Abstract This paper introduces and discusses the Catholic Church. Specifically it discusses the Catholic Church's injustice towards women and women's rights, including domestic violence, women priests, and other matters relevant to women but ignored by the Catholic Church. The paper shows that for centuries, the Catholic Church 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 Catholic Church will not condone their use of birth control. The paper questions why the Catholic Church 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 Church of the United Brethren (UB), which was the very first church denomination in America. The history of the church is detailed, as is its belief system. The differences between this church and the other church establishments that existed at the time are also discussed in detail. The church's belief system is covered in detail, as are the eleven expectations that members of the church are expected to follow. The author also looks at the modern UB, and shows how it is now a worldwide network of congregations.
From the Paper "Members should also follow social standards. A member should be a good citizen of their community, they should take standards against the evil, believe in equal rights and justice for all, agree with the democratic system, affirm the right to serve and bear arms in the National Armed Forces, have the right to refuse to bear arms, advocate abstinence by all people from using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, attain form gambling, eliminate pornography, be occult, and have decision-making foundations (Getting acquainted with the Church of the United Brethren pg. 50-55)."
Abstract The writer of this paper analyzes the decline of the Roman Empire which resulted in an influx of Germanic peoples into the Roman Catholic church 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 Catholic church 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 The writer of this paper contends that Warren's main goal is to teach others about the cause of Christ. This paper details the contents of Warren's book while discussing the author's opinion regarding the myths attached with growing churches. The author tackles the argument that large churches are only concerned with attendance. This paper examines the church's general premise, which according to Warren, begins with a solid foundation, which builds morale and reduces frustration. Warren describes how churches can turn attenders into members, by implementing a plan that assimilates new members by focusing on congregational needs. This paper discusses Warren's suggestions and strategies for improving the current situation in churches across America. This paper also lists the five main purposes of the church, according to the author, which include loving the Lord, loving one's neighbor and teaching obedience.
From the Paper "The following section focuses on how a church becomes purpose driven. This begins with a solid foundation, which can be set forth with a purpose statement. This, in Warren's opinion, builds morale and reduces frustration. In addition, a church's purpose is not created as much as it is discovered. Purpose statements are biblical, specific, transferable, and measurable. In this section, Warren also goes over five purposes o the church, which include loving the Lord, loving one's neighbor, making disciples, baptism, and teaching obedience. Warren also discusses communication and organizing the body of the church around the church's purpose. Part of this plan includes the five circles of commitment, which are community, crowd, congregation, the committed, and the core."
Abstract This paper discusses a survey of members of the Holman United Methodist Church. The paper explains that the surveyed church members stated that the Holman United Methodist's church mission was to create a stronger community. The author analyzes data from primary sources and from direct interviews with the church members, and concludes that it it was apparent that the church is communally focused upon four guidelines: the distinctive center, justification by grace and a political ethic, tolerance and a pluralist society, and realism and hope. The author states that the church effectively promotes a moralistic ethical system, pride in themselves and political skills to take control of their lives and the Los Angeles African-American community.
From the Paper "The New Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word community as a body of persons having a history or social economic and political interest in common (Webster). Through observation one can see that the members of the Holman United Methodist Church HUMC literally embody this definition since the demographics consists of low to middle class African American community members who reside in the same geographic location fight for their rights of equality in the business sector share similar historical..."
Tags: African American, Community, Church, Los Angeles
Abstract The author of this paper examines religious intolerance in the late middle ages and specifically, as practiced by the Church. The author gives a number of examples where religious intolerance and even persecution were not only countenanced by the Church but were even a part of Church law. The writer gives two examples of the church's intolerance of other religious viewpoints: the Crusades when established Church doctrine said that only Christians had the right to rule in the Holy Land, and the persecution and stigmatization of the Jews. The paper uses MLA style footnotes but doesn't include a works cited page.
From the Paper "Anti-Semitism in the later Middle Ages was rather prevalent throughout most of Western Europe. There are at least three canons alone of the Fourth Lateran Council that are concerned with the proper ways to deal with or treat Jews. One of these canons states that it is unacceptable for a "blasphemer of Christ to be in a position of authority over Christians" because "such authority [is] very hostile to Christians." In the "hagiography" of William of Norwich it is said that the Jews of Norwich preformed the blood libel sacrifice of William during Passover. This account is the first instance that the myth of the blood libel. The entire idea of Jews taking a young Christian boy (William is 12 in the story and thus not yet a man by Christian or Jewish standards) and reenacting the crucifixion upon him speaks very clearly that Christian society of the time had a very deep distrust of other faiths, especially that of Judaism; this distrust running so deep that the Church accommodates it into law."
Tags: christianity judaism church persecution crusades, middle ages anti-semitism pope canon
This paper looks at the way in which democracy was embraced in America when people desired freedom over the abuse of power in the church and state in Europe.
2,160 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 8 sources, 2003, $ 67.95
Abstract The following paper discusses the way in which the freethinking Founding Fathers of America gathered in mind and body in the late 1700s order to create a government for the free people of the United States. This paper focuses on their aspirations for a government that would neither be based upon, nor governed by, the tenets or dogma of any particular religion. The paper concludes that Christianity and Democracy, like church and state, must be separate and yet, forever embracing each other.
From the paper:
?In the late 300s, A.D., Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, and in order to make the church more universal or ?catholic,? a number of tenets were then formally embraced or anathematized. For purposes of teaching, Church leaders used the writings of early theologians referred to as Church Fathers - many of whom had opposing philosophical views.?
Tags: democratic, empire, roman, poverty, hierarchy, catholic, church
Abstract This paper looks at the increased reports of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. 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 Of the many significant structural and ideological changes which have taken place in Europe's history, the French Revolution represents an important social shift in the relations between the "people" and the Church as a privileged partner with the State. By discussing how the French Revolution produced a dramatic and structural limitation in the relation of the Church to the state, I do not wish to suggest that the revolution resulted in a complete separation of the church and state. It does, however, signal important factors that contributed to the diminishing role of the Church in state and in public affairs.
This paper discusses whether female egalitarianism in the Church is undermining the leadership of the Church by contradicting the scriptures of the Bible.
Abstract In this study, the writer presents a critical review of the arguments surrounding the egalitarian position of women in church. Ideally the idea is to get an understanding of whether the necessary hypothesis is grounded in the scriptures of the Bible. More importantly, the writer maintains that there has to be a critical review of whether the egalitarian approach is simply an adaptation of changes in society as it relates to gender roles. The writer questions if the Church is imitating how society treats women. If this is the case, the writer argues that it should be that society imitates the church's value and leadership structure. The writer discusses what the Bible has to say about the issue.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Working Outline: Structure & Dissertation Categories
From the Paper "The egalitarian position as presented by Datu is that, since the Bible teaches that all people are created and should be equal, then the Church has a duty to advocate gender equality and equity in churches, and more so in church leadership . Many theorists ground the general egalitarian movement in the foundations and teachings of Jesus Christ, and other New Testament principles. Datu highlights the fact that female egalitarianism is a necessary prerequisite for the success of the church, since the role of women cannot be undermined. Datu also shows that the current opposition of the movement is due to societal pressure and that the historical process shows that female egalitarianism and female leadership in the church was not uncommon in past periods, however cultural prejudices and defined gender roles in society, have created an atmosphere that not affects female leadership in the church."
Abstract This four-page paper presents a discussion about why the Catholic Church 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 short proposal examines some of the major longitudinal factors illustrating why it is that young people today are turning away from the church. The proposal aims to provide a cursory overview of the broad forces which have collectively contributed to the relative decline of the church and to the concomitant rise of secularism; in addition, the paper also reviews the social factors in recent decades that have driven the church from its former cultural pre-eminence.
From the Paper "Why Young People are leaving the Church Since the Age of Enlightenment, intellectuals and other observers have been anticipating the final demise of the Christian church in a Western culture that has become disquietingly secular. As will become apparent, the departure of young people from what was once society's seemingly irrefragable social institution is a process that has origins reaching well back into the past."
Abstract This paper gives a brief history of the Catholic Church. 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)"
Abstract This paper examines the separation of church and state as defined by the United States Supreme Court's interpretation of the First Amendment religion clause, especially the Establishment Clause. This has been a source of increasingly heated debate in American society and politics. The paper shows that many conservatives and religious activists are angry that lower state courts, federal district courts, and federal appeals courts have ruled that Ten Commandment displays violate Constitutionally mandated separation of church and state, and are applying unprecedented pressure on the judiciary at every level.
Abstract This paper gives the author's personal impressions of a stained glass window depicting the life of Christ. The window, located at the Riverside Church in New York, is described and reflected upon by the author.
From the Paper "The stained glass window that I saw was one of Christ as an adult showing images like the story on a child's picture book. The bright colored lights that seemed to glow out of the sun into the vast dark stone structure. I loved those vivid images that showed facial expressions in such detail and accuracy. The path of the images that made a story was structured rather like an inverted ?U?. The middle of the arch showed the images of Christ and his disciples perhaps The Last Supper. I could not give all the information in accurate detail because there were some images that I thought more striking to me than the others. "
