Abstract This paper reviews the history of baptism and holy communion in the United Methodist Church can seem confusing. Since the early days of the Church's founding, the significance of these two sacraments have changed and transformed. The paper discusses how initially they were quite important, but since waned in importance in the Church, becoming akin to personal choices instead of acts of divine community with God ("By Water and the Spirit"; "This Holy Mystery"). The current conception of both these rites of sacrament, as a consequence, is uncertain for many members of the laity in the United Methodist Church. Indeed, some of the clergy are unsure how these acts should be integrated within the context of worship. Nonetheless, Church doctrine has some very clear lessons to teach about both the baptism and holy communion.
Abstract This paper takes a look at the way author bell hooks treats the issue of love in her book 'Communion', part of her trilogy on love in America. This paper discusses hooks ideas on how women can achieve freedom through love rather than seeing love as a subjugating force. It begins with the premise that women feel confused about love because of the way they are socialized in a patriarchal social structure.
From the Paper "In her book 'Communion: The Female Search for Love', bell hooks (who prefers that her name have no capitals) completes a trilogy on love in America, in this case discussing how women can achieve freedom through love rather than seeing love as a subjugating force. She begins with the premise that women feel confused about love because of the way they are socialized in a patriarchal social structure. Hooks notes that feminist writers have denigrated love and made it difficult for women to express their true feelings on the subject, which she says should be as important to women in middle age as it was when they were younger. She proposes to offer what is needed, namely "constructive visions of redemptive love" (15). "
Abstract This paper discusses one of the basic tenets of the Christian religion, the communion service. The author looks at the origin of the communion service in the New Testament and examines the changes that it underwent in the church during the centuries. The author concludes that, in spite of the different forms taken by the communion service in different Christian denominations, all agree in its meaning as the reenactment of the communion with the Risen Christ.
From the Paper " Indeed it came to pass that the Communion Service is a continuing remembrance of our Lord's Last Supper with His disciples. The first Book of Common Prayer was published for the Church of England in 1549, and it was primarily the work of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. Also several books in English had appeared in the 1540s to encourage lay devotion and participation. Of these the most important was The Order of the Communion (1548)."
Abstract The paper attempts to show how the morality of the main character in James Fenimore Cooper's "The Deerslayer", Natty Bumppo, is an extreme morality that involves spiritual communion with nature, a firm opposition to discrimination and hatred and an exaggerated state of divine morality. The paper discusses how Natty represents the embodiment of Cooper's morality in his battles against racism, hatred and killing while at the same time gleaning all the lessons and communion from and with nature that he can. The paper posits that this morality is worthy of aspiration, and the closer we come to achieving it, the closer we come to communing with nature and the Divine.
Outline:
Thesis Statement
Natty's Morality is Guided by Nature
Natty's Morality Derives from the Pure Morality of Nature
Natty's Morality is Exaggerated
From the Paper "As much as any American writer, James Fenimore Cooper's work, is representative of the American frontier and the struggles of Native Americans and pioneers who took the advice of Horace Greeley and "went West." While many criticize the writing style and syntax of Cooper, almost no one denied the value of his work as being representative of "the self-actualized individual. . . . provided a calling for many new Americans who chose the West as a new frontier, a place to prove their individuality and self-worth" (Eberle 2). The Deerslayer is the fifth and final novel in the Leatherstocking Tales, a series of works devoted to the story of Natty Bumppo, who, in this novel, is labeled the "Deerslayer" or "Hawkeye." "The [sic] Deerslayer [sic] deals with racism, hatred, Manifest Destiny, technology/progress, and was the first environmentalist" ("True" 4)."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of metaphors of light, darkness and shadows in Tennyson's work. The use of these images are paralleled with grief, death and loss of a loved one. The paper shows how the shadow imagery not only embodies the depths of Tennyson's emotional response to unspeakable grief, but aids in revealing the consolation Tennyson finds in his belief in spiritual communion, reincarnation and immortality.
From the Paper "The first use of the word shadow does not appear until section XVI. The word shade, however, occurs in the Prologue. Since the poem was written over a nearly twenty year period and not originally intended to be brought together as one entity, it is probable that the Prologue, known to be written in 1849, was intended to help unite the poem thematically. With the use of the word shade here Tennyson initiates the light/dark contrast. When he says "Thine are these orbs of light and shade;" he is contrasting not only life and death, but also bright shining faith in the "immortal Love" of the "Strong Son of God," with dark despairing doubt. His prominent use of light and shade here at the start is meant to give notice to the reader that these images are to be significant to the work as a whole. He is stating that it is by "faith alone" that we trust that we are not "made to die." Much of Tennyson's dark doubt comes from the fact that he must believe that this is a "just" God, the giver of life and the reaper of death who has his foot on the very human skulls that he created."
This paper discusses E. B. White's essay, "Once More to the Lake", a spiritual writing which appears reflective of traditional Christianity and yet ends not with the promise of resurrection but rather an existential assurance.
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 40.95
Abstract This paper explains that, for E. B. White in "Once More to the Lake", it is plain that the lake, its coves, streams and paths constitute "this holy spot". The author points out that, for the entire essay, White has built steadily the idea that this adventure is an opportunity for communion with nature, man and god. The paper concludes that, at the end, White realizes he is not his father or his son but that he is himself, which truncates the possibility of resurrection; it casts the richly woven tone poem into the void without another word.
From the Paper "Nominally, the essay concerns White's return to a lakeside camp where he spent boyhood summers, this time bringing along his own son for the first time. The Christian liturgy of the piece begins early: it is possible to view White and his son as priest and acolyte, especially as no other current family members are mentioned in the piece. All references to family are to White's birth family, not his son's siblings if any or mother. By this device, too, White places the piece in the realm of gospel, of a writing about magical things that are past, but somehow are to live on through some sort of mystical revisiting, not unlike the mystical revisiting in the Roman Catholic/Episcopal Eucharist of the passion of Christ."
Abstract This paper discusses and analyzes two articles about the Roman Catholic clergy's decision to deny the Catholic sacrament of Communion to pro-choice Catholic politicians.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine two articles on the subject of the Roman Catholic clergy's denial of the Catholic sacrament of Communion to politicians who articulate a policy stance that the Church has historically characterized as pro-abortion. The plan of the research will be to set forth the context of discourse in which these articles have appeared and then to analyze the language used to discuss the issue and the use of facts and premises in each article. The Roman Catholic Church's opposition to abortion..."
Tags: Politics, Abortion, Right, to, choose, Catholic, Church, Bishops, Communion
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.
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."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of Sven Birkets' "The Gutenberg Elegies: The Fate of Reading in an Electronic Age". This book of essays urges the rejection of today's high-tech, easy-access electronic age. Sven Birkets believes that today's technology has placed the world in a state of "intellectual emergency" that threatens to destroy not only the conventional and healthy manner in which an individual relates to one's own self, but also the way this individual relates to others and the surrounding world.
From the Paper "Twenty to twenty-five years ago, as the world ventured forth into the last quarter of the twentieth century, the future leaders of this world ventured forth into the public school system. On any given weekday, any number of these pint-sized learners could be spotted being deposited onto school grounds and into classrooms armed with first generation Star Wars backpacks and lunch boxes packed with such tools of learning as pencils, paper, workbooks, and reading primers. Pac-Man was as of yet but an unrealized dream in the mind of a Japanese developer and the innovative electronic games of Pong and Tank were diversions to be pursued only after school hours and after the completion of homework and chores."
Abstract This essay examines the controversy that followed Cyril through much of his career, when he was wrongly associated with the Christian heresy of Arianism. The paper also looks at St. Cyril's significant and enduring beliefs about the Rite of Christian Initiation.
From the Paper "Cyril's eucharistic theology as expressed in these lectures was a significant theological and liturgical advance on that of earlier writers in large measure because he was one of the first to describe the Lord's presence in the terms of the later dogma of transubstantiation, describing the rite in explicitly sacrificial language. His emphasis on the importance of Communion was an important part of his entire philosophy ? which included the Rite of Christian Initiation ? of the relationship between the individual members of a congregation and the church as a whole."
From the Paper "The last supper is one of the incidents in Jesus' life which is described by all four of the gospel writers. Comparing the individual narratives helps reveal both the writer's purpose and the readers' reactions to and questions about what the writer wrote. Each writer seemed to be familiar with those who worked before and responded to those works, adding to them through his unique view of the same risen savior.
The Christian bishops and writers in the first three centuries, who are the ones who would know, all agreed that Matthew was the first gospel written. His account of the last supper begins immediately after the five-chapter message called "The Olivet Discourse" with a 19-verse introduction that sets the scene, especially explaining Judas' actions during the supper. (Mark, on the other hand, merely summarizes the financial.."
Explores the doctrine of founder John Wesley on the role and significance of water baptism in the individual's state of grace and partaking of communion.
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 11 sources, 1995, $ 111.95
From the Paper "Throughout its more than 250-year history, the Methodist Church has placed great significance on its observation of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. Indeed, owing to the frequency and fervor with which John and Charles Wesley and their small society, the "Holy Club" organized by Charles at Oxford in 1728 (Bowmer (b), 24), celebrated the Lord's Supper, the group was known to some as Sacramentarians (Parris, 18; many others). The Anglican Church in John Wesley's time practiced the observance of the Lord's Supper on a quarterly frequency (if not less often); the Holy Club partook of the elements at least monthly. It is believed by some that Wesley himself took communion on average once every five days, and perhaps even daily at the times of church festivals (Parris, 18; Spivey, 190)."
Abstract According to Susanne K. Langer in "Philosophy in a New Key", symbolism plays an enormously vital role in the evolution of the mind of man.
This paper explains the views of Langer--what divides humankind from other animals is "a vast and special evolution of feeling". It shows that this feeling arises from man's propensity to symbolize anything which comes within reach of his individuating brain. The paper discusses how Langer distinguishes between two varieties of 'signs' and how she confronts the question whether man has a need for symbolization. Finally, the paper looks at Langer's interpretation of the concept of 'communication'.
From the Paper "Langer distinguishes between discursive symbolism and what she labels presentational symbolism. Discursive symbolism belongs to the realm of language while presentational symbolism to that of art, dream, fantasy, myth, and rite. The cognitive value we receive from the apprehension of presentational symbols lies in their necessity as a foundation to our development of language. If we had never experienced the richness and diversity of ideation inherent in presentational symbols, we could never have acquired the tools"words"to structure the vast edifice of grammatical form. Langer devotes much of PNK to explaining how presentational symbolism plays this, its most demanding role."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of identity among the Maronite Christians in Lebanon, providing first a brief historical background and then discussing how they have pursued various strategies for determining for themselves who it is that they are. The primary Maronite group is a Christian community of Arabs centered in Lebanon and in communion with the Pope. Smaller Maronite groups also exist in Cyprus, Palestine, Syria, and the United States, with a total number throughout the world of about 1.3 million. It examines how the self discovery process is especially difficult since they are the minority in their own culture surrounded by majority groups who are overtly hostile towards them.
From the Paper "The group's roots lie in the seventh century when members adhered to the (then) heresy of Monothelitism. Monothelitism was the belief--which was held in conformity to traditional Christian doctrine--that Christ had two distinct natures, divine and human, but also held that the two natures are manifested in a single will and activity. The doctrine of Monothelitism was first promulgated about 624 by Byzantine emperor Heraclius, in an attempt to reconcile the orthodox point of view that Christ has two natures, with the heretical belief of the Monophysites that he has but one. By this reconciliation Heraclius hoped to bring back into the church the thousands of Monophysites who had been excommunicated for heresy. The result of the promulgation of Monothelitism, however, was not greater unity in the church and empire, but further division, as is so often the case with such well-meaning compromises."
Abstract In the book "Wilderness and the American Mind" by Roderick Nash, the author writes that the attitudes of Americans towards the dichotomy between wilderness and civilization have shifted over time. The book shows how Nash analyzes the reasons for the shift, the nature of the shift and the possible direction for the future. The paper discusses how different attitudes toward the wilderness can be seen as different themes in American history and they are not entirely distinct in time, meaning that they may exist at one and the same time, though one or another will dominate and so be the mark of the age. The wilderness has been seen as something "evil," something to be conquered and tamed. The wilderness can be seen as something involving a form of communion, indicating a belief in the spiritual nature of the wilderness. More recently, the wilderness is depicted as endangered and as something to be preserved and protected.
From the Paper "This idea would continue to infuse the environmental movement as it shifted to the protectionist mode, for there is often a quasi-religious aura to some of the more radical environmental groups that see protecting the wilderness as a religious act. The idea of protecting the wilderness and preserving it for the future also began in the nineteenth century with the work of men like Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York City's Central Park. By the end of the nineteenth century, the work of men like John Muir contributed to the movement to preserve lands as part of a national park system. When these lands were first designated a national forests, it was clear that they had been set aside for consumptive uses, but new priorities and new forces later brought into question many of the traditional guidelines for the use of this land."
Tags: William, Byrd, frontier, Alexis, de, Tocqueville
