Abstract This paper describes the origins, core values and doctrines of the AnglicanChurch and of the Orthodox Church, which comprise several denominations. The paper explains that while the Anglicans and Orthodoxy view each other as being dissimilar, they can never deny that they are of the same faith and belief since these are all centered on the belief of the Risen Christ and the love He preached. The paper also reports on the achievements of the Lambeth Conference, which attempted to pave the way for a future possible unification of the divided churches especially on the American continent.
From the Paper "The Orthodox Church traces its beginnings to "the one, undivided Church, said to have begun on the day of Pentecost, 50 days after the Resurrection of Christ. Already by the 4th century the term 'Orthodox Christian' was used to designate those Christians who remained faithful to the totality of the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles, as opposed to those who were known as 'heretics' who promoted false doctrines and beliefs. The term 'orthodox' means 'correct believing' or 'correct, true glory.'"
Tags: continuation england respect, lambeth conference, dialogues
Abstract The writer explains that John Wesley and his brother, Charles, founded the movement as an alternative to the English AnglicanChurch. The paper shows how the Methodist Episcopal Church began its migration to the Colonies in approximately 1772, and how the Church began to take on radical changes from the doctrines of Wesleyan Methodism. Included in these changes was the renaming of the church to The United Methodist Church. In summation, in opposition to the original doctrine of the Church regarding centralized functioning, the paper shows that the majority of attendees feel that decisions made in the local church will be more effective.
Table of Contents:
Thesis Statement
The Movement in the Colonies and Westward
Organizing of the United Methodists
The Future of the United Methodist Church Bibliography
From the Paper "At the same time as the Southern migration is occurring the Methodist movement is also moving Northward across the Ohio River, and into Indiana. This migration is taking place within a period a full fifteen years before Indiana becomes a State and creates for the Methodist Episcopal Church many contentious issues concerning the governance of the Church and its mission at this point in History. For example, with a Church population spreading so rapidly and far flung, how does the Methodist Episcopal Church provide "ministers," for their large and now scattered flock?
"Indiana ironically enough and to the displeasure of John and Charles Wesley becomes the center for control of the Church and from this organization of power comes the new organization known as the United Methodist Church. For American Methodism theology, doctrine, leadership, organization and worship models come directly from John Wesley's movement of the eighteenth century England. However, Wesley's appeal is to English Anglicans whose relationship to their church had been decidedly "luke-warm," and is lacking in the drive for a personal God-man relationship. It is the desire for a personal God-man relationship that the persons in the frontier of the rapidly expanding United States want most to aid and comfort them in the endurance of the hardships they face."
Abstract This paper looks at the Episcopal Church's views of homosexuality and how it has addressed issues such as homosexual weddings and homosexual ministers. The paper describes the divisive nature of the subject and how some within the church take a more liberal stance regarding homosexuality and how others are still strictly opposed to it.
From the Paper "The Episcopal Church in the United States is a quiet affair, not known for rollicking revivals as are other Protestant denominations, nor it is beholden to the Pope as is Roman Catholicism, the religion that spawned the Church of England when King Henry VIII wanted to divorce and remarry, ultimately becoming the nominal head of a new church, the Church of England. The Church of England, in turn, spawned the Anglican Communion, a federation of churches all following the liturgies and other aspects of the Church of England. Generally, they are named after their country of residence: Church of Ireland, for example. However, in the United States, the branch of the Anglican Communion calls itself the Episcopal Church. While the Anglican Communion does not regard the Pope as its spiritual head, it has instead the Archbishop of Canterbury, currently Rowan Williams, filling the role as leader of the church; while the Anglican Communion traces its prelates through apostolic succession, as does the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion accords virtual equality in many ways to all successors to the original apostles."
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses the Catholic Church. Specifically it discusses the Catholic Church's injustice towards women and women's rights, including domestic violence, women priests, and other matters relevant to women but ignored by the Catholic Church. The paper shows that for centuries, the Catholic Church has been one of the most powerful, wealthiest, and most popular religions in the world. Millions of Catholics worship every week in a church, and donate billions of dollars for Church projects, and millions of these worshippers are women, who are essentially excluded from the Church except for certain roles. In addition, many of these worshipping women live in some of the poorest countries on Earth, facing famine, overpopulation, and lack of education, and yet the Catholic Church will not condone their use of birth control. The paper questions why the Catholic Church is so staunch in its stance against women and women's rights.
From the Paper "Since the Church excludes women from the clergy, there is a sense of extreme maleness and masculinity throughout the Church, from alter boys on up, and it is not surprising that normal, healthy men, even if they are priests, are sexually stimulated. To ignore this is to ignore the problem, and keeping priests celibate seems to simply exacerbate an already difficult situation. When there are predominately men in an organization, where will men turn to fulfill their urges if no one else is available? Since men are not perfect, they have flaws, and if given the opportunity, they may sin. Not recognizing the strain that celibacy puts on priests is simply another doctrine of the Church that is outmoded."
Tags: doctrine, abortion, faith, socialization, Episcopal, Church
Abstract This paper looks at the Church of the United Brethren (UB), which was the very first church denomination in America. The history of the church is detailed, as is its belief system. The differences between this church and the other church establishments that existed at the time are also discussed in detail. The church's belief system is covered in detail, as are the eleven expectations that members of the church are expected to follow. The author also looks at the modern UB, and shows how it is now a worldwide network of congregations.
From the Paper "Members should also follow social standards. A member should be a good citizen of their community, they should take standards against the evil, believe in equal rights and justice for all, agree with the democratic system, affirm the right to serve and bear arms in the National Armed Forces, have the right to refuse to bear arms, advocate abstinence by all people from using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, attain form gambling, eliminate pornography, be occult, and have decision-making foundations (Getting acquainted with the Church of the United Brethren pg. 50-55)."
Abstract The writer of this paper analyzes the decline of the Roman Empire which resulted in an influx of Germanic peoples into the Roman Catholic church which greatly affected all aspects of religious life. Until the division from the Eastern church in 1054 and the break with the Protestant churches in the 16th century, one cannot separate the history of the Roman Catholic church from Christianity's history in general. This paper contains numerous historical facts dating back to the 11th century relating to the division of the church as well as Christian theology. This paper also discusses the tremendous impact of St. Thomas Aquinas in the church and as the founder of scholasticism.
Table of Contents:
The Modern Period
The Church in The U.S.
From the Paper "St. Thomas Aquinas, the Doctor of the Church, died in 1274. He was a great influence in the Church, and helped to usher in scholasticism. This particular approach to Christian theology, associated with this time period, emphasizes rational justification and systematic presentation of Christian theology. Drawing upon the works of Aristotle, Aquinas developed a vast and complex, though unified system of Christian thought, most fully expressed in his "Summa." He arranged Christian beliefs in a systematic presentation, beginning with sources of knowledge, God's existence, and embracing nearly everything that was part of the knowledge of Medieval Europe."
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that Warren's main goal is to teach others about the cause of Christ. This paper details the contents of Warren's book while discussing the author's opinion regarding the myths attached with growing churches. The author tackles the argument that large churches are only concerned with attendance. This paper examines the church's general premise, which according to Warren, begins with a solid foundation, which builds morale and reduces frustration. Warren describes how churches can turn attenders into members, by implementing a plan that assimilates new members by focusing on congregational needs. This paper discusses Warren's suggestions and strategies for improving the current situation in churches across America. This paper also lists the five main purposes of the church, according to the author, which include loving the Lord, loving one's neighbor and teaching obedience.
From the Paper "The following section focuses on how a church becomes purpose driven. This begins with a solid foundation, which can be set forth with a purpose statement. This, in Warren's opinion, builds morale and reduces frustration. In addition, a church's purpose is not created as much as it is discovered. Purpose statements are biblical, specific, transferable, and measurable. In this section, Warren also goes over five purposes o the church, which include loving the Lord, loving one's neighbor, making disciples, baptism, and teaching obedience. Warren also discusses communication and organizing the body of the church around the church's purpose. Part of this plan includes the five circles of commitment, which are community, crowd, congregation, the committed, and the core."
Abstract This paper discusses a survey of members of the Holman United Methodist Church. The paper explains that the surveyed church members stated that the Holman United Methodist's church mission was to create a stronger community. The author analyzes data from primary sources and from direct interviews with the church members, and concludes that it it was apparent that the church is communally focused upon four guidelines: the distinctive center, justification by grace and a political ethic, tolerance and a pluralist society, and realism and hope. The author states that the church effectively promotes a moralistic ethical system, pride in themselves and political skills to take control of their lives and the Los Angeles African-American community.
From the Paper "The New Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word community as a body of persons having a history or social economic and political interest in common (Webster). Through observation one can see that the members of the Holman United Methodist Church HUMC literally embody this definition since the demographics consists of low to middle class African American community members who reside in the same geographic location fight for their rights of equality in the business sector share similar historical..."
Tags: African American, Community, Church, Los Angeles
Abstract The author of this paper examines religious intolerance in the late middle ages and specifically, as practiced by the Church. The author gives a number of examples where religious intolerance and even persecution were not only countenanced by the Church but were even a part of Church law. The writer gives two examples of the church's intolerance of other religious viewpoints: the Crusades when established Church doctrine said that only Christians had the right to rule in the Holy Land, and the persecution and stigmatization of the Jews. The paper uses MLA style footnotes but doesn't include a works cited page.
From the Paper "Anti-Semitism in the later Middle Ages was rather prevalent throughout most of Western Europe. There are at least three canons alone of the Fourth Lateran Council that are concerned with the proper ways to deal with or treat Jews. One of these canons states that it is unacceptable for a "blasphemer of Christ to be in a position of authority over Christians" because "such authority [is] very hostile to Christians." In the "hagiography" of William of Norwich it is said that the Jews of Norwich preformed the blood libel sacrifice of William during Passover. This account is the first instance that the myth of the blood libel. The entire idea of Jews taking a young Christian boy (William is 12 in the story and thus not yet a man by Christian or Jewish standards) and reenacting the crucifixion upon him speaks very clearly that Christian society of the time had a very deep distrust of other faiths, especially that of Judaism; this distrust running so deep that the Church accommodates it into law."
Tags: christianity judaism church persecution crusades, middle ages anti-semitism pope canon
This paper looks at the way in which democracy was embraced in America when people desired freedom over the abuse of power in the church and state in Europe.
2,160 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 8 sources, 2003, $ 67.95
Abstract The following paper discusses the way in which the freethinking Founding Fathers of America gathered in mind and body in the late 1700s order to create a government for the free people of the United States. This paper focuses on their aspirations for a government that would neither be based upon, nor governed by, the tenets or dogma of any particular religion. The paper concludes that Christianity and Democracy, like church and state, must be separate and yet, forever embracing each other.
From the paper:
?In the late 300s, A.D., Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, and in order to make the church more universal or ?catholic,? a number of tenets were then formally embraced or anathematized. For purposes of teaching, Church leaders used the writings of early theologians referred to as Church Fathers - many of whom had opposing philosophical views.?
Tags: democratic, empire, roman, poverty, hierarchy, catholic, church
Abstract This paper looks at the increased reports of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. The writer points out that only recently has the Church needed to answer for itself and take a stand due to the high level of reported cases. An examination of the Church's response is given which follows criticism of their reaction.
From the Paper "The Catholic Church has been rocked recently by allegations of sexual abuses"especially against children. The problem is not isolated but all pervading. The cases of child, sexual abuses are about the same percentage as the general population. Most of the cases are not, in the strictest sense pedophilic"sex with pre-pubescent children, but ephebophilia?abuse of adolescent children. In a comprehensive study of 2,252 priests for 30 years, only one case of pedophilia was found. It involved a priest with two six year-old nieces. Between 5 and 10 percent of priests were pederasts (ephebophiles). (Jenkins, 1996)"
Abstract Of the many significant structural and ideological changes which have taken place in Europe's history, the French Revolution represents an important social shift in the relations between the "people" and the Church as a privileged partner with the State. By discussing how the French Revolution produced a dramatic and structural limitation in the relation of the Church to the state, I do not wish to suggest that the revolution resulted in a complete separation of the church and state. It does, however, signal important factors that contributed to the diminishing role of the Church in state and in public affairs.
This paper discusses whether female egalitarianism in the Church is undermining the leadership of the Church by contradicting the scriptures of the Bible.
Abstract In this study, the writer presents a critical review of the arguments surrounding the egalitarian position of women in church. Ideally the idea is to get an understanding of whether the necessary hypothesis is grounded in the scriptures of the Bible. More importantly, the writer maintains that there has to be a critical review of whether the egalitarian approach is simply an adaptation of changes in society as it relates to gender roles. The writer questions if the Church is imitating how society treats women. If this is the case, the writer argues that it should be that society imitates the church's value and leadership structure. The writer discusses what the Bible has to say about the issue.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Working Outline: Structure & Dissertation Categories
From the Paper "The egalitarian position as presented by Datu is that, since the Bible teaches that all people are created and should be equal, then the Church has a duty to advocate gender equality and equity in churches, and more so in church leadership . Many theorists ground the general egalitarian movement in the foundations and teachings of Jesus Christ, and other New Testament principles. Datu highlights the fact that female egalitarianism is a necessary prerequisite for the success of the church, since the role of women cannot be undermined. Datu also shows that the current opposition of the movement is due to societal pressure and that the historical process shows that female egalitarianism and female leadership in the church was not uncommon in past periods, however cultural prejudices and defined gender roles in society, have created an atmosphere that not affects female leadership in the church."
Abstract This four-page paper presents a discussion about why the Catholic Church refuses to sanctify gay marriages. The writer uses several sources to detail the church position on the matter and explain the reaction of the gay community regarding the church's refusal to sanctify their unions.
From the Paper "In recent years there has been a large change in the way homosexuals are viewed and treated in the world. It was not so long ago that gays and lesbians had to keep their preferences a secret and never reveal to the outside world that they like the same gender. However, in recent history the shift has moved away from persecution and toward acceptance. While the battle continues to rage about whether homosexuals are born or made, the world for the most part has decided it doesn?t care and accepts the concept regardless of origin. "
Abstract This short proposal examines some of the major longitudinal factors illustrating why it is that young people today are turning away from the church. The proposal aims to provide a cursory overview of the broad forces which have collectively contributed to the relative decline of the church and to the concomitant rise of secularism; in addition, the paper also reviews the social factors in recent decades that have driven the church from its former cultural pre-eminence.
From the Paper "Why Young People are leaving the Church Since the Age of Enlightenment, intellectuals and other observers have been anticipating the final demise of the Christian church in a Western culture that has become disquietingly secular. As will become apparent, the departure of young people from what was once society's seemingly irrefragable social institution is a process that has origins reaching well back into the past."
