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Buddhist Art, 2008.
A review of the of early Buddhist architecture, art and culture in Japan.
1,333 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Japanese art, largely influenced by Zen Buddhism, which has left its mark in white and black ink art, buildings, gardens, and the graphics in the tea-ceremony rooms. The paper mentions the Horyu-ji Temple as the first and finest example of the use of Korean and Chinese Buddhism in Japan. The paper also makes reference to the art of Jomon culture and the Kofun or Tumulus period and notes that it was in the mid-sixth century that Buddhism reached Japan. The paper highlights the concepts of Buddhism and states that its culture was introduced by Korea into Japan. This began Japan's first cultural awakening and the history of what today is recognized as Japanese art.
From the Paper
"The Shaka Triad is one of the oldest bronze images. It is located in the Golden Hall. It is six feet tall and was designed by the the famous sculptor Tori Busshi. Its image displays the Buddha Shakyamuni sitting between two Bodhisattvas. The Shaka has his legs crossed. His hands are placed in one of a number of mudras. "He has a protuberance on his head and a third eye that indicate extraordinary knowledge and vision and are among some twenty three bodily signs introduced by the Mahayana Buddhist to indicate [shaka's] superhuman qualities" (Varley, 1984:26). The empress Suiko asked Tori Busshi to make the statue after Shotoku Taishi, the leader of Horyu-ji, died. "
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Influences in the Development of Modern Day Iraq, 2008.
The paper examines factors that influenced the development of modern day Iraq.
1,025 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The author of this paper examines historical, geographical and religious factors that influenced the development of modern day Iraq. The author contends that within the development of the state of Iraq there are two basic themes of historical continuity from ancient times to the present day: (1) creation and construction of the state (2) the process of economic and social development. Within these two themes there is a constant struggle to come together and to divide. The writer further states that Iraq has had a significant historical struggle with unity, as a result of many centuries of social, economic and political dominance of one group over another, be they ancient rulers or modern "secular" leaders. The paper goes on to examine aspects of that "historical struggle".
From the Paper
"From the more general theory, of geography and foreign interferance one must then discuss the ancient conflict between schools of the same faith, Sunni and Shi' Islam have been in constant struggle for power and representation over the years and to this day there is a clear sense that even modern representations of each of these schools are in a constant struggle to have their foundations build the nation and dominate the social and political arena. This point demonstrated well in the ebb and flow of history represented by Hourani, where he points out that the center of what became modern Iraq (Baghdad) is dominated by the Shi and to some degree still is, while the Sunni are frequently underrepresented and living on the fringes. (p. 35) The differences and similarities of these two faiths have driven them to different ends, and has frequently been the source of much conflict among even the most modern inhabitants of the nation, as it is reflected in a constant struggle to divide, and come together through representation and exclusion."
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Religion and the Development of the US, 2008.
A look at the role of religion in the establishment of the economic traditions and character of the American states.
1,250 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the impact of religion on the economic development of the American society as a whole from the perspective of the various religious creeds that manifested themselves in the colonies. The paper looks at the Puritans, Quakers, southern Anglicanists and African-American cultural beliefs and shows how religion played an important role in determining the evolution of the US.
From the Paper
"Throughout the history of a nation, there are various elements which define the true aspects of its emergence on the international scene and its development from an internal point of view. In this sense, the birth and evolution of the United States was to a large degree influenced by issues such as its European heritage, the social tradition, its economic profile, as well as the religion it practiced. However, taking into account the way in which the US came to be one of the most important democratic models of the contemporary world, the symbiosis of these elements is particular different. The singular identity of each of its colonies gave the US its unique nature."
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Buddhism, 2008.
A review of the philosophies behind the religion of Buddhism.
1,175 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the religion of Buddhism, its sources, beliefs and also compares it to Christianity. The paper examines the question of why Theravada Buddhism - more than Zen and Mahayana Buddhism - seems to have found a place among those Westerners who have taken an interest in Buddhism. This paper also reviews the precepts and philosophies put forward by those interpreting Theravada Buddhism. IN addition, the paper compares Theravada with Zen and Mahayana Buddhism (and Shin Buddhism, a form of Mahayana).
From the Paper
"As to why Theravada has become an attractive way of practicing Buddhism in the U.S. Donald Rothberg, writing in The Faces of Buddhism in America (Rothberg 268) explains that Theravada has evolved from its traditional and more conservative form in Asia and now is thought of as "socially engaged Buddhism." That means, it responds to and addresses "social action," and is more germane to the average person's "everyday life." Rothberg asserts that the "1st Precept" of traditionally practiced Theravada is against killing; it implies that one person of Theravadan Buddhist faith should not kill another. But the "socially engaged Buddhism" practiced through Theravada in the West takes it into a broader scope, from individual responsibility to a sense of national social responsibility; in other words, socially engaged Theravadan Buddhism gets into politics, and takes a moral stand about government behaviors. "
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Developing Sustainable Models for Amish Tourism, 2008.
A discussion on the popular tourist destination created by the Amish populating in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
2,758 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 15 sources, APA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how some Amish populations have made Lancaster County, Pennsylvania an increasingly popular tourist destination. To determine how the Amish can reap the benefits of this industry without sacrificing their religious integrity, this paper provides a discussion concerning Amish tourism and identifies ways that it can meet the needs of the present residents without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A summary of the research and salient findings are presented in the conclusion.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Present day Mennonites and Amish can trace their lineage to the Anabaptists of 16th-century Europe (Kraybill, 1998). The main Amish groups living in the United States today are the Old Order Amish (this group does not use churches but worships in member homes and conducts their services in German), and the Conservative Amish (this group conforms to the Dordrecht Confession of Faith that established the precepts of the faith and conduct their services in English as well as German and accept such innovations as the Sunday school) (Mennonites, 2004). In addition, the terms "House Amish" and "Church Amish" have also been used to differentiate the two groups of Amish (Mennonites, 2004). As noted above, Amish in the United States have settled primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio, particularly in the so-called "Amish Country" located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (Mennonites, 2004). According to Walbert (2002), the Amish who settled in Lancaster County chose their location wisely: "Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the 'Garden Spot of America,' is a place of contradictions. Since 1950 it has grown faster than almost any county in Pennsylvania, yet it retains a reputation as a rural oasis in a sprawling desert of modern cities and suburbs. Its population has doubled in the past forty years, making the Garden Spot a metropolitan area unto itself" (p. 3)."
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"Rabbis of the Air": Poetic Explication, 2008.
An analysis of the style and content of Phillip Terman's poem "A Response to Jehuda Halevi" from "Rabbis in the Air."
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Phillip Terman's poem "A Response to Jehuda Halevi" from "Rabbis in the Air," in which the speaker stresses that his own, personal and familial experience of Judaism is more important than the received tradition of scholars and prophets. The paper discusses the poet's inquisitive tone and the series of contrasts, between holy and revered images of Judaism and looks at the speaker's relatively secular but significant cultural and historical encounters with his faith.
From the Paper
"Only after rereading the poem does the reader confront a curious paradox--Terman claims to reject mystical Judaism, but he clearly knows what the Pentateuch, Kabala, and Torah are--also, his poem is addressed to a relatively obscure poet. This suggests a final, additional nuance to the poem. Perhaps Terman is addressing himself, or his own tendency to be overly concerned with theory and art, rather than real, practical concerns. This explains why the poem is addressed to a Jewish poet, not merely a Jewish scholar. If Terman were not engaged in self-criticism as well as the criticism of the past, the poem could be addressed to a famous rabbi. Terman creates a strawman of a man whose life and works seems like a tempting path, but one Terman ultimately rejects in favor of his family, the beauty of mundane matzo balls, and a more fruitful way of coping with historical persecution and tragedy--to deal with things in a practical, earthly, and constructive manner."
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Nirvana as Opposed to Salvation, 2008.
This paper examines the Buddhist concept of nirvana, its development and its importance to the Buddhist faith.
3,865 words (approx. 15.5 pages), 16 sources, MLA, $ 105.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the author contends that the idea of nirvana and salvation are fundamentally different one from the other. He proposes that salvation, the Christian concept, is based on the idea of one central deity being responsible for the believer's soul. In Buddhism, on the other hand, there is no central God and each individual is responsible for reaching his or her state of nirvana. The writer goes on to examine the state of nirvana as one of the central concepts of the Buddhist philosophy and discusses how the idea of nirvana is central to the Buddhist theology and philosophy.
From the Paper
"In China, Buddhism is the dominant religion. Buddhism has a very different conception of the relationship between man and nature from that of Christianity and a different sense of the meaning of salvation and the route to achieve it. Salvation in Buddhism is an escape from the suffering of this world and is stated as the third of the Four Noble Truths, the extinction of suffering, a turning away that is possible only for the person who has recognized that everything is fleeting, subject to suffering, and without a self and yet who can face everything with serenity even with this knowledge. For the Buddhist, salvation is found in the state of nirvana, which involves the elimination of all pain and desire. It is essentially a way of escaping from immortality. The Four Noble Truths extend back some 2,500 years and have shaped the way the culture has developed."
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Book 9 of Paradise Lost, 2008.
A discussion on Book 9 of "Paradise Lost" by John Milton.
1,609 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Book 9 of "Paradise Lost" and reviews the choices of Adam and Eve when Satan reasoned with them about their perspective situations. The paper studies the speech of Adam and Eve and traces their reasoning through the progress of the poem and compares the way they employ reason. The paper includes a version of Book 9 of "Paradise Lost".
From the Paper
"Much of the underlying purpose behind bestowing Adam and Eve with such strong reasoning capabilities is likely due to Milton's theological concerns. Many experts believe that Milton's purpose in penning Paradise Lost was to mingle the Church's sometimes ludicrous doctrine, its Christian piety and classical mythology together to underscore the fact that man was of enough intelligence to reason through most situations, even theological ones."
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History of Mesopotamian Religion, 2008.
An analysis of the religion of the people of Mesopotamia.
2,575 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses early religion, particularly in Mesopotamia, one of the earliest known cities. The author studies the religious beliefs of the Mesopotamians who had several gods and goddesses and a large number of spirits and demons. The author also compares how the Mesopotamians, though an ancient race, would house their Gods, to how the Christians did by building churches. The basic principal in which the Mesopotamian religion was based on is also explained in the paper as well as how this helped the people with their survival for many years.
From the Paper
"It is important to note that although the Mesopotamians were ancient people, who believed in their own Gods, Gods that were closely linked to nature and the benefits that they derived from nature, they believed in creating beautiful structures or temples within which they would house their Gods, in much the same way as Christians did, by building Churches to house their God, Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, experts felt hat there seems to be a remarkable similarity in the religious architectural forms of the fourth century BC, and the earlier Churches of the so called 'pre-Islamic era'."
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Character Analysis: Efram Nugent, 2008.
This paper studies the character of Efram Nugent in the novel 'Girl in Landscape' by Jonathan Lethem.
771 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in Jonathan Lethem's science fiction novel 'Girl in Landscape', one of the more intriguing characters one meets throughout the course of the book is Efram Nugent. From his very first mention shortly after the Marsh family's arrival on the Planet of the Archbuilders, Efram assumes a mysterious though powerful role. In this essay, the writer argues that Efram Nugent occupies a God-like position in the order of things on the Planet of the Archbuilders. The writer shows how Efram's telepathic abilities to see everything that goes on through the household deer effectively positions him in the classic theological role that is traditionally associated with a higher power.
From the Paper
"Pella is able to immediately pick up on Efram's God-like demeanor, which thus provides the backdrop to her strong emotional ambivalence towards him. She feels herself strangely attracted to him; at the same time, she is also very much afraid of him and wishes to steer clear of him. She is unable to do so, however, because he persistently pulls her towards him with a sort of gravitational force that is beyond her control - or perhaps even her comprehension. It is through Efram that Pella feels herself becoming something truly other - transcending her human features and becoming one of Efram/God's vehicles of perception."
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The Great Awakening, 2008.
The paper discusses the 'Great Awakening' and looks at the related religious and political aspects and power structure.
1,311 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses class differences during the 'Great Awakening'. The writer maintains that those who practiced the established religions tended to be of a different class and outlook of those who heeded the call of the 'Great Awakening' preachers. The established plutocrats found the new religious movements threatening, and thereby controversial. The writer addresses the 'Great Awakening' as a controversy between the existing, moneyed classes and the local traders, artisans and the laboring poor.
From the Paper
"The colonists were spread out, rural, and had little contact with the religion of the larger towns, such as Boston and Philadelphia. Nearly all professed some form of religion, and nearly all needed religious and moral support for the perils they were facing: death, childbirth, Indian raids, and the terrifying images of hell. The established, Puritan religion of the Massachusetts Colony preached that not attending church every day would lead to eternal damnation. Many who lived in rural areas were unable to attend church. These were the farmers, the hunters, the small tradesmen, who were God-fearing but bereft of formal Church support.
"The obvious solution was the itinerant preacher, who brought God to the settlements and villages in the far-flung hinterlands. The need was great throughout the Colonies, and many preachers arose to take on the task."
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Women and Islam, 2008.
This article looks at conflicting views regarding the perception of women within the Islamic society.
4,337 words (approx. 17.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 114.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the Western perception of Islam is of a religion that is especially restrictive of women. Islam is seen as living in the past and as failing to modernize, while Islam sees its restrictions as socially constructive and as elevating women rather than keeping them down. The writer maintains that such differences in perception are based on historical differences and also on the way the West has changed and now expects others to do the same without necessarily making the case in a way that appeals to Islam. The writer discusses that many of the Arab states and the states turning to fundamentalism manifest the harshest restrictions on women, while some of the more liberal Islamic states show more Western influences. The place of women in Islamic society derives largely from the historical structure of Islam and from the degree to which outside influences have been allowed. The writer concludes that as the various countries of the region struggle with the conflicting forces of tradition and modernization, women are pawns in the struggle, made to adhere to restrictive laws to assert Islamic rights over Western ideas.
Outline:
Introduction
Gender Roles
Islamic Social Order
Women in Islam
Works Cited
From the Paper
" Masculinity-femininity is a dimension that is reflected in social attitudes toward men and women and in expectations placed on each. Islamic society is more traditional than American society today, though full equality of the sexes has not been achieved in America as yet, either. Once again, the roles of men and women in Islamic society are determined by Islamic law and the Quran. There has been a religious element in shaping the way men and women are viewed in American society as well, but as America has become more secularized, that influence has lessened. Definitions of masculine and feminine have come under increasing question and challenge, and the roles of men and women in business and society have become more equal and less related to gender. In Islam, Muhammad is meant to represent perfection, and the faithful are meant to follow his teachings and to be as much like him as possible. Those who achieve the perfection of Muhammad are highly revered as saints or holy men, and people give any living holy man great respect... "
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Seventh Day Adventists, 2008.
This paper examines the Seventh Day Adventists Church.
1,030 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Seventh Day Adventists Church, its history and its basic tenants. The paper compares the beliefs and practices of Seventh Day Adventists to members of other Christian denominations and particularly Protestant groups from which the Seventh Day Adventists originated. The author also points to similarities to other Christian sects that also believe in the literal interpretation of the bible.
From the Paper
"Furthermore, Seventh-Day Adventists observe the Sabbath on Saturday and not Sunday with most other Protestants. Their ascription to the traditional Jewish Sabbath also stems from the Adventists' firm belief in a literal interpretation of the Old and New Testaments. A significant feature of the Seventh - day Adventist religion is the promotion of an almost ascetic lifestyle. Abstinence from alcohol and tobacco is a core tenet. Moreover, the Adventists promote Biblical dietary guidelines similar to kosher practices. Finally, Adventists uphold Ellen White as a prophet."
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Sin and Christ in Romans and Isaiah, 2008.
This paper is a religious reflection on sin as expressed in the "Book of Romans" from the "New Testament" and similarities with the "Book of Isaiah" from the "Old Testament".
898 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This is religious treatise where the author reflects upon the conception of sin and Christ as expressed in "Romans" ("New Testament") and similar concepts expressed in the "Book of Isaiah" in the "Old Testament". The author deals at some length with the Christian concept of sin and the belief that Christ died to redeem humanity from its sins. He presents evidence from the "Book of Isaiah" that, in his opinion, backs up this belief and in effect, establishes Christianity as the successor to Judaism.
From the Paper
"The Biblical passage Romans 5: 12-21, from Paul's "Epistle to the Romans," .emphasizes the humanity of Christ. It contrasts the gift of Christ with the sin of Adam. Although the negative impact of Adam's sin upon the fate of humanity was great, seismic, the goodness of the gift of Christ had an even greater positive implication for the fate of humanity. "But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!" (Romans 5:15). This is important to remember--the weight of goodness outweighs evil actions. When judging another human being, give the person's good actions greater weight than the bad. Do not despair at small sins, provided the sinner strives to act morally in the future and seeks forgiveness (although this does not mean that sinning is insignificant). Although Adam's actions brought sin into the world and sinful actions for all men, Christ's obedience brought justification and redemption for all."
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"Augustine of Hippo", 2008.
An analysis of the content and the style of Peter Brown's work, "Augustine of Hippo."
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Peter Brown's work, "Augustine of Hippo." The paper shows how Brown attempts to restore the humanity and the ancientness (or the difference) between Augustine and ourselves within his book. It discusses the content of the book and looks at the reasons why Brown's style makes the book compelling to modern readers.
From the Paper
"Augustine's emphasis on the fallen nature of the human soul, and his idea that salvation came through studying the Bible as a text and God's grace alone was later to become highly influential in the renegade monk Martin Luther's version of Christianity. Augustine's influence thus spans beyond Catholicism itself, and his brand of Christianity was in some ways uniquely his own, even though he became a canonized author. Brown treats Augustine's intellectual wrangling with other canonized writers such as Jerome with equal vigor as he does Augustine's denunciation of heretics. A full portrait emerges not only of the man, but of antiquity in Africa as well as in Rome, as does the contentious nature and controversies of Early Christianity. Brown's biography is a compelling portrait of an age as well as a saint and theologian."
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