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Prophecy in the 'Book of Daniel', 2008.
An analysis of prophecy in the 'Book of Daniel', chapters 7 to 12.
1,830 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the prophecies found in Daniel, chapters 7 to 12, focusing particularly on the four beasts that come from the sea. The paper maintains that these chapters can be judged to be true by looking at history. It points out that the four animals refer to the time period after Babylon and the present time. The paper also looks at charts, maps, and literature on the 'Book of Daniel' to show how these prophecies relate to different kingdoms. To conclude, the paper suggests that, considering the present problems in the Middle East, the prophesy that the beasts will come back to life through the Antichrist could possibly be true.
From the Paper
"Daniel describes the fourth beast as terrible and strong with iron teeth. "After that, in my vision at night I saw in front of me a fourth animal that was cruel, terrible and very strong. It had large iron teeth. It crushed and ate what it killed, and then it walked on whatever was left" (Wheeling). This fourth beast represents the Roman Empire and how it would conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Temple. The Roman Empire was stronger than the other empires. "The angel explains to Daniel, the four beasts; lion, bear, leopard and the terrible beast are four kings from the earth. With each king comes a kingdom" and each of these kingdoms connected to Israel (The Book of Daniel). The last kingdom, Rome, was in power when Jesus was alive. Comparing different analyses about the four beasts show similar interpretations. While the four beasts relate to the immediate context of the nations affecting Israel, these four beasts also relate to the future or a broad context of the future countries referring to the present times."
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The Reconciliation of Faith and Science, 2008.
This paper discusses that science and religion or faith are thought to be irreconcilable; however, recently some scientist and religionists have attempted to reconcile these arenas.
2,505 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that religion is an experiential based field that relies on faith alone and is therefore highly subjective in its world view; whereas, in contrast, science is experimental but anchored in observation and has an objective interpretation of facts and events. The author underscores that both science and religion are based on faith and have as their common objective the quest for a formalized type of truth that can be applied universally to the human condition. The paper contends that achieving some sort of balance between science and religious faith is critical if mankind is going to continue to advance as a species. The author points out that, for Albert Einstein, the melding of science and religion was not a conundrum at all but rather, for him, the real problem lay in how man consistently chose to interpret both scientific and religious concepts and particularly religious concepts.
From the Paper
"One of the primary points of contention for the religious proponents has been the view that science attacks religious precepts and undermines religion's doctrine. Many scientists have patently disproved this argument as being somewhat disingenuous since much of their activity has been centered only on illuminating the specific characteristics of systemic phenomena in the physical world and make no judgment at all on the origin, necessarily, of these phenomena per se. Science and scientists almost as a collective unit admit that while they can understand many of the systemic processes in the physical world they are at a loss as to how many of these highly complex processes could have simply evolved out of the molecular fabric of space."
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Same-Sex Marriage and Artificial Insemination, 2008.
This paper argues against same-sex marriage and the related issue of artificial insemination.
2,075 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer looks at same-sex marriage and at the artificial insemination of lesbians with an eye towards asserting that both are offensive on religious, moral, and sociological grounds. The paper first points out that the Holy Scriptures provide a number of compelling justifications for the elevation of heterosexual marriage. Proceeding further, the writer argues that there are moral reasons why artificial insemination (and gay marriages involving children) are unacceptable. Finally, the writer maintains that there is sufficient evidence decrying the effects of households headed by homosexual couples upon children for our society to re-examine its glib acceptance of the idea that homosexual couples (perhaps couples inseminated by artificial means) should automatically be given carte blanche to be parents.
From the Paper
"The reasons why homosexual union appears to be frowned upon by the Church ties into the notion of complementarity; that is to say, pairs of men and pairs of women cannot conceive children via natural means. In short, the procreative process, at least if it involves natural means, is only possible if one man and one woman are involved. As May understands the matter, natural fertility is a blessing of God and demands the active participation of both genders. More than that, the ability to have progeny invests in human couples the creative power that would otherwise be limited to God alone; thus, the natural process of mating is an act that should not be trifled with inasmuch as man and woman - in their natural states as God designed them - have been rendered in God's image, or at least man has been rendered in God's image and have been given the responsibility of carrying out a procreative act sanctioned by the Almighty. Clearly, man and woman have been designed the way they have for a reason, and it would be unwise to alter this complementary state by allowing lesbians to become pregnant via artificial insemination."
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The Abbasid and Ottoman Empires, 2008.
This paper discusses the Abbasid and Ottoman empires, as possible examples of Islamic imperialism.
1,360 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Abbasid and Ottoman empires made use of the glorification of Islam. The author points out that these empires attempted a standardization of language, brokered different relationships with non-Muslims, saw extensive economic growth and continued expansion of the arts, letters and cultural attainment. The paper relates that both the Abbasid and Ottoman empires had the emotive symbols of their respective capitals as political, commercial and spiritual centers. The author underscores that both empires made errors in over-expansion, failure to consistently respect minorities and the use of force. The paper concludes that the result was forever fragmentation when faced by external pressures and the risk of oppressing constituent groups, which tends to affect all empires in the end.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Political Control and the Abbasid Empire
Economic and Social Affairs
Symptoms of Decline
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The decline of the Abbasids owed in good measure to the way in which the Shii community had been treated since the beginning. Anti-Caliphal sentiment understandably continued as much the Sunni ulama worked to crate the impression of Muslim unity by way of strong self definition and standardization of law, language, religious practice and political rationales. By the 13th century, the Abbasid Empire was a fragmented collection of states and territories ruled by military commanders. Of course, the Ottoman Empire would also over-expand, its different oppressive campaigns and government by military force creating quiet enemies."
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Christian Culture, 2008.
A discussion of the material and symbolic aspects, as well as the values and norms of the Christian cultural group in the United States.
878 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper considers the cultural group (Christians) of which the writer is a member. The paper outlines the various elements - both material and symbolic - which form that group's ontological and even epistemological views. It then looks at what kinds of values and norms are important to the group and how these values and norms have been learned and internalized. In the end, the paper illustrates the fact that many Christians associate their subjective well-being with their religiosity and not with the material possessions they acquire.
From the Paper
"In some important respects, Christians are a segment of the American population that few who are not among their fold have made an effort to understand - beyond, of course, the popular (and not always flattering) image of Christians that the mainstream media likes to provide. With that in mind, the following brief paper will argue that Christians are a people who do care about material possessions in some respect (after all, they have loved ones for whom they wish to provide) but are - true to the popular image of them - more overtly concerned with spiritual matters and with inner contentment. Going further, whatever the general clamor against Christianity in today's world, the values and norms of Christians have become the values and norms of many parts of America - perhaps even the most admirable parts of America. Thus, the Christian balance between making money and being a good human being is one that continues to resonate for all the right reasons."
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The Sunni and Shiite Conflict, 2008.
This paper examines the ongoing conflict between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam.
3,323 words (approx. 13.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the beginnings of the conflict between the Sunni and Shiite factions of Islam and explains their ideological differences. The paper focuses on the twentieth century and why the Islamic conflict continues. The paper discusses how concessions to the Islamists will not work because wiping out the West is part of their agenda. The paper points out, however, that a better understanding of this conflict among Westerners can only yield positive results by clarifying how our interests lay with the Muslims who do not answer the Islamist call to battle.
Table of Contents:
Outline
Beginnings
The Schism
The Contemporary Sunni-Shiite Divide
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This essay will examine the ongoing conflict between the two principle branches of Islam: Sunni and Shiite. This is a relevant, even critical topic for anyone interested in today's world events. The current War on Terror and the struggles between Palestinians and the Israelis make understanding the acrimony between Sunni and Shiite Muslims necessary. The secular, Christian West remained generally ignorant of Islam until September 11, 2001, when members of Islam's radical fringe besmirched their faith in the eyes of the world through an amazing act of terrorism."
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Riba and Marx's Exploitation, 2008.
The paper examines the Islamic concept of riba and Marx's famous premise about the working class' exploitation by capitalist elites.
2,349 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the similarity between the idea of riba in Islamic law and Marx's belief that the working class is exploited by capitalist elites. The paper examines how Islamic banks inspired by Islamic law and theology differ substantively and procedurally from western banks. The paper looks at the merits of Islamic law and Marxism vis-a-vis their shared concern for less-fortunate individuals. The paper concludes that both schools of thought are exceptional at articulating the needs of poor and struggling persons, but that the Islamic school of thought appears to be the more prudent and practical.
From the Paper
"To begin with, experts who study the Koran are generally agreed that the abolition of riba (interest) is an essential injunction of Islam. Specifically, Islamic orthodoxy holds that riba is the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy; it is, in short, an undue charge and an instance of income re-distribution, with those who need the money least siphoning it away from those who need it most. Proceeding onward, the Islamic revulsion towards interest or riba appears to lead to another innovation of Islamic economic practice: the adoption of profit-sharing in lieu of interest-bearing transactions."
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Views on Death: Religion and Society, 2008.
This paper analyzes the social context of death in "Death: The Final Stages of Growth" by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.
892 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Kubler-Ross' work "Death: The Final Stages of Growth" and her premise that denial of death is the central paradigm that creates the conflict between science and religion. The paper discusses how Kubler-Ross uses religious explanations of death to help unify her theory that more social and faith-based initiatives can help a death-denying society accept death as part of life.
From the Paper
"Kubler-Ross's analysis relies on varying different social backgrounds that define death through a religious perspective. In many cases, accounts from different religious organizations and belief systems are used to bring death to the forefront of American society and its denial of death. Kubler-Ross's background in the medical profession often elucidates this problem through the institutions of doctor, family, and social denial of death in her own experiences."
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Buddhism in China, 2008.
An analysis of the factors that impeded Buddhism's assimilation into China.
1,917 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Buddhism came to China and what the main problems of assimilation associated with its introduction into the country were. More specifically, the paper looks at Buddhism's assimilation into the country taking into account the rulers of the time, the people and their beliefs and the other religions that already existed in China at the time that Buddhism was introduced.
From the Paper
"As a result a series of dictatorships ruled after the Han dynasty while Confucianism was discredited by the collapse of the old order. Confucianism failed to save the Empire from shattering into the pieces. Its prescribed relationship between the ruler and the subjects proved to be unsuccessful. It did not protect the gentry and scholars whose lives were dependent on the old monarchy. Additionally, as it was the official state doctrine of the Han dynasty it was strongly connected with the old regime that failed and new dynasties could not easily be persuaded to accept it as their doctrine. The elite was however, not too happy with Taoism either, and although present, Buddhism was "still in the process of being translated and adapted" (Wright, 7). This was because until the 4th century the Han Emperors permitted only foreigners to build monasteries and enter the new religion (Ch'en, 45) and because the early interpretation of the religion were closely tied with Taoism and done using Taoism terminology."
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The Human Need to Believe in God, 2008.
A discussion of why human beings have always needed a god or gods to believe in.
1,908 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the origins of religion and how they may have evolved from a basic human need to believe in something that was meta-physical, divine, and omnipotent. The paper also focuses on the indebtedness - if any - of some of today's prominent religions to other sects which have been lost to the mists of time. Furthermore, this paper explores what purposes myths served in the ancient world and how they benefited ancient societies in ways that other forms of socialization perhaps could not. In the final analysis, the paper suggests that religion may have evolved from more primitive forms of morals and maintains that religion is beneficial to the human species.
From the Paper
"Returning once more to the work of Paul Kurtz, the need for religion is something that all ancient human societies required insofar as it was an ideal (or at least tolerably effective) coping mechanism for dealing with all of the many things early man could not control. For instance, it assuaged the fear of death, gave human beings the comfort of believing that the injustices of this world would be rectified in the next one, was a means by which the tribulations brought about famine, pestilence, terrible weather or warfare could be endured in the hopes of better days to come, and - finally - religion was a palliative that restored hope in instance wherein hope might not be easily revived otherwise. Finally, religion gave early man the faith that the unseen factors shaping the world (for better or for ill) could be propitiated and even brought to serve the needs of the local community (Kurtz, 23)."
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