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Sociology and Religion, 2005.
A sociological study of religion in society.
1,495 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the role religion plays in society, both from a functionalist and a conflict perspective. In addition, it examines some studies that have been conducted from both perspectives. This includes classic studies done by Emile Durkheim, as well as more modern thinkers like William Julius Wilson.
Outline
Functionalist Perspective
Conflict Perspective
From the Paper
"In recent years, President George Bush has also initiated several faith-based initiatives, where religious groups are taking part in social services such as education and the rehabilitation of prisoners. To a functionalist, these faith-based initiatives showcase once more the integrative functions of religion. In his study of such organizations, William Julius Wilson (1999) found that faith-based organizations from California to Massachusetts are becoming agents of social reform. These organizations help to identify potential community leaders, who are then able to rally their flock around social and community development. These organizations also form the basis for wider, non-sectarian coalitions for social change."
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"Terror" in the Mind of God: A Study of Terrorism, 2005.
This paper studies the dangerous influence that religion has on some believers-- an influence that ignites terrorism.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
Using Mark Juergensmeyer's book "Terror in the Mind of God" as a reference, this paper examines how religion sometimes influences its believers in such an extreme way that they turn to terrorism in the name of God. The paper examines the origins of terrorism, cultures of violence and the future of terrorism.
From the Paper
"Juergensmeyer's ideas discussed in the book go against what most criminological theories of crime causation tell us. Rational Choice theory, which is the theory used almost exclusively in today's criminal justice field, believes that criminals choose to commit crime by weighing the potential benefits versus the potential risks. (Siegal, 107). This assumption that offenders make a rational informed decision affects crime prevention strategies (Siegal, 129). The religious terrorist, however, is in a cosmic frame of mind where moral religious values override any sense of legal right or wrong."
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Religion as a Determinant in Fertility, 2007.
A look at how religion affects birth and fertility in married or paired women throughout the world, with a focus on Austria, India and Canada.
4,777 words (approx. 19.1 pages), 16 sources, MLA, $ 122.95
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Abstract
This paper proposes a study with the hypothesis that religion accounts for, in large part, the number of children born to a woman. It looks at how most studies have found that women's fertility rate is determined by religion and other variants, sometimes equally, such as cultural, socioeconomic, age at time of birth, education, income and urban or rural position.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Socioeconomic Factors on Fertility Rate, Compared to Religion
Religion as a Factor in Fertility Rates Among Hindus and Muslims
Rural and Urban Effects on Fertility
Fertility Decisions and Desires in Bangladesh
Effect of Religion through Fertility Norms and Possibility of Dissolution
The Relationship Between Religion And Fertility: Evidence From Austria
The Religious Denomination Factor in Fertility in Canada
Results of the Multivariate Analysis
Discussion
Summary and Suggestions
Hypothesis
Data
Analysis of the Data
Discussion
Summary and suggestions
From the Paper
"After economic standing, a study by Lutz attempts to account for the effects of culture and religion on fertility rates. This study tries to assess the effects of culture and religion on fertility after accounting for a country's socioeconomic standing. Estimates for covariance models are analyzed for 128 countries between 1950 and 1975. The gross reproduction rate is the dependent variable and independent variables are infant mortality rates, aggregate standing of female education and gross domestic product per person. Categorical variables for religion and cultural region are taken into account as well. Surprisingly, even though socioeconomic standing is higher, European countries have lower fertility rates than Arab countries. Culture and religion have a measurable effect on fertility and in Arab countries it is positive. "
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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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Man and Religion, 2007.
This paper explores the relationship of man and religion by examining the three religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
1,305 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, throughout the history of mankind, religion has played a vital role. The author points out that humans naturally find a supreme being to worship in answer to questions about how the world began, where the world is going, what is his or her purpose on earth, what does life mean and what will happen to him or her after death. The paper relates that, although these religions do have differences, the three religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity believe in only one God and the importance of living a life that would be pleasing to this God. The author concludes that the role of mankind in religion is to seek God and to worship and obey.
Table of Contents:
The Roles of Man in Religion
Why Does Mankind Need Religion
Role of Man in the Islamic Faith
The Role of Man in Judaism
The Role of Man in Christianity
From the Paper
"Comparing Judaism to the Islamic faith will show that they both believe in only one God. The Jews believe they are special and that God chose them over the other nations. "Jews believe that the Jewish people are specially chosen by God." The role of man is to obey the covenant made by God to Moses and when they follow the laws of God their lives will be blessed. Judaism is one of the religions that date back through early history. One of the benefits of following this faith is the ability to have a personal relationship with God. ... The Jews continue to believe that God is alive and continues to affect what happens in the world."
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Durkheim, Marx, and Weber on Religion, 2004.
This paper compares the differing theories of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber on religion, which demonstrates that religion is an esoteric concept enhanced or modified by personal experiences.
960 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that Durkheim believed religion, originating from the society or the needs of the society rather than from the human mind, is essentially a moral force that determines and codifies what is good and bad for a society. The author points out Karl Marx's statement that "religion is the opium of the common people" and his opinion that it is not a necessary factor in the development of the society. The paper states that Max Weber's views on religion are more sociological than an analysis of religion itself; however, he acknowledged that religion has a strong social effect that helps in the development of the society.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Analysis
Comparison
From the Paper
"Marx on the other hand did not believe that religion was a necessary force. While he did not negate the view the religion had a unifying quality, he believed that religion was a force that unified people only to exploit them. In his views, religion deepened the social division between the rich and the poor by enforcing deviant interpretation of morality on the public. He believed that the economic forces in a society are far more powerful than the religious forces of a society because religion is in turn dependent on the economic status of the society. Marx believed that religion is just an illusion that ensured that the society operated in a manner that was beneficial to the society."
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Religion and Magic, 1992.
A look at religion and magic in Hinduism and Buddhism, including the role of magic in development of religion and a comparison of two religions' use of magic.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, $ 63.95
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From the Paper
"This study will define and compare religion and magic, and will apply relevant findings to Hinduism and Buddhism. Malinowski, in Magic, Science, and Religion, writes that "It is in (the) distinction between direct control on the one hand and propitiation of superior powers on the other that Sir James Frazier sees the difference between religion and magic. Magic, based on man's confidence that he can dominate nature directly, if only he knows the laws which govern it magically, is in this akin to science. Religion, the confession of human impotence in certain matters, lifts man above the magical level, and later on maintains its independence side by side with science, to which magic has to succumb" (Malinowski, 1954, p. 19).
Noss and Noss, in Man's Religions, agree with Malinowski with respect to the basic difference between magic and religion..."
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William Blake's Concept of Religion, 2005.
An analysis of the work of William Blake, focusing on the comparison between two of his poems All Religions are One" and "There is No Natural Religion".
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This essay analyses two poems by William Blake: "All Religions are One" and "There is No Natural Religion". According to the paper, the texts clearly show Blake's opinion on religious situation in England during 18th century and his views on religious institutions, critique of reason and humanity. Both texts are recognized as writings in which Blake laid out his basic ideas developed in later works.
From the Paper
"There is no doubt that William Blake was a revolutionary. Blake was a peculiar figure in the history of not only England but also whole Europe. In the first place, however, Blake was an artist and he valued art over everything else. But, even though he lived in the world of arts, he was certainly not an apolitical figure. On the contrary, Blake was a committed radical - a fact that is demonstrated throughout his artistic output. His writings are concerned with the broad range of social, political and religious problems of the turbulent times he lived in."
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History and Psychology of Religion, 2002.
An analysis of the ethics of organized religion and how religions communicate between each other.
916 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces and discusses the book "Prayer, A Study in the History and Psychology of Religion" by Friedrich Heiler. Specifically, it compares the book with newer works, and discusses the similarities and differences.
From the Paper
"Heiler measures men and women's dedication to religion by their ability to pray, even leaders of world religions. He feels that if one is to write a history of religion, one must, by design, write a history of prayer, which he has done in his text. Of course, there are many who disagree with this thesis, and have written their own versions of the history and psychology of religion. One such text, published in 1998, is "Explorations in Global Ethics: Comparative Religious Ethics and Interreligious Dialogue," edited by Sumner B. Twiss, and Bruce Grelle. This text is a more scientific look at religion's history, and the two books make an interesting comparison."
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How Religion Shapes Society, 2006.
This article looks at the influence of religion on the society in the U.S.
3,015 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
The writer describes that the most amazing thing to know about how religion shapes society in the United States concerns World War II. Before then, Christians and Jews worldwide, and certainly in the United States, viewed each other with a great deal of distrust, based on a profound lack of knowledge. Through a look at religion in politics, Judaism, Christianity and prayer, among others, the writer of this paper maintains that religion is operative in American life, from the ball field to the church itself, to the halls of science and to metaphysical precincts of the new 'quantum' universe.
Outline
Ignorance of Other Religions Before WWII
Impact on U.S. Society
Theology
Political/Atheism
Impact on Judaism and Christianity
Politics and Religion as Co-equals
All Men Created Equal
Constitution
Religious Nation under All
Statistics about Religion
List of Various Religions
When did U.S. Religiosity Begin?
Founding Fathers
Popular Churches
Fundamentalism
Other Forms
Prayer in Daily Life
Issue for Politicians
Kennedy
Kerry
Schools
Excesses on Right
Excesses on Left
Religion and Economics
Religion and Media
Religion and Science
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Novak believes the discovery of each other happened on three levels. First, there was the theological level. Christians discovered how much closer they had been to their Judaic roots than most people, before World War II, had suspected. Because of that, Novak says, "Judaism can no longer be dismissed as an historical relic, a mere proto-Christianity" By the same token, Jews have discovered that Christianity is "not a one-time deviation from Judaism". Perhaps it would be easiest to say that Christians and Jews, by acquiring greater knowledge of each other fostered by the necessity of the World War II, also gained more respect for each other, and that must certainly have a positive impact on American society. While it is not the religion per se at cause, certainly religion has a profound impact, in any case, on how we conduct ourselves, at least in relation to those of the 'other' religion."
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Freud & Religion, 1989.
Examines psychoanalyst's complex attitude toward his own religion, Jewishness & religion in general. Discusses ethnic identity, anti-Semitism, natural atheism, ethics.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 7 sources, $ 71.95
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From the Paper
This study will examine Sigmund Freud's relationship with his own religion, Judaism. The study will focus on the contradictory nature of Freud's attitude toward his own Jewishness, and will consider the context of his attitude toward religion in general in terms of the light that such a general attitude might shed on his Jewishness.
Freeman writes first that Freud's Jewishness had much to do with his having discovered psychoanalysis in the first place. He quotes Ernest Jones who declared that "It is doubtful if without certain traits inherited from his Jewish ancestry Freud would have been able to accomplish the work he did. I think here of a peculiar native shrewdness, a skeptical attitude toward illusion and deception, and a determined courage that made him impervious to hostile public opinion and the contumely of his professional (...)"
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American Religion and Diversity, 2000.
A look at religion in modern America, how the environment for religion has changed and the role religion plays in daily life.
1,005 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the diversity of religions in America. It discusses problems such as the challenge of large groups to maintain a communal social focus with encountering natural differences and factions that will come from geographical and regional diversity. The methods religious groups use to retain and expand their faithful 'flocks' are looked at, and the effect of improved communications on religion is discussed also.
From the Paper
"The United States is one of the most religious countries on earth and has been for many years. Many of the people who originally came during the first years of colonization were those who held beliefs which were different from the prevailing or government-approved religions in their home countries and endured the privation and isolation of establishing new homes in a wilderness area primarily to escape religious persecution. At least in principle, the United States espouses freedom of religion, going so far as to constitutionally provide for separation of church and state, to prevent either the undue influence of religious factions into what should be unbiased legislative workings, or government influence assisting or impeding the freedom of the individual to worship as s/he pleases.
What has changed are the environment in which religion is practiced, a trend in the last few decades toward recognition of marginalized or ?other voices?, and the role that religion plays in the lives of Americans faced with increasing choices in their daily lives."
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Women and Religion, 2008.
Looks at the position of women in the various world religions based on a collection of readings from "World Religions" by editors Arvind Sharma and Katherine K. Young.
1,905 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Hindu inclusion of the feminist reform and succession translates into modern philosophical objectives common to the feminism approach; whereas, women of the Buddhist faith are often subjected to restrictions. The author points out that Jewish and Christian feminists have worked to obtain equality in the obtaining of religious education methods and tools, which has modified their restrictive traditions. The paper points out that the Islamic religion is the most oppressive religion in terms of women's rights and the feminist movement in general. Islamic women are most often treated as outsiders to the religion.
Table of Contents:
Hinduism and Buddhism's Feminist Theories and Thoughts
The Value of Confucianism and Taoism's Feminist Contributions
Judaism and Christianity
The Islamic Religion
From the Paper
"Taoism's feminist contributions to the overarching conceptual discernment of a religion in tradition lay broad for several reasons. In particular, the female has long since been accounted equally through the religious and sociological aspects of Taoism, which has caused the mirrored development of feminism outward to the inwards of basis for other derivations of religions. Gender equality has existed in Taoism since its earliest years through the non-restrictive availability and opportunity for attaining spiritual enlightenment, growth and dissection."
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The Religion of Santeria, 2005.
This paper talks about the religion of Santeria, its practices, and problems that the religion faces in today's society.
1,425 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper goes into detail regarding the religion of Santeria. It discusses different aspects of the religion, the similarities it has to other religions, and includes problems it faces in today's society.
From the Paper
"Religion, in some ways, confuses me. They all claim to be so different yet, when one takes a close look at them, they all have striking resemblances to each other. I was raised in a Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox household. Although both had some differences, anyone could see all the similarities that they possessed. All religions pick, choose, and blend from other religions and form a new version. A type of creolization if you will. Different aspects of two similar religions (Catholicism and Yoruba) were blended together to form what we now know as the worldwide religion of Santeria. In this paper I will be discussing the origins of this fascinating religion, what it entails, and a couple of the problems that people who practice the religion face."
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Eastern and Western Religions, 2002.
A comparative analysis of the main religions of the East and West and how the religions affect the cultures in which they are dominant.
3,675 words (approx. 14.7 pages), 22 sources, MLA, $ 101.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the beliefs of some of the main religions of the world. It shows how the principal distinction between Eastern and Western religions is that the former are dominated by mystical and transcendent components meant to be experienced by individuals and the latter by rational, doctrinal sets of belief meant to be shared by individuals in a community of faith. It analyzes how the major Western religions dominate European and American culture whereas those of the East, which dominate Asia and Africa, are distinguished not only as modes of worship and belief but also as features of the societies in which they are practiced. It evaluates how Eastern and Western religions are not mutually exclusive, they just overlap or converge in multiple ways.
From the Paper
"A peaceful habit of mind prepares one to enjoy material reality with an appropriate attitude, in the event material fortune disappears. In the Lama's formulation of the Four Noble Truths of sorrow as four factors of happiness, the key is to train the mind, or Sem, away from preoccupation with wealth and toward contentment. That is consistent with the noble truth about stopping the craving, and it points in the direction of the noble truth about good moral conduct. The Lama's view of education of the human psyche in compassion and generosity toward others in the context of humanity's social tendencies can be seen as a link to spiritual experience. Connection to and compassion for others may not guarantee a life without suffering; to this, Tibetan Buddhism responds that a prepared mind has taken the trouble to reflect on suffering as a natural part of Samsara, or the unending cycles of life (Lama and Cutler 140) "
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