Abstract An argumentative paper about the legalization of abortion. The author argues for the freedom of abortion by looking at the consequences of making abortion illegal, the possibilities of other options and the religious, ethical and moral aspects involved.
From the Paper "Though I do not support the absolute freedom of abortion, I do not agree that abortion is wrong. In my opinion, we have to consider all the circumstances behind the woman's decision to abort the child and we should allow her to make the ultimate decisions. The possible consequences of making abortions illegal can be more drastic than abortion itself. In this paper, I considered three issues: first, the events of 1930s through 1960s, when abortion was illegal; second, the possible option of adoption; and last, the religious aspects of abortion."
Abstract This paper discusses the history, practice and evolution of the Qu'aran and Islam as it relates to women in society. Roles of women, freedoms, rights, and obligations are all viewed both in present times and in traditional Islamic society of centuries ago. The paper shows positive evidence of progress for women in Islamic society, as well as roadblocks yet to be overcome.
Tags: feminism, islam, rights, sociology, studies, women
Abstract This paper looks at stem cell research using embryos. The author discusses the benefits of this type of research such as combating disease in the future. The author argues in favor of this type of research as he believes that this is a breaking step for medicine and provides counter-active arguments for the immorality and illegitimacy that is attached to embryo research.
From the Paper "Since the dawn of mankind, humans have struggled to understand how and when life begins. Through countless developments in science and medicine, a much clearer understanding of the origin of life exists, as well as how the body itself works. Scientists of today have observed, in test tubes, the very first stages of life. And now scientists have discovered a new way to harness their knowledge of the origins of life in a way that promises to revolutionize medicine forever. Stem cell research is itself still in its infancy. In 1998, scientists at the University of Wisconsin and at Johns Hopkins University isolated and successfully cultured human pluripotent stem cells for the first time ever ("Fact Sheet"). These cells possess the potential to develop into nearly any type of cell in the body, including muscle, nervous, bone, blood, or skin."
Abstract This paper examines the historical background of the conflict in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel, and notes that while this conflict is promoted in the media as being a relatively "new" phenomenon that it is actually another stage in an ongoing conflict between these two peoples. Factors that are addressed as contributing to this conflict are those of religion and politics. There is a strong slant towards the Palestinians being unjustly vilified in the media. There is a brief mention of Osama bin Laden and his involvement in the conflict.
From the Paper "The recent hostilities between the Palestinian and the Israeli people is a negative note in what had seemed to be progress in ending the ongoing conflict between these separate people. Prior to the events of violence that were started once more in the spring of last year, the Palestinian and the Israeli people were apparently working towards a position of peace in the Middle East. However, this was not to be. The existing social tensions between the Palestinian and the Israeli people was too deeply rooted within their histories and cultures to provide a simple solution, which the negotiations that were prevalent at the time were attempting to achieve. "
Tags: accord, arab, arafat, bin, jerusalem, jew, laden, muslim, nations, osama, oslo, united
Abstract Johnson and Wilentz's book, "The Kingdom of Matthias: A Story of Sex and Salvation in 19th Century America", gives a detailed account of a unique 19th century American episode of religious revivalism, during which time a simple carpenter, Robert Matthews, claimed to be the prophet Matthias. This paper analyzes the core theme of the book and describes how this period, known as the Second Great Awakening, impacted the lives of the men and women of American society during that time.
From the Paper "Taking advantage of people's religious inclination and their search for prophecy, Matthias succeeded in getting many New York businessmen to join his "kingdom" which he established on one of their estates in Sing Sing. Utilizing the vulnerability of people, the fanatical ravings of Matthias captivated many intelligent people. His kingdom was based on the concept of prosperity, optimism, tolerance and freedom. He advocated claims of abundant food for all, naked bathing, wife swapping and complete obedience. He propagated the concept of the inferiority of women and damned wives who worked."
Abstract A critical analysis of the philosophies of Socrates. The author discusses Socrates' ideas and concepts about true happiness and pursuing God's will. It includes criticism and application to today's society.
From the Paper "Socrates? philosophy has existed since before the birth of Jesus Christ. He recorded his thoughts concerning personal and political issues, giving his detailed and amazingly well thought out positions on each. He questioned everything around him, and discussed them with his friends and students, an exercise known as philosophizing. Socrates deemed that a truly happy man does not require material goods. He argued that it would be in one's best interest to consult a wise person before making an important decision, and that we should each comply with God's intentions above all others?. These arguments have been debated for centuries by many, and should be considered still, since they are important and relevant today, more than 2,000 years later."
Abstract This paper examines the controversial issue of abortion and argues that the pro-life decision is the morally right one.
From the Paper "There are many hard and truthful facts about abortion, especially in America. ?There are seven hundred thousand abortions performed each year in America after nine weeks of pregnancy. All abortions, ninety-five percent, are done because of means of birth control. Only one percent is performed due to rape or incest, one percent because of fetal abnormalities, three percent due to the mother's health. In America since nineteen seventy-three approximately forty million babies have been killed due to abortion. In Canada, since nineteen seventy, over one point seven million babies have been killed due to abortion.?(available on-line)3."
Abstract This paper discusses the spread of Christianity in Ancient Rome. It outlines the origins of Christianity, including the response of the Jews and the impact on Jewish life in Jerusalem. It discusses the preaching of Jesus, and its continuation after his death by Paul. The paper goes on to discuss the response of Roman leaders to its growing popularity.
From the Paper "Between the first and second centuries, Christianity gradually became the prevailing religion of Rome. The burden of how to respond to this new religion was placed upon the Roman government. Many kings or emperors of the Romans responded to Christianity in a different fashion. Over this large amount of time Christianity fought its way into the hearts and souls of the Roman people. "
Abstract This paper presents a discussion about school prayer. The author of this paper believes that prayer in school is a direct violation of the constitutional mandate that church and state remain separated, and discusses the intent of the founding fathers when implementing such a separation.
From the Paper "For many years now, the issue of school prayer has made the forefront to the news. We hear that students defy direct orders from school officials and stand to recite the Lord's Prayer at graduation. We hear about principals being hauled into court by the ACLU for allowing students to pray on campus. It is a volatile issue that remains close to the heart on both sides of the argument. The bottom line, however, is that America proudly waves its diversity banner to the rest of the world. We brag about the fact that we welcome and encourage diversity and we are founded on the premise that freedom of religion should be a right of every person."
Abstract The author reviews Flannery O?Connor's short story "A Good Man is Hard to Find". She states that O"Connor's writing reflects her Southern and Catholic traditions. Although she cannot be read as part of the feminist literary tradition, O"Connor is important to contemporary American fiction.
From the Paper "The words of the grandmother might seem sentimental, were she not speaking to a man who is a homicidal killer, about to blow her away to ?kingdom come.? "A Good Man is Hard to Find" depicts a rather repulsive young family, including June Star who "wouldn"t live in a broken-down place? for a "million bucks" and the rather irritating grandmother. (7) But because the grandmother is able to see some brief snatch of humanity in the "Misfit" who eventually kills her, O?Connor bestows her with a kind of grace in terms of the narrative's judgment."
Abstract A paper discussing the existence of God. The author uses the philosophical views of Descartes and Aquinas to prove that God exists. The author discusses the works of the two philosophers.
From the Paper "God's existence can be proved both by reason or philosophy, and by faith or sacred doctrine. Both Aquinas and Descartes agree on the fact that God's existence can be proved, despite the fact that Aquinas believed that it is more of a question of faith, and Descartes believed that it is more important to use reasoning. Nevertheless, both agree with Aquinas? five ways that one can prove the existence of God. After all of this evidence, it is up to the individual to determine whether or not it is concrete evidence that should be followed. There should be enough evidence for each individual to determine for himself or herself about the existence of God and whether it is relevant in their lives."
Abstract A discussion on the history of prayer in American schools. This paper presents arguments for and against the issue and also examines legal implications of these arguments. Current legal battles are discussed and legislative conclusions are presented. This paper also addresses the issue of church vs. state in America as a whole and schools in particular.
From the Paper "Prayer in schools is one of the most debated topics in U.S. history. Debate didn?t begin in the 1960s as some people believe. Debate began more than 100 years ago when Italian and Irish Catholic immigrants were forced to read the King James Bible and pray in schools. At that time, during the 1830s, the first prayer in school conflicts erupted. Riots, fires at convents and school expulsions were commonplace in the name of the school prayer debate. In 1962, as the United States became a more diverse nation, the court ruled against school prayer in the case of Engel v. Vitale (Grunberg and Crane: This History par 1)."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss the book "Reservation Blues," by Sherman Alexie. Specifically, it looks at the musical poem at the beginning of the chapter "My God Has Dark Skin," and how it relates to the beliefs and religion of the characters throughout the book.
From the Paper "These words tell the story of how the Native American's had to give up their beliefs, and their religion for the white man's religion, in the name of "modernity" and "Christianity." The numerous Native American tribes each had a complex religious system, made up of folk tales, and a wide variety of gods and goddesses. Yet, when the white men came and took over the Indian lands, they tried to convert them to the "true" religion of Christianity, while they gave up their old ways and beliefs."
Tags: Indian, god, christianity, modernity, native, american, white, men
Abstract Historians have always looked to literature for insight into how a culture functioned, what it valued, and how its people lived. Today, when studying the Middle East, many would not only read the Qu"ran, but also "The Arabian Nights", the folklore. The paper shows that when we read "Arabian Nights" we understand a great deal more of how the Arabic people actually lived. Perhaps the most evident discrepancy between the teachings of the Qu"ran and the "Arabian Nights" tales pertains to the view and treatment of Middle Eastern women.
From the Paper "This method of seclusion is dramatically illustrated in The Arabian Nights where we hear the story of the demon that locked his wife in a chest and carried her about as if she were his private property. Yet ironically the authors of the Arabian Nights convey in this same story that not even this extreme could prevent a willful woman from knowing other men."
This paper compares the differing theories of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber on religion, which demonstrates that religion is an esoteric concept enhanced or modified by personal experiences.
Abstract The paper explains that Durkheim believed religion, originating from the society or the needs of the society rather than from the human mind, is essentially a moral force that determines and codifies what is good and bad for a society. The author points out Karl Marx's statement that "religion is the opium of the common people" and his opinion that it is not a necessary factor in the development of the society. The paper states that Max Weber's views on religion are more sociological than an analysis of religion itself; however, he acknowledged that religion has a strong social effect that helps in the development of the society.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Analysis
Comparison
From the Paper "Marx on the other hand did not believe that religion was a necessary force. While he did not negate the view the religion had a unifying quality, he believed that religion was a force that unified people only to exploit them. In his views, religion deepened the social division between the rich and the poor by enforcing deviant interpretation of morality on the public. He believed that the economic forces in a society are far more powerful than the religious forces of a society because religion is in turn dependent on the economic status of the society. Marx believed that religion is just an illusion that ensured that the society operated in a manner that was beneficial to the society."
