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"Dune" and "The Matrix", 2007.
A comparison of the religious themes in "Dune" by Frank Herbert and "The Matrix," directed by Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski.
1,585 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts some of the themes in the novel "Dune" by Frank Herbert and the film, "The Matrix," directed by Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski. It specifically focuses on the several religious themes and parallels that can be seen in both works, such as the ideal and work of the messiah figure. It then looks at lesser thematic ideas such as the advances of scientific manipulation and predestination.
Table of Contents:
Religion
The Messiah and the Prophesy
From the Paper
"The most prominent parallel in the two works, apart from the generally religious themes, is the specific messianic reference as it relates to Paul Artreides and Neo. Like Neo, Paul is a reluctant savior, but he accepts his role for the good of all. Unlike Neo, however, Paul Artreides is aware of his status as savior from the beginning of the novel. This knowledge comes to him through his gift of precognition, passed on as a Bene Gesserit gift from his mother. While he attempts to resist his destiny in order to prevent the resultant suffering and war that he can foresee, his destiny nonetheless finds him."
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Nathaniel Hawthorne, 2007.
An analysis of the references to Puritanism in Nathaniel Hawthorne's stories and novels.
1,608 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the author of the Romantic period, Nathaniel Hawthorne. It particularly discusses his views on Puritanism, as one of the main themes of his work was the concept of unpardonable sin, which all Puritans held very close to their hearts. The paper gives examples from Hawthorne's books of this concept and uses some of some of these examples to discuss whether Hawthorne condoned puritanical beliefs or condemned them.
From the Paper
"Humanity means morality and faith here and represents everything good and wholesome. Hawthorne felt that when man starts to use his intellect to seek scientific knowledge to support or reject his beliefs, he is basically committing a crime and thus losing touch with humanity. The main reason Hawthorne equated knowledge with evil was because he felt evil was always a lurking possibility and as long as man doesn't engage himself in unnecessary questioning, he could keep that evil force silent. As he once noted: "There is a fund of evil in every human heart, which may remain latent, perhaps through the whole of life; but circumstances may arouse it to activity" (Coale, 1).
Even though Hawthorne was born in the Puritan society, he appears to have disliked the strict laws and regulations of the time. This is because while he endorses the view the faith must not be questioned, he also found that this view was not practiced by the people in its true spirit."
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Christian Understanding of "Last Things", 2007.
An analysis of the Christian understanding of death, judgement, heaven and hell and whether Christian eschatology has applications to those other than Christians.
1,621 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a Christian perspective of "last things," including death, judgment, heaven and hell. The paper details the basis of Christian eschatology or the extent to which the life and death of Jesus may be considered eschatological. Further the researcher explores whether Christian eschatology has application to those other than Christians and what the difference and relationship between individual and general eschatology are. Finally, the paper explores whether humanity and reality have an ultimate purpose or goal.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Christian Eschatology
Applications of Eschatology
Do Humanity and Reality Have an Ultimate Purpose or Goal?
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Salvation for some may be considered differently than for another. Here is where it is important to differentiate between individual eschatology and general eschatology. While generally eschatology refers to matters of life and death including the notion that one may rise to heaven or hell, individuals may interpret "last things" in differing ways. One's heaven may be another's hell even within the scope of the Christian faith and ideals. Even among Christian entities there is much controversy and disagreement about what occurs after death. For example, as mentioned previous there is some belief among Roman Catholics that all mankind is subject to an in-between state or purgatory. Traditionalists would argue that this is a foundation for Christian Eschatology, however members of Orthodox sects may argue otherwise."
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Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus", 2007.
This paper discusses the painting 'The Birth of Venus' by Sandro Botticelli.
790 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the artist Sandro Botticelli and looks at his most famous work 'The Birth of Venus'. The writer discusses various influences on the work of Botticelli and points out that he combined ideas of mythology with Christian concepts in his painting. The writer notes that the 'Birth of Venus' is believed to be inspired by the Homeric Hymns and Ovid. Furthermore, the writer discusses that in the painting itself, Venus is loosely correlated to the Virgin Mary, while Zephyr and Aura are represented as angels and the nymph Hora, who welcomes Venus, suggests the relationship of St. John to the savior. The writer concludes by pointing out that Botticelli's later works focus on more Christian subjects with traditional themes.
From the Paper
"In his art, Botticelli was truly a Florentine of his time as he spent his whole life there minus one year in Rome where he worked on the Sistine Chapel. Furthermore, the subject matter of his art was influenced by the social and philosophical atmosphere established in Florence by the famous Medici family. Botticelli benefited by a close relationship with that family at the height of their influence on the social and political atmosphere of Florence. Several of his works were painted either directly for the Medici family such as portraits or indirectly through commissions that the Medici family controlled. Without a doubt, Botticelli was a favorite in the family and had access to other artists and thinkers gathered around the family."
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Minor Prophets, 2007.
A comparison of the different styles of three of the minor prophets - Obadiah, Jonah and Nahum.
859 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses many of the prophecies of the minor prophets in the Bible. It discusses prophecies of Obadiah, Jonah and Nahum and compares their styles and messages. The paper discusses each prophet's circumstances to attempt to understand why they prophesied the way that they did and analyzes some of the language that they use in order to portray their messages.
From the Paper
"The book of Nahum addresses in detail the fall of Ninevah, which evokes similar themes that Obadiah addressed such as the sin of pride. More than Edom, though, Ninevah displayed the sin of abject cruelty and godlessness. Nahum declares God's will with authority, asserting that the wrath and vengeance of the Lord will obliterate Ninevah. The prophet relays the word of God: "I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions; I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall be heard no more," (Nahum 2: 13). Nahum's relationship with God seems intimate; he speaks as a translator for God's word and unlike Jonah he is not self-referential. However, Nahum weaves his own commentary between his direct quotes from the Lord."
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From Pagan to Christian Traditions, 2007.
A discussion on how Pagan rituals have evolved into Christian tradition, specifically Halloween.
1,050 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how, before the Spaniards arrived in North America, there were flourishing communities of Mayans and Aztecs, with a thriving tradition of sun worship. The paper examines how Halloween and the Day of the Dead share a common origin in the Christian commemoration of the dead on All Saints' and All Souls' Day. The paper further examines how Catholic tradition is partly based upon Celtic Pagan rituals.
From the Paper
"On the second day, the celebration is directed toward the adult deceased. They are thanked for their protection, and respectfully asked to continue bringing prosperity and grace to the family. The family welcomes the souls of the deceased into their homes to visit. Small alters, called offrendas, are constructed and all kinds of lovely things decorate them, including tiny sugar favors made in animal shapes, happy skulls, skeletons, bouquets of flowers and family photographs."
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Korean Funerals, 2006.
This paper describes Korean funeral rites, which reflect the tremendous importance of the family.
880 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Confucian funeral tradition in Korea is complex and requires many stages as well as the participation of several degrees of the extended family. The author points out that the deceased, who becomes an ancestor-god at the moment of death, is honored for the next several years with several 'chesa' ceremonies or family ceremonies used to honor ancestor-gods. The paper relates that, often today, Koreans live in large cities where a truck is used to transport the body instead of a hand-carried platform or bier accompanied by chanting bearers.
From the Paper
"Burial usually takes place on the third day. The family mourners dress in special tan clothes made of hemp. The oldest son is the chief mourner, and he demonstrates his grief openly, crying out. Other family members join in the open displays of grief. Friends of the family express their sympathies and offer money to help pay for the funeral. They join the family for meals and to help make all the funeral arrangements. So, while the family has great responsibilities toward the new ancestral god, the funeral is a community affair."
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Mormonism, 2007.
A discussion of the history and religious identities of Mormonism since the death of its founder in 1844.
5,025 words (approx. 20.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 126.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Mormonism, particularly following the death of its founder Joseph Smith in 1844, as this created a struggle for succession which brought about a change of traditions. The paper, therefore, explores the ways in which Mormonism has changed since 1844. The paper then looks at a convoluted intersection of four competing, but closely related religious identities and two of the most contested places that are associated with these identities.
From the Paper
"There are just two important points that must be considered concerning the name that the church had before 1844. The first is that there were various changes made, principally in response to the revelations. One of the ways to interpret the changes is to think that the church was looking for an identity of its own within the larger religious setting of America. Second, precise details of the changes are contested (Olsen & Dallen, 2002). Critically and specifically, there is debate among the Mormon churches that concerns the precise name that was being used during the time that Smith was murdered (Raento & Watson, 2000). The issue of the name during 1844 is considered to be critical, because the different groups are attempting to lay claim to the idea that each one of them is the one true church (Shipps, 2000). When they do that, they see the use of the name that was used in 1844 as very desirable. It has also been noted that many of the groups that have survived into present day still maintain, for various reasons, that they are in fact the true successor to the church, or that they are a small fragment of the church, which has been seen to continue without any kind of interruption (Olsen & Dallen, 2002)."
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Religion and Myth, 2007.
A discussion on myths, legends and folk tales in Eastern religions.
3,047 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how myths, legends, and folk tales have been a main force in nearly all religious doctrines throughout history, including those of Eastern religions such as Sikhism, Buddhism, Shinto, and others. The paper discusses how these stories, often passed down through the generations, both verbally and in written doctrines, serve to help practitioners cope with the complex world in which they live. This paper focuses on how these types of stories affect the lives of followers, and how those followers use the lessons within these myths to teach others about their values and religious practices.
From the Paper
"Hindu myths also teach the values of society, which allow the followers to understand how and why their teachings operate within their world. For example, the myth of Mrigari, a non-violent hero, focuses on the relationship between non-violent actions and concepts of Hinduism such as reincarnation and positive karma. In Hindu societies, actions are to be viewed through consciousness, rather than through the physical world (Narayan, 1989). By combining the myth of Mrigari, who is changed in life through his spiritual teacher, with the concepts of the myth, such as the transformation from a violent individual to that of an extreme peacekeeper, the myth serves to explain how non-violent actions can lead the follower of Hinduism to compassion and empathy."
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Multiculturalism and the Canadian Documentary, 2007.
This paper discusses the issue of multiculturalism in Canadian film.
2,435 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that Canadian documentary directors have used the genre to effectively illustrate facets of multiculturalism and style that would be lost in the non-documentary film-making world. The writer discusses and compares three films in this paper. The writer describes that Simcha Jacobovici and Roger Pyke present a striking memorandum that illustrates the pain and struggle of religious persecution in the film 'Expulsion & Memory: Descendants of the Hidden Jews'. Similarly, the writer looks at Alanis Obomsawin's 'Richard Cardinal: Cry from the Diary of a Metis Child'. The writer also discusses 'Shooting Indians: A Journey with Jeffery Thomas' by Ali Kazimi that quietly illustrates one man's struggle to change the stereotypical image of Native cultures and people in North America, while also reflecting on the relationship of culture as the director shares his cultural background. The writer concludes that through different uses of the documentary genre, all three films effectively use the factual background to establish strong views of multicultural identity.
From the Paper
"As a film style, documentaries are tied to stricter guidelines than other films because they must adhere to fact to some respect. While many filmmakers might see this as a problem or hurtle, well-made documentaries take advantage of this factor as strength. American director St. Clair Bourne explains that the making of a fictional movie is much more demanding because the background and context must all be created from scratch; he finds documentaries to be more about interpretation and bringing out the real story that already exists within a context. This is the case with the three films discussed here, though each film faced different challenges in creation, and succeeded in different aspects. Each of these films takes the raw material of the history involved and shapes it to create a story with whatever intentions exist from the directors."
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The Ascension, 2007.
A discussion on the belief of the Ascension and the lessons that can be learned from it.
4,179 words (approx. 16.7 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 111.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the practical implications of the Christian doctrine of the Ascension. It discusses the history and background of Jesus Christ including his birth and death. It then goes on to discuss what can be learned from the belief of the Ascension and the belief that all people must aspire to be like Christ in their lives.
From the Paper
"In the present political climate, we hear frequently of the need to spread values and to bring peace and cooperation to troubled, far-off places. Similarly to the ideas expounded by Our Lord, these conflicts, or trials, may be exceedingly difficult. They may seem to have no end, to be shots at us, out of the dark. We do not know why we must suffer, nor why others suffer. We know only that we must help ourselves and others too, because they are "one of us." It does not matter that we have never met these "others,"-- one day it might be us in the war zone, or in the path of the hurricane. Matthew 28:19 reminds us that we must not be selfish of our knowledge. As disciples of Christ, it is our duty to go out into the world, and to spread the truth; bringing enlightenment and hope where there is darkness and travail. In this we are like the Lord Himself."
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Christian Music, 2007.
A discussion into the effects of Christian music on a person's mood.
2,379 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the effects of Christian music. It begins by describing this fast growing form of popular music in the United States today. It goes on to discuss the general effects of music on a person's mood and then speaks more specifically about the effects of Christian music as well as discusses possible reasons for its increasing popularity today.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
General Effects of Music on Mood
Emerging Venues for Christian Music
Specific Factors that Differentiate Christian Music from Other Genres
Potential Reasons for the Increase in Popularity of Christian Music in Recent Years
Changes and Trends in the Expectations of Christian Music Listeners
Implications of Findings for Helping Professionals and Christian Leaders
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Christian leaders can harness the positive power of Christian music in their services. Including pieces of joy and hope, peace and comfort, can give followers a sense of well being and a renewed commitment to God and trusting in his Word. Playing pieces of motivation and the glories of sharing God's Word can inspire followers to go out and share the Word of the Lord with others. Even the encouragement of sharing of Christian music with non-believers can be a powerful form of evangelism. As non-believers hear the message of God in the form of pleasing music they begin to see all the wonderful possibilities that are opened to them, thanks to God and his grace. Leaders can use the positive effects Christian music has on listeners to increase evangelism and positively affect the mood of their followers."
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St. Paul's Letters to the Romans, 2007.
This paper describes the role of St. Paul's letters from a religious Christian perspective.
823 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the major purpose of St. Paul's "Letters to the Romans," a chapter in the Christian Bible. These letters served to introduce ideas behind Christianity such as the faithfulness of God and salvation to the masses. The author also explains that Paul's concerns about the Romans as inspired him to write these letters.
From the Paper
"St. Paul's letters to the Romans had many purposes the main one however, was the uniting of the church and the exhortation to the Gentile Christians to be more accepting of their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ since the church was at that time comprised of mainly Gentile Christians. Paul knew that a church characterized by harmony would bring glory and honor to God however, Paul had other reasons as well for writing the letters to the Romans."
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"Women in the Shade of Islam ", 2007.
This paper presents a critical review of Abdurahman al-Sheha's work "Women in the Shade of Islam."
1,716 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 1 source, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper critically evaluates Abdurahman al-Sheha's scholarly work "Women in the Shade of Islam." According to the paper, this book was written to counter Western misconceptions of women in Islamic society. The book used direct quotes from the Koran to support the idea that Islam does not discriminate against women. The paper considers the authors thesis, finding both points of agreement and disagreement. The paper concludes that the book shows how Westerners and Muslims often don't understand each other.
From the Paper
"The author's thesis is that, to believe that Islam inherently discriminates against women, is both to misunderstand Islam itself, as a way of life for women and men, and to misread the words of the Koran, from which the religion of Islam itself springs. It is my own opinion that al-Sheha, at least in some ways, convincingly proves this thesis, but in other (and more) ways does not. "
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The Crusades, 2007.
This paper studies the goals of the Crusades and what they actually achieved.
3,074 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that although many people have romantic notions of the Crusades, in reality, the Crusades were a series of military campaigns. The paper describes the nine Crusades that were religious in nature. The paper explains that the Crusades began as a Roman Catholic effort to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims, but also targeted other religions and minority groups within Europe, including Jews and non-Roman Catholic Christians. The paper explains that while the Crusades were unsuccessful at their goals of ending Muslim occupation of the Holy Lands, they did play an important role in the history of Western Europe and the Middle East.
From the Paper
"Given the political events of modern times, it is not difficult to understand the type of religious fervor that would give rise to a religious-based military campaign. However, one can better understand the Crusades if one understands the developments that were happening in Western Europe throughout the Early Middle Ages. (Wikipedia). While much of the Dark Ages was characterized by constant struggles between European countries over borders, by the Early Middle Ages borders had stabilized. In addition, during the Dark Ages, much of Western Europe was still under the influence of pagan religions. However, by the Early Middle Ages, the Vikings, the Slavs, and the Magyars had been converted to Christianity."
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Robert A. Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land", 2006.
This paper evaluates the character of Mike as a Christ-like figure in
Robert A. Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land".
815 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Robert A. Heinlein's classic science fiction novel "Stranger in a Strange Land" (1961), the character Mike, the son of lost astronauts from Earth, is raised on Mars by Martians, and returns to Earth only as an adult, making him the "stranger in a strange land". The author points out that the title may refer to the 'Book of Exodus' from the "Old Testament" where Moses names his firstborn son "Gershom" meaning "a stranger there"; however, the usual interpretation is that Mike, the "stranger in the strange land", is a Christ-like figure. The paper concludes that, like Jesus, Mike seeks to make the earth a better place; however, a better analogy is to parallel Mike to the Old Testament's Moses rather than the New Testament's Jesus.
From the Paper
"In other ways, though, Mike is nothing like Jesus. First, Mike is indisputably the orphaned son of two Earthlings; while Jesus either was or was not (depending on one's religious convictions and viewpoint) the son of God. Jesus, however, knew Mary and Joseph as his parents on earth, even if Joseph was perhaps not Jesus' real father; while Mike, on the other hand, never knew his parents."
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The Arabic World, 2007.
An analysis of Arab society and Islamic ideology today.
2,229 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that one of the biggest impacts on Arabs was the June 1967 defeat by Israel that presented Arab society, cultural politics and critical thought with many changes. The paper discusses the traditional Arab society where the family is the main point around which the society and social life revolves. The paper examines the prospects of Arabs attacking America's oil installations which could push up the price per barrel of oil. The paper discusses how Islamic forces talk about pluralism and moderation, but their base is still on their ideology and claims of the superiority of Islamic ideology over the rest of the world. The paper shows how the Arabic world's social customs and treatment of women are behind other parts of the world.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The land of the Arabs stretches for a length of some 5,000 miles and that is nearly double the distance between New York and San Francisco. In geographic terms, this is from the Atlantic coast of northern Africa in the west to the Arabian Sea in the east, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to Central Africa in the south. The total area is of 5.25 million square miles, whereas, United States comprises 3.6 million square miles. The total population of all the Arab nations was approximately 253 million as of 1994 and the largest proportion of them were youths and this can be seen from the position that almost half of the population was under fifteen years of age. If the present annual rate of increase persists, the population would have grown to around 280 million by the year 2000."
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European Medieval History, 2007.
A review of the changing influence of religion on community life in medieval Europe between the years 400-1200.
1,879 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses European medieval history from the years 400-1200. It particularly focuses on the influence of the church and the way that religious orders began to have a more and more important role in the political and social life of the surrounding villages or cities. It discusses the changing role of religion on the surrounding communities over these centuries.
From the Paper
"The monasteries of females were in a more delicate position. The nuns could not turn into good knights, their abbesses had less influence in the Church councils and being their ally was not as valuable. In the centuries under scrutiny, the number of newly founded monasteries for women was in a constant decline . Nonetheless, the existing monasteries, as well as the new ones, were seldom poor, and this for various reasons. First, the convents were built on the lands or from the donations of rich noble women, daughters, wives or widows, who were involved in the charitable activity. Second, uncomfortable wives or mothers of kings or of other members of nobility could be easily sent to the convent, together with a generous donation, to live a peaceful and silent life. Third, donating money to a nuns' community led by a women born and belonging to one family, could represent, for that particular family, a way to make a temporary investment which would return to the donors after a certain interval of time. "As part of the general strategy to maintain control over their proprietary foundations, the founders installed family members as abbesses, guardians or advocates of the monasteries and required that in the future these positions be held by their heirs"."
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