Abstract
The paper discusses how the metaphor infusing the book "Planting Growing Churches" by Aubrey Malphurs is one showing the church to be organic and Christians in the role of putative horticulturists. The paper notes that this is not merely a metaphor created for this book but one that is used in the church to describe the creation of new churches and the nurturing of the church to cause the population of followers to increase in number. The book considers the state of this process at the time the book was written and how the process could be improved so as to increase the size of the Christian community.

From the Paper
"The metaphor infusing the book "Planting Growing Churches" by Aubrey Malphurs is one showing the church to be organic and Christians in the role of putative horticulturists. This is not merely a metaphor created for this book but one that is used in the church to describe the creation of new churches and the nurturing of the church to cause the population of followers to increase in number. The book considers the state of this process at the time the book was written and how the process could be improved so as to increase the size of the Christian community. Aubrey Malphurs has written some eighteen books and many articles on church-related matters, especially on church management and specifically..."

Tags:malphus, planting, churches

Abstract
This paper presents the design and plan of of Hagia Sophia and the Saint-Denis churches in Constantinople. The author points out the different concepts of the dome. The paper explains the use of the decorative arts.

From the Paper
"The two structures, selected for comparison and analysis in this essay, are Hagia Sophia and Saint-Denis Hagia Sophia in Constantinople now Istanbul . They were was built in ... by the architects Anthemiuys of Tralles and Isidorus of Melitus. Saint-Denis was rebuilt under the direction of Suger Abbot of St. Denis in the is outside of Paris, France. The former church is an excellent example the combination of the elements of a Christian basilica to which a domed central square compartment was added along ..."

Tags:art history, architecture, churches

Abstract
This paper examines the growing role of African-American churches in disseminating educational materials and running programs about HIV/AIDS prevention. Church involvement is seen as especially relevant in light of the disproportionate number of African Americans afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of churches in African-American culture and the potential they have for reaching large numbers of members through new initiatives. The author suggests that churches may not have become involved with AIDS ministries until recently because there may be a reluctance to discuss issues related to sexuality. The paper concludes that African-American churches serve as an incredible resource to reach many African Americans with HIV/AIDS and to work toward prevention as well.

From the Paper
"Given the overwhelming, increasing burden of HIV/AIDS in the African American community, particularly among African American women, greater emphasis has been placed on involving African American churches and the faith community in HIV/AIDS prevention and education services. Traditionally, the African American church has played a pivotal role in the African American community. African American churches have promoted educational opportunities, economic growth, and civil rights,3,4 as well as served as a source of refuge, empowerment, social development, and information for members of the African American community.4 Also, African American churches have more recently become actively involved in health education and prevention concerning diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer."

Tags:Christianity, ministries, women, condoms, drug use

Abstract
The paper relates that the Roman Catholic Church has two major ecclesial heritages, which are Rome and Byzantium, alternatively known as the Western and the Eastern churches, or as Latin and Greek, or as Roman and Byzantine, or as Catholic and Orthodox. The paper explains that this is due to the fact that the Catholic Church underwent a major division or schism in the 11th century and although there were attempts to unite the two sides, these ultimately failed, so that the Church remains divided today. This paper argues that although Rome genuinely desired reunification with the Eastern Churches, this was premised upon the expectation that it would submit to the authority of the Pope. However, this was not achieved, because a key reason for the schism was the Eastern Church's refusal to acknowledge the authority of the bishop of Rome.

From the Paper
"The Roman Catholic Church has two major ecclesial heritages, which are Rome and Byzantium, alternatively known as the Western and the Eastern churches, or as Latin and Greek, or as Roman and Byzantine, or as Catholic and Orthodox. This is due to the fact that the Catholic Church underwent a major division or schism in the 11th century. There were attempts to unite the two sides, but these ultimately failed, so that the Church remains divided today. This essay will argue that although Rome genuinely desired reunification with the Eastern Churches, this was premised upon..."

Tags:catholic, schism, orthodox

Abstract
This paper examines two particular Gothic churches Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome and the Church of S. Maria del Fiore in Florence. Each church is examined for the combination of specific historical forces and styles, the building materials and techniques available to those who constructed them. It also looks at emblems that were used as meaningful symbols and the ways in which Gothic churches connect people to the divine within the Catholic Church in a way that helped people to transcend their daily lives.

From the Paper
"The church of Santa Maria Maggiore is no exception, for it is combination of specific historical forces and styles, the building materials and techniques available to those who constructed it and emblems that have been used as meaningful symbols of the ways in which churches connect people to the divine within the Catholic Church, as Kulterman (p. 12) argues."

Tags:chistian, catholic, historic, religion

Abstract
This paper explains that the metaphor infusing the book "Planting Growing Churches" by Aubrey Malphurs is one showing the church to be organic and Christians in the role of putative horticulturists. The author points out that this organic metaphor is in keeping with the millennia-old view of the church and of God as creating the natural world and then asking His followers to tend it. The paper states that the argument offered by Malphurs applies most directly to evangelicals, as might be assumed given the emphasis they place on spreading the Word and creating new churches.

From the Paper
"The process of planting a church does not end with that one church but then extends to evangelizing further to grow more churches. In analyzing this process, Malphurs begins with definitions and a general view of the process and then considers the personnel needed to plant a church, and those involved in the process have to understand themselves and their relationship to God and to the tenets of the faith. Not everyone can be as church planter, and Malphurs offers a way to measure who is able to carry out this task effectively."

Tags:horticulturists, organic, evangelizing, individuals, value

Abstract
During its two centuries of existence as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese, a number of churches and monasteries with domes and chapels were erected at Mistras. These structures played an important role in terms of promoting the religious function in the region, as well as providing a centralized focus for the ruling elite. This paper provides an examination of these monasteries and churches at Mistras, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.

From the Paper
"In his essay, "The impact of Frankish architecture on Thirteenth-Century Byzantine Architecture", Charalambos Bouras writes: "In the eleventh and twelfth centuries, Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture in both the capital and the provinces was mature and self-contained, meeting to the full the church building's liturgical needs and dogmatic symbolism, as well as realizing possibilities in the development of other art forms such as sculpture and monumental painting" (2002:247). In the Peloponnenos in particular, where the principality of the Morea had been established, there are not only the most important monuments of Gothic architecture, but also the most characteristic examples of Western influence on embellished Byzantine church buildings (2002:248). The Crusaders were also responsible, according to Bouras, for building a number of strong fortresses in the areas, perhaps even a part of the palace at Mistras, and certain other new settlements. The buildings of the 13th century at Peloponnesos are numerous and were usually smaller than their forerunners (such as the Hagia Sophia), and were frequently included in monastic complexes (Bouras 2002)."

Tags:byzantine, constantinople, peloponnese

Abstract
This paper argues that although Rome genuinely desired reunification with the Eastern churches, this was premised upon the expectation that it would submit to the authority of the Pope. The paper explains that this was not achieved, because a key reason for the schism was the Eastern church's refusal to acknowledge the authority of the bishop of Rome. The paper then looks at how the Western church's desire for reunification would have required submission, it is argued that the Western church really sought nothing less than the submission of the Eastern church. The paper suggest that it was not looking for partnership, it was looking for domination. The writer believes that this, coupled with the fact that the schism was so very far reaching and profound, meant that unification was simply not possible.

From the Paper
"The other major reason for the schism relates directly to the issue of power and dominance. The Eastern Church and the Western Church had for a long time been growing increasingly estranged due to disputes over papal authority. As summarized by Congar, the "Oriental schism came about by a progressive estrangement." This came to a head when Pope Leo IX proclaimed his authority over the four Eastern patriarchs. This authority was firmly repudiated by the Eastern Church, and continues to be repudiated to this day."

Tags:middle, ages, latin, catholic, orthodox

Abstract
A first year paper explaining the PRC's millions of Christians including independent Protestant house churches that have had varied treatment by the state, sometimes persecuted, and at other times tolerated, though all refuse to join Communist organizations for Christians. The writer mentions Christian myths of persecution and martyrdom fuel interest, along with awareness of pre-1949 missionary investment and a lore of individuals to serve the Chinese poor. The paper includes a strong bibliography of several English-medium articles and scholarly texts.

Tags:Chinese, protestants, underground

From the Paper
"When you hear about a place or worship what is the first thing that comes to your mind? A church with a cross on the steeple? A booming organ with music that makes you feel as if you walked in "The Phantom of The Opera" musical? A balcony with young children singing in a choir? Enormous door that represent both the Old Testament and The New Testament with images of holy people from Noah and The Ark, Abraham and Sarah, The Jesse Tree, King David, Jonah and The Virgin? In my case, that was what I thought about. I viewed all the churches and cathedrals in their splendor and beauty. I was fascinated by the architectual style that each magnificent religious building possessed. Two of the churches that seemed to have their own personality were The Church of St. Thomas and Saint Peter's Church."

Tags:art, catholic, church, churches, city, greek, judaism, ny, of, peter, roman, russian, st, thomas