Abstract A comprehensive analysis of the legality of parents denying their children access to health care on the basis of their involvement in a "faith healing" religion such as Christian Science or Faith Tabernacle. The paper explains that for some residents of the United States, traditional medicine is not religiously acceptable in the face of sickness. On the contrary, these residents are so strongly against medicine that they will not even allow their children to see a doctor if they suffer from life threatening illnesses. It discusses how many followers of these religions are denying the use of traditional medicine and joining a movement that shies from what society considers the norm for treating sickness by putting their belief in God's ability to heal their family's illnesses. The paper argues however, that parents' religious convictions about the disuse of any type of medicine for their children should not be allowed as a legal means of denying their children this medicine because these convictions often cause the needless deaths and suffering of many children whom medical care would have helped.
From the Paper "For centuries America has debated to what extent church and state should be separated. More recently the argument about the disuse of medical treatment for religious reasons and the resulting deaths of the children of certain religious organization's followers has arisen. Since the seventeenth century when settlers came to America to escape religious persecution and seek religious freedom, the issue of separation of church and state has been in debate (Council 1). However, not all religions were given equal rights before the Bill of Rights was created: in Boston anyone preaching outside the established church could be fined or banned from the settlement (Weiss 11). Also, in areas that practiced South Anglicanism, those who spoke out against the Christian faith were sentenced to death (Weiss 11). However, the first amendment to the American Bill of Rights, which was passed in September of 1789, changed these discriminatory practices on a federal level and caused less religious discrimination to occur (Weiss 31). This amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" (Bartlett 3). This amendment did not, however, guarantee the protection of United States citizens from state religious discrimination; but the fourteenth amendment, which was passed at a later date, did (Weiss 32). Opponents for and against parents' rights to deny their child medical care based on religious convictions are eager to solve the question of the relationship of church and state and the necessity of parents to obtain medical care as required by state governments. This issue has thus become a pressing argument that must be solved quickly because many children's lives are at stake."
Abstract This research examines the concept of faithfulness as it relates to religion. The research sets forth the context for looking at the religious principles that reflect moral character and then discusses how faithfulness to God's principles reflects a commitment to moral thought and action, as well as a faith and trust in God.
From the Paper "The life of faith might seem to involve a simple idea about belief in God, but in fact faith is a very complex concept. The term is used in various ways in the Christian tradition. There is of course the famous statement of Jesus when he calms the storm in the sea of Galilee: "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" (Matt. 8:26). In that context, faith is to be interpreted as the equivalent of absolute trust, or more specifically, the equivalent of man's unquestioned trust in God. The spiritual experience of trust is thereby interpreted as the actual experience of faith. This idea is also in the background of Paul's injunction to the Corinthians, in his discourse about how the first-century Christian community ought to behave: "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (I Cor. 10.13). Psalm 91 makes a similar point, characterizing the Lord as "my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust . . . He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." In The Book of Common Prayer, the latter line of the Psalm runs thus: "his faithfulness and truth shall be thy shield and buckler." The slight difference in the meaning of faith conveyed in these various contexts is that faith is not a one-way street, inasmuch as those who do have faith are said to be able to rely on God's good will and/or providence in situations of moral uncertainty."
This paper argues against Sam Harris' ideas in his book "The End of Faith" that religion is irrational and harmful to the world because it has caused unparalleled chaos, death and destruction.
Abstract This paper contends that, by ignoring the political implications of religion in his book "The End of Faith", Sam Harris oversimplifies the social and political impact of religion. The author points out that Harris and other secularists see religion waning in the face of the impending wave of modernity and technology, but the reality is that religion and modernity are not mutually exclusive. The paper stresses that Harris' inferred conclusion, which is that more secular Western societies are further advanced as civilizations and that Eastern civilizations are inferior, would wreak havoc on the global political arena.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Failure to Fix Religion Religion's Debt to Secularism
From the Paper "An interesting case study of this commitment is the way women have faired in Islamic societies. Harris would be surprised to learn of the positive attitude towards Islam of what he calls "improbable creatures scurrying about in shrouds." Islam is actually empowering to the downtrodden. Women have the "potential...to shape the community's moral discourses... through their interpretation of Islam." Islam is not, as Harris argues, a monolithic religion dictating all of the actions and beliefs of its adherents. It does not corrupt the tenets of Islam for women to extrapolate from the Koran ..."
Abstract An analysis of Jung's work, "Flying Saucers" and the films "Signs" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in relation to the issues they bring to light about religion and faith in general. The paper questions what makes people believe and uses the sources to answer this. The author concludes that belief is based on many factors, including personal experience, imagination, upbringing and education.
From the Paper "The word "faith" is a term that often appears in conversations about both religion and the existence of life elsewhere in the universe. By definition, "faith" can be explained as the belief something that cannot be proven rationally by logic or evidence. Many people, however, who adhere to a religion might argue that religious texts, tenets, or a personal relationship with a deity gives sufficient evidence to factually prove their religion. This same trend applies to those who claim to have seen alien life forms; these people may have physical evidence or photographs that seem to have no other explanation except contact with alien beings. Why, then, is the existence of aliens not accepted as general fact? Why, along the same line of reasoning, is there not just one, true, fundamental religion? The answer lies in faith."
Abstract This paper considers the nature of faith healing in today's society and traces its development through a belief in shamanism in traditional societies, noting how religion and medicine are often fused, with the religious leader also being the medicine man who knows the secrets of healing. Christians have faith in the healing power of prayer and depict Jesus as a healer as well.
From the Paper "Religion and medicine have had a long relationship. In modern times, the two are often at odds, with some believing more in faith than in science and others taking the opposite view. In traditional societies, religion and medicine are often fused, with the religious leader also being the medicine man who knows the secrets of healing. Christians have faith in the healing power of prayer and depict Jesus as a healer as well. Certain groups place a greater emphasis on faith than medicine, such as Christian Scientists, who do not take their health issues to doctors but to God."
This paper addresses the concept of homosexuality in respect to the religions of Taoism and Buddhism. These two Eastern religions have significantly different perceptions regarding homosexuality than the traditional assumptions in Western religions.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 8 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper addresses the concept of homosexuality in respect to the religions of Taoism and Buddhism. These two Eastern religions have significantly different perceptions regarding homosexuality than the traditional assumptions in Western religions. Buddhism openly embraces homosexuality as part of its tradition, and Taoism does not openly object to homosexuality.
Tags: GENDER AND SEXUALITY / HOMOSEXUALITY, homosexuality two faiths
Abstract This paper explains that certain scientific theories have caused many to question the validity of their faith, and many others to question the validity of science. Usually, the conflicts originate from formalized interpretations of Christianity rather than upon the fundamental basis of faith. The writer argues that science can neither prove nor disprove the existence of a divine being, but it can establish dates and sequences of history that contrast accepted notions. The paper discusses how science has sometimes been viewed as the ally of religion and at other times its direct enemy.
From the Paper "In classical times the pursuit of science and philosophy was seen as the ideal means to acquiring knowledge about the world and human existence. Aristotle, Socrates and Plato did not see science through the lens of one seeking to verify their faith, but instead, viewed science and logic as avenues by which some valuable information could be derived. Specific methods were devised as tools to investigate the legitimacy of claims regarding the natural world: "Aristotle produced as system of thought that would guide men from the limited observations of personal experience to more general truths about nature." (Burke, 16). Essentially, the ancient Greeks developed the first form of what has come to be known as the "scientific method." At this time, and particularly to these early philosophers, science and reasoning were perceived as essential services to civilization, mankind, and the human soul. Plato believed that the only true means to realizing happiness and righteousness within one's spirit was through logical investigation into the world and its existence. It was far removed from these philosophers' minds that science could ever be deemed as something incongruous with divinity. After all, the Greek philosophers lived in a pagan society, in which some gods were believed in and worshiped and some were not; it was all dependent upon an individual's preferences. Religion had yet to occupy its authoritative position in western society, and accordingly, it had yet to adopt iron clad rules and edicts defining the nature of the world."
Abstract In this article, the writer compares and contrasts how the different major world religions view animals and notes that these views are varies, as each faith has primary but mostly secondary ideas about the role of humans and the role of animals and the significance of each. The writer then explains that, for the most part, the Judeo-Christian and Islamic faiths tend to believe that animals serve a role of support for humans whereas Hinduism is more responsive and reflective of the primary role of animals in the cosmos. The writer concludes that animals have a place in the hierarchy, that if not equal to humans, is at the very least equivalent to the rest of the natural world, which deserves sanctity and spiritual protection.
From the Paper "This new emphasis among these three faiths on reinvesting in old traditions that make animals sacred aspects of the earth, rather than beasts of burden to be used and abused to serve the human purpose is a welcome idea that has been reflected in the ecumenical sense.
"Hinduism on the other hand has a tradition of emphasis on the sacred animal that goes back centuries and has not in many ways been lost, as it has been in these other traditions. One scholar, speaking of the Hindu view of animals make clear that animals have played a significant role in the folklore and imagery of the faith and are often symbolic of broader concepts and ideas. The protection of productive animals is integral to Hinduism as well as a contentious worship of the bhraman, which is bovine and the symbol of the highest ranking cast of the faith."
Abstract This paper examines the importance of religion in society today. It takes the reader on an exploratory journey through the current stresses of the world such as terrorist threats, worldwide famine and snipers picking off innocent women and children and the ways that religion helps us deal with that stress. It evaluates the increasing need of people to have faith and a purpose in life for those who feel there is none. It also explores our need to believe there is more after we leave this life and how the importance of religion will not lessen as long as science continues in its quest to disprove the existence of God.
From the Paper "Huston Smith worked through this issue in his book called ?Why Religion Matters: The Fate of the Human Spirit in an Age of Disbelief.? According to Smith religion remains strong today but is constantly challenged by the modern science world. Science and its discoveries have created a world of non believers according to the author. The sciences have become the God in some expert minds but faith and religion still have an important place in the lives of individuals. Perhaps the very advances that science has made are causing us to embrace and cling to religion even more than ever."
Tags:faith, stress, god, terrorist, acts, science, children
Abstract This paper examines some of the relationships between religion and politics that have emerged in different historical contexts in different parts of the world, with a concentration on the United States. It looks at some of the many ways in which religion is influenced and, in turn, influences politics and how politics and power are configured in the world today. It is based on four main readings: Frank Lambert's "Founding Fathers and the Place of Religion in America"; Michael Perry's "Under God? Faith and Liberal Democracy"; and the political writings of Augustine and Aquinas.
From the Paper "Through his book, Lambert traces the origin of two sets of what he terms "spiritual fathers" who had a guiding hand in the development of religion in the early United States: one set, the "Planting Fathers" who brought with them, as we have seen, the dream of building "a city on a hill" i.e., old world ideas about the place of religion in society; the next set, the "Founding Fathers", he identifies by their act of constitutionalizing religion in the early days of the formation of the United States. As he argues, in the first section of the book, the "Planting Fathers" proselythized the "one true faith", whereas the Founding Fathers, rather, emphasized religious freedom over the puritanical nature of religion."
Abstract This paper presents an understanding of how the Arabic qualities of Islam helped it spread so quickly and successfully. The writer details for the reader the Arabic connection to the faith of Islam and the ways that connection assisted in the growth of the faith itself. It studies the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center and discusses its possible causes.
From the Paper "Following the attack on America on September 11, 2001 members of the Islam faith suffered worldwide backlash when it came to light that the terrorists claimed to be Muslim. Since that day Islam leaders have worked diligently to remind the world that true followers of Islam could never do what the terrorists did and that Islam is a kind and gentle faith. Islam is a worldwide faith that has grown quickly in many nations. Part of the success in growth that Islam has enjoyed can be directly attributed to the Arabic qualities of the faith."
Tags: Islam, Arabic, faith, Muslim, religion, terrorists, attack, America
This paper analyzes the similarities and differences of Jesus Christ and the Prophet Mohammed while also examining the basic fundamentals of both the Christian and Islamic faiths.
Abstract This paper delves into the lives and historic accomplishments of Mohammed, considered by many to be the greatest prophet of all times and Jesus, regarded by his followers as the son of God. This paper details the various similarities between the two men including the fact that both were known to spend much time in solitary contemplation and spiritual thought. Both Jesus and Mohammed preached the belief in one God. This paper also examines the dramatic differences between the two which centered around divinity. While Mohammed is seen as the most important prophet to the followers of Islam he is not regarded as a deity. On the other hand a large portion of Christians believe that Jesus is the true son of God and the cornerstone of their faith. This paper also discusses the similarities and differences in Islam and Christianity. The writer contends that followers of both Islam and Christianity feel it is their duty to spread the word about their religion in an attempt to convert others.
Table of Contents:
The Life of Jesus
The Life of Mohammed
Differences Between the Two Men
Evangelism
Sources
From the Paper "Mohammed (Arab for "the praised one") was born to Abdallah and Amina of the family of Zuhra. He had a difficult childhood. Born into poverty, his father died around the time of his birth. When he was six years old his mother also died, and he was adopted by his grandfather, Abd-Al-Mutallib. When his grandfather died only two years later, he was adopted by his uncle, Abu Talib, who raised him and remained an important person to him for the rest of his life. Not much more about his childhood can be confirmed but when he was 2t, he married Chaddidja, a rich widow and trader. He traveled with her via caravan to fairs. This life of business made him a wealthy man, and he was able to spend much of his time alone in meditation."
An examination of the major reason that Islam has become such a wide-spread religion - the belief of its followers in reproduction and producing Moslem children to carry on their faith.
Abstract This paper talks about the survival of Islam and the reasons for the success of its survival. In particular, it discusses the emphasis in the Koran on the need to preserve its message for future generations and the primary method used for that survival; reproduction. The paper looks at how the Islamic culture encourages marriage only to other Muslims and how society helps assure same-faith marriages.
From the Paper "Islam and indeed most organized religions go to great efforts to ensure the survival of their faith and practices. The Qur?an was written down so that its message would be preserved for future Muslims. Muslim women must marry Muslim men so that their children will be raised Muslim. In the end, survival depends on one thing, the ability to live long enough to reproduce offspring that will survive and reproduce themselves."
Abstract The author describes the basic tenets of belief of these two faiths according to their websites. The writer discusses how Scientologists behave towards a workplace environment, implying that its motives of helping a company's employees are really a backdrop for religious recruitment. The paper also shows how members of the Unity Church can sometimes find it difficult to be accepted among their colleagues, when topics of religion are discussed at the workplace.
From the Paper "Acceptance amongst one's peers in the workplace means a great deal for many people. When an employee feels as though they are not accepted because of their religious beliefs, they may find themselves sitting at the lunch table alone, driving by themselves to a company outing, or to an off site meeting. This can make that person feel as though they are far less superior to their coworkers, which could cause their job performance to suffer."
Abstract This paper takes a close look at each specific section of the Book of Job and then at the book as a whole to examine the issue of Job's suffering and faith. By investigating the nature of each section, the paper attempts to answer some religious questions specific to this text. For example, would a person still be religious if not for the expectation of reward or punishment? The paper maintains that the purpose of the text is to address faith and integrity, rather than suffering. The paper concludes that the text illustrates how one can maintain one's faith and integrity during the most devastating times.
From the Paper "With the Epilogue comes the restoration of Job's material and familial wealth. He is given vindication over his narrow-minded friends and granted a long, full life. What about our many questions? Can man remain faithful to a "religion" without the expectation of reward or punishment? With regard to Job's complete immersion in suffering, the answer would appear to be "yes" and "no." We are given an example in which the main character looses everything, suffers, humbles himself, and is then vindication. What would happen in the case of a character who lost everything, suffered, and what never vindicated? In the context of this particular Biblical text, none can understand the will of God. He does what he pleases and because he is our Maker, those actions are justified."
