Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses how the mystery religions influenced the religion of Christianity. The writer explores a number of the ancient mystery religions. The secret rituals of these mystery religions as well as their similarities are discussed. Most importantly, the writer examines the impact of these religions on Christianity and discusses why they are no longer practiced.

From the Paper
"By the end of the first century small communities of Christians could be found in many of places in the Greco-Roman world. According to Jeffrey Sheler, writing for U.S. News World Report as the movement expanded during the second and third centuries, it proved to be anything but simple to deliver a consistent message. The early Christian church was torn by persecution and internal division as Christians struggled to understand and apply the meaning of Jesus' life, death and resurrection in the religious ... "

Tags:mystery religions and their impact on Christianity, historical context, Isis

Abstract
the paper addresses three important points; specifically, religions are not cults because they are (in the main) not coercive or totalitarian; religions are not cults because they do not rely upon charismatic leaders who are granted inviolable power; and religions differ from cults in the sense that mainstream religions want more followers whilst cults establish an us-versus-them mentality that is impossible to ignore.

From the Paper
"There is a burning question in our present, secular society that demands to be answered: are religions really cults? The answer is that they are not. With that response firmly in mind, the paper will outline why religions are not cults by bringing up three important points; specifically, religions are not cults because they are (in the main) not coercive or totalitarian; religions are not cults because they do not rely upon charismatic leaders who are granted inviolable power; and religions differ from cults in the sense that mainstream religions want more followers whilst cults establish an us-versus-them mentality that is..."

Tags:religions, cults, not

Abstract
The author explains how recent world events have highlighted the plight of women in several given societies with many atrocities still occurring against women in the name of religion. He contends that while some religions embrace the contributions of women, others completely ignore or forbid it. In some religions, women are encouraged to participate fully in the activities of the church, in others; women are not even allowed to enter places of worship. In addition, the social treatment of women differs according to the religion embraced by each particular society. While women are regarded as equals to men within some religious cultures, other cultures view the woman as little more than a slave and piece of property. To depict the realities of the statements made above, two religions and the way each regards and treats women are covered in this paper: Hinduism and Sikhism. Toward this end, the basic tenants and beliefs of each of these religions is provided.

From the Paper
"The Hindu religion has developed over the last four thousand years, and lacks the organizational hierarchy found in many other religions. Unlike Western religions, Hinduism is a mixture of many beliefs and aspects, including that of magic, nature worship, animal veneration, and an unlimited number of deities and idols. In other words, the Hindu's find religion in almost everything, such as places like the Himalayan where they believe the God's live. The basic tenants of the religion hold that, "the multiplicity of gods and goddesses in its pantheon as manifestations of the one divine spirit, Braham" (Smart 70). According to Hindu's, Braham is the "ultimate level of reality, a philosophical absolute, serenely blissful, beyond all ethical or metaphysical limitations" (Kussman and Jain, 83). In Hinduism, the basic view of God is one of "infinite being, infinite consciousness and infinite bliss" (83). Another important aspect of the Hindu religion is that of rituals. In Hinduism, these rituals include such activities as the lighting of incense, bathing, eating, and marriage ceremonies, all of which are meant to show that God is in everything (Smart 71)"

Tags:religion, equality, god, liberal, prayer, service, participation, practice, honor, tradition

Abstract
Susan Starr Sered, in the chapter "Misfortune, Suffering, and Healing" from her book Priestess Mother Sacred Sister (New York: Oxford University Press, 1994, pp.103-118), reflects upon the significance of the correlation between women's religions through history and paradigms of suffering and healing. This paper will compare and contrast Sered's arguments in this chapter with Nancy Jay's "Sacrifice as a Remedy for Having Been Born of Woman" and Helene Foley's "A Question of Origins: Goddess Cults Greek and Modern". As this essay will argue, while the explanation of suffering and the representation of healing solutions are hardly unique to women's religions, the prominence of these common features in very distinct women's religions throughout time is indicative of the importance of social dynamics in shaping women's belief systems.

From the Paper
Gender and Women's Religions in the Work of Susan Starr Sered Susan Starr Sered, in the chapter "Misfortune, Suffering, and Healing" from her book Priestess Mother Sacred Sister (New York: Oxford University Press, 1994, pp.103-118), reflects upon the significance of the correlation between women's religions through history and paradigms of suffering and healing. This paper will compare and contrast Sered's arguments in this chapter with Nancy Jay's "Sacrifice as a Remedy for Having Been Born of Woman" and Helene Foley's "A Question of Origins: Goddess Cults Greek and Modern". As this essay will argue, while the

Tags:gender, religion, social

Abstract
This paper looks briefly at several ancient religions and the impacts they have had on the societies that practiced those religions. The paper looks specifically at Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and at the issues of murder, divorce and taking care of the sick and poor.

From the Paper
"Built into most religious traditions is some sort of ethical code of conduct or series of laws. When these religions become state religions or otherwise become a central part of the mainstream culture of a particular country, those religious ethics can then become part of the political system, and eventually codified into law. These laws related to the most important aspects of human social life, including marriage and divorce, murder, taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves, among many other things. Some religious traditions were more complex than others, detailing more expectations of conduct and regulating more areas of life. This has happened in many areas of the world with many religious traditions, but some of the most influential on political systems have been Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. "

Tags:ancient, religion, laws

Abstract
This paper examines the archaeological, anthropological and historical context of the emergence of religion. The author points out commonalities in these religions, ancient and most modern. The paper looks at the differs regarding the issues they address and the human needs they satisfy.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this research is to examine religions of the world from the ancient period to the present day. The research will set forth the archaeological, anthropological and historical context out of which the origins of religion emerged and then discuss ..."

Tags:Monotheism, Polytheism, World, Religion, Comparative, Religion

Abstract
This paper begins with a look at the different African religions and their practices. It continues on to discuss some of the many functions of the religion, such as various divinity beliefs and also how language comes into play. The paper concludes with a discussion on how religion affects societal structures in a tribe and how it helps order each tribe.

From the Paper
"Divination sometimes depends on external events, which are interpreted by diviners. For example, Mali Dogon elders carve squares purposefully in the fields outside of their village and visually interpret the tracks left by foxes (Pemberton 2009). Among the Baule and Guro of Cote d'Ivoire and also in Camaroon, the movements of mice and spiders are perceived of as meaningful in the divination practice (Pemberton 2009). The surface of water presents a glassy mirror that also offers diviners visual cues used for divination. Even the chance events of the natural world offer aesthetically meaningful codes. Divination codes are both "metaphoric" and "symbolic," key features of any art (Peek p. 4)."

Tags:africa, religion, beliefs

Abstract
This paper discusses African and Native-American religions and the student's opinion of the textbook, "Introduction to World Religion".

From the Paper
"African and Native American religions have both similarities and differences between themselves. African religiosity acknowledges the reality of God but does not define God. If anything, it confesses that God is unknowable. God, however, is viewed as Creator of everything and the Africans believe that there is only one God, so African religions are monotheistic. There is also a belief in spiritual beings such as nature, spirits that are personifications of heavenly or earthly objects, and phenomena such as the..."

Tags:African religion, Native American Religion, Christianity

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) "

Tags:judaism, christianity, buddhism, hinduism, islam

Abstract
In this article, the writer looks first at Judaism, an official religion and studies its historical beginnings. The writer outlines its fundamental beliefs, rites and rituals and scriptures. The writer then takes a look at Rastafarianism, a non-official religion, and examines its beginnings, beliefs, rites and rituals and sacred writings. In addition, the main areas of the world where these religions were developed and are mainly practiced today are highlighted. In the end, the differences between these two religions are understood. The writer concludes that the parallels found between official and non-official religions prove that they have more in common than they appear.

From the Paper
"After a long journey, which crossed the Red Sea, the Jews arrived in the area of Mount Sinai. Yahweh appeared again to Moses, and was given the Ten Commandments, or laws that the Jews must obey in order for the covenant to be fulfilled. In return for their obedience and sole worship of Yahweh, the Jews were promised land and a blessing. This event shaped Judaism forever. The idea of covenant is central to the Jewish belief system, and the laws given in the Commandments are still observed throughout the world by Jews today. This brief history of the Jewish faith, from its beginnings with Abraham through to the Exodus with Moses is important to understand before studying the beliefs, rites and rituals and the holy text of the Jews.
"The Jews believe in one God, meaning that they are monotheistic. Jews throughout the world believe in strong obedience in God as a means for eternal blessing and salvation. Jews worship in their holy house, the Synagogue and study their holy scripture, the Torah. "

Tags:Jews, God, Torah, Marcus, Garvey