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Mont Saint Michel, 2007.
This paper examines the history and architectural character of the structure, Mont Saint Michel.
2,752 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the history of how the Mont Saint Michel structure was built and how the abbey and the island has been used over the centuries. The writer further traces how the Mont Saint Michel evolved from a cultural repository to an abbey, a dungeon and the world heritage site that it is today. The writer then examines the architecture and design of the Mont Saint Michel, looking at the village structures as well as the abbey itself. Next, the writer details how the structure has evolved from its original Romanesque design to exhibit the Gothic characteristics that the abbey is famous for today. In addition, the writer looks at the conservation problems that have arisen as a result of all this construction, and the efforts being made to safeguard this world heritage site.
Outline:
History
Architecture and Design
Present Day Architectural Concerns
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The structure of the Mont Saint Michel that is familiar today took shape in the early seventh century, an effort spearheaded by Saint Aubert, who was then bishop of Avranches, located just across the Couesnon River. Local legends state that Saint Michael appeared to the bishop, with instructions for the building of a church on the rocky outcropping. Considering the logistical difficulties of such a feat, it is not surprising that Saint Aubert did not immediately follow through, that is, until Saint Michael reappeared and burned a hole into the bishop's skull. The island was therefore officially dedicated to Saint Michael in 708."
"While the Mont Saint Michel is often ascribed religious importance, it also had political and military significances at various times in history. In 933, the Norman invaders embarked on a new conquest, beginning with the annexation of the Cotentine Peninsula."
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Religious Interpretation, 2007.
An analysis of the concept of using prayer for one's own personal desires, such as the success of a hockey team.
908 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the view that religion can be adapted to the needs of the contemporary man and that prayer can serve his own personal and collective desires. It discusses this, particularly in the context of a church's call to prayer for the success of a hockey team 2006. The paper analyzes the positive and negative aspects of this use of prayer.
From the Paper
"The world is in a constant change and the society at large is experiencing massive drifts from its original system of values. The appeal to engage in a religious act, that of praying, for attaining a goal that is not essential to achieving moral justice or having a lofty aim is, in some views, an involution of the social order caused especially by globalization. According to some authors, the internationalization beyond any traditional borders of exchanges and activities has led, aside from an increase in the percentage of the poor population, to a lack of moral coherence and a devalorization of the traditional religious percepts. This could be the explanation for the use of a Christian call for a rather unimportant event, should the winning of such a coveted title be seen from the perspective of Christian moral criteria."
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Spiritual Experiences, 2007.
An analysis of the use of pain in various religions to become closer to God.
772 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, throughout history, pain has been used to connect with God and has served humanity in many constructive religious and social ways. The paper gives examples from various religious practices that describe the ways that pain is used to become closer to God. It also discusses how society today views this concept.
From the Paper
"Glucklich believes that today's society has lost the capacity to understand why and how pain could be valuable for mystics and members of religious communities, and even for humanity as a whole (Post). Historians of religion have long acknowledged the ubiquitous presence of intentionally painful rituals and practices, and have used this awareness as a key to understanding religious experiences (Post). For society at large, acts such as the "excruciating rites of passage among Native Americans, or the Muslim who walks for weeks on pilgrimage to Mecca with bloodied bare feet," runs against what is considered normal and healthy (Post). The tendency to pathologize such actions is well documented, and Glucklich agrees that the line between religious experience and psychopathology can be a bit vague, however by appreciating the sacred pain in the religions of the world and acknowledging the insights of neuroscientific approaches to understanding pain, it is important to remain objective to the role of pain for the individual as well as for society as a whole (Post)."
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Ortega y Gasset, 2007.
This paper discusses the philosophies of Spanish thinker Jose Ortega y Gasset.
1,638 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that philosopher Jose Ortega y Gasset built up an original philosophical system, based on a few central concepts, like those of perspectivism and ratio-vitalism. The writer maintains that his ideas on religion and Christianity, seen in the larger context constituted by his ideas on life in general, are very interesting. Further, the writer notes that it can be said that the axis of Ortega y Gasset's system of thought is the concept of vitalism, or the idea that life in itself is the actual purpose for man's existence in the world, and not thinking as the idealists proposed. The writer concludes that Ortega y Gasset's main attempt is to create a philosophy that reveals life-reality, above anything else, and for this, man should find his new belief in history, since it is history that best discloses the patterns of human life.
From the Paper
'However, according to Ortega y Gasset, it is not intellectualism as such that is wrong, but the separation of reason from vitality. This tendency is very common within the scientific domain and more particularly in modern science after Galileo, but also in Christian doctrine. Both science and religion are focused on something which is beyond the actual existence as such. As he proposes, science is only an ideal, something that cannot actually fulfill its purpose, and which does not give us the truth. The means by which science operates is that of the pure reason, which maintains itself in the realm of pure thought and idealism, and moreover manifests disdain for life as such. To this pure reason, Ortega y Gasset opposes the notion of vital reason, which is able to understand the value of life itself."
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Kazakhstan Today, 2007.
A description of Kazakhstan today, including its economy, people and standard of living.
1,056 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a general background of Kazakhstan today, focusing on its people, politics and economy. The paper gives a comprehensive discussion of the ethnic mixture that makes this nation so interesting, including its various religions. The paper also gives a brief history of this emerging nation to place it in its current context. The author further describes concerns with the current government. The paper concludes with an optimistic outlook for the economic future of the country.
From the Paper
"Sovereign for just over a decade, Kazakhstan has been inhabited by Turk and Mongol nomadic groups for centuries. The region was conquered by the Russians in the 18th century and later, Kazakhstan became one of the republics of the Soviet Union. Modern Kazakhstan reflects a commingling of indigenous Kazak and Russian influences. Russians comprise about one-third of the nation's population and both Russian and Kazak are widely spoken. Russian is more commonly used than Kazak as the language for business and commercial transactions, whereas Kazak is the official state language. In spite of robust economic and political ties with Russia, Kazakhstan does not permit dual citizenship. According to the BBC Country Profile, ethnic Russians in Kazakhstan "resent the lack of dual citizenship and having to pass a Kazakh language test in order to work for government or state bodies." One of the motivations for Kazakhstan's strict citizenship policy is the struggle to create a "cohesive national identity," (CIA)."
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Dervishes in Islam, 2007.
A discussion of Dervishes in Islamic tradition.
1,364 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the mystical approach to Islam known as Sufism and the role of the Dervish within this tradition. The unorthodox Sufi approach to Islam is first described. Then, the role of the Dervish is explained. The author further describes the essence of the Dervishes as using ritual and dance as a means of mystically and spiritually communing with the divine. A background of the Dervishes is presented, including a biography of its founder and a history of its first orders. The Dervishes' dances are also described. The author concludes that the rituals of the Dervishes form an essential part of the Islamic faith and add to the depth and richness of that religion.
From the Paper
"The Sufi Order or version of Islam is the more unorthodox form of the religion in many respects. The Sufi Order ".....seeks ultimate religious experience through mystic trances or altered states often induced through twirling dances or "whirling dervish." (SUFISM & WHIRLING DERVISHES) This is an important aspect in terms of understanding the function and significance of the Dervishes in Islam."
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Christianity and Human Rights, 2006.
A discussion regarding the responsibility of Christianity in relation to global human rights, focusing specifically on the Darfur Region of Sudan.
1,429 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 16 sources, APA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Christians and Christian missionaries have an obligation regarding basic human rights. The paper focuses on non-Christian regions, more specifically on the Darfur Region of Sudan.
The paper also discusses how the approach to spreading Christianity has evolved.
Outline:
Introduction
New Missionaries
Not a Competition
A More Quiet Missionary
Conclusion
From the Paper
"There are those who have alleged that the Anglican Church has forgotten its missionary responsibility In fact, quite the opposite is true; the Anglican Church acknowledges more than ever the need for missionary work; it acknowledges, too, the new approach to missionary work in that that mission is accomplished better today through deeds than a high profile visibility that serves to agitate and instigate violence. "A globe hangs from the ceiling of the church's two story entrance. Beneath it there is a miniature lighthouse urging members to 'share the light.' "The Wheaton Bible Church hasn't forgotten its missionary work, it, like so many other missionary organizations reaching out to the world today, just goes about it differently."
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Angkor, 2006.
A look at one of the world's largest religious monuments, Angkor.
1,290 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Angkor, said to be the largest religious monument in the world. According to the paper, Angkor is located in Cambodia, a land beset by typhoons and rain, heat, huge rivers and deltas, mountains and jungles. The paper reviews the history of the area and the monument.
From the Paper
"Unfortunately, there were significant problems that the architects were not able to overcome when designing the great pyramids of Angkor Wat and Bayon. Sandstone may fit together very well, but vertical joints, running on top of one another, makes a wall very unstable. A whole wall would fall down if one stone near the base became dislodged. Since no mortar was used, weight and gravity were the only things holding the walls together. They never were able to create an arch, as the Europeans learned to do, nor use cement or mortar. Instead, they used the corbelled arch, where large stones were piled on top of one another, leaning toward the center, until they touched at the top. These walls and arches were not as stable as a true arch and often collapsed after Angkor was abandoned."
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Science and Religion, 2005.
A discussion regarding the relationship between science and religion.
883 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the issues between science and religion. According to the paper, for centuries people have believed that the division between the two, is impossible to remedy. The paper goes on to say, that recently, steps have been taken to bridge the gap between science and religion.
From the Paper
"The most obvious factor of this research is that there are dramatically differing views of the topic. Some researchers state that to incorporate spirituality into hard science, especially medicine, and psychology, is to dilute both disciplines and to blur boundaries that should remain clear in order for the disciplines to operate properly (Sloan & VenderCreek; Conway & Gold). Others state that the integration of science and religion is a positive process that is helping individuals understand themselves better and to achieve a more whole sense of self (Field, Harvey, & Sharp; Bassett; Ontario Consultants; Pollack). Of course, some of the individuals used in this research indicated that they didn't feel that there has ever really been a clear division between the two (Long)."
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Zionism, 2007.
This paper explores Jewish support of and opposition to the ideology known as Zionism.
2,929 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
The paper focuses on the development of Zionism as a religious as well as secular concept and explains how Zionism was based on a paradox. The paper explains the meaning behind the word 'Zionism'. The paper discusses how religious and secular Jews of the latter 19th century differed greatly in their opinions of Zionism; this led to the religious Zionism of Kook and his followers and the labor Zionism of Nachman Syrkin. The paper demonstrates how anti-Semitism, Judaism and socialism all played a vital role in the development of each group's individual concepts.
From the Paper
"First, it is important to understand the meaning behind the word 'Zionism'. The phrase derives its basis from the name 'Zion,' a biblical term, and is often used as a synonym for Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. As an ideology, the Zionist movement began with two types of supporters. First, the religious Zionists sought to recreate the Hebraic culture in terms of linguistic, religious, and ethnic connections to historic Palestine. On the other hand, the secular Zionists sought a solution to the Jewish problem, the dispersal of the Jewish people, and believed Palestine to be the most logical location for a Jewish national state."
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Conflict in the Middle East, 2007.
An overview of the historical roots of the current conflict on the Middle East.
1,328 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a review of the related literature to show how there are three aspects that have contributed to the historic incidence of violence in the Middle East. It looks at how the reasons include the competition for scarce resources; a highly patriarchal social framework that disenfranchises women and encourages violence as a legitimate and acceptable practice; and inter- and intra-religious differences.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Competition for Scarce Resources
Highly Patriarchal Social Framework
Inter- and Intra-Religious Differences
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Middle East features the mixed blessing of having religious sites that are common to the three major faiths in the region, Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Jerusalem in particular remains a mish-mash of legalities and religious niceties that have thus far allowed all three faiths to co-exist, but tensions remain high and everyone suspects everyone else of trying to preempt their historic claims on every square inch of soil. In this explosive environment, history will likely continue to repeat itself as one faith fights to assert its rights over scarce land based on biblical claims and religious interpretations. According to Blanche (2005), "The emergence of a Shiite-dominated government in Iraq is causing deep unease in the Arab world, which for centuries has been ruled by the majority Sunnis. "
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The Bible, The Ten Commandments and Moses, 2007.
An analysis of John Huston's film ""The Bible: In the Beginning" and his discussion of it in his book "An Open Book."
9,430 words (approx. 37.7 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 193.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on John Huston's auto-biography "An Open Book" and his discussion of his 1966 film "The Bible: In the Beginning," which is an Old Testament film. The paper discusses issues that relate to a vast area of theological discourse that are raised by a close reading of the film. It describes Huston's characterization in the film and criticizes the director's interpretation and manipulation of the Biblical text.
Table of Contents:
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
The Ten Commandments
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
From the Paper
"In the Biblical text Moses appeals to God and begs that he not destroy the Israelite people. He in fact argues with Goes and appeals to God's vanity, as it were. "Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people." (Exodus 32: 12) This would, in my reading of the film, certainly be an aspect that DeMille would not include in his version of the Biblical events as it would, at the very least, compromise the message of freedom from tyranny that the Ten Commandments is meant to portray and represent."
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"The Cross and the Crescent"--A Review, 2007.
A review of Richard Fletcher's book on Islamic-Christian relations entitled "The Cross and the Crescent."
1,404 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews Richard Fletcher's book, "The Cross and the Crescent," which presents a history of the relations between Muslims and Christians. The reviewer sees Fletcher's work as coming at an opportune times, since today the West often feels a sense of hysteria regarding anything related to Islam. The reviewer sees the "The Cross and the Crescent" as providing important information about Islamic civilization and culture, presenting the Arab world in a more comprehensive way. The reviewer also describes the Muslim view of the Christian world, and concludes by citing Fletcher's opinion that both cultures influenced each other.
From the Paper
"Fletcher's book focuses on the attitude that the Muslims had regarding to the Christians and vice-versa more than to purely historical aspects. For example, he pays not so much attention to the historical events of the crusades, but to the effect they had on the Muslim population. The book provides a valuable insight to Islam and to the relations between Islam and Christianity."
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Islam and the Crusades, 2007.
Description of the Crusades from a Muslim perspective.
1,521 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper gives a historic overview of the Crusades from an Islamic perspective. Additionally, the author considers the Crusades from political and religious perspectives. The paper traces the consolidation of the Muslim world and the mass conversions to Islam. Also presented are the changes in Islamic outlooks from being open to outside influences such as science to a more dogmatic faith. The paper concludes by contrasting the centralized European church with the more factional Islamic world.
From the Paper
"The Western powers fought the Crusades against the Muslims for several reasons, of which the religious element was only one. The Muslim world at the time was divided into factions, and Muslim Spain had started to go its own way in the eighth century. Much of the Muslim world was by then under attack from the Seljuk Turks, but the Muslims were also in control of the Holy Lands, the seat of Christianity. In the eleventh century, European Christians set out on the Crusades to recapture the Holy lands, especially the city of Jerusalem. The Crusaders saw an opportunity because of the divisions within the Muslim world at that time. The Christian world also suffered its own divisions, such as the splitting off of the Byzantine Empire because of the disintegration of the Holy Roman Empire. This left the Greeks in power in the East, while the remains of the Roman world were in power in the West. The Church now had eastern and western factions."
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Luke, Jesus and the City, 2006.
A review of the gospel of Luke.
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the gospel of Luke which deals with the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus. According to the paper, there are certain passages that have special meaning. This paper focuses specifically on these chapters.
From the Paper
"Firstly, the focal points that are mentioned relate to the authority with which the apostles were invested by Jesus. They have been given the "power and authority over all demons". (Luke, 9: 1) This idea however is seen before in the Gospel of Luke. Thus, the theme of exorcising demons is present also in Luke 4:33-37, which presents Jesus and one of His Acts in a synagogue "And Jesus rebuked him, saying: Hold thy peace and go out of him. And when the devil had thrown him into the midst, he went out of him and hurt him not at all." (Luke, 4:35) Similarly, the idea is present in Luke 8: 26-39. In Luke 9:1, the apostles were invested with the same authority. This comes to prove that which proves that the passage can be interpreted as being a connection between different dispersed passages from the Gospel."
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