Abstract This paper reviews "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" which gives the layman an introduction to evangelical Christian Biblical hermeneutics. In their discussion of the Bible, authors Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart give special stress to the literary qualities of different sections of the Bible and the uniqueness of different Biblical genres. The authors attempt to provide clarity to debates whether the Bible should be taken literally within the evangelical community, stressing that genre is key to understanding how literally certain passages should be understood. The paper concludes by stating that this book is a good introduction for ordinary believers who wish to learn more about the original context of the Bible.
Outline:
Introduction: Summary
Summary: Issues Addressed
Summary: Major Themes
Analysis: Point of View, Ideological and Implicit and Explicit Perspective
What Kind of Evidence do they bring to Support their Viewpoint? Is it Adequate?
Analysis How Clear is the Argument? Does it Flow Logically? Are there Gaps, Inconsistencies, or Contradictions in the Discussion or Argument?
Conclusion: Of what Value is Book? What Does it Add to the Discourse?
From the Paper "The book combines Biblical criticism with modern theology, but with a stress upon using the background of the Bible for today's spiritual community with an understanding of how the Bible applied to its original context. The book also includes advice on choosing a translation, acknowledging that most persons are not fluent in the original, now dead languages, of the original texts. When offering suggestions about selecting a translation, the authors prefer such works as Today's New International Version of the Bible, which includes gender-neutral language when referring to human beings. They believe this most appropriate for Christian communities today, given the social changes that have occurred in the world since the document's original authorship to an ancient audience. "
Abstract This well organized and clearly written paper reviews the Bible's structure, purpose and messages from a Christian perspective. The paper first describes the format of the Bible and its purpose for the practicing Christian of today. Also discussed is the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. The author also evaluates how the Bible relates to changes in modern society. The author compares the ease of spirituality at the time of the Bible to today's developed and technological society.
From the Paper "The purpose of the Bible is two-fold. Primarily it is intended for the education and encouragement of Christian adherents. It strengthens the faith and commitment of the faithful. Secondly, the book's purpose is to encourage non-believers to come to faith in Christ for the sake of the salvation of their eternal souls. During its creation also, the Bible was meant for the particular ancient societies from which it emerged. Hence the variety of cultural elements included in its exhortations. In today's faithful community, many of these cultural elements are discarded or interpreted spiritually and symbolically rather than literally."
Abstract This paper presents an overview about the end of world with respect to the revelations of Bible. It presents with true facts and revelations from the bible in order to support the stated fact.
Abstract This paper discusses the influence of the Bible on First Amendment rights including issues of separation of Church and State, prayer in public schools, religious clubs at school and Christmas decorations. It also traces biblical influences on drawing up the First Amendment.
From the Paper "The First Amendment informs that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of speech. Until this passage was ...."
Abstract This paper discusses the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible from the standpoint of the apocalyptic, prophetic and wisdom texts. The author points out the conflicting theories about King David. The paper relates Christian ideas about the Hebrew Bible.
From the Paper "The view of conservative readers of the Hebrew Bible is that the Bible is a holy book. That means the Bible is mainly theological. The view of liberal readers of the Hebrew Bible is that the Bible is part of history and culture. That means the Bible is mainly historical."
Abstract This paper explores founding father Thomas Jefferson's unique ideas when it came to religion, and more specifically the Bible. Jefferson's own words and the words of several other experts on the subject are used to back up the main points of the paper.
From the Paper "Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying in 1814, "Our particular principles of religion are a subject of accountability to [the Almighty] alone. I inquire after no man"s, and trouble none with mine,? (Coates). These words exemplify his views on religion, and more specifically the Bible. Jefferson saw that people had a tendency to confuse religion with God; that is, confusing the words of the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with those of Jesus or God. As such, he decided to write his own version of the bible, known popularly as the ?Jefferson Bible,? removing all the words he did not believe came directly from Jesus. One of Jefferson's main concerns had always been the rights of the people, and he realized that his religious beliefs were his own alone, and that others had the natural and equal right to determine what God meant to them personally, and what should be done in the worshipping of Him."
Abstract This is a critical review of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, briefly describing several overarching themes that appear as metaphors or imagery in Western culture.
Abstract The paper discusses how the Cleanness poet manipulates tensions in Bible stories in order to alter the understanding of themes. The paper also examines the moral and spiritual connection to physical purity.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine how the Cleanness poet manipulates tensions in the Biblical stories that are part of the narrative of the medieval poem "Cleanness" in order to alter the reader's understanding of his chosen topic. The plan of the research will be to set forth the pattern of ideas in the poem and then to discuss the means by which the poet appropriates Bible stories to accomplish a thematic purpose."
Abstract The paper analyzes how the Bible was used throughout pre-Civil War times to argue both for and against the now-defunct institution of slavery. The paper firstly discusses several primary sources that argue for slavery, in that it is a divine right that it has always been, and that it is merciful. The paper then examines several primary sources that refute slavery on religious grounds.
From the Paper "In our society of today, when moral or political arguments arise, it is only too common to find those on one side using biblical scripture as their proof, evidence, or solid ground, while the other side often relies upon common sense, logic, science, or human and secular philosophy and ethics. In the fight over abortion, those in the pro-life camp cite scriptures and Bible verses and take solace in their religious leaders, while those who are pro-choice do not rely on supernatural or religious thought for their stance. When politicians and advocates argue about the rights of homosexual individuals and couples, one side aligns with their god and their religious texts, while the other side aligns with a common sense of morality toward others. Yet moral debates in the United States were not always aligned along such religious and secular boundaries."
Abstract This paper outlines the experiences of a student attending a bible study course at an American university. The paper reviews the student's preconceptions upon entering the course as well as the student's new attitudes and beliefs upon leaving it. In particular, the paper looks at the student's new-found respect for Christian ethics and its importance in the line of work she pursues, and the paper also considers how it has changed her personal outlook and her personal relationships.
From the Paper "The following paper is a summary of what this course has taught me and what it has meant to me on a personal level. More specifically, the next few pages will outline what a careful study of the Bible has done for me in my work, in my relationships with loved ones, in my school work and in my general outlook on life. Suffice it to say, while I do not consider myself a conventional Christian, I nonetheless consider myself today to be someone who derives great pleasure from learning all the lessons the Bible has to offer me. With that in mind, it is to a discussion of the course and what it has given me personally that I know turn."
Abstract This paper focuses on John Huston's auto-biography "An Open Book" and his discussion of his 1966 film "The Bible: In the Beginning," which is an Old Testament film. The paper discusses issues that relate to a vast area of theological discourse that are raised by a close reading of the film. It describes Huston's characterization in the film and criticizes the director's interpretation and manipulation of the Biblical text.
Table of Contents:
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
The Ten Commandments
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
From the Paper "In the Biblical text Moses appeals to God and begs that he not destroy the Israelite people. He in fact argues with Goes and appeals to God's vanity, as it were. "Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people." (Exodus 32: 12) This would, in my reading of the film, certainly be an aspect that DeMille would not include in his version of the Biblical events as it would, at the very least, compromise the message of freedom from tyranny that the Ten Commandments is meant to portray and represent."
Abstract This paper explains that Bible codes are words, phrases and clusters of words and phrases in various coded form in the text of the Bible, which some people, such as journalist Michael Drosnin, believe are meaningful and exist intentionally. The author points out that Michael Drosnin implies that society can decipher warnings, such as 9/11, from Bible codes by using a computer program; however, many scholars and critics feel that Drosnin does not present adequate evidence to support his claims. The paper concludes that the issue of hidden Bible codes shows a lack of respect for the Bible as the written word of God. The paper includes an annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "We all fear the unexpected, the unknown. If we discover the unknown, the outcomes of our lives change. It would mean that we would live our whole lives, waiting for the "unknown" to reveal itself. If humans today have the ability to decipher codes in the Bible, then it would mean that humans today would be "deciphering God's plan." I truly believe that we are not ready for that specific information concerning our lives or our futures. I do not think that God would give us a piece of His knowledge concerning His people until we have lived our lives the way God intended us to live it."
A discussion of the important role played by the Bible in some of the successes of the Christian mission, and how both have changed through the centuries.
Abstract This paper discusses the influence of the Bible on the spread of Christianity throughout the world, drawing on four articles that have been written on the subject. The first article explains how the Christian mission grew out of the gospel, underwent a long period of global expansion through power tactics and today has changed to an atmosphere of dialogue and openness, instead of pushing people into one particular denomination. The second article provides background on Biblical passages that are widely used for mission purposes, and the writer identifies some important points made by this article regarding the spreading of Christianity through the Bible. The writer explains that the third article emphasizes the universal appeal of the Bible and the fourth article points out the importance of the Reformation and literacy in understanding the Bible. The writer concludes that this paper only contains a few examples of the historical and literary evidence that proves the substantial influence of the Bible on the Christian mission.
From the Paper "Indeed, the Bible has enough dynamism within its chapters to "take on new meanings and new horizons of ideas" in this very diverse and changing world, Pathrapankal continues. The mission of the Christian Church is spelled out in Matthew's Gospel, Pathrapankal writes on page 62 of his journal essay. The author says that there have been hundreds of years of close analysis of this Scriptural passage - Chapter 28, verses 18-20 - and it still remains a "classic" passage which lays out the challenge of the Christian mission. So, not only is the Bible seen as a vitally necessary ingredient in the Christian mission, the Bible tells Christians as much."
Abstract The author of this paper discusses the influence of the Bible on the spread and success of the Christian mission. The author first examines how the Bible encourages evangelism and missionary work referring both to literature and passages from the Bible to support his case. The writer then discusses how the Bible was crucial in promoting Christianity in varying areas of the world and how it influenced the indigenous populations. Finally, the writer examines how the Bible has influenced the growth of evangelism in the United States.
From the Paper "This missionary goal is found in Psalms and Prophets, and in many other passages throughout the Bible that speak to creation, history and prophetic views (p. 18). It was to the third world countries around the globe that evangelists traveled to in order to witness and to convert people whose lives were rooted in paganism and exoticism and mysticism to Christianity. To that end, it cannot be said that the missionaries were without success; although Christians found competition in the Islamic convert or die philosophy, which has been hugely successful in Africa, a place of extensive evangelic missionary work. However, it was to the third world countries that evangelists took Christian prayer, which they believed was a way to be involved in the Promise of God, and ushering in the reign of God on Earth (Sindima, Harvey, J., 1998, p. 180)."
Abstract This paper defines and discusses martyrdom. In particular, the paper reviews the various references that the Bible makes to martyrdom and provides specific examples of matryrs throughout the Bible. Each case is discussed and sources from the Bible that explaining them are related. The paper concludes that a martyrs death is not to be shunned according to the Bible.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The First Martyr Of The Bible: Abel
Matthew 10:21 And 24:9
Revelations 6:9 And 20:4
God's Promise Of Reward To The Martyrs
Summary And Conclusion
From the Paper "Martyrdom, while feared by many Christians is in actuality a death, which results in rewards and in high standing with God. While one should not seek death but should proceed with their walk in Christ with confidence, a martyrs death is not to be shunned according to the Bible. God does not expect his people to stupidly seek death by martyrdom but encourages them in their faith should this be their fate. God makes promises regarding the rewards of martyrs who will reign with Christ for the thousand-year period following the Great Tribulation. Christian martyrdom is as old as the human race and is ever-present in the world evidenced by reports that come out of countries in the Middle East, China and other countries throughout the world."
