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."

Tags:Virgil, Aeneid, Apollo

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."

Tags:Olympus, Aphrodite

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."

Tags:achilles, aphrodite, humans, god, myths, ancient, greece, athens

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."

Tags:mesopotamia, religion, deities

Abstract
The Achaemenids ruled Persia and her affiliates from 549 to 330 BC, followers of the old Indo-Iranian religion who gravitated towards Zorostrianism in a period of change; Aramaic/Old Persian records; priestly class adapted from Magi; deities/trinity; dualism; fire temples; formation of an ethic religion whose features still visible in 21st century. Several references.

From the Paper
Features of Zoroastrianism in the Achaemenid Period, 549-330 BC. Introduction Zoroastrian retains a number of features that evolved many centuries ago in the varied influences of the Achaemenid dynasty that commenced in 549 BC. Of particular importance seems the reign of Cyrus II (558-530 BC) as the Achaemenids defeated the Median Empire, almost all of the Iranian world, Mesopotamia and areas as remote as the east and west of India. The Achaemenids had practiced the ancient Indo-Iranian religion before becoming Zoroastrians and were followed by most of their Iranian subjects, a new priestly class taking form among the Magi people, the idea of

Tags:achaeminid, philosophy, zoroastrianism

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."

Tags:systematic, theology, christology

From the Paper
"SANTERIA: AN EXAMINATION OF A RELIGION AND ITS PRACTICES

Introduction
This research examines the Santeria religion and its practices. Throughout this examination, both similarities and differences between (1) Santeria as the religion is practiced in Cuba (where it developed) and (2) Santeria as the religion is practiced in Puerto Rico (one of the many other Latin American populations in which the religion became rooted) are identified and reviewed.

The Development of Santeria in Cuba and Puerto Rico
The origins of Santeria may be traced to the Yoruba people who are native to Nigeria (JAcobs, 1990, pp. 349-370). The Yoruba practiced a mythological, animist religion which made its ..."

From the Paper
"Rene Descartes, in his work, The Meditations on First Philosophy (1953) ed., and David Hume, in his work, An Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding (1955 ed.), both argue for the existence of a supreme deity. Descartes believes that the deity is a perfect being living in the consciousness of men. Indeed, his God represents the supreme consciousness or all.knowing mind. David Hume sees proof for the existence of God in the perfect and complex order of nature. Thus, the primary difference between the two philosophers concerns where they seek their evidence for the existence of the Deity. Descartes seeks God within man or through internal evidence. Whereas Hume seeks evidence for God's existence through external observations of the world around us. Although to some degree Hume also accepts Descartes' hypothesis that God must exist as long on as man carries awareness of him in his"

Tags:PHILOSOPHY: GENERAL

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)."

Tags:madva, text, faith, truth

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 worshiped 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."

Tags:brahman, deities, devi, hinduism, purana, shakti, tantra