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On The Viability Of A Pluralistic Bioethics, Christopher Durante Aug 2007

On The Viability Of A Pluralistic Bioethics, Christopher Durante

Religious Studies Theses

In an attempt to promote in-depth dialogue amongst bioethicists coming from distinct disciplinary and religious backgrounds this thesis offers an overview of the current state of bioethics and a critical analysis of a number of the leading methods of addressing pluralism in bioethics. Exploring the critiques and methodological proposals coming from the social sciences, the contract theorists, and the pragmatists, this study describes the problems which arise when confronting moral and religious diversity in a bioethical context and examines the ability of these various methodologies to adequately resolve these matters. Finally, after a discussion of the benefits and the potential …


The Spectacle Of The Sotah: A Rabbinic Perspective On Justice And Punishment, Andrew Durdin Aug 2007

The Spectacle Of The Sotah: A Rabbinic Perspective On Justice And Punishment, Andrew Durdin

Religious Studies Theses

The first chapter of Mishnah tractate Sotah (m. Sot) records rabbinic elaboration and interpretation on the sotah ritual contained in the Hebrew Bible, Numbers 5:11-31. Specifically, the nine mishnayoth that compose m. Sot 1 discuss the circumstances for invoking the trial of the “bitter waters” and the overall treatment of the suspected wife during the trial. This paper argues that, when read together, m. Sot 1 describes an entire economy of justice and punishment that must be imposed on a wife who is merely suspected of adultery, quite apart from whether she is—or is not—guilty of adultery. Through a close …


"A Little Labour Of Love": The Extraordinary Career Of Dorothy Ripley, Female Evangelist In Early America, Elisa Ann Everson May 2007

"A Little Labour Of Love": The Extraordinary Career Of Dorothy Ripley, Female Evangelist In Early America, Elisa Ann Everson

English Dissertations

In the past two decades or so, feminist historians have sifted through the copious illustrations of the turbulent, emotion-ridden years of early nineteenth-century American revivalism to devote considerable attention to the rise of female evangelism. Despite the notable upsurge, scholars generally remain untutored about the plethora of powerful female preachers who devoted their lives to advancing the kingdom of God. This dissertation seeks to resurrect the voice of one such woman: Dorothy Ripley (1767- 1831), an evangelist from Whitby, England, whose personal and evangelical awakening rivaled the revolutionary power of the revivalism sweeping the new Republic. Citing her direct mandate …


Loose Canon On Deck: How Contemporary Christians React To Media Portrayals Of Faith, Beliefs, And Rituals, Mitchell L. Leopard May 2007

Loose Canon On Deck: How Contemporary Christians React To Media Portrayals Of Faith, Beliefs, And Rituals, Mitchell L. Leopard

Religious Studies Theses

Throughout much of Christian history, the church had predominant control over religious ritual and belief. As early as the 1st Century, institutions representing "orthodoxy" were banning, forbidding or destroying the "heretical", separating it from what eventually would become canon and religious practice. The 21st Century provides new ways for spiritual knowledge to spread, bypassing traditional methods. Modern Martin Luthers can nail a manifesto to an internet door while the media's obsession with non-canonical texts provides no shortage of material for movies and television. A multi-media barrage challenges orthodox concepts and scriptural definition, often blurring the line between religion and entertainment. …


Varieties Of Fundamentalism, Rebecca M. De Sousa Jan 2007

Varieties Of Fundamentalism, Rebecca M. De Sousa

Religious Studies Honors Theses

The term “Fundamentalism” used as a comparative category within the academic study of religion has become problematic. Fundamentalism, is not one comprehensive movement but is, in fact, a phenomenon which encompasses a variety of beliefs, practices, and expectations. This thesis will explore the diversity of several different and distinct fundamentalist movements. I will discuss the natures of four Christian movements that have been labeled “fundamentalist” – Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Reconstructionists, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson – on several key points, eschatology, political philosophy, as well as level of social involvement. I will then turn to fundamentalism as it is used …