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Zen Buddhism, 2007. An analysis of "An Introduction to Zen Buddhism," by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki. 1,174 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses how the author presents Zen Buddhism in a Western language - English - while acknowledging that languages, especially Western languages, are completely inadequate to defining Zen Buddhism. The paper describes how the word "Zen" may translate reasonably well as "enlightenment," yet it is not the kind of enlightenment Westerners usually think of. The paper shows how the author's style of writing is effective for his purpose. The paper concludes that the reader is left with the feeling that perhaps Westerners really can't comprehend Zen Buddhism, but attempting to understand this book would be a good exercise for students of Japanese and Chinese culture.
From the Paper "The sources the author uses are quite remarkable. They include the "Flower Sermon" given by Buddha, when he held up a flower but said nothing, ancient writings from China and India, and numerous writings from around the world including Japan and Germany. He also quotes the critics of Zen Buddhist, giving considerable attention to harsh comments such as "Zen Buddhism is mind-murder," perhaps alluding to the idea that logic is of no use on this path to enlightenment and in fact gets in the way: people cannot get to a state of Nirvana through reason. The author's anger regarding some of the criticisms made about Zen Buddhism comes through at these points in the text."
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The Nature of God in the Old Testament, 2007. Examines how God appears to man in the Old Testament of the Bible. 2,755 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 82.95 »
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Abstract This paper shows that the nature of God in the Old Testament is made up of His attributes, that make him at once personal and human-like, but also sets Him out as the transcendent, the absolute divinity, to which men should aspire for their own salvation. The paper shows that all these attributes are to be found in His names; God appearing thus as an abstraction, but also as something bearing a name, and therefore an identity. The paper quotes extensively from the Old Testament.
From the Paper "It is significant also, as Dyrness observes, that after the creation of the Heaven and Earth, the seventh day, the day in which God rests, is devoted to God himself, which means it is marked by his holiness. So, in the process of creation itself, the worship of God, and of his holiness , has its appointed place: " And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for that in it he had rested from all his work, which God created and made. "( Gen . 2:3 )."
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The Teleological Argument, 2007. A critical analysis of the flaws inherent in the teleological argument. 962 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 34.95 »
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Abstract This paper critically analyzes the teleological argument, which is an argument based on the idea that the universe is too complicated to have been created by accident and so must have had a creator. The paper describes the basis for this argument and then presents the problems that are inherent in it and concludes that the argument is flawed.
From the Paper "A second problem with the teleological argument is based on the idea that design and purpose are linked. In Natural Theology, William Paley used the example of a watch to show how design and purpose are linked. He stated that a watch serves a specific purpose and has been designed with that purpose in mind. This shows intelligent design. This analogy is then applied to life and the universe and used to conclude that life must have been designed intelligently since everything created serves a purpose. Paley made this argument by stating that "every manifestation of design, which existed in the watch, exists in the works of nature; with the difference, on the side of nature, of being greater and more, and that in a degree which exceeds all computation." The problem with this argument is that there is no certainty that things are intentionally created with a certain purpose. In the case of a watch, it is created for the purpose of creating time. However, this is not necessarily true of the creations of the universe. Consider a simple example such as the creation of a tomato. The teleological argument would state that because a tomato is used for food, it must have been created for the purpose of providing others with a food source. However, it could also be said that a tomato is used as a food source because it is good to eat. This second view is based on the idea that created items are used for the purpose to which they are suited. This does not mean that they had to be designed for this purpose and so intelligent design is not necessary. Instead, one could argue that whatever is accidentally created is used for the purpose to which it is suited. In this way, the fact that something serves a purpose is not proof that it was designed for that purpose and so intelligent design is not a certainty."
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Reform and the Church, 2007. This paper explores how the 11th century reform movement unleashed forces that eventually undermined the Church's authority. 1,053 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 36.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses how a significant factor that played a major role in determining the course of history was the reform movement. The paper relates that the reform movement focused on the attempt to redirect the evolution of the Church in its relation both with the imperial power and its subjects. The paper explains how the attempts to reform the church in the 11th century only led to the encouragement of an unhealthy evolution of the already sensitive feudal society. The paper shows that most importantly, the reform movement weakened the Church's authority in relation to the state, because it offered the opportunity for people to contest its teachings and its moral supremacy over the religious life.
From the Paper "The context of the 11th century is marked by the process of feudalization of the medieval society. (Berstein and Milza, 1994) This process was a normal evolution of the social apparatus which reacted to the demise of the great historical empires of the Greek and roman civilizations. The organization of the society had its focal point the castle of the senior who in turn for the submission of the people would guarantee their protection and help. This relationship however would soon encourage the development of certain connections based on a sole aim of achieving greater power and supremacy."
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The Church's Influential Policies, 2007. This paper explores if the Catholic Church influenced social policy regarding education and divorce in Argentina and Chile, from the 1950s until today. 2,238 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 69.95 »
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Abstract The paper delves into the two distinct branches of feminism, socialist and liberal, that developed in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. The paper discusses how women were employed in domestic roles and as industry workers. The paper examines how the Civil Codes maintained the authority of men over women even as women became wage earners and educated. The paper discusses the issues of women voting, divorce and education. The paper concludes that the Catholic Church has exerted great influence over the educational and divorce laws, regulations and social mores in the countries of Chile and Argentina and that this influence has been one of an ongoing nature since the decade of the 1950s, even until the present day.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Lavrin
Two Distinct Branches of Feminism - Socialist and Liberal
Women Employed in Domestic Roles and Industry Workers
Double-standards
Women Gain the Vote - 1947
Influence of Catholic Church - Divorce
Chile - Catholic Church and Educational Influence
Convention Article 10 - Education
Divorce - Chile
The Vatican and the Gender Wars
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Fifty-one percent of the population of Chile is comprised of women yet women only account for thirty-seven percent of the total labor force of the country. Female workers presently earn on 65% of their male counterparts for performing the same jobs however "women and men are equal under Chilean law and the state is obliged to provide both sexes equal employment opportunities. Women possess a great deal of influence and are very active in almost all fields of Chilean society." (Ibid) Even so men have a status that is higher than that of women in the country."
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Protestantization, 2007. A discussion on the changes in society in the 16th century. 1,901 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 60.95 »
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Abstract This paper offers an extensive discussion on the effects of the permeation of state authority into English village life. The paper focuses on the village of Morebath and explains the resistance to the shift from Catholicism to Protestantism. It claims that the process of Protestantization came, not because of a pure theological dispute that involved the common people, but because of a power struggle between King Henry VIII and the Pope over the king's right to gain an annulment from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
From the Paper "From the reign of Henry VIII to Elizabeth I, England experienced a gradual, but ultimately seismic shift in the way that the population was permitted to worship, could experience the divine in terms of their religious practices, expressed their religious views, and the ways they could relate to their institutions of belief. At first, "the Catholic world-view...was the religion of most English people on the eve of the Reformation." (Duffy 2) When "Martin Luther's attack on the Catholic Church and the authority of the Pope first began to spread outside Germany" England stood apart from the fray and Henry VIII was called the 'defender of the faith' by the reigning Pope. (Duffy 84) But Catholic England was reborn under the guiding hand of Elizabeth I into a moderate, officially Protestant land where the monarch was the head of the church, not the pope"
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The War on Terror, 2007. This paper examines the clash of civilizations today between the Western and the Islamic world. 3,759 words (approx. 15.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 103.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines and analyzes Samuel P. Huntington's thesis in "The Clash of Civilizations," that civilizations will clash. The paper reviews why those civilizations will fight, with particular emphasis on the conflicts between the West (the United States principal among the Western nations) and Muslims (Islam). The paper relates that pivotal differences that lead to clashes are based on history, language, culture, tradition, and "most important," religion. Huntington gives six solid, fundamental reasons as to why future clashes will more likely be between cultures and not between nation-states per se. The paper looks at America's war on terror today and contends that the strategies need to be revised, because the Islamic militants show no signs of letting up.
Outline:
Introduction
Review of Huntington's Presentation
Historic Reasons for Islamic Militancy Toward the US
Clash of Civilizations/Cultures Within the US
Conclusion
From the Paper "In his 1993 paper, "The Clash of Civilizations," Samuel P. Huntington writes that the "fundamental" future conflicts between forces in the world will not be over "ideological" or "economic" issues, as they were in the past. The conflicts will be "cultural," he writes, and the clashes he envisioned from his vantage point thirteen years ago in 1993 would "dominate global politics." In the past, major conflicts were in the main between kinds, emperors, absolute monarchs and constitutional monarchs; the goals in these wars were to conquer territory and establish colonies."
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Paul and Messiah, 2007. An analysis of Paul's views of Julius Caesar, Roman rule and the identity of the true messiah. 1,011 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95 »
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Abstract This paper presents Paul's view of Roman rule in light of his belief in Jesus and the Kingdom of God. The paper focuses on Paul's view of Julius Caesar, Rome rule, and Paul's religious beliefs. The writer explores Paul's letters to support the case that Paul did not agree with the idea of worshipping Caesar and did indeed consider Jesus to be the true messiah.
From the Paper "With regards to the Roman rule Paul had issues with its foundation. At that time in world history Julius Cesar wanted to be worshipped as a God himself. He demanded complete loyalty and love from his subjects and he would not allow anyone to stray from worshipping him as he believed he should be worshipped. Paul denounced this demand as he believed that Jesus was the messiah and the one who should receive such divine and complete devotional worship from the people; Caesar was on his way to becoming the great divinity as a divine religion with him held as the messiah during the Greco-Roman Times."
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St. Augustine, 2006. A discussion regarding the philosophy of Saint Augustine. 1,328 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 44.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the argument held by Saint Augustine, that God is the cause of every activity and yet man has the freedom to choose. The paper reports how this is one of the most controversial problems in philosophy, which Saint Augustine confronts and offers to explain.
From the Paper "Augustine argues and poses Christ as the one model of free will and grace occurring perfectly and in combination, rather than in contradiction, in Him (Ryan 1960 7.10 p 170). Augustine draws this from revelation, which lies in the mystery of faith rather than autonomous and thus does not require man to understand how it can be. It presents as the only possible and adequate rational explanation of how God's activity of grace and the human activity of freedom can coexist. In no other way can the freedom of human will or free choice be made intelligible. Saint Augustine maintains that the only way for man to understand is to receive divine grace, that is, that man can understand only because he is helped by grace. God's grace acts upon the will within creation without taking freedom away from the will. Rather, grace helps man to freely choose what is good. If a man is part of the body of Christ sacramentally, he too will act freely in God's grace as Christ does (Ryan 8.8 p 195). "
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The Gospel of Matthew, 2007. This paper discusses the Gospel of Matthew, which was one of four gospel accounts of the life of Jesus. 750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 26.95 »
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Abstract In this article the writer maintains that the Gospel of Matthew is considered by many as the inspired Word of God and contains an account of the life of Jesus. The writer also notes that it covers how Jesus fulfilled the Prophecy of his being the Messiah. The writer discusses that even though Matthew tried to make this writing a book of how Christians should act in the church, he also related the story of Jesus' life and the texts of his sermons. Further, the writer claims that when Matthew did this, future readers were able to hear Jesus' exact words on how to love each other and to treat each other with forgiveness and respect.
From the Paper "In the Book of Matthew, the first two chapters cover the whole history of Jesus, from the listing of his generations and lineage, the story of Mary and Joseph's engagement through the birth and how they raised Jesus to be a man in their home.
The third chapter is about John the Baptist and how he baptized Jesus. Chapter Four begins Jesus' ministry, when he went into the desert to fast and pray, but was tempted by the devil. After that he began his preaching ministry. He gathered the disciples, Simon, Peter, Andrew, James and John, who were fishermen, and they followed him throughout Gallilee. The rest of the book of Matthew, from Chapter 5 through 26, tells the stories of his preaching and firing up the people. This section can be divided into the Sermon on the Mount, the mission Jesus gave his disciples, the Parables, the "Church Order" in which he talks about Christian relationships."
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Martyrdom in Christianity, 2007. A discussion of the concept and life of martyrdom as reflected in Saint Polycarp, the Lyons and Vienne Confessors and St. Perpetua. 1,323 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95 »
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Abstract The discussion centers on the concept of martyrdom as illustrated in the lives of people who were persecuted as a result of their courage and belief in a different version of Christianity. It specifically focuses on Saint Polycarp, St Perpetua and the confessors of Lyons and Vienne. In addition, the paper analyzes the types of martyrdom shown through these individuals, asserting that each developed his/her own kind of description and fulfillment of how martyrdom is and should be.
From the Paper "This figurative explication of her suffering and eventual joy as she journeyed towards heaven provided a glimpse of how Christians, during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, were able to accept their fate as martyrs for the Lord, and be able to accomplish, indeed, the act of becoming a martyr. St Perpetua is identified as the "normative" martyr, because she experienced and acted martyrdom based on what was expected of her as a believer of God and firm follower of Christianity. Moreover, because the role of bearing witness to God's good news is a privileged role ("not more than one might go up at one time"), St Perpetua further internalized her being the 'chosen one'--as a martyr, a firm believer who will sacrifice her life for God and Christianity."
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Ancient and Medieval Philosophy, 2007. This paper explores the contrasting ideas of reason and faith as seen in ancient and medieval philosophy. 2,686 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 80.95 »
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Abstract This paper describes various ideas of ancient and medieval philosophy. The author begins by contrasting the concepts of reason and faith. Also analyzed is the belief system of a higher being. Philosophies of both Christian and Jewish religions are highlighted and the major writings briefly introduced. The author also includes other philosophical schools of thought from this time period, including realism and natural theology.
Outline:
Faith and Reason
Natural Theology
Universals
Works cited
From the Paper "Faith and reason are often seen as adversarial. It appears that since the middle ages the two principles fail to find common ground. Reason is about gathering evidence that supports a position. Faith, on the other hand, is the formation of belief in the absence of or in opposition to evidence that appears to prove other than that which is believed. For those who support reason, faith would appear to be irrational. "
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Catholicism, 2007. A discussion on the origins of Catholicism. 1,737 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 56.95 »
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Abstract This paper begins with a general definition on the Roman Catholic denomination of Christianity. The paper focuses on the the origins of Catholicism and offers a historical review on this topic. In the conclusion the author offers a personal opinion on findings, and mentions the theories that doubt the existence of a historical Jesus.
Table of Contents:
The Roman Catholic Version
The Historical View of the Origins of the Catholic Religion
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Very few non-Christian writings from the period mention Jesus or Christianity. Only the work of four major non-Christian historians contains any mention to Jesus or Christianity. They include Josephus, a Jew and Roman citizen who wrote Antiquities of the Jews in 93 AD; Pliny the Younger (c. 63-113 AD) who was a lawyer and philosopher in ancient Rome; Suetonius (c. 69-110), a Roman historian and biographer; and Tacitus (c. 56-117) another important Roman historian. Even the writings of these writers about Christianity are extremely sketchy and do not throw significant light on the light and teachings of Jesus, his early followers or the origins of Christianity. In fact the passage in Josephus' "Antiquities" about Jesus has been noted by some scholars to contain several "internal indicators" that are seem to be inconsistent with the rest of Josephus' writing, indicating that part or all of the passage may have been interpolated by later Christians."
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Emanuel Swedenborg, 2006. A review of the life and work of Emanuel Swedenborg. 1,474 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 48.95 »
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Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the life, history and work of Emanuel Swedenborg. The paper begins by reviewing his book 'The Heavenly Doctrines of the Second Coming' and follows with a discussion regarding Swedenborg's life and theories of religion.
Contents:
His Religious Experience
An Encounter with the "Sacred"?
II. His Understanding
III. His Following
IV. His Evil Concept
V. His Solution
VI. His "Message"
From the Paper "He viewed God at the center of a person's being; as infinitely loving. He perceived life to be an individual's spiritual birth while each person partakes in their own creation. Scripture, he contended, is ". . . a story of inner-life stages" as people we learn and grow. (The Swedenbogian Church) Jesus Christ manifested God, Swendenborg stressed . . . the Divine became flesh to empower humans to be comprehend a distinctive relationship with God. Prior to Christ's coming, God had been beyond human comprehension. Jesus gave humans an overt expression of God's reality. Christ reflects the trinity. Swendenborg denied that Christ came to redeem people from original sin, but argues Christ mission was to reveal the spiritual life's reality and nature. "
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Judaism in England, 2006. A literary review of Jewish life in England. 2,594 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 78.95 »
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Abstract This paper provides a review of the relevant primary and secondary literature which determines the salient features of traditional Orthodox Jewish life in England between Restoration and the 1900s. A summary of the research and findings are provided in the conclusion.
Table of Contents:
Review and Discussion
Orthodox Judaism in England: Mid-17th Century - 19th Century
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "According to Jacobs (1995), Orthodox Judaism can be defined as, "The trend in Jewish life and thought which accepts without reservation and in its literal sense the doctrine: 'The Torah is from Heaven.' The actual term Orthodox is derived from Christian theology and was, at first, a term of reproach hurled against the traditionalists by the early Reformers at the beginning of the nineteenth century to imply that those who failed to respond to the modernist challenge were hidebound" (p. 370). Over time, though, the term was also employed by traditionalists as a useful method to communicate the attitude of complete loyalty to the Jewish past, although some traditionalists prefer the term 'Torah-true' to describe their religious position (Jacobs, 1995)."
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Early Christianity, 2006. A review of early Christianity and a discussion regarding how it helped to shape the Christianity of today. 5,706 words (approx. 22.8 pages), 20 sources, MLA, $ 137.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the factors that were responsible for the formation of Christianity, particularly in the context of Orthodoxy and Heresy. In other words, the paper discusses how Christianity became Christianity as seen through the lenses of Orthodoxy and Heresy. The research explores several defining moments in the history of Christianity including proto-orthodox and the boundary markers that enabled the proto-orthodox to prevail and become the dominant religion of the empire from the first through the fourth century.
Outline:
Introduction
Proto-Orthodox
Heretical Text and Heretical Doctrines
The Rule of Faith and Apostolic Succession
Gender
The Appeal to Jewish Antiquity
Future Research
Conclusion
From the Paper "In addition to docetic theologies there were other theologies that emerged and were deemed to be heretical by the proto-orthodoxy. Among these was the adoptionists theology. This particular theology asserted that Jesus was a man but he was not divine. They also asserted that Jesus was adopted by God as his son (Grant). Those that held this view asserted that there were church traditions that solidified this view but just what these church traditions were differed greatly from that of proto-orthodox Christians (Grant). Adoptionists also claimed that all Christian held the aforementioned doctrine. However proto-orthodox Christians argued that the doctrine of the adoptionists was in opposition to scriptures (Grant). They also asserted that Christian apologists and anti-heretical authors had throughout history, declared that Jesus was God or that Jesus was both God and Man (Grant). In addition both hymns and psalms that were written from the beginning of time describe Christ as the Logos and describe him as God (Grant). "
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'Evangelism Outside the Box', 2006. A discussion regarding 'Evangelism Outside the Box' by Rick Richardson. 861 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 30.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses how Rick Richardson's acclaimed book, "Evangelism Outside the Box" took many by surprise. According to the paper, Richardson points out many flaws in the way evangelism is done in the contemporary church and proposes that society has changed, but that our idea of evangelism is still geared towards the generation before us.
From the Paper "Perhaps the greatest contribution of Richardson's work is that he asks the reader to step outside of their own mind and look at the message that is being sent from the perspective of the receiver. He asks the reader to consider their audience and how their message is actually received, instead of assuming that the message was received as intended. He points out that what one might think of as being helpful may be perceived as arrogance on the part of the other person. This is perhaps the book's greatest contribution to the field of evangelism.
Richardson feels that evangelism has transformed from a science to an art in the postmodern mindset. His work is theoretical in nature and explores evangelism from a sociological perspective. Richardson relates his theories on the postmodern mindset to how we should communicate the Gospel. Richardson uses the examples of John Wesley and the Wesleyan movement and Saint Patrick to support his thesis. "
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The Messiah, 2006. A discussion regarding those who claimed to be the messiah. 1,177 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95 »
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Abstract This paper takes a look at historical figures, claiming for various reasons, to be the messiah. The paper discusses the chronicles of historian, Flavius Josephus, which listed many of the ancient world's messianic candidates as well as disparaged most of them for their hubris, violence, and quest for power.
From the Paper "As Lendering points out, messiahs exhibited militaristic, political, and religious traits. The Christian tradition emphasized the religiosity of the messiah more than its original definition entailed. The Jews viewed the role of the messiah as a holistic ruler, anointed by God but equally as experienced and talented in war and secular leadership. Many messianic claimants therefore aspired to the throne. Herod's death stimulated a wave of messianism related to disputes over his son's authority. In 4 BCE, a slave named Simon of Peraea led a revolt against Herod Archelaus and Josephus claims that Simon was "superior to others of his order." Believing in his own right to rule, Simon of Peraea "was so bold as to put a diadem on his head." Josephus states sardonically that "he was declared to be a king, and he thought himself more worthy of that dignity than any one else." In spite of his military prowess and his unabashed conceit, Simon was eventually executed by Gratus. According to Josephus' accounts, Simon of Peraea "burnt down the royal palace," then "plundered" all that was left to leave a legacy of destruction and death. Simon, at least in Josephus' conservative estimation, was one of many false messiahs trying to capitalize on political instability."
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Chinese Philosophy, 2007. This paper discusses the three Chinese philosophies of Confucianism, Legalism and Taoism. 1,277 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 43.95 »
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Abstract The paper explains that although the three Chinese philosophies do not comprise the overall doctrine of the Chinese government at present, their concepts and ideas still form part of the present Chinese culture and society. The paper discusses the beliefs of Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism. The paper maintains that of these three ideologies/philosophies - which at times are considered religions - Confucianism could well be the best replacement for the defunct U.S. Constitution. The paper describes how it will bring a spirit of harmony and cooperation amongst U.S. citizens and its guiding principles on how we deal with our fellowmen can cultivate respect not only for others, but for ourselves too.
From the Paper "Confucianism, funded by Confucius or Kung-Fu-Tzu - meaning "Master Kung" - "is a code of conduct to live this life, and it has had a tremendous impact on how the Chinese live their lives... with a great influence in Chinese government, education, and attitudes toward correct personal behavior and the individual duties to society (Dominguez, 2006)" Although at times, one could look at Confucianism as a derivative of Taoism the basic beliefs and practice of this philosophy are..."
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