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John Ortberg's "The Life You've Always Wanted", 2008.
Reviews John Ortberg's "The Life You've Always Wanted", a book of Christian teachings.
1,845 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that John Ortberg's "The Life You've Always Wanted" deals with the subject of spiritual transformation and its true nature. The paper relates that, in his book, Ortberg tries to raise questions that are thought provoking and help the readers re-examine their definitions of spiritual change. The paper also explains that 'morphe' is a very important term used in the first chapter and that the understanding of the process of morphing is critical to the understanding of this book and its thesis.
From the Paper
"This book may not offer anything new but it certainly makes you think about real spiritual transformation. Even though my definition of real spiritual transformation may not coincide with the author's, it is still a thought-provoking subject. I would tell my friends or anyone who wishes to improve their lives that it is important to connect with God. How a person does that is up to him but connection is extremely important. I would suggest that time must be taken out everyday to seek solitude where a person can reflect on his actions and truly seek to connect with God. Connection with God comes in an unhurried state when a person truly wants to be closer to the highest force. It is also critical to focus on the compassionate but powerful nature of this force. It is correct that God is compassionate but many a times we take undue advantage of that and thus go astray. It is also important not to forget His power because He may never want to hurt us, He may be forced to do just that when we repeatedly ignore His teachings."
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Harry Potter and Wicca, 2008.
This paper explores the contention of some that reading Harry Potter will encourage children to believe in the religion of Wicca, a religion of witchcraft.
2,308 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the belief of many Christians that Harry Potter is more than just a literary fantasy; it is imbued with evil witchcraft and wizardry and it goes against the teachings of the Bible. The paper examines the religion of Wicca and takes a close look to ascertain whether Harry Potter novels really encourage Satanism and Wicca. The paper asserts that with proper guidance from parents and teachers, there is no way for children to consider Harry Potter as anything more than literary fantasy.
From the Paper
"Who would ever think that a woman who wrote a story about a boy-wizard during a train trip from Manchester to London would change the literary world forever? For over a decade and a half, Harry Potter became a household name and has been read by people from all walks of life and different age groups. The appeal is not simply because of the wonderful world of wizards and witches J.K. Rowling took us but the stories are fantastic and mesmerizing. Starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Sorcerer's Stone for American audience) in 1997 and bringing us the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which was recently released, Rowling's fame - and fortune never wavered but instead continued to sore unchartered heights in the literary world. Despite the fame and success of the seven Harry Potter books and five Hollywood-made movies to-date, Rowling and her creation is not without controversy."
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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, $ 52.95
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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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Psychology, Spirituality, and Healing, 2008.
A discussion on the book, "Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling" by M.R.McMinn.
978 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper states that Christianity and psychology have previously been regarded as inharmonious ideological systems. The paper then comments that M.R. McMinn's book, "Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling", however, attempts to establish a connection between the roles of believing a Christian and trained counselor. The paper relates M.R. McMinn's belief that serving as a psychological counselor does not mean that a therapist must give up spiritual guidance, and he also acknowledges that a minister today must often come to grips with the psychological needs of a client who is coping with a crisis. The paper further relates that for McMinn, mental and spiritual health are intertwined, thus psychology and Christian belief are not incompatible.
From the Paper
"But there was also a clear, deep spiritual craving to relate his longings to a cause larger than himself, and to engage in some form of self-improvement. Eric had a good will and a curiosity about the questions that grip the minds of so many adolescents, like 'why am I here,' and 'what is the purpose of all of this?' But his energies needed to be directed into more productive channels than drugs. Also, Eric lacked a true sense of interdependence. He had been brought up in an insecure value system, so he experimented with his personal morality, much in the same way he experimented with drugs. He saw himself as different and removed from other people, and justified his use of drugs because he was not using drugs (he said) for the same reason as people who just wanted to get high to enjoy a part or feel buzzed. By becoming a part of a substance-free community that fulfilled his spiritual needs, Eric might have gained a positive sense of connection, rather than merely defining himself against other people. This desire for isolation, obviously, may have been rooted in a failure to trust other people that were the result of his difficult family upbringing, as he was the child of divorced parents, and a biological father who was an alcoholic."
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Moral Values in Economics, 2008.
This paper explores the moral issues raised by economic justice and financial responsibility.
2,931 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
The paper questions what role economic justice and financial responsibility have in today's world and defines the scope of this issue. The paper explores the norms, principles and guidelines that apply to the situation and provides an analysis of a morally appropriate outcome. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role of moral agency, conscience and freedom on reaching a resolution to this complex question.
Outline:
Introduction
Defining the Scope and Impact of the Question
Moral Methodology for Approaching Solution
Analysis and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In today's economically driven world where the placement of focus and personal achievement is determined by the size of one's bank account or net worth, churches and theologians have had to come to issue with how one can balance a traditionally moral life in today's often immoral world. Out of this struggle arose the theories of economic justice and financial responsibility. The essence of these combinations is to bring traditional moral values into economics, thus allowing one to live a moral life through the proper use of their wealth."
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Religious Myths in Modern Times, 2008.
A look at the fine line between between ancient myths and modern religious beliefs.
1,312 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how mythology may be discriminated from theology in that the stories may be discriminated from the beliefs arising from them and how most religions are made up of stories which become part of the belief system of the believer. It looks at how most religions in the world have as their source the writings of the Koran and Pentateuch, or the Old Testament. The stories in these books were written down sometime within recorded history, and, in fact, make up part of recorded history. It also discusses how myths continue to be made and how today the Internet has spawned thousands of "myths" that tell new stories about "miracles" and strange happenings related to participants' religions. Over the Internet, these stories travel at the speed of light around the globe and are changed and twisted till they become as believable and astounding as the first myths were. Often they are based on some former, or biblical happening or related to something in the Bible or concern some religious leader.
From the Paper
"The myths that Christians and others who follow the teachings of the New Testament believe today are constantly changing in form and content. The Church has something to do with this. The Catholic Church regularly makes edicts that tell believers how they are to act and believe from that point on (dogma). One example is the myth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Paul makes no reference to her being a virgin when Jesus was conceived and his books predate all the four gospels. He had not heard of this "myth." It was a story that evidently was circulated and gained acceptance after 50 A.D. The story of Mary continued to grow and her character was modified and changed to suit the times (Symes 2007)."
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Dine Cosmology, 2008.
A discussion on Dine cosmology, its structure and philosophical concepts.
886 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Dine cosmology and how it is structured. It describes Dine as a homology and shows how Dine holds that all elements derive from a common source. The paper discusses the roles of baskets, hooghans and textiles and then shows how they represent universal structures, elements, colors, numbers, shapes and forms within Dine belief.
From the Paper
"Without the strict binaries that characterize the cosmologies of other cultures, the Dine propose a more integrated vision of the universe. The breath of life permeates everything, and life is cyclical and eternal. Death means only a transition from one phase of life or one form of life to another. Upon death, the same basic elements of creation continue to characterize life and that individual. The number four is structural and represents not only the four elements of moisture, air, substance and heat but also the four cardinal directions and the movement of the sun throughout the year. Directionality and the compas points denote the sacred geography that characterizes the Navajoland and Dine cosmos. As a result, the hooghan is constructed with four main structural poles. Each pole corresponds to a direction with the entrance of the house always in the east. The poles create special sections within the hooghan that are also linked to sacred geography and directionality. A fifth pole flanks the doorway, demarcating the presence of the fifth element."
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St. Augustine's "The Confessions", 2008.
Explores the books of St. Augustine's "The Confessions" ("Confessions"), a great theological and religious masterpiece.
1,810 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that St. Augustine underscores his positions and personal views on the Incarnation and the Trinity (Father, Son and the Holy Spirit) in his book "The Confessions" ("Confessions"). In the last three books, Augustine presents a very detailed account of Genesis and the creation of man and his environment by interrelating the work of the Holy Spirit into the act of creation. The paper points out that this book, in which Augustine relates his conversion through his own spiritual journey from hedonist to teacher to bishop to priest, serves as one of the most important and influential works praising God.
From the Paper
"In Book Eleven, Augustine contemplates the possibilities that lay in wait upon his death, possibilities that surely would have come to fruition if he had not converted to Christianity, being damnation and eternal punishment at the hands of Satan and his hosts in Hell. In Part 16, Augustine poses the question, "But do I ever pass away? O my soul, commit whatsoever you have to him, for at long last, you are now becoming tired of deceit. Commit to Truth. . . and you will lose nothing. What is decayed will flourish again; your diseases will be healed'."
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The Historical Jesus, 2008.
Compares the historical representation of Jesus in the three Gospels of Mark, Luke and John.
3,620 words (approx. 14.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 100.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that the best source and only source for looking at the historical Jesus is the Synoptic Gospels of the Bible. The author points out that the timeline suggests that the Gospel of Mark occurred first, followed by the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. The paper relates that the theology of Mark and Luke is consistent, while the theology of John takes a departure from the theology of Mark and Luke by crediting Jesus as the first messenger of the Word of God. The author states that the most noticeable distinction between the Synoptic Gospels and John rests with the community for whom the Gospels were written; nonetheless, they all proclaim the person and role of Jesus as the Son of God.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Narrative
Community
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Another reason that the Gospel of John is important is found in the middle years of John. The Gospel of John reports that Jesus is the stranger from above, the Messiah, and that he has been rejected as such by his own people (Brown, 1979). Not only is Jesus rejected by the Jews, but so, too, are those who believe in Him as the Messiah, and would follow his teachings (John 17:14, 16). The Synagogue deems the followers of Jesus as no longer followers of Moses, but as disciples of Jesus (John 9:28)."
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Psychology and Christianity, 2008.
A review of the content of D. Entwistle's work, "Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity."
816 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes and reviews D. Entwistle's work, "Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity." It describes the content of the text and briefly looks at the background to his beliefs. The writer then provides a response to Entwistle's work and suggests that he provides a very selective ideological focus which requires the reader to approach these excerpts with caution.
Table of Contents:
Summary
Response
From the Paper
"The text provides some admirable assistance in condensing different philosopher's views about reason and religion over a broad span of time, from the church patriarchs, to Freud, to C.S. Lewis. However, because of the author's very selective ideological focus, the reader must approach these excerpts with caution as representative of these thinkers' larger philosophies--the author has an ideological agenda of his own. Also, Entwistle's book does not reflect some recent developments in the field of neuroscience that challenges some of the assertions he makes in a blanket fashion--for example, some scientists would argue that what Entwistle sees as the innate proof of faith in the idea of God might be, evolutionary biologists argue, a naturally selected gene or defense mechanism."
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The Republic of Turkey, 2008.
Looks at the modern Republic of Turkey, especially the issue of religion and secularism.
3,575 words (approx. 14.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper relates the actions and beliefs of General Mustafa Kemal, known as Father Turk, who led the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923. The author stresses that Kemal transformed Turkey into a secular state where religious belief would be a matter of individual and personal conscience. The secular states still flourishes today although many Turks view their Islamic practices as incompatible with western philosophy, which creates a political tension. The paper contends that the history of the conflict between religion and secularism in Turkey is the story of the struggle between a state-imposed modernization and a people's resistance.
From the Paper
"Kemal set up the foundations for a strong nation-state yet allowed repressive practices to seep in against the freedom of the press, which survive to this day. He put into place the necessary reforms to make Turkey a secular state. He abolished the constitutional provision, which decreed Islam as the state religion and the caliphate, which symbolized the Sultanate's religious authority. He removed the rest of Islamic institutions. He replaced these with Western laws, practices and principles. He introduced the use of the Latin calendar and alphabet."
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Youth Oriented Ministry, 2008.
This paper discusses age-appropriate teaching and activities in ministry.
2,078 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that a minister's responsibility is not merely to convey the gospel, as for that purpose, a parishioner could merely turn to the text. Instead, a minister's pastoral responsibility is to provide guidance to the members of a congregation, depending on their immediate spiritual needs. A minister must also creatively respond to the individual's unique social needs and take into consideration where he is located in his personal life journey history. Today, young people are faced with tremendous moral challenges about what makes a meaningful Christian life. The writer discusses that, although from a minister's view, the underlying message of finding fulfilling devotion in serving Christ may be the same for all Christians, the way that message is conveyed must be tailored to suit a person's current stage of development. The writer maintains that children must learn the gospel from stories that invigorate and excite them and older people must learn about the ministry in a way that suits their needs and life challenges, such as retirement and relating to their grandchildren.
From the Paper
" It is important to recognize that children are children, that young people are no longer children, and that adults are seeking to better relate to their children. Today, young people may have the difficult task of going to a competitive institution of learning, have to face the pressure of work, classes, and the social pressures of peers, and still find a way of leading a meaningful life. Adults may face the pressures of balancing work, school, and home life. Even today's children have seen their country go to war, and may have had friends or loved ones participate in that war and may ask, how can God allow this to happen, how is the world still good. All must learn to exercise their critical thinking faculties, and in fact are likely to want to do so, and will do so amongst themselves, without prodding, even though young children may be silent upon such topics in the presence of adults. Ministers must find a way of creating a safe, directional, and nonjudgmental yet still faith-based place for all of these age groups to express spiritual concerns in a way that they will be 'heard.'"
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Nichiren Buddhism, 2008.
An outline of Buddhism as adapted to the American culture with specific reference to the sect known as Nichiren Buddhism.
1,098 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the American version of Nichiren Buddhism which continues to evolve and to adapt to the American context. The paper states that the success of Buddhism worldwide is attributed to its ability to adapt to different cultures and different requirements without losing its central moral system. The goal remains enlightenment, though how this is defined may differ, and how it is achieved is a matter for argument. The paper concludes that the movement survives in spite of the division into two different organizations and in spite of battles between the priesthood and the laity, and in some parts of the country the movement not only survives but thrives.
From the Paper
"Ordination in the Buddhist context means initiation into the Buddhist Order, or Sangha, which occurs in the presence of witnesses, or members of the Sangha. There are two kinds of Buddhist Order. The first is the lower, or pabbajj, by which a man becomes a smanera or novice; the second is the higher, or upasampad, by which a novice becomes a monk, or bhikku. The ceremony by which the novice becomes a monk varies from country to country and may vary according to whether the novice had the intention of remaining in Order for several months or years or for a few days only, as for the three to seven day period on the occasion of a relative's cremation. The ceremony for the admission of a novice who intends to become a monk is formal. The candidate is brought before a chapter of at least ten monks, headed by an abbot of senior monk of at least ten years standing. The candidate takes part in the set form for ordaining novices and monks. The ceremony is held in the sanctuary (vihra). The candidate kneels, asks for admission as a novice, and hands two yellow robes to the abbot. "
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Moral Theology, 2008.
This paper explores a definition for the nature of good virtue.
1,128 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the ideas of three contemporary theorists, Carol Gilligan, James Fowler and James T. Brotzke regarding the meaning of virtue. The paper shows how each of these three theorists bring a unique and often conflicting perspective onto what it means to be moral and thus have good virtues. The paper concludes that there is no answer to the question of what is good virtue since too many independent and personal factors go into determining what one person considers to be virtuous.
From the Paper
"The fundamental moral question of human existence is what is the nature of good virtues? Although virtues by its very nature means good, or the opposite of vice, this does not make the answer to the question any simpler. Every individual has a different idea of what virtues are, meaning that to one person a virtue may be a virtue but to another the virtue is perceived as a vice. The result is that there is no definition as to what is virtuous, therefore leading to the ongoing question of "what is the nature of good virtue?""
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"Hosea 11: 1-11", 2008.
A exegesis of "Hosea 11: 1-11".
2,045 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the thesis of this exegesis of "Hosea 11: 1-11" is that, when a nation goes deeply into sin and worships the gods of money and sex, then God sends a prophet to warn the people who are participating in this great sin. This prophet must arise from the people who are sinning and let those who would turn away from the evil in society know how to come back to God. The paer explains that the events in "Hosea" took place during the Assyrian period and then describes the three part structure of this portion. The text of 'Hosea' is included.
Table of Contents:
Text
Thesis
Exegesis
Argument
From the Paper
"In this passage, Hosea is strongly warning and rebuking the northern Kingdom of Israel for their turning to idol worship and away from God's Covenant with them. Their corruption in matters of their worship and their morals is terrible to behold. In his personal life and in his preaching, Hosea is actively pleading and warning his fellow Israelites to repent and turn back to Jehovah God, a God who has loved them and sheltered them and kept them in times of terrible turmoil. Hosea warns them that if they do not do this, a terrible fate awaits them, as they shall be utterly destroyed."
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Islam, 2008.
An overview of the rise of Islam.
2,776 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 82.95
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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, $ 30.95
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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, $ 42.95
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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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