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Mennonites, 2007.
An overview of the religious and cultural practices of the Mennonites in the United States.
2,161 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the religion of the Mennonites who became the first German colony in America when, in 1683, they planted their settlement in Pennsylvania, called Germantown. It describes the history and the background of the Mennonites and focuses on their religious and cultural practices. The paper also describes the current practices of the Mennonites living in the United States.
From the Paper
"Prior to World War II, members of the Historic Peace Churches--Mennonites, Brethren in Christ and the Quakers--sent a letter to President Roosevelt outlining their peace position and requesting special provisions before any war ensued. The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 granted that those opposed to war because of religious beliefs should be given "work of national importance under civilian direction," such as forestry, soil conservation, public health, and agriculture and instrumental in the mental health system. The Mennonites embraced this Civilian Public Service (CPS) system not only as a substitute for armed services but, more importantly, as an expression of biblical faith and dedication to their society. Over 4,600 Mennonites served in the CPS program and about 3,900 served as noncombatants conscientious objectors in the military ((Towes, 1930, p.141). Similarly, in the Vietnam War, they aided both sides with food, money, and relief work around the world, and they will continue to pursue this outlet in the future."
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The Modern View of the Middle East, 2007.
This paper analyzes the books "Baghdad Without A Map and Other Misadventures in Arabia" by Tony Horwitz and "Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women" by Geraldine Brooks.
1,370 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how these two books indicate the great gap between Eastern and Western culture and beliefs. The paper portrays how the Middle East is still steeped in violence, ancient religious doctrine and old-world cities that seem to have stepped back in time. The paper looks at the authors' view that if the Middle East is going to be competitive in the modern world, it must modernize and throw off some of the ancient customs that bind it.
From the Paper
"Women are viewed differently in the two books, and even more differently here in the west. In Horwitz' book, he makes little mention of the women because the people he deals with do not mention them at all. He sees few women and most of the ones he sees are covered in traditional dress from head to toe. Most of the encounters he has are with men because they do the business and run the countries. When his wife has to wear a chador, he writes, "Geraldine, have endured months of hoots and propositions from Arab males, welcomed her sexless disguise. I found it creepy. With one flick of the wrist, she'd transformed herself from the object of my desire into a forbidding black phantom, a foot soldier of the Islamic Republic" (Horwitz 235)."
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Religion as a Determinant in Fertility, 2007.
A look at how religion affects birth and fertility in married or paired women throughout the world, with a focus on Austria, India and Canada.
4,777 words (approx. 19.1 pages), 16 sources, MLA, $ 122.95
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Abstract
This paper proposes a study with the hypothesis that religion accounts for, in large part, the number of children born to a woman. It looks at how most studies have found that women's fertility rate is determined by religion and other variants, sometimes equally, such as cultural, socioeconomic, age at time of birth, education, income and urban or rural position.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Socioeconomic Factors on Fertility Rate, Compared to Religion
Religion as a Factor in Fertility Rates Among Hindus and Muslims
Rural and Urban Effects on Fertility
Fertility Decisions and Desires in Bangladesh
Effect of Religion through Fertility Norms and Possibility of Dissolution
The Relationship Between Religion And Fertility: Evidence From Austria
The Religious Denomination Factor in Fertility in Canada
Results of the Multivariate Analysis
Discussion
Summary and Suggestions
Hypothesis
Data
Analysis of the Data
Discussion
Summary and suggestions
From the Paper
"After economic standing, a study by Lutz attempts to account for the effects of culture and religion on fertility rates. This study tries to assess the effects of culture and religion on fertility after accounting for a country's socioeconomic standing. Estimates for covariance models are analyzed for 128 countries between 1950 and 1975. The gross reproduction rate is the dependent variable and independent variables are infant mortality rates, aggregate standing of female education and gross domestic product per person. Categorical variables for religion and cultural region are taken into account as well. Surprisingly, even though socioeconomic standing is higher, European countries have lower fertility rates than Arab countries. Culture and religion have a measurable effect on fertility and in Arab countries it is positive. "
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Biblical Wars, 2007.
An analysis of three Biblical wars and their war strategies.
1,394 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and analyzes three legendary wars from the Bible which are discussed in two chapters from the Bible, Genesis 14 and Exodus 17 and apocryphal Book of Judith. It describes the common features of the wars and particularly focuses on the uncommon war strategies. The paper describes each of these wars in detail and cites several passages from the Bible to explain them.
From the Paper
"Genesis 14 reveals God's mysterious actions through Abram's refusal to take their goods after the victory, as it would normally happen in a war. The unusual act can be interpreted as a testimony of God's glory, who is the only distributor of riches and poverty among men. As we find out from Abram, he had promised God not to take any of the goods after the victory so that the king of Sodom might not have occasion to tell Abram that he has made him rich: "I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, [...] that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich."(Genesis 14.22-23) Abram seems to have fought the battle in the usual way, with the help of his three hundred servants, but the fact that he does not take the spoil emphasizes that the act was done trough God's will: "And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand."(Genesis 14.20) Also, the text demonstrates God's sway over the will and the mind of his people, and his power to determine their behavior. Abram is an example of a model leader, who fears God and gives himself into His power."
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Jewish Civilization, 2007.
This paper looks at the history of the Jewish civilization.
1,329 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of Jewish civilization. Specifically, it discusses the time period of the first settlements in Israel (Canaan) and the period of Israelite kingdoms. Further, the writer describes how Jewish identity changed between these two periods. The writer notes that the founding of Israel and the period of the Israelite kingdoms are two of the earliest periods of Jewish history, and yet they differ greatly. The writer also points out that governing, religious practices and Jewish identity all changed during these periods. Most importantly, the writer notes that Jews experienced expulsion from their lands and religious persecution because of their faith, practices that would haunt them throughout their history.
From the Paper
"In addition, the Jewish experience extended power to women, much more than in many other societies. For example, one of the Judges who led the people down the right path was Deborah, who was also one of the top battle commanders of the people. The earliest Jews respected people for their knowledge and abilities, rather than their gender or family ties. This pattern of power and gender equality has changed through the ages, but indicates initially, Jewish women were an integral part of the Jewish experience. Flux and change is also a pattern, and that is quite evident in the next stage of Jewish history - the period of the Israelite kingdoms."
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David and Solomon, 2007.
A description of the lives and achievements of King David and King Solomon.
1,634 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses King David and King Solomon, two of the most prominent Kings in the Old Testament. It describes each of their backgrounds and discusses their major achievements as kings of Israel. The paper also describes some of the major events that occurred during their reign and the consequences of their deaths to the kingship and rule of the people.
Table of Contents:
King David
King Solomon
From the Paper
"King Solomon is most well known for his wisdom, wealth and writing. His greatest achievement is the Holy Temple that he built in Jerusalem. His rule began at approximately 967 BCE. As seen above, Adonija attempted to declare himself king in favor of Solomon. Solomon's rise to the throne was therefore not without some difficulty, as Adonijah had support from a variety of people. Solomon was however wise enough to identify his opposition and banish them or kill them before any plans could be put in place to take over the throne. Instead he appointed his friends to key positions in the military, the government and religious posts."
"In addition to peace on his borders, King Solomon also accumulated fabulous amounts of wealth, including 12,000 horses with horsemen, 1,400 chariots, 700 wives and 300 concubines. Many of the marital alliances were for the sake of political alliances only."
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Islam, 2007.
A comparison of "Mass Higher Education and the Religious Imagination in Contemporary Arab Societies" by Dale Eickelman and "Between Text and Practice: Considerations in the Anthropological Study of Islam" by Roland Lukens-Bull.
965 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper compares two articles that examine Islam - "Mass Higher Education and the Religious Imagination in Contemporary Arab Societies" by Dale F. Eickelman and "Between Text and Practice: Considerations in the Anthropological Study of Islam" by Roland Lukens-Bull. The paper determines how the articles relate to each other with regard to the difficulty of trying to define "Islam".
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The two works of literature suggest similar anthropological events with regard to the evolution of the body and nature of Islam but use different approaches to explain the meaning of their texts. While Eikelman portrays the evolutionary changes in the understanding and meaning of Islam through the increased rate of higher education among Muslims, Lukens points to social desire to explain the changes, however, when one takes social desire into consideration the fact that many more Muslims than ever before are receiving higher educations it will likely have a significant impact on what the social desires amount to and those are the driving forces behind changes in the faith of Islam."
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St. Augustine: Divine Grace and Free Will, 2007.
An in-depth look at the major doctrinal dispute between divine grace and free will, focusing on the teaching of St. Augustine.
5,814 words (approx. 23.3 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 139.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews, discusses and analyzes the teachings of St. Augustine. The paper reports that the teachings of St. Augustine expounded upon the relationship between the Divine Grace and human free will and the influence both have on the achievement of individual human salvation. According to the paper, Pelagius was St. Augustine's biggest rival, teaching that Divine Grace was not the sole necessity for achieving salvation.
From the Paper
"God has decreed that we are all sinners, but even this condition is a result of a free choice made by Adam and Eve when they committed the original sin. In choosing to sin, the first man and first woman were undertaking truly momentous decision. Rather than accept that which was freely given to them - a beautiful and eternal paradise - they chose to question, and therefore to sin against God. By their choice in the beginning, all humanity was condemned to a life outside Eden, one that necessarily entailed sin. It is like the case of a man who chooses to emigrate from the country of his birth knowing that, once his decision is made, he can never return. He makes his choice, takes with him his wife, and goes to another country. The two have children in that country, and forever afterwards, their descendents are now citizens of that place. Those descendents can, of course, choose to change their habitations at some future date, even possibly deciding to return to the land from which they originally came, but they can never pick up from where their ancestors left off. It is possible, in fact, that the land, or nation, from which their forebears emigrated might no longer exist. At the very least, the position of their family in that country would have changed. It is the same with humankind and the Paradise that was Eden.
"Augustine viewed his own personal conversion as an act of Free Will. All his life, he had been faced with real choices in regard to his thoughts and actions. Throughout his youth, he had chosen to ignore the Path of God, and to follow false philosophies and indulge the pleasures of the flesh. The other choice - to accept Christ's teachings - was always open to him yet, until he consciously made it, could not possibly furnish any stimulus for change in his way of living. St. Augustine explains his discovery in Against the Manicheans"
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Interpretations of Islam, 2007.
This paper discusses interpretations of Islam, focusing on the topics of gender and family.
1,975 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that within the varying interpretations of Islam there are many different views on the institution of marriage. The writer specifically looks at the number of wives one is allowed or sanctified to have, the wearing of the veil by women and lastly female circumcision. The writer notes that these varied interpretations have led to varied applications and laws that dictate the diversity of the very mildest forms of the application of these ideas to the most extreme applications.
Outline:
Introduction: Differing interpretations of Islam
Introduction: Marriage
Polygamy
Interpretation 1
Interpretation 2
The Veil
Interpretation 1
Interpretation 2
Female Circumcision
Interpretation 1
Interpretation 2
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The variations of the veil, worn by women in Islam are many. There is in fact no better direct visual representation of the varying interpretations of the Quran, than the variations of the veil, especially with regard to a limited western view. In more progressive Islamic communities the veil is nothing but a light scarf worn by women to cover their hair and their shoulders. While in its most conservative form, the Burka or hijab, the entire person becomes swallowed by a large heavy garment that covers them from the top of their head to the tips of their toes, and allows vision only through an elaborate lace screened slit over the eyes. The Quranic interpretations abound differing cultural identities, and as has been seen in some fundamental reaffirmations, such as by the Taliban in Afghanistan the affirmation of the fundamentalist can often be a very visible enforcement of more restrictive codes toward women. Prior to the time of the Taliban Afghanistan had been a rather progressive Islamic nation, where women were educated and employed and changes were extreme, for both men and women. A lesson to be learned from this involves the acknowledgement that a form of protection, in the Quran was interpreted in many extreme ways to create a situation of forced social order and conservatism, and the situation was stark in many ways, not just in its treatment of women."
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The Flood in the "Epic of Gilgamesh", 2007.
An analysis of the values of the people at the time of the Flood, as related in the "Epic of Gilgamesh".
2,667 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the account of the Flood as describes in the "Epic of Gilgamesh". The paper looks at the ways in which Gilgamesh tackles the problems and opportunities presented by the Flood. It then describes what we can learn from this about what the people of Mesopotamia believed were important in interpersonal relationships and their values and beliefs about government, society, religion and art.
From the Paper
"The Epic of Gilgamesh remains pertinent today because its themes are universal. Gilgamesh' quest to attain the unattainable is a dream that is dear to many and which is fundamental to the spirit of inquiry and exploration that pervades Western thought. Gilgamesh' journey sets up a conflict between the human and the divine that resonates through the centuries, recalling battles between established authorities and traditions, and new ideas. It is also a story of self-discovery, for the hero must come to terms with not only his limits as an individual, but with the very real boundaries of being human. Human begins may want to live forever, and may wish always to know love and happiness, but this is not necessarily possible, for reasons that should become clear to Gilgamesh. In the end, we are all human, able to perceive what lies beyond, but not capable of understanding it all, or of possessing it."
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Paul Celan's Todesfuge, 2007.
This paper discusses Paul Celan's poem "Todesfuge".
2,457 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that 'Todesfuge' or Death Fugue is one of Paul Celan's earliest creations, and, at the same time, one of his best-known works. Roughly speaking, the writer points out that the poem describes the experience of the Holocaust, from one of the horrifying concentration camps. The writer maintains that the most interesting aspect of the poem is however the way in which Celan translates the experience into language. The writer points out that the text has been sometimes criticized because it transposes the hard reality of the Holocaust in a highly aesthetic manner, which seems, at first sight, to divert the attention from the atrocities of death and of the concentration camp. However, the writer concludes that the gist of Celan's Todesfuge is the aesthetic representation of the Holocaust experience and that through symbols and metaphorical oppositions, Celan translates the terrible experience of the Jews during the Nazi regime.
From the Paper
"There is obviously no easy or direct way to talk about such a dehumanizing experience as that of the slow torture that the Jews had to endure in the death camps. Language inevitably fails to convey the horrors by itself. But the language used in Celan's poem, as well as the structure of the text form the core of an artistic experience that translates the reality of the Holocaust in a very effective way. Thus, Celan's Todesfuge reveals the nightmarish Jewish experience during the Nazi regime through its musical form, which superimposes two opposed realities, that of death and that of love and beauty."
"Therefore, the most powerful effect of the text is given by the sharp contrast between two contradictory realities which are united in the structure of the poem through the musical rhythm that imitates a fugue. First of all, the lack of punctuation and the frequent and rhythmical repetitions of the same phrases or metaphors throughout the poem, make the text resemble a fugue."
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"The Book of Job", 2007.
This paper explores the lessons portrayed in "The Book of Job" translated by Stephen Mitchell.
1,035 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that the lesson of "The Book of Job" is not simply that suffering is everywhere and can be inflicted upon anyone, but that quite often in the moral economy of the world, the good are punished and evil is not punished in kind. Still, the writer notes that suffering must be endured because there is nothing else a sufferer can do. The writer points out that this lesson is seen, not simply in the example of Job, a good man deprived of his children, wealth, and health, but in the contemporary examples of Hurricane Katrina, children suffering from cancer, or people who lose their homes in an unexpected whirlwind of a tornado.
From the Paper
"Yes, Job gets back what he has lost. But it would be mistaken to read this as a reward for his fortitude in the face of adversity. Rather, it is evidence of the arbitrary nature of God's justice. God decides to test Job, because Job has many emotional and financial riches, even though Job is not the richest, or the happiest man in the world. The test happens by chance, and the return happens by chance. It might seem as though Job has a good reason to curse God, but although Job wails and regrets his fate he does not turn against the Lord, although at first he cannot understand why his suffering has occurred."
"Job attempts to look back, and wonder if blasphemous thoughts are the reason, if not actions. But he always knows it is useless to curse God, because God is so powerful, as God reminds Job and his friends at the end of the tale, and also, as the translator Stephen Mitchell suggests in his preface, perhaps because Job is so shell-shocked by what has occurred, he does not have the energy to curse God. Instead, Job damns the day he was born, but not his creator."
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'Straight and Narrow?', 2007.
A review of Thomas E. Schmidt's book 'Straight and Narrow?'.
2,530 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the book 'Straight and Narrow?' by Thomas E. Schmidt. The paper reports that Schmidt's book addresses the view of various Christian factions toward homosexuality and some of the scriptural support they offer for their view. According to the paper, the author is not demonizing homosexuals or homosexuality but recognizes that many Christians do just that. The paper offers a chapter by chapter analysis of the book.
From the Paper
"Chapter 5, "From Sodom to Sodom," discusses the scriptural references to Sodom and the fate of Sodom, presumably destroyed because of unnatural sex. Revisionists see the Sodomites as guilty not of homosexuality but of inhospitality, though Schmidt cites evidence that their sin was sexual in nature. The fate of Sodom has been given a lot of weight by Christians as showing God's displeasure with homosexual acts, though the fact that there is some doubt as to what precise acts are being cited in the Bible raises questions about the meaning of the destruction of Sodom and of the lessons that should be taken from the events. Schmidt considers the textual evidence and the meaning of the terms used to the people of the time, recognizing as he always does that what is most important is the meaning when the scripture was written and not the meaning imposed on the text by later generations who may be distorting the original message. Much of that message has been treated as if it had been received clearly and distinctly, when in fact it has been subject to differences in translation and interpretation over the centuries and so might not be as definitive as believed."
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The Book of Job, 2007.
A biblical discussion regarding the Book of Job.
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the Book of Job. According to the paper, as Job's despair deepens, his friends drop away turning away from him in his time of need. The paper reports that this causes Job to question not only his faith but the goodness of God. The paper goes on to say that Job's failing spiritual faith is exacerbated by his friends' lack of love or understanding for the essence of human suffering.
From the Paper
"However, Job also teaches us practical lessons about interpersonal relationships, trust, and friendship. These are the lessons that moved me to tears when I read Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Biblical book of Job. Job's predicament and his friend's reaction to it triggered memories of broken friendships that I am in some ways still recovering from. Job teaches us that faith in friendship is as significant as faith in God. Friendship is not just strengthened by faith--it is defined by it. Without faith, a friendship is void. Friends who only care about having fun and good times can be called acquaintances but not true friends."
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Colonial America, 2007.
A review of various literary pieces discussing the religious struggles in Colonial America.
1,068 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper examines colonial period literature that deals with the conflict between the Christian community and cultural relaxation that occurred from the 17th to 18th centuries. According to the paper, the majority of colonial era immigrants came to the United States to escape religious persecution.
From the Paper
"In his essays, Roger Williams expresses his disgust at the inability of the colonies to deal with religious toleration. He is especially frustrated that Puritans, who were persecuted for their religious piety in England would do the same to condemn other religions in New England. He writes, "It is the will and command of God, that a permission of the most Paganish, Jewish, Turkish, or Antichrisitan consciences and worships, be granted to all men, in all nations" (Williams, npg). Williams identified the key contradiction within Puritan logic, the need to be strictly sectarian in the new world. When in fact, the concept of Colonialism depended on the granting of freedoms which could not be obtained within Europe. His essays defined the transition between the traditional views of Puritan dogmatism and the transformation into religious tolerance. In the end he was able to resolve such conflicts through the formation of Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, both bastions of religious freedom for diverse religious groups."
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