Essays and Research Papers on Theology

A 12 page research paper that examines three Protestant sects-- The Doukhobors, Mennonites and the Hutterites. The writer specifically looks at the gender roles within these groups and the ways in which communal life impacts the lives of women. Also discussed is the radical fringe group of the Doukhobors, the Sons of Freedom. Bibliography contains ...

A 9 page paper looking at seven Jewish celebrations -- Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkoth, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, and Shabbat -- in terms of their symbolism, their reason for existence, and their meaning to the Jewish people. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

An 8 page paper discussing the book, 'Islam and Capitalism' by Maxime Rodinson. In general, this is a book which clearly makes the reader think about the information they know, and incorporate that information into a more concise understanding of the relationship between Islam and capitalism. It is definitely a relationship that has been in ...

A 20 page research paper that compares the religious beliefs of Reformation thinkers Martin Luther and John Calvin. The Protestant Reformation engulfed the medieval world in the early sixteenth century, breaking apart the familiar paradigms and recasting both the religious and political map of Europe. It was, without a doubt, a decisive moment in the ...

A 7 page analytic essay that examines the symbolism of the scarlet 'A' in Hawthorne's classic. Explored in the paper is the symbolism the Puritan elders intended the letter to contain, the effect the scarlet letter had on the life of Hester Prynne, and the change in the symbolism resulting from the good deeds and ...

This 7 page essay begins with an overview of the Episcopal Church beginning with its establishment as a separate denomination in America in 1783. The writer then discusses the advent of the ordination of women as priests and bishops within this Church and compares this state with the continuing prohibition of women priests and deacons ...

This 15 page paper offers a comprehensive discussion of the Christian Sacraments and their origins. The origin of the word 'sacrament' is discussed first. This is followed by a discussion of the meaning and number of sacraments. Finally, the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church are discussed at length. Differences between how the Catholic ...

This 22 page paper offers a comprehensive discussion of the Christian Sacraments and their origins. The origin of the word 'sacrament' is discussed first. The specific reasons for the sacraments being applied are then explained which involves a discussion of the Council of Trent, St. Thomas, and other early theologians, i.e., the development of the ...

A 5 page paper which examines what it means to be a good person in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, specifically considering ) origin, relationship between the body and soul, similarities and differences between man and animal, and ethics. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

Gulliver's Travels has long been recognized as a work of exquisite satire. The Travels represent the society of the Puritans that Jonathan Swift found himself among and whom all things were serious and strict. His playfulness in presentation that dominates books I through III are a counterbalance to the serious satirical nature of ...

A 5 page essay that argues the thesis that Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'Young Goodman Brown' represents the author's views on early Puritan beliefs. This paper argues the point that Brown's rejection of the evil existing within his own heart and his projection of this evil onto others parallels the practices of Puritans in early New ...

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 well ...

A 3 page paper analyzing the work of this seventeenth century Restoration poet. It argues that not only did she rebel, with the rest of the Restoration poets, against the Puritan attitudes of the era just past, but against the double standard of the era in which she lived. Bibliography lists three sources.

A 5 page analysis that compares the political beliefs of Sir Thomas More and Niccolo Machiavelli, and then takes a look at the religious positions of two more fifteenth century contemporaries, Martin Luther and Desiderius Erasmus. The writer argues that these pairs of medieval scholars represented diametrically opposed positions on most issues. Bibliography lists 8 ...

A 5 page research paper that examines the reasons behind the Puritan jeremiad sermons of the late seventeenth century. Despite the fact that their colony was tremendously successful, Puritan leaders decided in the 1660s and 70s that the colony was in a state of decline. The writer explores possible reasons and, in so doing, something ...

A 5 page paper which discusses and critiques the book “A Theological Reflection,” by Avery Dulles. Dulles book examines the position of the Catholic church today, in relationship to the vocation of the priest. He argues that the Second Vatican Council of the Catholic church has caused the priesthood to be looked upon with less faith and with less ...

2 pages in length. The writer discusses the six aspects of Hinduism avoided by Buddha, as well as the Four Noble Truths. No bibliography.

A 2 page paper which considers the traditional meaning of Catholicism and contrasts it with Anna Quindlen’s modern interpretation in her essay, “I Am a Catholic.”

A 7 page paper discussing the interrelatedness of morality, ethics and scripture. Believers have been warned not to be so heavenly minded that they are rendered no earthly good. In expounding on Christian morality and ethics, each of the authors consulted for this paper advocate integrating scripture with daily life, rather than compartmentalizing ...

Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor were both poets of the Puritan tradition in New England. The poetry produced by Bradstreet and Taylor is very different, though both contemplate the spiritual aspects of their time. This 5 page paper argues that Bradstreet searches for religious meaning within the context of the physical world as ...

5 pages in length. The significance of 'Young Goodman Brown' and its similarity to the Puritans errand into the wilderness are indicative of the interwoven themes of Hawthorne's own Puritan connections and those of his characters. Brown, brought up with Puritan cultural beliefs and teachings, finds himself ill-prepared for the reality of humanity's ...

A 5 page discussion of the inherent harmony between the theories of creation and evolution. Points out that although evolutionists often discredit the theory of creationism as primitive, there is room in both theories for recognition of the precepts of the other. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

2 pages in length. The Jews view evil as a necessary element of one's existence; however, they are forever attempting to figure out why they, as a collective people, have been forced to endure such a significant amount of it in a historical content. Indeed, Smith and Novak are especially eloquent in their ...

A 6 page analysis of Catholic Schools and the Common Good, a book based on the educational research conducted by authors Anthony S. Bryk, Valerie E. Lee and Peter B. Holland. The writer summarizes their methods and results and then offers an opinion as where the study failed to address certain variables. No additional sources ...

A five page paper looking at the relationship between faith and reason in Western culture. The paper shows how historically, faith was generally held to be supported by reason and science, and explains the schism that occurred between the two. Bibliography lists three sources.