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Christianity and Volunteering, 2008.
A discussion of an 1996 article entitled "Why Volunteerism Won't Save America" in "Christianity Today" that reviews the book "Learning to Care: Elementary Kindness in an Age of Indifference" by Robert Wuthnow.
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper examines an 1996 article in "Christianity Today" about volunteering in Robert Wuthnow's book "Learning to Care: Elementary Kindness in an Age of Indifference". The paper explains that the author questions whether the "mild morality" found in present-day volunteers is what society really needs. The paper looks at how, according to Wuthnow, the type of volunteering needed in the present society is different than that of past generations. The paper also points out that a milder type of volunteerism is necessary in a society like the one that exists today, which is so complex, but during the pioneer days for example, individuals needed be strong and virtuous, because they lived in such a lawless and unprotected world. The paper concludes that the churches' clergy and educators need to show the youth of today what heroes are doing.
From the Paper
"Wuthnow argues that this milder type of volunteerism is necessary in a society like the one that exists today, which is so complex. To the contrary, during pioneer days for example, individuals needed be strong and virtuous, because they lived in such a lawless and unprotected world. "Temperance and prudence took the place of factory schedules and insurance schemes." Now, however, people can be "relatively weak" in their volunteering efforts, due to the strength of the government and business institutions."
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Lovin, Robin. Christian Ethics: An Essential Guide. Abingdon Press., 2008.
A book review of "Christian Ethics: An Essential Guide" by Robin Lovin.
1,586 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a book review of "Christian Ethics: An Essential Guide" by theologian Robin Lovin. The paper relates that, in the book, Lovin discusses how people of all faiths strive to lead a good life, although few could define a good life in a concrete fashion. The paper then relates that Lovin explains his beliefs and how finding a state of happiness and creating a truly good life means caring about the welfare of others in an indiscriminate manner, not simply satisfying desires.
From the Paper
"Although almost everyone, Christian or non-Christian would say that he or she strives to lead a good life, very few people feel that they do lead such good a life, or, when pressed, could define a good life in a concrete fashion. Theologian Robin Lovin believes that a good life is not based in the pursuit of pleasure, although secular, materialist American culture may assure its citizens that this is the case. Lovin believes that such pleasure seeking is only that, in the true Aristotelian sense--a search for pleasures of the moment, rather than a search for the sort of true and lasting happiness that is the foundation of a good life. Finding a state of happiness within and creating a truly good life means caring about the welfare of others in an indiscriminate manner, not simply satisfying desires."
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Mormons, 2008.
This paper explains the major tenets of Mormonism and errors in its teaching compared to Christianity.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that recently the Mormon faith has been the topic of a great deal of discussion. The writer points out that Mormonism is one of the fastest growing religions in America and it has more than 12 million members throughout the world. The church is known to be notoriously private concerning their beliefs and practices. The purpose of this discussion is to explain the major tenets of Mormonism, along with any doctrinal, ethical, etc., errors in its teaching-compared to Christianity. The writer maintains that it teaches a false view of Jesus Christ. The discussion also includes suggestions as to how one would counter the groups' beliefs. The writer concludes that Mormon beliefs are in direct contradiction to the Biblical understanding of the Godhead as it relates to God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Outline:
Introduction
Mormon Beliefs
Countering the Groups' Beliefs
Conclusion
From the Paper
"As it pertains to the great Apostasy Mormons assert that following the death of Christ wicked individuals killed church members and other members of the church drifted away from the teaching of Christ. The church also asserts that the apostles were murdered and the authority of the priesthood absolved including the capacity to receive revelation. The church also asserts that because the authority of the priesthood was gone, many errors in doctrine began to creep into the church and the teachings of Christ were no longer being practiced. The official website of the church explains that during this time many different churches formed with varying beliefs. The church contends that these churches that lacked priesthood authority distorted the true nature of God the father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit. Mormons refer to this time period as the Great Apostasy."
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Philosophy of Christian Education & Discipleship, 2008.
A discussion on the importance of teaching and the philosophy of Christian education.
3,549 words (approx. 14.2 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 99.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Christianity and qualifies the various states of adherence of peoples calling themselves Christian. The paper states that each sincere Christian, in order to develop in his faith, should remain a disciple of the faith and should also engage in education and focus on children in various age groups, or on adults in an effort to further their discipleship.
Outline:
A Biblical Obligation
The Nature, Purpose and Goals of Christian Education
How Persons Learn and Grow in Christian Faith
Methods of Learning and Growth within the Church Context
Methods of Learning within the Context of the World
Leading and Teaching the Christian
From the Paper
"Christianity is one of the major world religions today. This may however be deceptive, as many call themselves Christians simply because they grew up in a Christian home, or go to church simply out of habit. There are however those who sincerely attempt to follow the precedents of Christianity, and others who sincerely seek respite from the difficulties of the world by means of prayer and worship. These sincere few take issues such as education and discipleship seriously. Each sincere Christian, in order to grow and develop in their faith, should remain disciples of the faith. In addition, Christians should also engage in education. Christian education might take a variety of forms. Mainly, education can focus on children in various age groups, or on adults in an effort to further their discipleship."
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"Roaring Lions", 2008.
An analysis of Rastafarianism as a social movement through a review of the film "Roaring Lions".
1,552 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze the documentary film "Roaring Lions" which chronicles the origins of the Rastafarian indigenous social movement in the Caribbean. It looks at how Rastafarianism is much more than reggae music and the tunes of Bob Marley, although those cultural items have introduced many people to Rastafarianism around the world. It contends that Rastafarianism is a social movement working to become an accepted religion in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations.
From the Paper
"Essentially, the Rastafarian movement began in the 1930s, when Jamaicans discovered the black emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I. One Rastafarian in "Roaring Lion" says, "In Jamaica, we always worshipped a white Christ, and a white king, and a white queen" ("Roaring Lion"), which helps the viewer understand how a black king would be such a strong, magnetic draw for these people. They raised Selassie to the status of God, (they call him "Jah") and believe he is part of a Holy Trinity foreseen in the Bible and destined to return to Earth. This movement, like many indigenous social movements, began in the poor communities of working and peasant blacks, and it has spread throughout the Caribbean and far beyond, to be embraced by people all over the world. "
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Christian Gospel: John, 2008.
This paper is a explanation of how to present the gospel to non-Christians from the gospel of John.
1,260 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that in order to present the gospel to a different religious group, it must be presented in a manner that does not tell the other religion that their religious beliefs are wrong and that Christianity is right. Instead, Christianity must be presented in such a manner that it is connected to the current beliefs of the religious group and thus can be seen as an extension of them. Since the central character in Christianity is Jesus Christ, the essential selling point to help someone come to a saving faith in Christ is to present Christianity as a story of Jesus. The author asserts that the best way to do this is through a use of the Gospel of John and explains why.
From the Paper
"Jesus' ministry involved numerous acts of kindness, preaching and forgiveness. Many of these acts are seen as miracles, or 'Signs' as the Gospel of John refers to them. These included exorcisms, walking on water, turning water into wine, and raising people from the dead.
"According to the Gospel of John, three Passover feasts occurred during the ministry of Jesus, suggesting that this period lasted for three years. The major event of the ministry phase was the giving of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached the New Covenant with God, which many consider his announcement of both a new religion and that he was the Son of God. The Sermon on the Mount contained the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer. It is often viewed as an extension of Mosses' announcement of the Ten Commandments as the Old Covenant with God."
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Leadership in Revival, 2008.
Looks at the leadership characteristics of true spiritual revival.
5,285 words (approx. 21.1 pages), 28 sources, APA, $ 131.95
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Abstract
This paper is a literature review using the Old and New Testaments of the Bible to examine several research questions relating to leadership in revival. The author points out that the literature reviewed in this study states that the necessary components for true spiritual revival are conviction, repentance and rejoicing among God's children, that revival must be an ongoing process in the lives of God's children and that this should be exampled by those in ministerial and leadership roles.
Outline:
Various Definitions of Revival
JI Packer
Stephen Olford
Charles Finney
Characteristics of Revival
Raises Esteem of Jesus
Satan Suffers Losses Due to Genuine Repentance
Greater Responses to the World of God
Clearer Vision of Spiritual Truths
Revivals in the Old Testament
Genesis 4:26
Genesis 6:
Genesis 35:1-15
The Exodus (Exodus 3:9)
The Wilderness (Exodus 19:20)
Joshua 3:6-10
I Kings 18
Josiah II Chronicles 34-35
Ezra
3:13-13
6:13-22
Nehemiah 8 and 9
Jonah
Hezekiah II Chronicles 29-31
Revivals in the New Testament
John the Baptist
Christ's Ministry Upon Earth
Pentecost (Acts 2)
Samaria (Acts 8)
Caesarea (Acts 10)
Antioch (Acts 11)
The Missionary Journeys (Acts 13)
Famous Revivals
The Camp Meeting Revival 1800-1835
The Revival 1857-58
Azusa Street Revival (1906)
Asbury College (1970)
Biblical Description of Revival
Human Need for God's Touch (Isaiah 6:1-8)
God as He Actually is (Isaiah vs. 1b-4)
(Isaiah 6:5)
The Grace of God (Isaiah 6:6-7)
The Mission (Isaiah 6:8a)
(Isaiah: 6:8b)
Revivals Occur at Time of Moral Darkness
Revivals in the Bible were Preceded by Prayers
Revivals in the Bible Rested upon God's Word
Human Vessels were Used by God
Conviction of Sin in Revival
Emphasis on the Blood of Christ
Great Joy
Effects of Revival upon the Church
The Presence of God is Sensed
A Sharp Conviction of Sin is Experienced
Declaration of Eternal Punishment becomes the Doctrine of the Church
The Death of Christ as Necessary for Atonement is Centric to the Message
Infilling of the Holy Spirit on a Conscious and Group Level
Compulsion to Witness Arising from Revival
Large Numbers of Conversions Resulting from Revival
The Nature of Worship in the Church becomes Transformed
People are Hungering for the Word of God
Prayer Meetings Grow
Believers having a Desire to Serve
Unity among Believers of God
Leadership Responsibilities
Biblical Responsibilities of Leadership in Revival
As the Leaders, so the Congregation will Follow
Table of Contents:
Statement of Thesis
Purpose of Research
Significance of Research
Methodology
Research Questions
Literature Review
Summary of Literature Reviewed
Recommendations for Research
From the Paper
"It is important to understand states Morrison that "revivals were very much influenced by those leading them". Morrison states that it was acknowledged, as an important principle among godly ministers is that "the presence of these phenomena and the progress that they took and the degree to which they happened was very much dependent on the way that the leaders conducted services and meetings." Even the "extent to which they flourished was directed associated with the way they were handled.""
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LA Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 2008.
This is a descriptive essay on the Los Angeles Cathedral called, Our Lady of the Angels.
1,186 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels as one of the newest major construction projects of the Catholic Church. The paper relates that the Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is what the Church calls a "Mother Church" and that it holds an integral position as the lead church in a very large regional parishionership, with more than 300 parish churches under its jurisdiction, in the archdiocese. The paper then describes the grand architecture, parishioners and management of this particular church.
From the Paper
"According to the church's official website it was built to host at least 3,000 parishioners and holds mass in 45 languages, stressing the multiculturalism of the region and city. On a regular basis the church offers mass in English and Spanish on weekdays as well as traditionally on Sundays, several times a day. Monday through Friday the cathedral offers two services, one beginning at 7 am and one at 12.10 pm, both in English. On Sunday there is a 8 am and 10am mass in English and a 12;30 pm mass in Spanish. Additionally there are many special service masses held around this schedule, where national and international event celebrations occur and guest Priests say mass and offer information about international and national concerns of the church as a whole. Additionally, most wedding ceremonies held at the church have a full mass that is usually open to other parishioners, as well as funeral and baptismal services also open to other parishioners. The diversity of the region is displayed in the special services that are offered, in conjunction with regular mass schedules as well as special events. The Cathedral often hosts guests from other countries, to demonstrate conditions of need in other areas of the faithful, in doing so they expose the local parish to the overall diversity and health of the whole of the catholic world and offer its own parishioners the opportunity for global civic support of its members elsewhere. The Cathedral also has many hours of operation that allow visitors and guests to view and tour the cathedral during non-mass hours. In a sense the Cathedral and its support services, such as its gift shop offer a whole list of community events, much like a community center, hosting concerts and special classes and tours."
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Religious Paintings by Caravaggio, 2008.
An iconological study of five religious paintings by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper examines religious works by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio: "The Deposition of Christ in the Sepulcher", "Madonna di Loreto", "The Calling of Saint Matthew", "The Martyrdom of Saint Mathew" and "The Crucifixion of Saint Peter". All of these works are oils on canvas and present themes from the New Testament. The author describes each painting, its history, biblical content and the techniques used, which are characteristic of Caravaggio.
Table of Contents:
"The Deposition of Christ in the Sepulcher"
"Madonna di Loreto"
"The Calling of Saint Matthew"
"The Martyrdom of Saint Mathew"
"The Crucifixion of Saint Peter"
From the Paper
"The original commissioner had ordered a more complicated assemble with more display of architecture and a larger number of spectators assisting the scene in terrified impotence. However, Caravaggio managed, after a couple of abandoned attempts, to compact the scene to the most essential elements without losing the dramatic expression its commissioner had requested.
"Affected chiaroscuro gives expression to the moment and brings the scene closer to the viewer, involving them as part of the action."
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La Placita Church, 2008.
A description of the La Placita Catholic Church of Los Angeles.
913 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the La Placita Church of Los Angeles. The paper explains that this is the oldest Catholic church in Los Angeles and has been operational for more than 200 years. The paper also points out that through its history and its commitment to Los Angeles' immigrant population, La Placita has become an important cultural center in the city. The paper then describes the services, the clergy and the people who pray at the church. In conclusion, the paper describes the architecture of the building in which the church is housed.
Outline:
Services
People Working
People Praying
Dress Code
Parking
Fees
Building
From the Paper
"La Placita was founded in 1784 as a chapel, but the building expanded and the church was finally completed in 1822. La Placita is so old that it has surveyor posts in front of the church that mark the original territorial boundaries of Los Angeles ("Explore El Pueblo"). Olvera Street consists of 27 historic buildings designed with typical Mexican style, and La Placita is one of them ("Olvera Street"). The church is a light, earth-tone color and is constructed in the traditional colonial Spanish architecture style. It has a small round protrusion in the center - somewhat reminiscent of the Alamo - with two angels beneath it. The interior of the church is famous for its ornate displays of wrought iron, gold leaf and various religious murals ("El Pueblo de Los Angeles")."
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The Anglican and Orthodox Churches, 2008.
Compares the multiple jurisdictions and lack of unity plaguing both Anglicanism and Orthodoxy in America.
4,180 words (approx. 16.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 111.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the origins, core values and doctrines of the Anglican Church and of the Orthodox Church, which comprise several denominations. The paper explains that while the Anglicans and Orthodoxy view each other as being dissimilar, they can never deny that they are of the same faith and belief since these are all centered on the belief of the Risen Christ and the love He preached. The paper also reports on the achievements of the Lambeth Conference, which attempted to pave the way for a future possible unification of the divided churches especially on the American continent.
From the Paper
"The Orthodox Church traces its beginnings to "the one, undivided Church, said to have begun on the day of Pentecost, 50 days after the Resurrection of Christ. Already by the 4th century the term 'Orthodox Christian' was used to designate those Christians who remained faithful to the totality of the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles, as opposed to those who were known as 'heretics' who promoted false doctrines and beliefs. The term 'orthodox' means 'correct believing' or 'correct, true glory.'"
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Los Angeles University Cathedral, 2008.
Thispaper describes the Los Angeles University Cathedral, which draws thousands of people each week to its Sunday services.
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Los Angeles University Cathedral is a landmark church that fuses pop culture with Christianity. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the author states that this Protestant Church church draws thousands of people each week to its Sunday services. The paper describes various aspects of the church, including the services it provides, the people who worship there, and the architecture of the cathedral.
Table of Contents:
Services
People Working
People Praying
Dress Code
Parking
Fees
Building
From the Paper
"The history of the Los Angeles University Cathedral is among the most interesting of any religious institution in America. According to the Los Angeles University Cathedral Web site, the building was originally owned by United Artists, which constructed it with the assistance of such entertainment-industry stalwarts as Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks in the 1920s. Dr. Gene Scott, who initially started his church in Glendale, Calif., moved it to the old United Artists building in 1986, spending $2 million to renovate it into a modern religious facility."
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Maria Amparo Escandon's "Santitos", 2008.
Analyzes the role of religion in Maria Amparo Escandon's novel "Santitos".
940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Maria Amparo Escandon's novel "Santitos"
tells the tale of Esperanza, a young woman who has suffered many tragedies in her life yet still manages to find hope and comfort in her unique brand of Christian faith. The paper points out that institutionalized religion is often portrayed as oppressive to female self-empowerment. However, in this novel, as opposed to this conventional representation of Catholic spirituality, the protagonist Esperanza's life illustrates that popular Catholicism is not necessarily misogynistic or male-dominated. The paper stresses that one of the most unique features of the role of religion in this novel is how sexuality and spirituality are openly linked.
Table of Contents:
Story Summary
The Role of Religion in "Santitos"--Analysis
From the Paper
"To find her daughter, whom she believes has been abducted in the hospital and sold into prostitution, Esperanza herself must live amongst prostitutes and enter seedy locations, in the service of her daughter and also the service of the saints. Esperanza first looks for Blanca in a Tijuana then in California. She says that the saints are waiting for her in California--because of the many names of the cities that begin with "San." This reflects Esperanza's often simplistic and naive view of the world."
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Greek Gods in the Iliad, 2008.
A discussion of the roles played by the gods in Homer's "Iliad" and the human nature of their emotions.
1,487 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the human nature of the Greek gods in the "Iliad" and how their emotional involvement in the Trojan war largely dictated its outcome. The author gives detailed examples, showing that the gods have the same emotions, characters and attitudes as mortals, and only differ from them in the powers they possess and in their immortality.
From the Paper
"Despite all the battles and the bloodshed, Homer's epic poem is filled with deeply religious and highly emotional elements that saw protagonists and antagonists on both sides as deeply devout. In addition, some of the heroes are sons and daughters of the gods themselves who never make any move unless they consult the oracles. These heroes even make numerous sacrifices to the gods of Olympus to ensure victory in battle."
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Diffusing Religious - Based Tensions, 2008.
A research paper on methods of diffusing tensions between nations based on religion.
18,300 words (approx. 73.2 pages), 40 sources, APA, $ 249.95
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Abstract
The paper seeks to identify effective legal approaches to diffusing religious-based tensions in states where religious and political affairs are intertwined. The paper examines scholarly and governmental literature to provide an overview of the respective legal systems of six different countries, their experiences with religious-based acts of terrorism in recent years, and what the legal systems of these countries do on their own to address these pressing issues. The paper summarizes the research and salient conclusions.
Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Methodology
Overview of Study
Definition of Key Terms
Review of Related Literature
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper
"Finally, and perhaps most regrettably of all, there appears to be an inverse relationship between how authoritarian and restrictive a society's legal system is compared to its incidence of terrorist activities. Those countries where free speech and democratic processes are well established have turned out to be the perfect place for terrorists to find accommodations while they plot acts of violence against the very same societies that allow them to operate with such impunity. How can these same social frameworks be transformed to counter these threats without sacrificing the essential elements of their society that makes them free? This question has perplexed historians, politicians and scholars, and it continues to present policymakers with a number of choices, most of which are bad - from a free society's perspective at least -- it would seem. Because the stakes are so high, there is little room for false starts or experimentation when addressing the fundamental issues involved in addressing a multifaceted and enormously volatile problem such as religious-based international terrorism. It would seem like a reasonable starting point for the respective legal systems reviewed herein would be to clean up their own acts making access to them easier for the average citizen, and to enforce the laws that are already on the books concerning conspiracy and terrorism. Placing further restrictions on a country's citizenry through the legal system only plays into the hands of terrorists who seek to foment unrest and dissatisfaction, just as the propagandists of the past and today. Yet, some limitations need to be considered on just how free a society can be and still tolerate the imposition of religious-based changes and remain a free state."
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The First Two Chapters of 'Genesis', 2008.
A comparison of the events and literary style of Chapters One and Two of 'Genesis' in the Old Testament.
1,649 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the first two chapters of the 'Book of Genesis' within the Old Testament. It describes the events that occurred during the first two chapters and discusses their literary style. The paper particularly focuses on the way that God maintained full control of all created in 'Genesis':1, while in 'Genesis': 2, God gives humans both the autonomy of choice and free will, thereby setting up the conflicts that ensue in 'Genesis':3.
From the Paper
"Chapter 1 of Genesis is different from Chapter 2 of Genesis, in that in Chapter 1, the very beginning, most basic elements of the earth are created from waters and darkness. In Chapter 2, God creates the first man, and then, to keep the man company, creates the first woman to live with the man on the earth, and everything around them that they need in the Garden of Eden. The tree of knowledge is also created in Chapter 2, and God instructs the man" "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2: 16-17, p. 58). But it is not until Chapter 3 of Genesis that the woman and then the man are tempted by the tree of Knowledge."
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An Analysis of "Reaching Out" by Henri Nouwen, 2008.
A brief summary and analysis of Henri Nouwen's book, "Reaching Out".
1,012 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper offers a review of the book "Reaching Out" by Henri Nouwen in which he argues that spirituality does not depend on physical gratification or by being around people, but relies on the solace of the heart to bring about serenity; and eventually, the deep peace of solitude. The writer also provides an example of how he was able to relate to Nouwen's book in his private life and suggests some changes that he would make in writing it.
Outline:
Abstract
Concrete Responses
Reflection
Action
From the Paper
"One example of how I can relate to this book is directly related to how I pray and how it affects me on a daily basis. When Nouwen defines the discipline of prayer on a daily basis (134), I was immediately aware of my own prayer habits. For instance, when I had forgotten to pray for about a week last month, I began to feel that very same loneliness that made me feel separate and isolated from society. My week went well, but there was this undercurrent of negativity that made me feel as if I was the only one suffering, or that I was the alone in the world. This forced me to realize that I needed to pray every day to and to come in contact with my higher power (God) to realize my own place in society. The inner feeling of warmth began to return as I began to pray on the following week, and the feeling of loneliness subsided. Two or three days into my prayer, the feeling of solitude began to return, making me feel like I could go out and be socially hospitable to my friends and family. This aspect of the book helped me to understand that I am only as spiritual by the level of discipline in my prayer habits. By creating a discipline to pray every day (once or twice a day is good for me) I can feel the connectedness that Nouwen mentions through understanding solitude, community interaction, and the premise of prayer as a contact with a power greater than myself."
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The Nature of Saudi Education Policy, 2008.
This paper discusses the history and evolution of the educational system in Saudi Arabia, especially in the second part of the 20th century.
9,915 words (approx. 39.7 pages), 17 sources, APA, $ 201.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to underline the relationship between the elements of the state of Saudi Arabia and the reality these elements shape, with a focus on the educational system the Saudi state set in motion, especially in the second part of the 20th century. The focus of the paper is on a wide account of the education system in Saudi Arabia, with all its stages of evolution, values, and influences. The first part constitutes a brief historical background of the Saudi state. The second aspect dealt with in this paper involves the actual evolution of the education system in Saudi Arabia.
Outline:
Historical Background
The Evolution of the Educational System in Saudi Arabia
Current Issues in the Educational System in Saudi Arabia
Reformation of the Educational System in Saudi Arabia
Women and the Educational Reform
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Therefore the stand of the official executive branch represents a clear distinction between the need to develop and the spiritual needs of each Muslim. Despite the fact that first and foremost every Saudi thinks himself as a Muslim and then as a Saudi citizen, the recent priorities of the government tend to change focus and develop more initiatives that would eventually develop the country.
"The perspective offered by the reformist attempts that are underway in Saudi Arabia is relatively encouraging because it touches on serious yet sensitive issues dealing with the social and political structure of the state. At the same time it is a democratic exercise, from a double point of view. On the one hand, it promotes compromise among the political and religious forces, which is between the Saudi Family and the Wahhabis; on the other hand, it shows the population the state's desire to modernize and come into agreement with the rest of the democratic and prosperous countries.
"However, an important element most opinions seem not to agree upon is the situation of women in the society and in the educational system reform."
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Gnosticism: Irenaeus and the Cainites, 2008.
An overview of the religious views of the Christian sect known as the Gnostics.
1,392 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the discovery of the Nag Hammadi collection of thirteen ancient codices containing over fifty texts in Egypt in 1945 has changed scholarly understanding of the Gnostics to a great extent. It looks at how this collection includes scriptures such as the "Gospel of Thomas", the "Gospel of Philip", and the "Gospel of Truth". It also discusses how our understanding of the Gnostics has become more refined and how it has become evident to what extent the view of the Cainites and other Gnostic sects presented a substantial threat to the development and uniformity of the early Christian Church and its ideology.
Outline:
A Brief Overview of Gnosticism
The Cainites and Irenaeus
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Fundamental to this dualistic view of religion was the Gnostic assertion that the God who created this world was a secondary and "false" god. In this view there are many secondary gods and it was one of these gods who created earth and who is referred to as the "one" God in the Old Testament. To the Gnostics this God was an inferior God and was intent on preventing humanity from obtaining the true knowledge of the real God and enslaving mankind in ignorance. Much of the Gnostic doctrine is based on this fundamental premise and concerned with ways of escaping the control of the false creator God of this world through true knowledge or Gnosis. "
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