This paper reviews two examples of fanatical religious literature: Sheri Reynolds' "The Rapture of Canaan" and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter".
Abstract This paper explains that, when fanatical and out-dated views of religion and life, emphasizing the fear of eternal punishment, are pushed obsessively on children, this far too strict child-rearing results in tormented children who become adults such as Ninah in Sheri Reynolds' "The Rapture of Canaan" and Hester in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter". The author points out that Ninah is confused and tormented sexually and socially by her guilt juxtaposed with her human desire for sensual attention. The paper relates that Hester fights back against the curse of the community, which gave her the letter "A" on her chest, by keeping her child and her sanity, while the community and law enforcement seems bizarre and lacking any kind of stable grip on their professed values.
Table of Contents
Introduction to "The Rapture of Canaan"
Thesis
"The Rapture of Canaan"
"The Scarlet Letter"
From the Paper "Mr. Dimmesdale's guilt had seemed to have been well established through the lines of narrative, as to his role in Hester's "guilt" as to having a child out of wedlock; and she nonetheless is a strong person. She feels compelled to help Dimmesdale, which clearly shows that she has overcome the emotional demise she was thrust into at the outset of the novel. "With her knowledge of a train of circumstances hidden from all others, she could readily infer that, besides the legitimate action of his own conscience, a terrible machinery had been brought to bear, and was still operating, on Mr. Dimmesdale's well-being and repose.""
Abstract This paper discusses how the "Book of Judges" is an important section of the Old Testament both for its theological content as well as for its historical information. It studies its background from both an historical as well as liturgical standpoint, including an examination of the questions that the book leaves us with. It provides an overview of what is contained in the "Book of Judges" which is conventionally divided into three distinct sections and how derives its name from a class of temporary leaders in Israel who bore the title of judges during the historical period covered. It presents an historical examination of events in Israel beginning with the death of Joshua (one of the most important and visionary of Hebrew leaders) up to the point in Jewish thinking and Israel's history just before the birth Samuel, another of the most important of the prophets. This period thus corresponds with the time that extends from the end of the Israelite conquest of Canaan (which occurred about 3300 years ago) to the beginning of monarchy two hundred years later.
From the Paper "The second section of the Book of Judges (from 2:6 to16:31) relates a series of trials visited on the nation of Israel by God. This section describes how were the people of Israel were delivered into the hands of their enemies time and again for the explicit reason of testing the nation of Israel. Each time the Israelites are tested, a new hero comes forward (or sometimes a heroine) to save the nation, by which the Israelites learn to trust that God will not deliver them into a situation from which they cannot escape."
This paper discusses the Israelite conquest of Canaan: Historical, Biblical, military, cultural and archaeological aspects of the 14th Century B.C. conquest and its significance.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 7 sources, 1994, $ 87.95
From the Paper "The period of the Israelite Conquest, the conquest of Canaan, was important as the beginning of the Israelites as a people with roots, with a physical place they could call home. This was not to last as they were driven out of this home and taken into slavery, but Jewish history ever since was intent on the idea of the return, of the revival of Israel as a state, based on the belief that Palestine was inherently the territory of the Israelites and rightfully theirs to be reclaimed. In this century, there has been considerable archaeological evidence to support aspects of the biblical story of the conquest and its aftermath, all offering support for the hypothesis that the Hebrew people possessed Palestine long before those claiming it in more recent history. Yet, the issue remains complex and controversial, as an examination of scholarship on this issue ... "
Abstract This paper is on the Israelite's crossing the Red Sea. It explains the crossing of the Red Sea, conquest and settlement of Canaan, Moses and Exodus.
Abstract This paper explains that the African-American song genre, developed largely among slaves, describes the inevitable escape from toil and bondage and serves to strengthen the faith of the people by reminding them of a universal God, who would bring justice to his followers. The author points out that, in "Bound for Canaan Land", the "land of Canaan" is a metaphor for heaven and for the North, a land of freedom. The paper reveals that the author Harriet Tubman used spirituals such as "Follow the Drinking Gourd", which meant following the Big Dipper to the Ohio River, as a communication device to convey the possibilities of physical freedom.
From the Paper "Biblical themes also evoke the image of crossing rivers, and many of the best spirituals were created and practiced by slaves who worked as sailors and boatmen on rowboats and ships of the Ohio River. "The Old Ship of Zion" is an inversion of the original ships that brought the slaves to America, and its singers wonder "Do you think that she is able/ For to carry us all home?" She promises deliverance having already "landed many a thousand," but being "loaded down with angels", her final destination is not necessarily a return to Africa, but a welcome to paradise."
Abstract This paper investigates the battle of Jericho to see what scientific evidence relates to the battle, how the battle affected the lives of the Israelites, the historical setting, and the theological and spiritual meaning of the battle both then and now. Evidence from recent years shows that Joshua and his army could have conquered this city just as it is told in the Bible.
From the paper:
"The battle of Jericho, as told in Joshua 5:13 ? 6:27, is a story that has captured the interest of biblical scholars, scientists, and even Sunday school classrooms with its mystery and intrigue. It is the story of how the weak were able to overtake the strong through a supernatural force, Yahweh, the Lord of Israel. There are many facets of this story that can be explored. We will look at the scientific evidence of the story's truth, as well as biblical and moral concepts that can be derived from it. We will also discuss the time period the Israelites were living in during the battle, and how the passage relates to events occurring at that time in the Bible."
Abstract The following paper critically analyses the verses from the Bible: An Exegesis of Ezra 4:1-5 according to textual, grammatical, literary, historical, form and redaction aspects.The author contends that every attempt to revive true religion will stir up the opposition of Satan, and of those in whom he works. According to this author?Ezra 4:1-5 was a distinct illustration of this theory.
From the Paper "Adversaries referred to in verse one is from the Hebrew adjectival form of tsar. In this context, it may be used interchangeably with enemy. The enemy referred to is the Samaritans, the remainder of the ten tribes, and the foreigners who had joined with them. Judah refers to the kingdom comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin which occupied the southern part of Canaan after the nation split upon the death of Solomon while Benjamin is the tribe descended from Benjamin, the son of Jacob".
Abstract The following paper discusses four different theories for explaining the entry of the people of Israel into the land of Israel, as seen by Callaway: Military incursion, gradual infiltration, peasant uprising and a composite view.
From the Paper "In the period c. 1200 BCE, we find the shift from Late Bronze II to Iron I. The presence of iron tools allowed farmers (pioneers) to dig cisterns and engage in terrace-style farming. The book of Joshua argues for the total conquest of the land, by a unified force of Israelites. But, in places (Josh. 9, 13.13) it appears that the conquest was not total. The book of Judges suggests that the land was shared with the Canaanites and then the people attempted to conquer it. In this book, the conquest appears to be incomplete. (Judges 1.19-28, etc.). Archaeological evidence suggests that after 1560 BCE Jericho was no longer occupied."
An examination of "The Cult of the Dead in Judah: Interpreting the Material Remains" by Elizabeth M. Bloch-Smith which claims that an ancient cult of the dead existed during biblical times.
Abstract "The Cult of the Dead in Judah: Interpreting the Material Remains" by Elizabeth M. Bloch-Smith is a discussion of the author's evidence of the aforementioned cult through biblical and archaeological records. The paper discusses Bloch-Smith's premise that the biblical and archaeology records corroborate each other and therefore provide proof of a cult of the dead. This report reviews the findings of Bloch-Smith's article, conclusions of the article, a critique of the findings and a response to the article's findings.
From the Paper "The author begins by looking at archeological burial sites to support the cult of the dead. She looks primarily at Judahite burial types in the Iron Age. Bloch-Smith attempts to show that the Judah cult had a distinctive burial practice separate from surrounding cultures. The primary Judah burial types were bench tomb and cave. In a bench tomb configuration, benches lined the walls of the tomb. The bodies were laid on the waist-high benches. A repository was also part of the tomb to accommodate new bodies. The cave configuration required the body to be placed in the center of the cave along with artifacts associated with the individual. If additional bodies were placed in the cave, then the bodies would be repositioned along the cave walls. Regardless of the configuration, similar artifacts are found in both. These artifacts included food, ceramic containers, jewelry, tools, personal items and more. The format used to bury the Judahite people appears to remain unchanged throughout the Iron Age."
Examines the historical, religious and political aspects, focusing on the role of social stratification between Arabs and Jews based on ethnicity, religion, region, rights, segregation and racism.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, 1999, $ 63.95
Abstract In some ways, one could trace the development of the Israeli Palestinian conflict back to Biblical times, when the wandering Hebrew tribes fought their way into a place in what was then called Canaan. It was at that point that those tribes chose to make a covenant with their new God who was different from the Canaanite God, El.
From the Paper "Social Stratification and the Israeli Palestinian Conflict
Introduction
In some ways, one could trace the development of the Israeli Palestinian conflict back to Biblical times, when the wandering Hebrew tribes fought their way into a place in what was then called Canaan. It was at that point that those tribes chose to make a covenant with their new God who was different from the Canaanite God, El. Not only were they of a different ethnicity than the original settlers of that valley, they chose to separate themselves from the religion and traditional practices of that people (Armstrong, 1993). Since that point, there has been increasing distinction between the two Semitic peoples who are now called Arabs and Jews, represented by the two distinct ..."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the book "Angel Fire," by Ron Franscell, about an American family caught up in the effects of the Vietnam War. Specifically, the paper looks at the relationship between the men in the book - Daniel McLeod and his brother Cassidy, whose roles in the family are redefined after Daniel returns from Vietnam. The paper explains why "Angel Fire" is considered a novel of tragedy and triumph.
From the Paper "It is this bond that takes Cassidy back to New Canaan, and holds him to his brother when he returns from the dead. Cassidy has to learn not only that he can get along without his brother, but that it is all right, and the only place logical for his lessons is New Canaan. The story is not just about the incredible bond between the brothers, but about how that bond becomes like a shackle for Cassidy, something he cannot seem to get rid of in his adult life. He seems to think, even if unconsciously, that he will never measure up to Daniel, and that it is Daniel who has made him what he is, even to putting some of Daniel's stories in his novel. He is unable to separate himself from his brother, and so the book is just as much about the separation as it is about the bond."
Abstract Focuses on the Amarna Letters. Evidence of grammar and syntax of the language of the scribes in Canaan. Their importance in providing information about the early social and political history of Syria and Palestine in the Biblical period. Background and history of the El-Amarna site in Egypt. History of the Pharaoh The written word during the Amarna period. The Armana archive.
From the Paper "THE AMARNA LETTERS
We do not know, of course, exactly when civilization began, in terms of writing down daily events, creating grammar, fashioning a language that could be understood by the people, and developing a means of informing, educating and unifying ancient people. However, the Amarna Letters, actually grammatically detailed in four intensive volumes by Rainey (1996), provide interesting insight and information about ancient Canaan "on the verbal system in the Byblos letters… and the Akkadian grammar, written by the scribes in Canaan (and) thoroughly treated and usually put in a wider context" (Van Soldt, 1998, p. 1). This stems from a thorough review by Van Soldt of a book by Anson F. Rainey, Linguistic A Analysis of the Mixed Dialect used by Scribes from Canaan (four volumes, 1996)."
Abstract The purpose of this discussion is to examine the famine in the land that caused Abraham and his wife to journey to Egypt. The paper begins with the story where Abram decides to pretend that Sarai is his sister and not his wife. The paper reflects on this passage of scripture to ascertain whether or not Abram used his wife's beauty to become wealthy.
From the Paper "Sarai was a very beautiful woman and as they approached the boarders of Egypt Abram felt that the Egyptians would try to kill him and take Sarai. Abram devised a plan to pretend that Sarai was his sister instead of his wife. He felt that doing this would protect them both. When they reached Egypt the plan was set into motion and the Egyptians began to adore the beauty of Sarai. Sarai was taken into the Pharaoh's harem. Abram was treated well and was given servants. Abram was also given sheep, donkeys and cattle because of the beauty of Sarai."
Abstract For those who look to the Bible for answers, many cite the Book of Leviticus as proof that the Bible condemns homosexuality. This paper discusses how a closer look at these often cited passages, using both an historical and biblical perspective, sheds new light on the subject, suggesting that the Bible may not actually condemn homosexuality as once believed.
From the Paper "In recent times, homosexuality has been one of the most debated issues in the Bible. Many believe that the Bible condemns homosexuality, especially those Christians who adopt conservative interpretations of the Bible. Two of the verses most commonly cited by those who condemn homosexuality are in the book of Leviticus. A simple reading of these two verses can easily be interpreted as God simply prohibiting homosexuality among men. However, these verses read alone are not an accurate statement of the Bible's stance on homosexuality. When viewed in both a religious and historical context, and when viewed together with the other rules outlined in Leviticus, condemnation of homosexuality based on Leviticus seems to be without merit."
Abstract This paper attempts to track the history of the Palestinian people. It begins with early biblical times and progresses through the Middle Ages to modern times. It explores the cultural and social development of this nation and discusses the current political situation in the region today.
From the Paper "Palestine's location between Egypt and southwest Asia has made it a center of conflict for thousands of years (Le Gall 1). Palestine is not an ordinary place, with an almost mythological territory saturated with religious ideology and endowed with overwhelming cultural significance, Palestine has been weighed down with historical as well as political meanings for many generations, people, and traditions (Said 1). Palestine's position between the center of routes linking three continents, made it the meeting place for religious and cultural influences from Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Asia Minor. This region, also known as the Holy Land, is held sacred among Jews, Christians, and Muslims (Britannica 1). DeHass stated that three world religions sprang from ideas and hopes nurtured on its hills and in its valleys and that within its borders at least three attempts have been made to found universal religions (1)."
