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Textbook Controversy, 2007.
An analysis of the controversy over material presented in history and social science textbooks in the United States.
1,228 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the controversy over history and social science textbooks that plague the United States. It discusses the issues that contribute to the controversy, such as religious or political concerns of teachers, politicians, religious organizations and parents. The paper suggests that in order to be educational, textbooks need to present the truth about history, whether the truth is pleasant or not.
From the Paper
"Ignoring a problem has never effected change, and covering up the history of racism in this country is not going to provide any kind of reconciliation of the past, nor is it going to allow future generations to learn from the mistakes in our history. Just because an element of history is distasteful does not mean it should be removed. However, what should be presented to students is the idea that things have changed, and should change from these periods of time that we study. The past can be used as clear examples of why things should not be this way. Tom Sawyer should be taught for its historical and literary significance, though the language should not be ignored. The best solution would be to target issues instead of removing them or ignoring them. If Tom Sawyer is to be taught then a requirement for part of the lesson plan for discussion or composition on the piece should be about the racial slurs. Student should learn that this was not a problem at the time of its writing and that it is highly indicative of the social atmosphere of the time and place in which Twain was writing. However, they should be encouraged to understand that this is no longer acceptable, and that our social climate has changed for the better over the years. Not only does this allow a genuine revue of the material, but it potentially leads into cross-curricular discussions, which are proven to be highly beneficial as well."
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"The da Vinci Code", 2007.
An argument against the accuracy of the facts presented in Dan Brown's "The da Vinci Code".
1,685 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the novel, "The da Vinci Code," written by Dan Brown. The paper presents controversies that have been cited by theologians and historians regarding historical and theological inaccuracies of the novel and it discusses some of the more serious inaccuracies. The paper suggests that the very premise of the novel is based on anecdotal evidence rather than factual material.
From the Paper
"We have already exposed most of the inaccuracies in the book. Needless to say then, that this book is simply another controversy theory that was meant to infuriate a certain section of the readers. As the author must have wished, the book attracted mass attention. It has now become a serious source of contention and conflict. The book is being cited as the new Satanic Verses. Brown either makes obvious errors or carefully thought-out alterations but in either case, he gives us a rather inaccurate account of the events surrounding the Last Supper and the Holy Grail. Langdon for example incorrectly mentions that Romans had "originated" the cross for crucifixion (145) but the truth is that it was the Persians who created in around sixth century BC."
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"The Confessions of St. Augustine", 2007.
A review of St. Augustine's autobiography, "The Confessions of St. Augustine".
2,169 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 109.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the life of St. Augustine and particularly focuses on his autobiography entitled "The Confessions of St. Augustine". The paper begins by describing Augustine's life before his conversion to Christianity and his journey to God. The paper then describes St. Augustine's book as a spiritual autobiography and a series of meditations upon how the author believes he came to be led to the path of God.
From the Paper
"Augustine also attempts to rationalize his devotion to the Manicheans, a competing sect, by explaining that now he knows what real love for God feels like, he sees what seemed real to be transient: "the fantasies of the Manicheans were not in any way like thee as thou hast spoken to me now. They were simply fantastic and false. In comparison to them the actual bodies which we see with our fleshly sight, both celestial and terrestrial, are far more certain." (III.VI.10) Without God's help, however, Augustine even sees all of his later success in law as meaningless, and as unguided. Even good aspects of the world before his conversion, like God's creation of human beings, were filtered through his desire for either approval or sex, rather than an appreciation of God."
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The Victorian Era and Religion, 2007.
An analysis of the new social and scientific views that led to the crisis of faith during the Victorian Era.
1,133 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses belief in the Victorian era. It particularly focuses on the Victorians' skepticism of the existence of God and their belief that God could not influence their lives. The paper discusses the questions posed by new social and scientific theories of the time that led to the crisis of faith in the Victorian period and, more specifically, their doubt about the origins of life and the meaning of existence.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Changing Views Of Life And Reality
Science, Evolution And Faith
From the Paper
"Related to the development of the scientific attitude was the utilitarian view of life. This view was based on the assumption that only material reality existed and was driven by industrialization and modern commerce. This philosophy was also related to for the desire for monetary wealth. Briefly utilitarianism is "The belief that the value of a thing or an action is determined by its utility." (Definitions of Utilitarianism on the Web) Therefore, in this view there can therefore be no intrinsic and spiritual meaning to life. The individual has worth only to the extent of his immediate utility to society and industry. Writers of the time like Charles Dickens reacted strongly against this view of life. Utilitarianism was also an indication that the religious dimension had been lost in Victorian society. "They knew something fundamental had been lost from their society, and they were trying to grasp it, but most of them had an incomplete understanding of what it was." (Ahlquist D.)"
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Forgiveness in Christianity and Islam, 2007.
A comparative analysis of the approaches of Christianity and Islam to forgiveness.
3,188 words (approx. 12.8 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 149.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how there are substantial similarities between the approaches that Islam and Christianity take to the concept of forgiveness. It looks at how both religions stress God's forgiveness and how, when people become either Christians or Muslims, they are told that God forgives them any sins that they have committed prior to that point. The paper also discusses how the two religions provide a means for their followers to gain forgiveness from God and how they both emphasize the importance of people forgiving one's fellow humans when one has been wronged. It also shows how there is a disconnect between the preachings of both religions and the actions of their practitioners, which demeans both religions.
From the Paper
"Moreover, the concept of Christian forgiveness by God has two components. In the sixteenth century, William Tyndale invented the word atonement to describe the doctrine of Christ's sacrifice. Christ's sacrifice "accomplished both the remission of sin and reconciliation of man to God," which means that there were two elements of the holy forgiveness. The first element is that, by sacrificing his son, God redeemed the entire human race. The second element of that doctrine is that, by dying, Jesus provided a means of redemption for individual human beings. "
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New Historicism Analysis, 2007.
This paper discusses the poems "Upon the Burning of our House" and "The Flesh and the Spirit" by Anne Bradstreet.
1,210 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 10 sources, APA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
The writer explains that New Historicism considers the analysis of a literary work complete and right only when incorporated in the time frame of the work, as one could easily recognize from its very name.
The writer notes that the poems written by Anne Bradstreet must be referred to from a New Historicism point of view because, beside their value strictly as literary pieces, they were meaningful to the readers in the 17th Century, first in England, where they were first published, and then, in New England, where they were originally written. The writer examines Bradstreet's religious beliefs portrayed in her poems "Upon the Burning of our House" and "The Flesh and the Spirit". The writer concludes that Anne Bradstreet found a way to speak a universal language that did not attempt to appeal to the universal values of her times and, therefore, her work was understood and not rejected by her contemporaries.
From the Paper
"Her religious views and her attitude towards the religious teachings of the Puritans can be traced along a big part of her work. The people of her time , in England, were divided mostly between the Calvinists and the Anglicans. Some sort of antagonism lay under the unifying power of the Church of England. The human spirit itself is made of pros and cons and the human nature is often questioning and putting the teachings of scholars, scientists and even those of the church under the benefit of the doubt.
Anne Breadstreet' s writings were welcome by the English public, despite the fact that they expressed certain ideas that questioned the puritan ideas of salvation through a life of continuous attempt to overcome the original sin in the hope that one's soul, among other few selected souls will be resurrected by God's will."
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The Eucharistic Controversy, 2006.
This paper discusses the controversy between Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli, two giants of the Reformation, about the function of the the Eucharist in Christian worship.
5,780 words (approx. 23.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 224.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "Eucharist", "Communion", the "Last Supper" and the "Lord's Supper" are synonymous terms referring to the ongoing celebration and commemoration of the time Jesus spent with his disciples prior to his crucifixion and his finished work on the cross. The author points out that much of Luther and Zwingli's debate centered on the meaning of the bread and the wine, integral elements of Communion. The paper concludes that the result of this unresolved dispute, which led to the fragmentation of Protestantism, may not be as negative as various scholars imply because it is perfectly possible that God needs all the various Protestant churches to appeal to the unique needs and concerns of each person.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Martin Luther
Ulrich Zwingli
The Relationship of Luther and Zwingli
The Meeting at Marburg
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Zwingli always seemed to temper his remarks. He and others were appalled at Luther's personal attacks and characterizations and accused him of lacking Christian charity. Tactically, Zwingli was on shaky ground. He needed to say that Luther could be wrong on some issues without defaming him. Luther was, after all, widely respected by those Zwingli was trying to enlist in his cause. Another reason for Zwingli's temperate tone was his humanist training. Because he was committed to modesty and temperance, he could not in good conscience counter Luther's attacks in an unrestrained manner."
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Catholic Theology, 2006.
A review of the tradition and scripture of the Catholic faith.
1,459 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Catholic theology. According to the paper, tradition and scripture are considered one and the same within the Catholic Church, and are both part of the sacred deposit of faith.
From the Paper
"Within the Catholic Church today, there are groups such as Catholics United for the Faith, Regnum Christi, Opus Del, that encourage orthodoxy in their interpretation of the teachings of the Vatican (Smietana). Some churches have moved the tabernacle from the center of the church to emphasize the Mass and the presence of Christ in the reception of the Holy Communion, however many claim that this experiment has failed because the Church lost the sense of the sacred that had been the hallmark of Catholic worship (Smietana). According to Father Richard Simon, that loss of the sacred is also seen in the decline among Catholics in the belief in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Fr. Simon wrote, "If we don't believe in the Real Presence, we might as well close the church" (Smietana)."
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Postmodernist Literature, 2006.
A discussion regarding the representation (or the deconstruction) of national culture in the postmodernist fiction of the United States.
2,870 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 138.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews four novels from the perspective of the representation or deconstruction of national culture in the USA. The four books this paper discusses are Philip Roth's 'Portnoy's Complaint', Kurt Vonnegut's 'Cat's Cradle', Saul Bellow's 'Herzog' and Ralph Ellison's 'Invisible Man'.
From the Paper
"That "vanished frontier" is perhaps Vonnegut's allusion to the loss of the idealism that America once represented. "The highest form of treason is to say Americans aren't loved wherever they go, whatever they do," Minton added on page 98. "
"Vonnegut's postmodernism style throughout this book is a quasi-cynical but not entirely exaggerated representation of America; the folly of religion, for example, is shown in numerous passages. On page 4-5, God liked people "in sailboats much better than He liked people in motorboats." And on page 2, humanity is organized into teams to do "God's will" but those teams never discover "what they are doing." Hence, God is a mystery, and writers like Vonnegut have license to muse over society's clumsy attempt to define and categorize Him for their own future salvation from themselves. "
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Mummification in Egypt, 2006.
A review of the ritual of mummification of the dead.
1,016 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the process of ritual mummification in ancient Egypt. According to the paper, mummification refers to the process by means of which a human or animal body was preserved in ancient times.
From the Paper
"The human and animal bodies were usually mummified the same way with the exception of a few things like linen and masks. Natron was used as the disinfectant and organs were usually removed to prevent internal decay. Heart was not removed however since it was considered the main organ of intelligence and hence sacred. Corpses were washed and wrapped in linen and bitumen was sometimes used for preservation. This was the practice during the Late Period and linen was normally provided by family of the deceased. Masks were used to cover the face of the deceased. Royal mummies were usually adorned with masks made of gold and silver while in other cases, wooden masks were also used. "
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Judaism, Christianity and Islam, 2007.
An analysis of the major similarities and differences found between Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
2,090 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 106.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the similarities and differences that can be found in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The paper discusses certain aspects of each religion and then examines whether the same beliefs or practices are common to the other religions. It provides the basic theological background for each religion and concludes by briefly discussing how religions and governments interact today.
From the Paper
"The main day of worship is Saturday for the Jews, Sunday for the Christians and Friday for the Muslims. Also the Jews have some rules about the food in their diet called kosher. For example they don't eat pork and certain seafood, they separate meat from dairy and they have special methods for killing the animals for the meat, which implies less pain when they are slaughtered. Christians don't have a special diet, but before some holidays they don't eat any meat or dairy. The Muslims don't eat pork and don't drink alcohol and other meat is prepared by the halal method which is similar to the kosher (allows only some types of food to be eaten)."
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A Historical Conspiracy Theory, 2007.
An analysis of David Hatcher Childress' book "Pirates and The Lost Templar Fleet: The Secret Naval War Between the Knights Templar and the Vatican".
1,540 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses David Hatcher Childress' history book that describes the conflict between the Vatican and the Templars, a holy band of brother-soldiers who were enraged that the Church they had helped win land, territory and power had turned against their sect for political purposes. The paper contends that the author's method of drawing together Medieval history, the history of maps and sea navigation, as well as the politics of the European kings and the Roman Catholic popes, makes for a fascinating tale. The paper maintains that the book, in its more factually substantiated parts, is a good introduction to the history of the Church and the navigation of the high seas.
From the Paper
"To tell the story of the conflict between the Templars and the Vatican, Childress focuses on the greatest unsolved historical mystery regarding the Templars and proposes a solution. It is especially interesting to read this book in today's context, where issues about early Christian secrets, as debated in the fictional Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, the recent media attention given to the radical Catholic splinter sect Opus Dei, and even the election of the new Pope Benedict have brought issues about the influence of secret or mystery sects in the development of the Catholic religion to the forefront of international attention."
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Sin, 2006.
This paper is an evangelical discusses of the concept of sin based on Biblical text and other sources.
4,620 words (approx. 18.5 pages), 24 sources, APA, AU$ 193.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that sin, which is a very real and terrible fact of human life, is any lack of conformity to the character of God as is revealed in the living and written word. The author points out that sin, no matter the variety or name, not only presents problems to the individual but also its roots can spread to affect adversely the community of the person who practices sin and/or refuses to adhere to God's plan. The paper stresses that, when an individual faces his own sin, repents and is converted; he experiences what is known as conversion, is the centerpiece of evangelical faith and piety, a definite and decisive transformation from sinfulness to salvation. The paper includes several long quotations, many of which are embedded in the text.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
In the Beginning
Problems With/In Sin
Struggles with Sin
Free from Denial
Willing or Not
Roots that Entangle
Solutions for Sin
No Matter the Name?
Getting a Grip Out of Sin's Grip
Temptation to Ignore
Freedom in Facing Sin
Conclusion
Knowing
From the Paper
"As sin, a primary problem and enemy of life, purposes to "steal, and to kill, and to destroy," minimizing and mislabeling wrong actions contribute to the seeming verbal annihilation of sin, and in a sense contribute to its deceiving power. In addition, confusion, misunderstandings and disagreements prevail not only in theological circles but also among laypersons, churched or not, "as to what should be the content or connotation of the term 'sin,' and that, consequently, considerable misunderstanding and confusion prevails in theological discussions dealing with the doctrine of sin."'
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Christian Music, 2007.
A discussion of the different genres of worship music in Christianity.
929 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the continuing climb of Christian music sales, compared to the decline in sales of other music genres. It discusses the phenomenon of Christian music today, which encompasses a broad category that includes black gospel, contemporary Christian, Christian rock, Christian rap, and traditional praise and worship music. The paper discusses briefly how Christian music has changed over time.
From the Paper
"According to SoundScan, Christian music sold 49.9 million albums in 2001, up 12 percent from the previous year, and continues to climb while other music genres slack in sales (Green). Christian music today encompasses a broad category that includes black gospel, contemporary Christian, Christian rock, Christian rap, and traditional praise and worship music, all of which jumped in sales by more than 20 percent after the September 11th attacks (Green). Jerry Phelps of Paradigm Management Group says, "Christian music is no longer a genre of its own," for there are so many types within it and people, especially young people, gravitate to music they relate to and that expresses their feelings (Fitzhugh-Craig). Christian music is a "billion dollar-plus business" due partly to the fact that the quality of music is increasing, and partly because so many young people are gravitating toward the soulful tunes (Fitzhugh-Craig)."
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Osiris, 2006.
A review of the Egyptian God of the dead, Osiris.
1,903 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 10 sources, APA, AU$ 98.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses Osiris of the Underworld, the Egyptian God of the dead. According to the paper, Osiris is the son of the earth God, Geb, and the sky Goddess, Nut. He is also Brother of Isis, Nephthys, and Seth, husband of Isis and father of Horus.
Outline:
Introduction and Background
The History and Myth of Osiris
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Underworld is also the entrance to the Blessed Land which is the reward for all those who pass the test of the Underworld and are deemed worthy. As the judge of the dead, Osiris ensures that the souls of those who are evil and wicked do not ascend to this land or realm of existence. Furthermore, Osiris is therefore seen as the upholder of holy law and of honesty and truth. In Egyptian spiritual terms Osiris is associated with the important Egyptian concept of Ma'at or Maat. This term refers to the idea of divine order and balance as it affects the ordinary or mundane world. Osiris is also referred to as 'lord of Maat" ,(Hart 162)"
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Dance and Music in Islam, 2006.
A discussion regarding the important role that dance and music play in Islam.
894 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Islam's view on dance and music. According to the paper, although there are many groups within Islam that profess that music and dancing are forbidden, it is clear that the Qu'ran itself does not explicitly prohibit these activities. The paper goes on to say that several avenues of worship within Islam have developed into the practice of reaching God through dance or music. The paper focuses specifically on the Quwalli and the Mevelevi Order, also known as The Whirling Dervishes.
From the Paper
"More intentionally musical is the Sufic tradition of the Quwalli. Quwali means "word," and can be thought of as the physical and auditory manifestation of the divine voice. As with the Quri, the Quwallis use their voice as a tool of worship, but they move into the world of interpretation and individual expression of the words themselves. They can be likened to the Gospel singers of the Western world in this respect, though this may be a misleading comparison since the Sufi practice, from which the Quwalli find their beginnings and roots, is far more steeped in history and tradition and could be considered a more "serious" endeavor. Quwallis use the music of their voices to worship foremost, and to communicate and encourage their listeners to worship with them is a secondary concern."
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