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.
Abstract The cognitive and social functions of Christianity relieve death anxiety among Christians by establishing an inclusive group that functions to depreciate the significance of physical death, while simultaneously attaining a high degree of comfort in its unity. This paper points out that dependence placed by congregants upon the Church, and symbolically, God, allows Christians to deny their own mortality, and thus relieves them of paralyzing death thoughts. It states that, while superficially solving the universal tragedy of death, the denial of individual autonomy and the implications of religious claims to absolute truth that are inherent in religious practice are detrimental to the ego and fail to fully alleviate thanatophobic convictions among Christians.
From the Paper "Throughout human history, the mystery of death has fascinated and frightened the human mind. From its first encounter with death, usually through the loss of a loved one, the mind struggles either consciously or unconsciously to escape the inevitability of its end. It generally attempts to alleviate death anxiety through the creation or adoption of a myth system or through commitment to a social support group. Modern religion, particularly Christianity, provides both a mythical system of explanation and a social system that together serve to dissolve, ignore or suppress thoughts of death through a repression of the individual and his ego."
Abstract This essay analyzes many of the biblical references made in the epic poem of "Beowulf". These biblical references are then compared to the context of the Old Testament. The paper seeks to determine whether or not "Beowulf" was originally told with Christian tone or if Christian elements were added during the influential time period that the Danes were going through at the time it was written down.
From the Paper The latest version of Beowulf was translated from Old English and written by Seamus Heaney. It is the oldest known epic poem and takes place around 500CE in Denmark and Geatland, which is now southern Sweden. Beowulf is believed to have been first composed orally around 700CE and then written around 1000CE by monks of Anglo-Saxon decent. The British Isles were in rough shape after the conquests of the Romans, Germanic tribes, and the Vikings. The Anglo-Saxon's needed a heroic man of faith that represented strength, decency, and bravery and could also protect the Danes from evil. This man was known as Beowulf. Beowulf seemed to be the good, called upon by god to protect the Danes. There were frequent biblical references made throughout the context of Beowulf. Did these biblical references prove that the Anglo-Saxon's believed in a monotheistic god and had faith in Christianity or were these religious aspects added later in time?
Abstract This book report describes the various explanations for Christian love that arise within the book, "The Seeker's Guide to Building a Christian Marriage: 11 Essential Skills", by Kathy Finley. In this regard, the emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of love are identified within this book, which Finley is clear about in her explanations of Christian morality. This book report discusses the nature of love, and how it fits in with the Christian moral doctrines that are defined within the religious opinions of Kathy Finley.
Abstract This paper examines the impact of Spanish and Portuguese colonization on Mesoamerican culture, with an emphasis on conversion of indigenous peoples to Christianity. The author describes the native religion and lifestyle prior to the Europeans' arrival, and the subsequent results of conversion to Christianity, both positive and negative. Also described is the treatment toward the native peoples by the Europeans. The paper is divided into two sections, one describing the Spanish invasion and the other the Portuguese conquest of Brazil. The author concludes that the effort by Portuguese Christians to convert native Brazilians - by force or otherwise - to Christianity was far less successful than tactics used by Spaniards in Mexico.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
The arrival of the Spaniards into Mesoamerican Mexico
Things did not go well for the Spaniards in 1680s and 1690s
Jesuit priest Father Tomas Miranda raged at the cruel treatment of the Seri
Portugal and the Colonization of Brazil
Works Cited
From the Paper "And because the Roman Catholic leadership in Spain saw the natives as part of a prophecy, a gift from Lord to enrich their Spanish culture, the Franciscan missionaries, the first priests in Mexico, used "indoctrination" as a term rather than "evangelization." The Spaniards reportedly believed that since God had placed these Native Americans on Mexican soil for the enhancement of Spanish culture and religion, that the natives merely needed the facts of Christianity (Roman Catholicism), not the full litany of evangelization. The Spaniards were wrong, of course, and they found themselves in the midst of a myriad of troubling situations they could not possibly have predicted."
Tags:Christianity, conversion, native, peoples, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Portugal
Abstract This paper examines the Biblical Book of Psalms and its role in Christian religious belief and practice. The paper gives a brief historical background of Christianity from its origins until modern times. The paper also describes the various sects of Christianity. The author states that despite variances in outlook, all denominations of Christianity hold the Book of Psalms as central in their liturgy and as a means of strengthening faith.
From the Paper "More and more people began confessing Jesus as the Christ, and so the Christian designation stuck. It spread from Judea into Syria and finally into all parts of the Roman Empire and beyond. Today, Christianity is the most widely recognized religion in the world. It is more popular in the United States and Europe than anywhere else, but there is also a large Christian following in Africa. Western culture would be difficult to imagine without Christianity because it has been part of Western civilization and life since nearly the beginning of time. Christianity believes that Jesus Christ is the one and only true Son of God, and that he came down to this earth and was made man so that he could live and die for the sins of humanity. By doing this, Jesus allowed human beings who believed in him to receive eternal life and salvation. Because he paid the price for the sins of humanity, human beings could go to heaven to be with him and God when they died, instead of being condemned to hell for their sinful nature."
