Worship Essays Examples

Worship Music in Christianity Enter

Rick Cole of Capital Christian believes that the door cannot stay closed forever, and feels that by offering different services based on music preference is an opportunity for the entire congregation to unite (Garza).

Contemporary worship music began with the Jesus movement of the early 1970's and the rise of charismatic churches, and although it paralleled the growth in contemporary Christian rock and pop music, it remained separate until a few years ago (Levy). It now has become a mix of Christian pop, rock and praise choruses, and a blending of styles that has opened up contemporary worship music to a wider variety of instruments and sounds, such as the Christian bands Sonicflood and Delirious (Levy).

According to John Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association, roughly half of the top twenty Christian and gospel albums sold in 2003 were modern praise and worship music (Levy). Says Styll, "People want to connect to God in a way that is culturally powerful to them. For some people, choirs and organ music are not the stuff of their ordinary life. It doesn't make God personal to them," thus praise songs are increasingly moving from recording studios to church worship services (Levy). Not…… [Read More]

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African-American Worship

Worship is universal. It allows people of various races and ethnicities, backgrounds to come together and pray. However every church and every religion have their key differences. Even in the Christian religion, there are variations existent all throughout Christianity. Some differences are small, while others are fundamental. While attending an African-American Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Church, I was able to see fundamental differences in practice. For instance, the Church is also recognized as Apostolic or as "Oneness" in that they reject the Trinitarian conception of the Godhead in lieu of a concept of God as one person who is expressed in three modes (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). As I believe in the Holy Trinity, here in lies the main and fundamental difference in the belief shared by the people of the church and my religious beliefs. As their baptism rights exclude all other modes of God, they immerse people "in the name of Jesus."

My experience with the African-American Pentecostal church was for lack of a better word, eye opening. When looking back into formation of the Pentecostal movement, I think the African-American belief was actually the foundation for the Pentecostal movement. Members of this…… [Read More]

Corporate Worship vs Private Worship

Corporate Worship vs. Private Worship

Today, some Christians may be confused about their personal style of worshiping or will question the need for formal worship in an age where everyone's time is valuable and busy schedules are packed. To gain some fresh insights into these issues, this paper sought to answer the question, "Is worshipping together with other believers in formal worship services necessary to a healthy spiritual life?" In this context, formal worshipping means regular and planned church attendance rather than the style of the services that are provided. To this end, this paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed, scholarly and biblical literature to support the need for corporate worship. This type of worship is not to the exclusion of private worship, but the scriptures show that God wants his followers to have a corporate church to facilitate fellowship among Christians. A summary of the research and important findings concerning these issues are presented in the conclusion.

Review and Discussion

There has been a great deal of controversy concerning Christian worship practices because there is no universal hermeneutical and theological framework available to develop a biblical theology of worship (Farley, 2008). According to Farley, "The hermeneutical diversity…… [Read More]

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Review of The Great Commission to Worship by Wheeler and Whaley

Commission to Worship by Wheeler and Whaley

As a North American Mission Board national missionary and associate director of the Center for Church Planting at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, David Wheeler is eminently qualified to speak on matters of spiritual study, and his jointly authored book The Great Commission to Worship: Biblical Principles for Worship-Based Evangelism demonstrates an extreme aptitude for biblical interpretation and modern empirical inquiry. His co-author Vernon M. Whaley serves as Director of the Center for Worship and Chairman of the Department of Music and Worship Studies at Liberty University, both positions which require a true commitment to evangelical teaching on a societal level. Together, this pair of highly educated religious instructors combine to create a lasting contribution to one of Christianity's most ofte-repeated debates; between the Great Commission given to the Church as an institution and the Great Commandment given to every human being on an individual basis. The questions posed immediately by Wheeler and Whalen in their opening chapter ("The Mandate of Worship and the Great Commission") are compelling on many levels, as the authors ask "how do we develop a strategy for evangelism that does not exclude or responsibility to engage in worship?"1

1.…… [Read More]

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History and Development of Contemporary Worship

Christian Worship

The History and Development of Contemporary Worship

Biblical Foundations of Christian Worship

The New Testament is, in many ways, the ultimate expression of Christian worship because the Gospels detail the life and teachings of Jesus Christ within the context and community of individuals who believed in Christ even in the midst of persecution. However, to understand the biblical foundations of Christian worship, it is important to first examine the Old Testament. The Hebrew Bible contains the most fundamental "norms of worship," for Christians, even if different churches develop unique patterns of worship consistent with their interpretations of scripture (Segler and Bradley 2006,11).[footnoteRef:1] [1: Segler, Franklin M. And C. Randall Bradley. 2006. Christian Worship: Its Theology and Practice. B&H Publishing Group, p. 11]

Old Testament worship was primarily concerned with differentiating Jewish worship from pagan and polytheistic worship (Segler and Bradley).[footnoteRef:2] Worship is the primary way believers assert and avow their faith in God, and keep their covenant with God. The God of the Old Testament not only solicits but demands worship as proof of special faith that distinguishes the faithful from the pagan. Worshipping God by eschewing other gods proves one is holy and righteous: "You shall not…… [Read More]

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Emperor Worship the Worship of

It evolved into a major part of the very fabric of society. Ambassadors from these provinces would report their sacral worship and elaborate religious practices when visiting Rome. Often, these rites and practices were woven into the religious system. The religious system in Rome and in the provinces in the time of Augustus, or Rex Gestae, was steeped in his achievements. He ordered the inscription of these achievements on bronze tablets and in front of his mausoleum. Rome was a functional state, which idealized men as gods who possessed or pursued faith, reason, wealth, salvation, liberty or victory. Cicero wrote that the common custom was for those who brought such great benefits to be deified out of gratitude. Divine honors promoted these virtues and made their possessors more willing to face hardships and dangers in the service of the state. Cicero further wrote that the state could be set into order and controlled through religious observances. Victory at war was customarily viewed as a sign of divine favor. They perceived divinity itself as militantly inclined. Thus, the victory of Augustus at Actium was proving this perception. Besides, hereditary privilege, deification was required by impressive skill in leading and achieving military…… [Read More]

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Light in Christian Worship Candlelight

It is not intended for the contemplation of the reserved sacrament. Under this new principle, Roman Catholic tabernacles are now set in separate chapels or other more appropriate places (ELCA).

Guidelines for Lutheran Churches

These Churches do not recommend the placement or use of eternal flame lamps in the worship area (ELCA 2011). Doing so will give the erroneous belief that God is present only because of the light or that He is absent if the light is off. Lutheran theology affirms the real presence of Christ in the sacrament and the maintenance of the elements for the sick and the homebound. Some Lutheran congregations keep a clear encased light near the elements to honor or indicate the area where these elements are kept but not to worship them (ELCA).

Symbols at the First Presbyterian Church

An acolyte carries a torch during a liturgical procession (FPCreidsville 2011). This light represents and reminds the faithful of God's pillar of fire, which guided the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness. In the church, it emphasizes the presence of God during worship. Like the acolyte who brings the torch, the faithful are to bring the light of Christ to the world (FPCreidsville).…… [Read More]

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Christian Worship Like All Religions

In fact, the non-Christ centered religiosity of the Middle Ages helped contribute to the division between the Catholic Church and Protestant churches. "This religiosity was expressed in the cult of the saints, particularly in images and sacred objects, and in the veneration of the eucharist" (James, Protestant, p.26). These practices actually led to the feeling among some Christians of that time period that they had somehow been fooled or tricked into a non-Christ focused type of worship. Moreover, this disagreement continues to mark a major division between Catholicism and Protestant belief; the modern Protestant belief is that worship is based upon the individual's personal relationship with God and is not dependent upon the intervention of a third party.

The final component of Christian worship is that it not dependent on time, place, or manner restrictions. The traditional place for worship is in a church on Sunday morning surrounded by one's fellow Christians, and there is certainly nothing wrong with approaching Christian worship in that manner. Likewise, there are books devoted to the type of worship that religious leaders are going to encourage during those church services. A great example of that type of normative behavior can be found in the…… [Read More]

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Hindu Worship Service on Mahashivratri India One

Hindu Worship Service on Mahashivratri

India, one of the world's oldest civilizations, is known for its long and rich tradition of religion dating back to the 1028 hymns of the Rig Veda (the world's oldest religious text), probably composed between B.C. 1500 and 900. In fact, modern Hinduism can trace its roots back to the Rig Vedas though Hinduism itself changed and evolved, from the earliest icons of worship of Mother Goddesses and 'elements' of nature, to the modern day Hindu belief that life is controlled by a triad of Gods: "Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer."

Orthodox Hindus offer prayers and perform 'puja' (worship service) religiously and regularly, both in the temple and at home. Sometime ago, I had the opportunity to observe a typical Hindu worship service at a friend's home. My friend belongs to a Tamil Brahmin family, which observes all the traditional religious practices, though they have settled in America. Being exposed for the first time to the idea of elaborate worship service conducted at home, I later asked the priest conducting the 'puja' to explain the significance of such a ceremony in the residence, as against attending one at a place…… [Read More]

Music and Jewish Worship a

It was on a Friday night, and the room was mainly made up of older individuals, although there were a few single men and some families with children. Many of them seemed to know one another well, and laughed and talked. When they approached me as a stranger, I explained what my purpose was -- to observe the use of music during services on a typical Shabbat. They told me that the synagogue was more crowded during the holidays. They said the cantor was well-liked, although they felt that the previous cantor had a better voice. Men and women sat together. The entire sung prayer aspect of the service was in Hebrew. The people seemed comfortable and familiar with the prayers, as they seemed to know when to stand and sit, occasionally rocking with devotion. Their responses to the words of the prayers seemed unforced and confident, again underlining their familiarity. The need for mutual participation in the musical prayers created a sense of unity and cohesion of worship.

As someone who does not speak or read Hebrew, a language which is not written in the Roman alphabet or even related to English I had difficulty following along with the…… [Read More]

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Costen Review African-American Christian Worship

" (13) It is thus that Costen poetically paints a picture of an inherently spiritual and devout people channeling their faith in the diaspora. Costen more than adequately achieves the goal of defining a unique, beautiful and empowering culture encapsulated in the intercession of Christianity and African-American heritage.

One of the reasons that the text seemed to be so effective in achieving its aims was in its close emotional connection to the source material. The author writes both with a scholarship and a passion that denote a very clear sense of faith and racial identity, with pride and understanding permeating both. The appeal to biblical scripture for instance is uniquely interwoven with a lucid discussion on the history of the African-American people, from slavery through to the post-Civil Rights Era.

It is in this approach, in fact, that Costen offers the greatest comfort to the devout among this text's readers, endorsing the centricity of community and asserting that "our presence in God's space frees us to be hospitable and open to welcome others. After all, the kindred of Jesus transcends natural (blood) ties of any human family, or those relationships that are already familiar (see mat. 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke…… [Read More]

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Religious Place of Worship and

This was not the case in Pakistan.

Then I heard the call of prayer. The imam was calling everyone for prayers by reciting the Iqama (which is basically a shorter form of the azaan). An azaan is a call for prayers. People started gathering around in the prayer hall. As a mark of respect I walked towards the courtyard so I could get a better view and not interfere in the prayers. The imam asked all the worshippers to switch off their cellular phones. I guess it's considered rude for the prayers to be interrupted by the ringing of the phone. I could see all the men lining up in formation. They all stood in a straight line and made sure that there was no gap in between. I could see that there was a lot of unity amongst everyone as they made sure that all the gaps were filled up. A lot of these worshippers had covered their heads with a skull cap. I later found out that it is a mark of respect to cover the head while praying to Allah.

A noticed several things while observing the prayers. The worshippers followed the Imam in every way. They…… [Read More]

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Religion -- House of Worship

It was in Sanskrit and Tamil and most people had a piece of paper to read from. There was a tune to it though it was more of chanting than singing.

Showing fire lamps to the Gods

Once the chanting was done, the priest lit a huge lamp with oil and camphor. This is then waved in front of the God in a circular motion and during this time, there is more chanting and prayer. Flowers are also thrown on the deity by another priest who is standing next to the one showing the lamp. Every worshiper stands on either side of the shrine and prays with folded hands. During this process, the bells are going off constantly and loudly.

Bringing the lamp to the worshipers

After the lamp is showed to the God in a circular fashion, it is kept on a plate and is brought to the worshipers. Each of them place their hand above the flame and then put their hand to the eyes and the head. Some of them even drop dollar bills and coins on the plate. If there are young kids, then the parents touch the flame and then keep their hand on the…… [Read More]

Jesus Taught About True Worship

Jesus tells his listeners not to worry about what they eat and drink, given that God is infinitely bounteous, despite the fact that the kosher laws are part of the commandments of Mosaic tradition. This shift in emphasis to the importance of poverty and charity required by Mosaic Law, away from specific rituals and concepts of ritual purity indicates that while Jesus respected the teachings of his predecessors, the Law meant something different to him. Jesus did not believe that his interpretation of the Law was new, rather that he thought he offered a more correct and fitting interpretation of Moses' original intention. Jesus preached that righteousness came through a private relationship with God, humility and goodness, not with correctness to dogma and doctrine.

Many of the controversies addressed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount have been settled. Judaism and Christianity are now separate religions, with distinct views of the place of Mosaic Law in the history of the Judeo-Christian tradition. But Jesus' principles must still be remembered. Simplicity when adhering to religious teachings is best. Rather than trying to rationalize complicated reasons for not following the 'Golden Rule,' Jesus' example emphasizes treating others with dignity and respect,…… [Read More]

Black Gospel Music on Worshipping

The Black gospel music is an efficient tool that can be used in order to explore the roots of the Black religious culture, social as well as political concerns. This makes it an effective tool for passing messages from the scriptures too.

Miller (2007) explores the debate surrounding the contemporary Christian music. His book presents a look at the contemporary music in the Christian churches with a view of aiding in the understanding:

Why it is best to choose the optimum worship style in the process of helping the public in worshiping truly and in a better way

The ways of evaluating the various music styles to be used by various ministries

The ways of dealing with controversy surrounding the use of music in church should it erupt

A view of how the bible as well as scientific studies, church history and missions can be used in the choosing of the appropriate music for the use in various church ministries across the globe

Problem Statement

The use of music in worship among the Black Americans has been linked to the success of both the musicians themselves in their personal endeavors that are off the altar as well as the success…… [Read More]

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World Religions Report Judaism Judaism Introduction Worship

World Religions Report

JUDAISM

Judaism (Introduction, Worship Site Review, Interview, Comparison/Contrast with Christianity)

This report explores one of the most important Abrahamic religions, Judaism.

In this report, a detailed introduction of Judaism has been given in the first part. Judaism is one of the oldest religions with distinct and unique holy texts. Despite the less number of followers, it has been divided into several branches. This report also contains a description of its branches; Reform, Orthodox, Conservative and Reconstructionist.

The next section contains the summary of an interview of our community priest. Later, I have included the site review of a famous Jewish temple in Hawaii, Temple Emanu-El.

The last section contains the comparison and contrast of Judaism and Christianity.

Introduction

Judaism is one of the top 10 most famous religions of the world. It is followed and practiced by Jews scattered all over the world. They are present in several countries as a minority except Israel. According to the facts and figures, "Of the thirteen million Jews in the world 5.69 million (43.6%) are believed to live in the United States and 4.55 million (34.8%) in Israel. No other country approaches anywhere near these figures: the next in rank…… [Read More]

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Duly Do Ye Worship the Goddess Ye

Duly do ye worship the goddess, ye Latin mothers and brides, and ye, too, who wear not the fillets and long robe.13 Take off the golden necklaces from the marble neck of the goddess14; take off her gauds; the goddess must be washed from top to toe." (Ovid and Fantham)

OVID, a Latin poet, who gained fame and success in 1st Century BC and early 1st Century AD in Rome is best known for his works during the reign of the Emperor Augustus. His works include Heroides, Metamorphoses, and Fasti. Fasti is an unfinished series of six books of poems that depict the initial six months of the Roman calendar. The month of April which is in book 4, will be analyzed for its beautiful use of language and style. Book IV or 4, covers the telling of stories of the three daughter of Minyas which include forbidden love, godly affairs, and sexual escapades.

The three daughters of Minyas bored of worshipping Bacchus sit together to tell tales of romance, adventure, and lust. The first one, who remained unnamed, starts her story of the forbidden love of Thisbe and Pyramus. A classic story of fathers opposing the couple, they elect…… [Read More]

Houses of Worship Are Vulnerable

On March 20, 1994, two Skinheads shot several rounds from a high-powered semi-automatic rifle into the stained glass windows of a Eugene, Oregon, synagogue. The shooters were sentenced to terms of 54 and 57 months imprisonment. (The Skinhead International: The United States)

At least in some ways keeping synagogues (and other institutions) safe from neo-Nazi attacks is easier than keeping them safe from Muslim terrorists. While nearly all Muslims are good people, neo-Nazis are, by definition bad people. They are easier to identify and keeping surveillance on them does not have the same civil rights problems that keeping track of those who affiliate with gangs or other violent groups.

Not all threats to synagogues are violent, of course. Synagogues, like other houses of worship -- and other buildings of course -- are subject to theft and other forms of non-violent "assault" like tagging. While these are serious, they are less so (obviously) than violent attacks and so should take lower priority. Moreover, in working to protect a synagogue against violent attacks one is also working to protect against lower-level attacks.

Working Hand in Hand

As noted above, the best way to ensure the security of any building is for its…… [Read More]

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Religious Worship -- Visit to

On one hand, much of the prayers and the Torah reading have a musical component much the same as in Catholic churches. On the other hand, there are no hymns in Jewish services at all, only actual prayers. In Catholic (and other Christian) services, there are hymns that are sung by the choir and by the congregation in addition to the actual prayers. It seemed to me that something in that respect was "missing" in the Jewish services and it seemed that it was less of a communal feeling once the actual services started than I am accustomed to with Catholic Services.

Philosophical Differences

From my understanding, Jews do not believe in Heaven and Hell per se, although they do believe that their actions on earth are judged by God. I was surprised to learn that some Jews do believe in Heaven and Hell while others do not. Their teachings about human morality focus more on the quality of actions in life than on their effect on the individual afterwards. In general, Jews believe that God does reward and punish but in a much more general and undefined sense than those concepts are taught in the Christian traditions. Some Jews…… [Read More]

War and at Worship With

" (James, 2006) The strength and force of this ruthless creator of the sun became a justification of Aztec conquest of neighboring persons, in the name of his spirit. As the Aztecs were generated from the space where time began, and as the sun demanded violence and sacrifice and death to come into being, so did the maintenance of their agricultural way of life and society. Sacrifices of inhabitants and conquered people were made to the god recreating the cycle of destruction and rebirth that gave final rise to the final, great fifth sun. These sacrifices were administered by the priests, and recreated the cycle of birth and death, particularly the giving birth of the final generation of humanity from the bones of the dead persons killed in the wars over the first four suns. Sacrifices performed before altars of fire that symbolized the fiery creation of the world.

Other than the remaining step-like temple structures pointing upwards to the sun, little remains of Aztec civilization. These great conquerors became the conquered and much of their complex civilization was destroyed by Christian conquerors. "Even well-educated bishops could [not] have understood or appreciated or even tolerated a religion which represented its…… [Read More]

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Worship James White's Manuscript Protestant

Again, his initial attempt in forming this belief was to limit the role that man would play in determining the salvation of believers. It was important for him that the Sacrament only be received in faith of God and not through the grace of man, as it were. This is a chief distinction between Lutherans and Methodists; the latter regard the Holy Communion as symbolic of God's grace. Therefore, they perform this sacrament with a significant amount of regularity and frequency that far exceeds that of Lutherans. Lutherans perform the eucharist much more sparingly in order to circumscribe the direct effect that humans have on the chances of salvation and god's divine grace they can bestow upon them.

The specific type of worship that both churches adhere to serves as a key point of commonality and of difference. The Lutheran church is liturgical, and generally follows an established tradition, conservative in nature in how its people worship and commune with God. The Methodist church is not liturgical and is substantially more flexible and liberal in the methods its parishioners employ for the worship of God. It is part of the "free-church tradition" (White), essentially meaning that there is not a…… [Read More]

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Worship of God and Discipline

" Owen maintains that it is not important that people engage in the particular actions Jesus engaged in, like washing another's feet, but instead that people strive to express their moral duty of brotherly love, in condescension and mutual helpfulness.

The fourteenth question posed by Owen is, "May not the church find out, and appoint to be observed, such religious rites as being adjoined unto the celebration of God's instituted worship, may further the devotion of the worshippers, and render the worship itself in its performance more decent, beautiful, and orderly, as the appointing of images, and the like?" Owen's answer is, "All acceptable devotion in them that worship God is the effect of faith, which respects the precepts and promises of God alone. And the comeliness and beauty of gospel worship consisteth in its relation unto God by Jesus Christ, as the merciful high priest over his house, with the glorious administration of the Spirit therein. The order also of it lieth in the due and regular observation of all that Christ hath appointed. And therefore all such inventions are in themselves needless and useless, and, because forbidden, unlawful to be observed." Owen explains that God is a spirit…… [Read More]

Right and Wrong Types of

That is why Jesus says he dislikes the idea of praying, standing in street corners, or making a great show of fasting. The point worship is to be justified before God, not before humanity (Matthew 6). Being overly obsessed with being judged by the community and judging others was not righteousness.

Worship for Jesus is rooted in the cultivation of a personal relationship with God and righteousness of one's soul. Good actions flow naturally from such a relationship. If a Christian does not perform or wish to perform acts of charity there is likely something amiss with his or her relationship with God, but being more ostentatious about giving to the poor is not the answer to the failure of his or her connection to God. Spiritual practices stem from being humble and meek in spirit, not the other way around.

Jesus' expressed point-of-view in Matthew is a powerful rebuke to Christians who believe that being intolerant of others is a substitution for faith and fellowship. Going to church, donating to the church or to 'the right' political causes, and even preaching the gospel to others is not a substitution for having one's own spiritual 'house' in order. It is…… [Read More]

Islam Select a Religion Is Considered to

Islam

Select a Religion

Religion is considered to be belief and acts of worship, which concentrates on worshiping a deity and gives a detailed and comprehensive outline for the way of living. It teaches the difference between good and evil, right and wrong and morality and immorality. This paper has selected Islam as the religion to be discussed.

Analysis of Christianity

Analysis of Christianity

Analysis of Islam

Religion plays an essential role in providing spiritual, moral and ethical guidelines to individuals in order to apply it into their daily lives (Fisher, 2005). Religion is considered to be belief and acts of worship, which concentrates on worshiping a deity and gives a detailed and comprehensive outline for the way of living. It teaches the difference between good and evil, right and wrong and morality and immorality. There are several religions in the world, which includes Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism. Each religion has its own meaning of God and a specific way of life. The goal of this paper is to visit a place of worship and interview a religious scholar or preacher of that religion. This paper has selected Islam as the religion to be discussed.

Islam

Islam is…… [Read More]

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Indira Gandhi India Empress Myeongseong Korea Queen

Indira Gandhi (India), Empress Myeongseong (Korea), Queen Hatshepsut (Africa).

Indira Gandhi, Empress Myeongseong, and Queen Hatshepsut

Indira Gandhi, Empress Myeongseong, and Queen Hatshepsut represent three female iconic figures in different societies at unique historical times. Indira Gandhi, as one of the most influential women, through the role she played in her attempts to transform the political and social situation in the Indian society. Queen Hatshepsut is one of the female pharaohs who managed to rule the country of Egypt at the expense of male counterparts in the society. In the Egyptian history, she is the most remembered female pharaoh following her qualities during her era. Empress Myeongseong is an iconic figure in the history of Japan. She is considered an iron woman in the ancient Japan based on her tough moves whenever her rule was threatened.

Differences in the way Indira, Myeongseong, and Hatshepsut ran their societies

The three iconic females in unique societies differ in the capacities they served during their era in their ancient societies. Indira Gandhi in the Indian history used the party formula to impose her authority on the society. During her era, she joined congress party in order to champion for the rights of the…… [Read More]

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Visiting Lakewood Church the Place

In addition, simply from observation, there were people from a vast array of lifestyles present. One way that was obvious was in the attire that people were wearing. Some were dressed in conservative clothing, while a few people were dressed in clothing that could almost be labeled "provocative." In addition, there was a couple who were clearly bikers. There were worshippers of all ages present, though the majority of people seemed to be middle-age or younger.

I can not even begin to estimate how many worshippers were present, but the former stadium was almost full to capacity, which means that there had to have been tens of thousands of worshippers there.

Like many worship services, the service began with music. However, there was no mere choir singing at Lakewood; although a choir did sing, the day also featured a performance by a Christian-music band and a singer whom appeared somewhat well-known to the group, though I did not recognize her. After the singing, Pastor Joel Osteen came onto the pulpit. He began his sermon by making a statement about Bibles, which had some elements of ritual because the congregation said the statement with him. The pastor next told a joke,…… [Read More]

Differentiating Between Religions

Religious Studies

The world's spiritual traditions and religious practices have major groupings. However, in these groupings there is no uniformity of practice. Various religions have different culture and ways of practice. This practice began in the 18th century as developing civilized societies. Different cultures of the world have had an influence on the religious beliefs of the people. For example, Hinduism borrows from the Indian culture, Islam from Muslim culture and Taoism from particular cultures in china. Traditionally, scholars of religion recognized the fact that, different religious beliefs have the same philosophy of searching for the truth. It may argue that religion is an act of worship given to God irrespective of religion.

Overview of Christianity and Islam

Christianity as a religion teaches salvation from sin. The religion also teaches issues of eternal life, physical death as well as the resurrection of Jesus Christ the messiah. The religion began as a missionary religion to its current widespread all over the world. Christians use the bible as their religious book. The bible has two parts, one representing the old, and the other the New Testament (Voorst, 2006). The New Testament came into use after the death of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ's…… [Read More]

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Jewish Religion Also Known as Judaism --

Jewish religion also known as Judaism -- is the religion of the Torah, which begins with the "Five Books of Moses and encompasses the Old Testament" (Neusner, 1992, 8). Judaism honors its beginnings as part of the creation of the whole world, Neusner explains. Jews believe that God created the world "…and for ten generations, from Adam to Noah, despaired of creation." Following those ten generations, from Noah to Abraham, God was waiting for humans to finally "…acknowledge the sovereignty of one God," who was authentically the unseen power that created heaven and earth (Neusner, 9).

Most historians explain that Judaism is a "monotheistic faith" (there is but one God) and Jews in turn often find this God "…beyond [humans'] ability to comprehend" and nevertheless Jews believe God is present in everyone's life every day (Pelala, 2013). Moreover Jews believe that each person was created "b'tzelem Elohim" (meaning "in the image of God") and because of this belief, there is the companion belief that every person is "equally important and has an infinite potential to do good in the world" (Pelala, p. 1).

Of vital importance to Jews is the Torah, the most important book in Judaism. The Torah has…… [Read More]

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Chrislam Is Not an Official Religion but

Chrislam is not an official religion, but the beginning stages of what some people characterize as a synthesis between two of the major world religions, Christianity and Islam. As an official movement, Chrislam is relatively new, however as both religions are Abrahamic and non-fundamentalists of either religion have long conceded the possibilities of observing both religions simultaneously. However, within the last decade there has been a push for the observation of Chrislam as an actual religion, not simply an expression of tolerance in either religion.

While Chrislam may be becoming more widely acknowledged in the world, Islam and Christianity have interacted together for thousands of years. Christians and Muslims may have a history of tension, but they also have a history of coexistence. Perhaps, then, it comes as no surprise that Chrislam has really developed in Africa, where Islam and Christianity are the two predominant religions, both having a tremendous influence on the Nation. Worshipers at the True Message of God Mission, which may be the first actual Chrislam place of worship, believe there is a natural overlap between Christianity and Islam (Kerby). In addition, they incorporate traditional African religions into their observations and practices, as well (Kerby). However, the…… [Read More]

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Christianity the Roman Way Rome Exerted Tremendous

Christianity

THE ROMAN WAY

Rome exerted tremendous pressure on its colonies to conform, and do things in the Roman Way. When in Rome, one does as the Romans do. The Via Romana is a road referring to the Roman way. Rome conquered Alexander's vast empire and then imposed the Imperium (the imperial right to rule) upon the world. Religio-Romana refers to the Roman religion of paganism and polytheism. Roman religion. Romans are to practice Rome's religion without changing it. The Roman practices will be executed as they have always been since the beginning of Roman civilizations. This includes worshipping the Roman emperor as god. The political connection between Rome's religion and the people impose the belief and practice: Roman religion is the truth. Mos Maiorum refers to the living traditions. People are to live their lives according to Roman traditions. This is the daily life of Romans extant in the time of Jesus.

INTRODUCING JESUS

In John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life…." John 14:6 was originally written in Koine Greek. Referring to a translation of the original Greek, Jesus' statement says, "I and no one else am the way, I and no one…… [Read More]

Religion the Word Religion Is

The collective power of communal worship cannot be underestimated. Anyone who has attended a religious service knows that being surrounded by like-minded individuals helps solidify and focus faith. Prayers for the ill and petitions to God seem more powerful when they are collective. Whether through song, chanting, repetition of prayers, or silent worship, communal worship is the key to communicating effectively with God.

Worshipping with a community enables honesty, humility, and self-awareness. A community of caring people creates social stigmas and other restraints on deviant behaviors. Those deviant behaviors may be sinful and therefore detrimental to spiritual attainment. Similarly, the act of collective worship creates opportunities for intimacy and honesty. Members of the spiritual group can help each other become better people and more valuable members of their community.

The Christian faith is especially conducive to and dependent on communal worship. In the Bible, Jesus played a primarily social role by gathering together disparate people around core spiritual principles. Jesus' disciples became the first Christian community and their story survives as one that offers testimony to the power of collective worship. Jesus could not have delivered his message of love and peace without the aid of his supporters, and his…… [Read More]

Plea to the Hearts and Minds of

plea to the hearts and minds of people who are being knowledgeable of the distinctive qualities and assert from the Episcopal Church. The charm from the Church tends to be realized all over our land. Its extensiveness of empathy for every situations of people, the highly convincing perspective regarding the joys of life, the liberty from peculiarity of practice and faith, have unveil the Episcopal Church to the awareness of a lot of people whose religious association have been interfered with or destabilized. We always come across some evident problem, Steve Klein (2007), which makes a lot of people not to join the Episcopal Church. The Church tends to be rather odd, or cold, or complex. It tends not to fulfill the condition that training which is done earlier results to majority anticipation in a church. The services are somehow rigid and obscure; the ways are complex; it has strange practices. It tends to need a judgment of a distinct form in order for an individual to discover his spiritual home in the Episcopal Church.

The Church offers its practices and teaching, which if well taken in can claim the excited commitment of lots of individuals who have felt not…… [Read More]

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Idolatry How Some Object or Text Discovered

idolatry: How some object or text discovered by archeologists, or some other type of cultural or literary parallel, enhances our understanding of something in Exodus

Prospectus:

Idolatry in the ancient Near East -- a non-Exodus Perspective

Over the course of the past several decades in modernity, numerous objects as well as the actual substances of texts discovered by archaeologists, have contributed to the modern understanding of the characterization of so-called 'idol worship' in Exodus as well as other Hebrew texts, texts that have come to have been canonized as 'The Hebrew Bible," as referred to by members of the Jewish religion, or 'The Old Testament,' as such books are frequently referred to by members of the Christian faith.

Up until this point in time, the way that ancient Israelites perceived idol worship held dominance how the people who worshipped idols saw idol worship. However, the Bible frequently mischaracterizes these other people's rationale for worshipping idols on purpose. One must always remember that the Bible is a historical argument and a collection of cultural mythology for a particular view of the divine, a nation, and a people, at a historical point in time, and attempt to understand, from the point-of-view and…… [Read More]

Essential Activity of Christian Ministry

Ministry

There are a number of ways in which to define education, but one of the best methods for doing so came from John Dewey in the early 20th century. Dewey stated that education, in its most general concept is the means through which the goals, aspirations and habits of one generation is passed on to the next generation (Dewey, 1916). He also believed that students attended school in order to experience real and guided events that allowed them to interact with others socially, learning how to contribute to society through those actions and interactions.

Discipleship, on the other hand, can often be perceived as a following of a person or individual and the spreading of that individual's theology or beliefs by those who become disciples. Regarding disciples of Christ, one could say that a disciple of Christ would be the individual who not only believed in and followed Christ's teachings, but who also was one with Christ, one who would lay down the worries of the world and follow Christ in all things.

Spiritual formation is a cross between both education and discipleship. A recent article states that spiritual formation is "a showing how" (Vann, 2009, p. 56)or in…… [Read More]

Bibliography:

Jesus & Mohammed More Than

To become a Muslim, one must simply accept that there is only one God and that Mohammed was his messenger. The words "Islam" and "Muslim" are both derived from the Arabic word for "peace." The traditional Muslim greeting is "Peace be unto you" (Wisdom Fund). Christians often use the phrase "Peace be with you" at the close of the worship services.

Both Christians and Muslims worship God in prayer. Both Christians and Muslims believe that there is one God. It is important in both religions that people accept the teachings of their guidebooks and live their lives accordingly. Neither religion advocates violence, and yet terrible violence has been committed in the name of each religion. The violence is not true to the teachings of either Jesus or Mohammed.

There are some great differences between the Christian and Muslim traditions and yet we can also see some commonalities. In a peaceful world, each religion must be allowed to worship God in its own way. One need not accept the teachings of another faith, but one can endeavor to understand them and respect them.

References

Elwell, W.A., & Yarborough, R.W. (1998). Encountering the new testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

Gabriel, M.A.…… [Read More]

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Buddhism and Christianity Buddhism Religion

They both emphasize on the teaching of doing good and following rules to live right and happily. They both have vigorous missionary programs, in which they convert people to their religion. In the two religions, the people can worship in groups or individually. The religions have a leader of worship that is a monk in Buddhism and a Priest in Christianity. The two principles in the religion used parables to teach, and they are egalitarians. The teachings on respecting others and treating them as oneself are acceptable in both religions. They both emphasize on charity towards the poor and aspire for greater spiritual perfection.

Differences

The differences are irrefutable, as Buddhism does not talk of a Creator, God while Christianity believes in a divine creator of Universe (Wallace 26). In Buddhism, the emphasis is on mediation and mindfulness, whereas that of Christianity places stress on prayer. Additionally, Buddhism emphasizes on the personal efforts for salvation and good life, whereas Christianity emphasizes on Grace. Buddhism believes in reincarnation, with an endless life cycle of birth and rebirth, whereas Christianity is one life on earth.

Works cited

Netland, Harold a, and Keith E. Yandell. Buddhism: A Christian Exploration and Appraisal.

Downers Grove,…… [Read More]

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Significance of Iconodules in Christianity

Iconodules in Christianity

In history, the Christian religion has developed along various path ways. Currently, there are many different denominations and ideals relating to Christianity. While the basic belief in Christ unifies Christianity, Christians themselves are often faced with a somewhat bewildering choice relating to the sheer amount of differing churches they could attend. Even the early church faced serious disagreements relating to certain ideals of doctrine. One such serious controversy occurred around the seventh century, where believers began to disagree on the use and importance of icons in the church. Basically, the disagreement manifested itself in two basic groups of believers; the iconoclasts and the iconodules.

According to Orfanakos (2011), the Iconoclasts were a group of Christians who believed that the use of icons in the church was entirely improper. The reasoning behind this was the fact that Christ's divinity did not allow his portrayal as an earthly image. Furthermore, they took such representation to be both idolatry and superstition, based on the commandment that no earthly image should be worshiped as divine. From this, they made the connection that the icon would be worshiped, rather than Christ or God himself. The basic fear was that icons would furthermore…… [Read More]

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Existence on God

God Exist?

The Case for God's Existence

Anselm

Thomas Aquinas

Other Arguments

The Case Against the Existence of God

My Assessment

Many people go to churches, mosques, and synagogs each week to worship God and to pray. But does God hear those prayers? Does he exist? The debate over God's existence has gone on for centuries and is alive and well in our time. Philosophers, theologians, scientists, and ordinary people have weighed in on the argument. Theologians such as Aquinas and Anselm argued for the existence of God in the Middle Ages, but even in that time, others disputed their contentions. Even some who believe in God argue that proving God's existence through logic, science, or reasoning is impossible because even hard evidence has nothing more than faith behind it. Are the people who worship God wasting their time then? Does God impact their lives? That question can be difficult to answer. But an examination of the arguments may bring us some information.

II. The Case for God's Existence

A. Saint Anselm

One of the first and most powerful arguments for the existence of God was advanced by Saint Anselm (1033-1109) who served as Archbishop of Canterbury. His argument, known…… [Read More]

Santeria Origin of and Introduction

The power of the Orisha guides the santero. Alex told me that the attitude of the priests is very humble, because they don't believe that they are doing anything. All their actions are guided by the Orisha and all the credit belongs with the Orisha too.

I asked Alex to expand on two aspects of Santeria that I was particularly interested in because of their uniqueness. First, I asked about spirit possession. Alex told me that spirit possession is a very important concept because it helps the individual communicate directly with the Orishas. An object as well as a person can become imbued with the spirit of an Orisha. When a person becomes possessed by the Orisha, he or she temporarily acts and even looks like that spirit.

Second, I asked about sacrifices. Alex admitted that animal sacrifices do take place but much less often than they used to because of the stigma. However, it is widely believed that the Orishas need to "eat" the spirit of the animal. Alex also said that unless the animal was used in a healing ritual or a death rite, that it does not go to waste. The people are allowed to eat the…… [Read More]

Resources:

Montgomery County NC When Montgomery

But religions aren't the most important in Montgomery county. There also are other things which are very important too. For example, the Montgomery County Archives which collects, preserves, and makes available for public use historical and evidential materials relating to Montgomery County. Its holdings consist of official records of county, and local governmental units, and copies of federal and foreign government materials. Besides the official records, we can also mention "private collections, organization records, maps, pamphlets, sound recordings, photographs, motion picture film, and a small reference library" among other sources of information.

There also are a lot of interesting and beautiful places to visit in Montgomery County, a lot of places where one can find precious things to see. Some of them are: Trinity Music Academy, The Montgomery Community Theatre, Montgomery Arts and History Club. All these are important for the county because they kind of represent its pride.

The Economy of Montgomery County was based, until a few years ago, on textiles and lumber products, but time has changed and now things are different. Now, the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation works with the county and individual towns to assist local business and industry and to recruit new industry to…… [Read More]

Bibliography:

Temple Beth Am Site Visit Jonathan Zaun

Temple Beth Am Site Visit

Jonathan Zaun

For people living in prior generations, the practice of one's religious beliefs was a private expression of faith to be shared only with fellow adherents. Christians worshipped alongside fellow Christians and seldom found either the opportunity or the desire to explore the religious beliefs of neighbors and friends who happened to be Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or any of the hundreds of creeds which are followed freely in the United States. Fortunately, this exclusionary attitude towards religion has been cast aside by today's youth, and people are now encouraged to visit places of worship with which they may not be familiar. As a practicing Roman Catholic, I have always been curious about Judaism, a faith which shares many of its influences with Christianity but has evolved throughout the ages to become the distinctly unique belief system we know today. In order to fully immerse myself in the study of Judaism, I visited Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest, Florida to meet with people who follow the Jewish faith and to observe a temple service firsthand. The goal of this visit was not to compare and contrast the various differences between Judaism and Christianity; I was…… [Read More]

Hawaiian Islands Sandwich Islands

Hawaiian and Sandwich Islands

The history of the Hawaiian and Sandwich Islands during the 18th century is as colorful and unique as the flowers that are grown in the region. On December 23, 1826, a treaty between the United States of America and the King of the Sandwich Islands was signed at Honolulu and entered into force. The people who inhabited the islands, took their livelihood out of the ocean waters, and thrived upon their religion and customs continue to romance and mystify the people of today's hurried society. This paper will discuss the people, region, homes, culture, religion and images that make up the interesting historical account of the Hawaiian and Sandwich Islands.

People

The Polynesians were the first people to live in what is now Hawaii. These people lived off of the sea, and sailed the Pacific Ocean in giant canoes. They arrived in the Hawaiian chain from other Pacific islands about 2,000 years ago.

In Hawaii, they became expert fisherman, sailors, and craftspeople. They utilized their resources and built dugout canoes to travel from island to island. They became more daring and unafraid of the demands of the sea. Their migration continued as they traveled westward into…… [Read More]

Deeper Meaning of Prayer and Preaching Christian Book of Deep Ideas

Preaching Worship

Of course this book is about preaching and worship services, and all that takes place within those contexts as the congregation gathers together and responds to the message from the pulpit. All Believers in the audience are there to smoothly, spiritually make the transition from the worldly issues outside to the heart of what God wants people to do. The book goes into great detail about the participation of those in attendance, about the importance of singing together, of praying together, and about the symbolism of breaking bread, which is "…a visible metaphor of how God's word works among the assembly" (Quivik, 14).

But moreover, this book opens the door to understanding and tugs on the sleeves of alert readers to reach out and find new meaning based on the truths, the metaphors, the imagery and the gospel that is presented by the author. Readers are challenged to understand the difference between "countercultural" and "cross-cultural" worship practices, and moreover readers are challenged to understand that little can be done in isolation from others or from the congregating of people seeking inspiration that leads to eternal life.

On page 70 Quivik summarizes the ultimate value of church services: "We…… [Read More]

Bibliography:

Origin of Angels Can We Become Angels

origin of angels? Can we become angels? What is the duty/purpose of angels? How have angels interacted with people from Genesis to Revelation? Should angels be worshipped or prayed to? How should we live in light of this doctrine? Angels are immensely popular today because people still need to feel close spiritually to each other, and to the Lord. Angels are a bridge between our world and the spiritual world, and they help guide us toward better lives. Angels are certainly among us, and they always will be.

Angelology

Angels have always been unique and special beings, and their growing popularity today illustrates how we, as a nation, are still seeking spiritual fulfillment in our lives. Angels are wise beings who have many powers, and serve God, unless they have fallen, when they serve Satan. The Bible discusses angels throughout its pages, but early on, the origin of angels is clear. In Colossians 1:16, the reader learns God created all things, including angels, and he created them in his own image. "For in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things…… [Read More]

Persona Christi an Analysis of the Priesthood

Persona Christi

An Analysis of the Priesthood "in persona Christi" and "in nominee ecclesiae"

The questions that surround the functions of the priesthood and the diaconate today appear to be part and parcel of the greater uncertainty that surrounds ancient Church customs. This paper will attempt to analyze the meanings of the phrases "in persona Christi" and "in nomine ecclesiae" as they have reflected the functions of the ministers of the Church both in the past and in today. The conclusion of this research is that while the traditional Church maintained a clear definition (and reverent propriety regarding the mystery of the priestly aspect), today's Church is less sure of the role and function of the minister in relation to Church hierarchy and Church laity.

In Persona Christi

Historical Background: the Vestments

Pius XII's (1947) encyclical Mediator Dei describes for us the aspect of the priest in relation to Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, and the lay members of the Church:

Only to the apostles, and thenceforth to those on whom their successors have imposed hands, is granted the power of the priesthood, in virtue of which they represent the person of Jesus Christ before their people, acting…… [Read More]

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Non-Denominational Religions the New Facility

" Therefore, the Second Coming and the Rapture are coincidental events, both of which have to do with Christ returning to Earth. The Rapture specifically refers to what happens to human beings. Once Christ returns, the "thousand-year reign" on Earth begins. According to the FFM website, "Jesus Christ will one day return to bring believers home to Heaven and will reign with them over the Earth for 1,000 years." The thousand-year reign has scriptural origin, and is also called the Millennial Reign of Jesus. A "new heaven and earth," ostensibly a holier and happier one, will result from the Second Coming.

Speaking in tongues is a phenomenon that occasionally accompanies the baptism rite. Many Protestant and evangelical groups encourage speaking in tongues as proof of one's salvation during baptism (Robinson 2005). More formally known as "glossolalia," speaking in tongues is considered to be a supernatural manifestation of the glory of God in a human subject. The glossolalia are uttered through the ecstatic religious state that accompanies the rebirth into the spirit. Speaking in tongues does not necessarily connote mastery of a foreign or ancient language, but rather, can simply entail abstract groaning or other indecipherable utterances by the believer. According…… [Read More]

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Jesus and Mohammad Jesus and

IMPACT OF THE DEATH OF JESUS AND MOHAMMED a. Mohammed

Mohammed died around the age of 65 and a power struggle set in relating to who his successor would be which resulted in the development of several sects of Islam with the two primary sects being the Sunni Muslims and the Shi-ite Muslims.

b. Jesus

When Jesus was crucified and died on the cross his body was prepared for burial and placed in a burial cave. On the third day Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found it empty and then she saw Jesus alive. Jesus appeared to his disciples before ascending to heaven. Because Jesus died as a substitute sacrifice for the sins of mankind all that believe in him and confess him as their savior are forgiven of their sins and are able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

III. DESCRIPTION OF WORSHIP OF JESUS AND MOHAMMED a. Islam

The major practices of the Islam faith are those of prayer, fasting, charity giving and pilgrimage. (Islam in Brief: Worship Practice, nd) There are five major observations of Islam which are those of: (1) Creed (Shahada); (2) Prayers (Salate); (3) Purifying Tax (Zakat); (4) Fasting (Sawm); (5) Pilgrimage…… [Read More]

Resources:

Religious Service Reflection My Chosen Observation Was

Religious Service Reflection

My chosen observation was of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a fundamentalist Christian organization. I have never known very much about them other than the fact that they have a community ministry, offering their pamphlets from door to door. They are often ridiculed for their beliefs against traditional celebrations such as Christmas, Halloween and birthdays. I know people who believe that they are a cult; however, I do recall a boy from elementary school who was a Jehovah's Witnesses. He did not salute the flag or participate in holiday parties with the rest of the class. He was nice, stayed to himself a lot and was a very good student. I was always a bit curious about him and thought I'd try to learn more.

As a Christian, I have always been skeptical of the Witnesses because of what I viewed as their extreme and improper beliefs. By chatting with one who came to my door one day, I received an invitation to a Sunday service at the local Kingdom Hall which is the Jehovah's Witness church. I agreed to attend the one hour worship service, with the option of staying for an additional hour to review the Watchtower…… [Read More]

John Calvin Thomas More &

However, although Machiavelli held firm in his belief that the Church should not have the same governing functions as the State, he provided the example of Pope Julius in demonstrating how, if a religious leader holds firm to his beliefs and manner of disciplining his clergy, he can establish a strong clergy and can yield influence and power over the State and civil society. In describing Pope Julius's leadership style, Machiavelli attested, "...he held two things firm: the one, the greatness of the Church, which he terrified them; and the other, not allowing them to have their own cardinals, who caused the disorders among them." Despite the strength in Pope Julius's leadership, Machiavelli still argued for the sole function of the State to govern civil society, mainly because Church is ridden with members that are in constant motivation to usurp each other's powers and position in the hierarchy, not to mention manipulate society and create instability in the social order. In effect, Machiavelli's position on the Church-State relationship is exclusively independent from each other, as opposed to Calvin's negative, mutual Church-State relationship and More's positive, mutual Church-State relationship.

Works Cited

Machiavelli, N. E-text of "The Prince." Project Gutenberg E-book Collection.…… [Read More]

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Religion in Spite of the Conflicts Between

Religion

In spite of the conflicts between the world's great monotheistic faiths, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share much in common. Each of these religions was born in the Middle East, and each of these religions values sacred texts as being important ways for human beings to receive the word and knowledge of God. As monotheistic religions, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam eschew idol worship or the worship of Gods that are not their own. At the same time, these religions have very similar concepts of God. The Gods of each of these four religions in omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent: a concept of God that actually originated with Zoroastrianism ("God, Zoroaster, and Immortals," n.d.). Zoroastrianism is the oldest of these four faiths, followed by Judaism. The followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are collectively referred to as "people of the Book" because all value the Hebrew Bible, which is known to Christians as the Old Testament. Therefore, there is much more in common with these three faiths than their followers sometimes believe. Islam is the newest of these four monotheistic faiths. It arose within the social and political context of the Middle East, and could not escape being influenced by…… [Read More]

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