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Christian and Buddhist Thinking, 2008.
An examination of the similarities and differences between the Christian and Buddhist religions.
1,651 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the principles of both the Christian and Buddhist faiths. The paper explains that although differences abound between religions of the world, both Christianity and Buddhism believe in a variation of hell and punishment, although the result of the penance is quite different. The paper then looks at the image of God in the Christian religion and the lack thereof in the Buddhist religion. The paper also points out that the existence of God is a matter of faith, whether one is a Christian, Buddhist, or any other religion, as God cannot be experienced by any of man's physical senses. The writer believes that each individual in this world is still at liberty to believe what he or she desires, therefore, each religion must learn to respect one another to survive in peace and harmony without judgment or oppression hindering anyone's beliefs. In conclusion, the writer favors Buddhism as a religion of choice and freedom, rather than one of tyranny and control, which the Christian religion has sometimes displayed over the years.
Outline:
Introduction
The Christian Image of God
Buddhism and the Lack of God
Christianity vs. Buddhism
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Bible states that God created Jesus through Immaculate Conception through a virgin named Mary. As he grew older, he began to do miracles in the Middle Eastern area in which he lived, by healing the sick. He began teaching what is now known as Christianity, chronicled in the New Testament of the Christian Holy Bible. His teachings attracted many and he gathered a number of disciples who would travel with him, doing his work and spreading his message."
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Film: "Walking Tall", 2008.
Evaluates the film "Walking Tall" as a Jesus narrative.
1,510 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by stating that some attempts to find the story of Christ in virtually every medium strains the contention beyond credulity. The author then tells the story of the film "Walking Tall" and attempts to relate it to segments of the New Testament. The paper points out that the film is a retelling of the Jesus narrative only in the loosest sense and that there is only token acknowledgment of the downtrodden, the outcast and the poor and there are no parables or no lessons. The paper concludes that, while many films can be seen as retellings of the Jesus narrative, "Walking Tall" is not such a film.
From the Paper
"Vaughn then goes to Jay's mill, where he is momentarily tricked onto a trap door. When this opens, he hangs as if crucified, but manages to escape, leading Jay into a climactic fight of fire-ax against crude club. Eventually Vaughn beats Jay, delivers a final, emasculating blow (compare Matthew 5:38-45 [turn the other cheek]), and announces proudly, "This is my town. You're under arrest." The movie ends with Vaughn and Ray making anti-gay jokes about Jay, while Vaughn basks in his unexplained but clearly miraculous accomplishment."
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Scapegoating in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", 2008.
This paper demonstrates the theme of scapegoating in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible".
972 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the societal need to seek scapegoats, as demonstrated through the play, "The Crucible", by Arthur Miller, which aims to link the 1950s issue of McCarthyism to the colonial witchcraft trials in Salem, Massachusetts. The paper goes on to explain that although the event in Salem was presented by some as an expression of religious fervor directed at a perceived evil in the community, Miller sees the time as a hysterical expression in society to find and identify an enemy. Furthermore, the paper explains how a broad-based social crisis contributes to scapegoating.
From the Paper
"Terry Otten sees the drama as following a pattern he finds in many Miller plays as innocence is destroyed by temptation, in this case the temptation to denounce others and so to assert a sort of higher innocence based on religious fervor. Otten says that 'the play is constructed on a conspiracy of silence in which characters do not divulge the truth about others--or, more importantly, about themselves--and gradually fall prey to a deceit so pervasive as to be believed' (Otten 61), and it is in the conspiracy that innocence is lost. For Miller, this was an apt description of what was taking place in the McCarthy era, and it was the conspiracy of falsehood and of silence in the face of falsehood that he decried and found so damaging."
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Two Christian Churches, 2008.
This paper compares the Church of Christ Church and the Assembly of God Church (AOG).
2,695 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 14 sources, MLA, AU$ 102.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the philosophical foundations, the biblical and doctrinal emphases, historical developments, and the attitudes and teachings suffusing the Church of Christ Church and the Assembly of God Church (AOG). The author points out that, while the two churches are substantially the same, there appears to be at least one significant doctrinal difference between them. The paper relates that the AOG seems to have a measure of theological and doctrinal confidence that bodes well for its future; whereas, the history of the Church of Christ suggests latent factionalism and less willingness to "proselytize" the masses. The author concludes that, ultimately, a case can be made that this position makes the Church of Christ weaker than its AOG counterpart.
From the Paper
"Briefly, it is vital to review the attitudes and teachings of the two churches. The Church of Christ takes the position that the Bible is infallible, that the Immaculate Reception really did occur, that there is no such thing as predestination (individuals determine their own salvation), that baptism is only rightly done if done via immersion, that only God should hear prayers (there is no confession as there is in the Roman Catholic Church, in other words), and that there is no such thing as purgatory."
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Islam in India, 2008.
This paper discusses the expansion of Islam into India in the 7th century.
1,464 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
In this essay, the writer explores the early history of Islamic expansion into India, in particular during the 7th century CE. The writer notes that this discussion is in order to understand how this early expansion defined the later history of Islam in India. As is seen, the writer discusses that while there was an undeniable military aspect to this expansion, one's focus during this early period must be upon how Islam entered India through long-existing trade networks. Further, the writer looks at how Muslim preconceptions of Indian religion and culture defined these contacts with implications for the future of Islamic India.
From the Paper
"This being said, however, it is important to recognize that these early Islamic views of India were not based upon ignorance but were actually highly complex. As well, it would be erroneous to assume that these views stemmed from Muslim religious prejudices. On the contrary, historians contend that early Islamic expansion in India in the 7th century CE was not a consequence of the desire to spread Islam or even to acquire territory. Instead, it is argued that the motives behind the initial Islamic military incursions in India during this period were commercial in nature, and stemmed from a desire to protect trade between the Persian Gulf and the western Indian Ocean.
From this perspective, the early Islamic expansion into India in the 7th century CE occurred in the context of a complex trade and cultural relationship between Arabian society and Indian civilization that stretched back for centuries."
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Henri J. M. Nouwen's "Reaching Out", 2008.
A review of the book, "Reaching Out", by the late Dutch-born Catholic theologian, Henri J. M. Nouwen.
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Henri J. M. Nouwen's book "Reaching Out", noting that the title of the book, "Reaching Out", may be an inexact metaphor for what Nouwen describes in the first, and longest, part of the book, where Nouwen describes the transformation from loneliness to solitude. The paper goes on to describe the first part and second part of the book as well as what the writer believes are the strengths of Nouwen's book. The paper concludes with a poem by Richard Brautigan (1968) that the writer thinks Nouwen would have enjoyed.
From the Paper
"That Nouwen is profoundly religious, specifically profoundly Christian, cannot be disputed. He shows by the breadth and depth of his scholarship that it is entirely possible to draw on the wealth of knowledge and information that has come from God to bless humanity. Some fundamentalists would frown on his use of sources precisely because these come from traditions outside the explicit canon of Christianity. I find in this breadth of scholarship a calm security that cannot be shaken by trivialities."
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Buddhism and Emptiness, 2008.
This paper explores the central role of emptiness in Buddhism.
720 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the three kinds of Buddhists; the Theravada, Gelug-pa and Zen emphasize the importance of emptiness, also known as no-self and Buddha nature. The paper explains why emptiness is so important in Buddhism and then looks at how they all use similar but slightly different ways to pursue this goal of emptiness.
From the Paper
"Theravada, Gelug-pa, and Zen all emphasize the importance of a concept that goes by several different names, but basically means the same thing. This concept is referred to as emptiness, as no-self, and as Buddha nature, among other things. All of these states may be part of enlightenment, or may make enlightenment possible. Emptiness is seen also as ultimate reality. Therefore, knowing emptiness means knowing the most important reality - perhaps the only reality we can be sure of (Mitchell, 1991)."
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Integrating Psychology and Christianity, 2008.
Reviews David Entwistle's 2004 book "Integrative Approaches To Psychology And Christianity: An Introduction To Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations and Models Of Integration".
1,080 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, between Christian theology and psychology, there is an on-going and sometimes unfortunate and very painful debate over the question whether a Christian can be a psychologist, and vice versa. The author points out that, in his book "Integrative Approaches To Psychology And Christianity: An Introduction To Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models Of Integration", David Entwistle, who is both a trained psychologist and an evangelical Christian, attempts an integrative approach, which tries to marry the two disciplines by reviewing the the on-going clashes between science and theology. The paper concludes that this book is a tool to help in a person's duty to go forth to love and serve the Lord.
From the Paper
"And from here? Certainly, my own experience is more common than I had thought. While I went through my night very much isolated from other people, I realize that many young people go through the same struggle, believing that there can be no reconciliation of their faith with their intellectual endeavors. To them I would begin with simple counsel: you are not alone, you are not the first to face this difficulty, and while it is a frightening and traumatic moment, it is one that others have faced, and from which others have given good counsel, drawn from their faith in a loving God."
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Shunryu Suzuki's "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind", 2008.
Reviews "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki and then applies these teaching to a creative dialogue.
2,255 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Shunryu Suzuki's book, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" is divided into three parts: right practice; right attitude; and right understanding.. The author of the paper then relates that a lot of Zen Buddhism is non-intellectual and hard to grasp. Therefore, she set out clinging to these basic concepts like a drowning person clinging to a life jacket. The author also claims that the book is challenging and resulted in the biggest, most significant shift in her thinking. The paper concludes with a creative dialogue, based on the book, which is a debate about the different religions of an American, Republican, born-again Christian (Andy) and an American Zen Buddhist (Mike).
Table of Contents:
Book Review
Creative Dialogue
From the Paper
"This all sounds very attractive - and makes more sense to me than suchness, thusness, or emptiness! The condition of being a roshi sounds so attractive that I can understand why people would pursue it. It offers, it seems, the possibility of living happily in the reality of the present. I therefore set out to learn the mysteries of Zen, through the answers of the great teacher Suzuki.
"In the first part of the book, I learned that according to Suzuki (1997), posture and breathing are essential in order to practice Zen. Suzuki believes that these are vital for right practice."
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Shunryu Suzuki's "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind", 2008.
A review of Shunryu Suzuki's 1997 book "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" plus a creative dialogue based on insights from this book.
2,060 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 0 sources, APA, AU$ 82.95
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Abstract
The author of this paper explains that, once he learned that the beginner's mind is so important for Zen, he began to be excited about Shunryu Suzuki's book, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind". The author describes what he learned about the book by studying its jacket cover and the illustrations on the tittle page and then relates how he was surprised to find out that the first thing the book discusses is how to sit. The paper concludes by presenting a creative dialogue, based on the book, situated at the middle class home of a Zen Buddhist named Zooey and a Jehovah's Witness evangelist named David.
Table of Contents:
Book Review
Creative Dialogue Based on the Book
From the Paper
"I decided not to worry, but to keep reading with an open beginner's mind. Perhaps if I try every day, I will become flexible enough to get into the full lotus position. I was interested to learn that Zen seems to be a religion that is focused on the body. For example, breathing is also very important. Also, Suzuki (1997) recommends that we must own our own bodies (p. 27). I think I understand what this means. I think this means to really pay attention to our own bodies. This is quite easy to do when one is in pain from trying to get into the lotus position."
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Christianity and North America, 2008.
Argues that Christianity impacted and continues to impact North American culture in unique ways.
2,305 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although both Canada and the United States, to varying degrees, have renounced their Christian heritages, their basic natures are what they are because of the influence of, or as a reaction against, Christianity. The author points out that, in Canada, the historical evolution of Quebec and English-speaking Canada can be traced to its Christian heritage and the dramatic secularization of Quebec in particular can be traced to a rejection of that heritage. The paper relates that, for the United States, even though America has always been a fairly secular society in a formal, legal sense, it does have, and has always had, a religious element responsible for thrusting into the public spotlight social issues, which compel Americans to take sides and to engage in the pressing concerns of the day.
From the Paper
"Starting first with the similarities between the two nations, it is evident that both Canada and the United States have a much more modest role for God in public life than is to be found in many other countries. For instance, just as jurists in Canada treat the 1982 Canadian Constitution's reference to God in its preamble as vestigial and thus prefer a form of jurisprudence that has frequently sought to de-Christianize public space in the Dominion, American jurists have also taken to employing an aggressive form of jurisprudence, founded in the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, that holds the use of the word "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance to be unconstitutional."
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Christianity, Buddhism and Evil, 2008.
Examines the concepts of evil and suffering in Buddhist and Christian religious tradition.
2,512 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 97.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines the personifications of evil in the Christian and Buddhist traditions. The writer discusses how these personifications of evil through Satan in Western Christian tradition compare to the personifications of evil through Mara in Buddhist traditions. The paper shows the important similarities and differences within the two concepts of evil and suffering. The writer concludes that in both cases important similarities and differences can be noted and the roots of these can be found in respective religious teachings.
Outline:
Evil and Suffering
The Two Embodiments of Evil: Mara and Satan
Hell in Early Buddhism and Christianity
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Again, we can find some similarities and differences between hell in early Buddhism and Christianity. In both cases, hell is a symbol of suffering and pain. As such it is used as a device of fear, as a tool to make the followers behave in accordance with moral values and teachings of the doctrine. However, while the Buddhist hell is only one realm of existence in which soul spends only enough time to clean itself and enter another realm (and can re-enter it again from a higher realm later), Christian hell is a place of eternal suffering. This clear difference arises from the differences in the religious doctrines."
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Roman Catholicism in Latin America, 2008.
An analysis of the history and practices of Roman Catholicism and the impact it has had in Latin America and the world at large.
1,938 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Roman Catholicism and what it means to the people of Latin America with whom the writer has come into contact. It first outlines the basic principles, beliefs and practices of Roman Catholicism. It then looks at the ethics, institutional structure, doctrines, rituals and key institutional figures (leaders) within the Church. The paper also discusses the role of history in shaping the faith and the role of religion in the lives of its followers and its concomitant impact on the world at large.
From the Paper
"As this paper draws to a close, it is pretty evident that Roman Catholicism has played a major role in the lives of the Latin Americans I have met within and without the United States. For one thing, these people believe strongly in family and also believe strongly in the sanctity of life; several of them, in fact, told me that they could not fathom how the euthanasia debate could continue to persist after all this time. For these men and women, child-bearing is a wonderful instance of God's Grace and they seem content to focus upon family rather than upon simply achieving more material possessions. In a real sense, they have eschewed a materialistic lifestyle for something they believe is more enduring."
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Pastoral Care in Practice, 2008.
An analysis of the writer's pastoral care activities and how it fits into a MacIntyrean practice.
2,433 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper defines and explains the meaning of the practicum and the seven marks of a practice. It then provides additional background and basic information pertaining to the writer's experiences in pastoral care. It demonstrates how and why the writer's pastoral care ministry experiences fit each mark of a practice. Finally, the paper summarizes and analyzes the writer's progress experiences to prove that his practicum is a MacIntyrean practice.
From the Paper
"During my practicum I sought to become more self-aware and become more responsive to the opportunities God provides for me. Only through the action of fully embracing His message during my practicum ministry could I be successful in fulfilling my own goals and reaching the individuals who I spent time working with. Through this paper I established the key terms and explained the background and process involved in my practicum in order to reach my goals. I also included the background information necessary for the reader to clearly picture the processes involved in my practicum activities. Finally, I outlined how my activities integrated with the seven marks as defined by MacIntyre. Having met all seven marks of MacIntyre's definition of practice, my practicum ministry in pastoral care is clearly a MacIntyrean practice."
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The Stupa and Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka, 2008.
An analysis of the ongoing significance of stupas in everyday popular Sri Lankan Buddhism.
2,318 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Sri Lanka as a foremost country of Theravada Buddhism with several very important and many more local stupas found in most parts of an officially Buddhist country. It specifically discusses the ongoing importance of stupas in everyday popular Sri Lankan Buddhism and describes the more colloquial meaning and popularity of stupas of different descriptions.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Stupas as Architecture
Popular Buddhism and the Stupa
Symbolism and Stupas
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper
"One sees that the stupa has terrific and varied significance in Sri Lanka's Theravada Buddhism whether in formal observances as can involve festival times or traveling to very important sites or what occurs locally involving what may be a very small district stupa, perhaps situated near a temple or upon a hill. In the upcountry areas of Sri Lanka, stupas may dot hillsides and with each, however small, having particular importance to someone or to residents of a particular village, rather like the roadside crucifixes or other religious statues one expects to see in Roman Catholic countries and implying the same sense of daily awareness and frequent related observance. There is the same contrast too between Christians viewing art as merely representing a saint or the divine, as opposed to persons who can actively worship an image or attach special powers to it. The smallest of white stupas can remind the Buddhist of how he or she is to live, develop the self, of the example of the Buddha's mind, the helpfulness of veneration. Preparing this paper has been a good exercise in seeing the different levels on which Asian religious phenomena need to be assessed, the understanding of an educated monk in Sri Lanka or a Buddhist historian of antiquities obviously rather different from the homespun understanding of a person who may be a very devout Buddhist citizen. In this sense the stupa offers different kinds of symbolism that can unite diverse members of a philosophical tradition."
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The Financing of Terrorism, 2008.
This paper provides an analysis into the financing of terrorism, including motivation and the influence of the media.
1,941 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines and analyzes the financing of terrorism. The writer's analysis is divided into successive components entitled: Forms of Financing, Motivations for Financing Terrorism, Exploitation of the Media, and Disturbing Trends. The final sections offer a solution to the problem of terrorism. In addition, the writer provides a concluding commentary concerning the consequences if the fundamental causes of terrorism are not addressed through Western foreign policy changes and alternative fuels are not developed so reliance on Middle East oil can be ended.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Forms of Financing
Motivations for Financing Terrorism
Exploitation of the Media
Disturbing Trends
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Terrorists, of course, do not consider themselves to be irrational or self-righteous, they believe they are defending Muslims from Western domination and economic exploitation. Millions of Muslims throughout the Middle East share this belief, and help fund terrorist groups by making contributions to Islamic charities, which greatly exacerbates the difficulties for Western governments and intelligence agencies trying to cut off the financing of terrorism.
"The fundamental problem in combating the exploitation of Islamic charities by terrorist groups is the fact that the act of charity forms a very important part of Muslim law and tradition."
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