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Algeria: From Independence to Civil War, 2008.
This paper argues that Algeria's war for independence (1954) ultimately led to its civil war (1990s).
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the Algerian civil war that began in 1991 and extended until 2002 with the defeat of various Islamic fundamentalist groups by the secular government and its forces. The paper argues that the roots of the civil war in the 1990s can be found in the country's war of independence from the French that began in the mid 1950s and ended in 1962. The paper concludes by showing how all the conditions that led to the civil war's outbreak in the early 1990s are still present today.
From the Paper
"As so much of international conflict throughout history, the political, social, and economic instability that led to civil war in Algeria during the early 1990s has its roots both in its colonial past as well as in its struggle for independence. Algeria gained its independence from France in 1962 but this independence is estimated to have cost the country more than 300k killed while other estimates have placed the number much higher at more than 1m individuals killed due to its armed struggle against France. France struggled mightily to retain its Algerian colony even in the face of increasingly national and global trends for colonial powers to relinquish control of former colonies. Much of the instability that manifested itself during the late 1980s and early 1990s that led to civil war can be traced to the war for independence against the French which actually lasted over a period of 8 years."
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Theories of the Functions of the Pyramid Texts, 2008.
A description and evaluation of the Pyramid Texts.
2,054 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper evaluates the functions of the Pyramid Texts that are based on the contrast between Western linear logic,and "the magico-religious mentality" of Ancient Egyptian culture. The paper also discusses the different functions of the Pyramid Texts Pyramid Texts and concludes that its main function was to solemnize the funeral and burial with the appurtenances necessary for the ascension of "coming forth by day", a construction of "The Book of the Dead" uniquely suited to the alchemic minds of the Ancient Egyptians who synthesized life's polarities in a way not available to our Western thought.
From the Paper
"The Ancient Egyptian conception of reality was cyclical and grounded in the unique agricultural environment of Egypt. "Its inhabitants depended on a large degree on the fulfillment of natural cycles. " "Every day, they observed the unchanging cycle of the sun's passage: each night it died but was reborn on the horizon at dawn and continued its celestial course throughout the day, creating and sustaining life on earth. Similarly, in the annual cycle of the seasons, they saw the regular death and destruction of the vegetation, due to the parching of the land, which in turn was followed by the inundation of the River Nile, which revived and restored the plants and the crops. Both these great life-forces, the sun and the river, followed patterns of life, death and rebirth which probably inspired in the Egyptians a very early belief that individual human existence reflected these natural cycles" . "The rising and setting of the sun, the phases of the moon, the motions of the stars ('always visible from Egypt'), the annual flooding of the Nile...were perceived as manifestations of potent creative sources" and a continual process of growth, death, and rebirth" . Poised on the edge of Africa between the mutable, ever shifting sands of the desert and the fluctuating barrier of the ocean, life was seen as a series of constantly changing forms of existence dependably reoccurring and transposing into one another. "Death...was regarded not as an end, but merely as a further change...leading forward to another type of existence" .
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Religion and Gender Inequality, 2008.
An analysis of the role of religion in gender discrimination, especially in Canada.
2,342 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the role of organized religion in ideas and practices regarding the social construction of gender. The writer believes that the three religions in the Judeo-Christian tradition, i.e. Judaism, Islam and Christianity, have helped to sustain deeply sexist cultures. The writer argues that these religions are so deeply patriarchal that reform along feminist lines is simply not possible. The writer also points out that the primary religion affecting state decisions in Canada is Christianity, although there are also many Canadian women who are kept subjugated by Islam and Judaism. In conclusion, the writer suggests that the key is to move our society as far away as possible from religious dogma of all kinds. Feminists in Canada must therefore strive to increase the separation of church and state in this country.
From the Paper
"Judaism, Islam and Christianity are similar in that they all espouse the doctrine of belief in one, very-definitely male, god. Therefore, they may be perceived as patriarchal monotheisms, based on an all-powerful, father-like God. This God varies in specifics; for example, whether he is primarily kind and loving, or primarily wrathful and vengeance-driven. However, he is much the same in all the essentials - he is all-powerful, all-seeing, omniscient, and male. Moreover, one could make a strong argument that all three of these gods are also misogynistic."
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Distinctive Cultural Region, 2008.
This paper looks at the religious and political ties in eighteenth century Quebec that turned that part of Canada into a distinctive cultural region.
808 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Quebec is unique within English-speaking North America because it is a large, self-contained geographical region that is characterized by a strong, if no longer overwhelming, French-speaking presence and by a culture that is still informed by Roman Catholicism. With this in mind, the writer looks at how the religious and political ties of eighteenth century Quebec (Upper Canada as it was known then) into a distinctive cultural region that remains distinctive even today. In so doing, the paper emphasizes how religion became a means of producing a society that was highly hierarchical even by the standards of its time - and how politics reinforced these unbending class cleavages. The writer explains that to understand why Quebec today is different from its Anglo counterparts, one must understand how religion and politics worked together more than two hundred years ago to create the French Canada of today.
From the Paper
"During the seventeenth century and, by all accounts, into the eighteenth century, as well, these religious orders sought to convert the indigenous peoples to the Roman Catholic faith. As an example of just central the Roman Catholic Church would be to eighteenth century French Canada, it is instructive that the priests actually pre-dated the farmers or habitants who would later be charged with trying to make the inhospitable lands of the area yield sustenance fit to maintain a thriving colony. Be that as it may, one should not be left to think that Roman Catholic French Canada in the eighteenth century was entirely under the sway of the Church and its stern injunctions; to wit, while the people of Lower Canada were, by and large, devout and pious, there were never as many priests around as the Church would have liked and creeping secularism was always a threat to the social fabric."
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Aubrey Malphurs' "Planting Growing Churches", 2008.
Reviews Aubrey Malphurs' book "Planting Growing Churches" by investigating the metaphor presented in this title.
1,115 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the metaphor infusing the book "Planting Growing Churches" by Aubrey Malphurs is one showing the church to be organic and Christians in the role of putative horticulturists. The author points out that this organic metaphor is in keeping with the millennia-old view of the church and of God as creating the natural world and then asking His followers to tend it. The paper states that the argument offered by Malphurs applies most directly to evangelicals, as might be assumed given the emphasis they place on spreading the Word and creating new churches.
From the Paper
"The process of planting a church does not end with that one church but then extends to evangelizing further to grow more churches. In analyzing this process, Malphurs begins with definitions and a general view of the process and then considers the personnel needed to plant a church, and those involved in the process have to understand themselves and their relationship to God and to the tenets of the faith. Not everyone can be as church planter, and Malphurs offers a way to measure who is able to carry out this task effectively."
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Jainism and Buddhism, 2008.
Discusses Buddhism and especially Jainism as religious movements, which reject some of the Vedic principles.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, while Buddhism has developed different sects, Jainism has developed as a distinctive endogamous community marked by its religious tradition. The author points out that Buddhism was a product of Kshastriya groups, who questioned Brahmanism; whereas, Jainas flatly rejected various Vedic teaching in favor of concepts of the individual, regardless of birth, who must work to purify his or her own soul. The paper relates that the Buddha is much more famous due to his philosophy having moved through all of Asia; whereas, Jainism spread through Indian trading communities liberated from a lower status bestowed by the Brahmanical system of varna. The author underscores that both traditions continue to offer a daily and personal prescription for life just as they offer choices in monastic and lay devotional activities.
Outline:
Introduction
The Appeal of Buddhism and Jainism
Jainism - Another Reflection of the Same Tradition?
Jainism's Soul and Personality
Syncretism and Appeal
Conclusion - Religion and Location
From the Paper
"Jains are much concerned by matters of action or karman, believing that acts can especially darken or interfere with the soul which should by bright and free, as is its nature, if properly maintained. Bad deeds will pollute the soul and have a way of adhering to it, harder to correct than good deals which are easily dispelled. According to Robinson, austerity can help to remove karman already incurred just as restraint stops the arrival of new karman. The jina or 'victors' are the true followers who achieve moksha when still in the body, living out the last of their lives through forces of residual karman."
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The Five Pillars and the Qur'an, 2008.
An analysis of the composition of the Qur'an and the five pillars of Islam.
1,909 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the composition process and the final book of the Qur'an. It describes the history of the text and how it was catalogued and brought together. The paper then discusses the five pillars that are central to the ritual of the practice of Islam and discusses the understanding of these rituals according to the Qur'an and Islamic law.
From the Paper
"All Muslims are brothers (Durant, 182). A critical part of the modern politicization of Islam is that the political movement seeks to impose on Islamic societies as a whole. This is a distinct development from traditional Islam, which is a religion, and one which has offer "reassuring, familiar, and functional" faith to millions for centuries (Fuller, 16-17). The distinctive emergence of a political Islam means that there are strong forces within Islam which reject the concept of an inclusive religion in which all Muslims are seen as brothers, and attempting to impose on all of Islam something of a nationalistic movement (Fuller, 17, 21; Schwartz, 17)."
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Split between Roman and Byzantine, Western and Eastern Churches, 2008.
A discussion of whether Rome wanted to unite with the Eastern churches, or simply require submission from them.
3,437 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that although Rome genuinely desired reunification with the Eastern churches, this was premised upon the expectation that it would submit to the authority of the Pope. The paper explains that this was not achieved, because a key reason for the schism was the Eastern church's refusal to acknowledge the authority of the bishop of Rome. The paper then looks at how the Western church's desire for reunification would have required submission, it is argued that the Western church really sought nothing less than the submission of the Eastern church. The paper suggest that it was not looking for partnership, it was looking for domination. The writer believes that this, coupled with the fact that the schism was so very far reaching and profound, meant that unification was simply not possible.
From the Paper
"The other major reason for the schism relates directly to the issue of power and dominance. The Eastern Church and the Western Church had for a long time been growing increasingly estranged due to disputes over papal authority. As summarized by Congar, the "Oriental schism came about by a progressive estrangement." This came to a head when Pope Leo IX proclaimed his authority over the four Eastern patriarchs. This authority was firmly repudiated by the Eastern Church, and continues to be repudiated to this day."
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Symmetry in Islamic Art, 2008.
This paper explains how geometric concepts can be taught based on the symmetry found in Islamic art.
2,537 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the extensive use of geometric and symmetrical patterns in Islamic art. The paper provides a definition of geometry and looks at translations, rotations and reflections in Islamic art. The paper then examines the mathematics of symmetry and how symmetry, as manifested in Islamic art, can be utilized to teach geometry in the contemporary classroom.
Outline:
Introduction
Symmetry in Islamic art, Part I
Symmetry in Islamic Art, Part II
Symmetry in Islamic Art, Part III
From the Paper
"Many civilizations have long used artistic designs for a variety of purposes. For instance, some civilizations have used artistic designs for emblematic purposes, while some have used artistic designs for ornamental and/or architectural purposes; still others, perhaps unsurprisingly, have used artistic designs for spiritual symbolism. Another thing that is not at all a surprise is that artistic designs almost invariably utilize mathematical concepts. Specifically, within the Islamic art tradition, there has long been the extensive use of geometric and symmetrical patterns - so much so that it may be put forward that one of the defining features of Islamic art is its ability to incorporate mathematical concepts and ideas in ways that are rich, vibrant and aesthetically pleasing."
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The Church and Gay Ordination, 2008.
Presents an argument as to why the the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America should not ordain homosexuals.
2,645 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer argues that those in favor of ordaining homosexual pastors within the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA) have failed to make convincing arguments for changing the long standing position of denying ordination to homosexuals engaged in a sexual relationship. The writer maintains that the reason these arguments fail is chiefly because the ordination of homosexuals flies in the face of the virtue of identity theory. More specifically, the paper asserts that the ordination of homosexuals who choose to be sexually active is an affront to the basic values of the Lutheran Church and, therefore, it should hardly be surprising that the Church wishes to see to it that the aforementioned values are protected - mostly because Church elders understand that demanding the Church retreat from its basic principles and traditions is akin to demanding that it become something else entirely.
From the Paper
"More than simply being the means by which an organization identifies itself from others, practices and traditions lie at the heart of an organization's "character". That is to say, MacIntyre is fundamentally of the view that moral conclusions are made "firm" by being situated in a tradition of thought and action which has, in addition to an organic culture, a continuous history. More than that, "practitioners" are needed who, by virtue of their professional acumen and personal character, guide novices towards a better understanding of what behavior will lead to Good ends."
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Hildegard and Sex Complementarity, 2008.
A discussion of equality of the sexes in Sister Prudence Allen's article "Hildegard of Bingen".
1,920 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a close look at Sister Prudence Allen's article on Hildegard of Bingen, entitled "Hildegard of Bingen" (1985). The paper maintains that the article's main point is that Hildegard was the very first person to articulate the theory of the complementarity of the sexes. The article claims that this complementarity theory was original to Hildegard; thus Hildegard made a significant contribution to the history of the concept of woman in relation to man. The paper agrees with the article, concluding that Hildegard did indeed succeed in vindicating the equality of woman with man by presenting a cogent, comprehensive and multifaceted argument for the complementarity of man and woman.
From the Paper
"However, the important point is that Hildegard balanced this notion with a defence of the quality of woman and man, based on a metaphysical framework of sex complementarity in heaven and in the world. For example, in procreation, while man deposits the cold seed, it is woman's warmth that must grow the seed. Similarly, in heaven male saints are equal to but different from female saints; while on earth woman and man have equal access to both the private and public spheres of activity (Allen, 1985)."
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Bible Literacy at School, 2008.
This paper discusses the importance of Bible literacy and looks at the advantages of Bible courses in public schools.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
In this essay the writer employs logic to assert that Bible literacy should be integrated into public schools for the purposes of ethical and moral instruction. The writer maintains that such courses would expose young people to the Judeo-Christian tradition upon which the nation of America was founded. Finally, the writer maintains that Bible literacy allows for some meaningful discussion about religion and its applicability to different life experiences within a safe and predictable structure. In the final analysis, the writer notes that Bible study classes can open up new vistas of understanding and offer children the sort of moral instruction they might not receive elsewhere.
From the Paper
"To begin with, moral instruction for America's young people is vitally important; without it, the future becomes a bleak landscape, indeed, and the country's vitality and march forward into progress on a host of social and political issues are both compromised. An ancient article first appearing near the turn of the last century pointed out that the Bible can capably serve as a foundation for moral guidance and instruction - albeit the understandable desire not to give offense to non-Christians, or even Christians who adhere to specific branches of one of the world's great religions has always made the introduction of the "Good Book" into a classroom an extremely controversial matter. Still, with so many of today's children coming from homes wherein one or even both parents are often temporally or emotionally unavailable, having a strict delineation of moral imperatives articulated to them in the relative calm and safety of the "typical" classroom is quite important. Furthermore, it should be added that basic elements such as selflessness, looking after others, living one's life in accordance with high moral virtues, and assiduously avoiding things like sloth, avarice, or lasciviousness are precepts which can be readily adopted by most anyone - regardless of whether one is Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or affiliated with some other religion."
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Buddhism and Confucianism, 2008.
This paper describes and compares two world religions, Buddhism and Confucianism.
2,265 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Buddhism and Confucianism are quite different. The author points out that Buddhism believes in reincarnation while Confucianism does not. The paper relates that Buddhism is absorbed with metaphysical things to an extent that Confucianism is not. The author states that, while it does seem engrossed in metaphysical matters, Buddhism is more prescriptive than Confucianism in the sense that it lays down very specific moral precepts as opposed to Confucianism's broad doctrinal principles. The paper further asserts that, while there are some general similarities, there certainly appear to be many more dissimilarities - and there is no question that Buddhism is inward-looking and fixated upon impractical matters in a way that Confucianism is not.
From the Paper
"Ashby's online article also introduces a number of other interesting details that hint at how the intellectual, philosophical and moral training of a Confucian will differ from the training granted a Buddhist. Chiefly, Confucians throughout time have been motivated by social and/or political concerns, and have immersed themselves in the difficult task of governance. Implicit in all of this, of course, is that young people raised as Confucians have been trained in the cognitive skills needed to assume leadership positions in public life."
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Women and Ordination into the Priesthood, 2008.
An analysis of the arguments for and against the ordination of women as clergy in the church.
1,391 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the debate over the ordination of women, especially into the Catholic priesthood. It looks at the women's movement and how it relates to the church and how the church interprets the Bible. The paper provides examples of the arguments used both for and against female ordination and female clergy within the church.
From the Paper
"Much of the defense of an exclusively male priesthood goes back to the example of Christ. Here again, one must consider how Christ is to be viewed. If Jesus Christ was merely a good teacher, conveying sound ethical doctrine which warrants consideration and emulation, then there is a reasonable argument that some of his decisions would merely be reflections of the cultural norms then popular in the Holy Land some 2,000 years ago. However, even this argument falters because Jesus did not adhere to the cultural norms of his time. At that time, virtually all religions had priestesses, so that this, rather than an exclusively male priesthood would have been completely normal. Further, Christ certainly had around him many women eager to serve him, by every measure excellent candidates for such positions, including his own mother, Mary, to Mary Magdalene, or the women of Bethany, to name only a few. (Bogle)"
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Quranic Ideas of Women and Benighted Men, 2008.
This paper discusses the Qur'anic ideas of the relationship between women and men as opposed to the fundamentalist Muslim restraint of women.
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the tendency to view Islam as intrinsically constraining women owes a great deal to fundamentalist movements that rest on interpretations of the Qur'an that do not hold up to scrutiny. The author points out that these fundamentalist overlook the Islamic project of building the Ummah, which the Prophet meant for women and their status vis-a-vis men. The paper relates that the Qur'an states what men must do to support and protect women and to give them liberty. The author stresses that effort must be devoted to encouraging re-education of Muslim males to understand that their attitudes and practices expecting female subservience and confinement to the domestic sphere are not signs of Muslim adherence and respectability. The paper states that the same poles of mysticism versus fundamentalism in the treatment of women may be said for fundamentalist Christianity in Western countries.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Islam, Women and Environment
The Qur'an
Strengthening Men's Obligations
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"Again and again, one sees efforts to clarify what the Qur'an does say concerning the sexes and women's status. Fundamentalist Muslim males do violate what was intended. For instance, Allah is said to hold women in the same position of men, rules working both for and against them, according to conduct. (2:228) Women are not to be passed from one household to another against their will, are not to be treated harshly and deserve kindness and equity. (4:19) Both men and women are to display their obedience to Allah, the righteous woman one who makes this adherence plain, as does the righteous man. (4:34) The Qur'an stresses how Allah created men and women to live in a complementary peace and tranquility. (30:21)"
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The Reforms of Abdullah Cevdet and Malkum Khan, 2008.
Examines the approaches of two reformers, Abdullah Cevdet in the Ottoman Empire and Malkum Khan in the Persian Empire, to the problem of modernization and the need to retain the integrity of the Islamic religion.
1,760 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the similarity in the conditions that prevailed in both the Ottoman and Persian empires at the end of the nineteenth century and the challenges posed to those empires by their involvement with and exposure to European commerce, science and ideas. The author argues that both Cevdet and Khan took similar rhetorical approaches in arriving at a conceptualization of reform that was both modern and democratic yet rooted in the Islamic tradition. The paper stresses that Cevdet and Khan were situated within intellectual and religious trajectories of the time, which were seeking alternatives to the prevailing interpretations of Islam through Baha'ism and Pan-Islamism.
From the Paper
"Having spent a lot of time in Switzerland, Cevdet was acquainted with European ideas of the time, such as French and German scientific materialism, social Darwinism and positivism. He saw the decline of the Ottoman Empire as the product of it not being European, and felt that it was the responsibility of the intellectuals to change this condition. For Cevdet, the Islamic religion in its traditional incarnation, was an obstacle to the changes required to contemporize Ottoman society and politics and he therefore felt that it was necessary to modify the Islamic religion."
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The Origins and Development of Judaism, 2008.
Argues that Karen Armstrong's "mythos vs. logos" thesis, as presented in her books "The Battle for God" and "A Short History of Myth", provides the best explanation for the origins and development of Judaism.
1,525 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Karen Armstrong's "mythos vs. logos" thesis demonstrates convincingly why the ancient Israelites rejected prevailing pagan beliefs and came to believe in Yahweh as the only God and as the creator of the world. The author points out that Jewish religious doctrine emerged and evolved in response to this initial acceptance of monotheism, which in early Hebrew doctrine identified the special role of the Jews as God's chosen people and which relied significantly upon mythos. The paper relates that myths of ancient cultures were absorbed into religions, such as Judaism, Islam and Christianity, thus providing a means for human beings to understand the unseen forces in the world around them. The author relates that Armstrong emphasizes that, despite the great importance of mythos, logos came to be almost equally influential in the development of Judaism.
From the Paper
"Despite the influence of logos, mythos was the primary influence on the origins of Judaism. Armstrong clarifies, however, that mythic accounts in the Hebrew bible should not be misunderstood as an attempt to write history, for myths have never been intended to be objective truth, nor have they been accepted as such. Unfortunately, the purpose of myth has been widely misunderstood in our modern era, for the conflict between logos and mythos has generated misguided perceptions that mythos requires proof of the existence of Yahweh or Allah or Jesus Christ."
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Role of Women in the Church, 2008.
This paper discusses whether female egalitarianism in the Church is undermining the leadership of the Church by contradicting the scriptures of the Bible.
2,968 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 21 sources, MLA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
In this study, the writer presents a critical review of the arguments surrounding the egalitarian position of women in church. Ideally the idea is to get an understanding of whether the necessary hypothesis is grounded in the scriptures of the Bible. More importantly, the writer maintains that there has to be a critical review of whether the egalitarian approach is simply an adaptation of changes in society as it relates to gender roles. The writer questions if the Church is imitating how society treats women. If this is the case, the writer argues that it should be that society imitates the church's value and leadership structure. The writer discusses what the Bible has to say about the issue.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Working Outline: Structure & Dissertation Categories
From the Paper
"The egalitarian position as presented by Datu is that, since the Bible teaches that all people are created and should be equal, then the Church has a duty to advocate gender equality and equity in churches, and more so in church leadership . Many theorists ground the general egalitarian movement in the foundations and teachings of Jesus Christ, and other New Testament principles. Datu highlights the fact that female egalitarianism is a necessary prerequisite for the success of the church, since the role of women cannot be undermined. Datu also shows that the current opposition of the movement is due to societal pressure and that the historical process shows that female egalitarianism and female leadership in the church was not uncommon in past periods, however cultural prejudices and defined gender roles in society, have created an atmosphere that not affects female leadership in the church."
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Muhammad, Medina and the Jews, 2008.
This paper discusses the treatment of Jews in the establishment of a state in Medina.
3,900 words (approx. 15.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 106.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that in the 6th century, Muhammad moved to Medina in order to get away from the Meccans, who were tormenting him. This was a turning point in Muhammad's life, and gave rise to the first Islamic communities. The writer then discusses that in Medina, there were several Jewish communities and there is much disagreement and controversy concerning the relationship between Muhammad and the Jews. The writer looks at the issues of who were the umma referred to in the Constitution of Medina and the definition of the umma. The writer also discusses whether Muhammad's raids on the Medinan Jews were contrary to the spirit of Islam. As is shown in the paper, different scholars have offered differing interpretations, such that it is difficult to be clear on these issues.
From the Paper
"On the other hand, al-Waqidi does not describe this relationship of integration and proselytizing. Yet Ibn Ishaq argues that some good experiences had convinced Muhammad that the Jews could in fact be included in an umma with the Muslims. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Even if there was as much integration and cooperation as Ibn Ishaq believes, it was very short-lived. Religious conflicts caused the Jews to turn away from Muhammad, while Faizer notes that Muhammad's symbolic turning of his qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca indicates that the feelings of antipathy were mutual."
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