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Truth, Goodness and the Character of God, 2008.
An analysis of the character of God in western culture.
1,375 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the God of Judeo-Christian culture in terms of the concepts of truth and goodness. The paper points out that this is a critical God, who monitors human thought and activity, rewards good behavior and punishes bad. It also discusses the belief that this omniscient and omnipotent God demands our undivided allegiance. The paper concludes that any inventory of the hard plight of man throughout human history would suggest that either a just God of the type envisioned in Western culture does not exist or that God exists, but not necessarily a God of goodness at all.
Outline:
Introduction
God and Truth
God and Goodness
From the Paper
"However, even in discussing as profound a topic as the character of God, I believe that our beliefs - even concerning God - must be logically consistent. In that regard, the notion that "everything happens for a reason" is not logically consistent. If God is good, and to whatever extent God desires goodness for human beings, God could either choose to remain entirely uninvolved in human affairs or God could choose to intervene on our behalf. If God chooses to remain completely uninvolved in human affairs, then the concept of things happening "for a reason" is nonsensical, because God neither acts nor intervenes on our behalf at all."
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John Shelby Spong: His Life and Ministry, 2008.
A discussion of Newark Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong's ministry and liberal social views.
2,455 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper addresses how the life and ministry of the Newark Episcopal bishop John Shelby Spong stand in stark contrast to the assumption that religious faith and a lack of tolerance have come to be seen as synonymous. The paper holds that Spong has stood in defiance of more conventional interpreters of his church's doctrines from both a theological and social standpoint. He has remained a proud advocate for liberal interpretations of the nature of Jesus. He has shown tolerance of homosexuality and feminism. Rather than defend his Episcopalian faith in absolute terms, Spong has proclaimed the need for openness and plurality and has made ecumenical beliefs the core of his ministry. The paper concludes that, although he remains widely controversial, the good he has done over the course of his life cannot be denied, in his pursuit of truth and justice.
From the Paper
"Whenever he believes the American government is being repressive, Spong has asserted that it is absurd to protect freedom by limiting freedom. All true faith derives from the human ability to choose, freely and openly, one's faith and convictions. To have faith means not to deny the rights of others, but to welcome discussion and dialogue. This spirit of openness is embodied in Spong's life, even in his appearance. To better relate to the people he served in the Diocese of Newark, Spong seldom wore a miter. Representing the authority of the church given to him by wearing the robes of his office was less important than teaching the truth in the most immediate and accessible way possible."
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Women in the Old Testament, 2008.
This paper looks at the role of women in the Bible and compares Mary in the New Testament to Eve in the Old Testament.
967 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the women in the Old Testament are delegated to certain set roles, and those roles frequently center on sexuality. Given that sex was viewed as something sinful, it is not surprising that many of the women in the Old Testament, including Eve and Hannah, were cast in a negative light. The writer then points out that, as the natural result of sexuality was pregnancy and childbirth, which were both revered by Old Testament Jews, many Old Testament women were also revered in their roles as mothers. Both Eve and Hannah were celebrated mothers in the Old Testament. The writer notes that for Christians, the most important role that the women played was to contrast with the appearance of Mary in the New Testament, and one can see features of both the story of Eve and the story of Hannah in the later story of Mary.
From the Paper
"Therefore, Hannah offered to give her child to God. Moreover, not only did Hannah offer her child to God, but she delivered him to the service of the Temple as soon as he was weaned, so that he could devote himself to the Lord. Later, in the New Testament, a similarly devout woman, Mary, would be approached to give a child to God. Of course, the essential difference is that Mary did not pray to become pregnant; instead, she was chosen by the Lord to carry His son. However, both women offered up their sons to the service of the Lord and did so by their faith.
"Of course, that is not the only similarity between the two women. In fact, after discovering that she was going to carry the son of God, Mary called ... "
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Liturgical Theology, 2008.
An examination of the heritage of the liturgy.
1,110 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines liturgical theology - the meanings which believers associate with their worship traditions. The paper explains that the customs of worship among the Jews in the days of Jesus Christ were very formal and liturgical, whether in the temple sacrifices, the Sabbath services of the synagogue, or even in the domestic rites of the home about the family table. The writer believes that it is only natural that the forms and ideas of these Jewish liturgies, which nourished and blessed Jesus and His first disciples, should have been carried over into the worship of the Church. The writer then points out that all our knowledge of Christian liturgy is not Roman in origin but rather an amalgamation on various sources. In addition, the paper looks at how the worship of the medieval Church has been the object of much unfair criticism, on the one hand, and of unduly romantic enthusiasm on the other.
From the Paper
"The worship of the medieval Church has been the object of much unfair criticism, on the one hand, and of unduly romantic enthusiasm on the other. Perhaps the most notable fact about it was that the services were conducted in a language not understood by the people, but only by those with a Latin education--for the most part, the clergy and the monks. Yet there were many of the parish clergy who had a very faulty knowledge of Latin, so that they could not even pronounce the ritual accurately. The preservation of the liturgy in Latin probably operated in the long run to the benefit of the Church. It saved both the integrity and the intelligibility of worship for the day when it could be safely translated into the vernacular."
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Amish Families in America, 2008.
This paper researches the culture, values and beliefs of Amish families in America and how these relate to the ecological theory of human development.
1,895 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how the Amish people follow a simple life that is adherent to family, faith and community principles. The paper then looks at the view that human development takes place within the context of the relationships that form the environment and discusses how structure in society has always been the strongest foundational base to support the most positive human development. The paper shows how this structure remains very secure only in the Amish community in the United States.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Standards: Amish Women vs Contemporary American Women
Relations of Culture, Values and Belief to Ecological Theory
Environmental factors Influencing Culture, Values and Beliefs
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Today's society is characterized by a broken down unit of what was once a structure formed tightly through matrimonial bonds and was a structure that was a firm foundational beginning for children's futures to be constructed upon. It was a structure that has passed the test of time in society and that had served well. Feminism arose when it was required by the processes at work within society in order to find a balance for women who work however, feminism assisted in the breaking down of the family unit as divorces and working mothers became more and more common. There is still today a group of people existing in the United States that follow a very simple life that is adherent to family, faith and community principle and who separate themselves from the common society. These people are the Amish who originally came from Switzerland and were at one time brought into the protection of America by William Penn."
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Inculturation of Roman Rite, 2008.
This paper looks at the issue of funeral rites concentrating on Roman rites.
4,616 words (approx. 18.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 119.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explores the Roman funeral rite and the ability of the Romans to successfully inculturate elements of this ritual into the other cultures that they touched. The writer supports the thesis that the successful inculturation of funeral rites into mainstream society is a result of the willingness to adapt the ritual to include elements of the culture that they wished to acquire, rather than getting them to submit by sheer brute force. The new funeral rite then represents a perfect blend of two cultures.
Outline:
Understanding Inculturation
Roman Funeral Rites Past and Present
Inculturation of Roman Funerary Rites
The Jewish Funerary Liturgy
Developing a Plan for Inculturation
On Liturgy and Faith
Inculturation Methodology
From the Paper
"As the pagan practices of the Roman Empire became entangled, and later replaced by Christianity, many of the pagan practices became obsolete. In some cases, they were no longer allowed, particularly those that honored pagan gods. However, as the Roman religion transformed into the Roman Catholic Church, many elements of the old funeral rites survived. The survival of these elements demonstrates a high degree of inculturation of the old Roman practices. The modern Catholic funerary service still maintains the basic structure of the old Roman ceremony.
"The modern Roman Catholic Church requires that burial rites contain three distinct lithurgical sections. A funeral must contain all three sections."
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Muslims, 2008.
This paper argues that learning more about Muslims and Islam may help to reduce hatred toward this population.
1,464 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that when speaking of Muslims, what the average American Christian individual knows and understands about his Muslim neighbors can be described as relatively little in substance and much more in myth and conjecture. What the lack of knowing means to that average individual is that it induces a certain mystique as well as a fearfulness of Muslims that might not otherwise be present. The writer notes that from a Christian perspective this might not be the most effective method of developing an enlightened community that allows for the acceptance of all religions and beliefs. The writer further maintains that the knowledge needed to understand the person who practices the Islamic faith should be studied and digested in order to gain that knowledge and understanding. The writer concludes that perhaps by learning more about each other, Christians, Muslims and Jews can once again cooperate and cohabit on this earth together in a peaceable manner.
From the Paper
"There is much that the writer does not know about Muslims, most specifically concerning their beliefs and especially why there seems to be so much hatred and violence being spewed forth by the so-called leaders of their faith, and whether this vitriolic language truly represents the common Islamic individual or if it represents just those who can be considered extremist in their attitudes. A question that the writer has is how to go about discerning what is truth and what is myth regarding those beliefs?
"Currently there is a vast amount of literature both on the history of Islam as well as concerning its growth and the influence that it has gained throughout the centuries. An individual could turn to a book like, Efraim Karsh's Islamic Imperialism, however, that would not necessarily be helpful. Instead it might be detrimental to efforts of understanding the Islamic religion."
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John 6: A Review and Discussion, 2008.
This paper is a literature review concerning the testimonies of John the Baptist in the fourth Gospel as an influential history of Christian theology. Specifically the paper looks at Chapter 6 within the Book of Signs.
19,130 words (approx. 76.5 pages), 41 sources, APA, $ 249.95
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Abstract
The New Testament contains many witnesses to Jesus Christ, but the testimonies of John in the Fourth Gospel have been among the most influential in the history of Christian theology. In the more than eighteen centuries since its compilation, the Fourth Gospel has been the source of intense interest on the part of those who would better understand how the followers of Jesus came to believe that he was the true Son of God and how and why Jesus accomplished his mission on earth. This study provides a review of the peer-reviewed and scholarly literature concerning the gospel of John, including a survey of the academic literature on the subject since 1948, a description of emerging themes and an assessment of how John 6 is situated within the Gospel. A discussion of Chapter 6 within the Book of Signs and the literary structure of John 6 is followed by a structural analysis of John 6 as a general unit and an analysis of John 6:69 in particular. Finally, a discussion of the context of John 6:69 within the Bread of Life Discourse is followed by a grammatical analysis, a colometric presentation and an interpretation of John 6:69 in the concluding chapter.
Outline:
"The Holy One of God" (John 6:69)
A Survey of the Academic Literature since 1948
Emerging Themes
Situating John 6 within the Gospel
Chapter 6 within the Book of Signs
Literary Structure of John 6
Structural Analysis of John 6 as a Unit
Analysis of John 6:69
John 6:69 Context within the Bread of Life Discourse
John 6:69 Grammatical Analysis Colometric Presentation and Interpretation
From the Paper
"Conversely, those who believe in Jesus believe in the one who sent him (12:44). The christological claim of the Fourth Gospel, then, has become so identified with its theological claim that it is no longer possible to speak of Jesus apart from the one who sent him, and it is no longer possible to speak of God apart from the Son whom the Father sent into the world. In a footnote, Matera also notes that, "This establishment of Jesus as Son of God does not mean that he became the Son of God at the Resurrection. Rather, it signifies his messianic enthronement as the Son of God, as the phrase en dynamei ("in power") indicates. Previous to his resurrection, Jesus was, as the Markan Gospel insists, the hidden Messiah. But once raised from the dead, he is enthroned as God's royal Messiah, the Son of God, so that who he was is now apparent."
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Developing Community: "The Different Drum", 2008.
An examination of M. Scott Peck's insights into community building as set forth in his book "The Different Drum."
1,128 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses "The Different Drum," in which M. Scott Peck relates how he first developed a sense of community in his own life and then seeks to apply the lessons learned to global issues. The writer examines Peck's rules for community-making and the relationship that Peck sees between community building, religion and international peace. The writer concludes with a definition of religion and notes that Peck's ideal of a more integrated religious community worldwide could provide grounds for agreement on many issues in international relations.
From the Paper
"The role of religion in international conflict is far too often as a motivating force bringing about such conflict. Peck (1987) says this is because world views are religions and make all wars into "holy wars." To move away from this situation, it is necessary to distinguish between true and false religions: "Otherwise the only standards will be those that can win out over the others on a bloody battlefield" (p. 240)."
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Religion of Haiti, 2008.
This paper looks at the religion of the Haitian people.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the Haitian culture is a fascinating amalgam of different influences. However, the society has also cultivated these different influences and sources in its history into a unique blend that is distinctly Haitian. The writer points out that one of the most interesting aspects of this culture is the brand of religion that developed in the country. The writer discusses that a study of the religious complex of the Haitian people is fascinating because it shows how religious and spiritual ideas and concepts can be translated and adapted to new and different environments - and the way that these adaptations transform into new and different religious traditions. Voodoo is also a religion that is largely misunderstood as a result of the incorrect focus on certain sensational aspects. The writer maintains that it should be remembered that Voodoo is a religion that emphasizes culture and cultural continuity with a deep sense of reverence of the social and spiritual past.
From the Paper
"This is possibly one of the most impressive aspects of the religion; namely, the cultural connections that are developed between the living and the dead and between the spiritual and material worlds. It is this continuity of culture and tradition that makes the religion such an integral and important part life and spirituality of the society.
"It should also be noted that the main purpose of the Voodoo religion is healing and not, as some assume, witchcraft and turning people into zombies."
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Catholic Theology, 2008.
This paper looks at the church and the sacraments within Catholic theology.
1,280 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the term sacrament came from the Latin word sacramentum, which when translated literally means sacred sign. The writer points out that in the Catholic faith, the sacraments are the manifestations of Christ's communion with His faithful. This is the revelation of the great mystery of Christ in human form, life, teachings, sufferings, death and resurrection. The writer discusses that the mystery of Christ in human form is continually reenacted through the sacraments and the sacraments become the living proof that Christ live amongst us as a man. The writer concludes that being part of the church and doing the sacraments are not enough but rather true belief in the faith and all aspects of the faith is what makes everything achievable.
From the Paper
"Confirmation is a continuation of baptism, which affirms the inclusion of the faithful in the Catholic Church. The sacrament of Marriage remembers Christ attending the wedding in Cana. The Holy Orders is the calling of Christ to each of his apostles and the Anointing of the Sick is Christ giving the last rites to the dying faithful.
"In a further explanation of Carleton on the church and the sacraments, he writes the following in The King's Highway ..."
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"Hitler's Pope", 2008.
A review of John Cornwall's "Hitler's Pope", an attempt to expose the truth of the Vatican's role in Hitler's Final Solution.
901 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Cornwall's research that discovered how the actions of specific men in the Vatican, most notably Pope Pius XII, actually enabled the tragedy of the Holocaust to occur. The paper emphasizes the assertion that Pope Pius XII was blinded from the moral duties of the Church he was sworn to defend. The paper is of the opinion that this book is an important reminder of how the Pope and so many other moral and political leaders remained impassive in the face of the horror that was the Holocaust.
From the Paper
"John Cornwall's book entitled Hitler's Pope has a deliberately inflammatory title. Cornwall attempts to expose what he sees as the truth of the Vatican's role in Hitler's Final Solution. He does not believe that the doctrine of the Catholic Church itself supported Hitler's actions in the sense that anything about the true Christian or Catholic spirit could conceivably support the Nazi party's coming to power. He also acknowledges that many individual Catholics worked to thwart Hitler's rise. But Cornwall was moved to research the role of Pope Pious XII, troubled by long-standing allegations that through the Church's institutionalized silence during the war it was complacent in the horror that occurred--and he was horrified by what he discovered."
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