Abstract
In this paper, the writer discusses that the character Mary Magdalene provides the key link to dualistic roles of sensuality and spirituality in Martin Scorcese's "The Last Temptation of Christ". The writer points out that throughout the film Scorcese constructs Mary's character as a symbol of earthly desire and the inner workings of spirituality that unite man with God. The writer discusses that by advocating the realities of Christ's desire for Mary, the film portrays her as a woman that has seen the horrors of sexual sublimation, but it is tempered through Christ's equally excessive spirituality.

Tags:temptation

Abstract
This paper examines the dualistic roles of spirituality and sensuality for Mary Magdalene in the film "The Last Temptation of Christ," by Martin Scorcese. It shows how the central role of Mary Magdalene provides a realistic balance of spiritual and sensual in the male characters of this film, uniting the human and divine elements within the male characters of Scorcese's controversial film.

From the Paper
"In conclusion, the character Mary Magdalene provides the key link to dualistic roles of sensuality and spirituality in Martin Scorcese's The Last Temptation of Christ. Throughout the film Scorcese constructs Mary's character as a symbol of earthly desire and the inner workings of spirituality that unite man with God. By advocating the realities of Christ's desire for Mary, the film portrays her as a woman that has seen the horrors of sexual sublimation, but it is tempered through Christ's equally excessive spirituality. This is the unity between man and woman that is made possible by Mary's major role in the film as the balance between heaven and Earth. This is how Mary represents the balance of Sensuality and spirituality within the last Temptation of Christ by martin Scorcese."

Tags:spirituality, sensuality, characters, temptation

Abstract
This paper discusses how the temptation of Christ is a complete story with an introduction, three trials and an ending. It looks at how, even though temptation is a short passage, it has many layers that can be revealed upon analysis. By comparing and contrasting texts regarding the temptation, we can gain a better understanding of the spiritual and literal meanings behind the text. This paper serves as an analysis of "Matthew 4: 1-11" in light of the other instances of the temptation in other texts. It supports the thesis that the temptation serves as a means to authenticate Jesus for the rest of the stories found in the Gospels.

Outline:
Writers and Structure
Symbolism
The Challenge

From the Paper
"In the version found in Luke, Satan presents a vision of the Kingdoms of the world. This detail is left out in the Matthew version and the reader assumes that it is the physical length as far as the eye can see. In Luke we find that Satan has offered so much more. We also find in the Luke version that Satan claims to have been given the kingdoms of the earth. However, he never tells from whom he acquired them. We do not know if Satan is lying at this point, or if this is another expression of the supremacy of heaven, the Kingdom of God, over the physical kingdom, the Kingdom of man. One might also note that Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms (plural) rather than the Kingdom (Singular). This implies divided nations full of strife and conflict, rather than a unified nation living in harmony . This is an important detail in understanding the state of the world at the time. "

Tags:matthew, luke, satan, god

Abstract
This paper discusses the furor surrounding the release of the film and novel "The Last Temptation of Christ" and points to a strange complicity between the sacred and taboo. The paper shows how novels and movies with a religious theme often create their own marketing by the controversy that surrounds their release. The writer also explores the issue of spirituality and religion in literature in general.

From the Paper
"The public reception of controversial works, specifically those deemed blasphemous or heretical, is paradoxical because the very works that attract such criticism and censure are often deeply religious. In the case of Nikos Kazantzakis 1955 novel, The Last Temptation of Christ, and the subsequent film adaptation directed by Martin Scorsese, the allegedly blasphemous work illustrated the contradictory, but true, nature of the public reception of controversial works. Scorsese's film invited criticism for representing Jesus as a struggling man in essence, as a human. The film explores Christ's humanity as well as his divinity, and in doing so illustrates his final infallibility."

Tags:film, jesus, kazantsakis, scorcese

Abstract
In this paper, the author reviews the life of Jesus as laid out in the Bible and compares it the character of Jesus in the movie, "The Last Temptation of Christ". The paper shows that the differences in the movie from the Bible are intriguing and they force a person of any religion, but especially Christianity, to rethink their beliefs and question their faith. The paper shows how Jesus in the movie is portrayed as an ordinary man, able to sin, while Jesus of the Bible is considered pure and incapable of sin.

From the Paper
"Christianity began with one man, Jesus of Nazareth, between 4 B.C.E. and 29 A.D. Since the time of Jesus, his story has been spread by the dedication of passionate believers, making Christianity one of the dominant world religions. Today, the Christian faith accounts for approximately 34% of people in the world and an overwhelming 86% in the United States. The Last Temptation of Christ serves two purposes in regards to followers of Christ. First, on the surface, it gives an account of Jesus' life. Secondly, it's most significant purpose is to challenge Christians to take a good look at their beliefs, and question the validity of the very foundations on which they build their lives. This second purpose is most clearly portrayed in a scene between Jesus and Paul, and its meaning can be applied not only to Christians but also to people of all religions and personal beliefs."

Tags:evil, god, paul, satan, Mary

Abstract
This book review strongly recommends Thomas Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" and claims that it is a life-changing book for Christian readers. The paper summarizes the book and discusses some of the issues it addresses, such as self-assessment, resisting temptation and the willingness to change. The author concludes by stating that the book helped him to become more self-reflective and aware of the changes that need to be made in his life.

Table of Contents:
The Benefits of Reading "The Imitation of Christ"
The Importance of Self-Assessment
Resisting Temptation and the Willingness to Change
Personal Relationship to Christ
Putting God First and the Willingness to Change

From the Paper
"Throughout Kempis's meditations, the focus is on self-reflection and being willing to make changes when needed. The third book of Kempis's writings is different in that the disciple speaks and then the voice of Christ. One of the stories in the Old Testament is about Samuel hearing the voice of God. He is told to ask the Lord to speak to him. The second chapter in the III Book says, "Speak, therefore, Lord, for your servant listens. 'Thou hast the words of eternal life. Speak to me for the comfort of my soul and for the amendment of my life" (Kempis IIIii para. 7). When I read this, I asked myself if I was willing to listen. Am I willing to hear his voice? Sometimes we are so busy that we fail to hear his voice."

Tags:Christ, Christianity, devotions, meditations, self-assessment, humility, temptation, change, self-reflection

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."

Tags:adam, bible, brainwash, catholic, catholicism, christ, christian, christianity, damn, damnation, eve, genesis, infallible, jesus, pope, religion, satan, satire, serpent, tempt

Abstract
This paper analyzes Christina Rossetti's most famous work, the poem "Goblin Market." The writer discusses the major themes in the poem, such as the conflict between good and evil, and the confrontation of innocence by temptation. Many of the religious references in the poem are explained, such as the parallels drawn between Lizzie and Christ and Laura and Eve. Christina Rossetti was a devout Anglo-Catholic influenced by the Oxford movement and her religious values clearly impacted the language and moral of the poem.

From the Paper
"In "Goblin Market" there is a great deal of emphasis on good and bad between Laura and Lizzie and the two sisters and the goblin men. The poem illustrates a paradox between purity and temptation. There are a great deal of religious references in the poem. There are several references to Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden as well as references towards Christ and his sacrifice for others' salvation. The sisterly love in the text is emotional and heart warming. The story of the bond between the two sisters was very touching. Christina Rossetti came from a very religious background. Rossetti's background is considerably relevant to "Goblin Market." "Goblin Market" is notably Christina Rossetti's best piece of literature and is studied by people everywhere."

Tags:antidote Pre-Raphaelite Victorian, forbidden fruit, symbolic bond sin Satan

Abstract
This paper examines the temptations of Jesus in the desert, as described by the gospels and how it can be viewed from the human and divine perspective. Furthermore the paper discusses how it can be an inspiration for Christians to withstand temptation in the way that Christ did and how the temptations can also be seen within the context of the world in which it was written, as well as from the perspective of Christianity today.

From the Paper
"The imagery of the desert is interpreted in several ways (1). It could for example signify loneliness, remoteness, or a place where devils reside. In the context of Christ's ministry, the desert was usually where Jesus went to be alone and to pray. It is then here that Satan brought three temptations to Christ. These addressed three particular areas of human and spiritual life. Satan focused on the weakness of Christ's human nature, while Jesus on the other hand used the inner spiritual strength given by God to overcome the temptations."

Tags:Christianty, religion, Divine

Abstract
This paper gives the author's personal impressions of a stained glass window depicting the life of Christ. The window, located at the Riverside Church in New York, is described and reflected upon by the author.

From the Paper
"The stained glass window that I saw was one of Christ as an adult showing images like the story on a child's picture book. The bright colored lights that seemed to glow out of the sun into the vast dark stone structure. I loved those vivid images that showed facial expressions in such detail and accuracy. The path of the images that made a story was structured rather like an inverted ?U?. The middle of the arch showed the images of Christ and his disciples perhaps The Last Supper. I could not give all the information in accurate detail because there were some images that I thought more striking to me than the others. "

Tags:chirst, christ, church, glass, life, new, parables, people, riverside, stained, temptation, window, york