mayans are believers of gods that can help them in farming. When the Spaniards came, the Mayans were able to gradually adopt the Christian beliefs although they continue to believe on their traditional faith. O'Neil stated that "as a result, their indigenous religious belief system was essentially only added to and modified; the overt religious practices seemed to be Christian to the Spanish authorities but they retained dual meanings for the Maya (2006).""
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Jemaah Islamiyah, 2006.
A review of the terrorist organization, Jemaah Islamiyah.
3,029 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 108.95
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Abstract
This paper traces the roots and dynamics of Jemaah Islamiyah as an Islamic militant group and terrorist organization. This paper discusses the extant literature looking into the roots and dynamics of JI as a politico-religious organization.
Outline:
Introduction
II. Research Objectives
III. Roots of Jemaah Islamiyah as a Politico-Religious Organization
IV. Dynamics of Jemaah Islamiyah as a Politico-Religious
Organization: Links with Al Qaeda
V. Summary & Conclusion
From the Paper
"Chehab (2006) resounded the Singh's report on the dominant prejudice against militant groups like the JI, mainly because: (1) they use violence and/or force in accomplishing its holy war, and (2) they are allegedly collaborating and affiliating with Al-Qaeda in committing these terrorist/violent acts. If, more than anything, the offensive attack against Al-Qaeda further intensified the animosity between Muslims and Americans, proving that despite the prejudiced, dominant view against Muslims as terrorists, Chehab concedes that despite the crippling of Al-Qaeda as a terrorist group, "other groups have succeeded in making the arduous journey" (3). Whether these terrorist actions are motivated individually or collectively, the continuous commitment of terrorist attacks and "holy war" violent acts demonstrate that, as Wright-Neville posited earlier, the continuous dominance of the status quo, that is, US power and democracy as the dominant social order, results to the continued struggle of the Muslims to break this status quo."
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"The Pensees", 2007.
An analysis of "The Pensees", by Blaise Pascal.
1,285 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 52.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Blaise Pascal characterizes the existence of God as man's search for truth and knowledge about His real being. The paper explores how, by means of defending the Christian belief against those who persecutes and criticize, he later re-affirms this argument by offering several proofs that god really exists. The paper concludes that, even with the non-completion of "The Pensee"s due to Pascal's death, it has served its primary motive and has brought forth all the messages and lessons that Blaise Pascal wanted to convey in his notes.
From the Paper
"In Pascal's arguments about religion, the existence of God and Christianity directly complement the core idea of the Pensees. That is to stand in defense of the Christian Faith. His line of reasoning on religion utters in evidences and proofs that God exists. The God in the Penesees refers to the God of the Christians and other religion which believes that there is a Divine Being that created the world. Pascal describes religion as part of man's duty to seek his God."
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Dogma and Doctrine, 2007.
An analysis of the close relationship between dogma and doctrine within the Catholic faith.
1,336 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the true cohesion that exists between dogma and doctrine within the Catholic faith. The paper defines the terms dogma and doctrine and then relates them to Catholicism and how they are expressed within Catholic faith, individually. It then goes on to show how the two concepts are closely related and used together in Catholicism.
From the Paper
"In theory, the Roman doctrine of salvation by faith and works support the understanding of true doctrine. Yet, all subscribed in word, as well as in deed, to the overriding elicitations of a divine love that directed human response to the divine self before it taught the soul volitional self-awareness. Any fair-minded individual of such representative medieval thinkers as these must be impressed by their working acquaintance with the spirit of un-prudentialized agape. Furthermore, one must be conscious, likewise, of categorical explications native to a doctrine of saving works illogically fostered by at least some descendants of the sixteenth-century agape revival. One may remark a sobering fact, not altogether without its humble efficacy, at work in the most diversified Christian soteriologies. The evangelical movements within the Reformed tradition have often acted based on eschatological premises thoroughly redolent of medieval Christian societalism. (Petry, 1956, p. 379)"
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Alfred Edersheim's "The Temple: Its Ministry and Services", 2006.
This paper is a detailed chapter by chapter review and analysis of Alfred Edersheim's book "The Temple: Its Ministry and Services".
5,955 words (approx. 23.8 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 171.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Alfred Edersheim's "The Temple: Its Ministry and Services" reveals the physical structure of the Temple in the days of Christ, the Temple's ordinances, worshipers and the priesthood of that period, the priesthood's ministry and its rituals. The author points out that, although this book is a fact-based, historical account, there is a tremendous amount of disagreement about the superiority of sources used by different Biblical scholars, who continue to disagree about the validity of various sources. The author does not contest this validity. The paper states that religious scholars like Edersheim make it clear that an understanding of the Old Testament and ancient Judaism can only enhance one's understanding of the life of Christ as the ultimate sacrifice.
Table of Contents:
Summary
Interpretation
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In chapter ten, Edersheim discusses the festive cycles and arrangement of the calendar. The cycles are marked by the number seven. The Sabbath is the seventh day, the Feast of the Pentecost occurs seven weeks after the start of the ecclesiastical year, the seventh month is the most sacred, the seventh year is Sabbatical, the 49th year is the year of Jubilee. Furthermore, there are seven days of each year designated as the most festive. Furthermore, the cycles are marked by either two or three cycles; one beginning with the Paschal sacrifice and ending on the Day of Pentecost."
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Medieval Theocracies, 2007.
This paper explores Christian and Islamic medieval theocracies.
871 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 37.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author argues that in order to understand religion and politics during the Middle Ages, it is important to study both Christian and Islamic medieval theocracies. First, the concept of a theocracy is defined. This is followed by a description of Islamic law and religion, which are intertwined. Medieval Islam is then contrasted with Papal Christianity of the same era. Despite their differences, the author explains that Christian and Islamic theocracies shared the same concept of expansion. This is illustrated through Islamic and Christian crusades and forced conversions.
From the Paper
"Before one can appreciate the differences and similarities between medieval Christian and Islamic theocracies, one must have a thorough understanding of the mechanics of a theocratic political system. In a theocracy, "the divine power...governs an earthly human state, either in person...or, more often, via its religious institutional representative(s)..., either replacing or dominating the organs of civil government as clerical or spiritual representative(s) of god(s)." (Wikipedia Contributors). Therefore, technically the Papal States in Italy were Europe's only real example of a theocracy. (Wikipedia Contributors). Likewise, when Medina was ruled by Muhammad and Muhammad's theocracy in Mecca are considered Islam's true early theocracies. (Wikipedia Contributors). However, the reality is that, in medieval times, many countries were practical theocracies. While they were nominally ruled by monarchs or other political figures, these leaders were oftentimes so heavily influenced by religious leaders that it became impossible to separate political and religious doctrine."
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Confessions by St. Augustine, 2007.
This paper discusses salvation as the path towards goodness and looks at the purpose of humanity in life in "Confessions" by St. Augustine.
1,838 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper centers its discussion and analysis on St. Augustine's "Confessions," discussing in detail its dominant theme of "salvation as God's grace to humanity". The writer assumes the position that, according to St. Augustine, salvation is the path towards goodness and determines the purpose of humanity in life. The writer discusses in detail, with evidences from the "Confessions," how this thesis is proven in accordance to St Augustine's experiences and eventual conversion to being a Christian. The writer concludes that, ultimately, "Confessions" tells its readers that Salvation is the primary mover, influence, and factor that drive humanity to the path of goodness, whether this is prescribed by Christianity, or by St Augustine himself.
Outline:
Introduction
"Men are born with Sin"
Only God can save humanity from sin through good works
Conclusion
From the Paper
"For St Augustine, humanity must not only surrender itself to God's will by acknowledging its inherent sinfulness, but it must also ask for God's mercy for this reason alone (inherent sinfulness of humanity). And because humanity's sinfulness is inherent, every individual on earth is subject to God's will and mercy, in the same way that every individual becomes a sinful individual because of the original sin, and, as posited by St Augustine earlier, by humanity's propensity to commit sins."
"For this section, the thought, "Men are born with Sins" is proven as an inherent and inevitable quality of humanity: it is inherent because humans are born with sin (i.e., the original sin), and it is inevitable because St Augustine believed that humans cannot not commit sins. Thus, in order to absolve the self from this inherent and inevitable nature of humanity's sinfulness, St Augustine recommended seeking God's mercy and following His will."
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St. Anathasius, 2007.
An analysis of St. Anathasius and his contributions to the Christian Church.
1,389 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the background and history of St. Anathasius, the 20th Patriarch of Alexandria. It describes some of his contributions to the Christian Church, in which he served as both bishop and deacon. The paper discusses some of the works that St. Anathasius is best known for and describes an apolytikion that was based on his influence and is still sung today.
From the Paper
"Beyond his involvement with the Nicene Creed, Anthanasius served his time as bishop in many other constructive and influential ways. Known around the world for the high quality of their astronomers, the bishop of Alexandria had a duty to write to all the other bishops every year to inform them what the correct date for Easter would be. These letters were called Easter, or Paschal Letters. Anthanasius took this duty very seriously and his letters contained other information as well. One letter, for example, Since Alexandria had the best astronomers, it was the duty of the Bishop of Alexandria to write to the other bishops every year and tell them the correct date for Easter. Naturally, his annual letter on this topic contained other material as well. On such Paschal Letter that Anthanasius is well known for, often referred to as his 39th Festal Letter gives a list of the books that should be considered part of the canonical Scriptures. He also listed several books suitable for devotional reading (Forbes & Washbourne)."
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Sri Venkateswara Temple, 2007.
This paper discusses and describes the Hindu temple called the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
1,159 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the issue of religion and tolerance, like racism, has always been a contentious one in the United States. This is particularly true of the non-Western, non-mainstream religions, such as Hinduism and other Indian religious directions. The writer then looks at the Sri Venkateswara Temple, that is also known as the Balaji Mandir and which functions as both a Hindu Temple and a Cultural Society serving the Hindu people in the area. The writer concludes that the temple has provided a focus not only for the Hindu community in the area, but also for the education of Westerners in the area.
From the Paper
"The Sri Venkateswara Temple is also known as the Balaji Mandir and functions as both a Hindu Temple and a Cultural Society serving the Hindu people in the area. There arose a need for such a temple in the Bridgewater area during the 1980s. One reason is that this period saw a significant increase in the Hindu Indian population in the area. In addition to the fact that this community experienced the need for worship services and cultural connections, was also the fact that many of these people were employed by the professional sector. They therefore had significant funds to contribute toward a project of establishing a worship community and building a temple. As mentioned above, the parental concern for retaining their children's awareness of their cultural roots also played a role in the need for establishing a temple. The first step towards attaining this goal was to buy land on which a temple could be built."
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Shusaku Endo's "Silence", 2007.
This paper reviews and analyzes Shusaku Endo's novel "Silence".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and analyzes Shasaku Endo's novel "Silence", which described the persecution of Japanese Christians during the 17th century. The reviewer contends that sacrifice and unconditional love clashed with the persistence of the Japanese trait of a conditional, and sometimes inflexible, view of life, an outlook which may have contributed to the persecution. The protagonist, Father Rodrigues, and his dilemmas are described, as well as his ultimate choices. The reviewer sees Endo's characterization of Father Rodrigues as universal, in that his character represents every individual who has been compelled by circumstances to question his faith.
From the Paper
"The protagonist of the novel, Father Rodrigues, characterizes the individual whose being Christian makes him subject to criticism and persecution in Japan. In fact, Endo's characterization of Father Rodrigues is universal, in that his character represents every individual who was compelled, by circumstances, to question his faith in the god he believes in. Father Rodrigues is the representative of every believing individual who seeks truth in life through religion."
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Jon Meacham's "American Gospel" - A Review, 2007.
This paper reviews Jon Meacham's book, "American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation".
1,179 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews Jon Meacham's book, "American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation", which details information about what the US Founding Fathers believed about God and religion. The reviewer describes Meacham's work as leading the reader through the religious history of the country into the 21st century. The review examines issues presented in Meacham's book, including slavery, freedom from religion and examples of how various factions have attempted to use God and religion to further their particular agendas. The reviewer states that Meacham believes strongly in moderation.
From the Paper
"Meacham's book was written at a time when Americans have hotly debated exactly what role religion should play in public life. Some people want the words "Under God" taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance and references to God taken off our currency. A town in Alabama was required to remove the Ten Commandments from a public government display. Even many who believe the concept of separation between Church and State wonder if such decisions are what the Founding Fathers intended. That is what Meacham looks at: what the Founding Fathers believed about God and God's place in the government of the new country."
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Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism, 2007.
A comparative analysis of Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism in the context of other major world religions.
2,672 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper looks into three major world religions, discussing and analyzing these religions in the context of other religions. The religions discussed are Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, analyzed with other major world religions, like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. In addition to the comparative analysis of the religions mentioned, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism are also analyzed in the context of the African-American race, specifically among black American males, aged 17 to 30 years, belonging to either the low, middle, or high economic social class.
Outline:
Introduction
Discussion and Analysis
From the Paper
"Chappell (2005) described the difference between Christianity and Buddhism, which he also considered complementary to each other. In Buddhism, the individual has "many levels of reality," brought about by the fact that it has a well-defined description of religious realities experienced by the individual (13). While in Christianity, religious states are only divided into two, and radically different realms, achieved initially while one is alive, and the other religious state experienced in death. Thus, the state of "nirvana" within the individual in Christian terms is achieved once the individual is in the "next life," that is, experienced death."
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