Abstract Compares differences and some similarities in ritual & belief in non-Christian (African) and Christian (Baptist) religion. Examines the cultural differences related to these religions for Africans and African-Americans. Historical Baptist ties to slavery. Imposition of Christianity on slaves. Nature of worship. Survival of African religioius spirit and experience in religioius beliefs of African Americans in the U.S.
From the Paper "There are important differences in ritual and belief between the non-Christian religion (African) described in Marimba Ani's Let the Circle Be Unbroken and the Christian religion (Baptist) described in Albert J. Raboteau's Slave Religion. The most obvious difference is that the Baptist religion has Jesus Christ at its center as God in human form, while the African religions had a number of gods. However, the greatest difference is found in the cultural differences related to those religions. The African religion is a part of a cultural tradition reaching far back in the history of Africans and African-Americans. The African religion symbolizes freedom and independence. The Baptist religion, on the other hand, symbolizes, at least in part, a brief history tied in with slavery and dependence on a culture which was foreign to Africans. In part, the Baptist religion was ..."
Abstract This paper studies the plays of African American playwright August Wilson, focusing on the historical evolution of the plays and how they reflect divergent views of Christianity. In many ways, Wilson seeks to find a blend of both native African religious roots, as well as the white hegemonic influence of Christianity in his plays. Although many of his plays reveal the darker issues of the white hegemonic culture forcing Christianity on his people, the outcome of 20th century Christianity actually begins to empower African Americans to a greater desire for freedom from their oppressors.
From the Paper "In this drama study, the basic premise of Christianity will be analyzed within the plays of African American playwright August Wilson. In this manner, the different perceptions of Christianity will be brought forth within a character analysis, which will help define Wilson's religious approach to African American cultural identity. The plays 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone', 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom', 'The Piano Lesson', and 'Seven Guitars' will be examined, giving the different views of Christianity these plays divulge. In essence, the role of Christian thought in the African American community will be analyzed within the construct of August Wilson's dramatic characterization within his plays. In the play J'oe Turner's Come and Gone' the main Southern migrant character Herald Loomis is a man that is seeking a new life in the North. "
Abstract This paper argues that African-American churches served as the foundation for the African-American struggle for civil rights during the 20th century. The author traces the history of the churches, focusing on their importance socially as well as spiritually to the community. The author is somewhat critical of mainstream Christianity and its exclusion of Blacks. The paper concludes by citing major Black religious figures in America and acknowledging that religion has impacted African-American history from a highly diverse set of directions.
From the Paper "Still, the notion that the Christian Church has been a leading force in the movement towards social change for the African American has not gone unchallenged. Some have contended that the Christian Church as acted as an opiate for generations to the African American people. One critic stated, "Instead of cursing the white man, [blacks] shout at the Lord. Instead of kicking whitey, [blacks] kick over the pew." Those who believe that the African American Church acts as an opiate to the black sub-culture contend that it induces many individuals to appeal to God for social change, when, more realistically, they should be acting to bring about social change themselves; in other words, they believe that the church provides an outlet for black people's frustrations, so they can be directed away from actions that might elementally undermine the current radicalized American social system. Eventually, a scientific study conducted by Gary Marx in the 1960's attempted to find any correlation between the level of religious fervor of black Americans and their associated beliefs regarding the Civil Rights movement: "Specifically, Marx established that in his sample, the greater the subjective importance of religion to black respondents, and the more often they went to church, the less militant they were in support of the civil rights issues." Even more recent theorists have agreed with the assessment of the role of the African American Church in social activism; arguing that it is centrally a device for passivity and control."
Abstract Since the fifteenth century, when explorers first began to discover Africa's wealth of natural resources, European nations conquered and colonized African territories. The imperialists exploited resources while putting little back into the country in terms of industrial development, health and educational facilities, or stable political systems. Believing their ways superior and fearing cultures and religions they did not understand, they brought missionaries to spread Christianity and rescue Africans from traditional beliefs they considered ignorant and superstitious. As a result of European intervention, with Africans forced to accept Westernization, much of the native religion and culture has been lost forever.
Abstract This paper offers an historic background of African-American church denominations. This paper examines specific denominations that have had a great impact on the African-American community. Specifically, the paper explores the use of music, known as Gosepl music, in Church ceremonies and prayer.
From the Paper "The African American church is centered on a wealth of tradition. The founder of the church was Richard Allen. Allen was in the forefront of the Abolitionist Movement; the church was an important station on the "Underground Railroad" as well as a recruiting station during the Civil War. The establishment of a unified denomination during the Abolitionist Movement was advantageous to African American people. After the founding of African Methodist Episcopal, several African Americans gradually left because of opposing views. The African American Church is no longer one, but instead many."
Abstract This paper is very in-depth and complex as it delves into Greek and Classical philosophy and the Christian religion with its Jewish roots. The paper discusses differences and similarities between different classical philosophies and Christian thought and how each has influenced the other. The paper first defines Christianity as a philosophy and explains why it can be considered as such; it sets up a basis for comparison. Then the paper discusses the similarities between Christianity and "pagan" philosophies. When that subject is exhausted, it moves on to contrast the two. After the general classic philosophies, the paper compares and contrasts the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle, specifically, to Christianity. Finally, the paper "presents an argument for Christianity as a complete philosophy in the manner in which it can satisfy discrepancies in other philosophies while defending some of its own." The paper looks at problems with Greek philosophies and how Christianity solved them or presented an alternative.
From the Paper "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown, I am going to proclaim to you" (Acts 17:22-23, NIV). These words, spoken by Paul, mark the introduction of Christianity in Athens, Greece, a center of philosophy in the ancient world. Paul goes on to explain the heart of the religion to a group of Epicureans and Stoics in the marketplace. Some of the men "sneer" at him, but others ask him to speak of these "strange ideas" more so that they can understand. Acts 17:34 goes on to tell of several Greeks who become Christians as a result of Paul's message. The acceptance of Christianity as a new and interesting idea by some of the Athenian philosophers implies several things: first, that Christianity was itself viewed as a philosophy; second, that Christianity must have had something in common with the major philosophies of the day; and finally, that Christianity must have offered to some what the other philosophies of the day did not. Making these statements at this point in my paper may seem presumptuous; however, I am prepared to discuss my conclusions, first by showing that Christianity is a philosophy in the true sense of the word, then by comparing it to other philosophies, and finally, by showing how it "fills in the gaps" of other Greek philosophies."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth discussion regarding the Church's position on politics. The author covers such issues as school prayer, evolution, abortion, censorship, euthanasia, the Democratic Party, and the separation between church and state.
From the paper:
"Christians have had a lock on education and government for a very long time, and they are reeling from the strides society has made away from myth and fantasy. They are ill equipped to handle their loss of power, because they have never had to deal with such a situation in their recent history."
"Christianity could not survive politically without support from a major political party, of which there are two. Irrespective of which political party Christians had allied themselves to; it would still have to compromise its beliefs. If they had chosen the Democratic Party, Christians would have had to accept a political platform that was open to homosexuals and women's liberation. The Democratic Party is also a party that is for religious freedom of choice, this to be expected from liberal organizations. The Democratic Party also has a liberal stand on censorship, which is in direct opposition to the Christian fundamentalist social agenda. For these reasons, and many others, the Christians kept shopping for a political home."
Abstract This paper discusses contemporary Christian art. The paper looks at how the variation in works of Christian art corresponds to the variation in Christian faith. It explains that some Christian art reflects a traditional Catholic perspective and draws on centuries of traditions of Catholic art, while other Christian art reflects the doctrinal practices and emphases of a range of sects, from Quakerism to Pentecostal.
From the Paper "Contemporary Christian art is much like contemporary Christianity in general. There is as much variation in works of Christian art as there is variation in Christian faith. Some Christian art reflects a traditional Catholic perspective and draws on centuries of traditions of Catholic art. Other Christian art reflects the doctrinal practices and emphases of a range of sects from Quakerism to Pentecostal. And much of what artists might call Christian art because it reflects their own beliefs as Christians might not generally be classified as Christian art by..."
Abstract This paper looks at the concept of social problems and how they are perceived and dealt with differently by Christians and non-Christians. The types of problems this paper discusses include substance abuse and domestic violence. Both of these subjects are viewed very similarly by modern Christians as well as non-Christians, although historically this was not always the case.
From the Paper "There are many social problems that plague western society, from alcoholism to serious drug abuse, from teen pregnancy to spousal battery. For as many problems as we have, there are a variety of causes and solutions that have been presented. One way of categorizing the types of solutions offered are as Christian and as non-Christian. It would take volumes to fully list and describe all of the social problems and the multitudinous solutions offered by Christians and non-Christians alike, so only a few will get attention here."
Abstract The paper discusses Christianity and qualifies the various states of adherence of peoples calling themselves Christian. The paper states that each sincere Christian, in order to develop in his faith, should remain a disciple of the faith and should also engage in education and focus on children in various age groups, or on adults in an effort to further their discipleship.
Outline:
A Biblical Obligation
The Nature, Purpose and Goals of Christian Education
How Persons Learn and Grow in Christian Faith
Methods of Learning and Growth within the Church Context
Methods of Learning within the Context of the World
Leading and Teaching the Christian
From the Paper "Christianity is one of the major world religions today. This may however be deceptive, as many call themselves Christians simply because they grew up in a Christian home, or go to church simply out of habit. There are however those who sincerely attempt to follow the precedents of Christianity, and others who sincerely seek respite from the difficulties of the world by means of prayer and worship. These sincere few take issues such as education and discipleship seriously. Each sincere Christian, in order to grow and develop in their faith, should remain disciples of the faith. In addition, Christians should also engage in education. Christian education might take a variety of forms. Mainly, education can focus on children in various age groups, or on adults in an effort to further their discipleship."
Abstract This paper discusses one teacher's views on the purpose of providing students with a Christian education. It argues that a curriculum based on a Christian perspective is aimed to help students fully understand how all aspects of life involve the Christian faith. The paper maintains that it is important to teach the students how to live as a Christian in a depraved society. To conclude, the paper argues that students need to have a Christian education in order to understand the importance of the impact they can make on society and to be able to fulfill their calling.
From the Paper "Curriculum should be focused on more than just knowledge. It should be focused on a wide range of goals that will not only prepare you for a certain job, but prepare you to live in a difficult society, and handle things in life that you can't necessarily learn from a text book. I believe that the needs, abilities, and interests of the student are more important than the needs of society because the students are what will one day make the society. If we meet the needs, abilities, and interests of the students with a Christian perspective, then we are actually helping to build a society that might one day be made better because of these Christian views. It is important to have some of the curriculum prescribed to the teacher, and some of it to be based on the teacher's determination. The reason I believe this is because the teachers do need to have standards that they must meet in order to keep them accountable. But on the other hand, teachers need to be able to teach what they know best and what they feel strongly about to make for more effective teaching. If a teacher teaches a curriculum that they have no desire to teach, nor knowledge of the subject, it could show in the way that they present the curriculum and have a negative impact on the student's passions for learning that subject."
Abstract An analysis of several aspects of Christianity including morals and truth. The paper details the following four major ideas according to Christianity: Certitude, morality, belief and compassion. A definition of these four concepts as well as examples of how they are defined in Christianity is discussed. In conclusion, the paper states that sometimes Christianity sells uncertainty and vagueness. The author advises questioning.
From the Paper "Morality is subjective and intangible. It is different for all of us. Some people may believe that premarital sex is awful, while many others may not understand what all the fuss is about. Weather or not you think that morality is subjective or not, the fact remains that none of us can reach a consensus about what is right and what is wrong. Most of us are content to live and let live. As long as our neighbor isn?t doing something to us directly we can, for the most part, overlook their idiosyncrasies. If we are doing something in the privacy of our own homes that affects no one but ourselves we expect to be left alone. One of the many problems with Christianity is its inability to accept the fact that morality is subjective."
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."
Abstract St. Thomas Aquinas contributed a great deal to the entirety of Christian Theology both during and after his life; particularly in his writings. St. Thomas, as he is referred to in short, was an astute Biblical scholar who was as devoted to the faith in human reason as he was in God. St. Thomas' tome, Summa Theological, is, literally, the summation of his understanding of theology. In this work Aquinas single-handedly justified and 'proved' the whole of the spiritual nature, the soul, God, and a Christian life. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the contributions of St. Thomas Aquinas to Christian theology and his impact upon Christianity itself.
Abstract The Buddhist-Christian dialogue can be regarded as a more than academic and institutional exercise, on account of more than a century of interaction between Buddhists and Christians throughout the once colonized world. Buddhism and Christianity have shared the tendency to make their founders more symbolic indicators of faith and practice. Moreover, as this paper also argues, the Buddhist-Christian dialogue has been aided by several points of convergence, including their shared feature of concentration upon a founder-mystic, in the language of the post-industrial world -- an 'icon' -- in the form of an historical person whose symbolism transcends many levels and inspirations. 14 pgs. 27 f/c. 10b.
