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?Contact? and the God-Concept, 2002.
This paper examines the ways in which the motion picture ?Contact? deals with the God-concept.
2,425 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the context in which the film ?Contact's? religious theme surfaces, the pattern of ideas and events that point to the centrality of that theme and the means by which the theme is elaborated over the course of the story. The author believes, even though the film is a science-fiction adventure story, ?Contact? can be interpreted as an examination of a human encounter with God as shown in both the resolution of the story line and the attributes of character informing the narrative. This paper explains that the relevance of Paul Tillich's God-concept to ?Contact? is the film?s use of extraterrestrial life in a modern experience as a proxy for examining the unavoidability of cosmic uncertainty and of the unsettling brush between ordinary experience and the infinite.
From the Paper
"It would be a mistake to consider "Contact" merely a movie "about" religion-science conflict, though Ellie's attempts to articulate the meaning that her space-wormhole experience (and the space program's millisecond of lost radio contact) had for her put her on the verge of saying that the experience was spiritual. For her near-suggestion that the cosmos may include the hand of God, she is essentially shushed in favor of more focus on facts on one hand and accountability for the apparent failure of a very costly science project on the other. That episode is consistent with Carter?s view that contemporary culture does not honor but rather trivializes religion: "one should not try to oversimplify the human mind by making religious conviction a ground for invalidating law". In "Contact", what turns out to be Ellie's discovery of a spiritual (not solely spiritual, but not merely scientific, either) connection to the cosmos is what invalidates, and her testimony before a scientific community that does not admit religion into its discourse, even though an explanation without a spiritual dimension does not cover its meaning for her."
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The Word of God, 2004.
This paper offers an exploration of the word God and Word of God as treated in the Bible.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer studies the word God and the Word of God. The writer looks at these concepts as they are treated in the Old and New Testaments. In this paper, the writer shows the many differences between the two biblical books including mankind, the Law, sin and redemption.
From the Paper
"The word God and the word of God are often viewed as being radically different in the Old and New Testaments. According to one theologian, 'Understanding the difference between the Old and New Testaments is one of the most important foundations that must be laid to properly understand God's Word'. There are many differences between the Word of God in the Old Testament and the New Testament. For example, mankind had no direct link to God in the Old Testament ... "
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Kant's Argument Against God, 2002.
An overview of Immanuel Kant's theories of God and his reasoning that God does not exist.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the Immanuel Kant's theories of God and seek to understand how he succeeded in proving that God does not exist in his world. By evaluating his ideas on morals and other subjects related to his philosophy on God, we can see how he clearly saw the reasoning in finding that a God did not exist for him.
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The Human Need to Believe in God, 2008.
A discussion of why human beings have always needed a god or gods to believe in.
1,908 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the origins of religion and how they may have evolved from a basic human need to believe in something that was meta-physical, divine, and omnipotent. The paper also focuses on the indebtedness - if any - of some of today's prominent religions to other sects which have been lost to the mists of time. Furthermore, this paper explores what purposes myths served in the ancient world and how they benefited ancient societies in ways that other forms of socialization perhaps could not. In the final analysis, the paper suggests that religion may have evolved from more primitive forms of morals and maintains that religion is beneficial to the human species.
From the Paper
"Returning once more to the work of Paul Kurtz, the need for religion is something that all ancient human societies required insofar as it was an ideal (or at least tolerably effective) coping mechanism for dealing with all of the many things early man could not control. For instance, it assuaged the fear of death, gave human beings the comfort of believing that the injustices of this world would be rectified in the next one, was a means by which the tribulations brought about famine, pestilence, terrible weather or warfare could be endured in the hopes of better days to come, and - finally - religion was a palliative that restored hope in instance wherein hope might not be easily revived otherwise. Finally, religion gave early man the faith that the unseen factors shaping the world (for better or for ill) could be propitiated and even brought to serve the needs of the local community (Kurtz, 23)."
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Greek, Norse and Egyptian Gods, 2002.
This paper discusses the similarities and differences between the Greek, Norse and Egyptian Pantheons --- gods and goddesses.
1,160 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the ?father-creator? God, a ?trickster? God, and a ?love? Goddess of Greek, Norse and Egyptian cultures. The author believes that the ?father-creator? Gods have the most in common: Greek God, Zeus, the Norse God Odin and the Egyptian God Amen-Re. The paper introduces the ?trickster Gods?: Norse God Loki, the Egyptian God Seth, and the Greek God Prometheus. The paper also describes the ?love goddesses?: Egyptian Goddess Hathor, Greek Goddess Aphrodite and Norse Goddess Freya.
From the Paper
"The myths of these gods also referred to the sky. Both Zeus and Odin had palaces high above the mortal world, known as Mt. Olympus and Asgard. These palaces served as meeting places for the gods, and as observation decks. Zeus is often depicted as looking down from Mt. Olympus into the mortal world. Odin also gazed at mortals and gods similarly, from Hlidskialf, his throne in Asgard. Though he did not have a palace in the sky, Amen-Re was referred to as the ?Sun? god. "
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Liebniz, Spinoza and the Idea of God, 2008.
A comparison between the views of Benedict Spinoza and Gottfried Leibniz concerning the idea of God.
2,575 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the idea of God posited by Benedict Spinoza with that posited by Gottfried Leibniz. The paper points out that, according to Spinoza, God exists necessarily from its divine nature, inhabiting the world as the world inhabits it. It claims that Leibniz saw the elegance of this utterly rational God, though he also espied a threat that he attempted to displace by defending the traditional anthropomorphic idea of God. Spinoza's God is beyond human, to which the human notions of 'good' and 'evil' do not apply. Leibniz saw in this God no freedom, no agency, and no morality by which man could live. The paper concludes that these two philosophers, arguably the most significant of their day, differed drastically in their views of God's role with regard to the world. While Spinoza's view of a non-human God appeals to humanity to find a liberal and democratic method by which to exist in the world, Leibniz's more traditional view of God involves the reliance upon faith and provides a perfect example upon which humanity must model itself.
From the Paper
"While this eminently rational idea of God possesses an almost geometric elegance, the implications of such a view would greatly disturb Spinoza's contemporaries, Leibniz among them. Since all things follow necessarily from God's nature as substance, determined solely through itself, it follows that things could not be any other way than they are. "Things could not have been produced by God in any manner or in any order different from that which exists." This is an utter rejection of the supreme anthropomorphic father figure, who chooses between right and wrong and lays down laws by which humanity is judged. Good and bad are reduced to human notions relative to our limited experience of the world, completely irrelevant to a universe that functions from the necessary. Morality is seemingly abolished, and God seems too powerless to ever have created anything at all. In fact, freedom to Spinoza is the ability to be determined by nothing other than one's nature, which entails that only God is completely free as the one substance, and to choose to be anything but what he is would be absurd, as what he is, is perfection. "...God alone is a free cause. For God alone exists only from the necessity of his nature and acts from the necessity of his nature." The threat to the theocratic order is explicit here, for while Spinoza's God is necessarily perfect, he is not necessarily good. Following from necessity, what we term 'evil' is as much in God as what we call 'good'. This God is not based on relative human notions or longings: it follows purely from the necessity of reason. Spinoza maintains that he sees God as surely as he can see the truth of a geometric proof: "I know it in the same way that the three angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles." The rejection of ultimate reward and punishment places the onus for morality squarely upon human shoulders; a yoke religion explicitly labors to remove because it is too heavy for most humans to bear and would lead to social chaos. Perhaps Spinoza had such in mind when he penned the last line of his Ethics: "...all things excellent are as difficult as they are rare."
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Of God and Temptation, 2003.
An essay on God and his relation to the concept of temptation. This paper debates whether or not God initiated temptation and, consequently, sin, alluding to the possibility of a malevolent god.
1,313 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This essay is actually written in a fairly satirical tone, pointing out contradictions in the "infallible" Bible, as well as contradictions in God's allegedly perfect character using Christian rhetoric and quotations from the Bible itself.
From the Paper
"Although Genesis 3:4-5 (?The serpent said to the woman, ?Surely you will not die, for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open and you will be like divine beings who know good and evil.?) tells us that the serpent tempted Eve to eat the apple, isn?t it true that God tempted Adam and Eve first? If there were no Tree of Knowledge for Adam and Eve to be tempted with, then there would be no concept of temptation, no sin, and no damnation. There would also be no malice, no murder, no hatred, no theft, no bigotry, no rape, no war, no crime and nothing else that could even be perceived as a negative action, because if there was no sin, then none of the aforementioned would even exist."
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?Their Eyes Were Watching God?, 2004.
Discusses the metaphorical use of God's voice in this novel by Zora Neale Hurston.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
Ironically, Zora Neale Hurston?s novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God", is about voice more than sight. However, the voice has always been where mankind assumes divinity to exist; the Word of God is an important concept in Western thought. Therefore, it seems logical that the main character in a novel about a person?s search for fulfillment would use both the metaphor of the voice and the presence of God as main concepts. The paper shows that, in this novel, God is not referred to very much, but it is obvious from the title that God is present. God is not actively present, however. Instead, the natural disasters that beset and befall Janie and the others are presented simply as natural parts of God?s world, something to be watched and not ?managed? or even feared. The paper shows how God?s natural world and all its problems simply exist in a neutral way.
From the Paper
"She never finds her ultimate true voice, however, until she has to shoot Tea Cake when he is out of his mind after being bitten by a rabid dog. She must testify at her murder trial, and it is easy for her. Despite her painful loss and her pain at causing Tea Cake?s death, her love for him is obvious and gains her an acquittal from an all-white jury of men. Janie, by then, is no longer a light-skinned, raven-haired beauty who would be attractive to them to account for their decision. Therefore, it must be her voice that secures her release."
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Truth, Goodness and the Character of God, 2008.
An analysis of the character of God in western culture.
1,375 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the God of Judeo-Christian culture in terms of the concepts of truth and goodness. The paper points out that this is a critical God, who monitors human thought and activity, rewards good behavior and punishes bad. It also discusses the belief that this omniscient and omnipotent God demands our undivided allegiance. The paper concludes that any inventory of the hard plight of man throughout human history would suggest that either a just God of the type envisioned in Western culture does not exist or that God exists, but not necessarily a God of goodness at all.
Outline:
Introduction
God and Truth
God and Goodness
From the Paper
"However, even in discussing as profound a topic as the character of God, I believe that our beliefs - even concerning God - must be logically consistent. In that regard, the notion that "everything happens for a reason" is not logically consistent. If God is good, and to whatever extent God desires goodness for human beings, God could either choose to remain entirely uninvolved in human affairs or God could choose to intervene on our behalf. If God chooses to remain completely uninvolved in human affairs, then the concept of things happening "for a reason" is nonsensical, because God neither acts nor intervenes on our behalf at all."
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Contact Dermatitis, 2008.
This paper discusses the medical issue of contact dermatitis and looks at the Irish laws in this regard for the protection of workers.
4,046 words (approx. 16.2 pages), 21 sources, APA, $ 109.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer provides a medical epidemiology and overview of contact dermatitis, while focusing on the risks and complications associated with contact dermatitis among workers in the construction industry. The writer pays attention to Irish laws in place meant to protect workers from exposure to irritants that may result in contact or allergic contact dermatitis. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the prevalence of contact dermatitis and looked at what actions may be necessary to mitigate risk or provide additional resources for those most at risk for contagion with this known disease.
Outline:
Introduction
Background to the Problem
Significance of Study
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Critical Evaluation Literature Related to Construction Industry and Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis, Construction and the Irish
Summary of Literature Review
From the Paper
"As more and more construction workers develop symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis, it is more important than ever that researchers focus on ways and methods they can prevent occupational hazards from reducing one's capacity to work or their quality of life. Among the important facts noted in the literature review is the increasing prevalence of contact dermatitis in Ireland and other areas where legislation has been slow to enforce some health and occupational acts that would protect workers from exposure to chemical irritants. Cited in this literature review are cases suggesting that Irish buildings and drinking water are among the primary causes for allergic or irritant contact dermatitis among workers and civilians alike. This serves to emphasize the need for a complete review of contact dermatitis, including its many forms, and an evaluation of the current legislation in place to assess its relevance and whether legislation needs to be improved to protect workers from developing debilitating forms of this condition."
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Descartes' Views On God, 2002.
Examines his ontological argument (a priori) and 'a posteriori demonstration of God's existence.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 31.95
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Abstract
His ontological argument (a priori) and 'a posteriori demonstration of God's existence. Concept of perfection. Proofs of God's existence. Examining the reality of God. Descartes' belief in God the Giver and Creator. Free will of man as proof. Differences between existence of God & essence of God. Flaws in Descartes' reasoning.
From the Paper
"Descartes and God
"More consequences for thought and action follow from the affirmation or denial of God than from answering any other basic question" (Hutchins 543). It is a fact that, long before Descartes, Man often thought of himself as the supreme being of the Universe, and still obedient to, or believing in, or trusting some superhuman Being called God.
While for millennia, philosophers have debated the idea or ideas of God, Descartes states that "ONE idea alone, becomes the basis for such an inference. He supplements his a priori or ontological argument with what he calls 'a posteriori demonstration of God's existence from the mere idea that God exists in us'" (Hutchins 554). God exists, Descartes writes, because "He possesses every sort of perfection…(and) existence is one of them" "
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The Many Faces of God, 2002.
A review of Karen Armstrong?s ?History of God?, focusing on its contribution to the great debate concerning the evolution of man?s perception of God.
1,774 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the central theme of ?History of God? by Karen Armstrong, that the definition of God is subject to conventionality. The paper does this by highlighting the influences that led Armstrong to embark on this quest for illumination as well as by providing a summary of the book. The writer illustrates Armstrong's belief that Man's definition of God is continuously being modified, abandoned, revived and reiterated in accordance with Man?s realistic and pragmatic challenges, as opposed to philosophical reverie.
From the Paper
"Before providing an analysis of the book?s core theme, it is necessary to study the influences that drove Armstrong to write this book. Armstrong?s interest in religion was cultivated at an early age, manifesting in her entering the religious order at the age of 17. For 7 years, Armstrong lived the life of a Roman Catholic nun (Powell, 1998, 1). Her monastic life afforded her exposure to the 3 Abrahamic religions. She obtained a BA in literature at Oxford University. However, she experienced great difficulty in conforming to the restrictive realities of her convent life and decided to leave the convent on amicable terms."
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The Existence of God, 2006.
Compares and contrasts Thomas Aquinas' and St. Anselm of Canterbury's arguments for the existence of God.
3,549 words (approx. 14.2 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper examines St. Anselm of Canterbury's and Thomas Aquinas' attempts to prove the existence of God. The paper examines the arguments of both theologians and explains that, while their methods of proving the existence of God are very different, their arguments have endured and influenced Christian thought through the centuries. The paper also looks at the weaknesses in both men's theories and concludes with the assertion that the major weakness of both theories is that they prove the existence of God but not the existence of the God of the Bible and that in order to believe in the Christian God, divine revelation is needed.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Anselm's Arguments
Argument from Goodness
Argument from Existence
Ontological Argument
Aquinas' Arguments
Argument from Motion
Argument from Efficient Cause
St. Aquinas on St. Anselm
Problems with Anselm
Problems with Aquinas
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Anselm (1033 - 1109), would be considered in today's terms a theologian/philosopher. Anselm is most famous for his writings on; "Why God Became Man", his "satisfaction" theory of the atonement, and the "ontological argument." (His satisfaction theory effectively refuted early medieval notions of the devil's "rights" over fallen humankind. The satisfaction theory shaped nearly all Catholic and Protestant thought on redemptive theology, and is still prevalent at the date of this paper. (Evangelical dictionary of theology)). Anselm attempted to prove the existence of God via a much-debated theory known as the "ontological argument", which will be considered in further detail below."
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Descartes on God, 2006.
A discussion on whether either of Descartes's two arguments for the existence of God successfully prove that God exists.
2,234 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper covers both Descartes's ontological argument and cosmological argument for the existence of God as well as their counter arguments. It also looks at other philosophers such as Kierkegaard to Kant and their arguments for the existence or non-existence of God. The Cartesian Circle is also discussed along with the 'free will defence argument' and self-originating principles.
From the Paper
"The reasoning behind why Descartes decided to try to prove the existence of God stems from his need to do so. Descartes needed to prove the existence of God in order to back up his theory of logic and reasoning and in particular his notions of 'clear and distinct ideas'. These clear and distinct ideas that Descartes has stem from his statement that if he can "perceive something very clearly and distinctly" , then he "can not but believe it to be true" . Indeed Descartes wants God "as a guarantor of the truth of any proposition that anyone...find indubitable while having it distinctly in mind" . Furthermore, Descartes is compelled to try to prove the existence of God because he is incredibly doubtful of everything around him in the exterior world. In fact Descartes' rationalism and constant doubting of his knowledge as a form of his logical reasoning leads hims to the conclusion that he cannot actually imagine an exterior world. "
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Jesus, God the Son.
This paper uses biblical sources to discuss Jesus, God the Son.
2,925 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, as the Second Adam, Jesus re-enacted the scene in the Garden of Eden and reversed the choice of the First Adam through perfect obedience to God, the Father, who came into the world without the curse of sin, which has passed from Adam down to the last mortal, by being conceived of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Divine Trinity and born of a virgin, Mary of Nazareth. The author points out that Jesus speaks of God, the Father, as His Father in a most distinct way. God is the Father of others in that He is of the same nature as His Father, His divine sonship being clearly recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. The paper relates that every mortal is confronted with a choice to accept or reject the offer of salvation by Jesus Christ, who claims to be the Son of God and God the Son; the choice involves everlasting happiness or everlasting punishment, and it is not a mere option that can be rationalized.
From the Paper
"In the company of His first disciples, Jesus walked on the sea, calmed the storm and cast out demons (Mark 6:47-50, Mark 1:23-28, 4:35-41). After 40 days and 40 nights of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by the devil to prove that He is the Son of God by turning stones into bread and hurling Himself down from the top of a temple (Matt 4:4-6). He preached that men should come to God trustingly as little children, "for such is the kingdom of God (Mark 10:13-16)." He taught obedience to God the Father from His own example of perfect obedience, even to the point of dying on the cross (Philippians 2:8), as His part in the divine plan, for which alone He became flesh."
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