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Islam, 2008.
An overview of the rise of Islam.
2,776 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 11 sources, APA, £ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a historical and philosophical review of the rise of Islam together with an overview of the core beliefs of the Islamic faith, a history of the prophet Mohammed, his conquests and the opposition Muslims have had with the papacy. The paper states that part of Islam's success may be attributed to the fervent belief and ardor followers have for the Qu'ran, the sayings of the prophet of Mohammed and their beliefs about their purpose here on earth. The paper concludes that most believers accept common tenants, and the religious doctrine outlined by the prophet Mohammed. This has led to greater unity, and is one reason the rise of Islam took the entire world by storm. The paper reviews these key concepts and arguments.
Outline:
Introduction
Mohammed (570-632)
Conquest (632-732)
Reasons for Success
Opposition to Papacy (600-1054)
Doctrine/Women and Iran
Conclusions
Religion
From the Paper
"The Muslim faith also focuses on the teachings of the Books of Allah, or the Holy Qu'ran. Other books important to the faith include the Taurah, Zaboor and Injeel. These books reflect many parts of the Old and New Testament. Muslims generally accept the existence of prophets. People believe they come to this earth to worship God and live a life that is virtuous and respectable, guided by the divine light. Further, the faith concentrates on the belief that life on this earth is one of "trial" where individuals have the opportunity to test their faith and allegiance to God . Anyone following the full doctrine of God will be rewarded in the afterlife, while those who do not follow God's doctrine are condemned to live eternally in Hell. Muslim's believe in destiny and in the divine decree or ability of God to plan life and execute life in the best way possible."
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The Catholic Mass, 2008.
A description and discussion of the significance and complexity of Catholic Mass.
845 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the ritual of the Mass and discusses how it is viewed differently between Protestants and Catholics and even amongst Catholics themselves. In particular, the paper discusses Catholic theologian Michael McGuckian's explanation of the Catholic Mass and suggests that Catholicism's unclear understanding of what McGuckian calls an "unbloody" sacrifice in the first chapter of his work proves how essential it is that greater clarity be attained regarding the definition of Mass. The paper concludes that McGuckian's explanation of the Mass in a three-part structure is both powerful and lucid. It is also inspiring, given that it counters the tendency of some Catholic authors to stress only the painful aspects of Christ's sacrifice, rather than the eternal, positive, and visionary elements of the crucifixion.
From the Paper
"One of the difficulties presented by the Mass to modern Christians is that Christians live in the absence of a concrete memory of the sacrificial system from which the Mass is derived. Thus, sacrifice can seem like a primitive concept, something from a long ago time, even while the Catholic Church teaches that the Eucharist is above all a sacrifice. It is a sacramental sacrifice, but not only a sacramental sacrifice or re-enactment of reality remembered--it is reality, in the moment and time of the Mass."
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Victorian Science and Religious Beliefs, 2008.
Examines the science and religious beliefs of Victorian society as exemplified in the period's literature by Robert Browning and Gerard Manley Hopkins.
1,240 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, even in the early 19th century, there were few ideas about a confrontation between science and religion; generally, religion and scientific study were seen to be in accordance with each other. The author points out that Darwin's evolution theory is the turning point in this relation between religion and science. Many theologians saw Darwin's theory as an open threat to Christianity; whereas, scientists began to see religion as a threat to scientific thinking and approach. The paper highlights this dilemma through the writings of Robert Browning, whose shifting religious views personified the challenges to thinkers of the era, and Gerard Manley Hopkins, who was a significant icon upholding the tenets of Christian faith and morality.
From the Paper
"Everett (2006) opines that Browning's shifting religious views personified the challenges that thinkers of the era were subject to. Although Browning approached this issue, there have been differing interpretations of his words and views. The manner of his dramatic monologue also serves to make a clear-cut verdict difficult. Such was the strength of Browning's characters and their monologues that it would often be unclear whether the beliefs presented in the monologue were his own or not."
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'Spirit of Fire': Ursula King, 2008.
A review of the book "Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin" by Ursula King, a biography of a religious and controversial figure.
977 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, APA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the work "Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin" by Ursula King. The paper summarizes the book, discussing how faith and science complement one another. The paper states that King's biography of the scholar Teilhard de Chardin illustrates how science and faith can indeed complement and support one another.
From the Paper
"Banned from discussing his theories by the Catholic Church during his career, Teilhard de Chardin did become discouraged, but he refused to stop believing science and faith could balance each other. In the late 1930s he wrote, "[G]ood is ... everything that brings a spiritual growth to the world" (King 166). Thus, he explains his ability to balance science and faith. Science, at least in his mind, brings a spiritual growth to the world by explaining how systems work and live together, and how they have evolved. Science has made broad achievements in the world, from halting illness to discovering life-changing global problems that must be solved to ensure the survival of humankind. Thus, science brings knowledge, but also brings spiritual growth, and in that, it cannot be bad."
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Qur'an and Social Order, 2008.
A look at how Islam demonstrates itself as a stronghold of social order, as a lifestyle depending on the norms and principles which are ordained divinely.
2,005 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that a socially just society, which relies upon the unity and equality of all believers, is visualized by the Quran. The author describes the ways Islamic moral and social justice offsets all kinds of oppression and exploitation. The paper stresses that, even though this social order is focused upon practical concerns that make the observance of Islam advantageous and just, problems occur when the Jihadis attempt to compulsorily extend this social order to the whole world by means of coercion.
From the Paper
"The Qur'an indicates that in Islam, no supremacy, no discrimination and no pre-eminence could be legally claimed by one over that of another other than with regard to the virtue of piety. All are alike in terms of their social status and this is completely apparent in the congregational prayers where there is no scope for designation and special advantage. All are alike in the eyes of God irrespective of being a caliph or slave. Prophet Muhammad viewed that all persons were equal similar to that of the teeth of a comb."
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The Amish, 2008.
An analysis of the culture of the Amish that is at odds with American culture and values.
1,617 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the culture and values of the Amish. It specifically focuses on their culture of community and the ways in which it is at odds with much of American life and values. The paper discusses the beliefs and religion of the Amish, their view of education and their desire for separatism from 'the English' or non-Amish. The paper concludes that the Amish have become beloved by the society they spurn.
From the Paper
"Separate, yet dwelling in the world in a practical fashion, is the hallmark of the Amish community. "As well as being modest, their clothing also separates them from the world," that is from others (Inge, 2007). The Amish do not serve in the military; because their sect is pacifist. However, they do not involve themselves in political causes like the anti-war movement, except when public matters affect the Amish community. They do not swear oaths because that would involve the community in the values of the world ("Beliefs of the Amish," 1996, Religious Tolerance.org. 1996). "They believe that the taking of photographs where someone is recognizable is forbidden by the Biblical prohibition against making any 'graven image'" ("The Amish and the plain people"1995, Pennsylvania Dutch Country). They speak their own dialect, the Pennsylvanian Dutch dialect when amongst themselves. They do not pay taxes, as they do not collect Social Security or other welfare benefits, as the Amish community takes care of its 'own.'"
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the Gospel of John, 2008.
A discussion on the Gospel of John and the work of the holy spirit.
3,528 words (approx. 14.1 pages), 10 sources, APA, £ 62.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the reading of the Gospel of John and relates what John states about the person and work of the holy spirit.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
The Persona of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit (Freedom and Sovereignty to Act)
Holy Spirit Comforts, Abides with and Dwells 'Within'
Holy Spirit Is Spirit of Truth and Spiritual Guide To All Truth
Holy Spirit Will Glorify Christ
Discussion
Promises of the Holy Spirit
From the Paper
"In the work entitled: "The work of Pentecost Continues" Wintz writes that the word person is used when speaking: "...of the persons of the Holy Trinity" and yet this is not the "exact equivalent of the word we use in referring to human persons." (2003) Wintz writes that it is helpful to think: "...of the Latin root of the word 'person', which is persona. A person, from which our English word derives, is literally an actor's mask, such as were used in ancient Greek drama. In which case the same actor would use different masks to play the roles of different characters." (2003) When this is applied to the Trinity, then one can imagine the one and only God performing three different roles."(2003) Wintz writes that these: "...are not three separate Gods, but one God in three persons." (2003) The Gospel of John is highly focused on the person of the Holy Spirit and the work of that person of God. In the work entitled: 'The Filioque: A Church-Dividing Issue? An Agreed Statement of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation" published by the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas it is stated that Jesus, "In his farewell discourse in the Gospel of John...speaks of the Holy Spirit as one who will continue his own work in the world after he has returned to the Father, He is 'The Spirit of Truth', who will act as 'another advocate (parakletos)' to teach and guide his disciples (14.16-17), reminding them all of Jesus himself has taught (14.26)." (Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, nd) This document relates that in this part of the Gospel Jesus provides more clarity of the "sense of the relationship between this 'advocate,' himself and his Father."
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Private Confessions, 2008.
This paper studies the book 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' by James Hogg.
963 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the foundations of 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' written by James Hogg is clearly a series of contests of character, of which the narrator appallingly fails through his allowance of piety and the doctrine of predestination to guide his decisions and justify his sins. The writer notes that from the beginning the youth allows himself to lie, cheat and possibly steal to get his way, overcome the truth telling servant and overtake the student who is above him in knowledge and ability. Even though he agonizes over his deeds, he still naively believes that all is forgiven because he has been preordained to be among the good rather than the evil, secondary even to his dubious birth. The writer maintains that his character is duplicitous, as on the one hand he wishes to do good and on the other, believes that if he gets ahead it is justified, as he is a chosen soul.
From the Paper
"The narrator is answered with his recently acquired friend, a mirror of sorts who justifies the thoughts and actions of the other through knowing and agreeing with everything he says. There are clear indications that this clone of the narrator is actually the devil, attempting to bar him from prayer and logical thought and feed the violence he has unwittingly conjured up as the answer to all ills in the world.
"The narrator is led to horrific acts including murder, for which he has no memory, but is the most likely culprit, having been led down the garden path by the devil to act upon the idea of predestination."
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Winning the 'War on Terrorism', 2008.
A synopsis of the article "Winning the "War on Terrorism"; The Need for a Fundamentally Different Strategy" by Anthony B. Cordesman.
827 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, APA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the article "Winning the "War on Terrorism"; The Need for a Fundamentally Different Strategy" that is a detailed analysis of the counterproductive nature of the current state of international counter-terrorism. The paper explains Cordesman's assertion that the struggle against terrorism is not military or secular, but is a war that must be fought from within Islam at an ideological level. The paper notes that this work is limited since it presents logical findings of just one expert on the subject.
From the Paper
"Cordesman's article is a detailed analysis of the counterproductive nature of the current state of international counterterrorism. The work stresses that the current aggressive actions of the West coupled with the inaction of the Middle East create a counterproductive strategy that intensifies terrorism, rather than reducing it. The first point made by Cordesman is that the West identifies terrorism as a global situation, while in reality there are several smaller regional situations, that have little international effect and that any kind of terrorism that can be correctly labeled as global, in its effect is that that is spurned on by Islamist extremism, which he even more specifically identifies as neo-Salafi Sunni Islamist extremism."
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Islam, 2008.
An overview of the cultural and societal patterns of the Islamic world.
1,098 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
The paper presents a brief overview and generalization of the Islamic culture, society, way of life and approaches to healthcare. The paper concludes that having a fundamental understanding of the similarities and differences between Islam and other religions will allow for better communication, understanding and acceptance between the different religions of the world.
From the Paper
"Islamic law permits abortion when a mother's health is in imminent danger or if the mother stops lactating for another child during the first 120 days of gestation. Rape is also another reason for having an abortion. Birth control is permissible if the prescribed method has no adverse effect on the health of either spouse and does not lead to permanent sterilization."
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Hinduism/Christianity, 2008.
A study of the basic differences in the Hindu and Christian beliefs.
1,110 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the Gospel of Christ to Hinduism. The paper explores the differences between the two faiths and relays the basic tenets of the Christian faith to the reader to convert someone to Christ from the Hindu faith.
Outline:
Introduction
Christianity
Hindu
Bringing a Hindu to Christ
Response to Hinduism
From the Paper
"For one to understand the wonder and awe of the Christian faith, one should have a basic understanding of the doctrine surrounding the faith itself. The Christian beliefs include knowing that any person, who believes that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of all mankind and accepts Jesus as his or her personal savior, will be accepted into the kingdom of God. Jesus is believed by Christians to be the son of God and God as well as part of the Holy Trinity, which includes the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit(Study of Basic Christian. "
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The Vodou, 2008.
A review of "Vodou", which is is based on West African religions founded within specific areas regional to East Africa.
1,317 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of the Vodou religion and attempts to shed some light on how Vodou and Catholicism co-exists within the context of Haiti, and how many of the saints within Catholicism in Haiti have remnants of Vodou religion.
From the Paper
"There are tangible differences between Vodou and Catholicism, which would suggest that they are unrelated. While the Catholic church receives funding from the Vatican, the vodou were forced to hold secret meetings and keep their rituals a closely guarded event. Vodou culture does not dictate the status of priesthood, nor require external communication mechanism to talk to the spirits. Rather, within Vodou culture, each and every believer can be a channel into the spirit world. The reason that Vodou and Catholicism has clashed so much since the 16th century was that religion was the primary method for cultural assimilation. The catholic church which was endorsed as the official religion of Haiti by the ruling political party, was supported financially by the upper ruling class at any given time in Haiti's history. The ruling classes had a majority of white colonialists which were closely associated with the Catholic church. Vodou on the other hand was followed mostly by the lower classes who lacked financial resources and political/social power and were suppressed in many different forms."
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Nawal Saadawi's "Woman at Point Zero", 2008.
Looks at the theme of female degradation in Egyptian novelist Nawal Saadawi's "Woman at Point Zero" (1998) and its broader feminist and cultural implications.
2,080 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, throughout the world today, in different ways and for different reasons, fiction, film, politics, the Internet and the mass media have taken a dim view of the particularly inhumane treatment of many Muslim women within southern areas, such as the Africa, where Islam is practiced. The paper then points out that the Egyptian woman novelist Nawal El Saadawi, who is also a physician and a feminist, has written many fictional and non-fictional works about women's unequal treatment by men in Islamic societies. "Woman at Point Zero" (1998 and first published in 1975 ) is a stark, disturbing and poignant novel. The paper relates the plot of Saadawi's story about the protagonist Firdaus, an Egyptian-born perpetually abused woman, who out of desperation becomes a prostitute and murders a pimp.
From the Paper
"Moreover, Firdaus herself is neither an evil person nor a hardened criminal (or a criminal at all, except in the sense of having also been driven by desperation into being a prostitute); Firdaus is simply a chronically abused, rejected, degraded and humiliated 20th century Muslim woman in Egypt who arrives at "Ground Zero" on one especially unfortunate day. Within this story, Firdaus's degrading experiences both exemplify and underscore the degradation of Muslim women like herself generally, whose repressive and cruel societies under male-dominated fundamentalist Islam make it impossible for such women to catch a break in life."
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Orthodox Christianity and Universalism Compared, 2008.
A comparison and contrast of the beliefs of the Unitarian and Universalist Church and philosophies with the Orthodox Faith.
2,110 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the Unitarian and Universalist Church and philosophies with the Orthodox Faith. It incorporates an interview with subject "Suzy," a member of the Unitarian church at Foothills Unitarian Church. The paper discusses the primary differences between the religions and also looks at the beliefs about humanity, justice, equality and spirituality that they share.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Unitarian Religion Overview: The Interview
Comparison and Contrast Of Unitarian With Orthodox Faith
Interpretations of Self
Analysis/Conclusions
From the Paper
"Despite these differences, it is important to note that while on the surface there are many differences, the Universalist faith shares with the Orthodox many of the same principles regarding what is "right" when it comes to our relationships with other human beings. Each church and members of the church are brought to believe they have an obligation to treat their peers and other members of the world with respect, grace and dignity. Each is taught not to judge others, but to welcome others for who they are. It is true however, that a Unitarian has more freedoms than someone would as a member of the Orthodox faith. A Unitarian would look to others and define who they are by their interactions with others and recognize that their purpose is somehow intermingled with their relationships with those around them and with their self. There is much less emphasis in the Universalist church on God and actions directed by God than there is in the Orthodox faith, whether one practices Greek, Russian or other forms of Orthodoxy common to society today."
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