Essays and Research Papers on More Ancient Beliefs

A 10 page overview of Astrology; i.e., its history, purpose(s), principles, and criticisms. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

5 pages in length. The concept of human beings understanding everything about their universe is preposterous and arrogant. We truly do not have any idea what has transpired, is occurring or will happen within the cosmos, even with the aid of scientific data. There are just some things that cannot be obtained ...

A 5 page paper that provides an overview of the movement in Celtic literature from paganism to Christianity and the way in which the Celts supported their traditions within the emerging culture. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

Rituals and Ritual Sites - An 18 page comprehensive paper on Druids. In the course of the paper, the writer details Druid ritualistic practices and religious beliefs (including Stonehenge), Druid philosophy, and Druid history & mythology, and then goes on to describe the available sources of information on Druid priests. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

An 8 page paper on the religion, philosophy, and culture started by Marcus Garvey. This paper mainly deals with the history, the background, and the religious beliefs of this predominantly black religion. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page essay examining the roles of the priest in the religion of ancient Greece. The Grecians had a god for every occurrence of nature and for every condition or abstract thought, and they were responsible for duly worshipping each in order to avoid the wrath of any god or goddess that might ...

A 6 page paper explaining the origin of the Babylonian god, Marduk. It traces the history of Marduk, decribes his position as supreme god, cites references to him in the Book of Daniel, and compares the Babylonian creation story to that of the Biblical story of creation. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page paper comparing Marduk and Yahweh. Explains the origin of Marduk, his worship, and compares and contrasts Marduk to Yahweh. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 9 page essay that explores the occult movement in the state of Texas. The spiritual beliefs of the pagans, a sect with roots in the occult and covens scattered across the Lone Star State, are discussed. Cases of violence connected with occult activity in Texas over the last decade are examined, as ...

A 6 page paper that considers the magico-religious elements of a number of primal religions and compares them practices in Catholicism. This paper utilizes information presented by Kenneth Kuykendal and others to demonstrate the importance of magic and ritual in religion.

In 8 pages the author discusses the Society of Jesus, which is also known as The Jesuits. Through it preachings, teachings, etc., the Jesuits have held a major impact on the Catholic reformation, even though the papacy (bishops, etc) thought the society was a major danger to the faith and was destined to cause havoc ...

25 pages in length. An in-depth analysis of the occult, witchcraft's themes and practices including the 'evil eye' etc.; The writer examines witch craft's history, various theological perspectives, the concept of salvation, the possibility of Hell, cults, and much more. Bibliography lists approximately 20 sources.

A 6 page discussion of witchcraft in the United States. Discusses the misconception that sexual promiscuity and misdeed are an integral part of witchcraft. Concludes that witchcraft accusations are almost always targeted at women and that these accusations can be associated with the tendencies of others to resent anything that is unusual or ...

During the Reformation era, persecution of women whom the Catholic Church perceived to be 'witches' was at an all-time high. This 12 page paper examines sociopolitical issues from that time as well as specific theological views on witchery and witchcraft. It is argued that fear and ignorance towards women (i.e., 'the transformation of the witch ...

This 5 page report discusses the decline and the increase of two holidays in America. While Easter was once one of the most important Christian holidays of the year, in many ways it has declined to an event to support the candy industry. Solstice celebrations (both winter and summer) have gained in popularity, ...

A 5 page paper looking at Shakespeare’s indecisive protagonist in terms of the way he is victimized by both his wife and the witches. The paper argues that because he could not get his dreams of grandeur out of his mind, others were able to play on his weaknesses and bring about his downfall. No ...

In 5 pages, the author argues the thesis that Macbeth in William Shakespeare's 'The Tragedy of Macbeth' is controlled by the witches. The question of whether or not Macbeth is independent in his thinking or whether he is controlled by witches is one that is cause for debate. Witches have long been thought to ...

This 5 page paper considers the view of witchcraft in Europe according to E. W Monter’s book, ‘European Witchcraft’. The view of the church as represented by the Malleus Maleficarum and later by Martin Luther and John Calvin are discussed. The bibliography cites 1 source.

In 5 pages, the author compares and contrasts the theme of supernatural in 'The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark' and 'The Tragedy of Macbeth' by William Shakespeare. In the plays, there are many themes. One of the most apparent themes in each play is that of the supernatural. There are ghosts ...

This 5 page report discusses Taoism and its key principles, specifically stillness, yin/yang, and wu wei (will-lessness). It also compares Taoism thought regarding enlightenment with the Buddhist concept of Nirvana. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 1 page research paper that offers a definition of the Zen Buddhist term 'satori,' which the writer defines as a Buddhist concept for describing an elevated understanding that comes as sign of enlightenment. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 1 page discussion of meditation. Defines transcendental and discusses how meditation allows one to transcend everyday experience. Uses Prince Siddhartha of the Buddhist religion as an example. Bibliography lists 1 source.

The Crucible, by Arthur Miller is a play set in the year 1692, in Salem Massachusetts. On the surface, the topic is the witch trials, how they how they grew and how they affected the lives of the people of Salem. This 5 page paper puts one of the main characters, Abigail Williams, ...

3 pages in length. When one hears the word “Pagan,” what is often immediately conjured up is the image of Satanism, witchcraft and all things that are evil. This highly inaccurate perception has plagued Pagan worshippers throughout the centuries, with that misunderstanding permeating well into the twentieth century, in spite of the fact ...

This 8 page paper considers the hypothesis that religion is ultimately a tool that is used to control people. Example of the crusades, King Henry VIII and the witch hunts are cited to demonstrate this relations between religion power and control.The bibliography cites 8 sources.