Abstract This paper looks at how difficult it was for the Romans to accept the Christian religion and how they gradually tried to suppress it and how Christianity was still able to spread throughout the world. It includes specific historical dates, events, places and people such as Alexander the Great, the Jewish states, persecutions during Jesus? ministry, Herod the Great and Pontius Pilate, and Nero, the emperor of Rome trying to rid the empire of Christianity. The paper concludes by talking about Constantine and how he proclaimed the Edict Toleration.
From the Paper "The Christian religion was hard for the Romans to accept at first. A historical person had conquered death and promised a blessed afterlife to all who believed in him. The new faith demanded that every believer practice love and justice in new communities made up of Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female, rich and poor, educated and ignorant. Christians had no temples or other holy places, no priests, no ordinary sacrifices, no oracles, or any visible gods. They had no initiations; they made no pilgrimages, did not practice divination, would not venerate the emperor, and challenged the final authority of the father (or oldest male) in family life. Christians were accused of being atheists who undermined traditional society."
Abstract This paper analyzes enforcement measures of religious practices in schools and their relevance. Included us a description of important decisions about issues such as prayers and a look at how this effects students.
From the Paper "Our nation was founded on the beliefs of the Christian religion. This is apparent in the constitution, pledge of allegiance, and all of our monetary units. Although this was the case when the nation was founded, our society has changed in many ways. We are no longer a single religion society, but rather a diverse community of many backgrounds and religions. "
This paper discusses the role of religion in science since the time of Newton. The author discusses their roles in society over the past few hundred years and how they are deeply entwined, even while holding opposing views.
1,395 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 46.95
Abstract This paper looks at the history of science and how it links with religious beliefs. The author discusses the works of Sir Isaac Newton, Descartes, Galileo, Kepler, Darwin, Einstein, how their discoveries were looked upon by religious institutions and by society, starting during the early Renaissance up until modern times.
From the Paper " The gap between science and religion is one that has been claimed for many years. Often times, this misconception of the relationship of science and religion is created by subjective views of history. While it does hold some historical accuracy, it is not necessarily the whole truth. In actuality, the roles of science and religion in society over the past few hundred years have been proven deeply entwined, even when holding opposing views."
The paper compares and contrasts two versions of Mary with Child mosaics styles. The author pays special attention to historical and cultural influences on their artistic styles.
1,280 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 43.95
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts two mosaics depicting Mary and Jesus-one medieval, the other Byzantine. The author discusses their stylistic differences, the severity and stoicism versus warmness and emotion, and examines Christianity as seen through religious art in both societies.
From the Paper "The Medieval era produced many important art pieces ? many of which contained reference to religious figures. Because religion did, in fact, play such an important role in everyday life, religious art abounded throughout Europe . However, depending upon the area of the continent and which religion its inhabitants believed in, artists portrayed similar religious scenes in varying ways. In particular, Byzantine and Medieval pieces contained identical figures or scenes portrayed in very different ways due to the respective religion's influence on the artist. Comparison of two mosaics depicting Virgin and Child will show fundamental stylistic differences between Byzantine and Medieval art."
Abstract This paper discusses the perception of death of different religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.
From the Paper "Opinions of the number of religions in the world today depends partly on how they are counted, as each of the major religions has sub-groups, some of which have distinctively different beliefs. This paper will look broadly at how five different major religious view death: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism. The comments made should be taken generally, as it would not be possible to accurately cover how beliefs vary within the many branches of these religions in a four-page paper. However, all of these religions have beliefs about death. Some religions share some features, but there are also differences."
Tags: beliefs, reincarnation, karma, resurrection, judgment, God
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of environment in Hindu culture in religion. Hinduism lays immense stress on the protection of the environment, which they feel is an integral a part of man, and casts its influence on human beings. Therefore they preach protection of the ecology that includes everything from trees and groves to wild animals and birds.
From the Paper "The nature and environment have immense importance in the Hindu religion and man is advised not to tamper with the ecological balance as it plays a great role in man's life. No religion of the world stresses as much importance on the preservation of the environment as Hinduism does. The Mahabharata, Ramayana, Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad, Gita, Puranas and Smriti are all holy books of this religion and they contain messages regarding the significance of ecology and environment in the life of man."
Abstract This paper compares the heroic traits and flaws of Moses and Achilles of "The Iliad". The author discusses the patterns of a heroic figure, how he possesses an immense sense of honor, and powers superior to those of ordinary men and displays them courageously, at the risk of his own life but to the advantage of others. The paper also examines the hero's suffering and death.
From the Paper "The hero was believed to perform his extraordinary deeds because one of his parents had been a god or goddess, or he had been infused in infancy with a special or divine grace. Achilles was practically invulnerable as a fighter. His mother, Thetis, a goddess, dipped him in the Styx River , making him immortal everywhere except the heel. Heroes may be abandoned at birth. When Moses was born, he was hidden for three months and then cast onto a river, where Pharaoh's daughter found him. God arranged for Moses to be raised and educated as a son of Pharaoh's daughter. Legends say that Moses could speak as soon as he was born. It is also said that he attained full stature within a few days. The hero's physical development is often portrayed as being extraordinary."
Abstract This paper examines the controversial topic of abortion. The author discusses how the U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade sparked a great deal of debate over the issue, and the formation of many interest groups including religious pro-life groups such as Priests for Life. The paper also looks at the societal reasons behind abortion.
From the Paper "The debate over abortion was started way before Roe V. Wade, but has never seen intensity like it has in today's society. With the increase of interest groups the social movement of abortion moves on still today. There may be no neutral answer or compromise to the abortion debate, but with the help of well-run and well-intentioned interest groups society can come to a peaceful understanding of abortion."
Abstract This paper analyzes sibling rivalry relationships from two perspectives of analysis ? structuralism and by emphasizing the importance of the concept of sacrifice, drawing on the relationships of Jacob and Esau, Cain and Abel and Leah and Rachael, taken from the "Book of Genesis".
From the paper:
"One of the predominant themes in the Book of Genesis is that of sibling rivalry: We see in the pairs of Jacob and Esau, Cain and Abel and Leah and Rachel a series of oppositions presented to us in the form of these sibling relationships. This paper analyzes those relationships from two different perspectives. The first of these is the Structuralist one, which allows us to see these sibling relationships within the broader context of sacred and folk writings in a number of cultures and the second is within the framework of sacrifice as the ancient Jews understood this concept."
Abstract This paper compares the religion of Buddhism to the practice of psychoanalysis and claims that these two practices are the only way in which to live a fulfilled life. It surveys the main principles of the religion and gives examples of how these can improve one's life.
From the paper:
"Buddhism has been described as a very pragmatic religion. It does not indulge in metaphysical speculation about first causes; there is no theology, no worship of a deity or deification of the Buddha. Buddhism takes a very straightforward look at our human condition; nothing is based on wishful thinking. Everything that the Buddha taught was based on his own observations of the way things were. Unlike Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any other mono (or even poly) theistic religion, everything taught in Buddhism can be verified by our own observation of the way things are in reality. This principle not only embodies the connection between Buddhism to psychoanalysis, but clearly proves why these two practices are just about the only two that will allow us to fully live our lives. "
Abstract This paper describes in detail both polygyny and polyandry all over the world. The topics covered include an in-depth look polygamous practices of African tribes, tribes of New Zealand, Mormon groups of Utah, citizens of Tibet and Nepal, and more. The paper also includes the influence of Catholicism, Christianity, Mormonism, and Islam on the practice of polygamy.
From the paper:
"Polygamy is made up of polygyny and polyandry. Polygyny can be loosely described as a man having more than one wife, and polyandry is a woman having more than one husband. Polygamy is in more individual societies than monogamous relationships, but far more people ascribe to monogamy than polygamy. As Pettitt explains, "Polyandryous marriages or polygynous marriages are found in many parts of the world. In fact, one study discovered that among 475 different societies, 378 were basically polygynous, 31 approved of polyandry, and only 66 were basically monogamous. The most populous countries are monogamous, and this form of marriage is therefore accepted by far the greatest number of people" (64). One reason for polygamy is made clear by Pettitt, "Men accept the idea of sharing a wife, just as a women accept the idea of sharing a husband, provided that this is a socially sanctioned form of marriage contract" (64)."
Abstract This paper examines Hawthorne's own life and Puritanical beliefs exhibited in his novel ?Young Goodman Brown.? It provides detailed biographical information on the author's life and analyzes the faith and nature of his religious perspective. The paper is loaded with quotes from the novel in support of analytical literary assessments.
From the Paper "Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem Massachusetts on July 4, 1804. Hawthorne had two sisters, Elizabeth and Louisa. He grew up with great access to the classics of English literature, as he injured his foot at age nine and couldn"t play outside for two years. In 1808, his father passed away, and in 1816, his family moved to Raymond, Maine, in a house on Lake Sebago. This provided Hawthorne with much solitude, which he cherished, for three years (Martin 5). In 1819, his mother sent him back to Salem to go to school. It was at this time that he began to write poetry. He also became a bookkeeper for his Uncle William. Hawthorne entered Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Mass., in 1821, and was the first of his family to attend college. He didn"t know what he wanted to be, however."
Abstract The paper explains the difference between a Christian wedding and a Pakistani wedding, both in production and in approach. The paper describes the different rituals and customs that take place before and during the wedding, defining key terms and comparing the traditional symbolism of the institution of marriage.
From the Paper "Pakistani Weddings are an elaborate affair that starts weeks before the actual date. Many traditional customs have to be completed and these customs involve the whole family . Grandmothers, uncles, aunts, parents and a hoard of other relatives take part in the wedding from both sides and it is considered an insult if anyone is forgotten. Weddings are a time when past disputes are forgotten and new ones are made! They are a time of happiness and a time when people's nerves stretched to the extreme. The difference between a Catholic wedding and a Pakistani wedding is not only in its presentation but also in its whole way of thinking. The Catholic wedding is the decision of the bride and groom-essentially and the family helping. In the Pakistani wedding the bride and groom become the onlookers while the family takes all the decisions. While the Catholic wedding is relatively simple the Pakistani wedding is an all out affair that is exotic in presentation."
Abstract This paper is a detailed look at the treatment of women in the three major religions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The author discusses the inequalities that females face, from the slightest to the extreme. The paper looks at the religious texts that guide both men and women, the Torah and the Koran, and also discusses female dress, conduct, modesty and the abuse that women face at the hands of men.
From the Paper "The role of women in organized religion has been an issue of discussion and debate for many years. It gained significant attention as the "women's rights" movement gathered momentum, and it has been fueled further by recent global events. After the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, interest in religious practices in Afghanistan gathered a lot of attention. That is because the recently deposed Taliban government had extremely harsh restrictions on virtually every aspects of an Afghan woman's life. While most people realized that the Taliban held an extremely distorted view of what the life of a Moslem woman should be, many people didn?t know what a more reasonable interpretation of women's role would be within Islam. In addition, little mention was given in the media to the role of women in other major religions."
Abstract This paper examines a few art forms and details the influence of religion and the Bible on them. Dante and Chaucer's literature is mentioned, and examined for its use of deity and religion. Many Italian artists are mentioned regarding the way they used the Church as a showroom for their talent.
From the Paper "Around 500 AD, western civilization began to emerge from the period generally known as "The Dark Ages", the time when invading hordes of Vandals, Huns, and Visigoths overran Europe and brought an end to the Roman Empire. For the next centuries, the newly emerging Christian Church would dominate Europe, administrating Justice, instigating Holy Crusades against the east, establishing Universities and generally dictated the destiny of music, art and literature. From the Crusades and other sources the Europeans came in contact with the Arab culture, which has preserved the works of Greek authors, whose writings did not survived in the Europe. Philosophy, science and mathematics from the Hellenistic period were assimilated into the tenets of the Christian faith and the prevailing philosophy of Scholasticism. St. Thomas Aquinas to the Christian doctrine adopted Aristotle, who was long considered to be a heretic. Christian values dominated the scholarship and literature, especially the Medieval Latin literature, the influence of Christian faith was also dominated in the German literature and Middle English literature ."
