Abstract This extensive study investigates the role of the Virgin Mary in today's Protestant churches. The writer examines whether there currently exists an identifiable Protestant liturgical theology of Mary. The author further examines the most significant contemporary developments in Protestant Mariology. The author states that since this investigation seeks to uncover how everyday Protestants view Mary's role in their religion, the scope of research extends beyond scholarly texts. The author considers information from mass media resources like magazines, and less traditional media sources, such as websites to be a reflection of the popular view of Mary. According to the author, untraditional sources provide insight into how modern lay Protestants view Mary, if they honor her, or if they believe she should be honored. The paper further examines how church officials approach devotion to Mary, and if they desire pro-Marian changes in Protestantism. The potential controversy surrounding Mary in the Protestant church is also considered. The author hopes that information from a broad variety of practitioners will yield a suggestion about the modern state of Mary in the Protestant church and whether her role should change.
Outline:
Proposal
Introduction
Hypothesis
Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "Traditionally, at least in recent history, the Virgin Mary has not played a very large role in the various Protestant faiths. In fact, many modern Protestants only recall celebrating Mary during Christmas, and those celebrations were strictly limited to Mary's role in the birth of Christ rather than celebrating Mary's prophecies prior to Jesus' birth or the role that she played as Jesus' day-to-day parent. The Protestant attitude towards Mary contrasts starkly with Catholic and Orthodox attitudes, which celebrate Mary in several different ways. To Catholics, Mary was chosen to be the mother of God's son because she was an example of a devout and loving Jew, so that her spiritual greatness actually preceded the events that are traditionally associated with her. However, to Protestants, prior to the visit from the angel Gabriel, Mary led an unremarkable life, and her sole claim to significance in Christianity is the fact that she was chosen, more or less arbitrarily, by God to be the mother of his son. Furthermore, many Protestants not only refused to share in the Catholic and Orthodox reverence for the Virgin, but have actually reacted vehemently against it, associating respect and reverence for Mary with the some type of idolatry."
Abstract This paper takes a close look at the three religions that shaped Japanese culture: Buddhism, Shinto and Confucian thought. With the advent of Buddhism in 552 C.E., the Japanese were to experience a resurgence in religious devotion. The writer traces the steps that the Japanese took in welcoming a new spirituality, from the building of temples to schools of philosophy.
From the Paper "Thus on the surface Buddhism won a hands-down victory over Shinto. But this was not quite the complete story. Intellectually and institutionally, Buddhism was dominant for a thousand years in Japan. Yet Shinto continued to exist and carry on, especially in the multitudes of village shrines, much as it had for centuries past. This was true even after the "new" Buddhism of the Kamakura thirteenth-century period became the religion of multitudes of common people. Indeed, Buddhism captured the minds of many inside Japan, but the long standing traditions of Shinto would continued to echo in the halls of Japanese history. In addition to this, the development of numerous denominations, regional differences, and the later introduction of Christianity led to religious pluralism in Japan. Cultural borrowing gave the nation a broad perspective of the world, but would also induce a great deal of confusion in later generations."
A discussion on whether Chinua Achebe was justified in devoting a large part of his novel, "Things Fall Apart", to the descriptions of traditional Ibo customs.
1,096 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, 2003, $ 38.95
Abstract This paper examines the novel "Things Fall Apart", written by the critically acclaimed author Chinua Achebe, about the change that the Ibo tribe goes through upon the arrival of the European missionaries, told through the main character of the novel, Okonkwo. It looks at how when it was first published, some reviewers criticised Achebe for devoting too much space to descriptions of traditional Ibo customs. It debates whether Achebe was justified in choosing to emphasise such descriptions and examines reasons for why he was justified giving many examples to support that claim.
From the Paper "However, the main reason for Achebe's focus on their culture concerns the theme of the novel: change. In order for someone to notice change, it is necessary first to get an insight into the thing that has changed as it was before, and this is exactly Achebe's purpose, and many examples can be given. One such example is religion. Throughout the novel, the reader forms an intimate understanding of the role given to the other world of magic, mystery and superstition, as well as the witch doctors. We see this in chapter 2, where evil spirits supposedly came out at night, and where Umuofia is feared by its neighbours because of its power in war and magic, and because of the shrine given to its "medicine", the agadinwayi (old woman). Furthermore, we learn about the Oracle, Agbala, and how her word was obeyed for fear of the wrath of the gods."
Abstract The author discusses Ancient Egyptian art as an expression of religious devotion and belief, arguing that the monotheistic revolution spearheaded by Akhnaton led to an artistic revolution.
From the Paper "The civilization of the Ancient Egyptians, encompassing art at its very core, was one borne out of religious and cultural beliefs and values. According to numerous art historians, archeologists and Egyptologists, within the context of Ancient Egyptian culture and religion, art was not a luxury or a pastime but, as Leslie A. White states, part and parcel of Ancient Egypt and its religious framework (91-92). Dietrick E. Thomeson explains this view even further, arguing that the fusion between art and religion was such in Ancient Egypt that it was the first, and one of the very few, if not only, countries in history in which artists and architects were state employees and bureaucrats. In other words, artistic endeavour was in a permanent and ongoing state of activity and the bureaucratic form that it assumed, allowed for the continuation of that activity insofar as it ensures the constant planning of projects and their execution. However, while that bureaucratic form, on the one hand, and the religious nature of art, on the other, kept Ancient Egypt artistically rich, it ensured a static form to art, preventing development, evolution and change."
Abstract The paper examines the character of Mrs. Peggotty, a nurse and caretaker who looks after David Copperfield because his mother is incapable of providing the required mothering. The paper demonstrates how Mrs. Peggotty's love for and devotion to David are obvious throughout the novel.
From the Paper "David Copperfield is a classic example of a coming-of-age novel that chronicles the journey of a young orphaned child from his impoverished state to wealth and wisdom. Throughout this journey, some characters play an important role in shaping his character and filling the holes in his personality. One such character is that of Mrs. Peggotty, a nurse and caretaker who looks after Copperfield, as his mother is incapable of providing the required mothering. Peggotty is always referred to in loving terms such as "that honest soul" (p17) and "That good creature--I mean Peggotty" (p. 447) and "my good old nurse" (p. 853) to acknowledge her love and loyalty for David. She also looks out for David after the tragic and untimely death of his mother. Mills (2000) correctly points out that, "David starts life having, in effect, two mothers: Clara, who is both child-like and childish, and Peggotty, who has traditional maternal qualities and who, in effect, mothers them both." (p. 51)"
This paper looks at the history of the U.S. war on drugs, with specific attention devoted to the use of herbicides as an instrument to overcome Colombia's illicit drug trade.
Abstract In this article, the writer outlines the controversial topic of aerial spraying or fumigation in Colombia as it pertains to efforts to destroy the country's illicit drug trade. To really understand the issue, however, the writer discusses the lengthy history of narcotics in Colombia, the history of the American war on drugs and the types of drugs that appear most prevalent in Colombia. From there, time is devoted to looking at the issue of aerial spraying, why it seemed like a good idea when first conceived, and precisely what impact it has had upon Colombia. In the final analysis, the writer maintains that aerial spraying seems superficially to be an effective means of thwarting the drug trafficking problem in Colombia, but it may simply be a needless distraction diverting resources and expertise away from worthwhile alternatives.
From the Paper "The history of the war on drugs is a long and important one, but it is necessary first to place it within the context of the even longer history of Colombia as a major international distributor of illicit narcotics. To begin with, marijuana cultivation in Colombia first emerged during the initial decade of the twentieth century. By as early as the 1930s, some cultivation was taking place among the Costeno black population on Barranquilla and urban criminals located in this territory were routinely smoking marijuana. Additionally, during the course of the Second World War, hemp cultivation muscled its way to the forefront courtesy the growing demand for large-scale fiber production as one part of the much larger war effort. Finally, by the latter part of the 1960s and by the early 1970s, marijuana production in Colombia became a fairly huge and lucrative industry in response to a growing demand for such a good in the United States."
Abstract This paper begins by describing a situation where the manufacturing manager, Victor, at Motorola's Anzen facility in Nambu, beat up Tom, another Nambunese, who consistently refused to follow safety rules at Motorola's facility in Nambu. The paper then explains that Motorola and its Nambunese counterpart both aim at developing and practicing the desirable traits of productivity, safety, harmony and civility among its ranks to accomplishing its goals. The paper also explains that most Nambunese working for Motorola already observe and exhibit devotion to these policies and share the values of productive work. The paper further describes how the company handled the problem between Victor and Tom as well as its decision to leave things as they were - without firing either employee. The paper concludes that the most important aspect of the decision to leave things as they were is the sense of justice Victor exhibits when he initiates a public apology and financial indemnity to Tom despite Tom's open violation of company rules and of Nambunese values of duty and obedience.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Decision
Standards of Conduct
Character, Virtue and Relationships
Purposes and Consequences
From the Paper "All of the traits are present in all its teams, specifically the Morning Glory team, which has been the best-performing in the facility. Its high level of productivity proceeds from the high level of harmony among its individual members and Victor's efforts at establishing open communications with them. The team members are happy with the supervision style and personality of Victor whom they describe as peaceable. The only exception is Tom, whose mountaineering drive, could have inclined him to an excess of freedom in ignoring both the rules on safety and the Nambunese tradition of duty and obedience."
Tags:devotion, public apology, learning. isolated case, authoritative figures
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that a minister's responsibility is not merely to convey the gospel, as for that purpose, a parishioner could merely turn to the text. Instead, a minister's pastoral responsibility is to provide guidance to the members of a congregation, depending on their immediate spiritual needs. A minister must also creatively respond to the individual's unique social needs and take into consideration where he is located in his personal life journey history. Today, young people are faced with tremendous moral challenges about what makes a meaningful Christian life. The writer discusses that, although from a minister's view, the underlying message of finding fulfilling devotion in serving Christ may be the same for all Christians, the way that message is conveyed must be tailored to suit a person's current stage of development. The writer maintains that children must learn the gospel from stories that invigorate and excite them and older people must learn about the ministry in a way that suits their needs and life challenges, such as retirement and relating to their grandchildren.
From the Paper " It is important to recognize that children are children, that young people are no longer children, and that adults are seeking to better relate to their children. Today, young people may have the difficult task of going to a competitive institution of learning, have to face the pressure of work, classes, and the social pressures of peers, and still find a way of leading a meaningful life. Adults may face the pressures of balancing work, school, and home life. Even today's children have seen their country go to war, and may have had friends or loved ones participate in that war and may ask, how can God allow this to happen, how is the world still good. All must learn to exercise their critical thinking faculties, and in fact are likely to want to do so, and will do so amongst themselves, without prodding, even though young children may be silent upon such topics in the presence of adults. Ministers must find a way of creating a safe, directional, and nonjudgmental yet still faith-based place for all of these age groups to express spiritual concerns in a way that they will be 'heard.'"
Abstract The paper shows how despite a similar emphasis on loyalty, the way that this value is celebrated in "Beowulf and "The Tale of the Heike" is very different. The paper explains that the hero Beowulf demonstrates his prowess through individual struggle and excellence while the good warriors of the "The Tale of the Heike" collectively show their greatness through their loyalty to their lord. The paper clarifies further that the negation of the self shown by Beowulf is demonstrated by putting the lives of others before his own to make a better community while the negation of the self in "The Tale of Heike" is shown in unswerving devotion to a lord above all other things and showing ruthlessness in battle towards the enemy that opposes the lord.
From the Paper "Both "Beowulf" and "The Tale of the Heike" relate military narratives of bloody, bitter conflicts in war-torn societies where human civilization is fragile and savage threats are common. Men and women must band together, just to survive. The heroic individuals that triumph in these early sagas of early Scandinavian and feudal Japan define the values of their early societies by the ethics and character they show during trying times. "Beowulf's" triumphs are physical, like his triumph over Grendel, as well as spiritual, and the warriors of "The Tale of the Heike," even when defeated win moral victories over their enemies because of the superior loyalty they show to their lord and to the emperor."
Abstract The paper compares the poetry of Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor who both wrote from the Puritan orientation. The paper shows how both poets display in their poetry the fundamental values of deep faith and spirituality and a sincere and all-encompassing devotion to their religion. The paper also notes several differences between their works but concludes that their poems share at their root a melodious beauty that is almost unheard of in today's uncertain spiritual times.
From the Paper "Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor are both poets who wrote from the Puritan orientation. Both poets display in their poetry the fundamental values of deep faith and spirituality. An important difference is their gender. Bradstreet writes during a time where it was unheard of for women to engage in such activities. Furthermore, her poetry focuses not only on the purely religious, but also on her domestic life with her husband and children. Taylor on the other hand, tends to focus his poetry purely on the spiritual and the pious life, whereas Bradstreet relates normal human living with her spirituality. In doing this, however, she adheres very strongly to her own Puritan values, and marry these perfectly with her feelings regarding her husband, her children, and her art."
Abstract This paper deals with the History of Islam, whose principles are rooted in the following: That religion and worshipping a Divine authority, that is God, is a deprivation of man's freedom. The author finds that one has to ponder over the fact that man is a creation of God, and has been so created that without love and affection, devotion, mutual cooperation and hoping for the best, he cannot continue his life. The feeling or urge of love and devotion is inherent in his nature. That same creator through the intermediary of the Prophets, in form of religion, catered to this tendency of man, and has provided him with a manual or a code of life, to program his life accordingly, which would help to bridle the inherent instincts. This confirms the fact, that, religion is a means of satiating man's devotion to God and at the same time equips and prepares him to prevent obliteration. .
Abstract Technical writing is not limited in any way, shape or form to any specific field of inquiry, nor does it devote itself to any specific formats or specific styles. The paper shows that in today's highly specialized world of technology, one finds the term technical writing applied to every field of endeavor. At the same time some technical writers devote their entire careers to writing for a contemporaneous and very specific audience, while other devote their time to the far less specific audience of the general public. The paper shows that either avenue has many uses.
From the Paper "Another article researched in the general area of Computer Technology is the interesting article written by Gary Conroy, a technical content writer for About.com. In the article, and in layman's terms, Conroy compares a new software product, "Trellix 2.0" to its competitors in the field. "Trellix 2.0" is basically a word processing software package intended for use by IT business users desiring better control over HTML content rather than coding and site control. His analysis of the product is clear, concise and conclusive as he makes his points economically worded."
This paper is a study of the message in Acts from a Christian perspective. Emphasis on the great commission to share the gospel, using examples presented in Acts.
1,841 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 7 sources, 2002, $ 59.95
Abstract This paper describes the Book of Acts, its importance, and the significant role it plays in Christianity. The paper looks at the book's importance from a historical perspective, taking into account the events going on in the world during the time this book was written, the author of the book and the importance of one's belief in God.
From the paper:
"The Book of Acts is one of the most significant books in the New Testament. It describes the origin of the church and the lives of the apostles who were responsible for carrying out the great commission. Acts presents a great example of the Christian mission, as well as providing the inspiration to complete that mission. Christians are called by God to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all nations of the earth. The apostles were devoted to this mission, and would give their lives for it. This is the mission we as Christians are called to: To devote ourselves to the Lord and to bring his lost sheep into the fold."
An examination of the beverage firm's marketing. Includes market history and overview, competition, ownership, objectives, strategy, consumers, target market, finances and more.
3,600 words (approx. 14.4 pages), 24 sources, 2000, $ 135.95
Abstract The Snapple Beverage Corporation competes in the soft drink beverage industry. This research develops a marketing plan for the company. The marketing plan is presented in two parts, with the first part devoted to an assessment of the situation and opportunities and the second part devoted to strategy and implementation."
From the Paper "Snapple Beverage Corp.: Marketing Plan
The Snapple Beverage Corporation competes in the soft drink beverage industry. This research develops a marketing plan for the company. The marketing plan is presented in two parts, with the first part devoted to an assessment of the situation and opportunities and the second part devoted to strategy and implementation."
Abstract Unable to compete on either price or selection, Apple has comfortably settled in on being number two in the computer market, but that doesn't negate their being number one in the hearts and minds of those in the know. The paper shows that whether they admit it or not Apple promotes and encourages a cult-like devotion to their products. The paper examines reasons for consumers' devotion to Apple, including its emphasis on individuality, power, ease and community, as well as using classical musician Yo Yo Ma as their spokesperson.
From the Paper "The Apple world is tidy, clean, and simple. It emphasizes four things, individuality, power ease, and community. It's gone from the incandescent colors of two years ago, when lower-priced IMACS and IBOOKS dominated its pages two years with ibooks back to whites, deep sea blues, and soft grays. It portrays the soft aesthetic of a futuristic world in harmony while maintaining what could be called a neoclassical look. Their style of type, geometrical design conscious of the golden rule of proportion, along with their choices of colors recalls the temples of ancient Greece. That the OSX symbol for their operating system appears countless times like some Latin acronym gives it a Roman look."
