This paper examines the Wiccan religion and addresses the mainstream American culture's misconceived identification of Wicca with devilworship and satanism.
Abstract This paper first addresses the Christian bias in American culture despite the country's being founded upon the idea of freedom of religion. The paper then addresses the largely held misconception of Americans that Wicca is an anti-Christian religion and promotes Satan worship. The paper clarifies by describing the fundamental beliefs and practices of Wicca, a religion that promotes self-empowerment through earth based imagery and the employment of elemental energies. Lastly the paper asserts that no religion should be persecuted based on its tenets or beliefs, provided that it does not promote violence or aggression.
From the Paper "Perhaps Wicca is not truly a 'religion' as many of us understand that term. However, Wiccans are not the only ones whop do not believe in the One Almighty God theory. Simply because their beliefs run counter to what we were taught or what our parents and their parents handed down to us does not make them dangerous or evil. There are historians and religious scholars who see Wicca not as a religion, but as a belief system, founded in pre-Christian times in Ireland, Scotland and Wales."
Abstract This paper discusses why Rudolfo A. Anaya's book, "Bless Me, Ultima", should not be banned, as it simply reflects the views and lifestyles of the Mexican-American heritage. It looks at how, although detractors have argued that the book promotes witchcraft and devilworship, the book is actually a more complex look at the conflicts between indigenous culture and spirituality and Western culture and the Catholic religion. It also explores how the banning of "Bless Me, Ultima" raises serious issues about banning books because they contain controversial themes or issues. Such bans challenge the very nature of democracy and the tradition of respecting diversity of religious and political thought in the United States of America.
From the Paper "Bless Me, Ultima, tells the story of six-year-old Antonio Marez, who grows up in New Mexico in the 1940s. The story begins as Antonio's family takes the elderly Ultima into their home. Writes Anaya, "Ultima was a curandera, a woman who knew the herbs and remedies of the ancients, a miracle-worker who could heal the sick. And I had heard that Ultima could lift the curses laid by brujas, that she could exorcise the evil the witches planted in people to make them sick. And because a curandera had this power she was misunderstood and often suspected of practicing witchcraft herself" (p. 5). Throughout the story, Ultima acts as a spiritual guide to Antonio, who is torn between his mother Maria's a devout Catholicism and the spirituality that Ultima represents."
Abstract The 'Doing Business with the Devil' puzzle presents us with a situation in which there are a finite number of one-dollar bills, and the writer is doing business with the Devil, who in this scenario is an avid bill collector. The Devil wants to buy the writer's one-dollar bill with the serial number of 001, and invites the writer to name the price. Some time later he returns and makes a similar offer for the 002 bill. A shorter time later he returns and wants the 003 bill.
From the Paper "The "Doing Business with the Devil" puzzle presents us with a situation in which there are a finite number of one-dollar bills, and I am doing business with the Devil, who in this scenario is an avid bill collector. The Devil wants to buy my one-dollar bill with the serial number of 001, and invites me to name my price. Some time later he returns and makes me a similar offer for the 002 bill. A shorter time later he returns and wants the 003 bill. This continues indefinitely, while I attempt to amass a fortune."
Abstract This paper examines the desire of residential students at Montclair State University to have on-campus worship facilities. Currently, the worship opportunities at Montclair State are limited to Mass being celebrated by the Chaplain of the Newman Catholic Center. The study shows the strong connection between higher learning and spiritual endeavors. Students at Montclair State University need to have the option of pursuing some form of spiritual enrichment on campus and need the proper facilities to pursue this. The study identifies the need for worship facilities and discusses the students' perceptions and attitudes regarding religious needs, as well as educational needs, on campus.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Research Questions
Literature Review
Methodology
Participants
Instruments
Design with Proposed Method of Analysis
Significance of Study with Limitations
Conclusions
From the Paper "Understanding the premise of this study requires having basic knowledge about Montclair State University and its vision and mission regarding the educational opportunities the school provides for its students. Montclair State University, located in Montclair, New Jersey, was founded in 1908 in response to the growing demand for teachers. It was the first teachers college to be accredited in 1937 and placed a strong emphasis on liberal arts and the sciences. In 1994, the university was selected to be a teaching university (http://www.montclair.edu)."
Abstract The Devil in Massachusetts describes in detail the people and events that surrounded the infamous Salem Witch Trials. While Starkey's book claims to be an accurate history, it requires further investigation. The paper concludes that Starkey's tale is accurate and it does describe in great detail the rather horrific events of that and later Witch Hunts.
Abstract This book review shows how Stephen J. Pitti's work attempts to address a historical gap in the academic and popular literature of the history of California. His work, "The Devil in Silicon Valley: Northern California, Race, and Mexican Americans," focuses on the economic contributions of Native-Americans, Mexicans and non-white labor in the economic prosperity of California. Although the reviewer states that Pitti's work is grounded in substantial historical documentation, one weakness of the book is perhaps the simplicity of its thesis--that racism justified the subjugation and use of Hispanic and Indian labor.
From the Paper "These non-Anglos enjoyed little financial rewards for the gains they won for the state's Caucasian settlers. The discrepancy of the fortune of whites and non-whites traces back to the earliest missionaries. Then, "the friars undoubtedly resorted to more [and more] brutal tactics to ensure that non-Christians entered their Christian community" of the day (15). Indos, the native people, were viewed as inferior even after they were converts. As white settlements grew more populous in the 1840s, scientific and anthropological justifications of white supremacy took hold. The mixed race Californios were "indolent" and forced the Indian "savages" to work rather than work themselves, and thus were not worthy of the land on which they lived (26)."
Tags: California, Mexican-Americans, Stephen, J., Pitti, The, Devil, in, Silicon, Valley
Abstract This paper reviews "A Brief Instruction in the Worship of God and Discipline of the Churches of the New Testament" in which John Owen attempts to explain the set-up of a Christian Church. Owen's work is presented in a question and answer format, which the review imitates by addressing each of Owen's questions and adding commentary. The reviewer also criticizes some of Owen's ideas, including his liberal outlook toward other sects of Christianity. The reviewer concludes by describing Owen's work as a catechism or explication of Christianity.
From the Paper "The first question that Owen poses is, "What doth God require of us in our dependence on him, that he may be glorified by us, and we accepted with him?" Owen's answer to this question is, "That we worship him in and by the ways of his own appointment." Owen believes that the worship of God is natural because of the nature of God and the nature of man. God's nature means that anyone who knows God must worship him. Furthermore, man was created so that he could honor God in the manner commanded by God."
A comparative analysis of the characters in "The Devil and Daniel Webster and Other Writings" by Stephen Vincent Benet and "Faust" by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe.
Abstract This paper examines how authors of literature have used their work to address societal fears and issues in order to allow their writing talents to shed light on a fear of society. It looks at how this is the case in classic works of literature regarding making pacts with the devil. It analyzes how, in "The Devil and Daniel Webster", the pact with the Devil and the actions of the Stones provide an interesting backdrop for those who have concerns about selling themselves to the Devil for immediate material gain. It also examines how, in addition and also by contrast, the world has been treated to two versions of "Faust", which also focus on the Devil and what the Devil means to current society. It shows how, although each of the stories has a different plot, there are many similarities, as well as differences, regarding the Devil and the characters in the stories.
From the Paper "While the story of The Devil and Daniel Webster illustrates how true personalities come out when the money and the devil get involved the story of Faust shows a different angle when it comes to personality and those in the story. In both versions of Faust there is a foundational understanding of the influence the devil had at that time in history(Synopsis of the plot of Faust (October 2002). While Stone dealt with the devil for money, Dr. Faust is searching for the answers to life. In that quest he too deals with the devil. He is obviously depressed as he has contemplated suicide twice in the past already which provides a backdrop for the devil to entice him into the idea of a deal. This is the first difference between personalities in this story as compared to the previous one. Faust is in despair and old while Stone is angry and young. There are completely different motivators for the two stories and their characters? personalities."
Abstract This paper addresses the story of "The Devil's Bridge", an old English folk tale where the Devil accepts and loses the soul of a good man in exchange for the construction of a stone bridge. The story of "The Devil's Bridge" is contrasted against Marlow's work "Dr. Faustus."
Abstract This paper discusses the historical worship of emperors in Roman culture. It describes the background to their worship of emperors and provides examples of some of the Roman emperors who were worshiped. The paper then follows the trend through history and describes how rituals changed over time. The paper also looks at why emperor worship was so popular.
From the Paper "The god Apollo was identified with the sun. Hence, the sun, which shines over all of the earth, was perceived to symbolize both the universal king and the central authority. The sun, also called Sol, was believed to ascend in importance with the sky god and even outshone him under certain leaderships. This identification of a ruler with the sun existed in other ancient cultures around the world, such as in Mexico and Bengal. The sun symbol also appeared in Ptolemy's records as it did with the zodiac sign of Leo and the month of August. The symbol was a sign of the projection of ego power, such as Augustus'."
Abstract This paper compares of the film version and the literary version of Walter Mosley's novel "Devil in a Blue Dress" to show the differences and similarities between the story elements in "Devil in a Blue Dress", the book and the movie.
From the Paper "Walter Mosley's book Devil in a Blue Dress and the movie by the same name share some similar literary elements, but there are several vital situations and parts of the book's story that are not present in the film. Yet the movie downplays some of the more brutal parts of the book. "
Abstract This paper seeks to know whether the devil is a real physical entity or a personification of evil. It discusses demon possession, and Satan as a fallen angel, as mentioned in the Bible. It goes on to discuss moral evil throughout our history, starting with Columbus arriving in the New World in 1492, up to the present day, including Adolph Hitler, and arrives to the conclusion that the devil physically exists, not just as a metaphor.
From the Paper "Whether the devil is a real physical entity or a personification of evil, remains a central issue in theology, particularly within Christianity. Most of the conventional Christian churches teach beliefs that they have had since the first century; the beliefs are that Satan is an incredibly evil, fallen angel who is entirely consumed with destroying and corrupting humanity.(1) They teach that he is a supernatural being that is surrounded by evil minions. The liberal Christian churches teach that the devil is not a real creature but rather a metaphor for the presence of evil in the world. Early Christian thought concluded that Satan is a being without a center.(2) He is wholly a deceiver..."
Abstract An examination of the role and work of the devil in Byron's poem. The poem is basically a court case for the soul of George III and an argument between the angel and the devil. The writer looks at the balance of good versus evil in the poem and how Satan's attempt to win the soul are effected by his weaker ability of speech.
From the Paper "In Lord Byron's poem, ?The Vision of Judgment,? Satan ascends from hell to prosecute the newly deceased George III and claim George's soul. After a farce of a trial, George slips into heaven where he spends eternity practicing his psalms. Of course, one could argue that Satan loses George's soul not because of his failings as a prosecutor but because the celestial court becomes so involved in resolving the superfluous matter of Mr. Southey that it loses track of George entirely. That charitable interpretation, however, would be giving this particular Devil far more than his due. "
Abstract A focus on the thesis: Is Heathcliff really a man or is he the devil? Taken from "Wuthering Heights" the argument presented is that he is more a man than devil.
This paper discusses the autobiography "Running from the Devil: A Memoir of a Boy Possessed" by Steven Kissing, a humorous treatment of the concept of the Prince of Darkness versus the Prince of Dorkness.
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 36.95
Abstract This paper explains that "Running from the Devil: A Memoir of a Boy Possessed" is the epic saga of author Steve Kissing, a sharp yet disturbed child of the 1970s who, in the fifth grade, began having spells, which lasted for only a minute or two, in which he suddenly would see strange sights and hear strange voices: Otherwise, he was a perfect child, got "A" in most of his studies, was a good athlete and even an alter boy. The author points out that, to send the devil away, among other activities, Kissing continued his obsessive long distance running training, which resulted in his becoming a high school track star. The paper relates that this book is a spiritual guide because Kissing's story, especially when he gets back to clarity, is extremely credible.
From the Paper "The way in which a child's worldview is fashioned by faith, family and fate is the source of the humor and the insights of "Running from the Devil". The powers of imagination, redemption and self-discovery are also highlighted. The boy dealing all alone with his supposed craziness in the mind and the body forms the base of the book. The story telling is done in a funny and entertaining way. The Catholic religion and its rites form the structure of the book, and the spiritual change of the coming of age is also well described."
