Research Papers on God's Existence & Freewill

Click on any of the term papers to read a brief synopsis of the research paper. The essay synopsis includes the number of pages and sources cited in the paper.

  • Enlightened Age Elements of Progress, Nature, and Reason

    A 2 page paper that discusses the elements of reason, nature and progress as they were interpreted and presented by the philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. Discussed are Thomas Hobbes' The Elements of Law Natural and Politic (1640), John Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690), and Jean-Jacques Rousseau's A Dissertation on the Origin and Foundation of the Inequality of Mankind (1755). Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Fictional Literature, Determinism, and Free Will

    A 10 page exploration of the short stories encompassed by Miguel de Unamuno and Eric Bentley in their books “Abel Sanchez and Other Stories” (Unamuno) and “Life is a Dream: (Bentley). Unamuno’s book contains the short stories “Abel Sanchez”, “The Madness of Doctor Montarco”, and “San Manuel Bueno, Matyr” while Bentley’s “Life is a Dream” encompasses translations of Calderon's “La Vida es un Sueño” (Life is a Dream), Lope de Vega's “Fuente Ovejuna” (Fountain of Youth), and Tirso de Molina's “Don Juan”. Each of these stories add insight to our understanding of the free will verses determinism debate. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

  • Emily Dickinson's Religious Perspectives in 'Some Keep the Sabbath by Going to Church'

    This 3 page paper is an essay on Emily Dickinson's religious views as expressed in the poem, "Some Keep the Sabbath By Going to Church". This poem illustrates Dickinson's deep-rooted spirituality while evidencing her skepticism toward religion. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

  • David Hume's 'Miraculous' Philosophy

    A 4 page paper which focuses on Hume’s disbelief in miracles. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Natural Law and Saint Thomas Aquinas

    This 5 page paper discusses the contributions of St. Thomas Aquinas in terms of Natural Law doctrine. Description of Natural Law is included as well as other Aquinas philosophies and background. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

  • Natural Law and How It Developed

    A 3 page paper that begins with a definition of natural law. The writer then explores thoughts on natural law from Socrates, Plato, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

  • Analyzing A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes

    This 4 page paper presents an analysis of this unique and startling fictional account of the history of the world, illuminating its commentary on spirituality and human nature. Furthermore, this paper examines this work in light of other great works of literature, such as the book of Genesis, Augustine's "Confessions", Freud's "Civilization and its Discontents", and others. Bibliography lists 1 source.

  • Book of Genesis and Joseph's Story

    This 18 page report discusses the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) and the ways in which they establish what is the Torah which may be defined as either “instruction” or “law.” Bibliography lists 20 sources.

  • The Concept of Evil

    A 6 page examination of evil as it relates to an all-powerful God. This paper explains evil using Richard Swineburg’s writings and extensively references the Bible itself. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

  • Divisions Between Human Epistemology and Divine Epistemology

    This 7 page paper disagree's with the assertion that we cannot understand God and He cannot understand us. This paper asserts that born-again Christians can indeed understand God through the Bible and that He can understand us because He is omnipotnent. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

  • Worship Practice and Theology

    (10 pp). In this discussion a text has been selected from the Bible (James 5: 13 - 16) to give guidance to the idea, and practice of sacred worship. The text is examined closely, and personal opinions are given by the writer

  • Existence, Delusion, Doubt, and Destiny

    An 8-page paper that explores man's obsession with his origin, the reason for his existence and his ultimate destiny following death. Included is a discussion of the philosophy of absolute doubt and absolute certainty as developed by Rene Descartes as well as a discussion of man's destiny as outlined in the Holy Bible. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

  • Friedrich Nietzsche and Nihilism

    This is an 11 page paper discussing Nietzsche and the concept of nihilism within his work. German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) is probably best known for his works on nihilism; the belief that all values, truths and morals which have been constructed by man are baseless including those within the Bible. Nietzsche did not originally begin his work in the area in nihilism but throughout his own study and questioning of the theories of truth found in theology, the classics and philosophy which had always been readily accepted for centuries, he concluded that the eventual course of man would be that of nihilism. As man demands more answers through the field of science, many of the traditional theories and religious beliefs will be stripped away. At the same time, humans will begin to realize that they cannot meet the ideals of the invented truth and will not be able to transcend into that “higher world”. Despair follows and man must return to nature and a time of humanity where the invented concepts of “good” versus “evil” are no longer relevant. Beliefs are then based on the singular concepts of each person living each day. However, these ideas are contrary to societal beliefs and the basic structure of society and therefore society as we know it will be destroyed. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

  • Hermeneutics, Theology, and David Tracy

    This is a 12 page paper discussing David Tracy’s understanding of hermeneutics and its application to theology. As a representative of the Chicago School of theology, David Tracy along with his colleagues has challenged the traditional approach to theology with one which is considered more “correlational”. In other words, the Scriptures along with all classic texts cannot be interpreted without taking into account their contextual influences. Correlational theology studies not only the classical theological interpretation of religious texts but also depends a great deal upon the cooperation between “other interpreters of the human condition” including anthropologists, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists and literary scholars among many others (Jeanrond, 1998). This approach also reflects some of the basic concepts of nonfoundationalism as proposed by Thiel (1994) which has fundamental problems with the traditional Christian assumptions which are readily accepted in the interpretation of the Scriptures and also advocates the inclusion of contextual influences on theological study. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Reason Plus Spirituality Equals Enlightened Theology

    A 5 page paper that examines the integration of the sciences of philosophical thinking and theological belief beginning with the Age of Enlightenment in the eighteenth century. The progression of this integration is traced across the nineteenth century and through the 1960s racial tensions of the twentieth century. Included are the philosophies of Jonathan Edwards, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William James, W.E.B. DuBois, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

  • Theology and the Impact of the Enlightenment

    A 10 page paper discussing the role of the Enlightenment and the philosophy of Immanuel Kant in the shaping of modern theology. Kant observed, "If we are asked, 'Do we now live in an enlightened age?' the answer is, 'No, but we do live in an age of enlightenment.'" Kant provided a framework within which individuals are able to hold to faith in God and grow in autonomy and personal responsibility while yet relying on God to direct their lives. Pre-Enlightenment theology kept the individual from the throne in the same way that the curtain separated individuals from the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle. The Enlightenment – aided by Kant's philosophy – tore away the curtain that men had replaced long after Jesus' death. Modern theology can make the way clear, but it is still left to individuals to choose to travel the path. Bibliography lists 15 sources in 25 footnotes.

  • Evil and Theodicy

    (5 pp) According to Nichols (1998), theodicy (from theos and dikê, 'justice,' hence 'enquiry into the divine justice') is 'doubly relevant in theology, to fundamentals and to systematics. In fundamental theology, theodicy is important because we need to show that the existence of God is compatible with the existence of evil.' Our initial thought is if God equals goodness and love, what is the need - or is there one - for evil in the world? this discussion will examine that question.

  • Doctrine of the Trinity and Saint Augustine

    A 14 page paper which discusses Augustine’s theology and philosophy concerning the Doctrine of the Trinity. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

  • Reformation Concepts of Skepticism and Faith

    A 2 page paper that examines the two fundamental issues of philosophy and theology that were involved in the Reformation Period, the issues of faith and skepticism. Discussed are the introduction of Martin Luther's Protestant beliefs in 1517 and the era of new philosophical and theological thinking that followed. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

  • The Primacy of Christ in Colossians

    This is a 4 page paper that provides an overview of the theology espoused in Colossians. Paul's conception of Christ as primary cause is the focus. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

  • Good and Evil According to Immanuel Kant

    This 10 page paper discusses the philosphies of Kant in relation to good and evil. This paper refers to his work "Religion and Rational Theology" and also addressed how Kant believed goodness could be restored from evil. Bibliography lists 1 source.

  • Concept of Spirituality

    A 20 page research paper that investigates the topic of spirituality. The philosophical perspective of postmodernism has left people feeling adrift and rudderless in a world that has no meaning or purpose. In answer to this situation, many people, including scholars, have turned to the topic of spirituality and religion as a means for charting a new and purposeful course into the future. Examining this sociological trend reveals that it has evolved organically out of Western culture's history and also relates to specific features that are characteristic of human religious expression as a whole, that is, encompassing Eastern religious orientations. This examination attempts to find common threads between the thrust of Western spirituality, which is primarily Christian spirituality, and how this aspect of religiosity relates to theology, mysticism and fits within the legacy of postmodernism. Bibliography lists 15 sources.

  • Martin Luther King Jr. and Rene Descartes on Skepticism

    This 8 page paper discusses how both of these men were skeptical about certain aspects of life. Additionally, this paper analyzes how their skepticisms influenced their lives, philosophies and teachings. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

  • Ethics, the Soul, and 'Allegory of the Cave' in the A. Bloom Translation of Plato's The Republic

    This is an 8 page paper discussing specific aspects of Plato’s The Republic as translated by A. Bloom. Aspects discussed are the Allegory of the Cave, The Soul and ethical and religious views in respect to arguments by Socrates and presented by A.J. Ayer. Direct references are made to Bloom’s 1968 translation. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Social Attitudes and the 'Mirror' of Religion

    A 5 page contention that religion does not act only to change and challenge prevalent social beliefs and behaviors but, because it is an evolutionary phenomena, it also acts to mirror and support those attitudes. The author of this paper utilizes the current evolving religious attitude regarding homosexuality as a support for this contention. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

  • Honey Bee's Behavior and Evolution

    This 20 page paper looks at the evolution and behavior of the honey bee and why it is significant in the scheme of things. How this bee provides an example of how the world is ordered is explored. The argument from design is provided as well. It is suggested that the honey bee's behavior and makeup is so precise that it is reasonable to assume there was a designer. Bibliography lists 12 sources.

  • Who Is The Intelligent Designer

    A 3 page paper that supports the proposal that the intelligent designer is God. The writer reports the problems with the intelligent designer theory that looks for a different designer and uses Aquinas' Five Ways to know the existence of God as support. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

  • Five Pillars of Islam

    In this 3-page paper, the importance of the Five Pillars of Islam to the Muslim religion are discussed. There are 3 sources included.

  • Free Will and Saint Augustine

    This 5 page paper presents a discussion of Augustine's thoughts about free will. The paper discusses this specific premise: "The creature who sins with free will is more excellent than the creature who does not sin because he has no free will." The writer then incorporates these questions in the discussion: Why does Augustine make this kind of statement? What are his underlying assumptions? Are the assumptions always true? What problems emanate from assumptions and how would Augustine respond to the problems? Bibliography lists 2 sources.

  • Animals and Their Value

    5 pages. This paper delves into the subject of the concept of intrinsic value, and how it relates to animals. Should we place different values on different animals and if so what is our moral governance? This very philosophic paper considers all facets of the position. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

  • Oration of Pico

    A paper which looks at Pico's Oration as an example of fifteenth century philsophy, and considers how Pico's worldview relates to that of the nineteenth century, and to the modern world. Bibliography lists 5 sources

  • Responsibility

    Responsibility is defined in this 5 page paper. Three types of responsibility are discussed : causal, legal and moral. Other ways of looking at responsibility are addressed. Was Paris Hilton responsible for her fate? This is just one example used in the context of this interesting look at a simple concept. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

  • Concept of Spirituality

    A 20 page research paper that investigates the topic of spirituality. The philosophical perspective of postmodernism has left people feeling adrift and rudderless in a world that has no meaning or purpose. In answer to this situation, many people, including scholars, have turned to the topic of spirituality and religion as a means for charting a new and purposeful course into the future. Examining this sociological trend reveals that it has evolved organically out of Western culture's history and also relates to specific features that are characteristic of human religious expression as a whole, that is, encompassing Eastern religious orientations. This examination attempts to find common threads between the thrust of Western spirituality, which is primarily Christian spirituality, and how this aspect of religiosity relates to theology, mysticism and fits within the legacy of postmodernism. Bibliography lists 15 sources.

  • The Mind/Body Problem

    7 pages in length. Descartes' desire to draw attention to and garner acceptance of his all-encompassing body/mind notion originated at the very foundation of knowledge and rose to the top to absolute knowledge with the initial step being that of his groundbreaking concept of other minds thoroughly developed in Discourse on Method and Meditations. Descartes' attempt to define the notion of other minds brought him in direct contact with ideas that postulated the very essence of spiritual and physical being, inasmuch as the philosopher meticulously contemplated the various pathways an individual must travel to inevitably reach the awareness of how minds do, indeed, exist separate from on another. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

  • Defining Meaning and its Problems

    6 pages in length. Characteristic of humanity's constant quest for the concept of meaning, the journey of understanding has come to represent myriad things to myriad people, ultimately rendering any universal explanation virtually impossible. The problem with meaning is attempting to successfully pinpoint a single yet comprehensive connotation to its concept; however, this cannot be achieved as long as any two individuals harbor decidedly different interpretations. The writer discusses the possible definition of meaning. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

  • Analects, Symposium, and Bhagavad Gita

    This 5 page report discusses three of the world’s great spiritual and philosophical classics. The ancient Hindu tradition, the philosophy of Confucius, and the dialogue of Socrates share a number of common features – most notably are those that agree upon what does and does not constitute a “superior” person. No secondary sources.

  • Reformation Concepts of Skepticism and Faith

    A 2 page paper that examines the two fundamental issues of philosophy and theology that were involved in the Reformation Period, the issues of faith and skepticism. Discussed are the introduction of Martin Luther's Protestant beliefs in 1517 and the era of new philosophical and theological thinking that followed. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

  • Determinism, Free Will, and the Fate of Humanity

    7 pages in length. Is one's life determined or is it the result of free will? In establishing the answer to this question, it is essential that one understand the difference between the two representations. When one is cast forward by way of determinism, it is as though one has absolutely no control over the various and sundry occurrences that take place during one's life. Free will, on the other hand, speaks to the concept of having full authority over one's aspirations and ultimate direction, reflecting the exact opposite of those ruled by determinism. Having adequately grasped the meaning behind these divergent perspectives, it can easily be argued that life is one's own responsibility; instead of leaving all things up to fate, an individual has a significant influence upon his or her own existence. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

 

Most Relevant Research Papers

Click on any of the term papers to read a brief synopsis of the research paper. The essay synopsis includes the number of pages and sources cited in the paper.

 

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