“Deep River”: An Analysis of the Novel by Shusaku Endo
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A 5 page exploration of the religious philosophy of author Shusaku Endo as portrayed in this story of the individual pilgrimages of his key characters. On the surface Shusaku Endo's “Deep River” is a story of personal and cultural clash which unfolds among a group of Japanese tourist touring alongside the Ganges River in India. Endo’s purpose is much deeper than depicting a glimpse of the lives of a few randomly chosen characters, however. Endo’s real purpose is to convey his view of religion, a view that is non-accepting of the premise that religions are exclusive of one another. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: PPdeepRv.rtf

"Peony Pavilion"/Confucianism & Daoism
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A 4 page research paper/essay that analyzes The Peony Pavilion, a 400-year-old masterpiece in the style of Chinese Kunju opera, China's oldest surviving theatrical style. Written in the late sixteenth century by Tang Xianzu (1550-1617), this work demonstrates how both Confucianism and Daoism had become intertwined in the fabric of Chinese culture. The writer discusses how the focus on issues of respect and ritual derive directly from Confucianism. Such issues are extremely significant to the male characters. The women in the opera, however, express a more Daoist view of life. Examination of this work demonstrates that both philosophies co-existed in sixteenth century Chinese culture. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: khppcd.rtf

"The Love Suicides At Sonezaki"
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A 4 page discussion of the early eighteenth century play by Japanese dramatist Chikamatsu Monzaemon. This paper discusses the sexual and religious intonations of the play and discusses it from Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Roman Catholic, and modern American perspectives. No additional sources are listed.
Filename: PPjpLove.rtf

4 Brief Religion Papers
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A 12 page research paper that offers 4 brief papers. The first contrasts and compares religious service and practice between a Catholic Mass, a Jewish service and a Moslem prayer service. The second discusses how Jewish faith affects the life of an interviewed practitioner. The third discusses Langston Hughes' short story "Salvation" and Philip Roth's short story "Conversion of the Jews." The fourth discusses how the various world religions share certain values, yet religion has caused dissention and fragmentation, but, as Durkheim points out, is essential to human psychological welfare. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: kh4rel.rtf

A Brief Comparison of Native American Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, and Taoism
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An 8 page overview of each of these fascinating religions. The author discusses the importance of the environment as a factor in shaping the evolution of Native American Religions, then goes on to provide a brief overview of the beliefs and ideologies of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Bibliography lists 11 sources.
Filename: PPrelDiv.rtf