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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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"Love Thy Enemy", 2008.
An analysis of the biblical admonition "love thy enemy".
2,203 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the biblical admonition "love thy enemy" seems a simple prescription but entails a number of ramifications and contradictions that may create confusion and that also need examination. It examines how in some ways, the phrasing echoes the rule "love thy neighbor," although the statement to love one's enemy seems on the surface to be a contradiction, asking one to love that person who is problematic. It also examines how some analysts also contend that this phrase leads to some misunderstanding, while others see the phrase as a statement of one of the core principles of Christianity.
Outline:
Introduction
Socio-Historical Background
Literary Context
Word Study and Passage Analysis
From the Paper
"Jeanette Rodriguez cites this phrase as a Christian ethical command and points out that it is meant to be taken seriously to bring about change "not by dehumanizing or destroying the oppressor, but by transforming the oppressor and the structures of oppression through an ethical praxis of love" (Rodriguez 317), and the very fact that it is raised in such a way, with the seeming contradiction to love one's enemy, emphasizes both the difficulty and the importance of following this prescription. The call to "love thy neighbor" is easier to accommodate even if just as difficult to do."
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Muslim Male Immigrants, 2008.
An examination of the issues that Muslim men face as they immigrate to the United States.
810 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how understanding the unique issues that Muslim men face as they immigrate into the United States (US) for the first time is an important concern. It looks at how, because of social and cultural differences between most Muslim countries and the West and certainly the heightened vigilance given young, Muslim males at U.S .customs and immigration points, identifying sensitive areas for this population upon entering the country for the first time is critical to make the experience a success for both parties.
From the Paper
"The other aspect that must be understood regarding Muslim men entering the country for the first time is establishing the reasons why they immigrate. One of the primary reasons young Muslim men immigrate is for refuge (Warner, 2005, p.32). Many Muslim countries around the globe; most notably in the Middle East such as Iraq and Iran and also Afghanistan but others as well, are subject to tyrannical governments, persecution of some kind, violence and war, or other form of civil strife which makes living there dangerous for many. Thus, many Muslim men entering the country may have suffered some type of persecution or threat from harm."
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The Limits of Mind: On the Fallacy of the Design Argument, 2008.
This paper critiques the design argument based on arguments from William Paley's "The Watch and the Watchmaker" and David Hume's "A Critique of the Design Argument".
2,040 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This essay critiques the design argument, as explained in both William Paley's "The Watch and the Watchmaker" and in David Hume's "A Critique of the Design Argument". This paper also explains the features of the design argument and evaluates the argument in order to critique it. The author follows Hume in suggesting that the design argument is ultimately a failure due to the massive egocentricity inherent in assuming that God can be understood through an analogy to the human mind.
From the Paper
"The reason I have been rather pedantic in deconstructing Paley's analogy is twofold. Firstly, we have the problem of Darwin's theory of evolution. That is to say, the theory that explains that the mechanism or process that makes things fit is intrinsic to the system of nature itself. If you wish, Darwin's theory of evolution is akin to showing that the watch really does produce the watch and is the only creator thereof. Whether Darwin believed that God made it so or not is irrelevant--the point is that God can be taken out of evolution and the underlying principle of nature shown to be merely survival, and the survival of those traits which help us survive. Naturally, this system creates something which looks like it has been designed--because we have adapted to our environments, not because we have been created alongside our environments as a system always already in perfect harmony. Again, I am not concerned to argue that this is so--but this is merely an instance of the observer coming upon the watch and having no knowledge of the manufacturing processes involved in the production of mechanical objects, assumes that this watch is something which just exists, with no thought or evidence of processes that were involved in making it, because his lack of understanding of the need for those processes means he doesn't recognize them. Paley's argument is that we know something has been designed, because we recognize that the process by which it is constructed is one that requires thought--by I am suggesting that, when it comes to nature, we cannot know what the process is that is required to construct it, and therefore we cannot arrive at any certain deduction as to its having been designed by the method Paley describes. In fact, as I have shown, the only theory that describes the process (of evolution and survival) that creates, or recreates, nature is one that does not need to rely on design--at least not in any sense which we can understand, which brings me to my second criticism of Paley's analogy."
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Exegesis Analysis of Acts 20:7-12 and Philippians 2:5-11, 2008.
The paper deals with the biblical passage of Acts: Chapter 20: 7-12 and an Exegesis Analysis of Philippians 2:5-11.
3,253 words (approx. 13.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 93.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the biblical passage of Acts: Chapter 20, verses 7 through 12 and concludes with the New American Commentary based criticism the section lacks the mention of Paul's Jerusalem collection--a collection that Paul had mentioned in his letters that would have taken place during this period but which does not appear. In addition, the paper discusses the events of Philippians 2:5-11 and a variety of commentaries pertaining to this passage.
From the Paper
"The immediate passage of Acts 20:7-12 depicts one incident during Paul's time in Troas on missionary journeys. The Book is throught to have been written around 60 C.E. Acts 13-28 recount Paul's missionary journeys to Cyprus, Asia Minor, and Greece. It is likely that the Luke traveled with Paul and may have kept a log of the events he witnessed. This accounts for the narrative and story-like quality of the information included. The interesting story of Eutychus and Paul fit well with the other stories in the Chapter and Book."
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Christian and Buddhist Thinking, 2008.
An examination of the similarities and differences between the Christian and Buddhist religions.
1,651 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the principles of both the Christian and Buddhist faiths. The paper explains that although differences abound between religions of the world, both Christianity and Buddhism believe in a variation of hell and punishment, although the result of the penance is quite different. The paper then looks at the image of God in the Christian religion and the lack thereof in the Buddhist religion. The paper also points out that the existence of God is a matter of faith, whether one is a Christian, Buddhist, or any other religion, as God cannot be experienced by any of man's physical senses. The writer believes that each individual in this world is still at liberty to believe what he or she desires, therefore, each religion must learn to respect one another to survive in peace and harmony without judgment or oppression hindering anyone's beliefs. In conclusion, the writer favors Buddhism as a religion of choice and freedom, rather than one of tyranny and control, which the Christian religion has sometimes displayed over the years.
Outline:
Introduction
The Christian Image of God
Buddhism and the Lack of God
Christianity vs. Buddhism
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Bible states that God created Jesus through Immaculate Conception through a virgin named Mary. As he grew older, he began to do miracles in the Middle Eastern area in which he lived, by healing the sick. He began teaching what is now known as Christianity, chronicled in the New Testament of the Christian Holy Bible. His teachings attracted many and he gathered a number of disciples who would travel with him, doing his work and spreading his message."
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Film: "Walking Tall", 2008.
Evaluates the film "Walking Tall" as a Jesus narrative.
1,510 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by stating that some attempts to find the story of Christ in virtually every medium strains the contention beyond credulity. The author then tells the story of the film "Walking Tall" and attempts to relate it to segments of the New Testament. The paper points out that the film is a retelling of the Jesus narrative only in the loosest sense and that there is only token acknowledgment of the downtrodden, the outcast and the poor and there are no parables or no lessons. The paper concludes that, while many films can be seen as retellings of the Jesus narrative, "Walking Tall" is not such a film.
From the Paper
"Vaughn then goes to Jay's mill, where he is momentarily tricked onto a trap door. When this opens, he hangs as if crucified, but manages to escape, leading Jay into a climactic fight of fire-ax against crude club. Eventually Vaughn beats Jay, delivers a final, emasculating blow (compare Matthew 5:38-45 [turn the other cheek]), and announces proudly, "This is my town. You're under arrest." The movie ends with Vaughn and Ray making anti-gay jokes about Jay, while Vaughn basks in his unexplained but clearly miraculous accomplishment."
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Scapegoating in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", 2008.
This paper demonstrates the theme of scapegoating in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible".
972 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the societal need to seek scapegoats, as demonstrated through the play, "The Crucible", by Arthur Miller, which aims to link the 1950s issue of McCarthyism to the colonial witchcraft trials in Salem, Massachusetts. The paper goes on to explain that although the event in Salem was presented by some as an expression of religious fervor directed at a perceived evil in the community, Miller sees the time as a hysterical expression in society to find and identify an enemy. Furthermore, the paper explains how a broad-based social crisis contributes to scapegoating.
From the Paper
"Terry Otten sees the drama as following a pattern he finds in many Miller plays as innocence is destroyed by temptation, in this case the temptation to denounce others and so to assert a sort of higher innocence based on religious fervor. Otten says that 'the play is constructed on a conspiracy of silence in which characters do not divulge the truth about others--or, more importantly, about themselves--and gradually fall prey to a deceit so pervasive as to be believed' (Otten 61), and it is in the conspiracy that innocence is lost. For Miller, this was an apt description of what was taking place in the McCarthy era, and it was the conspiracy of falsehood and of silence in the face of falsehood that he decried and found so damaging."
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Two Christian Churches, 2008.
This paper compares the Church of Christ Church and the Assembly of God Church (AOG).
2,695 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the philosophical foundations, the biblical and doctrinal emphases, historical developments, and the attitudes and teachings suffusing the Church of Christ Church and the Assembly of God Church (AOG). The author points out that, while the two churches are substantially the same, there appears to be at least one significant doctrinal difference between them. The paper relates that the AOG seems to have a measure of theological and doctrinal confidence that bodes well for its future; whereas, the history of the Church of Christ suggests latent factionalism and less willingness to "proselytize" the masses. The author concludes that, ultimately, a case can be made that this position makes the Church of Christ weaker than its AOG counterpart.
From the Paper
"Briefly, it is vital to review the attitudes and teachings of the two churches. The Church of Christ takes the position that the Bible is infallible, that the Immaculate Reception really did occur, that there is no such thing as predestination (individuals determine their own salvation), that baptism is only rightly done if done via immersion, that only God should hear prayers (there is no confession as there is in the Roman Catholic Church, in other words), and that there is no such thing as purgatory."
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Islam in India, 2008.
This paper discusses the expansion of Islam into India in the 7th century.
1,464 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
In this essay, the writer explores the early history of Islamic expansion into India, in particular during the 7th century CE. The writer notes that this discussion is in order to understand how this early expansion defined the later history of Islam in India. As is seen, the writer discusses that while there was an undeniable military aspect to this expansion, one's focus during this early period must be upon how Islam entered India through long-existing trade networks. Further, the writer looks at how Muslim preconceptions of Indian religion and culture defined these contacts with implications for the future of Islamic India.
From the Paper
"This being said, however, it is important to recognize that these early Islamic views of India were not based upon ignorance but were actually highly complex. As well, it would be erroneous to assume that these views stemmed from Muslim religious prejudices. On the contrary, historians contend that early Islamic expansion in India in the 7th century CE was not a consequence of the desire to spread Islam or even to acquire territory. Instead, it is argued that the motives behind the initial Islamic military incursions in India during this period were commercial in nature, and stemmed from a desire to protect trade between the Persian Gulf and the western Indian Ocean.
From this perspective, the early Islamic expansion into India in the 7th century CE occurred in the context of a complex trade and cultural relationship between Arabian society and Indian civilization that stretched back for centuries."
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