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The Cross-Cultural & Historical Study of Religion, 1994.
Evaluation of problems of researchers & students imposing their own categories & values on religious material. Discusses types of historical & cross-cultural distortions, focus is on East-West distortions.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 9 sources, £ 62.95
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From the Paper
"The Cross-Cultural and Historical Study of Religion
Introduction
In the study of religion, even more than in other fields, a problem arises when the researcher or student imposes his or her own categories and values upon the material. What results is a distortion of the actual beliefs and practices of the religion, since the student is seeing through an inappropriate lens, or filter. Yet, since religion is so fundamentally about what is most important to us, and what we believe to be the most true of reality, it is difficult to avoid this kind of distortion.
For example, in her book, Encountering God, Diana Eck (1993) noted that most of the Christian movement still does not accept a truly pluralist perspective in regard to the world's religions. In general, the most liberal viewpoint still remains inclusivist by.."
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Religious Change from a Historical Perspective, 2005.
A paper looking at whether historians have tended to over-emphasise religious change from the 1st Century BC to the 9th Century AD.
4,950 words (approx. 19.8 pages), 31 sources, MLA, £ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper considers whether or not historians have over-emphasised religious change at the expense of continuity and how one could account for such trends in the historiography. Themes include the transformation of religion under Augustus, the emergence of Christianity, the Pagan revival, Early Medieval Religion and importantly the role of Holy Men and the Cult of Saints.
From the Paper
"Religious change is fundamentally the difference between the situation after an event and the situation before, for example the difference in the status of Christianity before and after the reign of Constantine. Constantine's conversion in 312AD is a significant moment and is an ideal point to begin assessing how historians have presented religious change and continuity. Thirteen years after his conversion, Eusebius records Constantine describing how, in the days before the battle of Milvian Bridge, he and his troops saw 'the sign of a cross in the sky and the words in hoc signo vices. [in 312]' Following a subsequent visionary dream in which he was visited by Christ, Constantine incorporated the cross onto the legions' shields and the Chi-Ro sign onto the standards. Religious change certainly occurs with Constantine, but the claim it amounted to a 'revolution which was perhaps the most audacious act ever committed by an autocrat in disregard and defiance of the majority of his subjects' is an example of how historians have overemphasised the consequences of a change, ignoring many of the continuities present. It would surely have been impossible for Constantine to impose such a 'revolution' on his subjects when only one in ten were Christian."
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Religion in the Western Civilization, 2008.
This paper looks at the role of religion in shaping the concept of western civilization.
2,776 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 58.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that historically, as well as today, religion has been an incredibly powerful aspect in society and has certainly played a major role in the development of the West. Not only does religion reflect the moral codes, and societal structures of a civilization, allowing a more in-depth study of these civilizations, but religion also shapes cultures, and impacts the development of civilizations and society as a whole. The writer discusses that religion also plays a major role when two different cultures contact each other, and by examining the resulting adaptations of the interacting cultures' beliefs and philosophies, the development, assimilation and evolution of civilizations become evident. The writer maintains that an examination of religion, as well as its development, is necessary to gain an understanding of the concept of the Western World and comprehend how is was created and what it really is. The writer concludes that religion is one of the most important historical forces, playing a role of immense significance in the development of the West.
From the Paper
"The Hebrew people have a rich and vibrant history and unlike many ancient civilizations, the Hebrew culture and civilization, for the most part, has endured the fierce challenges it has faced throughout history. Though the ancient Hebrews lived in a time where might made right, and often only the strongest, in terms of military and technological capabilities, of nations survived; their culture survived despite their lack of a powerful military or advancements in technology at the time. The reason they have survived, unlike so many other cultures and civilizations from the ancient world, is the strength of their culture and art, and especially the strength of their sacred text, The Bible."
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Women's Role in Religion, 2006.
A survey of the historical roles of women in religion.
1,750 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper contends that all through the ages, women have contributed a lot to the history of religion. The author states that the participation of women in religion has shown that women are often more devoted than men to their beliefs and faith. The paper describes how women have shown this through the ages, and explains both historical and modern roles of women in organized religious movements.
From the Paper
"The success of most religious movements is usually credited to women. It is because of the hard work and dedication that women impart to their religious movement. Inger Furseth, in her online article Sociology of Religion: Women's Role in Historic Religious and Political Movements indicate the following on how women work for religious movements and some reasons why women are active in religion."
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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, £ 31.95
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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, £ 24.95
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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, £ 45.95
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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, £ 57.95
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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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A Book Review of Donaldson's "The Shi'ite Religion", 2005.
An analysis of "The Shi'ite Religion" by Dwight Donaldson.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, £ 31.95
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Abstract
This is a book review of Dwight Donaldson's 1933 book "The Shi'ite Religion." The book provides an historical account of this sect of Islam from its birth at the beginning of Islam, and grounding during the first major civil war. The paper gives a brief account of historical, political and military evolution behind the Shi'ite religion. It also looks at its doctrines, practices and beliefs.
From the Paper
"Dwight Donaldson's early 1933 "The Shi'ite Religion" is a comprehensive account of the history of the Shi'ite religion, in its heartland in Iraq and Persia. It covers three important aspects of the history of the Shi'ite religion: its political and doctrinal chronology, detailed descriptions of practices and places within the Shi'ite world and explanations of the doctrinal belief of the Shi'ite. The latter touches on the twelve Imams, the Wakils, other important religious figures and offshoots of Shi'a Islam such as the Isma'ilis and the Baha'i."
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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, £ 23.95
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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, £ 63.95
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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, £ 50.95
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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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Science and Religion, 2008.
A discussion on the relationship between the development of science and the teachings of religion.
1,591 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, £ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the great distance between the concepts imposed by science and religion. The paper relates that, in many aspects science and religion contradict each other or differ in the answers given to historical questions. The paper further relates that the contradiction between science and religion has always existed. This brings the question of whether religion is an ally or an enemy of science. The paper hen points out that there are many kinds of science and their relation to religion is different in each case. Furthermore, there are different kinds of religions and each finds a different relation to science and its studies. The paper then goes on to discuss how much science and religion contradict or complement each other. It begins this discussion with a look at not only how religions are very different from one case to another but also how science developed differently as well in zones where one specific religion was dominant.
From the Paper
"As much as the Christian version of creation left blanks unexplained and raised questions about its authenticity, the evolution theory may be criticized as inconsistent as well. For science it seemed illogical that the man was created in one day, copying the image of a being that supposedly has no face or body, and therefore, no image to create alike. The man is too strongly related to other animals as to be completely foreign to the other species. He has to be part of a group and live by the same rules that dominate the rest of the living creatures. There has to be a link between man and animals if there are so many similarities between all of the life forms on the planet, and there is a path than can trace man's origins to the same as animals'. But this theory leaves a great hole that makes it inconsistent and brings it to question as accurate."
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Religion in Japanese Culture, 2007.
This paper discuses two major religions in Japanese culture---Shinto and Buddhism.
825 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 20.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that religion in Japan is an amalgamation of various historical influences that has evolved over the last approximate 2000 years. The paper states that the major religions are Shinto, Daoism, Buddhism and more recently Christianity. The author points out that the historical relationship between Japan's imperial symbol and the Shinto faith is causing an ongoing international disturbance in contemporary foreign relations between Japan and its war-time victims. The paper relates that Buddhism, which has been predominant in Japan's culture because of its very early association with Confucianism, was never complicated by any connection with the divinity of the Emperor; thus, for Japan's neighbors, Buddhism is largely viewed as a common cultural thread.
Table of Contents:
Overview
Shinto
Buddhism
From the Paper
"Japan's Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, has taken it upon himself to visit the Yasukuni Shinto Shrine in Japan on several occasions. Ostensibly, Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni Shrine are to pay respects to Japan's war dead, which is a fairly innocuous act in itself but because of the religious, national, and historical combination of Shinto and the Japanese state, this act is viewed as disrespectful by Japan's war-time victims. Although Shinto had been associated with the state and the imperial throne since the 4th century A.D., in 1868 Shinto was made the official religion during the Meiji Restoration and in 1869 the Yasukuni Shrine was erected."
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