Abstract This paper looks at the diversity of religions in America. It discusses problems such as the challenge of large groups to maintain a communal social focus with encountering natural differences and factions that will come from geographical and regional diversity. The methods religious groups use to retain and expand their faithful 'flocks' are looked at, and the effect of improved communications on religion is discussed also.
From the Paper "The United States is one of the most religious countries on earth and has been for many years. Many of the people who originally came during the first years of colonization were those who held beliefs which were different from the prevailing or government-approved religions in their home countries and endured the privation and isolation of establishing new homes in a wilderness area primarily to escape religious persecution. At least in principle, the United States espouses freedom of religion, going so far as to constitutionally provide for separation of church and state, to prevent either the undue influence of religious factions into what should be unbiased legislative workings, or government influence assisting or impeding the freedom of the individual to worship as s/he pleases.
What has changed are the environment in which religion is practiced, a trend in the last few decades toward recognition of marginalized or "other voices", and the role that religion plays in the lives of Americans faced with increasing choices in their daily lives."
Abstract This a research essay about one of the oldest religions in the world, Satanism. It deals with common misconceptions, the history of how it began, moral codes, rules, and the different cults. The religious basis is discussed as well as the many sects, cults, and moderations over the years, including the Satanic Bible, written by Anton LaVey. This essay gives information about religion and provides many overlooked facts about beliefs.
From the Paper "Satanism is a religion that is often misinterpreted and not fully understood. Ever since the 18th century, people have begun to blame many faith-related problems on this particular religion. Satanism is a belief in Satan, and that he has the grace of the Earth. He is seen as the prince of darkness, and many of the beliefs are based on self-service, pride, and superiority. Satanism is divided in a few groups, but two are most recognized, which are the Traditional and Modern Satanists. Not all Satanism has the same beliefs, values and worships, but many among the different groups are common. All Satanist groups have the same beliefs about the creation of Satanism, believe in the same rules, sins and Statements, and have relatively similar moral codes."
Abstract This paper draws a close parallel between the two male protagonists, Adam, and Lucifer in Milton's literary epic "Paradise Lost". While much time is often devoted to the discovery of Lucifer as a tragic hero figure, this essay describes the fundamental similarities in the sins of both Lucifer and Adam. Both characters are subject to an "outcast" status because both have chosen to defy God and both have attempted to become more god-like. Lucifer, obviously, sinned when he attempted to overthrow the Almighty, and Adam sinned in his unwillingness to spend eternity in ignorant bliss.
From the Paper "John Milton's Paradise Lost is an epic poem that recreates the story of Genesis, and explains man through his relationship with God. By demonstrating the nature of the beings that created man, as well as the nature of those who would seek to destroy human kind, Milton has created a treatise on the relationship between man and the Almighty, the fallacies and frailties of our race, and man's destiny on earth as a species created by a higher power. On the surface, Paradise Lost is a narrative that tells the story of Satan's fall from God's grace, and the subsequent fall of man from the Garden of Eden. It chronicles Adam and Eve's seduction at the hands of the devil, their decision to eat of the forbidden fruit, and their exile from paradise as a result of their indiscretion. Essentially, the work tells the story of the two falls from divine favor and relates the second fall ? that of man from the garden ? to the first. This parallel loss of paradise between Lucifer and Adam expose one of the basic tenets of the poem, that both Satan and Adam/Eve are guilty of the same crime - vanity, and it is also suggestive of Milton's opinions regarding the frailties of mankind. In essence this juxtaposition illustrates Milton's belief that men are closer to devils than to gods, no matter how enlightened we become."
Abstract The paper examines the works and life accomplishments of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). Hildegard was a notable medieval Christian Abbess and founder of the convent at Rupertsberg. The author discusses her contributions to philosophy, theology and science.
From the Paper "Many of the works of Hildegard stand as examples of primitive attempts to derive a rational explanation for the world in which she lived. She strove to provide a coherent philosophy of the material universe within the context of the Middle Ages. Her life was a time when matters of science, philosophy and theology were thought of as inexorably interdependent. Although her conclusions may appear grotesquely incorrect in comparison to modern standards, we must be careful not to underestimate her intellectual merits. There is great beauty and power to be found within her ecstatic mystical works, despite the absence of any modern scientific foundation."
Abstract An analysis of the use of mythology by Sophocles. The author discusses the use of myths in Ancient Greece to define gods and their laws, showing the terrible consequences of disobeying them and forming the structure of society and politics. The author discusses Sophocles, a Greek dramatist and his use of myths and religious rituals. Included is an analysis of Sophocles' play "Antigone".
From the Paper "Unlike his contemporaries, Sophocles based his tragedies on human actions and reactions, rather than on divine influence. He does not, however, ignore the gods or say they do not play a role. He uses them to show the human limits and possibilities. The Sophoclean gods thus are placed in the background of the plot, influencing it but not interfering in the course of action Greek dramatists often based their plots on myths, which are believed to reflect the national identity and various historic periods. Besides serving as lyric entertainment stories, myths were used to persuade and enlighten citizens in matters of politics, religion, and customary rituals (Bremmer, 58)."
Tags: myths, religion, gods, tradition, punishment, tales, citizen, society
Abstract This paper discusses "The Decameron" by Boccaccio. The author focuses on the use of casual sex and jeopardized morals in Boccaccio's stories as a social commentary of the day. Special attention is paid to the parody Boccaccio makes of religion and its rituals and rules.
From the Paper "As with many works of literature such as Catcher in the Rye, Grapes of Wrath, and The Odyssey, Giovanni Boccaccio's The Decameron is as controversial as the work is praised. Boccaccio's work is filled with characters with debatable moral compasses and uncontrollable sex drives in compromising situations which have undoubtedly offended masses while at the same time entertained them as well. Certainly those of faith who believe God rewards or punishes based on the actions of people would be horrified after reading Boccaccio's hundred tales, most of which feature no unfavorable repercussions of what the church's leaders would deem immoral. Two perfect examples of this lack of consequences for the debauched characters are stories of Masetto and Rustico from the third day. In these two stories from the third day, Boccaccio both notes the blatant hypocrisy of the holy men and women while allowing the characters to receive no punishment for impure acts because of his desire to poke fun at the church and society instead of inciting social change."
Abstract This paper takes a look at why religion should be concerned with healing. The author examines this topic by underlying the roles that religion plays in society, emphasizing the important role in providing safety and universal truth to people.
From the Paper "All religions serve a number of important psychological and social functions: they reduce anxiety by explaining the unknown and provide comfort in the belief that supernatural help is available in times of crisis. Religion, therefore, serves to relate suffering to universal truths and provide a safety valve for the manifestation of fears and paradoxical events."
Abstract This paper illustrates how Geoffrey Chaucer ingeniously criticizes the Roman Catholic Church and advocates religious reform by accrediting his opinions to the characters in "The Prioress? Tale", "The Friar's Tale", "The Parson's Tale", and "The Clerk's Tale" through an elaborate system of various degrees of perception, which allowed Chaucer greater literary freedom. Specific biblical references are also used to support the thesis.
From the Paper "Chaucer's veiled criticism of the Roman Catholic Church and support for religious reform through his characters allows him more leeway than he would otherwise have. The intricate filter system allows Chaucer greater literary freedom due to the ambiguity generated as to where each thought originates. Despite this anonymity, Chaucer appears to have taken the advise of the Parson to repent, when he later retracts having written about "worldly vanities". Chaucer's Retraction, which concludes "The Canterbury Tales", adds another level of complexity through which the reader must filter his work: is Chaucer truly repentant or is his Retraction just another device used to mislead?"
Abstract This paper explores the role Rasputin the holy man had in the fall of the Romanov Dynasty, and ultimately, the Bolshevik Revolution. The author discusses some of the events leading up to the revolution and examines how Rasputin's involvement impacted them.
From the Paper "Rasputin was the holy man whose presence in the Romanov family caused tension and discomfort among the nobility and Russian peasantry. His uneasy presence and claims of supernatural power were heard by many, but none dared to object to his gloating, for he was the direct line to the king and queen, and the supposed lover of Tsarina Alexandra. His connection to the Tsarina was deep, and he often advised her on matters pertaining to the country. When Rasputin first entered the scene in 1911 from Siberia, the country was on the verge of civil war, as the Revolution of 1905 and the ensuing events had left the Russian country demoralized and debilitated. Rasputin's cult of personality and his actions signified the end of the ruling Romanov dynasty, and the beginning of the Bolshevik ascension to the throne. The fall of the Romanov Dynasty was the indirect result of the problems and strife caused by Rasputin, placing the royal family and the rest of Russia in unrest."
Tags: alexander, bloody, bolshevik, sunday, tsar, society
Abstract This paper looks at how the Catholic Church influences the development of human race. It looks at the stands of the Catholic Church at some of the recent conflicts of our time like abortion and stem-cell research and cloning. According to Catholic Church abortion is ethically and morally wrong. It is killing of a human life and therefore, should be prevented. The issue has plagued the church almost from the beginning. ?The Bible itself is virtually silent on abortion. The Ten Commandments state "Thou shalt not kill," but neither the Old nor the New Testament contains explicit sanctions against intentionally destroying a foetus.? (Theology of Abortion) the essay looks of Catholic Church stand on morality of abortion and its consequences.
The second aspect this paper looks at is the development of field of biotechnology and how it has influenced the public and moral attitudes. This is a recent example of the Church's influence on human development. The paper explores how the Church's so called "pro-life" attitude has affected the development in this field.
From the Paper ""The Catholic Church has been one of the strongest influential factors in European History. The influence has been extensive reaching from matters of the state, personal life, social values and ethical debates. Most organized religions have some form of moral code and ethical beliefs; the Catholic Church is no difference. These ideas and beliefs are usually in conflict with the development of human race. Some of the recent dilemmas of Catholic Church are its stand on Abortion, pro-life campaign, use of birth control, HIV and AID issue. The moralistic view of Catholic Church, which argues to be pro-life, is in contradiction of what is being pro-life mean. It is rather difficult to comprehend how any institution, which makes life miserable for human beings classify it to be the protector of life." "
Abstract This paper explains that the antagonistic view regarding the phenomenon of Jihad is too shallow, inaccurate and unreasonable. The author explains that it is a grim fact that these views prevail as opposed to the true meaning of Jihad. Endnotes.
From the Paper "The inception of every single religion has experienced forces working against its expansion. Consequently, there have been instances where most major religions have had to use force in order to survive, prevail or exist at all for that matter. We can look up the Christian crusades or the Samurai war crimes or the Six-day war between Israel and the Arabs or even the kamikaze pilots of the Shinto faith and the list goes on and on. Although we cannot discount the political and social undercurrents involved in these wars, anyone with little common sense can arrive at the conclusion that the core basis of these wars was religion. Islam is no exception in this regard. History, especially from the western perspective is riddled with the Muslim conquests of Spain and India. Islam (at least in the west) has been labeled as the modern version of barbarianism. This dim sightedness is a result of several factors originating from the Muslims themselves and eventually developing into the increasingly popular concept that Islam in essence is the Mecca of le diable a quatre. If we take a closer look at the Muslim warfare, one word that comes up every time is Jihad. "
Tags: islam, jahada, muhammed, arab, muslim, religion, non, violent
Abstract This paper examines how religion has influenced Western Europe society: culturally, politically and economically. The author focuses on the Greek and Roman religions and their impact on other religions such as Christianity.
From the Paper "One may begin a description of the ways in which religion has influenced the West by looking at the role of religion in Greece and Rome, since these two great empires were undoubtedly highly influential in terms of molding at some level every important aspect of Western European society. Of course, Roman and Greek religions did not arise from the thin air; they are based on older traditions and remained (especially in the case of Rome) syncretistic religions throughout the course of their respective empires. Greek and Roman settlements allowed for the incorporation of local beliefs into the state religion in a way that helped to ensure that those peoples who had been subjugated by the colonial powers would be less inclined to object to their loss of political autonomy. The fact that Greek or Roman rulers would allow local gods and semi-divine figures to be incorporated into the pantheon of the major gods did not negate the fact that various peoples were being subjugated but it must have made their continuing (if forced) inclusion in the empire easier to bring about (Sissa 119)."
Abstract This essay compares the Christian religion prior to and after the rise of Constantine from A.D. 50 to A.D. 100. The author examines the influence Constantine had on Christianity in forming a single unified Orthodox Roman Church.
From the Paper "When Constantine the Great took the throne in A.D. 306, Christianity began to be more clearly adopted as the religion of the Roman imperial government. While a struggle for spiritual authority had been going on since the time of Jesus, it was from this official embrace of Constantine that the idea of forming a single, unified and orthodox Roman church began to develop."
Abstract This paper shows how the biography of Malcolm X by author Alex Haley helped the author understand the true derivation of racism.
From the Paper " The constant references to racism by Malcolm X made me curious about the concept of race. I discovered that almost 200 years ago, Johann Friedrick Blumenbach, a German naturalist and the founder of Anthropology, decided to use differences in head shape and skin color to classify mankind into five different races. Although there has never been any scientific evidence to support "racial inheritance" by blood type, mankind has clung to Blumenbach's concept of people being of different races."
A discussion of the methods of execution, the search for humane methods, why the innocent are occasionally executed, and whether the death penalty works.
1,695 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, 2000, $ 54.95
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at the origins and ancient methods of execution, from Hamurabi's Code, to biblical laws, to early England, and today. The author discusses the different methods-both cruel and humane. The paper also examines whether the death penalty is efficient, whether it is a biased sentence, and how many innocent people are sent to their deaths.
From the Paper "For centuries the question of whether it is right to take another man's life under the law has plagued the world. To this day corporal punishment is one of the most debated issues of the human race. Corporal punishment has been around since biblical times, so we are not the first to use it. As a humanitarian nation we do though search for different and more humane methods of execution. One of our main problems is that our court systems do make mistakes and the innocent are occasionally found guilty. Another issue of debate is whether the death penalty is a bias or even at times prejudice sentence. A more solid reasoning for either banning or supporting the death penalty is whether it is economically efficient. With all the crime in our nation many are skeptical that the death penalty actually works in any way shape or form. With all this at mind it is obvious why the corporal punishment issue has been debated for so long."
