Abstract
This paper examines, compares and contrasts the beliefs and traditions of five great religions of the ancient Middle East and Asia, which include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. The paper attempts to point out the roles these religions played in the daily life of the ancient world particularly noting their social significance. First, the paper explores Judaism, Christianity and Islam, three ancient religions which are still practiced today. The paper discusses the common creation story of Judaism and Christianity, and touches upon how it is mentioned in the Qur'an. Additionally, the paper addresses the messianic concepts of these three religions. Next, the paper considers the Eastern religions of Buddhism and Hinduism, showing how Buddhism grew out of Hinduism. The major texts, doctrines and philosophies of these religions are discussed at length. In particular, the paper notes what the two religions have in common. Wars and conflicts in the ancient world that arose from differences in religion are also addressed. The paper concludes by stating that the religions examined in the paper were very strong, existing today while other religions, such as the ancient Greek and Roman religions disappeared.

Outline:

People of the Book: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Eastern Asian Religions: Hinduism and Buddhism

From the Paper
"Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are three ancient religions still practiced today. Because these religions share a common origin, Muslims call Christians and Jews "People of the Book," and see them as adherents of a religion that is similar to theirs. Although Muslims claim that theirs is "the perfection of the religion revealed first to Abraham," they see Christians as Jews as more enlightened than those who practice other religions or atheists ("People of the Book"). Christians and Jews, on the other hand, tend to have a sympathetic view of each other, but do not necessarily extend that sympathy to Islam. The similarities shared among these religions can be seen in their creation stories, their theological beliefs, and their ethical and moral principals. While differences can also be found in these areas, major differences among these three religions can be seen in their ancient societies.
"The Bible--holy book of Christians and Jews--tells of a creation story in which God created the world, including a man--Adam. When Adam became lonely, God created a female companion for Adam with his rib."

Tags:Qur'anIt, Old Testament, Messiah, Jesus, Mohammed, afterlife, Karma, Nirvana

Abstract
The paper examines the primary influence of Dante Alighieri on art and religion in the modern world. The paper discusses the effect that education and the separation of church and state have had on modern American life, and shows how Dante had a great influence on how religious doctrine was affected through the historical rise of the Protestant faith.

Tags:biography, poet, philosophy

Abstract
This research paper describes the features of Confucianism and Taoism, philosophies which changed the way of life in China starting in the sixth century. Both Taoism and Confucianism and their values have been incorporated in the society as a way of life in China and other oriental countries. Taoism is one of the two great philosophical and religious traditions that became a way of life in China nearly 2500 years ago. The other philosophy that also originated in China is Confucianism. Both of these philosophies started around the same time in the sixth century B.C. For the past couple of centuries there have been three religions that have dominated the Chinese way of life, they are namely, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.

From the Paper
"Confucianism was founded by Confucius in the spring and autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC) and further developed by Menaces, thus called The Way of Confucius and Menaces (Confucianism). In the Han dynasty, Confucianism was adopted but other schools suppressed by the Han rulers to consolidate their reign. It was after the death of its originator that Confucianism flourished and became dominant in the Chinese history and culture for almost 2 millenniums. Later it even spread to Korea and Japan and has been influential in the two cultures. Confucianism had immensely impacted the Chinese civilization in ways unimaginable."

Tags:chinese, religion, philosophy, eastern, buddha, dynasty

Abstract
John Locke (1632-1704), a trained physician and noted essayist, is considered among other things, to be the founder of British Empiricism. He had great influence on the development of the modern world, especially the United States, both as a political entity as well as a social and cultural one. This paper examines Locke's views on various issues, including theories of government, education, religion and science.

From the Paper
"Locke believed very strongly that people needed to learn in a systematic way moving from basic principles into details and assimilating facts in a logical manner rather than wholly -- essentially moving in the opposite direction of scientific inquiry. With his essay, "Some Thoughts Concerning Education" (1697), Locke stressed the three R's of education: reading writing and arithmetic. He felt that learning should commence at as early an age as possible. He also considered that the curriculum should be well rounded, including the study of languages and history as well as physical education, thus presupposing the modern education system, as well as the notion of compulsory education."

Tags:Declaration, of, Independence, Constitution, Concerning, Human, Understanding, Glorious, Revolution

Abstract
Societies spend a great deal of time trying to explain and justify the gender roles that exist within them. The works of theologians and philosophers in particular are used to explain the gender roles within a society and justify their existence. This essay examines two particularly influential works. These works are "The Politics" by Aristotle and the Old Testament story of "Genesis". Although these works were written within a different cultural and temporal context, both works provide similar explanations and justifications for the superiority of men and the inferiority of women.

Tags:gender, genesis, aristotle

Abstract
This paper examines how from Plato to More, from Swift to Marx and from Moses to Christ, many philosophers have proposed societies that would only permit peace and happiness. It gives a brief overview of the doctrines of many famous philosophers, leaders and authors throughout history and discusses how although many of these societies have been attempted and failed, they remain pure in intent and perfect in the form of their concepts. It concludes with the one philosophy agreed on by all, that good is always better than evil. The paper also includes photographs.

From the Paper
"As humans, we find it necessary to form governments to rule over us and keep domestic and international tranquility. Because we cannot all do this ourselves, we elect a way to have others do it for us, or others elect if for us. The design of the institution, which we assign, or which others assign, differs from place to place. History and literature show attempts and failures for idealistic governments and societies; which failures only occur because of human fault, thus requiring a higher standard of humanity and progression to become a higher being to achieve the utopian society which is wanted universally."

Tags:church, communism, education, lifestyle, peace, persecution, religion, utopia

Abstract
The Hellenistic period started after Alexander, and it influences even our era. Slavery existed in both periods but there was more emphasis on religion in the Hellenic era. The Hellenic era witnessed democracy and the existence of city-states. The Hellenistic era was governed by monarchies. Materialism became widespread in this time that also marked the demise of truly creative philosophy.

Abstract
This paper discusses how Greek myths are seen by western civilization as great works of art and beauty. It attempts to analyze why there is a continued fascination with them. It looks at how myths are the basis of our societal and religious practices and are therefore intrinsically treasured institution. It shows how philosophy has contributed to the understanding of the myths by interpreting them as universal allegories about humanity and existence, thus ensuring the continued fascination. It also examines how through psychoanalysis the characters in myths serve as examples of the human?s unconscious desires. Myths are true works of art that can infinitely adaptable and infinitely important as we change our values.

From the Paper
"Psychoanalysis is another field that has adopted the universalthemes and stories of the myths this time to explain the inner workings of our consciousness and thought processes. Sigmund Freud and then later Carl Jung both used the Greek myths to elaborate on their own theories of the mind. Myths according to the strain of psychoanalysis preached by Freud can explain unconscious desires; the characters in myths serve as examples of the human's unconscious desires. The Greek myths served as a good universal basis for the experience of the human condition, thus allowing them to be useful in psychoanalysis."

Tags:freud, jung, art, religion

Abstract
This paper presents clear and specific examples and lessons learned by Machiavelli which greatly impacted his views on life and religion which garnered him a reputation as a brilliant and well respected philosopher. The writer of this paper contends and proves that Machiavelli was also a religious humanist by focusing on his impact and involvement in both the political and religious arenas. This paper examines the early roots of humanism and religious humanism which have been traced back to the Renaissance era. This paper defines humanism as a naturalistic view that rejects the supernatural or ideas that cannot be proven by logic or science. This paper examines the views and opinions of Machiavelli who clearly thought things through very much in style associated with the humanistic philosophy which promotes self thought and reflection, while urging others to think for themselves.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Niccolo Machiavelli
Humanist
Machiavelli as a Humanist
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper
"Machiavelli would certainly concur with the notion that religion creates distortions and ironies. But Humanists as a group also have underlying problems within their own ranks because they do not agree on certain facts. For example, Modern Humanism splits into two sub-categories, secular and religious. The dispute is between these factions. "The fact is that many Protestants, Catholics, and Jews--along with secular humanists--believe in and teach the theory of evolution in biology courses." Ironically, Secular and Religious Humanists seem to share similar worldviews and therefore follow similar principles which was confirmed when each factions created and signed the Humanist Manifesto I in 1933 and the revision in 1973. Religious Humanists who are secular have an understanding that human beings do have personal and social needs."

Tags:humanism, philosophy, religion, renaissance, history, secular

Abstract
Through the ages, both Greek and Hindu societies have been greatly influenced by the idea of the immortality of the soul, affecting them in their daily lives and approach to death. This paper compares and contrasts both schools of thought and their loopholes and conflicting theories. It examines the writings of famous philosophers and religious texts and evaluates their application to modern day thought and religion.

From the Paper
"The very idea of immortality of the soul was not simply a theory but was widely believed among the Greeks in society. This would explain Socrates' unfazed and calm demeanor as he approached death in Phaedo. Now, this brings me to the point of linkage. All these concepts may have had a great impact on Greek society, but where exactly did these great minds find the "spark of inspiration" for their theories? Could it have been Hinduism or vice versa?"

Tags:aristotle, plato, pythagoras, reincarnation, socrates, soul, karma