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Greek and Roman Thoughts and Culture, 2007.
A look at how Greek and Roman thought and culture has impacted Western civilization.
1,953 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the contributions made by the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome to Western thought and culture. According to the paper, these contributions are many, especially in the areas of art, literature, architecture, politics, government, science and religion.
From the Paper
"During the Enlightenment (the eighteenth century), theorists such as John Locke and Adam Smith in Great Britain, Rousseau in France and Jefferson in America, championed "natural law" passed down from the time of the Greeks and Romans by the perpetuation of Roman law and the rediscovery of Greek philosophical writings during the Renaissance. But the interpretation of those laws became the subject of major disagreement. During the sixteenth century, Machiavelli had put state over citizen and Jean Bodin had defended the divine right of monarchs. But in the seventeenth century Hugo Grotius proposed a system of international law based on reason (nature), profoundly influencing two British thinkers, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. The refinement of "natural law" and the discourses on how one is to define it ultimately influenced the philosophy of the "Founding Fathers" in the United States as well as the ideals of the French revolutionaries."
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Jews in the Middle Ages, 2007.
This paper analyzes the book "Under Crescent and Cross: The Jews in the Middle Ages" by Mark R. Cohen.
1,289 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper relates how throughout their long history, the Jewish people have often been the object of persecution and prejudice. The paper looks at how Cohen's book, "Under Crescent and Cross: The Jews in the Middle Ages", maintains that during the Middle Ages, Jews living in the Arab world were more tolerated and less persecuted than those living in the Christian world. The paper shows how Cohen proves his thesis with historical research and solid arguments, discussing his historical findings. The paper discusses the significance of this work in the field of Jewish studies.
From the Paper
"The author begins by "debunking" several myths on both sides of the debate, so he can level the playing field. He indicates there were misunderstanding and misinterpretations on both sides of the debate, and that Jews and Arabs have both helped perpetuate some of these misinterpretations. He then begins to compare life in the Christian world opposed to that in the Islamic world, and begin to sort out the information regarding Jews in both worlds. For example, he notes that in the Christian world in the Middle Ages, most Jews lived under the mantle of serfdom that decreed who they worked for, where they lived, while Jews in the Arab world did not serve and serfs, and could choose to live wherever they wanted (Cohen 46). Thus, Jews in the Arab world had better living arrangements, and were better off in that regard."
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Hinduism and Buddhism, 2007.
A comparison and contrast between Hinduism and Buddhism.
2,233 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews discusses and compares Hinduism and Buddhism. The paper takes a look at whether they both stem from a similar philosophy and culture. The paper also discusses the impact both religions have had on Indian and Chinese culture.
From the Paper
"The two religions, Buddhism and Hinduism started in India where the belief and practices are almost the same although the interpretations are different. Many believed that the founder of Buddhism, Gautama, was a Hindu. He only left his crown and lived in reality to find out the true meaning of sufferings. There were people who deemed that Buddhism was taken from Hinduism but believers of Buddhism strongly denied the allegation that they stemmed from Hinduism. They claimed that their beliefs and practices were completely different from other religions although there might be some similarities but they insisted on their uniqueness and independence. Buddhism was accepted to be originated in India since it started its reputation in that country because there were oppressed groups that became unsatisfied with their beliefs and practices. The teachings of the Buddha created hope and aspiration for those who had otherwise no hope of salvation and freedom of choice in a society that was dominated by caste system, predominance of ritual form of worship and the exclusive status of the privileged classes which the Vedic religion upheld as inviolable and indisputable. Buddhism made a more lasting effect in China and even spread as far as Japan and Korea. Much of the social, cultural and philosophical beliefs of China sprung from the precepts of Buddhism. Even the great Chinese philosophers like Confucius, Mencius and Lao-Tze had adapted some of the precepts of Buddhism."
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The News Beneath, 2007.
This paper looks at the short story "News for the Church" by Frank O'Connor.
943 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the story "News for the Church" by Frank O'Connor. The writer analyzes the characters in this story in which a young girl visits the church in order to make a confession. The writer notes that to a casual reader, it may look as though the young country girl brings in the news to Father Cassidy, a kind-hearted, compassionate caring father; however, a closer reading reveals that the priest is also a sinner. Further, the writer points out that after a careful reading, the news beneath the news is revealed to the reader regarding the priest's immoral makeup. The writer concludes that the true character of the Father is revealed as he digs deep and asks uncomfortable personal questions, then forgetting to give penance and forgiveness to the young girl.
From the Paper
"At first, Father Cassidy resembles a kind, compassionate and naive priest who considers the girl's confession peculiar. He is sympathetic towards the young girl. He thinks no real badness can come from this adolescent, and he is surprised to find out that she goes to confession often. But, he knows better than to let himself rely on the appearance and looks of a woman to decide her character. From experience, he knows first impressions can be deceiving, and he can never tell if a woman is a saint or a sinner just by a glance. He asks a few questions, and she manages to charm him with her bold and candid manner. Because his mind is not as sharp at sixty as it used to be at a younger age, he allows himself to be her confident."
"He starts to empathize with the girl, especially when he finds out that the convent school and the nuns are the reasons she is drinking. Also, he takes into account the fact that the girl grew up without her mother's care and supervision; therefore, he thinks it is understandable for her to drown her sadness in alcohol once in a while."
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The Feminist Movement and Religion, 2007.
An analysis of the relationship between the feminist movement and religion, focusing particularly on Christianity.
1,337 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the relationship between religion and the feminist movement. It focuses on Christianity as an example of a religion that promoted the subordinate roles of women in society and encouraged the persistence of patriarchy as the dominant social system. It analyzes two cases of how Christianity has affected female sexuality's role in society and concludes that feminist interpretation of religion, particularly Christianity, has always been criticized for being too radical and irrelevant in the lives of women followers.
From the Paper
"This analysis of the relationship between feminism and religion (specifically Catholicism/Christianity) remains a gray area for sociologists and researchers alike, for religions, as political and social forces in the society, can be interpreted as one or the other, or maybe both (as a social and political force). These distinctions would have an impact on the manner in which religion and its practices are interpreted vis-a-vis the feminist framework and discourse. The discussion and analysis provided here, in effect, offers a consolidated analysis of the extant views about the state of feminism as far as its goals towards religion is concerned. The two cases presented showed that though feminism has achieved its goal in some societies, wherein women play significant roles in their religious communities, there are societies that remain fixed and cling to the patriarchal order originally prescribed by the Western branch of Christianity (Catholicism)."
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Business Ethics and Christianity, 2007.
An analysis of the claim that religious beliefs play a role in the business world.
1,268 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how an essential aspect of conducting a business is business ethics and how business ethics is of paramount concern particularly as it relates to Christian business owners. It concludes that theology, spirituality, and religious beliefs play an important role in the development and implementation of business practices that are ethical and moral.
Outline:
Introduction
Business Ethics
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Also the Catholic Social teachings present the two principles of a call to family, community and participation and rights and responsibilities associated with human dignity (Themes of Catholic Social Teaching). The first principle asserts that people have a right and a responsibility to contribute to society, pursuing the common good and well-being of all, particularly those that are poor and vulnerable (Themes of Catholic Social Teaching). As it pertains to Christian business, this principle should influence business owners to encourage employees to get involved in the community. For their part Christian businesses could offer a certain amount of paid leave so that employees can volunteer. "
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God and the Holocaust, 2007.
An analysis of some of the diverse reactions to God following the Holocaust.
1,604 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how God could have allowed the Holocaust to happen. It also looks at how the Jews have coped with this question after the Holocaust. The paper describes some of the diverse reactions to the Holocaust by both victims and other people, such as acceptance of God's will, denial of God's existence and the movement of Holocaust denial.
From the Paper
"Perhaps the most troubling reaction to the Holocaust has been the minority theory that it never happened. This theory, called "Holocaust denial" by many, uses some of the misinformation first broadcast about the Holocaust as evidence the event never occurred. Another historian states, "While originally an obscure movement, since the rise of the internet in the mid-1990s, Holocaust denial has grown significantly, and new adherents continue to set up web sites dedicated to 'debunking the myth'" (Mathis). While this has been horrific to many, especially those who survived the camps or lost loved ones there, many Jews see it as a mixed blessing, because it has brought increased attention to the Holocaust and created new interest in discovering the truth. Thus, it is another example of God's will and His overall plan for the Jews. He creates naysayers who want to convince others the Holocaust never happened, and in doing so, he creates more understanding and interest in the fate of the Jews."
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Greek Religion, 2007.
An analysis of the roles of the gods, temples, sacrifices and priests in Greek religion.
3,412 words (approx. 13.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and explains Greek religion. It describes the vast influence of religion on Greek life and how Greeks worshiped numerous gods that each covered a particular domain in life. It discusses how each god had its own purpose, personality and mythical origin and how the Greeks dedicated much of their life to contacting and appeasing the gods. The paper also describes the Greek temples and sacrifices and the importance of priests.
From the Paper
"Ancient Greek religion is defined by its polytheistic and informal nature. It is a system which changes from polis to polis without dilemma. Yet there are some Pan-Hellenic aspects including the twelve Olympians, the importance of a sacred sanctuary for the gods, and the need to please the gods through sacrifice and festivals. The form Greek religion took on society can largely be attributed to the nature of Greek religion. As there were numerous gods, each with his or her own domain, there was always a place for new gods as the existing number of gods could not cover all aspects of life. This was important because Greek religion was incorporated into all aspects of Greek life and thus was not separate from the political or public sphere. This was common to all the Greek religions; each cult believed in the importance and practice of religion in all capacities of daily life. As a result, the gods must be pleased and the Greeks responded with an elaborate system of sanctuary, rituals, sacrifices, and initiations to help ensure that the gods were properly honored and no god was excluded. Ultimately, this meant Greek religion would have an even larger impact on life as it was completed and deeply ingrained on ancient Greece."
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History of Religion and Bias, 2007.
A discussion of religious studies and the problem of researcher bias.
1,101 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the problems associated with researcher bias when the history of religion is studied at an academic level. The author further explores how religion is studied within a Western academic paradigm and its implications for understanding non-Western cultures. Islam is used as an example of a subject that may require a new approach. The author concludes that minimizing bias therefore remains a core challenge for the historian of religion. To achieve this, historians must exercise responsible scholarship by clearly defining terms at the outset of their research, adopting a lexicon and semantic framework relevant for the study, and by acknowledging and expressing the ideological standpoint from which the research is conducted.
From the Paper
"Tapper (1995) points out that the anthropology of Islam presumes a Western perspective, rooted in an "application of the methods of cultural/social anthropology to the study of Islam as a world religion," (p. 185). Breaking down this statement makes apparent the challenges to the historian of religion. The history of religion or of any particular religion, like the anthropology of religion, attempts to be scientific in its approach in order to be accepted into the canon of Western academic literature. Thus, the "application of the methods of cultural/social anthropology" infers the application of accepted methodologies, which may include participant/observation in the field of anthropology as Tapper (1995) points out. Historians' methods differ, favoring instead the examination of artifacts or explication of validated primary source texts. Already the historian of religion has a problem, for what constitutes an "artifact" or a "primary source" depends on several intervening factors. Interpretation of historical texts can be especially problematic because not all texts can or should be taken literally; many of the allegories or metaphors within them have lost their original meaning over time; and linguistic or cultural barriers may prevent a complete understanding of the value, import, or impact of those texts on the people under scrutiny. Varisco's (1995) exploration of the tribal lineage of Muhammad emphasizes the importance of adopting the frame of reference most conducive to unbiased understanding. The term "tribe" connotes different things for Muslim and non-Muslim people, and the only way to effectively understand Muslim social structure is to grapple with the Muslim meaning of tribe."
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The Indian Caste System, 2007.
This paper explores social inequality in India's caste system.
1,216 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that India has a socially ingrained and structured system, the caste system, that inculcates and perpetuates differences and inequality. The paper discusses how those in the higher and more respected castes often receive more social status and recognition while those in the lowest castes are subject to a life of poverty and social denial from which they cannot escape. The paper explains, however, that the problems underlying the inequalities perpetuated by the caste system are closely linked to religious views, which makes them difficult to eradicate.
From the Paper
"The term caste refers to "... ranked, named, endogamous (in-marrying) groups, membership in which is achieved by birth. "(India Caste system, ancient India Caste System) There are literarily thousands of different castes and sub-castes in India. They are also extremely complex in their structure and can be kinship based and also interdependent with other groups. Castes are, "...linked in complex ways with networks that stretch across regions and throughout the nation." (India Caste system, ancient India Caste System)"
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New Testament Theology, 2006.
A review and analysis of the book 'New Testament Theology: Many witnesses: One Gospel' by I. Howard Marshall.
2,727 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses I. Howard Marshall's book, 'New Testament Theology: Many witnesses: One Gospel'. According to the paper, In 'New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses: One Gospel', Marshall endeavors to show definitively that a common, basic theology can be traced in all New Testament witnesses. The paper further discusses how Marshall also opines about the meaning and religious importance of Christian doctrine generally.
From the Paper
"While it seems true that, at least according to what Marshall describes in his Preface to New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses: One Gospel (2004), there is indeed a likely basis for seeing a "possible unity", in terms of shared structures and themes of different parts of the New Testament; it is also true that 100 years, even by today's standards, in which human beings tend to live much longer, overall, than in Jesus' day, is still a very long time. Moreover, typical human memory; and intra-personal/generational discourses (and full or partial recollections of them) were and are less-than-perfect: therefore, imperfectly reliable. This was and is true of human memory and also of second and/or-third-hand accounts (or even personal recollections, over time) of human accounts and of any person-to-person discourses, by, about, and for humans. "
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The Early Crusades, 2007.
An analysis of the first and third Crusades from a Muslim perspective.
2,506 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the first and third Crusades in terms of their success and failure and ultimately their impact on Christian-Muslim relations in the Middle East. The author describes the first Crusade and the eventual internal conflicts among the Christians that allowed Muslims to rise up against the Europeans. Leaders on both sides are described, especially Saladin. The paper gives historic details of various battles, with particular emphasis on the fight for control of Jerusalem. The paper includes a discussion of anti-Western attitudes by Muslims that may have developed as a result of the Crusades.
From the Paper
" Generally speaking, the First Crusade was ignited in 1095 by predominantly French Christians whose main intention was to seize the sacred city of Jerusalem from Muslim control. This First Crusade was considered as a magnificent success in 1099, due to the crusaders conquering Jerusalem and maintaining control of the Holy Land for seventy-eight years despite much Muslim restlessness and bitter resentment. Internal conflicts among these crusaders then began to increase as a result of more nations joining in their actions against the Muslims. Some of these conflicts include arguments on leadership, political differences and war strategies."
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Exegesis of Hebrews, 2007.
An analysis of the content and context of the 'Letter to the Hebrews', found in the New Testament.
5,011 words (approx. 20.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 126.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the 'Letter to the Hebrews' found in the New Testament. The paper specifically discusses the style and authorship of 'Hebrews', as it is not attributed to an author in the Bible. It compares the style and message of 'Hebrews' to other letters of the New Testament. The paper discusses and analyzes, in detail, the content of the 'Letter to the Hebrews'.
From the Paper
"After describing Jesus' supremacy and chastising Christians for their desire to turn back towards Levitical Judaism, the author injects hope into his writing. He calls upon Christians to persevere, telling them, "Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised." Then, the author shows how Christians are now called upon to demonstrate the type of faith in Jesus that the Biblical ancestors had in God. He tells them to "see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God." This statement reveals why evangelicalism is so important to modern Christians. Old Testament Jews were only responsible for keeping themselves in accordance to God's will. However, Christians are called upon to ensure that their fellow man receives God's grace."
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Suicide Bombing, 2007.
An analysis of the use of suicide bombing by Muslims as a terrorist tactic.
4,388 words (approx. 17.6 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 115.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the corruption of the Muslim faith as one of the primary correlating factors that compel some young people to resort to suicide as a terrorism tactic. It looks at how there are some powerful forces at play that make suicide bombing a culturally, socially and religiously acceptable alternative for many young Muslims today. It also shows how these include the availability of educational and employment opportunities, the extent of compensation available for successful suicide bombers, the religious upbringing of the individual involved, as well as the propensity of others similarly situated to resort to the practice.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview.
Game Theory Overview
Application of Game Theory to Islamic Suicide Bombers
Suicide as a Terrorism Tactic Board Game
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The chances of a young person being recruited to become a suicide bomber for a terrorist organization in the Middle East today are greater than ever, and the recruiting tactics have become both more effective and the inducements more economically attractive for many young Muslims faced with few jobs prospects, fewer educational opportunities and perhaps a family wracked by poverty. In this regard, Cohn (2002) suggests that, "The killing of innocent civilians by suicide bombers must be roundly condemned. But individual terrorist acts by people living in hopeless despair cannot be compared to the State terrorism" (p. 25). Notwithstanding the political issues involved, the moral implications of using suicide bombers as a terrorism tactic are truly profound. "
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Christianity, 2003.
A look at the Catholic Church and the need for the divine power and the sacred.
1,435 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the Catholic Church. The paper focuses on the seven sacraments, namely Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick. The paper then goes on to review the 'general meaning of sacrament' as defined by various theologists.
From the Paper
"In the Catholic Religion, there are seven sacraments. These represent ceremonies which reveal what is important and sacred for the Christians. Each sacrament is an important step in gaining religious trust and is an important opportunity to feel God's grace and power. People consider the sacraments to be God's "instruments" for shaping people's souls. The seven sacraments celebrated by The Catholic Church are: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. Each sacrament is very important for the spiritual life of each Christian, and none of them is considered to be more important than other. Each may be considered a step towards gaining the final spiritual tranquility. "
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