Abstract
This paper presents a research proposal. It begins with the thesis statement: if spiritual maturity comes only from a dynamic faith, then Christian education must be anchored in principles of free will and dynamic intercourse. It then describes proposed research methods and contexts and lists the problem. It briefly summarizes a literature review and discusses research methods and assumptions, as well as proposed research results and arguments.

From the Paper
"Spiritual maturity only comes from a dynamic Christian faith capable of adaptation and change within the orthodox boundaries of so-called "mere" Christianity. Yet many Christians today are loosing their essential faith, turning to agnosticism and athiesm out of disillunsionment or misguided moral obligation. Christian education is failing the majority of its students -- in order to succeed, it must adapt its methods to become a support for, rather than impediment to, the dynamic God-directed path of the individual believer."

Tags:believer, god, study, christianity

Abstract
The paper asserts that as everyone knows, there is probably no bigger issue in the news today than the economy, and like any issue in the news, talk about the economy is loaded with heated debate. The paper discusses how behind the scenes, it seems that two very different world views are colliding; on the one hand, the secular humanist world view concerns what humans can do for themselves without worrying about accountability to God, but for Christians, every thought and action should concern the will of God. The paper compares and contrasts the role of work according to secular humanist and Christian theistic views.

From the Paper
"As everyone knows, there is probably no bigger issue in the news today than the economy. And like any issue in the news, talk about the economy is loaded with heated debate. Behind the scenes, however, it seems that two very different world views are colliding. On the one hand, the secular humanist world view concerns what humans can do for themselves without worrying about accountability to God. For Christians, every thought and action should concern the will of God. The following discussion compares and contrasts the role of work according to secular humanist and Christian..."

Tags:faith, christianity, humanism

Abstract
This paper explores the meaning and use of mysticism in the religious faiths of Christianity and Islam. The author shows the reader how mysticism impacts the faiths and allows the reader to explore the truth of the existence within the faith.

From the Paper
"Around the world the religious faiths of people can be a powerful motivator for living a life free from anger and sin. Many people live their life according to a doctrine that they take to be truth based on little more than their own personal faith that the religion exists as does the higher power that the faith has been build upon. Mysticism in both faiths plays an important role. It guides the followers many times when the only thing they have is their faith. However, even though mysticism is woven into each faith it is used, viewed and believed in different ways."

Tags:faith, christianity, islam, belief, mystic, mysticism, proof, tradition

Abstract
This paper presents an in-depth study of faith healing from the perspective of Christian Science. According to the paper, Christian Scientists are not "believers, further showing how they are not leading true Christian lives by jeopardizing their health and the health of their children. The paper then presents the method for the study. Next, it shows how many Americans believe in the power of prayer, yet it shows survey results which demonstrate that prayer is seen as helpful in addition to traditional medicine. The paper notes that Christian Scientists have resorted to faith healing to the serious detriment of their followers in general and young children in particular who were denied the opportunity to benefit from modern medical interventions. Various references are made to Biblical quotes about faith healing, and how they are interpreted by modern, mainstream churches. The paper then openly states its position of faith healing, which it sees as tantamount to murder when medical treatment is denied, particularly to children. The paper concludes by stating that that the faith healing practices that are prevalent in today's society are far from the ideal presented in the Book of James.

Outline:

Aim of the Dissertation
Background
Statement of the Problem
Method
Introduction
Chapter 1 Faith Healing: Biblically Defined
Chapter 2 Faith Healing: A Christian Science Perspective
Chapter 3: When Faith Healing Fails God's Children
Chapter 4: Drawing the Line, Faith Healing or Murder
Parameters
Outcome

From the Paper
"The general problem to be considered by the proposed study concerns the dogma of Christian Science as it relates to faith healing. Christian Scientists have alleged that all aspects of their theology is distinctively Christian, established upon the Scriptures and is continuous with Biblical revelation. Part of the purpose of this dissertation is to nullify their position as Believers. According to Scripture, faith is people acting in accordance with God's known purpose. Their misunderstanding of Biblical revelation has led the Christian Scientist to misconstrue the true meaning of "Faith Healing" as instructed in James 5: 14 - 16. Should Christian Scientists be allowed to martyr their children for their religious beliefs? Do mainstream Christians have a responsibility to intervene against senseless suffering and death of Christian Science children in instances when it could have been avoided? Can the world look the other way and not place boundaries and limitations on 'religious freedom' when it endangers the lives of children who are not free to make life altering choices of their own? "

Tags:alternative medical therapies, Christian Science, Distant Intercessory Prayer

Abstract
In contrasting the "insider" view of the purpose and function of Christian faith with an explanation from an "outsider" perspective, it is evident that the traditional Christian perspective of faith is itself based upon faith. Many outsiders consider this to be a classic example of flawed circular reasoning, for Christian justification and belief in the doctrine of faith is based upon the doctrine of faith itself and not upon confirming evidence or authenticated experience, which outsiders would consider necessary in order to validate the doctrine.

From the Paper
Insider vs. Outsider: An Analysis of Perspectives On Christian Faith In contrasting the "insider" view of the purpose and function of Christian faith with an explanation from an "outsider" perspective, it is evident that disagreement is inevitable, for the traditional Christian perspective of faith is itself based upon faith. Many outsiders consider this to be a classic example of flawed circular reasoning, for in their view Christian justification and belief in the doctrine of faith is based upon the

Tags:doctrine, of, faith

Abstract
The paper discusses Christianity and qualifies the various states of adherence of peoples calling themselves Christian. The paper states that each sincere Christian, in order to develop in his faith, should remain a disciple of the faith and should also engage in education and focus on children in various age groups, or on adults in an effort to further their discipleship.

Outline:
A Biblical Obligation
The Nature, Purpose and Goals of Christian Education
How Persons Learn and Grow in Christian Faith
Methods of Learning and Growth within the Church Context
Methods of Learning within the Context of the World
Leading and Teaching the Christian

From the Paper
"Christianity is one of the major world religions today. This may however be deceptive, as many call themselves Christians simply because they grew up in a Christian home, or go to church simply out of habit. There are however those who sincerely attempt to follow the precedents of Christianity, and others who sincerely seek respite from the difficulties of the world by means of prayer and worship. These sincere few take issues such as education and discipleship seriously. Each sincere Christian, in order to grow and develop in their faith, should remain disciples of the faith. In addition, Christians should also engage in education. Christian education might take a variety of forms. Mainly, education can focus on children in various age groups, or on adults in an effort to further their discipleship."

Tags:educator, christian, faith, church

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 researches the Bible's application to therapy and the state of counseling in the Christian faith as well as some of the philosophical and theoretical points of divergence within this discussion. The writer discusses a number of sources on the subject of applying the Bible to practical responsibilities, beginning with Hindson and Eyrich's blueprint text, "Totally Sufficient." The paper also touches upon some suggestions for how best to address perceived scientific and academic needs with regard to the use of faith in counseling.

From the Paper
" In the text by McMinn (1996), we are give an introductory point which diverges from those offered by Adams. Where Adams determines to shift counseling approaches to a perspective informed by the needs and faith of the client, McMinn stresses the character of the counselor himself. It is here within that the sturdy foundation in both faith and theology may be located. McMinn expresses himself as being "increasingly convinced that the value of counseling interventions is found less in one's technical training and theoretical orientation than in one's character." (McMinn, xi) Therefore, the effective faith-based therapist will proceed from a point of personal exploration and stability in which an assurance of faith will help to guide on in using such principals with balance, nuance and responsibility. "

Tags:pastor, psychology, bible, faith

Abstract
This essay looks at Kierkegaard's ideas on becoming a Christian looking at his ideas of subjectivity, inwardness, objectivity, faith, God, paradox and despair. Keirkegaard contrasts what he terms 'religiousness A' and 'religiousness B' and attempts to show what genuine faith is.

From the Paper
"Kierkegaard's thought about the twin themes of becoming a Christian and living as a Christian. It is a process that will lead to real personhood, a journey to becoming a genuine self. Believing that there is an absolute qualitative distinction between God and Humankind, God's answer, the incarnation becomes an absolute paradox. This paradox engenders the possibility of offence within a person at the paradox and this cannot be overcome by the marshalling of evidence but only by a leap of faith. This state of faith or existence is called Religiousness B. In Kierkegaard's thought there are three stages of existence: the aesthetic (which in simple terms is living for pleasure), the ethical (a moral lifestyle) and the religious. The Religious can be subdivided into Religiousness A and Religiousness B. In this essay the emphasis will be on the latter stages by looking at certain key Kierkegaardian motifs, examining the themes of subjectivity or inwardness, Religiousness A in contrast to Religiousness B, faith and offence, paradox and despair. Religiousness B will not be dwelt on as this more pertains to existence as a Christian rather than the journey toward being one."

Tags:absolute, despair, faith, hegel, inwardness, objectivity, offence, paradox, religious, subjecti

Abstract
This paper discusses the difficulties that a Christian may encounter if trying to convert a Muslim. The paper first discusses the fundamentals of Muslim faith and then focuses on the difficult teachings of Christianity, including that Jesus Christ was not just a prophet but the Son of God and that sin is not just a matter of having made bad decisions, but in fact sin is a moral rejection of God, which cries out for acceptance of Christ's dying on the Cross as a path to forgiveness.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Islam
How Do Muslims View Jesus Christ?
How should a Christian Approach a Muslim?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The devout Christian trying to convert a devout Muslim has a Herculean task, a very steep mountain to climb. Among the two most difficult teachings of the Christian faith to put across to the Islamic believer are: one, that Jesus Christ was not just a prophet but the Son of God; and two, that sin is not just a matter of having made bad decisions, but in fact sin is a moral rejection of God, which cries out for acceptance of Christ's dying on the Cross as a path to forgiveness. If those two Christian principles can be conveyed (and accepted by the Muslim) through respectful, honest dialogue, the Christian believer will have completed a task only a very few accomplish."

Tags:faith, Jesus, Islam, evangelism