| Papers [1-15] of 83 :: [Page 1 of 6] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 —> | Search results on "AFTERLIFE EXPERIMENTS": |
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"The Afterlife Experiments", 2004.
A review of the book, "The Afterlife Experiments" written by psychologist, Gary Schwartz.
1,166 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the paranormal phenomenon of trance or spirit mediums who claim they can channel or communicate with the souls of the dead. The paper discusses psychologist, Gary Schwartz's book, "The Afterlife Experiments," which claims to offer breakthrough scientific evidence of life after death. The paper examines the studies conducted and reported on in this book and presents numerous counter-responses to Schwartz's research results, pointing out essential, glaring flaws in his research methodology.
From the Paper
"In his trade book The Afterlife Experiments, clinical psychologist and University of Arizona professor Gary Schwartz offers ?breakthrough scientific evidence of life after death.? Based on a series of studies Schwartz and his colleagues conducted using spirit mediums, the author concludes that human consciousness does indeed survive the death of the body. Trance or spirit mediums are persons who claim they can channel, or communicate with, the souls of the dead. As Schwartz himself admits, ?mediumship does not have a solid reputation for integrity,? and usually more resembles ?stage magic instead of science,? (52; 51). Therefore, Schwartz undertook his research under a climate of skepticism, especially as he was a well-established clinical psychologist who graduated from Harvard. Publishing his findings in a trade book such as this one is a huge professional risk: laypersons unfamiliar with proper, established scientific methodology will be far more forgiving than Schwartz?s colleagues in academia."
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Ancient Afterlife: Perceptions and Rituals, 2002.
This paper describes the afterlife rituals and the perceptions during life as to what the afterlife will be for Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece.
2,039 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an examination as to how these people imagined the afterlife through daily prayers and customs. For each civilization, the writer presents rituals, festivals and writings from the time in order to help the reader understand the type of lifestyle each civilization lead. In addition there are detailed descriptions of the burial processes and practices for perserving their dead.
From the Paper
"In Egypt, death was just a right of passage to the next domain, however in order to die properly, the right spells and incantations must have been performed. As shown in The Book of the Dead, written around 2400 B.C. there were very serious rituals that must be performed in order to pass on properly. These spells and incantations reflected how much the Egyptians expected from their society. For example when an Egyptian dies they must face the gods and must repeat lines from the spell ?The Protestation of Guiltlessness?. A few lines from this poem are as follows: ?I have not committed evil against men; I am pure! My purity is the purity of the great benu-bird?; I have not told lies; I have not trespassed? (as on another?s land). These are just a few of the many lines that tell of a persons character in hopes of being accepted into their afterlife. The Egyptians were well known for having a mixture of human and animal characteristic in their gods. For example Seth (desert god) was depicted with a doglike body, long neck, upright tail, and squared ears. The vulture goddess Nekhbet was tutelary goddess of Upper Egypt, while her counterpart in Lower Egypt was cobra goddess Wadjet (Nagle, 28)."
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Judgment and the Afterlife, 2002.
An assessment of the concept of the afterlife and the policies of entering heaven and hell through a literature and film review.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper explores three traditional presentations of the afterlife and judgment as a means of creating place within the afterlife based upon an evaluation of the individual's deeds. These three traditional works are Homer's "The Odyssey", John Milton's "Paradise Lost", and William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell". The concept of the afterlife as is found within these three traditional works is then contrasted against the more recent film "A Matter of Life and Death" in order to witness how judgment and the afterlife manifest in a contemporary treatment of the topic.
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Ancient Egyptians and the Afterlife, 2004.
An overview of the ancient Egyptians belief in the afterlife.
1,940 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the ancient Egyptian civilization, which lasted for millennia and had a considerably advanced cultural and artistic heritage, left scholars with detailed artistic depictions, monumental archaeological remains, and written records of its societal functions and processes of the government, commerce, and daily life of its people. It briefly assays some key tenets of Egyptian religion and society and then explores the way in which the ancient Egyptians thought of the afterlife as an extension and modification of their lives on earth. The mummification process is covered, as are the other complicated and exacting funerary rites of this venerable culture as applied to both the ruling class and the working class of ancient Egyptian society and the ways in which they thought of the afterlife.
From the Paper
"As was stated, Egyptian tombs contained quotidian items from the person?s life that were of value to them, as it was assumed that as the person continued into the afterlife, they would continue to utilize these items. A person?s clothing and occupational tools would often be included in the tomb, along with writing materials. Sometimes, to save cost and space, models of actual items were used to represent them in
their stead, as they were seen to be transformed in the afterlife into their real equivalencies. Even food was provided in the tomb: offerings of food were also made after the person?s death. It seems odd from the present cultural perspective to think of the afterlife in terms of eating actual food, but it must be kept in mind that the Egyptians did not as drastically polarize life and afterlife in the same way that those of the current Western tradition tend to."
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Death, Afterlife and Eschatology, 2006.
This paper explores various religious groups and their views of death and the afterlife.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the theology of eschatology which is concerned with the end of the world or of humankind as well as different religious views of death and the afterlife. Christianity views the end of life as the ascension unto heaven, whereas the Jewish approach to the afterlife is limited to a vision of being with God in heaven which is an entry open to all whom God forgives at the last moment of human life.
From the Paper
"To some, death is a release. To others it is merely an event that propels them from one life to another. It is significant to realize that those who may well be the most devout in Hindu and Buddhist religions are the Untouchables, or the lower classes, who can hardly wait to be released from their unhappy lives and, having committed no grave sins, will be reborn, reincarnated, into a better life to come. Their goal, of course, is the perfection of Nirvana."
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Pyramids and the Afterlife, 2004.
An analysis of Egyptian culture concerning death and the afterlife.
690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the focus of Egyptian culture on preparation for death and the afterlife during the Old Kingdom. It looks at the immortality of pharaoh and the impact of pyramids on Egyptian economy and culture. It also examines the Myth of Orisis.
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The Afterlife, 2003.
A comparative analysis of the thoughts of Buddhist and Christians on the afterlife.
2,255 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper compares Buddhism and Christianity, focusing on their thoughts and beliefs on death and the afterlife (Heaven, Hell and Nirvana). It examines how Christians believe that the death of a person is only the beginning of their existence and that a person?s time on earth is only a trial for the after life. It looks at how Buddha's followers strive to reach Nirvana rather than Heaven as Christians do. The goal of Buddhists is to reach Nirvana and achieve as well as understand the Four Noble Truths, the path in which Buddhists follow in order to reach enlightenment. It evaluates how Buddhists rely on the mind and Christians rely on the soul and a similarity between Buddhism and Christianity is the leniency of their life places. Buddhists have no time limit in which to achieve Enlightenment and Christians are given unlimited opportunities to accept God and ask for forgiveness before their death.
From the Paper
"Buddhism is a religion that hails from countries of the East on the continent of Asia. This religion?s followers strive to reach Nirvana rather than Heaven as Christians do. The goal of Buddhists is to reach Nirvana and achieve as well as understand Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths are the path in which Buddhists follow in order to reach enlightenment. The road to reaching Nirvana is very complicated and its steps vary from denomination to denomination of Buddhism. Those steps, or what Buddhists call the Eightfold path, the guide for spiritual enlightenment includes the following parts: right understanding, right aspiration, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration."
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God and the Afterlife, 2002.
Examines the views of three major religions - Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism on God and the afterlife.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
Comparative religion is, by its analytical and, hopefully, objective view, one of the cornerstones of developing a global anthropology. While thousands of individual religious structures exist and have existed in the world, there are five that currently dominate the majority of world religious thought. It is the purpose of this paper to examine and compare three of those religions, Christianity, Buddhism and Judaism, on the nature or essence of God and the afterlife. The paper will take each issue individually and look at it through the view and practice of each of the three religions. Throughout, no value judgment will be made, only an effort to objectively discuss the form and function of each religion as it applies to each of the two mentioned topics.
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Egyptian and Sumerian Views on Death and Afterlife, 2002.
A discussion of differences in views on death and afterlife.
885 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper compares cultural attitudes on death and afterlife with focus on the Mesopotamian views about death in relation to their respective material culture.
From the paper:
"There were many ways that the Ancient Egyptian society and the Mesopotamian society were similar yet at the same time they were very different. Egyptians and Sumerians agreed on religion in a sense that both cultures were polytheistic. However, the relationships between the gods and goddesses were different between the Sumerians and Egyptians."
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Religions and the Afterlife, 2004.
Examines the book, "How Different Religions View Death and the Afterlife," edited by Christopher Jay Johnson and Marsha G. McGee.
816 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces and analyzes the book, "How Different Religions View Death and the Afterlife," edited by Christopher Jay Johnson and Marsha G. McGee. Specifically, it compares two chapters, "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" and "Baha?i Faith", in the book and takes a position on them.
From the Paper
"These two chapters discuss very diverse faiths, and yet, they each have items in common. For example, the Baha'i Faith and the Mormon Faith both do not believe in the Son of God, and both religions have certain rituals that must take place, and are very family oriented. In death and dying, the two religions also have very much in common. The Baha'is cannot transport the body more than one hour away from the place of death, and they do not believe in cremation, because they believe the spirit has more connections to make once it leaves the body. Therefore, the Baha'i do not believe in Heaven or Hell, because the soul has more journeys to make. On the other hand, the Mormons also believe the spirit lives on, and has always lived, and each individual lives "forever backward" as well as "forever forward." "
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Lucretius, Wang Chong and the Afterlife, 2004.
Examines the views of Roman philosopher, Lucretius, and Chinese Han skeptic, Wang Chong.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The concept of the afterlife and philosophical thought have been debated for centuries. This paper explains the different views of Wang Chong (27-100 A.D.) and Lucretius (99-55 B.C.E.) on their beliefs of the afterlife. The paper also discusses how their beliefs were shaped by other philosophers of their time. Finally, the paper concludes by providing an analysis of the subject matter.
From the Paper
"Indeed some of the beliefs that Chong possessed were related to Confucianism which is deeply embedded in Chinese culture. He was certainly influenced by some of the popular beliefs of the time. Chong was also vehemently opposed to the rituals surrounding burials, the cutting of clothes, sacrifices and house building. (Smith 1991) However, he did believe in some of the principles of yinyang/wuxing interaction and that astrology played a role in human destiny. (Smith 1991)"
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Underworld and Afterlife, 2006.
This paper compares the underworlds of Eastern China and of ancient Greece.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95
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Abstract
It is occasionally said that one can gain a deep understanding of a culture by looking at its legends and beliefs. In the case of Ancient Eastern China and ancient Greece, there is much truth in that statement, inasmuch as the preoccupations, fears and values of both cultures are expressed by their depiction of the underworld or afterlife as some might call it. The paper explores the purpose and/or function of the underworld in both ancient Eastern China and in ancient Greece and the paper also looks at the major Gods and Goddesses of each mythic realm.
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Love, Afterlife and Culture, 2002.
A review of "Bhagavad Gita," "Analects" and "The Symposium".
1,104 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews three separate works which deal with the issues of love, the afterlife and culture in different ways. These three issues are explored through the Hindu philosophy expressed in the "Bhagavad Gita," the "Analects" of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, and the Platonic dialogue "The Symposium". The writer reviews each work separately to show how each author presented the issue to his public.
From the Paper
"Arjuna is presented as both the master archer and the eternal student, learning from his Lord Krishna and serving as the stand-in for the average man. The lessons learned by Arjuna are those every person is expected to learn and to put into action in his or her own life. In the "Bhagavad Gita," the eve of the great battle arrives, and Arjuna, driven by his charioteer, Krishna, moves to the front line so he can look over the opposing army he will have to face the next day."
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The Afterlife, 2002.
A paper which studies how four major religions view life after death.
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that one of the main focuses of religions are the ?rewards? of living a religious life ? exactly what you are going to get at the end of your life for having devoted much of your life to the work, or ministry of your religion. This is a complex subject, one that cannot be generalized very easily among the vastly different religions in the world today. The paper explores how Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Shinto predict the afterlife.
From the Paper
"Muslims (followers of Islam) believe that there is one Supreme Being to be worshipped ? Allah. They are taught through the Quran that life does exist after death, and this will begin when the Day of Judgment comes about. This Day of Judgment is the day when the fate of every person?s soul will be determined based upon their ?record of deeds?, or what they have done while on Earth. Those who are true believers, and who have suffered persecution while on Earth will be greatly rewarded, and those who have not heeded what they have been taught about Allah will suffer greatly for eternity. In a similar fashion as Christians, Muslims live their lives in accordance with their moral standards (Five Pillars of Islam) and strive to attain a more perfect life within their lifetime. More specifically, the Quran speaks of how this life is in preparation of the next life ? every work that is done while in this life will effect the afterlife, which is motivation for Muslims to live better lives, and to be accepting of their persecution from outsiders, much like Christian beliefs."
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Afterlife In Judaism, 1999.
Discusses the evolution of the religion's teachings on the life of the soul, the Garden of Eden and immortality.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, $ 63.95
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From the Paper
"Religions have differing views of the meaning of life and of the idea of reward for good and moral living. Some form of afterlife is often described in religious belief, but what form that takes differs according to the theology involved. The degree of emphasis placed on the afterlife will also vary. The idea of the afterlife may change through the history of a given religions as well, and different theological interpretations will be offered through that history and shape how the afterlife is viewed by followers. Judaism is an ancient religion that has been shaped by numerous commentators and historical events, and the idea of the afterlife in Judaism has undergone a transformation as well.
In general, Judaism is differentiated from Christianity on this issue in terms of where the emphasis is placed, as Abba ..."
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