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"Human Sexuality", 2007. A personal response to the article "Human Sexuality: 'Wonderful Gift' and 'Awesome Responsibility,'" written by Richard Sparks. 728 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 25.95 »
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Abstract This essay briefly reviews three articles that discuss human sexuality and how the Church treats it. It looks at "Intimacy and Sexuality: A Letter to Catholic Secondary Students in Ontario" by the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ontario, Kenneth R. Overberg's article, "A Consistent Ethic of Life" and "Fully Alive," sponsored and developed by the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ontario and Ontario's Catholic educators. The paper then gives a personal response to the article "Human Sexuality: 'Wonderful Gift' and 'Awesome Responsibility,'" written by Richard Sparks.
From the Paper "On the other hand, there are aspects of this article that seem dangerously out of step with modern realities. For example, it again reiterates the prohibition against contraceptive devices of any kind. Yet the reality is that the population of the entire world is threatened by the AIDS pandemic, and that condoms are the most effective prophylactic against contracting AIDS. For example, one of the fastest growing segments of AIDS sufferers is heterosexual women. Moreover, it is well known that many wives are completely faithful, but are infected by their unfaithful husbands, who have affairs or use prostitutes. By continuing to prohibit condoms, the Church sentences these innocent women to lingering, painful deaths - and deprives their children of their mothers. I find this unconscionable, obtuse, unbelievable and unforgivable."
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Church and State, 2007. This paper explores the separation of church and state as mandated by the United State Constitution. 2,179 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 67.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses the establishment and free exercise clauses that state that government will not establish a national religion nor interfere with a citizen's practice of it. The paper explains that the first clause is said to be absolute, while the second has been interpreted in conflicting ways. The paper discusses how, without doubt, judicial battles will continue to be fought over how religious practices should be defined in the context of the First Amendment, for there never has been a widespread consensus on this issue and there probably never will be.
From the Paper "The separation of church and state as defined by the United States Supreme Court's interpretation of the First Amendment religion clause, especially the Establishment Clause, has been a source of increasingly heated debate in American society and politics. Many conservatives and religious activists are angry that lower state courts, federal district courts, and federal appeals courts have ruled that Ten Commandment displays violate Constitutionally mandated separation of church and state, and have been applying unprecedented pressure on the judiciary at every level."
Unfortunately, resolving what the Constitution is actually saying is not always easy, for the vague language and uncertain intent of some sections of the Constitution has enabled politicians and others with religious, social, economic, or political agendas to bypass intended constitutional restrictions. (Bovard 55) Despite the fact that James Madison, James Monroe, Alexander Hamilton, and the other Founding Fathers drafted the most explicitly self-limiting written constitution in all of human history, it consists primarily of legal language reliant upon correct interpretation."
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Miracles, 2007. An analysis of the definition of miracles and the validity of testimony to the occurrence of miracles. 2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 63.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the concept of miracles. It briefly describes what constitutes nature and then describes a miracle as a non-repeatable counter-instance to a law of nature and suggests that violations of the laws of nature include resurrection, levitation or an unexplained return to health. The paper then discusses the validity of evidence or testimony of miracles.
From the Paper "Claims that a supernatural being has intervened into nature are too subjective and biased to deserve the term 'evidence'. To begin with, the effects on the witnesses are profound, but are altered so radically in a brief period of time that those witnesses wonder if the miracle actually took place (Mackie 167). We are aware that all alleged miracles are marked by very defined motivations to influence other people. Above all, we know that in earlier periods, a supernatural being often intervened into nature. This type of occurrence was very common during the Middle Ages. The contradiction of natural laws coincided with a worldview that was based in the sacred rather than the profane. It was also a world where many claims of suspension of natural laws were not in fact violations of natural law at all."
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Autism, 2007. An analysis of the characteristics of autism and issues related to its management and treatment. 1,166 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 40.95 »
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Abstract This paper addresses the issue of the disorder known as autism, or alternatively autism spectrum disorders. The paper describes the characteristics, etiology, assessment, treatment and management options of autism. It also provides pointers regarding specific concerns for christian counselors who deal with this type of disorder and its treatment.
From the Paper "The second kind of approach is to comprehensive treatment programs that aim to increase the person's functioning. These programs typically involve thousands of treatment hours, and require an entire team of people with different specialties. These programs aim to change the course of the syndrome, so as to greatly reduce the amount of disability the individual suffers. This is particularly important in the long term, as children with autism grow into adults with autism - and without significant reductions in the levels of their disability, many of them will be unable to manage their lives in the way that most adults are able to do. (Rogers, 1998)"
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Reincarnation, 2007. A comparative analysis of the belief of reincarnation in Hinduism and Buddhism. 3,000 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 88.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines how reincarnation is a central aspect of the Hindu religion that was rejected by the founder of Buddhism and the emphasis Buddhism places on life in the present. The paper discusses how, although Hinduism has borrowed from Buddhism's attention to dharma, only one stream of Buddhism has incorporated reincarnation from Hinduism, the other stream quite determined to reject its possibility.
Outline:
Introduction
Origins in India
Samsara - What the Buddha Rejected
Buddhist Divisions
The Large Raft and the Little Raft
From the Paper "The Buddha described the human being who could reach Nirvana, as a kind of 'blowing out' or extinction of the self. (Waldon 301) He probably meant a person having come to accept the world's suffering and how human beings created their own suffering, a point reached of detachment allowing the person to attend to dharma, causing no suffering to others, elevated from the general unhappiness and darkness of the world. Some Buddhists believe the idea of nirvana was meant to resemble Hinduism's union with the divine though the Buddha stressed the absence of god. The term of atta in Pali is similar to the Sanskrit term of atman or 'soul' but unlike Hinduism's expectation of the soul moving onwards and upwards through proper cultivation, the Buddha believed that a well-developed person would reach a point of anatta -- or having no soul. "
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Nursing the Dying Muslim Patient, 2007. An analysis of the issues for nurses who are caring for a dying Muslim patient. 727 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 25.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses Muslim beliefs and rituals surrounding death and dying. It specifically looks at these issues in regards to nursing care and the accommodations that nurses need to make for their Muslim patients and their families. Finally, the paper looks at changes in hospital policies and social and political policies with regard to Muslim patients who are dying.
Table of Contents:
Implications for Nursing Practice
Areas for Further Nursing Inquiry
Changes in Hospital and Hospice Policy
Social and Political Policies
Relevant Implications for Changes in Policy
From the Paper "Privacy is a major issue for Muslims, as washing is required prior to the five times of daily praying. Nurses should be aware of festivals and holy days and acknowledge them to the patient (Sarhill, et al., 2001). All nurses must have knowledge of Muslim beliefs, which will enhance communication and improve health care as well as reduce the possibility of conflict. There are certain highly sensitive aspects of death and dying so that great cultural sensitivity is required on the part of nurses. The time and tasks which are most susceptible to conflict that can easily result in grave family distress and conflict involve the care of the body after death."
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Freedom of Religion, 2007. A review of the "Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah" Supreme Court decision of 1993 and its implications for freedom of religion. 1,519 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 50.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at the "Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah" Supreme Court decision of 1993 and its significance to the issue of freedom of religion. In particular, it discusses the legal rationale informing the High Court's final decision and the strength of the final decision. It also briefly describes the relationship of the case to previous court precedents. Finally, the paper analyzes the legal and political repercussions of the ruling and looks at the current status of the law.
From the Paper "As an important addendum to what has been written thus far, it must be noted that the "strength" of the final decision was fairly conclusive: despite three concurrences by Justices Scalia, Souter and Blackmun and a separate opinion by Kennedy, the final Court decision appears to have been a unanimous one - although the concurrences are interesting to read more than thirteen years after their original publication inasmuch as they show curious divergences among the Justices vis-a-vis certain subtleties in the interpretation of constitutional freedoms/protections for religious groups. Most notably, Justice Scalia opposed Section Two of Part II-A of the Court's opinion on the grounds that it paid scant attention to the fact that "neutral" or "generally applicable" laws can also be laws that target a particular religion for invidious distinction and discriminatory treatment. Nonetheless, one would be hard-pressed to argue that the presiding Justices disagreed on the fundamental question of whether or not the Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye was a victim of discrimination."
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The Great Schism, 2007. An analysis of the crisis in the Catholic Church during the 13th through 15th centuries known as the Great Schism. 2,260 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 69.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the crisis in the Catholic Church known as the Great Schism, which occurred when two different countries disagreed about who should select the pope and where the pope should live. The paper looks at how this disagreement led to serious problems within the church and how it also affected different Papal States and attitudes toward the Catholic Church today.
Outline:
History Leading to the Great Schism
Problems Develop in the Catholic Church
Study of the Great Schism
Conciliar Tradition in the Western Church
Looking at the Catholic Church Today
From the Paper "The church had been split with the schism and the question of who had authority in the church was an issue that needed to be solved. The issue of who was in authority is known as the conciliar tradition. "The conciliar tradition was an ongoing, unresolved debate about the relation of the authority of the pope to that of the episcopate and of the universal church in its dispersed existence" (Avis 105). This conciliar tradition affects not only the Catholic Church, but all churches today. Something must be done to stop the schism of the church in a way that would represent everyone involved, which is called conciliarism. When it comes to the doctrine, worship, and mission of the church, it should be determined in a constitutional or representative way (Avis 105)."
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"John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life", 2007. A review and personal reflection of Charles Yrigoyen's book "John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life". 1,108 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 38.95 »
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Abstract This paper reviews Charles Yrigoyen's book "John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life", which is a collection of the essays, sermons and personal thoughts of clergyman John Wesley. The paper explores the concepts, associations and perspectives that Wesley held concerning, not only religion, but also the social issues of the era in which he lived and worked. Further, the paper assesses pivotal developmental strategies presented in the book and focuses on how Wesley developed his sermons to deliver messages that were topical and relevant to his audience. The paper concludes with the author's personal response to the book.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Assessment of the Book
A Personal Response to the Book
From the Paper "This strategy helps frame issues that Wesley felt were important within a context that was accessible for the general public. Indeed, taking this position helped influence the audience to engage in introspection to see if they were personally guilty of any of the sins that Wesley framed as being the work of the devil. This process not only helps develop the themes that Wesley wanted to illustrate within that sermon but forces the audience to review the lesson and apply it to their own lives. A similar argument can be applied to the sermon about "backsliders" and Wesley's call to persons who consider themselves beyond the reach of God: through framing their decision to avoid their duties to God in both a specific and an ambiguous way, Wesley forces his audience to identify issues that are unique to their own lives and their own decisions concerning the church."
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Biblical Counseling, 2007. An analysis and evaluation of biblical counseling integration methods within the scope of modern psychology. 2,905 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 86.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes the various facets of biblical counseling in relation to the modern integration of psychology within a religious construct. The paper points out that, in many cases, there is evidence that the Bible provides moral and ethical foundations that can work with the various aspects of psychological counseling methods. It looks at how, by analyzing some of the biblical counseling terms found within this field, one can provide the psychological aspects of non-religious counseling that correlate with these Bible's analogies and moral lessons. In essence, the paper demonstrates how biblical counseling can work in tandem with modern psychological theories, since they work within the moral and ethical integration of societal values in modern times.
From the Paper "The Biblical counseling term "Frovnhma" is a central aspect to Biblical counseling theory, especially though the innovations for religious counseling brought forth by Lawrence Crabb. Although Crabb does not portray a uniquely differential perspective for theologically based counseling, he invariably has designed in accordance with Freud's ideas about the unconscious. For Crabb, the Frovnhma is essentially the mind in relation to how God perceives the human will or way of thought. In many ways, there is a decidedly similar aspect of Crabb's theory that correlates with Sigmund Freud's theory of the "unconscious"--a term used for the deeper part of the mind that absorbs all thoughts and experiences."
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Local Performance at a Memorial Service, 2007. A case study analyzing the music performed at a memorial service. 1,651 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 53.95 »
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Abstract This paper provides a review and critique of the music presented at a local memorial service held at a Methodist church. The paper presents the case study. It discusses the details of the funeral and a brief history of the deceased and her family. The paper then discusses the hymn that was performed by the choir and harpist. Finally, the paper discusses the appropriateness of the selection and performance of music at this memorial service.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Piece One: The Processional
Piece Two: The Hymn
Piece Three: The Choir
Piece Four: The Harpist
Summary of Musical Performance at the Service
From the Paper "The performance of this piece did not appear to deviate much from the majority of performances of "Amazing Grace." The musician did not appear to add any personal flourishes or provide a distinctive interpretation. This is quite likely due to the decision to perform a song that has plagued music teachers with beginning students since it was first penned nearly two centuries ago. Because of this, it is possible to appreciate this performance of "Amazing Grace" as a bit of humorous irony within the funeral service. However, others could argue that the decision to perform the piece in such a staid manner reduced the decedent's memory as a music teacher who sought to improve the quality of musical performance among her students."
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Christian Theology and Psychology, 2007. This paper is a personal critique of the integrated and the un-Christian models of psychology and Christian counseling. 2,415 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 73.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that, in the author's experience as a pastoral counselor, the integrated model is the closest to his personal view; whereas, the un-Christian model is the farthest from his perspective. The author points out that the un-Christian model contends that, while biblical concepts may be of some use in therapeutic practice, they should not be allowed to interfere in the basic course of this practice; while, the integrated model sees the role of the pastoral counselor as being one of integrating psychology and the Bible in a harmonious fashion. The paper relates that the strength and effectiveness of the integrated position lies in its recognition of how psychology and theology are not antithetical but, in fact, represent elements of a unified truth. The paper includes quotations.
From the Paper "In practical terms in regard to my work as a Christian counselor, I would liken my pastoral role - under this integrated approach - as being akin to that of a "general practitioner" in medicine. While general practitioners are qualified to diagnose many medical conditions, there are often situations in which there is something that they may feel goes beyond their own knowledge base or skill set. In these cases, they refer their patient to a specialist. It is worth noting that in making this referral, the general practitioner is not indicating that her or his own knowledge is flawed or that there is some radical epistemological difference between the knowledge base of the specialist and her or his own."
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Sayyid Ahmad Khan, 2007. A review of the life and contributions of Sayyid Ahmad Khan to Islam. 1,863 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 59.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the modernism of Islamist philosopher and religious reformer, Sayyid Ahmad Khan and its place in the religious history of Islam. The paper provides a background of Ahmad Khan's life. It then discusses his contributions to Islam and examines the nature of the modernist reformist ideology of Sayyid Ahmad Khan in the 19th century.
Table of Contents:
Biography
Sayyid Ahmad Khan's Contributions to Islam
From the Paper "In conclusion, the one Islamic modernist explored in this study reflects the growing sense of secularization of Muslim society in the 19th century. Although the likes of Sayyid Ahmad Khan were not able to create a strong enough educational resistance to religious dominance in their own cultures; he was able to counteract a complete control of the British imperialism that used the ignorance of religious dogma within Indian communities. By invoking greater secular program and institutions to help teach science and technology, Sayyid Ahmad Khan was able to create a foundation for the transformation of Islamic society. By using education as a platform to change the thinking patterns of Muslims bent on orthodox Islam, this teacher helped to implement changes that integrated religion into the new logic and reasoning of western thought."
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Saint Augustine's "Confessions", 2007. This paper is an analysis of Books 2 and 3 of Saint Augustine's "Confessions", based on their biographical and historical context". 1,815 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 58.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that Augustine's autobiography "Confessions" presents his youth in a much more negative light than historical studies justify. The author points out that Augustine's idea was to represent himself in such a negative light that few of his readers could see themselves being greater sinners than Augustine; therefore, if God was willing to save Augustine despite all of his sins, he would surely be willing to save the reader if he or she was truly penitent. The paper states that Augustine addresses the problem of the apparent simplicity of Scripture in comparison to classical philosophy by arguing that Scripture is actually more complex and significant than the works of classical Greece and Rome. The paper includes many quotations.
From the Paper "Throughout the text Augustine invariably refers to "you" - the addressee of his work - as being God. In this text he focuses on the sins of his youth with such passionate fervor in condemning how he "ran wild with lust that was manifold and rank" that many readers would initially be taken aback. Augustine's concentration upon these lusts and crimes is such as to cause a critical reader to wonder at Augustine's objective here. After all, it is illogical - in a prayer to God - for Augustine to go into such great detail about his lusts and sins since God would, of course, be fully aware of them."
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"Fear and Trembling", 2007. A discussion and review of Soren Kierkegaard's work "Fear and Trembling". 963 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes Soren Kierkegaard's work "Fear and Trembling". It discusses Kierkegaard's main argument that Abraham represents the epitome of this faith because it ends in a return of what was sacrificed. The paper describes the perspective from which Kierkegaard writes and the paradox that he finds and discusses from the Biblical story of Abraham.
From the Paper "Abraham is the great Christian hero, and yet we are all called to enter into the paradox and the absurd in some way. Resignation develops through strength and spiritual freedom. Resignation brings peace for the person since through it the person is reconciled to existence (Kierkegaard 45). Resignation comes prior to faith, and faith "is not the spontaneous inclination of the heart but the paradox of existence" (47). Kierkegaard demonstrates that faith is not a matter of security but of growth and responsibility. Faith, for Kierkegaard, was a source of wonder and fascination because in response to a minor sacrifice, all that was offered is given back to the believer."
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Christianity and Western Philosophy, 2007. An analysis of the impact of Christianity on western philosophy from the time of the Roman Empire. 1,085 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 37.95 »
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Abstract This paper reviews the rise of Christianity during the time of the Roman Empire, its contributions to western philosophical thought over the last fifteen hundred years, and some significant philosophical issues of the present day that have been "Christianized" and/or deeply influenced by Christianity. In particular, the paper contends that a case can be made that the works of Thomas Aquinas and Saint Augustine helped popularize Aristotelian and Platonic philosophy and laid the groundwork for the "man-centered" philosophical leanings of the early modern, Renaissance period.
From the Paper "Similarly, the philosophical rise of Christianity in the first centuries after the death of Christ was helped immeasurably by the fact that its early adherents went to considerable lengths to defend the "logic" of Christianity and to link it to Neo-Platonism. One Christian theologian and philosopher of the late-second and early-third centuries AD, Origen, became especially influential by showing how Christianity had its philosophical antecedents in not only Neo-Platonism but in Greek and Roman Stoicism, as well. In the end, Christianity came into intellectual acceptance in part because its focus upon the existence of a "unified and perfect being" residing at the center of the transcendent world was comprehensible to educated Romans reared on the dictates of Neo-Platonism (McGill 2005). "
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End of Life Issues, 2007. This paper discusses end of life issues for the family. 1,458 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 48.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer discusses end of life issues for the family and notes that all nurses are certain to encounter these issues in some form. The writer points out that with a rapidly aging population, it is vital to provide culturally and gender-sensitive end-of-life interventions to enhance patient/family satisfaction and to efficiently allocate resources. The writer maintains that women experience end-of-life problems differently from men and minority cultures encounter very different issues from the white dominant culture. The writer looks at the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM) that allows for a systematic method to complete a comprehensive family assessment as well as the choice of the most effective interventions to ensure family functioning. The writer discusses this topic with regards to communication, roles and influence.
From the Paper "This dimension includes the family life cycle and the continuity and change related to a chronic illness. Culture and class interact with family development. Family life cycles such as death demand that that the family change and adapt. In terms of developmental assessment, any recent significant events in the family along with impending death need to be discussed. This assessment establishes the family's developmental stage, provides a perspective by which the current stressors can be explored to determine the probable impact on the family and on its future development."
"Within the functional dimension, expressive functioning includes verbal, nonverbal, and emotional communication, roles, influence, beliefs, and alliances or coalitions. Good communication is vital when a patient is dying; in this situation, communication is particularly important for the family members who are subject to extreme stress."
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Hezbollah: Israeli/Arab Enmity, 2007. This paper examines the history and ideology of Hezbollah. 2,603 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 78.95 »
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Abstract The paper examines Israeli/Arab enmity in the Middle East and the problem of religious extremism. The paper discusses the need for true democratization to emerge in Muslim states and for the replacement of current corrupt political systems controlled by leaders who manipulate their people in order to demonize Israel and maintain their power. The paper maintains that American and Israeli policies have been counterproductive, for they have radicalized millions of Muslims, who have responded with unprecedented support for extremist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
From the Paper "Examining the history and ideology of Hezbollah indicates that there is much merit to the accusations of the American and Israeli governments that it is a terrorist organization led by religious fanatics intent upon the destruction of Israel. In response, the leaders of Hezbollah and its supporters and sympathizers reject accusations that they are terrorists and religious fanatics, and insist that Hezbollah and similar groups such as Hamas are simply defending the rights of Muslims against American and Israeli aggression."
"As is the case with most controversies, the truth is somewhere in the middle, for the philosophical observation that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter certainly applies in the context of current Middle East unrest. According to Military.com (2006) Hezbollah's emergence in the aftermath of the Israeli occupation of Beirut and southern Lebanon in 1982 reflects these diametrically opposed perceptions, for it was due to the determination of Shi'ite Muslims to resist the Israeli presence and support Palestinians in their fight for statehood."
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Religion and Culture, 2007. This paper looks at beliefs regarding the structure of organized religion. 750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 26.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the understanding that organized religion is mandatory in the lives of some individuals, while it is cast aside by others. The writer notes that within her own personal experience in relation to the larger social order, these practices are both acceptable, depending on the individual. The writer maintains that the acceptance of this belief is due to a background in which hypocrisy has been seen in religion, as events over the last several decades have demonstrated that organized religion is not always about God, but about wealth. The writer concludes that due to culture, gender or the structure of organized religion, the true basis of religion is consistently ignored and this creates issues in theology that are detrimental to the beauty of faith.
From the Paper "This knowledge has affected how I envision a divine ministry because it forces me to question the truthfulness of those that represent the church. Additionally, these experiences have led me to believe that my personal connection to God is more devout that many ministers or supposed faithful. This is because when representatives of the church seek to gain prosperity from innocent believers who are struggling in this world, they are overlooking the real core of religion. Religion must be about a personal relationship with God, not about ensuring that the poor remain so throughout their lives in the name of God."
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