Biblical criticism

More often than not, heroes are represented as large, muscled men with capes, flying in the sky, working by day, fighting crime by night. Although this is a comic depiction, it is what the majority of children grow up thinking a hero looks like. Similarly, a hero, or heroine, is defined as someone who is “admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities”. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, plays with the idea of heroism, making it a subtle, yet effective…

combination with the teachings of the church. One example was St. Augustine of Hippo. He was educated in pagan philosophy and in his adulthood found Christianity. (Adam, "When does the history of science begin") He claimed that to truly understand biblical references, one must have some knowledge of nature to understand references in scripture. An example was that when snakes shed their skin they become stronger, which can play an important role when referenced in scripture. (Adam, "When does…

As we walk through this life, no one is truly ever alone. When confronted with challenges – perhaps the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or systemic oppression – we always have an answer. The answer to our trials has existed for countless years and survived floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, plague, and death. This resource is not exclusive to any religion, race, gender, political view, or socioeconomic status. In fact, the answer to every problem exists within every continent, belongs to…

Introduction The social contract has been profoundly tackled throughout the history, starting with the ancient times. The difficulties between the government and its people particularly arise when both try to decide what a legitimate connection ought to incorporate them and, consequently, what would bring everyone towards common agreements. In order to understand why social contract comes into the debate with 16th-17th century philosophers, it would be helpful to reflect on the historical…

In The Sound and the Fury, William Faulkner introduces us to the Compsons, a white Southern family living in post-Civil War Mississippi. The family is comprised of an alcoholic father named Jason III, a neglectful, hypochondriac mother named Caroline, and their four children. The Compsons have three sons: Quentin the eldest, Jason IV and Benjy the youngest, who is also severely mentally handicapped. In addition, there is a daughter named Candace, also called Caddy, who does not have her own…

between the Christians and the Jesus Seminar has been an ongoing struggle since 1985. The Jesus Seminar, founded by Robert Funk, originated in 1985 as around 70 biblical scholars set out to determine the legitimacy of Jesus’ sayings (Dart). The Seminar focused on the historicity of Jesus using the best methods of science and literary criticism as it pertains to the Bible. Funk believed that the gospel writers had made Jesus into a “larger than life” figure in order to satisfy their religious…

fight towards independence from the British Empire. Paine methodically, yet passionately dismantled the legitimacy of the British monarchy and its actions in the Colonies. With impressive eloquence, he destroyed any basis the British Crown had in Biblical scripture. He used historical examples and simple, yet robust logic to expose the failings of the aristocratic system. Furthermore, he forced the readers into action with the arguments that America will inevitably be ruined if kept under…

The Conflicting Meanings of Marriage in The Scarlet Letter On a frigid December morning, I awoke from the night drenched in sweat, screaming inside. I told myself it was just a dream, but I knew it was my harsh reality. I was living the perfect life, or so it seemed, an extravagant house, a new car, and a husband with enough money to buy me any luxury I desired. I was trapped, I was a good Christian woman who had everything but happiness, and my marriage was not simply a handbag I could return…

Theologian Joseph R. Washington6 called gospel “ the most degenerate form of Negro religion.” During the height of the movement he delivered harsh criticism of the music form because he felt as though the music was politically irrelevant and a theological weakening of the spirituals.7 Gospel music would also receive unflattering analyses from other scholars who did not understand how impactful the music…

The sinking of the Japanese cargo ship, Tsimtsum, was a catalyst for Pi’s next step on his journey of faith. Pi begins doubting his faith that would allow to stoop to such levels of savagery to survive. Martel uses this tipping point in the novel to show the concessions that must be made to survive and to continue on practicing his faith. For a short time proceeding the sinking of the Tsimtsum Pi was able to uphold his beliefs. Pi was given the choice to keep his faith and die or break his faith…