Abstract This paper explains Genesis 1:1 ("In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth") and numerous writings from the other books of various religions led creationists to believe that man, the earth, and the rest of the universe were originally created by a divine force. The author points out that, there is a complete absence of such proof for creationism; instead, there is irrefutable scientific evidence that the creationist beliefs are in direct conflict with the current scientific theories about how the universe started, such as the "Big Bang" hypothesis, and how life was first formed and evolved through the "building blocks" of life, as in the theory of evolution. The paper relates that scientific evidence, such as geological records, inter-tidal, and terrestrial deposits indicate that, at no recorded time in the past, has the entire planet been under water, as suggested by the story of Noah's flood, which supposedly happened just a few thousand years ago.
From the Paper "There are several categories of people who advocate "creation science" but can be broadly grouped into the "young earth creationists" and the ?old earth creationists.? The former contend that the earth is no more than 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. The more rigid (or "fundamentalist") creationists go further. They believe that the heaven and the earth were created on 4004 BC. The more flexible, "old creationists" concede that the universe could have come into existence a lot earlier but argue for an "initial or first cause" arguing that "Someone" (a divine power) initiated the cataclysmic events for creating the universe and then evolution was used as the process by this divine power to guide the subsequent events. The other major belief of the "young earth creationists" is about a worldwide flood that occurred during the time of Noah, when waters rose for 150 days and went down for the next 150 days and that all existing species of life are the ones that were taken aboard the Noah's Ark."
Abstract This paper describes the Catholic creation myth and how it is a sacred narrative that explains the order of the world. It explains the purpose of the creation myth and then focuses on the creation myth of the Eucharist. The paper discusses the powerful symbolism of the creation myth of the Eucharist and its meaning for Catholics and Catholicism.
From the Paper "The creation myth of the Eucharist pervades the lives of all Catholics, and provides the basis for worship that brings Jesus to Catholicism in his earthly form as a means of re-enacting the vision and seeing the presence of Jesus Christ on earth at all times. The creation myth is the means of bringing Jesus to earth for Catholics, and is the source of the of the most positive, moral and holy aspect of the Catholic faith. The creation myth provides fundamental rituals that unify and elevate Catholics in the creation of sacred time through the re-enactment of the creation myth, and most of all allows Catholics to give thanks."
Abstract This paper discusses how throughout Greek history the relationship between human beings and divine figures is a noticeable and predominant one, evident in myth, and especially literature. The author examines such literature of the time, in particular, Homer's Iliad and Herodotus? Histories, to better understand this unique and extraordinary relationship between humans and divine powers in the ancient Greek world.
From the Paper "Throughout Greek history the relationship between human beings and divine figures is a noticeable and predominant one. Evidence of this relationship exists in many forms, such as architecture, art, myth, and especially literature. By examining the literature of the time, we as historians, philosophers and archaeologists, among others, can better understand this unique and extraordinary relationship between humans and divine powers in the ancient Greek world. The "Iliad" of Homer demonstrates many principles of this relationship through the story of the Trojan War. The characters, their actions and the events that take place demonstrate the interaction of humans and gods, the individual relationships, the authority of divine power, and the helplessness of humans. We also see the treachery and deceit of the gods towards humans. We can look at other later literary works such as Herodotus? Histories to examine the human and divine relationship as well."
Abstract The paper examines both the structure and poetic symbols in Dante's epic poem "The Divine Comedy." The paper explains how he utilizes both in expressing the poem's themes.
From the Paper "Dante's masterpiece, "The Divine Comedy" is an epic poem which traces man's quest to reach God and discover a true world order. Indeed as Dante travels through Hell, Purgatory and Heaven he undergoes a spiritual transformation as a result of his journey and finds answers to the moral questions that have nagged him. The poem functions as an allegory as it allows Dante to express both his political and religious views while teaching his readers a lesson in spiritual and moral matters."
Abstract This article offers a discussion of the two creation stories in the Genesis book of the Bible. In this paper, the writer compares and contrasts the two versions. The writer discusses their similarity to creation stories of other religions. The writer examines the two varying creation myths and attempts to identify reasons for the different creation stories appearing in the same source.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to compare and contrast the two creation stories that appear in the book of Genesis. The plan of the research is to set forth the basic components of each of the stories and then discuss ways in which the pattern of ideas contained in each resonates with the other, with a view toward identifying reasons grounded in theology for which two disparate creation myths might be deliberately included in a single scripture source. Anybody who does not have a religious background ... "
Abstract In this article, the writer firstly defines creationism as a system of belief that maintains that humans, the earth, and the universe were created by a supreme being or deity. The writer explains that creationists believe in a god who is absolute creator of heaven and earth, out of nothing, by an act of free will. The writer then examines the history of creationism.
From the Paper "Creationism is generally defined as a belief system which holds that human beings, the earth, and the universe were created by a supreme being or deity, either ex nihilo or from preexisting chaos. Many Creationists consider their beliefs to be compatible with science, explain that certain scriptural accounts of creation should be interpreted as metaphors, or believe that scientific laws and mechanisms were created by supernatural intervention."
Abstract This eleven-page paper uses four creation accounts from different cultures. These are: Australia, Africa, the Algonquin Indian, and Japan. Certain aspects are found to be common to all, and there are some major differences.
Abstract This paper attempts to discuss, in a non-judging manner, creationism and evolutionary thought. The paper reviews the theory and scientific facts of evolution. Then the paper extrapolates on the creationists' theory of Intelligent Design.
From the Paper "As humankind continues to move forward into the future, it also searches the past to reveal what the past can teach it in an effort to understand where life-kind as a whole is going. In some cases people..."
Abstract This paper explains that the discussion of creation science is inherently highly controversial because it seeks the mantle of scientific prestige for what many consider not to be science at all. The author demonstrates that such claims, or such questions, have a millennia-old tradition within the West, extending back at least to the writings on medicine by Hippocrates.
From the Paper "If people, who were interested in teaching the biblical version of God'secretion of Adam and Eve, referred to this story as the biblical version of the creation of Adam and Eve, very few people could object There is most certainly a book referred to as the ..."
Tags: Hippocrates, Creation Science, science, medicine
Abstract This paper explains that one of the most famous and controversial historical inquiries in natural science was propagated by Charles Darwin, who hypothesized the theory of man's evolution and the origin of species. The author points out that Darwin was not swayed by the masses' acceptance of the Bible's version of creation. The paper relates that Darwin spent years doing quantitative research through experimental breeding of animals and plants and depended on the professional judgment of specialists in the natural sciences as an ingenious way to give authority to his concepts and theories.The paper states that, although Darwin's theory has been substantiated as scientifically sound, there is still a rift for many between science and religion when it comes to the theory of evolution. The author concludes that Darwin's critical inquiry has demonstrated that, although one may face criticism and ridicule, giving up on a hypothesis or a valid theory is not an option.
Table of Contents:
What Was the Example?
Did the Example Occur Inside or Outside the Paradigm of Prevailing Belief?
What was the Plan of Inquiry Followed by the Investigator, Scholar, or Artist?
How did the Example Demonstrate Insight and Higher-Order Learning?
What Lessons from the Example can be Applied to Your Own Graduate Work
From the Paper "Prior to Darwin's investigation into the origin of species, most did not dare examine man and nature in such a way for fear of persecution. As stated, questioning God and creationism was considered taboo, yet Darwin had the insight to look beyond such machinations of society and investigate the natural selection he observed around him during his travels. It is this insight that assisted Darwin in noticing patterns in nature, correlations between these patterns, and interactions between events that suggested that his hypotheses had validity. This is how Darwin came to design his projects involving animal and plant breeding."
Tags: revolutionary, divinecreation, quantitative research, projects, social phenomena
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of divine light. It investigates the origin of the concept and how it is integrated with social values and ideals of various times throughout history. The paper discusses the history of divine light and suggests that in these modern times, the concept of the divine has stretched and evolved to include a variety of principles, religions and lifestyles. The paper gives examples of its use and particularly focuses on the concept of divine light in architecture.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: Divine Light
Divine Light in Architecture
Greek Temples
Early Christian Architecture
Medieval Christian Churches
Baroque churches
Modern Churches
Conclusion
From the Paper "Instead, Tadao Ando asserts that a universal spirituality is possible through the use of natural forces. This in turn is reminiscent of the enclosures around Greek Temples, where natural elements were used to connect the human spirit to the divine. Ando recognizes that the divine, if architecture is going to be truly universal, is largely undefined by the paradigms of modern society. We live in an integrated world. Ando therefore uses natural elements that appeal universally to the human spirit. This provides for a "divine light" that is flexible: human beings can use its effect to connect to any form of the divine that pleases them. In this integrated approach, Ando emphasizes the creative force, once assumed to be from exterior or supernatural forces, that comes from within the spirit. As such, his work is a true integration of modern social values."
Abstract This paper examines the differing role of divine foreknowledge within the philosophy of St. Augustine. First an overview on the general concept of divine foreknowledge is given in order to understand its influential role during these times. Then the paper examines its role as applied to the philosophy of St. Augustine. The writer also looks at the theory that humans have the free will to make their own decisions. The writer concludes that what makes St. Augustine's work so important and successful, in both religious and philosophical circles, is its ability to understand the conflict and the importance of reconciling these concepts in order to preserve both the sanctity of divine foreknowledge and human will.
Outline:
Introduction
Divine Foreknowledge vs. Freewill
St. Augustine
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to the theory of divine foreknowledge, god is omniscient and therefore holds knowledge of everything: past, present and future. In other words, divine foreknowledge is god's ability to know everything about all things. Further, since god has knowledge of everything, everything that god knows is necessarily a truth. For example, if god knows that X will go and do Y, then it is true that X will do Y, even if X has not yet done Y. Further, since it is a truth that X will do Y, it is also impossible that X will not do Y. In other words, in a pure system of divine foreknowledge, humans have no freewill. The two cannot co-exist.
"However, some theorists, including St. Augustine, have developed a non-pure system of divine foreknowledge and instead believe that although god has divine foreknowledge, he is not all knowing in a traditional sense."
Abstract Analysis of Dante's THE DIVINE COMEDY in relation to justice. Role of God and Christ. Purgatory section as a scene of self-realization. Inferno (Hell) section with divine justice meted out to sinners. Paradise section and love as as aspect of divine justice. Dante's complex theory related to his times.
From the Paper "DANTE AND DIVINE JUSTICE
Justice is not a political or legal question in "The Divine Comedy. Instead, Dante takes his cue from Aristotle who said that "Justice is not part of virtue, but virtue entire" (Hutchins, 1952, p.856). In Purgatory, for example, when "the shade" begins to talk. It says "Of the purity the will alone gives proof, which surprises the soul wholly free to change its company. It wills from the first indeed, but the desire- which, contrary to the will Divine Justice sets to the torment as it had been to the sin- allows it not" (Dante, 1952, p. 85). Divine Justice, therefore, is the final arbiter of sin and virtue. Divine Justice is also, so it seems, a means of starting over, of eliminating sin and desire. In fact, "The world is renewed. Justice returns, and the primeval time of man, and a new progeny descends from heaven" ..."
Abstract This paper examines the doctrine of divine illumination, prevalent in most ancient cultures. The paper explains that the doctrine of divine illumination holds that human beings require a special divine assistance in their ordinary cognitive activities. The paper then takes a look at how this doctrine manifested itself in ancient Greek, Hebrew and Roman cultures.
From the Paper "Furthermore, some of the cultures believed in the intermingling of the gods with humans. Not only did the gods interact in the lives of humans, but they also fathered children by humans. Therefore, humanity could only be understood as a relative concept, "relative to the sub-human (animal) and the super-human (divine)" (Flint-Hamilton). In fact, in some societies, there was practically no separation between the concept of human and divine."
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Utopia", and how Sir Thomas More explores how a society can be controlled by the threat of divine retribution. The author examines More's position that the only way to deter man from the pleasures of sin was the possibility of divine retribution by exploring, for example, the spiritual entity, Mithra and the punishment of criminals. The paper also looks at the political and religious atmosphere prevalent in More's society.
From the Paper "The picture painted by Sir Thomas More in his book, Utopia can be interpreted by different people in different ways. Some leave the experience with the understanding that More was a visionary with a highly detailed view of the future, whereas others see him as a man yearning for a monastic past. Whichever interpretation is correct, and there are many gradations between the two, Sir Thomas More can be seen as a man who held the notion that man had a natural propensity for sin. He believed that sin, especially pride, was divisive to both man and society. More felt that the only way to deter man from the pleasures of sin was to threaten him with the possible pains of divine retribution. "
Tags:divine, more, retribution, sin, sir, thomas, utopus
