Abstract
This paper first gives an overview of the history of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The paper then analyzes passages of the Bible to illustrate and describe the beliefs and platform of the ELCA. The essay also describes the behavior and lifestyle expected of the followers of the religion.

From the Paper
"We must keep in mind that Jesus, though sinless, was baptized by his cousin, John, in the Jordan River. We note that he did not go to the temple mount in Jerusalem and he was not sprinkled in a private ritual in some quiet room. But most importantly, that baptism was a springboard from which he began his three years of ministry and healing. He drew crowds enough to bother the authorities. Obviously, even to them, this was someone or something different from the rest. Here was no ordinary run of the mill false prophet. It was not even a voice crying in the wilderness."

Tags:disciples christianity, evangelical lutheran church of america, martin luther, protestant

Abstract
In this paper, the writer looks at Jackie Robinson who was the first African American baseball player in the major leagues. The writer discusses that Jackie Robinson did not overcome the hatred of racial bigots all across America by sharing their love for baseball; he overcame their hatred by conducting himself as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

From the Paper
"Because of his moral courage, Jackie Robinson became a legend both on and off the baseball diamond. As the first African American baseball player in the major leagues, Robinson quietly confronted the pervasive racism infesting mid-twentieth century American society and culture with dignity and a fierce determination to suppress his combative nature. He understood that America's pastime was cherished with almost sacred reverence by tens of millions of Americans and demonstrated his own reverence and unquenchable passion for the game of baseball every time he stepped on to the playing field."

Tags:jackie, robinson, icon

Abstract
This is an exegesis paper analyzing the time period, author, world-view, location and other relevant information regarding this passage in Acts. It also incorporates commentary from a number of sources that reveal the context and meaning behind the passage.

From the Paper
"In chapter 9 of the book of Acts, Luke details the resurrection of a woman by the apostle Peter. This, in the broadest terms, is agreed upon by all. However, a number of more minor details are somewhat disputed, and no two translations are exactly the same. One is reminded of the childhood game "Telephone"-each player delivers their perception of the original message, and by the end of the line the original phrase has been so distorted as to be unrecognizable. While the Bible has retained, in large part, its original message, slight alterations (especially when taken as literal fact) are enough to cause disruption and division within churches. By analyzing the differing translations and meanings behind particular passages, one can come to a better understanding of the original intent."

Tags:acts, disciple, exegesis, luke, peter, tabitha

Abstract
This paper explains that Socrates and his disciples maintained that democracy was not the best form of government because the principles of equality and liberty for everyone were flawed since they gave unwise and uneducated men the right to vote and make important decisions. The author points out that, according to Plato's "Republic", justice is a virtue, which must be exercised in its true spirit to bring about good. The paper concludes, using the grossly unjust case of famous boxer Hurricane, if justice is to be exercised by wise men, it must be seen as a virtue that focuses on extracting good out of any situation.

From the Paper
"Justice according to Cephalus was telling the truth and repaying what one receives. Thrasymachus felt justice was the rule of the stronger. Both these views were harshly discredited by Socrates whose version of justice was based on lofty principles of wisdom and virtue. Thrasymachus' view of justice is actually based on injustice. He felt that the people who did not take into consideration the welfare of others were happier and could lead a successful life. How this could be called justice is simply beyond many. Socrates maintained that justice was something good which when exercised must bring out good. In other words, justice should focus on the common good of everyone and must leave the world a better place when exercised."

Tags:government, uneducated, virtue, boxer, president

Abstract
This paper examines how women in the New Testament are presented in a positive light with Jesus and how women are seen as individuals who can comprehend the teaching of Jesus. It looks at how Jesus disregards the way he was supposed to treat women as society dictated and how instead he saw them as simply human beings, setting an example for his followers and the rest of the Christian church. It shows how the life of Mary Magdalene clearly illustrates that women were to be seen, treated and spoken to as equal individuals and how her life and time with Jesus and his disciples demonstrate the beginning of social change for women.

From the Paper
"Perhaps the strongest example we have of how to treat women is through Jesus himself. Although Jesus did not specifically explain his teaching on women, how he treated them demonstrates his attitude toward them. His encounters with women seem to point to the fact that he expected them to maintain an equal footing in many situations, as did men. In fact, some of the most magnificent conversations were women. These conversations include that of Mary Magdalene and the Samaritan woman, and Martha. From Jesus, we can see how important it is to look beyond social class and race to find the real person. Such thinking was unusual for the society at this time, but Jesus, the disciples, and the women who followed Jesus obviously never experienced any problems with females functioning as active members of their group in fact, they were probably helpful and even necessary in some circumstances."

Tags:christian, church, new, testament, society

Abstract
The paper provides a synopsis of the New Testament book of 1 Peter. The view of this paper concentrates on who the recipients of this book were, the authorship and finally the social context at the time of writing, based on the contents of the book. The paper notes that Peter, while speaking from his own experience of suffering and hardship, writes to a group of people in pain, giving the reader a deep insight into what it truly means to be a follower of Christ.

From the Paper
"As much as there are evidences to point to the authorship by Peter, there are evidences which disprove Peter authorship. The Old Testament references throughout the letter are referenced through the Septuagint, something a Galilean fisherman would not be familiar with. Peter normally would have had access to the Aramaic translation of the Old Testament (Targum) and would not have had the capability to command the Greek language fluently as it does in 1 Peter. It is also evident that the thoughts of the writer were evidently in Greek culture and language. In addition the text evidences a Greco-Roman language which also would not have been familiar to a Galilean such as Peter. "

Tags:Epicureanism, Stoicism, emperor, worship, Aramaic, translation, tribulations

Abstract
According to Luke Johnson (1986), the perception of the gospel of Mark has undergone much revision during this century. Mark's narrative was early considered the least sophisticated, but later came to be seen as using both narrative and language in an extremely sophisticated way to help redefine the categories of insider and outsider in the early Christian community.

From the Paper
"According to Luke Johnson (1986), the perception of the gospel of Mark has undergone much revision during this century. Mark's narrative was early considered the least sophisticated, but later came to be seen as using both narrative and language in an extremely sophisticated way to help redefine the categories of insider and outsider in the early Christian community. The focus in this paper is to explore some of the themes in Mark, including discipleship, the temple, and the use of the term "Son of Man".

The Narrative

The narrative is divided into several segments. The ones of primary concern here are the journey to Jerusalem, from..."

Abstract
This paper looks at the stories behind the disciples Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as portrayed in the gospels. It discusses how Matthew was a tax collector before he became a disciple of Jesus and how he gave up everything, how Mark was discovered by Peter, how Luke was believed to be a physician and an evangelist and finally how many believe that John was Jesus' cousin.

From the Paper
"Many historians agree that Luke wrote his for the Greek audience and that the book was written around 60 AD. Halley observes that much of Greek culture revolved around culture, philosophy, and education, Luke to a philosophic approach to writing his book. According to Halley, Luke's Gospel is a completely "orderly, and classical story" (Halley 485). MacArthur adds that in this Gospel, we can see Luke's petition to the Greeks because Luke "usually preferred Greek terminology over Hebraisms" (MacArthur 289). Moreover, it is important to note that Luke reinforces the "universal scope of the gospel invitation" (289). Bryant backs up this notion adding that Luke's Gospel is called a "Gospel of the nations, full of mercy and hope, assured to the world by the love of a suffering Savior" (Bryant 392)."

Tags:jesus, peter, disciples

Abstract
This paper analyzes how Holden's religious beliefs are in fact driven by his dissatisfaction with society by utilizing a key quote from the novel "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. It looks at how Holden's close consideration of Christ as a lone figure, in spite of the Disciples surrounding him, shows that he identifies with Christ, by feeling that he himself is alone and not helped by anyone. It shows how Holden likens himself to Jesus because he feels both of them were misunderstood and unsupported in their intentions. Neither he nor Jesus had the support of those around them and neither, in Holden's eyes, have succeeded to achieve what they had wanted.

From the Paper
"Holden basically feels a likeness to Jesus Christ because he sees in himself, as in Jesus, somebody who loves mankind and who wishes to do something good for the people -- but who is either misunderstood or simply not cared for by those who, according to logic, should be his most ardent supporters. For Jesus these are the Disciples, whom Holden finds to have been of as much use to Him as "a hole in the head." In his own life, it is, first and foremost, his family -- the mother and father who did not help him deal with his brother Allie's death and who don't try to solve his teenage problems and depression. There are also his teachers, who are supposed to be his guidance in everyday life but who, even if they do try to help, do it in an arrogant and condescending way like Mr. Spencer. "

Tags:christianity, disciples, loneliness, society, jesus, christ

Abstract
This essay discusses the use of parables in describing the Kingdom of God. It examines how the parables helped Jesus explain the Kingdom of God to His disciples in terms that they could relate to.

From the paper:

"In the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven, Jesus described the Kingdom of God using parables. He compared it to a mustard seed in the beginning, saying that when it is first planted, it is the smallest of the seeds on Earth. He added that when it grows, it becomes the greatest of all shrubs. Next Jesus spoke of the parable of the leaven, saying that the Kingdom of God is like a leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened."

Tags:textual, grammatical, form, redaction, criticism, disciples, roman, empire, miracles