Abstract This paper talks about the rise of spirit possession of modern factory workers in Malaysia. The paper first discusses the Malaysian economy and its agriculture history. The paper then gives an in-depth view of Malaysia's culture and values, linking the increase of spirit possession to the progress of capitalism and industrialization of the country, as a form of conflict management in reaction to the obtrusive capitalists industries.
From the Paper "This is a large step in changing the face of the Malaysian economy and social structure, as now it placed a definite division between the rich and poor as many found it difficult to obtain land ownership, giving rise to the peasant status among many Malay. This also changed the availability to grow certain crops, which required a large amount of land and manpower; such crops were now only availably grown on larger plantations. This again stratified Malaysian society even further, and pushed them further from their natural way of life, which as we will see later is a prime cause of discontent and spirit possession among female Malay factory workers."
Tags:spirit possession, Malaysia, industralization, capitalism
Abstract This paper analyzes the poem which reflects on the horror and destruction of the terrorist attack on New York's Twin Towers. The paper describes this haiku poem's strong imagery of the attack and eloquent use of the symbols of American culture to represent the American spirit.
From the Paper "The central theme is a search for meaning within the tragedy of September 11. The "spirits of the towers" are not only the ghostly remembrances of the buildings themselves, but also the actual spirits of the many people who died there. In a larger sense, the ghosts of the people and of the buildings become part of the American spirit, in the same sense that we use the phrase ?the spirit of 76?."
Tags: September, 11, 9/11, 911, sept, buildings, peotry, peom, spirits, ghost, american, usa, new, york, city, nyc, twin, towers, haikus
Abstract This paper traces the history, origins, and traditions of Santeria. The influence that Christianity and Yoruba traditions had on Santeria is described, and the manner in which they were incorporated into the Santeria religion, known as syncretism, is explained in detail. Finally, the paper traces the origins and philosophy of Spiritism and explains its influence on Santeria.
From the Paper "Santeria and its Puerto Rican variant, often referred to as La Mesa Blanca, are both extremely unusually and intriguing religions. Santeria descends from various traditional religious practices associated with the Yoruba region and peoples of Africa. The Yoruba religion was transferred to Cuba during the European trade in African slaves during the colonial period, as many of the slaves came from this African region. Although many of the most salient aspects of the source religion of the Yoruba are preserved in Santeria, it has also developed into its own and unique tradition. The uniqueness of Santeria is largely due to the syncretism, or mixing, of Santeria with other religious practices. The most famous syncretic combination in Santeria is that between the Yoruba tradition and Christianity, specifically the Catholic tradition. In this practice, santeros conflated the traditional Gods, known as the Orishas, with the Catholic saints."
Abstract This paper presents a review of the film "The House of the Spirits," based on Isabel Allende's novel, from a political perspective. It takes the view that the film is a critique of the inevitability of fascism in Latin America, and the flawed social assumptions of its elites.
From the Paper "Anyone who views The House of the Spirits without specific knowledge of the political evolution of Latin America over the course of the the century would perhaps find it totally unbelievable. However the observation that Latin America's democratic opening has ..."
Abstract This paper considers the treatment of sexuality in Lydia Child's short story, "She Waits in the Spirit Land." The story is an exploration of love between two young Indians.
From the Paper "In her short story She Waits in the Spirit Land, Lydia Maria Child explores the love between two young Indians. Though the couple is not married in an official sense they are deeply committed to one another and clearly enjoy the sexual aspect of their ..."
Abstract This paper analyzes the way in which women are portrayed in Allende's "The House of Spirits." Specifically the paper examines magic realism and the discussion of female power and autonomy in the lives of the women characters.
From the Paper "Isabel Allende's novel "The House of Spirits" is best known as a journey into a world of magical realism. However, it is important to note Allende's other mission within the narrative, namely a discussion of female power and autonomy in the lives of her characters. In fact the way in which women are portrayed in "The House of Spirits" relates plainly to one of the novel's key themes and allows Allende to articulate an interesting point about the rights of women within a patriarchal society."
Abstract The paper looks at the tradition of spirit possession in a number of different religious traditions, including Brazilian Condomble and Umbanda, as well as several branches of Christianity, such as Catholicism and Pentecostals. The paper emphasizes the idea that these possession religions are egalitarian, and do not discriminate based on financial, social or gender status.
From the Paper "What is it to be possessed? The term is used in jest and in fear, but does it really exist? If so, where, when, why, and to whom does it happen? There are many answers to these questions, almost as many as there are cultures that have ever existed on the earth, for there is evidence that many cultures throughout the world have practiced forms of ritual magic and shamanism that often include elements of possession (Eliade 5). In addition to being cross-cultural, the phenomenon of spirit possession is not limited by any gender, social or economic status boundaries. By looking at a number of examples of magical and ritual experience that are or could be considered "possession," this will become abundantly clear. What is possession? Most people have some sort of mental association with this term, frequently images from horror films or occult texts..."
Abstract This paper analyzes Chester Finn's article "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Test?", which concerns national education testing. It explores Finn's view that national educational testing is the solution to the problems confronting education today.
From the Paper "Chester E Finn Jr has written an article that supports establishing national testing standards for schools. This is not a balanced article that considers the advantages and disadvantages of the issue and ..."
Tags: education, big bad test, finn, national, education, testing
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at how the unholy trinity and the Holy Trinity are related in "Paradise Lost" by John Milton. The essay defines the hierarchy of God, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It also discusses the origin of Satan, Sin and Death. The author also includes supporting quotes from the text.
From the Paper "You can be sure if the FOX television network could get there hands on a few angels, they would do everything in their power to try and publicly corrupt them on some morally reprehensible reality show. Fortunately for us, reality television was not yet invented when John Milton wrote Paradise Lost. Milton's work details the fall of Satan, the creation of hell, the advent of mankind and the origin of sin. The story is largely based on the depictions found in the bible. The central theme of the tale is the conflict between good and evil. Good is represented by the holy trinity. The holy trinity consists of God, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Evil is represented by the unholy trinity of Satan, Sin and Death. The forces of good and evil collide both overtly and covertly throughout the story. It is important to note that both sides of this supernatural war have their own strengths and weaknesses. What is more important is that both the unholy trinity and the holy trinity are dependant on each other in order for the entire story to reach mirror the ending that is found in the bible. In John Milton's Paradise Lost, the characteristics of the holy trinity are deeply entwined with those of the unholy trinity in order for the story to reach its natural conclusion."
Abstract In this article the writer looks at the topic of the Holy Spirit and notes that the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the lives of Christians. The writer notes that the Holy Spirit guides, teaches, and protects. The writer also points out that for a chaplain, the role of the Holy Spirit is two-fold because a chaplain not only is in charge of the worship service, but the chaplain also counsels individuals and families. The writer maintains that the Holy Spirit helps the chaplain in these roles as a spiritual leader.
Outline:
Abstract
The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer
The Holy Spirit The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian Life
Holy Spirit Convicts
Holy Spirit in Every Day Life
The Holy Spirit Protects
Holy Spirit as a Comforter
The Holy Spirit Teaches
The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Chaplain
From the Paper "In order for the chaplain to be used by God, the chaplain must rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
"Chaplains must have a good relationship with God and the Holy Spirit. A chaplain must allow the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, comfort, and protect in his or her own life. Having a good relationship with God enables the chaplain to help others. Sometimes the words the chaplain says to others will make the difference in life and death. Military people rely on the chaplain to guide them and to help them understand the promises of God."
Abstract This paper discusses the controversial question of the theological continuity between the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The writer refers to and cites from relevant literature on the subject to establish the relationship and meaning of "ruach" in the Old Testament for the Holy Spirit and "pneuma" in the New Testament. Examples are given from the Old Testament of passages where "ruach," also translated as breath or wind, refers to the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is also seen as a means of knowledge and understanding that is provided by God, as, for example, when the Spirit acts as a guide in leading Israel out of Egypt in Exodus. Another aspect is the relationship between a pure heart and the infusion of the Spirit of God, as in Psalm 51 where David pleads with God, referring directly to the Holy Spirit of God in his earnest request for inner cleansing and for the Spirit not to be taken away from him.
Outline:
Introduction: an Overview of Theological Perspectives
Examples of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
Conclusion
From the Paper "The question of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is a matter than has raised a considerable amount of controversy. On the one hand there is the view that there are very few references to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, at least in the sense that it is referred to in the New Testament. However, on the other hand many scholars and theologians refer to a much broader and more inclusive and continuous understanding of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. This point is clearly summarized by Mcdonnell (1998) in a discussion of the terms 'ruach' and 'pneuma'."
Abstract The paper discusses the reading of the Gospel of John and relates what John states about the person and work of the holy spirit.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
The Persona of the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit (Freedom and Sovereignty to Act)
Holy Spirit Comforts, Abides with and Dwells 'Within'
Holy Spirit Is Spirit of Truth and Spiritual Guide To All Truth
Holy Spirit Will Glorify Christ
Discussion
Promises of the Holy Spirit
From the Paper "In the work entitled: "The work of Pentecost Continues" Wintz writes that the word person is used when speaking: "...of the persons of the Holy Trinity" and yet this is not the "exact equivalent of the word we use in referring to human persons." (2003) Wintz writes that it is helpful to think: "...of the Latin root of the word 'person', which is persona. A person, from which our English word derives, is literally an actor's mask, such as were used in ancient Greek drama. In which case the same actor would use different masks to play the roles of different characters." (2003) When this is applied to the Trinity, then one can imagine the one and only God performing three different roles."(2003) Wintz writes that these: "...are not three separate Gods, but one God in three persons." (2003) The Gospel of John is highly focused on the person of the Holy Spirit and the work of that person of God. In the work entitled: 'The Filioque: A Church-Dividing Issue? An Agreed Statement of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation" published by the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas it is stated that Jesus, "In his farewell discourse in the Gospel of John...speaks of the Holy Spirit as one who will continue his own work in the world after he has returned to the Father, He is 'The Spirit of Truth', who will act as 'another advocate (parakletos)' to teach and guide his disciples (14.16-17), reminding them all of Jesus himself has taught (14.26)." (Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, nd) This document relates that in this part of the Gospel Jesus provides more clarity of the "sense of the relationship between this 'advocate,' himself and his Father."
Abstract This paper discusses the Holy Spirit and His role to the believer. The writer points out that it is important to understand the role of the Holy Spirit and His judicial acts such as conviction and sanctification. The writer notes that the comforter that Jesus promised was the Holy Spirit. Further the writer shows that it is important to look at the Hebrew and Greek word for spirit to understand the important role that the Holy Spirit played in the lives of the disciples and continues to play in the believers' lives.
From the Paper "What is the Holy Spirit? What role does it play in the believer's life? Jesus knew the plans God had created for him. He knew that he would be leaving the disciples to go back to Heaven. Therefore, he sent a comforter. This comforter that Jesus promised was the Holy Spirit. It is important to look at the Hebrew and Greek word for spirit to understand the important role that the Holy Spirit played in the lives of the disciples and continues to play in the believers' lives. Jesus knew that believers needed help living in a wicked world. He promised the disciples a comforter to guide and direct them in living a Christian life. This promise can be found in John 14: 16-18, "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with your forever"."
Abstract This essay is about how good and bad kids come to be just that, good or bad. Studies have shown that there are certain things that kids who can be classified as good all seem to have in common; unfortunately, there are also common denominators for kids considered to be bad. This report attempts to show how and why this type of research is so important and to present a solution for the types of problems that produce bad kids, suggesting that the solution can be found in developmental assets.
Introduction
Assets
Search Institute
From the Paper "There have been many studies conducted throughout history to try to find the key or the catalyst that change all kids into either good or bad kids. "We concentrate on alcohol and other drug abuse prevention, largely because of the funding that schools receive from the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program and because of public opinion polls that consistently rank drug abuse near the top of local school problems." (Rose, Gallup, and Elam 1997) Until very recently, the consensus was that this phenomenon was a completely random issue or a completely natural process contained in some brain cell or DNA strand. But, it has been discovered that there may be specific reasons why some kids get involved in dangerous activities and others become contributing members of society. "
Abstract This paper explains how the Holy Spirit is essential in the life of every Christian believer. By examining the 'Acts of the Apostles' and the teachings of Paul, the paper explains the role of the Holy Spirit and the importance of the Holy Spirit in the establishment of the early churches.
From the Paper "H. H. Halley tells us that the original mission of the church was to be a "witness-bearing institution to Christ" as opposed to an institution of authority to force Jesus upon the world. (Halley 767). Part of this witness was the experience of the Holy Spirit. The work of the Holy Spirit proved that Christianity was, among other things, a supernatural experience. The presence of the Holy Spirit allowed for the apostles to work miracles in the name of the Lord, which led others to Christ. In essence, the Holy Spirit was responsible for the growth of the early church and it is clear that the disciples were empowered by him."
