Essays and Research Papers on Theological Issues

This 4 page paper discusses Niebuhr's discussion of the law of love as found in this chapter. The writer includes Niebuhr's comments about liberal and orthodox Christianity and the differences with prophetic Christianity. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper explores the actions and words of Christ as they apply to his belief that the law of Moses had been distorted and that the priests, scribes and Pharisees had become hypocrites, believing themselves to be above the law, the arbiters of tradition and lovers of material gain. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 2 page paper explains how the law prepared people for the coming of Christ. The purpose of the law is explained using Paul's words from this passage and the passages immediately preceding and following it. No bibliography.

A 5 page sermon on Matthew 22:34-46. In Matthew's Gospel, that is the Jewish world of the first century, the only people whom demographic groups that Jesus spurns are religious leaders, the "chief priests, Sadducees, scribes and Pharisees" of Jerusalem (Kozar 78). When Jesus comes to Jerusalem, it is presented in Matthew as the "culmination ...

A 4 page essay exploring the crime Jesus committed under the prevailing laws of the day. The questions investigated were: did Jesus, in fact, commit a crime and if He did, was His punishment in accordance with the Roman legal system in place at the time? Christians do not believe Jesus committed any crime other ...

A 9 page paper. Celibacy has been mandated for Catholic priests for hundreds of years. It is a man-made law but proponents argue that it is based on apostolic tradition. It was the early 4th century before anything about marriage and priests was addressed. This essay presents an historical overview of the practice of celibacy ...

This 6 page essay investigates the themes of the two Books of Kings, which focus on obedience to God's Laws. Adherence to the covenant brings rewards while failure to follow the Word of God brings punishments. These themes are exemplified in the decline of the Kings of Judah and Israel. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 4 page paper that cites parts of the Book of Exodus to demonstrate how God led the Hebrew slaves into a nation. Some specific topics include the Passover, parting of the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds), the new Covenant, the laws including the Ten Commandments, and the instructions for the Tabernacle and ...

A 6 page exploration of the ethics of abortion. Analyzes the various situations under which an abortion might be considered ethical such as in cases of rape or when the life of the mother is threatened by the pregnancy. Counters these situations with the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas who contends that abortion ...

A 4 page paper that discusses Samson’s birth, his special place in God’s plan, his first violation of Deuteronomic law, and why he is still considered a hero of faith. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This is a 5 page paper discussing the issues in “Evangelium vitae” written by Pope John Paul II in 1995. The topics covered include the threats to human life, euthanasia, abortion, capital punishment, moral obligations, moral and civil law, and his central arguments. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page paper looking at this thorny problem as analyzed by the writer of Genesis, St. Paul, and St. Augustine. It concludes that for these writers, The only way to find meaning in a world filled with too many meanings is to cleave closely to an inflexible standard -- for the Jews, the Law; ...

In 5 pages, the author explores the role of Gnosticism in early Christianity. Gnosticism had a role in early Christianity. For some, the role was minimal, while for others the role was the essence of Christianity. Gnosticism was a quest for spiritual knowledge of an intimate nature. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 4 page essay that contrasts and compares "A Sermon Preached at the Execution of Moses Paul, an Indian" by Samson Occom and "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards. The writer argues that these sermons demonstrate how these two eighteenth century men adhered to similar theological perspectives and themes. However, ...

A 7 page paper exploring the story of Noah's ark and the great flood. The writer examines various theories about the tale including possible scientific proof of the flood's existence. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 20 page paper comparing ideologies of Judaism and Christianity, with emphasis on the Jews' view of Jesus and Jesus' views of the Jews. Jews and Gentiles have been bickering for centuries over which side is 'right,' often without understanding that we will all eventually learn the answer, but in the meantime we need ...

A 5 page essay that compares and contrasts the covenant made between God and Abraham as recorded in Genesis: Chapters 13, 15 and 17. The writer also notes the total obedience and faithfullness of Abraham and the fact that God chose him as a father of many nations. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 9 page essay discussing the interpretation of faith as written by Paul, particularly as found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Several interpretations as to the importance of faith and what it does are offered. Bibliography lists 11 sources.

This 4 page essay reviews Henri J.M. Nouwen's Reaching Out The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life. The book is discussed primarily in terms of how it can enhance spirituality. No additional sources cited.

A 10 page essay discussing Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. Following a brief overview of Paul's letters to the Corinthians, the writer focuses on the criticisms made against Paul and his responses to each of the attacks against him by itinerant teachers who had traveled to Corinth as well as by the individuals in ...

A 7 page outline chronicling the four missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul, including his two Roman imprisonments. Formerly a member of the Pharisees and an enthusiastic persecutor of the early Christians, Paul was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus, where he intended to squelch another wave of Christian teaching after the ...

This 5 page paper discusses the 1976 book by Albert Nolan. Nolan introduces his readers to the person Jesus before his death, a man who was deeply involved in the issues and problems of his day. The book presents some idea of what it was Jesus was trying to do. Bibliography lists 1 ...

A 5 page paper that explores the reactions of the people at the time Jesus performed miracles compared to the reactions of those in today's world. There is a significant difference in the acceptance level between the two eras. An inspirational and factual paper that briefly discusses selective belief, a new concept. Bibliography lists 4 ...

A 10 page, analytical essay on this book by Jaroslav Pelikan that examines the author's personal beliefs about Jesus and their relevance to Biblical fact. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page research paper which postulates that the Shroud of Turin is the authentic burial cloth of Jesus Christ. The writer uses the latest scientific evidence to support an argument on the Shroud's authenticity. Bibliography lists 3 sources.