Abstract This paper gives a brief history of the CatholicChurch. It highlights the political and social nature of the Church and also describes its power base in the Western world over the centuries. Finally, the author explores the role of the Pope and the Church today.
From the Paper "The Catholic Church regards itself as the only true heir of the teachings of Jesus Christ, as it asserts that this is mandated in the bible (Matthew 16:15-20) . According to the Catholic interpretation, Jesus had entrusted Peter--the leader of the apostles--with the "the keys to Heaven" and ordained that upon the rock of Peter he would found his Church. The Church further holds that all the Popes are successors to Peter and as such are considered to be Christ's representative on earth. From the 4th century AD onwards, when the Roman Emperor, Constantine I, issued the Edict of Milan ending the prosecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church was the only Christian church until its break with the Eastern Orthodox Church in 1054 and later, the Protestant movement of the 16th century (Dolan)"
This essay explains and analyzes the events that led the CatholicChurch from being a privileged and influential class under the monarchy to playing a relatively minor role in the life of the French nation only a decade later.
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 2 sources, 2001, $ 40.95
Abstract This essay examines the sequence of events that led the CatholicChurch and its clergy from being a privileged and influential class prior to the French Revolution to playing a relatively minor role in the life of the nation after the Revolution.
From the Paper "The most audacious and bold attacks on the Church, however, came in the formation of two new religions during this period. In late 1793, in Paris and other large cities, a new religion was founded. The worship of "gods given by nature" and requiring no priests was proclaimed."
Abstract A paper on the topic of ethics and laws concerning the problem of sexual abuse of children in the Catholicchurch. The paper explores the fact that there has been a lot of media discussing this topic in recent discussions.
Abstract The purpose of this study is to separate some of the ideological rhetoric regarding Galileo's relationship with the CatholicChurch from the historical facts. To do so, the paper examines Galileo's life as it developed and took him on a course towards an eventual trail before the Roman Inquisition. The paper touches upon his contributions to science as well.
From the Paper "In October 1992, the Pope proclaimed in veiled terms and with no clear admission of wrongdoing on the part of the Catholic Church that mistakes were made in the 1633 conviction of Galileo Galilei for heresy (Spaeth 6). Galileo was convicted, as has become part of scientific lore, for his assertion that the Earth revolved around the Sun instead of the other way around. Though Galileo was only confirming an earlier established theory by Polish-born Copernicus, Galileo's run-in with the Church has become iconic over the stretch of the almost four centuries since he was convicted."
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses the CatholicChurch. Specifically it discusses the CatholicChurch's injustice towards women and women's rights, including domestic violence, women priests, and other matters relevant to women but ignored by the CatholicChurch. The paper shows that for centuries, the CatholicChurch has been one of the most powerful, wealthiest, and most popular religions in the world. Millions of Catholics worship every week in a church, and donate billions of dollars for Church projects, and millions of these worshippers are women, who are essentially excluded from the Church except for certain roles. In addition, many of these worshipping women live in some of the poorest countries on Earth, facing famine, overpopulation, and lack of education, and yet the CatholicChurch will not condone their use of birth control. The paper questions why the CatholicChurch is so staunch in its stance against women and women's rights.
From the Paper "Since the Church excludes women from the clergy, there is a sense of extreme maleness and masculinity throughout the Church, from alter boys on up, and it is not surprising that normal, healthy men, even if they are priests, are sexually stimulated. To ignore this is to ignore the problem, and keeping priests celibate seems to simply exacerbate an already difficult situation. When there are predominately men in an organization, where will men turn to fulfill their urges if no one else is available? Since men are not perfect, they have flaws, and if given the opportunity, they may sin. Not recognizing the strain that celibacy puts on priests is simply another doctrine of the Church that is outmoded."
Tags: doctrine, abortion, faith, socialization, Episcopal, Church
Abstract This paper looks at the increased reports of sexual abuse within the CatholicChurch. The writer points out that only recently has the Church needed to answer for itself and take a stand due to the high level of reported cases. An examination of the Church's response is given which follows criticism of their reaction.
From the Paper "The Catholic Church has been rocked recently by allegations of sexual abuses"especially against children. The problem is not isolated but all pervading. The cases of child, sexual abuses are about the same percentage as the general population. Most of the cases are not, in the strictest sense pedophilic"sex with pre-pubescent children, but ephebophilia?abuse of adolescent children. In a comprehensive study of 2,252 priests for 30 years, only one case of pedophilia was found. It involved a priest with two six year-old nieces. Between 5 and 10 percent of priests were pederasts (ephebophiles). (Jenkins, 1996)"
Abstract This paper, written from a religious Catholic perspective, describes the basic principles of Catholic social teachings and analyzes how these principles are applied to current social issues. Much of the paper is based on William J. Byron's work "Ten Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teaching." The paper lists the ten fundamental social principles of Catholicism, which Byron also cited in his book. The paper includes numerous quotes from the Christian Bible which are intended to support various social outlooks.
From the Paper "The very essence of the meaning which gives definition to each of these categories is based on one very specific statement of Jesus Christ when he commands that his children are to "love their neighbor as they love themselves" which is the 'golden rule' and the statement in which Jesus Christ states that the greatest commandment of all is to "Love ye, one another..." (Holy Bible, New Testament) This specific category is critical in the social teachings of the Catholic Church and in fact stated is that "...the transformation of social relationships that responds to the demands of the Kingdom of God is not fixed within concrete boundaries once and for all." (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 1979) An example brought to mind the account of Jesus healing on the Sabbath and assisting men with removing their oxen from a ditch on the Sabbath as well. While there are those in the crowd who taunt him about breaking the Jewish law of not laboring on the Sabbath Jesus relates to the crowd that certainly the needs of his fellow man stand higher than even the primary 'ten commandments of God, the Father. Therefore, the teaching is one of collaboration, flexible ministry in a growing and changing world. The church is effectively rendered helpless to 'go yet into the world..." and to "make ye disciples of all men..." which is called the "Great Commission" and commanded by Christ if they do not have genuine love for their fellow man because to go into that world at this time in the history of mankind is a prospect filled with the unknown in terms of both physical and spiritual safety. Therefore the church must remember to convey to followers that the only set and fixed law might be viewed as a simple reflection by humankind of the love which 'is' God. This task has been "entrusted to the Christian community..." and therein God's love either finds root and grows or falls by the way. This is called the 'Great Commission' within the Christian faith and is a process described as "...a quest for the seeds of truth and freedom sown in the vast field of humanity." (Cf. John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Redemptor Hominis, 11: AAS 71, 1979) The primary social teaching of the Christian faith and the Catholic Church social teachings are principles, which have as their basis very words of Christ who has revealed to humankind that the very essence or character of God is 'Love'. (1 John 4:8) as he brings his children to the understanding that "the fundamental law of human perfection, and consequently the transformation of the world is the new commandment of love." (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 2004) "
Abstract This paper takes a deep look at the true intentions of Martin Luther and his resistance against the CatholicChurch by examining the historical context in which he acted and by taking a closer look at the man himself, thereby showing that Luther was a deeply religious man trying to maintain core religious values in the face of great social pressure.
From the Paper "The European world of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century was one ensconced in the assumption of Christian values and, moreover, the authority of the Catholic Church. Likewise, it was a world of great injustice, misappropriation of power and perversion of morality. Such was most apparently epitomized by the vast disparity between classes of suffocating poverty and ever-growing wealth. And the necessary correlation between wealth and power was quite explicit in a Church that, to many ways of thinking, was a fat and corrupt entity whose most driving priority had become the exploitation of the weak. Martin Luther was born into this world in 1483, and not of a particular familial disposition to protest the circumstances. In fact, his father had managed to accrue some degree of financial comfort that assured his son the life of an educated man. Rather, his outrage at social conditions manifested itself through his religious observation. Above all, it bears noting, upon his adoption of the holy cloth in 1505, that Luther was a man of God. This was the only law that he saw fit to recognize. So his divergence from the conventions of the Catholic Church was, as he would be quick to assert himself, an act guided by compliance rather than defiance. But his ideology would spark massive reexamination and change, suggesting that it was certainly resistant to many of the prevailing forces of the time and place. Perhaps there may be no genuine reconciliation of these two ostensibly contradictory roles, both of which, one could argue, Luther embodied. However, a more direct study of Luther's motivations and tenets seems to suggest that he was, in both intent and aesthetic, a conservative who, by way of social circumstances, came to be regarded as a revolutionary."
Abstract This four-page paper presents a discussion about why the CatholicChurch refuses to sanctify gay marriages. The writer uses several sources to detail the church position on the matter and explain the reaction of the gay community regarding the church's refusal to sanctify their unions.
From the Paper "In recent years there has been a large change in the way homosexuals are viewed and treated in the world. It was not so long ago that gays and lesbians had to keep their preferences a secret and never reveal to the outside world that they like the same gender. However, in recent history the shift has moved away from persecution and toward acceptance. While the battle continues to rage about whether homosexuals are born or made, the world for the most part has decided it doesn?t care and accepts the concept regardless of origin. "
Abstract This paper looks at how the CatholicChurch influences the development of human race. It looks at the stands of the CatholicChurch at some of the recent conflicts of our time like abortion and stem-cell research and cloning. According to CatholicChurch abortion is ethically and morally wrong. It is killing of a human life and therefore, should be prevented. The issue has plagued the church almost from the beginning. ?The Bible itself is virtually silent on abortion. The Ten Commandments state "Thou shalt not kill," but neither the Old nor the New Testament contains explicit sanctions against intentionally destroying a foetus.? (Theology of Abortion) the essay looks of CatholicChurch stand on morality of abortion and its consequences.
The second aspect this paper looks at is the development of field of biotechnology and how it has influenced the public and moral attitudes. This is a recent example of the Church's influence on human development. The paper explores how the Church's so called "pro-life" attitude has affected the development in this field.
From the Paper ""The Catholic Church has been one of the strongest influential factors in European History. The influence has been extensive reaching from matters of the state, personal life, social values and ethical debates. Most organized religions have some form of moral code and ethical beliefs; the Catholic Church is no difference. These ideas and beliefs are usually in conflict with the development of human race. Some of the recent dilemmas of Catholic Church are its stand on Abortion, pro-life campaign, use of birth control, HIV and AID issue. The moralistic view of Catholic Church, which argues to be pro-life, is in contradiction of what is being pro-life mean. It is rather difficult to comprehend how any institution, which makes life miserable for human beings classify it to be the protector of life." "
This research study specifically examines the sexual abuse of Latino children in the United States perpetrated by priests and clergy members of the Roman CatholicChurch.
Abstract This paper reveals that the Roman CatholicChurch intentionally and negligently covered up the sexual abuse of children by members of the clergy between the years of 1945 and 2003. The author stresses that, because the majority of the Latino population in the United States are members of the CatholicChurch, this problem is exacerbated in Latino children. The American Psychological Association and other supporting agencies are faced with a crisis in providing effective mental health treatment for the Latino American population. The paper reviews effective methods for assessment, diagnoses and treatment of this unique population and reviews the recent literature accessing information of the experts in this field and the agencies that provide mental health services to the Latino population. Includes figures.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Healthcare Factors Impacting Latino Immigrant Children
Overview of the CatholicChurch Legal System
Response of the Church to Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse
Secrecy in the Roman CatholicChurch Surrounding Child Sexual Abuse
Legal Issues Arising to Debate
The Latino Victim of Child Sexual Abuse by Clergy
Mental Health Care Service Delivery to Latinos
Summary of Literature Reviewed
Development of Plan: Provision of Effective Mental Health Care
Services to Latino Population in the United States
From the Paper "This research study has related that it is not practical, nor is it advisable, to attempt to have a family member interpret due to limitations that exist in the effectiveness of this use of an interpreter, specifically due to role reversal when the child is interpreting for the parent and due to cultural issues that may limit or null the interpretations provided by a family member interpreting between the clinician and client. It is important that the client feel warmly welcomed to the service providers clinic and that staff members are attentive to the needs of the Latino client and their family."
Tags: exploitation training law, latino-specific syndrome, culturally-based
This paper discusses the corruption of the CatholicChurch during the European Renaissance, which led to the religious thought of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Erasmus.
Abstract This paper explains that, not only was the CatholicChurch abusively indulgent, but also Church laws, such as the vows of abstinence and poverty, were openly flouted. The author points out that, during this time, there was a huge rebirth in the concept of the individual known as Humanism, which was incredibly threatening to the CatholicChurch. The paper relates that, in 1519, Martin Luther, unhappy with the hypocrisies and disregard he saw in the CatholicChurch, nailed his 95 theses on the wall of Castle Church in Wittenberg, thus founding the religious movement known as Protestantism, which was just one part of the revolution in thinking taking place during the Enlightenment.
From the Paper "In 1500, corruption and hypocrisy in the Catholic Church were rampant. For example, indulgences were used as means of coercion and manipulation rather than for the original purposes, they were intended. An indulgence is the full or partial remission before God of temporal punishment for sins that have been forgiven. According to Encarta, ?It is granted by ecclesiastical authority and is considered to be a special form of intercession made by the whole church through its liturgy and prayers for the reconciliation of one of its members, living or dead.? In simpler words, it can be thought of as not only having one's sins pardoned, but having them wiped totally clean from one's record as well. It would be like not only having a speeding ticket dismissed, but also then having all knowledge of that ticket's existence being removed from any and all records pertaining to the driver in question."
Abstract The writer of this paper analyzes the decline of the Roman Empire which resulted in an influx of Germanic peoples into the Roman Catholicchurch which greatly affected all aspects of religious life. Until the division from the Eastern church in 1054 and the break with the Protestant churches in the 16th century, one cannot separate the history of the Roman Catholicchurch from Christianity's history in general. This paper contains numerous historical facts dating back to the 11th century relating to the division of the church as well as Christian theology. This paper also discusses the tremendous impact of St. Thomas Aquinas in the church and as the founder of scholasticism.
Table of Contents:
The Modern Period
The Church in The U.S.
From the Paper "St. Thomas Aquinas, the Doctor of the Church, died in 1274. He was a great influence in the Church, and helped to usher in scholasticism. This particular approach to Christian theology, associated with this time period, emphasizes rational justification and systematic presentation of Christian theology. Drawing upon the works of Aristotle, Aquinas developed a vast and complex, though unified system of Christian thought, most fully expressed in his "Summa." He arranged Christian beliefs in a systematic presentation, beginning with sources of knowledge, God's existence, and embracing nearly everything that was part of the knowledge of Medieval Europe."
Abstract When Joseph McCarthy, a republican Wisconsin senator pursued an anti-communist agenda, the CatholicChurch was eager to support him to countervail the threat of communism. The paper shows that in fact the CatholicChurch supported the McCarthyism movement out of fear that communism would undermine the CatholicChurch and what it stood for. This paper discusses how values of communism and catholicism contrast and brings up the influence of certain events (like the Bolshevik Revolution) and other contributing aspects to the Catholic fear of Communism.
From the Paper "After World War II, tensions about communism were still strong. The United States and the Soviet Union were involved in the Cold War. Both countries were anxious about the other nuclear weapon development of the other country. This went on for 40 years despite the fact that nothing significant happened in it, hence the term ?Cold War.? Suspicions that the Soviet Union was going to use nuclear weapons to achieve their world domination goal were prevalent during this time. The Brooklyn Tablet was suspicious of the post-war peace efforts and stated that ?The UN, NATO, SEATO, and the OAs were all seen as forms of collectivism. There were fears that the drive toward world government would eventually lead to the merger of the American Government and economy with an international organization, most likely controlled by communism. [xxxiv]? Also in the Tablet, James Gillus said that the UN is a ?base form which communist spies enter and operate in America [xxxv].? All the recent events set up people with paranoia. During the Cold War, a majority of people feared that the Soviet Union would coerce the rest of the world into communism."
Abstract This paper describes the many problems that lie within the CatholicChurch and discusses its refusal to evolve with its people. It shows several examples of Catholic teachings, such as the prohibition of contraception, which are irrelevant to our times. The paper also discusses the CatholicChurch's views on women and gays and mentions the sex scandals which have been exposed within the Church in recent years.
From the Paper "For most of my life every Sunday morning I found myself in a pew of my Church. Raised a strict Catholic I didn"t have much of a choice. It was attend Church or get out of the house. So off to Mass I would go. Just reminiscing about sitting in that that hot, stuffy, and uncomfortable place can make me irritable. Up until I was probably fifteen years of age I despised going to mass simply because I hated being uncomfortable and loosing precious Sunday morning sleep. It was sometime around fifteen years of age that I truly began to despise going to Church for reasons worth giving some thought to. Right around that time is when I actually started to listen to what the priests were saying in their homilies. I could not believe that I had to sit there and listen to these Priests attempt to force, what I considered grossly ignorant teachings, down my throat. Within the following two years, as I grew up and drew more of my own conclusions on the ways of the world I was forced, still, to attend those Mass"s. Each week I would sit in there and look around myself in disbelief. I couldn?t fathom the idea that the whole congregation was really that ignorant. Then one Sunday morning I went to a different church with my cousins for Mass. It was that Mass that hinted me toward the reality of the situation within the Catholic Community."
