Abstract The paper traces the background of both Roman and Greek mythology. The paper points out the key difference between the two types of deities. The paper examines how the deities superficially share similar functions although many of the underlying qualities and characteristics of the deities are different. It also explains that the literary tradition of Roman mythology is based largely on the ancient Greek traditions,although the origins of the mythology are quite different.
From the Paper "The first ancient Greek writings date to around 600 BC. However, the oratory tradition of the myths dates from a much earlier time. Greek mythology centered on the idea that a group of immortals were responsible for the creation of the world as it is today. Many of the traditions center on the creation of the earth, which resulted from the interactions and conflicts between these immortal creatures. Greek mythology centered on the idea that Mt. Olympus was the center of the universe and that this is where the immortals lived. The immortals seldom interacted with mortal."
Abstract This paper discusses how the Gods (deities) play an extremely important part throughout "The Iliad" by Homer, the poetry of Sappho and "Pericles Funeral Oration" by Thucydides and through much of ancient literature. It examines how in "The Iliad," Achilles often turns to the Gods to aid him in battle and in his personal life, how Sappho often wrote of the Gods and Goddesses in particular Aphrodite and how Thucydides does not directly mention the Gods but puts Athens on a pedestal in their place.
From the Paper "Sappho writes often of love and affection, but her affinity for the deities is never far from her poems. She often asks for guidance and aid in love and life, just as Achilles did in "The Iliad." Sappho writes most commonly about Aphrodite, Peitho, Ares, Hecate, Hera, Hermes, Hephaestus, and the Muses. Her poems also show the Gods interacting with humans, and aiding them at important times, such as blessing them at weddings. "All the High Gods from Olympus, to bless the Two, descend." Her lyric poetry (meant to be sung along while playing a lute) was different in that it was often written from the deities' point of view. Homer and Pericles mostly wrote from the human, heroic point of view."
Abstract In ancient Greece and Rome, traditions, histories, and other elements of society were passed down as oral traditions from one generation to another. While ancient Greek culture predates Roman culture, the two cultures developed a degree of interaction and similarity between the peoples. The mythology of these two cultures reflected many of the ethical issues that were important in that time. This paper shows that it is not surprising, considering their close geographic proximity, that there was a certain degree of mixing of cultures and, consequently, mythology as well. The research explores the similarities and differences between Greek and Roman deities.
From the Paper "Virgil wrote the Aeneid in the early Roman period, which was based largely on the Greek understanding of the gods and goddesses. However, he wrote characters that would appeal to the Roman social structure and ideology, and "romanized" the Greek deities. His works were based on the Greek writer Homer, who portrayed Zeus and Hera as petty complainers. The Roman ideals would not allow for a noble complainer, therefore Virgil transformed Zeus and Hera into heroic Jupiter and an angry God Juno, who struck fear in the hearts of men."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the area known today as Iraq, which was called the ancient Near East. The writer points out that this area was also called the cradle of civilisation. The writer notes that there was good reason for providing such a name to this area, due to the fact that people in the area practiced irrigation and developed agriculture, built cities and waged wars, developed hereditary king-ships, developed writing for possibly the first time, wrote poetry and developed complex mythologies. The writer discusses that in so doing they laid the foundations for the development of Roman civilization which was to come later.
From the Paper "The area in the Near East which lies between the Euphrates and the Tigris River, once known as Mesopotamia, and now known as Iraq, is frequently referred to as the Cradle of Civilisation. The Ancient near East, showing the area of Mesopotamia."
Abstract A very involved and thorough examination through both primary and secondary textual sources of the figure of the Goddess within Hindu tradition. A history of Hinduism and the development of its deity plurality is outlined, with specific reference to the many and varied female deities. A more detailed history of the development of goddesses is included, outlining the symbolic and mythical purpose of the female figure to the male figure. The Shakti principle is discussed, along with specific Hindu philosophy as found in the numerous Puranas, or Hindu texts. The importance of the female aspect in life as creator is highlighted specifically in regards to the Tantric tradition. The paper's final conclusion outlines the underlying, two-fold way in which the Goddess has gained theological significance within the Hindu tradition.
From the Paper "Goddesses have been worshipped throughout the world for thousands of years. However unlike most cultures, goddess worship persisted within the Hindu tradition and continued in to modern times using a combination of both traditional and original forms. Today goddesses exist alongside masculine deities as some of the most important figures within the Hindu pantheon. The Hindu tradition itself has not remained unchanged however. What is understood as "Hinduism" today has been the result of a dynamic and ever-changing tradition which continues to evolve and adapt as time progresses. The nature of this spirituality is therefore such that it almost becomes impossible to identify one religion or one tradition that can be truly identified as ?Hindu.? Similarly, the concept of the goddess figure within this tradition has also changed, her theology evolving to reflect the differing stages of the Hindu tradition. As such, the significance of the goddess today does not reflect an accurate account of her historical place within this tradition. To discover the significance of the goddess today an exploration of the development of Hinduism is necessary, as well as an understanding of the transformation the goddess figure underwent from individuated identity to unified "goddess" energy. This will thus lay the foundation for an examination of the two prime theological functions to which the goddess became attached for within the Hindu tradition."
Abstract This paper examines how, in Homer's "Iliad", it is the deities (gods) and not destiny that is involved with the behavior and the life of humankind. It looks at how the actions and behavior of humankind are so fundamental that they completely captivate the attention of the deities, as though they had no other errands or tasks. In comparison, it looks at how, in modern times, dependability is fixed on the individual and how the life of discussion is considered the means to reality. It shows our absolute dependence upon science and reason and our disdain for any instinctive insights and physical values.
From the Paper "In modern time, the legacy for life is the apprehension for human well being, the pronouncement that we are free to act for what we have faith in and to modify the circumstances in which we find ourselves through these pains, the resistance of reason, as well as the recognition of responsibility. The power, we believe, is in minds that are open to transformations, hearts that are open to each other. We exist in a state of affairs of "real doubt" in relation to the character of humanity, universe, as well as good value. There is no way to be completely certain. In this state of affairs, no one of us knows enough. We look for replies to such questions, not simply in isolated searching, however, also in social surroundings, where we can be trained from one another."
An examination of the transformation of the concept of the absolute, deity, God from the early Vedic period to the period of Vedanta philosophy of the 12 century CE.
Abstract This paper provides a discussion concerning the transformation of the concept of the Absolute, Deity, God from the early Vedic period to the period of Vedanta philosophy of Madva in the 12th century CE. An examination of how the changing concepts of deity relate to the changing religious life of the people is followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "The Early Vedic was the period of transition from nomadic pastoralism to settled village communities intermixing pastoral and agrarian economies. The Vedas are the earliest sacred literature of India. Composed in archaic, or Vedic, Sanskrit, they generally are dated between 1500 and 800 BCE; these Vedas were originally transmitted orally. According to Isherwood (1970), the Hindus consider the Vedas as being divine truth - truth known by men through experience of union with the divine in man; however, the Hindu attitude towards these sacred works is fundamentally different than that of the devotees of other religions towards their sacred texts: "The Hindus do not demand that the Vedas shall be approached in a spirit of uncritical faith. On the contrary, they insist that each individual must verify the truths taught by the Vedas through his own effort and practice, in his own life" (1970, p. 2930)."
Abstract This paper examines how Benjamin Alire Saenz's breathtaking poem, "To the Desert", updates the ancient sonnet form Donne once used to praise the Christian God and turns it into a revolutionary invocation of a pantheistic deity embodied by the desert itself. It looks at how, through a flawless onomatopoeia that evokes the brushing and rustling and hissing sounds of the desert, he weaves sharply observant images to bring the very scent and color of the desert to the reader's mind.
From the Paper "Yet poetic merit is not all that Saenz has working for this piece. Additionally it carries with it an inherited weight of powerful symbolism. The poem is obviously conceived as a companion piece to Doneness classic sonnet ?Batter my heart Three-Personed God.? The concept of Doneness original was, in a nutshell, a plea to the Christian deity to force the poet into his service in the same way a man may force a hesitant woman into his bed, because without such psychic rape the poet will never be able to serve God fully and this is something he desires. Saenz has a similar point, though with far less of a sense of rape and far more of a sense of mutual re-creation and absorption. Doneness God will "imprison" the poet, whereas Saenz? desert will keep him warm, and swallow him up. However, there is certainly a degree to which the same sense of overwhelming power and force is intended."
Abstract This paper discusses the eternal religious debate of whether or not there is a God. The paper presents the basic tenets of atheism, the main one being the total lack of belief in any form of theism or deity. The paper contends that atheism is more of a perspective than a philosophy of non-religion. The paper examines the opinion that all organized religions were created by man, thereby confirming the belief that God does not exist.
From the Paper "The suggestion that atheism is a credible non-belief system points to the idea that it has some basis in fact; to say that the atheist is right is to suggest that Christians may be wrong which further leads to the suggestion that faith is an unreliable guide to knowing that God does exist. Therefore, if faith is unreliable then every single aspect of Christianity or some other major religion must be examined through the use of logic and reason which no doubt terrifies the believer by totally upsetting his/her belief systems. Thus, as Vincent P. Miceli relates, "when reason is liberated from the shackles of faith, it will claim sovereignty over every sphere of knowledge. . . and thus force believers to question the existence of God by subjecting His alleged divine revelations to critical analysis" (18)."
Abstract This paper discusses that Jesus uses direct words and demonstrates clearly and obviously with his actions throughout the New Testament that Jesus refers to himself as God. The author points out that most of the religious leaders of the time did not believe that Christ was God. The paper relates that, indeed, a debate existed particularly within the Jewish world of his validity as the Messiah or as even a prophet. So while he asserted His deity it was not widely accepted within the religious community.
From the Paper "Jesus, throughout the New Testament, refers to Himself as God. He does so directly in words, and demonstrates it clearly and obviously with his actions. Most of the religious leaders of the time did not believe that Christ was God. Indeed, a debate existed, particularly within the Jewish world, of his validity as the Messiah or as even a prophet. So, while he asserted His deity, it was not widely accepted within the religious community. Ultimately, however, the very fact of his deity and his ability to die so that the sins of humanity might be wiped clean (thus giving humanity a clean slate to start fresh with God again) proved the fact of His deity to many of those who doubted."
Abstract This paper shows how Socrates comes to a profound understanding of love in Plato's dialogue the "Symposium". The paper concentrates on the debate between Agathon and Socrates and looks at how Agathon wants to deliver a glowing encomium on love and how his enthusiasm leads him to focus on love as a deity. The paper then discusses how Socrates points out that he himself has confused love with the object of it and how according to this point of view love is not the highest good. It is instead a spirit that leads the way to the highest good, which it does by intermediating between mortal man and the immortal God.
From the Paper "Socrates desires to praise in his own way, and this is by telling the truth about Love. The fundamental truth is that love is a lack. One loves because one desires to possess the beautiful and the good, and does not have it already. Everyone is a lover, because everyone harks after the beautiful and the good. In the final analysis, it is the eternal good that all aspire towards. The triumph of love is in generation and creation. In the material sphere all things die and decay, and this signifies finiteness and mortality. But through the sexual impulse male and female meet towards procreation, which is the most beautiful thing that can happen. Procreation points to the possibility of eternity. This is how the body strives towards the eternal good; but there is a parallel creation of the mind. The Poet is a creator through the mind. In his poetry he gives birth to beautiful forms independent of the body. In short, all creation is borne of love. "
Abstract This paper discusses how the "Book of John" is symbolic and stresses the theme of Jesus's deity and how it supplies additional information that the Synoptic Gospels do not provide. In particular, it examines how John records Jesus's "I am" statements and analyzes these statements and their significance to John's audience. It shows how the book, through the statements, offers us a deeper understanding of God's relationship with man through Jesus and how John's portrait of Jesus illustrates over and over the deity of Jesus, a belief essential in the life of every believer.
From the Paper "The predominant theme in John's gospel is the deity of Christ. T. A. Bryant, who compiled Today's Dictionary of Bible says that In the book of John, "there is in historical form a representation of Christian faith in relation to the person of Christ as its central point; and in this representation there is a picture on the one hand of the antagonism of the of the world to the truth revealed to him, and on the other of the spiritual blessedness of the few who yield themselves to him as the Light of Life" (Bryant 349). Along with the magnificence of Jesus? deity, John also portrays Jesus in a genuine and personal way to his readers."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze eight Biblical miracles. Specifically, it briefly describes each sign or miracle and explains how this sign or miracle reveals the deity of Christ. Each of these miracles creates an aura of goodness and wonder around Christ and unerringly indicates his deity and his mission on Earth. The miracles performed by Christ are the turning of water to wine, the healing of the nobleman's son, the healing of a lame man, the feeding of the 5,000, walking on water, the healing of a blind man, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, and the miraculous catch of fish.
From the Paper "The next miracle is the feeding of the 5,000 (6:1-14). As the word of Christ's powers began to spread, great numbers of people followed him to the sight of his next miracle, the Sea of Galilee, where he created enough food from a few loaves and fishes to feed 5,000 people. His disciples were by his side, and Passover was on the horizon, so he worried how to feed the people. He spoke to his Father, and knew just what to do. He distributed five barley loaves and two fish from the Sea to the crowd, and they fed all, and filled up twelve baskets with the leftovers. The people who had eaten recognized Christ was a prophet after this. Another natural miracle, this story again shows the power of Jesus, and his great abilities."
Abstract This analyzes the Shinto shrine, which consists of a number of architectural elements forming a complex Japanese design. Found mainly on the island of Japan, the shrine is a place of worship of the Shinto religion by the public as well as a place of religious practice and represents the home of a deity. The paper discusses the numerous Shinto shrines in Japan, the most famous being the Shrine of Ise but generally big or small, every community has their own shrine which is dedicated to the locally significant deity.
Abstract This paper discusses Santeria, an African religion passed on through Cuban slaves. It describes the history of the religion, its rituals, and the major deities of the religion. The paper then discusses membership among Santerian communities and the rituals and holidays that members are expected to observe. Finally, the paper discusses Palo, which is considered to be a sect of Santeria.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History and Sources
Major Deities Membership and Community
Rituals
Holidays
Palo
Conclusion
From the Paper "Witchcraft, or brujeria, is not often employed among santeros. Palo means "branch" or "wooden stick" which is appropriate because their rituals often employ the use of wood and herbs. There are two main sects within Palo: Palo Monte and Palo Mayombe. Palo Mayombe is considered the "good" sect and Palo Monte is the "bad" sect. Palo Mayombe feel that a Catholic baptism in necessary to join the sect, and anyone who has not been baptized is evil. Palo Monte are not baptized and work for the devil. All Palos work with the spirits of the dead, but the Palo Monte group work exclusively with the spirits of suicides, criminals and evil witches. A practitioner of this sect can be identified by the razor cuts along their skin. Their source of power comes from their cauldrons, also called nganga, in which are kept items such as human skulls, bones, graveyard dust, crossroad dust, branches, herbs, insects, animal and bird carcasses and hot spices. Followers of the Palo sect are very secretive, especially in comparison to most Santerians. This is because their rituals involve human remains, a practice most people do not agree with. Chango is the god they worship most often because they believe he came from the Congo, not Nigeria, and most Palo worshipers are from the Congo."
