Abstract
A comprehensive analysis of the legality of parents denying their children access to health care on the basis of their involvement in a "faith healing" religion such as Christian Science or Faith Tabernacle. The paper explains that for some residents of the United States, traditional medicine is not religiously acceptable in the face of sickness. On the contrary, these residents are so strongly against medicine that they will not even allow their children to see a doctor if they suffer from life threatening illnesses. It discusses how many followers of these religions are denying the use of traditional medicine and joining a movement that shies from what society considers the norm for treating sickness by putting their belief in God's ability to heal their family's illnesses. The paper argues however, that parents' religious convictions about the disuse of any type of medicine for their children should not be allowed as a legal means of denying their children this medicine because these convictions often cause the needless deaths and suffering of many children whom medical care would have helped.

From the Paper
"For centuries America has debated to what extent church and state should be separated. More recently the argument about the disuse of medical treatment for religious reasons and the resulting deaths of the children of certain religious organization's followers has arisen. Since the seventeenth century when settlers came to America to escape religious persecution and seek religious freedom, the issue of separation of church and state has been in debate (Council 1). However, not all religions were given equal rights before the Bill of Rights was created: in Boston anyone preaching outside the established church could be fined or banned from the settlement (Weiss 11). Also, in areas that practiced South Anglicanism, those who spoke out against the Christian faith were sentenced to death (Weiss 11). However, the first amendment to the American Bill of Rights, which was passed in September of 1789, changed these discriminatory practices on a federal level and caused less religious discrimination to occur (Weiss 31). This amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" (Bartlett 3). This amendment did not, however, guarantee the protection of United States citizens from state religious discrimination; but the fourteenth amendment, which was passed at a later date, did (Weiss 32). Opponents for and against parents' rights to deny their child medical care based on religious convictions are eager to solve the question of the relationship of church and state and the necessity of parents to obtain medical care as required by state governments. This issue has thus become a pressing argument that must be solved quickly because many children's lives are at stake."

Tags:abuse, children, christian, faith, healing, illness, law, medicine, science, tabernacle

Abstract
This paper explains that certain scientific theories have caused many to question the validity of their faith, and many others to question the validity of science. Usually, the conflicts originate from formalized interpretations of Christianity rather than upon the fundamental basis of faith. The writer argues that science can neither prove nor disprove the existence of a divine being, but it can establish dates and sequences of history that contrast accepted notions. The paper discusses how science has sometimes been viewed as the ally of religion and at other times its direct enemy.

From the Paper
"In classical times the pursuit of science and philosophy was seen as the ideal means to acquiring knowledge about the world and human existence. Aristotle, Socrates and Plato did not see science through the lens of one seeking to verify their faith, but instead, viewed science and logic as avenues by which some valuable information could be derived. Specific methods were devised as tools to investigate the legitimacy of claims regarding the natural world: "Aristotle produced as system of thought that would guide men from the limited observations of personal experience to more general truths about nature." (Burke, 16). Essentially, the ancient Greeks developed the first form of what has come to be known as the "scientific method." At this time, and particularly to these early philosophers, science and reasoning were perceived as essential services to civilization, mankind, and the human soul. Plato believed that the only true means to realizing happiness and righteousness within one's spirit was through logical investigation into the world and its existence. It was far removed from these philosophers' minds that science could ever be deemed as something incongruous with divinity. After all, the Greek philosophers lived in a pagan society, in which some gods were believed in and worshiped and some were not; it was all dependent upon an individual's preferences. Religion had yet to occupy its authoritative position in western society, and accordingly, it had yet to adopt iron clad rules and edicts defining the nature of the world."

Tags:philosophy, christian, church, evolution, faith

Abstract
This paper discusses the great distance between the concepts imposed by science and religion. The paper relates that, in many aspects science and religion contradict each other or differ in the answers given to historical questions. The paper further relates that the contradiction between science and religion has always existed. This brings the question of whether religion is an ally or an enemy of science. The paper hen points out that there are many kinds of science and their relation to religion is different in each case. Furthermore, there are different kinds of religions and each finds a different relation to science and its studies. The paper then goes on to discuss how much science and religion contradict or complement each other. It begins this discussion with a look at not only how religions are very different from one case to another but also how science developed differently as well in zones where one specific religion was dominant.

From the Paper
"As much as the Christian version of creation left blanks unexplained and raised questions about its authenticity, the evolution theory may be criticized as inconsistent as well. For science it seemed illogical that the man was created in one day, copying the image of a being that supposedly has no face or body, and therefore, no image to create alike. The man is too strongly related to other animals as to be completely foreign to the other species. He has to be part of a group and live by the same rules that dominate the rest of the living creatures. There has to be a link between man and animals if there are so many similarities between all of the life forms on the planet, and there is a path than can trace man's origins to the same as animals'. But this theory leaves a great hole that makes it inconsistent and brings it to question as accurate."

Tags:astronomical, discoveries, multiplicity, of, patterns, blind, faith

Abstract
This paper examines how human beings will always seek a higher power to worship. The paper also discusses the concept of God and how the existence of God can neither be proven or disproven by science. In addition, a brief discussion on human sexuality and religion is included with the paper.

From the Paper
"For those who believe science holds all the answers, religion would ask for an explanation of the origin of the world. Not merely for an origin of man, but an explanation of the existence of matter itself. Even the most seemingly logical theories like the Big Bang rely upon the supposition that matter, atoms at the most basic level have always existed. So where did this matter come from? In this particular side argument religion wins, as those who ascribe to creationism (not necessarily even in the Judeo- Christian sense) rely upon what they believe to give them an answer."

Tags:religion, religious movements, jehovah's witnesses, god faith science

Abstract
This paper explains that having faith in religious terms means believing in the presence of a greater force or forces. Faith in Buddhism, the author points out, means believing that the Buddha is the Awakened Being as a teacher of utmost capabilities, that his spiritual doctrine Dharma is the truth and that his followers Sangha are the rightly guided. Whereas, the paper continues, in Catholicism, faith is the belief in the ascension of an individual to the truths taught through the scriptures and traditions of the Church and the belief in the Holy Trinity as a premise that must be accepted without doubt.

Table of Contents:
What is Faith?
Faith and Belief
Faith in Religion
Buddhism
Faith and Belief in Buddhism
Limitations in Buddhism
Catholicism
Faith and Belief in Catholicism
Distortion of Faith
My Experience: A Comparison of Buddhism and Catholicism

From the Paper
"While you know that such action causes such event, you cannot be entirely sure as to whether this will change in the future. Faith means choosing to believe and to despite the fact that there may be doubt that that a proposition is true. Wanting to believe does not lead to faith.
"While faith feeds from belief, it is not wholly dependent upon it. Faith also includes trust, and trust often does not involve past proof, but rather a general expectation of behavior or action."

Tags:belief, greater force, tradition miscommunication

Abstract
This paper explains that religion is an experiential based field that relies on faith alone and is therefore highly subjective in its world view; whereas, in contrast, science is experimental but anchored in observation and has an objective interpretation of facts and events. The author underscores that both science and religion are based on faith and have as their common objective the quest for a formalized type of truth that can be applied universally to the human condition. The paper contends that achieving some sort of balance between science and religious faith is critical if mankind is going to continue to advance as a species. The author points out that, for Albert Einstein, the melding of science and religion was not a conundrum at all but rather, for him, the real problem lay in how man consistently chose to interpret both scientific and religious concepts and particularly religious concepts.

From the Paper
"One of the primary points of contention for the religious proponents has been the view that science attacks religious precepts and undermines religion's doctrine. Many scientists have patently disproved this argument as being somewhat disingenuous since much of their activity has been centered only on illuminating the specific characteristics of systemic phenomena in the physical world and make no judgment at all on the origin, necessarily, of these phenomena per se. Science and scientists almost as a collective unit admit that while they can understand many of the systemic processes in the physical world they are at a loss as to how many of these highly complex processes could have simply evolved out of the molecular fabric of space."

Tags:truth, space, buddhism, coexist, einstein

Abstract
This paper explains that belief in science and faith in religion are based on two distinct sets of validations and logic that are thought by some people to be incompatible but not by other people. Next, the author underscores that evidence is the primary support of belief in science; whereas, faith over evidence is stressed through religious doctrine. The paper concludes that, until science is able to disprove the existence of a creator, the rift between the faith of religion and the empiricism of science is likely to continue for some people.

From the Paper
"Religion, at its very heart, is based on faith and therefore defies evidence. Religion is a personal matter. As John Polkinghorne offers, "the God of Christian theology is a personal God." While scientists may be described as pragmatic realists, philosophers are less exacting or sure of reality. Individuals might choose to believe in God just as they may choose to belief in Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, or UFO's. Such examples may seem trite; however, they do make the point that many atheists contend is the reason to reject religion. Blind faith in a certain set of issues, such as a particular religion, justifies faith in other illusions which also confound science's ability to prove.
"Such an understanding of religion might assign it cultural value that is distinct from the understandings and empiricism of science. For example, religion has been demonstrated to particularly proscribe specific modes of working, eating, and interrelating with fellow human beings. Such principles may simply be the result of a society's acceptance of a certain morality. Many religious individuals fear that adherence to atheism involves no moral support. This too is false, as the majority of atheists are able to live and believe in a moral order."

Tags:validity, justification, personal, pragmatic, atheists

Abstract
In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of Hispanic society and religion. Specifically, it discusses the various ways religion plays an active role in Hispanic society and the molding of women within the society. The writer notes that religion, specifically the Catholic religion, is a vital part for many in Hispanic society, and it has been for centuries. Further, the writer points out that religion plays an active role in Hispanic society by offering not only hope and faith for its members, but social opportunities for interaction, support, and comfort during times of need. The writer maintains that the Church plays a significant role in the fabric of Hispanic life, and without it, Hispanic society would crumble - they rely too much on the spiritual authority and guidance of the Church to help them through their daily lives. The writer concludes that they might take on another religion, but in their souls, most Hispanics will always hold the Catholic philosophy as their own to guide their way of life and their faith.

From the Paper
"First, it has been the religion of Latin America for centuries, since the Spanish Conquistadors first conquered Mexico in the late 1400s. Second, because the Church is organized on a parish system, the Church has locations throughout the Hispanic community neighborhoods, making it more accessible to the people in different Latino neighborhoods throughout larger communities. Puerto Rico is home to the oldest Catholic diocese in the New World, and today, there are nearly 3.5 million practicing Catholics in the country. Most homes contain a crucifix and other religious items, and religious festivals and observances are the backbone of culture and society in the country."

Tags:Catholic, Church, Latino, parish

Abstract
This paper examines how every American President has invoked God's blessing and how George W. Bush is no exception. It analyzes some of the religious remarks the President has made through his various speeches and comments on his religious quotes as well as examining the roots of his faith. It evaluates how with the vast material encountered about President's past, present and probable future, one can concur that his religious views influenced the war in Afghanistan and in Iraq. It looks at how Bush has used religion to increase his votes in the South and to guarantee his legitimacy with the American conservative electorate.

From the Paper
"Politicians who used religious quotes or who follow some type of godly agenda are more likely to be perceived as just and having a greater sense of wisdom. Since there are many Gods but only one ruler, a modern country must obey this ruler decisions and it is not clear what kind of holy influence he or she follows. A quick fixing of this problem is the establishing of the words "good" and "evil" that may be well understood even by a child. Hence, it fair to say that, to some degree, all Presidents of the United States, including George W. Bush exercised their "papacy" according to their present circumstances and conveniences followed by the general interest. "

Tags:iraq, afganistan, elections, jesus, god

Abstract
This paper explains that, throughout the history of mankind, religion has played a vital role. The author points out that humans naturally find a supreme being to worship in answer to questions about how the world began, where the world is going, what is his or her purpose on earth, what does life mean and what will happen to him or her after death. The paper relates that, although these religions do have differences, the three religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity believe in only one God and the importance of living a life that would be pleasing to this God. The author concludes that the role of mankind in religion is to seek God and to worship and obey.

Table of Contents:
The Roles of Man in Religion
Why Does Mankind Need Religion
Role of Man in the Islamic Faith
The Role of Man in Judaism
The Role of Man in Christianity

From the Paper
"Comparing Judaism to the Islamic faith will show that they both believe in only one God. The Jews believe they are special and that God chose them over the other nations. "Jews believe that the Jewish people are specially chosen by God." The role of man is to obey the covenant made by God to Moses and when they follow the laws of God their lives will be blessed. Judaism is one of the religions that date back through early history. One of the benefits of following this faith is the ability to have a personal relationship with God. ... The Jews continue to believe that God is alive and continues to affect what happens in the world."

Tags:allah, proclivity, inseparable, acts, blessings, salvation