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"The Book of Job", 2007. This paper explores the lessons portrayed in "The Book of Job" translated by Stephen Mitchell. 1,035 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer explains that the lesson of "The Book of Job" is not simply that suffering is everywhere and can be inflicted upon anyone, but that quite often in the moral economy of the world, the good are punished and evil is not punished in kind. Still, the writer notes that suffering must be endured because there is nothing else a sufferer can do. The writer points out that this lesson is seen, not simply in the example of Job, a good man deprived of his children, wealth, and health, but in the contemporary examples of Hurricane Katrina, children suffering from cancer, or people who lose their homes in an unexpected whirlwind of a tornado.
From the Paper "Yes, Job gets back what he has lost. But it would be mistaken to read this as a reward for his fortitude in the face of adversity. Rather, it is evidence of the arbitrary nature of God's justice. God decides to test Job, because Job has many emotional and financial riches, even though Job is not the richest, or the happiest man in the world. The test happens by chance, and the return happens by chance. It might seem as though Job has a good reason to curse God, but although Job wails and regrets his fate he does not turn against the Lord, although at first he cannot understand why his suffering has occurred."
"Job attempts to look back, and wonder if blasphemous thoughts are the reason, if not actions. But he always knows it is useless to curse God, because God is so powerful, as God reminds Job and his friends at the end of the tale, and also, as the translator Stephen Mitchell suggests in his preface, perhaps because Job is so shell-shocked by what has occurred, he does not have the energy to curse God. Instead, Job damns the day he was born, but not his creator."
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'Straight and Narrow?', 2007. A review of Thomas E. Schmidt's book 'Straight and Narrow?'. 2,530 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 76.95 »
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Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the book 'Straight and Narrow?' by Thomas E. Schmidt. The paper reports that Schmidt's book addresses the view of various Christian factions toward homosexuality and some of the scriptural support they offer for their view. According to the paper, the author is not demonizing homosexuals or homosexuality but recognizes that many Christians do just that. The paper offers a chapter by chapter analysis of the book.
From the Paper "Chapter 5, "From Sodom to Sodom," discusses the scriptural references to Sodom and the fate of Sodom, presumably destroyed because of unnatural sex. Revisionists see the Sodomites as guilty not of homosexuality but of inhospitality, though Schmidt cites evidence that their sin was sexual in nature. The fate of Sodom has been given a lot of weight by Christians as showing God's displeasure with homosexual acts, though the fact that there is some doubt as to what precise acts are being cited in the Bible raises questions about the meaning of the destruction of Sodom and of the lessons that should be taken from the events. Schmidt considers the textual evidence and the meaning of the terms used to the people of the time, recognizing as he always does that what is most important is the meaning when the scripture was written and not the meaning imposed on the text by later generations who may be distorting the original message. Much of that message has been treated as if it had been received clearly and distinctly, when in fact it has been subject to differences in translation and interpretation over the centuries and so might not be as definitive as believed."
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The Book of Job, 2007. A biblical discussion regarding the Book of Job. 985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 34.95 »
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Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the Book of Job. According to the paper, as Job's despair deepens, his friends drop away turning away from him in his time of need. The paper reports that this causes Job to question not only his faith but the goodness of God. The paper goes on to say that Job's failing spiritual faith is exacerbated by his friends' lack of love or understanding for the essence of human suffering.
From the Paper "However, Job also teaches us practical lessons about interpersonal relationships, trust, and friendship. These are the lessons that moved me to tears when I read Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Biblical book of Job. Job's predicament and his friend's reaction to it triggered memories of broken friendships that I am in some ways still recovering from. Job teaches us that faith in friendship is as significant as faith in God. Friendship is not just strengthened by faith--it is defined by it. Without faith, a friendship is void. Friends who only care about having fun and good times can be called acquaintances but not true friends."
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Colonial America, 2007. A review of various literary pieces discussing the religious struggles in Colonial America. 1,068 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines colonial period literature that deals with the conflict between the Christian community and cultural relaxation that occurred from the 17th to 18th centuries. According to the paper, the majority of colonial era immigrants came to the United States to escape religious persecution.
From the Paper "In his essays, Roger Williams expresses his disgust at the inability of the colonies to deal with religious toleration. He is especially frustrated that Puritans, who were persecuted for their religious piety in England would do the same to condemn other religions in New England. He writes, "It is the will and command of God, that a permission of the most Paganish, Jewish, Turkish, or Antichrisitan consciences and worships, be granted to all men, in all nations" (Williams, npg). Williams identified the key contradiction within Puritan logic, the need to be strictly sectarian in the new world. When in fact, the concept of Colonialism depended on the granting of freedoms which could not be obtained within Europe. His essays defined the transition between the traditional views of Puritan dogmatism and the transformation into religious tolerance. In the end he was able to resolve such conflicts through the formation of Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, both bastions of religious freedom for diverse religious groups."
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Ancient Buddhism, 2007. A discussion regarding ancient Buddhism and it's philosophical impact on the aesthetic values of the period. 1,612 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 52.95 »
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Abstract This paper presents an examination of acient Buddhism and how its philosophical position impacted the aesthetic values of the period. The paper explores the Buddhist faith to understand what the aesthetic values were at that time and then relates them to that period in society and how they correlate.
Outline:
Introduction
One Man's Tale
Bringing it All Together
Conclusion
From the Paper "Years ago when the Mafia was in its height it was rumored if one received the gift of a black rose in the mail or in person it signaled the receiver's impending death. The color of White in the Buddhist ancient faith has to do with rest and thinking. It is interesting to note that this still carries true across geographic and societal boundaries. Marketing companies have capitalized on this belief through the use of marketing products such as "White Linen" as being restful and peaceful as well.
The Buddhist faith believes that the color Yellow has to do with restfulness and nourishment."
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"Jesus through the Centuries", 2007. A review of Jaroslav Pelikan's book, "Jesus through the Centuries". 1,483 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 49.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses how Jaroslav Pelikan, in his book, "Jesus through the Centuries", investigates the enormous impact Jesus has had on the evolution of Western culture. The paper notes that, although Pelikan never manages to break free from the Christian worldview, his book does offer a rich and scholastic chronology of the role Jesus played in Western social, political, economic, philosophic, and artistic histories. The paper describes "Jesus through the Centuries" as an ambitious undertaking which treats Jesus as a symbolic figure and historical force, and which mentions theology only when necessary to substantiate Pelikan's main ideas.
From the Paper "The introduction to Jesus through the Centuries describes the conceptual framework for the book as evoking "The Good, the True, and the Beautiful." Chapter One, "The Rabbi," elucidates some of the problems with literal interpretations of the New Testament in understanding Jesus' life and times. Here Pelikan emphasizes the time lag between the actual birth and life of Jesus and the historical legacy he left. The New Testament, according to Pelikan, "resembles a set of paintings more closely than it does a photograph," (p. 9). The author therefore differentiates between early Christian tradition and the Christian scriptures which evolved later. Similarly, Pelikan notes how different and sometimes conflicting translations of scripture affected the titles given to Jesus of Nazareth. "
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American Transcendentalism, 2007. This paper analyzes the transcendentalist school, known as American Transcendentalism, a movement started in the nineteenth century in New England with the publication of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Nature". 1,240 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 42.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that the concept of transcendentalism is often used in religious and philosophical debates to describe the characteristic of divinity, the feature of God to transcend being and the immanent world. The author relates that famous intellectuals of the time such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, George Putnam, Elisabeth Palmer Peabody and Frederick Henry Hedge shaped this movement with the founding of the Transcendental Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1836. The paper concludes that the philosophy and evolution of the philosophical and religious perspective of transcendentalism should be seen only within the larger frame of the dominant ideology of the time and of the epistemological barriers and rigid framework, which were dominant in the universities of the time.
From the Paper "For Emerson, on the other hand, the unity between the soul and the nature is announced even since the publication of his work "Nature". Here, he expressed that all the beings in the Nature are interconnected with each other and with the infinite Oversoul, or Nature. The reverberations of individual acts are felt within the entire system as consequences and the individual has not only the ability to decide autonomously about his acts, but also the duty to deal with the consequences of his own actions, when confronted to his own internal intuition, with his soul."
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Sir Gawain, 2007. This paper discusses the aspects of morality as demonstrated by Sir Gawain in the poetic narrative of 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'. 1,182 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 40.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer notes that chivalry refers to the moral code that was an intrinsic part of the world of Sir Gawain and King Arthur's court. The writer discusses that chivalric ethics and moral code also play an essential part in showing the difference between the higher values of a civilized Christian world as opposed to the " fallen" natural world. In the poetic narrative of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" one is presented with the efforts to maintain these higher moral values, as exemplified in the Chivalric code, through the test that Gawain has to undergo. This moral code is seen in the way that Sir Gawain responds to the various moral tests that he is exposed to. The writer concludes that the poem shows the importance of higher moral values and also the difficulty of maintaining perfect virtue in a fallen world.
From the Paper "One of the essential aspects of the poem in terms of morality is that the tests that Gawain undergoes are essentially meant to show that the chivalric values that he represents are real and not merely an appearance of virtue and morality. In other words they are tested against the real world of nature. Furthermore the moral trials that he has to endure are intended to show the strengths, and weaknesses, of his values as opposed to the world of nature and desire. This can be seen in the way that Gawain has to face up to the threat of his own possible death. The bravery that he shows in facing the Green Knight proves the enduring value of his moral beliefs. On the other hand the fact that he fears death also shows that he fails in terms of moral perfection to a certain extent."
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Timothy Sermon, 2007. This paper analyzes 2 Timothy 4:2 from the King James Bible. 1,024 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 36.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer notes that 2 Tim 4:2 teaches us how to live in this world. The writer maintains that it is a proactive passage, one that focuses on the footwork we must do to help create God's kingdom on earth. The writer points out that we are urged to speak with and from our heart of hearts the good news of the gospel. Further, the writer suggest that to be instant suggests spontaneity: the joy that derives from expressing the instantaneous glory of God. Moreover, the writer claims that we become instantly available as reliable messengers. In addition, the writer believes that the people around us respond when we come from the heart and thus we help spread the gospel.
From the Paper "Out of season we become willing to swim against the tide, delivering the word of God even when it seems no one is listening or even that no one cares. In the current day and age, the moral and spiritual climate may appear out of season. It is in times like these that our work is most important. Being instant in this case signifies swiftness of spirit: the willingness to jump at any available opportunity to offer aid or assistance in the name of Christ. Though the gospel may be out of season, out of fashion, or out of place, the word of God still resonates within you. Therefore, preaching the word and being instant in season and out of season entails both inner and outer work. In the world, we take these words literally by speaking frankly about the gospel of Christ. For ourselves, we read, we re-read, and we re-apply the principles of the gospel in everything we do, say, and think. Even when you do not preach formally you can still be a role model that proves how God works through mankind."
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"Invitation to a Beheading", 2007. A comparison of "Invitation to a Beheading" written by Vladimir Nabokov with verses in the New Testament. 1,825 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 58.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes the novel "Invitation to a Beheading" written by Vladimir Nabokov. It compares the biblical allusions of the novel to numerous verses found in the New Testament. The paper describes various scenes in the book and remarks on the number of allusions to the Bible that are quite evident. It cites the scenes and quotes from the Bible that support this reading of the novel.
From the Paper "Cincinnatus completely loses his head, but dies without even knowing it. The reader senses that Cincinnatus has gone on to bigger and better things especially after reading the last line, "Cincinnatus made his way in that direction where, to judge by the voices, stood beings akin to him.""
"This is a remarkable method of culminating a story and one that comes directly from the New Testament. In Mark 15:39 is stated; "And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.""
"One can almost imagine M'sieur Pierre standing over the body of Cincinnatus and in much the same manner stating; "truly this man was a man among men." Whether Vladimir Nabakov meant it to sound, or read, in that manner, is left entirely up to the reader's discretion, but the evidence is overwhelmingly in support of such a conjecture."
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The Oracle of Delphi, 2007. This paper discusses the Oracle of Delphi of ancient Greece, including the important aspects of the cultural experience that took place at Delphi. 2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 63.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that the Oracle at Delphi was one of the most important oracles in Greek culture because, not only did the Oracle evaluate most of the important actions by Greeks and their governments, but also the temple and its grounds served as a location for festivals, games and many other cultural events. The author points out that the Oracle at Delphi supported Apollo, one of the most important and powerful Greek gods, which attracted worshipers and consultants from all over the world. The paper related that the Oracle, who commented on battles, political decisions, governmental laws and social issues, had more influence than many of the most important rulers of the time.
From the Paper "Apollo's sphere of influence of the Greeks is legendary and well documented. According to Burkert, Apollo's sphere of influence included prophesizing or divination. Zeus clearly differentiated between Apollo and Dionysus, his other son, giving Dionysus reign over the erotic, or initiation spheres, effectively separating their duties and responsibilities, while he watched over both equally. In addition, Apollo's worshipers stretched from Sicily throughout the sphere of Greek influence, and more than one city or town was named for the god. In fact, there is at least some evidence that Apollo ..."
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Gods and Creation, 2007. A comparative analysis of "Metamorphoses" by Ovid and the Book of Genesis in the Bible. 1,097 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 38.95 »
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Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the works "Metamorphoses" by Ovid, and Genesis in the Bible. Specifically, it compares and contrasts how each work presents God or the gods. It looks at how both of these ancient works celebrate the magnificent accomplishment of Creation and how the Bible directly credits God for this accomplishment, while Ovid credits several all-powerful gods. It discusses how each work has its own impact and viewpoint and how each are equally strong in their stance and opinion.
From the Paper "Ovid cannot decide which god it was who actually created the world. In fact, he does not give one credit over another. He writes, "Whatever god it was, who out of chaos / Brought order to the universe, and gave it / Division, subdivision, he molded earth" (Ovid 1067). Ovid cannot give credit to one creator, he cannot seem to grasp the idea that one entity could have created all that we know of Earth and life, and so, his work takes on the feeling of a myth or legend. The Bible, goes into detail about all of God's many creations, from the Sun and Moon to the stars, plant life, and all animal and sea life, and it too, often reads like a myth or legend. "
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Face to Face with God, 2007. This paper analyzes the book 'Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold' by C.S. Lewis. 1,419 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 47.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the book 'Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold' by C.S. Lewis and notes that Lewis has created a complex novel in his retelling of the story of Cupid and Psyche. The writer points out that it is a novel with numerous themes and meanings, one which is very deep and reflects on the very core of the interaction between human nature and spirituality. The writer relates that speaking largely on the power of God, the Divine, love, jealousy and family among other themes, Lewis creates a powerful character in Orual whose transformation reflects on the very nature of God's involvement in life and on love, spirituality, and holiness within an individual. The writer concludes that Orual went through the process of gaining a face through her conversion and through her realization of her own self-deception, Lewis is suggesting that it requires internal awakening of the divine before true conversion and understanding of God can be reached.
From the Paper "Orual's conversion, and her own struggles with the divine, is reflective of the challenges humans must overcome to discover God. To find God, one must first find God in him or herself. Only through finding the divine inside, can one truly discover God. With the veil over the faces, to borrow Lewis' metaphor, humans have to face, and therefore cannot see the face of God. The face of God is not for humans to see anyway, because it is so pure and divine. However, there will come a day when we all have faces, as the title suggests, and then truly can we discover God. Ultimately, we must discover the Godliness in us as individuals; we must all undergo the conversion of Orual. The love that humans think they feel is not unconditional and it has to be to discover God. Discovering God is finding heavenly love in oneself, and to discover that one must believe in the greater spiritual powers without empirical proof. Psyche found her true happiness by trusting God, and she had beauty that was limitless. In Till We Have Faces, Lewis depicts how humans must go through a conversion, a difficult conversion in which they find true love in themselves in order to understand the true love of God. Only then, can God be discovered."
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Meditation, 2007. This paper explains the relationship between mysticism and meditation and the manifestation of God through meditation. 5,960 words (approx. 23.8 pages), 17 sources, APA, $ 141.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the essence of meditation practices, the particular forms in which God is revealed through meditation and how meditation leads to the discovery of the God within. The author points out the differences and similarities of meditation in various spiritual traditions especially Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. The paper reports that, although meditation is an ancient practice, tracing more than 2000 years ago, many forms of meditation still exist today.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Phases of Meditation, Attention, Concentration, Contemplation
Forms of Meditation
Mysticism and Meditation. Finding God Within.
Tibetan Buddhist Meditation and Transcendental Meditation
The Differences between Yoga and Christianity
Finding God Within:
From Dream Sleep to Awakening
From Illusion to Realization
From Darkness to Enlightenment
From Imprisonment to Liberation
From Fragmentation to Wholeness
From Separation to Oneness
From Being on a Journey To Arriving at the Destination
From Being in Exile To Coming Home
From Seed to Flowering Plant or Fruitful Tree
From Death to Rebirth
Conclusions
From the Paper "The yogi are also characterized by their adherence to a strict code of moral behavior and by their practicing of a set of physical exercises called asanas and breath control methods called pranayama. O distinct type of yoga is kundalini, focused on unlocking the reserve of spiritual energy that is thought to reside at the base of the spine. The released energy reverberates in the seven chakras or bodily centers which capture emotions and mental states. The energy, kundalini, has to be moved from the lower chakras - dominated by inferior emotions to more elevated chakras, located ..."
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King Tutankhamen, 2007. This paper looks at the young Pharaoh, King Tutankhamen. 1,730 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 55.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that possibly the most well - known Egyptian figure of the ancient world is that of Tutankhamen or Tutankhamen, the boy King. This young Pharaoh is known to have died while still in his teens and was buried in Egypt's Valley of the Kings more than 3000 years ago. The story and the history of this young boy King have been the source of conjecture and mystery and has been called one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient Egyptian world. This is also related to the possibility that Tutankhamen may have been murdered. The writer notes that the life and history of this young King still remains to a large extent shrouded in mystery and modern research methods are continuality being implemented in an effort to find more information. The writer concludes that the great wealth and art that was preserved in the burial chamber of Tutankhamen will remain a source of wonder, whatever further research may reveal.
From the Paper "Akhenaten ruled Egypt from this city with his main wife, Nefertiti. She bore him six daughters but no son. This presented a problems concerning Akhenaten's lineage and for the continuation of the next Pharaoh. Scholars are of the opinion that Akhenaten and a lesser wife named Kiya were the parents of Tutankhaten, as Tutankhamun was known at first."
"In his early years Tutankhamun or Tutankhamen probably spent most of the formative period of his life in the palaces of Akhetaten and would have been tutored in many skills, including reading and writing. However, the historical records this period are very unclear and both the names of Nefertiti and Kiya no longer appear in the written records of the time. Another figure, Smenkhkare, however does appear in the records pertaining to the time and it has been suggested that he may have been a brother of Tutankhaten. What is clear is that Tutankhamen became Pharaoh after the deaths of Akhenaten and Smenkhkare at the age of nine."
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Atheism, 2007. A discussion regarding the beliefs of atheists and deists, focusing primarily on atheism. 1,461 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 48.95 »
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Abstract This research explores arguments and counterarguments regarding the existence of God. According to the paper, atheists live in a material world and deny the existence of anything that cannot be seen, felt, or touched. The paper further reports that the key atheist argument is that God does not exist because the essence of God cannot be experienced on earth.
Outline:
Does God Exist?
The Atheist Viewpoint
The Deist Answer
From the Paper "If we simply live and then die, our actions do not matter. The future does not matter; therefore, humankind must have some higher purpose. Atheists argue that our higher purpose is in service to man and the future inhabitants of earth. Deism does not undermine man's need to serve the future generations of humankind; it simply recognizes and embraces man's higher purpose. If one is dedicated to God and the higher purpose of improving humankind, then one does no have to justify their reason for existence through actions. Both deists and atheists have their sights on the future, the difference is that Atheists must justify their existence through actions. However, they have no investiture in the outcomes of their actions."
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Jewish Identity, 2007. An overview of Jewish identity that shows how Jewish identity has changed over the years and identifies the forces responsible for this. 1,244 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses the general concept of identity and then examines Jewish identity in particular. The paper relates that Jews had always regarded themselves as God's "chosen people" while the negative Jewish identity of a "treacherous," "vile" and "wrong headed" people was created during the rise of Christianity. The paper looks at Jewish identity in the Middle Ages and notes the better treatment under Muslims than under the Christians. The paper discusses Jewish identity in modern times and identifies enlightenment, anti-Semitism and Zionism as the most influential forces on modern Jewish identity.
Outline:
The Concept of Identity
Jewish Identity: An Overview
From the Paper "The question of Jewish identity, or the way in which Jews perceive themselves and how others view them, has not been easy to answer for most parts of Jewish history. This is mainly because Jews are not easily categorized. They are not a race as they do not share a common ancestry and people of different races have become Jews over the years. They are neither a nationality, having been dispersed throughout the world for over two thousand years. Even as a religion, Judaism is not a pure religious faith like Christianity or Islam, since it has an ethnic dimension and it does not easily assimilate outsiders."
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Scientology, 2007. A background description of the Church of Scientology and its founder L. Ron Hubbard. 4,456 words (approx. 17.8 pages), 20 sources, MLA, $ 116.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes Scientology and provides a background on its late founder L. Ron Hubbard. It describes Hubbard's 1950 publication "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" and how it became the foundation of Scientology. The paper describes the history and theology of the Church of Scientology and looks at what makes it so successful and appealing to people today.
From the Paper "The Church of Scientology is clearly part religion, part business. After visiting the Teaneck Missionary I became increasingly convinced of its brilliant business model. The sales representatives were attractive and well-dressed, forceful and just bordering on being pushy. They market their religion well through a range of free materials and introductory seminars. This serves two functions: to make the individual feel guilty and more prone to at least buying one of the Scientology books being sold in the reception area; and as a sales technique. The personality test sells the individual on the Scientology teachings, many of which happen to make sense on a cerebral level. Moreover, the Church of Scientology maintains an intricate and hierarchical network that closely resembles the corporate world. Scientology captures the spirit of capitalism and globalization, delivering its products and services worldwide."
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