Abstract
This essay examines the manner in which Christianity had developed and was developing at around 800 AD. Through the examination of "The Dream of The Rood" the paper attempts to explain the influence Christianity had on literature and every day life.

Tags:christ, english, old, latin, crucifixion

Abstract
The famous "Rule of St. Benedict" set the monastic stage for well over 500 years. This paper gives a discussion of the second chapter, dealing with the Abbot, examining both secondary sources as well as the original Medieval Latin.

From the Paper
"Broadly speaking, there were two types of monk as the movement evolved: the eremitical and the cenobitical. The eremitical existence can be traced back to St Anthony and a small community he governed near a mountain at Pispir around the year 270 CE. The monks dwelt as hermits, out of sight and earshot of each other, yet share communal spaces such as places of worship and sources of food. They lived independent of any single governing rule and each individual regulated himself."

Tags:abbot, benedict, medieval, monasticism, monastry, monk

Abstract
This paper explains that the FLN metamorphosed from a military force to a constructed symbolical emblem of the state and the process of nation-building, emblematic of the wider structural characteristics of Algerian 'nation-building'. The author points out that FLN's 'rise' can be characterized as a product of the extreme tactics of the French, which drove even the formerly moderate members of the MTLD into the arms of the FLN; and this brutality of French methods gave encouragement to the radical wing within the FLN. The paper relates that the 'fall' of the FLN represented a continuation of the tendency to use it as a smokescreen to hide the rivalries and machinations of political leaders, a result of structural problems within the heart of the Algerian regime, not a clash of absolutes between a popular Islam and a secular state, which caused the upheaval.

From the Paper
"Not being able to determine the direction of French politics, the FLN was least of all able to rectify its own weaknesses and divisions. Ruedy shows that the FLN had a surprisingly narrow basis of popular support. The growing determination of radical elements within the FLN, and the intensification of the conflict overall, meant that independence was only attained after much civil strife as well. The FLN punished Algerians who compromised with the French, even those who simply paid taxes. The tactics of the internal leadership after the Soummam Congress also served to distance them from the plight of the peasants within the agricultural interior."

Tags:boumediene, chadli, democracy, fundamentalism, history

Abstract
This paper examines the reasons behind the eventual creation of the Church of England by King Henry VIII. It discusses how, although problems with the Catholic Church did exist, on the whole society believed in its central teachings, participated in its operations and invested heavily, both emotionally and financially, in its future right up to and beyond the Parliament of 1529.

From the Paper
"Much of the reason why members of Parliament, who as lawyers and merchants had particular grievances with the Cardinal, allowed proceedings within the House to escalate - to the point that the Church itself was placed under the spotlight - might be sought in the satisfaction they drew from puncturing the taboo that the Church was beyond reproach. More plausibly, however, Parliament's eagerness to ridicule Wolsey stemmed from circumstances during the previous summer of 1528 when a severe outbreak of sweating illness broke out in London, claiming heavy casualties. A by-product of this epidemic was how it inadvertently contributed to shoring up the coffers of priests rather than doctors, since it led to the payment of more mortuary and probate fees. Such bitter experiences may have conceivably lingered in the mind of parliamentarians as a reason why debates were allowed to reach such venomous proportions. "

Tags:Wolsey, Henry, VIII, protestant, catholic

Abstract
Christianity began as a Jewish sect, eventually evolving into a religious tradition in its own right. This paper examines why Christianity survived and traces the development of the Christian communities, as they began, through their persecution under the Roman state, to their eventual acceptance.
Outline
Introduction
Early Christian Literature and Liturgy
Christianity in the Roman Empire
Christianity and Constantine
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Possibly the most influential figure in the process of uniting these communities was Paul of Tarsus; a Hellenized Jew, a Pharisee, and a Roman Citizen. He underwent a conversion while traveling to Damascus. After this experience, he became one of Christianity's most prolific writers and travelers, authoring letters which today make up part of canonical scripture. He famously made several journeys to non-Jewish localities to evangelize, seeing himself as the "Apostle to the Gentiles." "

Tags:edict, milan, rome, paul, matthew

Abstract
The Black Death has long been recognized as not only a terrible human tragedy but also an influential factor in the economic and social changes that occurred in medieval Europe. It looks at how the Black Death acted as a catalyst for the social and economic changes, such as the end of feudalism, increasing urbanization and the end of blind support for the Church.

From the Paper
"The aspects that had so improved the lives of the peasants was potentially economically crippling for landowners. Not only did the nobles have to pay much higher wages but their agricultural produce commanded a much lower price at market and between 1347 and 1353 aristocratic incomes fell by 20% . Attempts were made to prevent this, in France for example the 1349 Statue of Labor attempted to limit wages to pre-1348 levels but with little success. The smaller landowners and those slow to react to the changing environment were the main losers, those that were able and prepared to diversify (into animal rearing for example, which was becoming increasingly profitable due to the newly acquired higher spending power of the peasants) were not so economically misfortunate."

Tags:church, urbanisation, feudalism

Abstract
This paper discusses how the ?great quarrel? between King Henry II of England and Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, represents the most famous and well-documented church-state dispute in medieval England and how reasons for such eminence lie in its bloody and tragic end rather than in the quarrel itself. It contextualises the relationship between the medieval church and state by examining the nature of monarchial power and the religious dynamic of 12th century England. It examines the reasons for the dispute, the contemporary reaction to it and the repercussions.

From the Paper
"Before Beckets accession to Archbishop he enjoyed a great friendship with Henry. Becket's appointment thus came as a result of this acquaintance, rather than his ecclesiastical background. Indeed Beckets only clerical position - the Archdeaconry of Canterbury was of secular rather than ecclesiastical character. Furthermore, the reputation of Archdeacon's in the twelfth century was far from sound - "they were given to extortion and injustice" and Becket was reprimanded on more than one occasion . Conscious of the kings favouritism, combined with the thoroughness he attached to his jobs, it is possible that Becket set out to prove his ecclesiastical worth, having already proven his secular pedigree."

Tags:church, state, archbishop

Abstract
This paper explains that the understanding of the growing prevalence of Islamic fundamentalism is greatly hindered by the tendency of historians to fuse the reasons for its growth with its perceived 'threat', which is often defined more by the political calculations of governments than the objectives of fundamentalist movements. The author points out that this growth is the manifestation of regional politics, social and economic inequalities and reaction against political authoritarianism and that the manifestations of Islamic fundamentalist movements are differentiated by virtue of specific local political structures and the colonial experiences of the individual North African countries. The paper relates that the gulf between the government in Egypt and society is so great that it depends on Al-Azhar to create an impression of religious legitimacy; while the government attempts to respond to concerns about foreign influences in the media, it has given Al-Azhar primary role over censorship of electronic media so that the government can shift the blame if need be.

From the Paper
"Given these simultaneous - and contradictory - impulses, of extension and fragmentation, one could argue that the movement's growth is defined from Western eyes by the implicit threat perceived in its spread. With some justification, the ideas of Hassan al-Banna or Sayyid Qutb, have such a wide currency across North Africa because of their ability to be transferred to different contexts. Hostility against Western notions of the secular state or nationalization is enunciated by 'Abd al-Slam Yasin, for example. In this way, therefore, is the spread of Islamic fundamentalist movements accentuated in Western perspectives by its ideological 'threat'. And yet, in fact, such a threat materializes generally only when these ideas are mobilized to suit the political needs or objectives of the ruler."

Tags:egypt, libya, morocco, tunisia, al-azhar

Abstract
This essay examines the religious reforms implemented throughout King Akhenaten's reign of Ancient Egypt often termed the Amarna Period (c. 1360 - 1343 B.C.). It investigates how these reforms differed from the traditional religion that was practiced in Ancient Egypt at the time as well as the rationale and motives behind them. It examines the impact of these reforms and why, in the end, they were only temporary in nature, not lasting beyond Akhenaten's reign.

From the Paper
"As discussed, there were numerous religious reforms put forward by Akhenaten during his reign. However not all were successful. Indeed there were many problems with the changes Akhenaten implemented. His reforms were introduced with such force that they met with strong resistance. Despite Akhenaten's desire for there to be one god, the Aten, and his attempts to remove all other deities, the Egyptian people continued to worship the traditional gods (Ashcroft 2003, Stange 2000). Akhenaten's worship of the Aten was not as shared or supported by the Egyptian people as the Aten, as sole god, did not satisfy all of the Egyptian's religious requirements. R. David suggests the reason behind this is that "the Aten had no moral philosophy or attractive mythology which could inspire the general worshiper" (David 1993:157)."

Tags:monotheism, nefertiti, osiris, amarna, tuthmosis

Abstract
This paper debates whether the Emperor Constantine can be considered a true Christian Emperor, or whether he was a Roman Emperor who adopted aspects of Christianity. In particular, it looks at his political needs and his establishment of the Senate and other institutions at Constantinople. It also examines his supposed conversion and whether it an be considered genuine or not.

From the Paper
"The principal primary sources we have for the life of Constantine are Eusebius' Vita Constantina, the writings of Lactantius, and the various edicts which Constantine himself put forward. These sources should be looked at in the context of Christianity and the tradition of Roman historical writing. Since Christianity was a new development, the roman historical traditions were still being taught to bishops and prominent Christian writers. In this tradition the agenda of the writer was exceptionally important; the writer's opinions affected most strongly what would be written down. Eusebius is no exception. 'I would be ashamed of myself if I did not put together what I can, little though it be and poor, for the one who out of his extraordinary devotion to God honoured us all.' Eusebius describes his ultimate goal of honouring Constantine, and throughout the book he commends Constantine highly as a Christian Emperor. "

Tags:bridge, eusebius, milvian, nicaea, paganism, senate