This paper examines the everyday life of Clergy in Moldavia and Wallachia during the 17th century. It examines how they managed to live together in peace despite the wars raging around them.
Abstract The paper focuses on the everyday life of the clergy from Danubian Principalities in the 17th century. Followers of different religions like Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants were dwelling within a narrow area and had to find the means to live together as peacefully as possible. At the same time, they had to obey to the stern rules that were issued by the ecclesiastical authorities.Therefore very often they had to comply with the local customs and to borrow from the other faiths in order to be accepted by the local community.The paper provides some answers about how the priests managed to cope with this situation.
From the Paper The paper focuses on the way the Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant clergy led their lives and interacted among them in Moldavia and Wallachia. The essay covers especially first half of the 17th century although the data should be understood as an approximate signpost of an historical small-scaled research than as fixed boundary. Little study on this topic and area is available in Romanian or Hungarian and particularly in English. Thus research for the paper was conducted by using only the published Franciscan reports on the area as primary sources.
Tags: catholic, clergy, franciscans, orthodox, protestant, society
Abstract The paper analyzes "A Praise of Folly", written in 1509, which expresses the views of Desiderius Erasmus toward such topics as the church, humanism and the clergy. The paper shows how Erasmus is of the opinion that popes, cardinals, priests, and monks gave in to their human temptations and did not live up to the example set by Christ.
From the Paper "He expressed his views through The Praise of Folly, a book that is about a muse named Folly, who acts as the vehicle through which Erasmus criticizes the church. Erasmus wrote the book to express humanist views and to criticize much of society. The book uses examples of the clergy's misdeeds to show how they cannot control their human weaknesses and demonstrated how they are not living up to Christ's example."
Abstract This paper examines the act for the submission of the clergy (1532) in context of the English Reformation as a remarkable period. It explains how King Henry VIII made official his break with the Catholic Church a mere 11 years after being declared its Defender of the Faith for opposing Martin Luther.
From the Paper "The English Reformation came about as a result of many dovetailing forces. As is often the case with defining periods in history timing was all-important as centuries of Catholic corruption collided with the onset of a grand theological debate across Europe ..."
Tags: henry viii, act for the submission of the clergy, act of supremacy, english reformation, anne boleyn, martin luther
This research study specifically examines the sexual abuse of Latino children in the United States perpetrated by priests and clergy members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Abstract This paper reveals that the Roman Catholic Church 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 Catholic Church, 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 Catholic Church Legal System
Response of the Church to Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse
Secrecy in the Roman Catholic Church 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
Abstract This paper discusses the French Revolution and the events that occurred before and after August 4, 1789. The paper shows that the civil constitution of the clergy in France made it impossible to separate the Church and State. It suggests that this separation did eventually happen at the end of the revolutionary government and discusses why this was so.
Table of Contents:
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy The Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The revolution would not have been any less violent had the Civil Constitution of the Clergy not been created. The violence was raging prior to its creation, and it was only after the bishops refused to swear the oath of the decree that they were in harm's way. The provinces and the cities were compromised of different, not like minds, and, therefore, when those men who had remained quietly in the background and allowing Robespierre to manipulate the new government in the philosophies of Rousseau felt it was time to move to their power bases by ousting Robespierre, then the atmosphere that existed between the provinces and the cities were such that it could be accomplished without threat of revolt against the government."
Tags: bishop government decree separation, church and state
Abstract A look at the role played by clergymen in two 1790's novels: "A Simple Story" by Elizabeth Inchbald and "The Romance of the Forest" by Ann Radcliffe. The author investigates the differences of the role of clergymen in the two novels.
From the Paper "An examination of the differences between clergymen in Elizabeth Inchbald's A Simple Story and Ann Radcliffe's The Romance of the Forest indicates some of the philosophical changes that were taking place throughout Europe and specifically in England by 1791, the year that both books were published. Not only do these novels illustrate a marked difference between Catholic and Protestant clergy, but also acknowledge a growing perception of individualism as a philosophic precept. Inchbald's priests are stern, unyielding, forbidding representations of a paternalistic ideology in which the moral authority is unquestionable. Radcliffe's pastor, on the other hand, is a benevolent, serene shepherd of his flock who leads by example rather than inflexible rule."
Abstract This paper demonstrates Dante's and Boccaccio's opposing views concerning whether the importance of God's divine justice outweighs the innate human qualities present in all peoples. Using the example of how each portrays members of the clergy in their works, Dante's preference of divine justice emerges, as does Boccaccio's preference of human nature.
From the Paper "Dante and Boccaccio disagree on the issue of divine justice versus human nature. In The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Dante employs Fortune to prove the importance of divine justice. As a creation of God, Fortune operates strictly within the will of God, enhancing Dante's depiction of God's omnipotence. Dante also illustrates the importance of God's divine justice through the various people the pilgrim meets in the circles of the Inferno, specifically members of the clergy. In sentencing these men to hell, Dante demonstrates the fair and impartial manner in which God judges all people. He points out that God does not favor the clergymen because of their church titles, but judges all people according to the same moral and religious standards. Boccaccio, on the other hand, utilizes the same constructions in The Decameron, but uses them to contradict the previously accepted philosophies set forth in the Inferno. Boccaccio presents Fortune as God's enemy, a power that provides earth with more than it needs."
Abstract The paper shows that in the wake of the much-publicized debacle involving numerous male child molestation cases within the Catholic Church, the vast majority of which were allegedly "covered up" by the leaders of the Catholic Church, Massachusetts passed a new law. It explains that clergy members, as well as paid religious educators and other individuals specified under the law, must report incidents of child abuse, including child sexual abuse. This essay addresses whether the Massachusetts state government and the churches at issue will be able to feasibly manage and enforce the new law.
From the Paper "Fifth, clergy are exempted from the reporting requirements if knowledge of a child abuse incident is solely obtained during a confession or other confidential communication. This exemption for "confidential communications" will also prove problematic. The law gives little guidance as to what is considered a confidential communication. We can quite easily imagine a scenario in which almost every communication or action within a church setting is deemed by the church clergy as "confidential", and therefore, exempt from the reporting law."
Abstract This paper examines the main theme in the book which is that the custom and practice of storytelling that has been embedded for centuries into the culture of African peoples.The research sets forth the principal thesis of the work and then discusses how the pattern of ideas contained in the work and the means by which these ideas are conveyed can be applied to the practical experience of African-American clergy as well as to the individual minister's own spiritual growth.
From the Paper "Using examples from his own and others' pastoral experience as a minister, Wimberly develops the view that the use of narrative, from the perspective of the Bible, from the perspective of the minister, and from the perspective of those who are being counseled, can result in satisfactory pastoral encounters and can most fully integrate the human experience with that of what he terms God's narrative, or plan, for man. No less significant is Wimberly's view that African American narrative traditions conform with and indeed actually prefigure certain diagnostic and treatment theories and techniques of progressive psychotherapy and that African American pastoral counselors should feel confident about exploiting and applying their knowledge and direct experience of their indigenous cultural roots and socialization customs to arrive at maximal outcomes for those whom they counsel who may be facing serious problems in the context of contemporary life."
Tags: ministry, storytelling, clergy, minister, spiritual, black
Abstract This paper examines how the period before the revolution of 1789 in France saw most of the established elites privileges, economic advantages and political power dwindle and how as a result, many began to see the central government as becoming increasingly despotic. It discusses to position of the three estates (clergy, nobility and everyone else) before the revolution and the conflicts that aroused between them during this period. It takes the stance that these groups, in their efforts to maintain their own status or privileges, came unintentionally either into conflict with each other or the King himself and shows how these complex social situations led to the revolution itself in 1789.
From the Paper "As the French government expanded its power in an attempt to strengthen the weakened monarchy, they came into conflict with elites who felt that their position within the political system of France was being eradicated. Elites had played an important role in local administration through their power to publicize political matters, and register new laws, edicts and letters patent, but also because they controlled the appointment of new officiers by owning the administrative offices. The parlements articulated the concerns of French citizens and brought them to the King, which caused a conflict with the monarchy who also competed for the favour of public opinion. Parlements had traditionally been dominated by landed elites, so the government, to protect the rights of communities from exploitation, created the intendants."
Abstract The paper analyzes Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales", describing how the Parson presents a morally and ethically idealized character, which is placed at the apex of the Christian Church's clergy. The paper further discusses how the Prioress, the Friar, and the Pardoner all represent lower hierarchical figures in the Christian servants of the Church. The Prioress makes a limited devotion to the Church through her families wealth; the Friar is an immoral sexual deviant, and finally, the Pardoner steals his followers' money so that he may live better than they.
From the Paper "In this study The Pardoner's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer will examined through the perspective of the religious clergy in the overall moral and ethical schematics of the Canterbury Tales. By comparing and contrasting the societal position of the Parson, one can evaluate the roles of the Prioress, Friar, and Pardoner within the religious hierarchy of Chaucer's text. In essence, with the Parson has the elite position of religious society, as well as the high water mark of religiosity, the varying views on the clergy is depicted by Chaucer on the lower the ranks of the Christian Church. These various aspects of the Christian Clergy will be analyzed within The Pardoner's Tale and the General Prologue of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales."
Abstract The paper points out that within the context of Western-Islamic relations, most Shi'a Muslims are concentrated in Iran and Iraq and so it is crucial that the West understands the differences between Shi'a and Sunni Muslims. The paper discusses the role and importance of the cleric system, ulema, within Shi'a Islam and how it differs from the cleric system among Sunnis. Finally, the writer highlights some of the modern effects of the Ulema in Shi'a society. The paper concludes that these religious teachers and advisers hold tremendous sway over the development of Shi'a communities and nations all over the world.
Outline:
Introduction: The Historical Context of Shi'a Islam
The Clergy, Ulema, System in Shi'a Islam
Differences with Other Types of Muslims, Specifically Sunni Muslims
Modern Relevance of the Shi'a Ulema: Iran and Iraq
Conclusion
From the Paper "Shi'a Islam represents the only major schism in modern Islam. The differences between it and the dominant Sunni Muslim tradition date back to the foundation of the religion, shortly after the death of the Prophet Mohammed (Hooker par. 1). I will discuss these differences in greater depth in a subsequent section. However, it is important to recognize that this distinction exists, because it helps us to not think of Islam as a monolithic religion. The fact is that Shi'a Muslims do not recognize the religious authority of Sunni caliphs (Hooker par. 7). This religious distinction makes Shi'a Muslims categorically different from Sunni Muslims. If the West deals with any nation or group of people who are Shiite, it would be important to understand the differences that exist between them and Sunni Muslims. In Iran, for example, where Shi'a Islam became the official religion in 1500 when the Safauid Dynasty took power, it is crucial that Westerners recognize the difference between Shi'a and Sunni Muslims (Thornton par. 6)."
Abstract This paper discusses the debate over the ordination of women, especially into the Catholic priesthood. It looks at the women's movement and how it relates to the church and how the church interprets the Bible. The paper provides examples of the arguments used both for and against female ordination and female clergy within the church.
From the Paper "Much of the defense of an exclusively male priesthood goes back to the example of Christ. Here again, one must consider how Christ is to be viewed. If Jesus Christ was merely a good teacher, conveying sound ethical doctrine which warrants consideration and emulation, then there is a reasonable argument that some of his decisions would merely be reflections of the cultural norms then popular in the Holy Land some 2,000 years ago. However, even this argument falters because Jesus did not adhere to the cultural norms of his time. At that time, virtually all religions had priestesses, so that this, rather than an exclusively male priesthood would have been completely normal. Further, Christ certainly had around him many women eager to serve him, by every measure excellent candidates for such positions, including his own mother, Mary, to Mary Magdalene, or the women of Bethany, to name only a few. (Bogle)"
A discussion of an 1996 article entitled "Why Volunteerism Won't Save America" in "Christianity Today" that reviews the book "Learning to Care: Elementary Kindness in an Age of Indifference" by Robert Wuthnow.
Abstract This paper examines an 1996 article in "Christianity Today" about volunteering in Robert Wuthnow's book "Learning to Care: Elementary Kindness in an Age of Indifference". The paper explains that the author questions whether the "mild morality" found in present-day volunteers is what society really needs. The paper looks at how, according to Wuthnow, the type of volunteering needed in the present society is different than that of past generations. The paper also points out that a milder type of volunteerism is necessary in a society like the one that exists today, which is so complex, but during the pioneer days for example, individuals needed be strong and virtuous, because they lived in such a lawless and unprotected world. The paper concludes that the churches' clergy and educators need to show the youth of today what heroes are doing.
From the Paper "Wuthnow argues that this milder type of volunteerism is necessary in a society like the one that exists today, which is so complex. To the contrary, during pioneer days for example, individuals needed be strong and virtuous, because they lived in such a lawless and unprotected world. "Temperance and prudence took the place of factory schedules and insurance schemes." Now, however, people can be "relatively weak" in their volunteering efforts, due to the strength of the government and business institutions."
Abstract This paper reviews the history of the Act of Union that created a new political entity known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The Union was established to ensure Protestant ascendancy in Ireland, a move that was deeply distrusted and resented by the Catholics. The paper also investigates a series of campaigns for the sanctioning of the Catholic Emancipation bill for which Catholic priests, who previously had a very limited part in politics, took leading roles. The paper relates that, from being the prime movers of Ireland's largely Catholic population, these clergymen were booted out of politics and electioneering not by will, but by gradual changes in the different sectors of the country.
From the Paper "The influence of the clergymen extended into the 1860s and 1870s. During elections, they canvassed, spoke at public forums, endorsed candidates, and brought voters to the polling places. However, their success had been limited due to their division. There were generally two camps: one was headed by Cardinal Cullen of Dublin, who supported liberals and the other was led by Archbishop MacHale of Tuam, who favored extreme candidates. This division worked greatly in favor of the conservative camp, which had more candidates elected to parliament."
