Abstract This paper examines and thoroughly explains the definition of holy and all it's concepts according to the famous philosophers Euthyphro and Socrates. In the Euthyphro, what would be essential for a definition of the holy? How do Euthyphro's definitions fall in this? What is Socrates? point to Euthyphro about claiming you know something when you do not know? These are all of the questions that are answered. In order to answer these questions, Euthyphro's definitions are summarized. Finally, how Socrates argues against them is also carefully scrutinized.
From the Paper "Here Socrates asks, is it holy because the Gods love it? Here, "holy" is the effect and "loved" is the cause. Or is it loved by the God's because it is holy? Here, "loved" is the effect and "holy" is the cause."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the accomplishments of the Black Muslims offering an alternative to the peaceful, pacifistic teachings of leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. The author of this paper shows that the Nation of Islam has played a major role in shaping the ideas and destinies of those of African descent, regardless of their religion.
From the Paper "Brooklyn Congressman Major R. Owens, referring mainly to Black Muslims, in 1994, stated, ?There are a lot of frustrated, angry, bitter people who are looking for a leader. In some cases they are looking for something to hate.?[1] This sentiment strongly reflects the origins and ideas of Islamic African-Americans throughout their existence. Members of The Nation of Islam, and its factions, believe strongly in black pride, nationalism, and separation."
Abstract This paper examines why so many Afro-Americans turned from Christianity to become Black Muslims in America and how the Nation of Islam offered these disgruntled individuals a different way of dealing with discrimination and hate.
From the Paper "The Nation of Islam offered some African Americans a sharp contrast to the mainstream civil rights movement. Specifically beginning in the late 1920's, and continuing up into the 1960's, blacks living mainly in northern cities across America abandoned many aspects of their previous lives to embrace an organization and ideology with "radical" ways of acting and thinking. Why would a person become a Black Muslim? The answer is found in considering the types of individuals who accepted the Nation and the atmosphere which surrounded them. Anger and frustration can be found in the hearts of many converts to the Nation of Islam. Faced with discrimination and hate, some blacks chose extreme, violent separation over the more readily accepted non-violent call for integration."
Abstract This paper examines the Nation of Islam as a social movement and tests whether its traditions and roots are really found in traditional Islam.
From the Paper "The presence of God (Allah) is another and maybe the most critical difference between the Nation of Islam and traditional Muslims. The Nation of Islam was founded in the 1930's by a man named W. Fard Muhammad. Fard Muhammad believed he was sent to wake ?the black nation to the full range of the black man's possibilities in a world temporarily dominated by the blue eyed devils.?(5) It is the Nation of Islam who has since said, ? We Believe that Allah appeared in the Person of Master W. Fard Muhammad, July, 1930; the long awaited "Messiah" of the Christians and the "Mahdi" of the Muslims.?(6) Fard Muhammad taught that the African American culture was unique and separate from that of ?the Caucasian devils.?(7)
Abstract This paper explains the author's interpretation of a passage from Peter regarding the role of women as influenced by scholarly, peer reviewed writings.
From the Paper "In modern America we have a wealth of opportunity to study the Bible. Dozens of translations greet us at the bookstore, commentaries flood our shelves, Bible studies abound. Yet amidst these great resources we often see the Biblical passages as nothing more than a cacophony and would tear many of the harder ones out if we could. 1 Peter 3:1-5 is such a passage. It does not tell us something that we often like to hear. As it is read over, one might even get mental pictures of a feminist group picketing outside Peter's office, or maybe a group of disgruntled macho men bellowing, ?Yeah Buddy!? With words like ?submission,? and commands like "Don"t adorn yourself?.? It is very easy to miss the meaning that Peter was trying to convey. "
The paper discusses Darwin's self-proclamation of being the "murderer of God". It examines how Darwin forever altered the widespread belief of traditional Christianity that existed before the publication of his theories.
1,030 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 36.95
Abstract This paper looks at the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin, and his most notable works, The Origin of the Species and The Descent of Man. The author examines how Darwin's theories were viewed by the church, the scientific community, and society in general. The paper discusses how the theory of evolution jarred the world, drastically changing people's views of God and creation.
From the Paper "Prior to Charles Darwin's publication of his novel, The Origin of Species, most people believed in some form of biblical creationism. The Origin of Species was published in 1859, containing theories of evolution and natural selection that were foundationally incompatible with many of the beliefs of the Church. Darwin was later quoted to have said that he "didn"t intend to murder God?, Small. However he did so in a sense?he forever altered the widespread belief of traditional Christianity that existed before the publication of his discoveries."
Abstract This three-page paper discusses many observances of the Jewish Faith. The author explores prayer, weekly Sabbath, music, birth, death, marriage and many other things observed in the faith.
From the Paper "The Jewish Faith has many observances. Some of these are common knowledge while others are not. With prayers, holidays, and other observances the Faith is an intricate weaving of rituals and traditions that continue to serve the followers of the religion.
One of the most important observances of the Jewish Faith is the observance of the Sabbath. The Sabbath or Shabbat as it is called in Hebrew is considered the best known and least understood Jewish observance. It is considered a day of joy and relaxation (Sabbath http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htm)."
Abstract This paper compares engraver Albrecht Durer's 16th-century visual representation of Adam and Eve as an example of of gender roles in the Bible with the text of the creation story as told in Genesis.
From the Paper "Through its dual account of the creation of Eve, the Bible reflects the conflicting nature of society's perception of woman. On one hand, she is man's equal partner, his wife and the mother of his children. On the other, she is secondary to him, inferior in both mind and body. In addition to its occurrence in Biblical literature, evidence of this dual nature of womanhood can be found in our culture's visual history. By studying various artists? renditions of scenes from Genesis, it is apparent that there are two perceptions of Eve that correspond to the double nature of women: equal and non-equal. D"rer's Adam and Eve is rife with these examples of dichotomy. In his engraving, D"rer depicts the couple in the Garden of Eden the moment before Eve accepts the apple from the serpent. Whereas certain aspects of the composition point out the physical similarities between Adam and Eve, there are also hints at an implicit hierarchy between the genders. This mixture of equality and inequality underlines the conflict in Genesis: while the likeness between Adam and Eve is reminiscent of the first, simultaneous creation story, their differences reflect the gender asymmetry that characterizes the second creation myth."
Abstract This paper presents a look at the religious foundations in Leslie Silko's book, "Ceremony". The author uses "The Sacred Quest" by Lawrence Cunningham and the film "Ishi: The Last Yahi" to support the argument for the religious foundation in Ceremony. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of "Ceremony's" main character, Tayo.
From the Paper "As we go through life we draw our strength from different sources. Many people draw their strength from their religious beliefs and they are not even aware they are doing it. As they travel they tend to get away from the things they were taught as children and for a while they may seem lost and confused spiritually. After awhile though, most people come back to their spiritual roots and draw strength from them in time of need. The book Ceremony by Leslie Silko is a story that is founded in religious strength. It appears to be a side bar until one really begins to analyze the story and understand the meaning within the words. Once that is accomplished the spiritual strength of the story characters cannot be denied. The religious foundation of Ceremony is a study in strength from within and deeply imbedded."
Tags: tayo, war, native, american, spiritual, sacred, quest, ishi, yahi
Abstract This paper looks at Eugene O?Neil's classic drama, "Desire Under the Elms" and allusions that are made to the Bible. The author pays close attention to the significance of Ephraim Cabot's name and his connection to the land, the similarities between Jacob and Eben in their attempt to secure their birthright, and a perversion of the Adam/Eve account in the relationship between Eben and Abbie.
From the Paper "While most critics will attribute O"Neil"s? styling to that of Greek tragedy, I feel that in many cases we can see that it goes back much further. Although he never professed a need for a "god" within his life, it is quite obvious that he often times chose to draw upon many of the tragedies found within the pages of the Bible for his inspiration. His repeated consideration of godlike figureheads was perhaps a means by which he attempted to come to a better understanding of the plague of the human condition. O?Neil once said, ?Obsessed by a fairy tale, we spend our lives searching for a magic door and a lost kingdom of peace.? Since his life was for the most part devoid of peace, much of his writing ended up being somewhat cathartic in nature. It is no surprise then that the Bible, which has always addressed the age old questions and concerns of man, figures so highly in much of his work."
Tags: 20th, bedford, century, drama, eugene, o'neil, eben, abbie, ephraim, eden
An account of the witchtrials in Salem, examining the background, the hysteria, and three individuals- Sarah Good, Bridget Bishop, and Rebecca Nurse, who were tried and hanged for witchcraft.
2,875 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 85.95
Abstract This paper provides an in-depth look at the witch-hunt hysteria that overtook the village of Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century. The author discusses the rigid Puritan lifestyle, class systems, possible motivations behind the witch hunting, and the well-known story that started the anarchy, that of the Reverend Parris' household, plagued by suspicion of the occult.
From the Paper "In the late 17th century, the lion quietly walked among the inhabitants of Salem , Massachusetts . Zealously obedient to this admonishment from the apostle Peter, the pious folk of New England searched their souls ? and those of their neighbors ? for even the slightest stain. These Puritan's believed it was their objective to stare down that lion, until Judgment Day saw him vanquished. In the spring and summer of 1692, that great lion roared, and brought with it devastation that tore Salem apart. Nineteen men and women, all having been tried, and convicted of witchcraft, were carted to Gallows Hill, a barren slope on the outskirts of Salem Village , for hanging. Hundreds of others were arrested and imprisoned on witchcraft charges. Dozens languished in jail for months without trials. Then, almost as soon as it had begun, the hysteria that swept through Puritan Massachusetts ended."
Abstract This paper explores the great parity the exists amongst Ireland's Protestants and Catholics. The author looks at the religious, social and political conflict that existed and still exists between these two communities and how this may be resolved in the future.
From the Paper "During the 12th Century, King Henry II of England attempted to annex Ireland to his kingdom. He was only able to control a small area around Dublin, but over the next 4 centuries, the English culture expanded throughout the island, despite resistance from the inhabitants, who between themselves also fought control of the land."
Tags: religion, minority, majority, ritual, tradition, belief, British
Abstract This paper takes a look at Francois Rabelais' life and how his upbringing influenced his work. The work examined in this paper is "Gargantua and Pantagruel". Firstly a description of his upbringing in a historical context is provided and then a concise look at the novel. The characters are analyzed and contrasted.
From the paper:
"Because to laugh is proper to the man.? ? Francois Rabelais.
Francois Rabelais was a satirist. Throughout his life, he was bombarded with Christian ideals and ideas, yet his works certainly ridicule many aspects of the Christian faith. Francois Rabelais was born in 1483 at Chinon in Touraine. This date, as well as many other details of his life, is in dispute by scholars all over the world. Some researchers believe that his father was an apothecary while others believe that Rabelais? father was an innkeeper. Francois began his studies with the Benedictines but eventually joined the Franciscans where he stayed fifteen years and received his Holy Orders. He later found the convent was against the studies of the Renaissance that he favoured, so with permission from the Pope, he left it. At his new convent home he continued his study of medicine in 1530. By the following year, he was a professor of anatomy at Lyons as well as head physician at Pont-du-Rhone hospital. During his time as head physician, he fathered a child that died young. In 1534 he began his time with Cardinal du Bellay as a physician. He received an indult from Pope Paul III that allowed him to practice medicine and absolved him from his former infraction of fathering a child while in the priesthood."
Abstract This paper analyzes the philosophical work of Soren Kierkegaard called Fear and Trembling. It is an analysis of stories in the Bible on a personal understanding basis. The main focus of the work is on Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac.
From the paper:
"Soren Kierkegaard calls his philosophical treatise Fear and Trembling ?a dialectical lyric.? The author first retells and then reflects upon the story of Abraham's thwarted sacrifice of his son Isaac. He retells, then reinterprets the tale to offer the reader his definition of faith and ?the moment of infinite resignation,? a concept that is both integral to his conception of faith yet utterly separate in its nature, he asserts, from faith."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth discussion regarding the Church's position on politics. The author covers such issues as school prayer, evolution, abortion, censorship, euthanasia, the Democratic Party, and the separation between church and state.
From the paper:
"Christians have had a lock on education and government for a very long time, and they are reeling from the strides society has made away from myth and fantasy. They are ill equipped to handle their loss of power, because they have never had to deal with such a situation in their recent history."
"Christianity could not survive politically without support from a major political party, of which there are two. Irrespective of which political party Christians had allied themselves to; it would still have to compromise its beliefs. If they had chosen the Democratic Party, Christians would have had to accept a political platform that was open to homosexuals and women's liberation. The Democratic Party is also a party that is for religious freedom of choice, this to be expected from liberal organizations. The Democratic Party also has a liberal stand on censorship, which is in direct opposition to the Christian fundamentalist social agenda. For these reasons, and many others, the Christians kept shopping for a political home."
