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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Mystagogy, 2008.
The paper discusses the approaches to Christian initiation of adults.
1,250 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The following paper looks at the Christian initiation of adults; specifically, at mystagogy and at its role in integrating catechumens into the parish community. In reviewing this role, the paper discusses whether or not the technical, systematic type of mystagogy illustrated by catechesis to the newly-baptized is the best vehicle for integration, or whether a more informal type of mystagogy that emphasizes support networks and friendships is superior - or at least as critical. In the end, the paper looks at the dueling perspectives and suggests that proper mystagogy really needs both formal and informal approaches if it is to be successful.
From the Paper
"At the same time, a church - more so in the non-Western world, though it is also applicable to churches in Western Europe and America, as well - may be prompted for a host of reasons to emphasize the technical definition of mystagogy when welcoming newcomers. At the top of this list is the fact that there are millions of Christians (most of all in Third World nations) who have no access to the written Gospel and/or to the conventional ecumenical documents except via oral transmission or via mnemonic devices (Naude, 235+)."
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Worship Music, 2008.
An exploration of music and its role within the Ministry of God.
1,119 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explores music and its role within the Ministry of God by looking at worship music (often frequently referred to as devotional music) and how the vibrant musical tradition in the Christian Church has brought individuals closer to God and, in turn, God closer to those over whom He reigns. In the process of so doing, the paper argues that Church music, far from being mere ornamentation, is really a conduit through which can flow the Grace of God - and one's love for God. Simply put, music places us in the proper frame of mind to be receptive to Christ and to the Holy Father.
From the Paper
"Put simply, music in church is an instrument of praise that is meant - at least in theory - to bring the enthralled worshipper nearer to the Lord. More than that, music, with its rich texture, evocative language, with its compelling rhythm and beat, is surely one of the most moving ways by which human beings can express thankfulness to God. For instance, after the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and the sea, in turn, had fallen back upon the Pharaoh's army, Moses and his followers sang a song of thanksgiving to the Lord. Without exaggeration, when we sing praises to the Lord in Church, we are giving thanks to the Lord in much the same way as the ancient Israelites gave thanks to the Lord for their deliverance. "
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Integrative Approaches to Psychology, 2008.
A discussion of the writer's personal reflections on "Integrative Approaches to Psychology" by David Entwistle.
978 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper presents a review of David Entwistle's book, "Integrative Approaches to Psychology", and discusses the writer's personal response to the book. In particular the writer notes that, while reading Entwistle's book, he began to realize that he needs to set boundaries against people that violate his space. The writer also discusses his reflections on the book's premise and his response to this premise.
Outline:
Concrete responses
Reflection
Action
From the Paper
"One experience that came to mind after reading this passage in Entwistle's book is how I perceive psychology when I received counseling in my own life. When I was dealing with a troublesome personal issue about a family member, I suddenly began to realize the rift between how psychologists interpret faith-based disciplines. Surely, there was something about my counselor that understood how my faith viewed the way that I saw this particular family member, as they had been verbally abusive to me as a youth. For instance, when I told my counselor that I did not believe in using aggressive means to counter act this person, they understood how Jesus had "learned to love thy enemy." However, the concept of setting boundaries in the psychological field's interpretation became the sole subject that diverged from my system of beliefs. When reading Entwistle's book I began to realize that I should understand that I need to set boundaries against people that violate my space, which I had actually misinterpreted in the sayings of Jesus. When understanding an integrative model that goes beyond biblical text, there is a determined ideology that is trying to clinically evaluate my behaviors through a dualistic disciplinary approach. These aspects of the counseling sessions arose as I had to begin to realize the clash of religion and science that had become part of the dialogue I had with my counselor."
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The Virgin Birth, 2008.
A discussion on whether Mary had a choice in the matter of her pregnancy with Jesus.
1,043 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses whether Mary, mother of Jesus, had a choice in the matter of her pregnancy and how those who are true believers in the virgin birth dare not question its validity. The paper examines how believers have faith that Jesus' conception and subsequent birth was foretold and all that occurred was meant to be, therefore, Mary had no choice in the matter as she was destined to become "impregnated" by the Holy Spirit and thus the mother of Jesus Christ. The paper also looks at how this immaculate conception and birth of Jesus are documented in the biblical books of "Matthew" and "Luke".
From the Paper
"In Woodman's book, however, the "virgin" is not pregnant with child, but instead is pregnant with limitless possibilities, which represent the aspect of the feminine that exists inside of every man and/or woman who has the courage to truly be themselves, yet to develop and continue to "become" what they are destined to be (10). Woodman writes how the "virgin" has a loving balance with unity and positive energy, and when allowed to be encompassed by "the spirit of life" she can become conscious of herself as a beautiful, individual soul. "
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World Religions: A Glimpse at Islam, 2007.
A discussion and comparison of Islam and Christianity.
1,955 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper highlights the differences and similarities between Islam and Christianity. The paper also includes the summary of an interview the writer conducted with a representative of a Dallas-area Imam, Yusuf Kavkci or Kavakci, in which the writer discussed public attitudes towards the Dallas Central Mosque and some of the controversy surrounding Dr. Kavkci and the public perception of Islam in 2007. The writer found the interview somewhat disappointing, but learnt from his research that Christianity and Islam happen to take interesting departures from one another on a wide array of issues even as they are both Abrahamic faiths.
Outline:
Introduction
Interview Summary
Comparing/Contrasting Islam with Another Religion (in this case, Christianity)
Conclusion
From the Paper
"A comparison and contrast of Islam and Christianity is always an interesting undertaking. For one thing, both are Abrahamic religions insofar as they both revere the biblical Abraham as a spiritual ancestor (Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, 2007). In theory, all three of the religions preach love and toleration. That being noted, there are certainly passages in Islam which are critical of Christianity and of Judaism - presumably because the early Islamicists wanted to distance themselves from "adulterated" Christianity and from "less-evolved" Judaism; for its part, Christianity has been, historically, more explicitly critical of the Jews (from whom it sought to distance itself) than of Muslims."
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Just War, 2008.
This paper looks at the concept of a just war from a theological point of view.
2,551 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that a major issue facing society has particular currency at the present time, and that is the problem of war and how to justify a given war as a just action. Indeed, from a theological point of view, the writer relates that the first issue is whether war is allowed at all and then whether a given war can be justified and on what basis. The writer points out that scriptural evidence on the issue is often contradictory and may be based on the historical factors prevailing at the time a particular passage was written. However, the writer maintains that there can also be seen a progression in thought as the needs of one era give way to a broader and more comprehensive view of the question.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Old Testament Support
Conclusion
From the Paper
" In his writings from this time, pacifism would remain a central motif, an idea that he pioneered and for which he was proud to have been the instrument for bringing the idea into the open. The idea had first appeared in the western world among the teachings of the early Christians, and they had drawn the same conclusions from the teachings of Christ as did Erasmus. As the Roman world became Christianized, however, a different attitude toward the bearing of arms was developed in service of the Christian state, an idea that would be bolstered by St. Augustine, who developed a theory that a war to resist aggression or to enforce justice was not only permissible but was a Christian duty. The way enforcing justice was defined, though, nearly any war could be supported. St. Thomas Aquinas followed Augustine in promulgating rules for the just war and created guidelines as to what was just and unjust .."
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Confucianism and Christianity, 2008.
A comparative analysis of the beliefs of Confucianism and Christianity.
1,398 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Confucianism with an eye towards comparing it to the western world's greatest contribution to global moral philosophy: Christianity. It discusses how Confucianism is a humanistic and highly rational philosophy that eschews faith in favor of reason and how it also views heaven in a much more nuanced way than Christianity, preferring to see in it many things. The paper argues that Confucianism subordinates the individual to a rigorous form of ethical reasoning that is not wholly dissimilar to Platonism whereas Christianity seeks the subordination of the individual to God above. In the end, Confucianism, whatever its shortcomings as a regulator of human conduct, can properly be called the antecedent to contemporary humanism in a way that Christianity, obviously, cannot.
From the Paper
"To begin with, Confucianism is about discerning a proper mode of conduct; in other words, it is about setting up a way of seeing and organizing the world that frustrates behavior that would do more harm to society than good. William Theodore de Bary writes that Confucianism holds out a vision of an ideal social order that emphasizes historic values over "fixed eternal verities" (Woo, 71+). More recently, Neo-Confucianism - a cross between traditional Confucianism and Buddhist thought (for a brief discussion of Neo-Confucianism's preoccupation with Buddhist philosophical strains, please see Woo, 71+) - has leaped to the forefront with an equally passionate plea for a well-ordered society founded upon good (moral) conduct that appears to have many of the same fundamental tenets as classic, archaic Confucianism. "
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Elementary Education and Religious Diversity, 2008.
A reflective paper on religious diversity and elementary education in Canada.
2,341 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how studies of different religions in elementary education encourages an introduction to world religions or the religions apt to be encountered by young people. The paper focuses on the many benefits that a religious diversity education has for a child. The paper looks at Quebec's education programme as an example.
Outline:
Introduction
The Example of Quebec's Education Programme (2000)
Benefits of Religious Diversity Education
Encouraging Respect
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper
"Rather than providing students with a rigid 'rule' in favour of respecting others faiths, or of not discussing religion, at all, taking an always very secular approach as though religion and religious differences did not exist, elementary school students can be helped to discuss religions ably. They can learn to ask questions respectfully and generally understand human beings as products of religious traditions that may be slightly different. There is also the promise of students learning to seek universals in terms of spiritual values and decision-making. Since the 1970s, in the Province of Ontario, a variety of enforced secularism may not have served elementary students well, as in an assumption discussed by Hogarth & Crothers (2001) to do with Christianity or the Judeo-Christian heritage as being 'the Canadian' backdrop that need not be explained, no observances required in state schools for Christian observances assumed to be already in place. (pp. 3-4) This variety of sloppy assumption in the future may be overcome by the contribution to be made via religious diversity studies as an elementary school enterprise."
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Rabindranath Tagore, 2008.
This essay is an analysis on the life of Rabindranath Tagore and discusses the man as both an artist and a political activist in India.
970 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This essay is an analysis on the life of Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali who had a privileged upbringing in Britain, but who loved his native land. The essay describes Tagore as being primarily known as a multitalented artist - a novelist, essayist, philosopher, poet, Nobel Prize winner, song-writer and singer, playwright and actor. However, he was frequently distracted from artistic creativity due to his concerns about the realities and problems of life in India. This essay argues that to truly appreciate Tagore, it is necessary to go beyond his artistic oeuvre. Instead, it recognizes that Tagore also made an important contribution through his political message, and it argues that his anti-nationalism message is entirely relevant to important modern day problems.
From the Paper
"The non-literary achievements of Tagore may be seen as deriving primarily from his grasp of the poverty of the concept of nationalism. Quayum explains that Tagore perceived the poverty of the notion of nationalism, despite the fact that the notion attracts so many fervent followers. Crucially, Tagore saw that this notion grew out of 'the post-religious laboratory of industrial-capitalism' (Quayam 3), and its problems derive directly from this inauspicious origin. Reflecting this origin, nationalism is, in Tagore's words, an 'organization of politics and commerce' that brings 'harvests of wealth' due to the operation of greed, power and selfishness (Quayam 3). The problem is that nationalism on the one hand impoverishes our souls and cuts us off from our common humanity - and on the other hand, is the direct inspiration for much of the suffering in our world..."
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Max Lucado's "In the Grip of Grace", 2008.
This paper is a critique of Max Lucado's work "In the Grip of Grace", with a focus on the opening parable in the story and Lucado's personal views as seen in his work.
770 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the work of Max Lucado, "In the Grip of Grace." The author first discusses Lucado's opening parable based on a father and five sons. The author then goes onto criticize it as unnatural and states the firm view that from the characters of the parable who are dismissed as savages, to the people who complain that their parachutes are the wrong color, Lucado manages to write off a great deal of humanity as not worth consideration. While he touts the grace of God, he creates the impression that he, Max Lucado, has a key that no one else has been given.
From the Paper
"As an exegesis on Paul's epistle to the Romans, this book is an earnest attempt to expand and illuminate Paul's teaching. While this is one of Lucado's earlier books, it shows that strength of intellect that would carry him through more than fifty books. ("Max Lucado") Unfortunately, it also shows an off-putting stiffness. The parable illustrates this. Comparing Lucado's parable to such parables as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, Lucado's tale feels strained. Jesus' parables sound reasonable. Consider the opening to the Good Samaritan. 'There was a man who was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when robbers attacked him, stripped him and beat him up, leaving him half dead.' (Luke 10:25) It is simple and direct, and what comes after follows logically. The characters react in genuinely human ways. The Samaritan shows love for his neighbor, although this man is a stranger. The faithful son is offended when his father responds to the prodigal's return with a feast."
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Romans VII, 14-16, 2008.
An in-depth analysis of "Romans 7:14-16" from a historical and literary perspective.
2,913 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an exegesis of a challenging passage in St. Paul's epistle to the Romans - "Romans 7:14-16". The paper briefly examines the socio-historical context of the passage, the immediate literary context and the meaning of some of the key words - principally the word "I" and the word "unspiritual." It analyzes the passage for its fundamental meaning and explores the theological considerations raised by the excerpt. Finally, the paper looks at the application of the passage to a practicing Christian looking for spiritual guidance in a complicated world.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Socio-historical background
Literary context
Word study
Passage analysis
Theological considerations
Application
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In the end, this paper has hopefully shed some light on a brief but challenging passage from St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans. The paper has looked at the socio-historical background to the passage, at the pertinent literary context, at the words and meaning of Romans 7:14-16 and at the theological considerations these few lines raise. While the few dozen words lying at the heart of this exegetical exercise can be interpreted as a despondent analysis of human nature, they should be read instead as a call for eternal vigilance and as a reminder to Christians that the only escape from servitude to sin is complete subjection to the Will of God. In the final analysis, the Law sheds light on wrong-doing, but knowledge of evil and the actual act of rejecting evil, are two different things - though the former is necessary for the latter to occur."
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William Chittick's "The Sufi Path of Knowledge", 2008.
The essay summarizes the first three chapters in William Chittick's text, "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination", and goes on to analyze the text and themes of the doctrine of divine names and Finding/Being.
2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This essay represents an exposition of the first three chapters of Chittick's text called "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination", including: the first chapter, "Overview" of Ibn al-'Arabi's life and work; the second chapter, "Theology", with a particular reference to its explication of Ibn al-'Arabi's doctrine of Names; and the third chapter, "Ontology", with a focus on Ibn al-'Arabi's concepts of Being and Finding and the relationship between these important ideas.
Outline:
Introduction
Chapter 1 - Overview - The Divine Presence
Chapter 2 - Theology - The Names of God
Chapter 3 - Ontology
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The first of these sections is entitled "Finding God" which not only provides Chittick with an opening for Ibn al-'Arabi's work that would be interesting and accessible to the lay reader, but also allows Chittick to introduce critical concepts such as relationship between Finding and Being, and their implications for our learning of God. "Finding" in this sense is a rendering of the Arabic word wujud, which in other contexts may be understood as "existence" or "being". Chittick also uses this chapter to highlight differences between concepts as they are understood in the West and their significance in Ibn al-'Arabi's teachings. For example, he note that Ibn al-'Arabi's 'main concern is not with the mental concept of being but with the experience of God's Being, the tasting (dhawq) of Being, that "finding" which is at one and the same time to perceive and to be that which truly is'."
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