From the Paper Paul E. Johnson and Sean Wilentz in their book The Kingdom of Matthias write about a historical event that may not be well-known to most Americans. They tell the story of the self-proclaimed prophet Matthias and the "kingdom" he created based on his religious beliefs, related to the Second Great Awakening of religious fervor in American history. This nineteenth-century movement had numerous effects, including the creation of a variety of new cults and movements, such as that of them Mormons. Matthias lived in the first half of the nineteenth century as the United States was beginning to move away culturally from European roots and to build a uniquely American society. The book by Johnson and Wilentz details the nature of the man who led the movement, the nature of his followers, and the reaction of American society to his attempts to create a kingdom of his own..."
From the Paper " James A. Michener, in his epic novel The Source, has written a history of the Jews from their genesis to the creation of Israel in 1948. Michener shapes this history into the form of a novel by anchoring the past with the present through the work and relationships of a group of archaeologists on a dig in 1964 in a fictional region of what is today Israel.
Michener grounds the story in this dig and in the changing eras which are represented by the finds on the dig. Through this method, Michener creates intrigue and tension among the archaeologists, in personal, professional, political and religious terms. The fact that the archaeologists live in the modern era allows them, and the author, to comment on, and argue about, the significance of the events which make up the history and evolution of the Jewish people."
Abstract "William James' Varieties of Religious Experience is a series of lectures the great psychologist delivered in 1901-1902 on the subject of the existential phenomena of religious experience. James notes that as a psychologist he is not prepared to investigate religion from an anthropological or historical perspective.
From the Paper "William James' Varieties of Religious Experience is a series of lectures the great psychologist delivered in 1901-1902 on the subject of the existential phenomena of religious experience. James notes that as a psychologist he is not prepared to investigate religion from an anthropological or historical perspective. He comes to it instead as one who is interested in everything that pertains to man's "mental constitution" and assumes that "the religious propensities" would not be any less interesting than other phenomena of that type (4). James' source material for his investigation is the writings of individuals whose spiritual lives have been recorded. These exceptional religious people are those for whom, unlike the "ordinary religious believer, who follows the conventional observances of his country," religion is not habitual but exists "as an acute ..."
Abstract This paper examines sixteenth century theologist and philosopher, Martin Luther's monastical life, his studies, writings and the impact of his "Ninety-Five Theses" on the Protestant Reformation. The paper shows that from his ideas developed four new religious denominations.
From the Paper "In the year of 1517, the Roman Popes saw the Catholic Church as the strongest institution in Christendom and a significant influence in both public and private life. Even with its many imperfections, the Catholic Church was still seen as a powerful institution. At the time, it was evident that the Catholic Church needed many changes, but it failed to do so from within. Because the Church could not reform itself from the inside, an Augustinian monk named Martin Luther reformed it from the outside."
A letter written to the Roman Emperor Diocletian, on the various aspects and causes for the rise of the Christian religion in light of the book, "The Rise of Christianity" by Rodney Starks.
Abstract The letter explains that the reasons for the continued success of the Christian religion in the Roman empire lies in its policies of tolerating alien gods, the belief and practice of martyrs which strengthened the Christian religion, and the willingness of the elite, the educated and the general masses in accepting the Christian religion.
From the Paper "My dear Emperor, another reason for the speedy rise and growth of Christianity amongst the Romans is our belief in many gods, and their strong belief in one god, also termed as Monotheism. As you are well aware, that Roman Pagan religion does accept the presence of a dominant god, yet, the presence of other gods makes our religion polytheism, and it is here where our true conflict begins."
Compares scientific & Biblical views on the beginning of the world & life. Discusses Big Bang theory, Genesis, verification, cause-effect issue, philosophy and proofs of God.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, 1989, $ 47.95
From the Paper "This essay concentrates on the relationship between the scriptural and scientific views of creation and their implications. The position taken is that there is a balance between the Big Bang theory of creation and the opening sentences of Genesis: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light" (Genesis 1:1-3).
According to the Big Bang theory, the event that began this universe took place some twenty billion years ago. All the matter and energy now in the universe were condensed into a mathematical point with perhaps no dimensions at all. Then there was a cosmic explosion, and the universe began an expansion which (...)"
Discusses religion's philosophy, history & development, family life, practices, blood transfusions, membership requirements, founders and end of the world predictions.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 5 sources, 1989, $ 79.95
From the Paper "This study will provide an examination of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The study will include consideration of the religion's philosophy, its history and development, family life, religious practices, beliefs and practices regarding blood transfusions, and other related aspects of the religion.
Even the quickest glance at the literature on religion, particularly the religions of the United States, will reveal to the reader that Jehovah's Witnesses are members of a truly unique religion.
In the first Place, the Witnesses are the only religion known best for its proselytizing door-to-door. As Whalen writes, "Chances are at least three people call at your home year after year: the tax assessor, the Fuller Brush man, and a Witness of Jehovah. The Witness considers his 'product' far more important (...)"
From the Paper "Thomas Aquinas wrote the Summa Theologica between 1265 and 1273. The third article of the Summa attempts to demonstrate in a rational manner the existence of God. The article consists of five short, almost cursory proofs, totalling less than three pages, and yet it remains one of the most influential pieces of scholastic theology ever written. Aquinas' general method was to try to show how God can be known from his effects, i.e. the world around us, and he limited himself, by and large, to arguments based on reason rather than revelation.
The Five Ways, as they have come to be called, are grounded in Aristotle's Metaphysics. Aquinas' mentor, Albert the Great, was one of the first scholars to put pagan philosophy to work in the service of Catholic theology and Aquinas carried this approach on to its zenith. It has been argued that ... "
From the Paper "Saint Augustine bases his beliefs concerning sin on theological considerations. This has to be the situation because sin is an act in thought, word, or deed that goes against God. Ultimately, the sin is offensive to God due to the fact that sin separates the human spirit from the Divine. Because God is Love, sin removes humankind from that Love, a condition most undesirable. Saint Augustine says: "Hear me, God. Alas for man's sin. So says man and you pity him; for you made him, but you did not make sin in him" (Confessions 23). Humankind has made sin, not God. Sin is part of the theology of Christianity, and Saint Augustine's approach is to view theology as a way to deal with sin.
When Saint Augustine discusses sin, he frequently reaches ... "
From the Paper "Introduction
This essay is concerned with the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel According to John. The importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives is particularly evident in John, and it is one of the major themes of this Gospel. Whenever the Holy Spirit enters into our lives, it is as if Jesus Christ or the Son is once again dwelling among us. The relationship of the human and the Divine can be seen by way of the Ministry of the Holy Spirit. No earthly person can ever hope to overcome the forces of evil alone; consequently, it is God, through the Holy Spirit, who helps to guide us through the labyrinth of temptations and leads us into the Kingdom of Heaven. This is really what John's Gospel is all about.
John's Gospel is often known as the "Spiritual Gospel," and..."
Abstract Early Christian art rarely tries to represent reality as is. This art is characterized by religious symbolism and its purpose is to portray the spiritual world, rather than depict three-dimensional figures. The paper examines how the beliefs of early Christians were reflected in their art. Originally, pagan art contained gods and heroes, but in their place emerged the Christian figures who dominated art for nearly a thousand years. The paper explores how these religious messages were depicted through images of golden halos, in architectural designs, miniature scriptures and supernatural symbols.
From the Paper "In early Christian art there are often personifications of the sun and moon, which were drawn from pagan imagery, but also came to represent the relationship between the old testament (the moon), which could only be understood in light of the new testament (the sun). Art often focused on the supernatural, and the paintings were rich in symbolic meaning. Radiant colors, suspended angels, and detailed symbols were the motifs used to represent the supernatural. Many early Christian masters were monks and craftsmen. In AD 533, reincarnation was declared a heresy by the Council of Constantinople; before then, reincarnation could be depicted in art as well."
Tags: Christ, Muiredach, Cross, nativity, crucifixion, God
Abstract The author states that Judaism, Christianity and Islam are the three main monotheistic religions in the contemporary world. This paper discusses that they have several general characteristics in common: a holy book of scripture and a person or persons through whom divinity was revealed in these scriptures.
From the Paper "The roots of Christianity are entrenched in the Jewish tradition. It is with the New Testament and the coming of Jesus that this religion differs from Judaism. In Christianity, like in Judaism, there are revelations concerning the truths of the religion itself, as well as those concerning the future. These revelations also are made through the mouths of many. In the New Testament, Jesus himself at first and then later the apostles, are the revelators of the will of God to Christians."
Abstract Pope John XXIII was a supposed to be a transitional pope, but instead he became one of the most influencial popes in the history of the Church. He called the important and famous Second Vatican Council with the main emphasis being on 'aggiornamento', which means 'an updating.' This paper discusses the need for an updating within the Church, and also the role that updating played in the Church.
From the Paper "Pope John XXIII was elected to be a transitional pope; he was seventy-six years old when he was elected to the position. He had succeeded Pope Pius XII, a man whom was considered by some to be a Nazi-sympathizer because of his silence during the Holocaust. John XXIII was seen as a frail, old man, so it was much to everyone's surprise when he called for a Second Vatican Council. John XXIII made the announcement on January 25, 1959, but he remained very vague about his intentions of the council. He made the announcement after a Christian-unity celebration in St. Paul's Basilica. (1) After his announcement, Catholics understood his plans as calling for a council of unity; John XXIII assured them that it wouldn?t be a council of unity, but rather a council that would serve the cause of unity. One of the long-term goals would be Christian unity. Another point that was made was the council might represent a new beginning for the Catholic Church."
Abstract Compares and contrasts the three religions. Their origins and basic beliefs. Idea of suffering. Hinduism's vision of existence. Belief in reincarnation of the two Eastern religions. Christian belief that individuals have one life on earth and eternal existence. Monotheism of Christianity. Many gods of Hinduism. Godhead of Buddhism.
From the Paper This study will compare and contrast Christianity, Hinduism,
and Buddhism, focusing on their origins and basic beliefs as
presented in the historical context of The Heritage of World
Civilizations, by Albert Craig, et al. In general, Hinduism and
Buddhism, religions of the East, are more similar to one another
than to Christianity, a religion of the West. Both Hinduism and
Buddhism are much older historically than Christianity, while
Christianity, unlike the other two, is monotheistic. Both the
Eastern religions believe in reincarnation, while Christianity
holds that the individual has one earthly life and thereafter
experiences an eternal existence in either hell or heaven.
Hinduism is the major religion of India, traceable to "the
second millennium before our common era." Craig adds that today
the term Hinduism "has become a catchall term used for all the
Abstract Compares and contrasts two different Buddhist paths to enlightenment. The Mahayana and the Theravada. Geographical location of each branch. Ciety belief of the Mayayana present in the three Bodies (Forms) of Buddha. Theravada notion of revering the "Awakened one" as a supreme sage and model. Approaches to salvation.
From the Paper "Buddhism is a belief system that has been around since around the 6th century B.C. and most Buddhists today still hold to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path that the Buddha is said to have taught back then, along with his concept of the middle path, or moderation in all things. Several different branches of Buddhism have developed since then, however, with Buddhists primarily following two different paths to enlightenment. The two main branches of Buddhism currently in existence are the Mahayana and the Theravada.
The Mahayana sect is otherwise known as the Greater Vehicle or Northern Buddhism. The Mahayana Buddhists are based mostly in China, Korea, Japan and Tibet. The Theravada, the other main path, is also known as the Smaller ..."
