Reformation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reformation - Research Paper Example Luther, along with some other like-minded churchgoers, had become increasingly distraught about systematic corruption in the form of indulgences and simony (selling and buying clerical seats) that had apparently become rampant within the Roman Catholic Church. Luther observed these offenses in person during a previous trip to Rome. These concerns were compounded by disagreements about doctrine, the sacraments, celibacy, and the power of the Pope. At the same time as Luther’s uprising, a similar movement was forming in Switzerland led by Huldrych Zwingli. The two would not join forces however, as some disagreements kept them apart. The Reformation was condemned by the papacy and Luther was excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Following these events, Protestant groups throughout Europe would find common ground in the writings of John Calvin, and the movement would soon gain ground from the Roman Catholics. Major Beliefs and Practices Protestant is a broad term that app lies to Churches that protest the ways of the Roman Catholic Church (though some reject the label, such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). While there are many different denominations of Protestantism, some beliefs do apply to virtually all of them. The doctrine of Sola Scriptura holds that the Bible itself, rather than traditions or interpretations, is the ultimate source of Christian authority. The doctrine of Sola Fide reserves salvation for the act of faith in Jesus, rather than as a result of personal actions or good deeds. Solus Christus refers to the holiness of Jesus and denounces the power of men assuming a similar position (such as the Pope), Sola Gratia argues that salvation cannot be gained by work, and Soli Deo Gloria, the belief that humans are not worthy of glory. Additionally, Reformed Churches typically have less elaborate periods of worship when compared to the Roman Catholic tradition, though exceptions do exist, and a concept known as the univer sal brotherhood imbues the duty to read the Bible regularly and to take part in all Church processes. This approach places all members on equal ground and opposes the hierarchy found in Roman Catholic systems. Categories and Demographics There are several categories that have been used to describe the many denominations of Protestantism. The â€Å"Mainline† Protestant group consists of churches that identify with Lutheranism, Calvinism, or Anglicanism. Churches in this group typically adhere to the original doctrines that came from the Reformation. Baptist Churches are identified by the lack of infant baptism rituals, but involve the regular baptism of adults. Also, Anabaptist worshipers are categorized based on the re-baptizing of converts. Denominations that fall in each of these categories can differ in any number of ways, including their belief in the nature of Christ’s presence at the Last Supper. Today, participation in Protestant religions is large throughout ma ny countries. A 2008 article by Michael Paulson states that over half of all Americans are members of Protestant religions. Other countries with a large number of Protestants include the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, and China (Central Intelligence Agency, 2008). Additionally, Protestantism practically dominates religious practices throughout the Nordic countries (Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland). Membership in the mainline sector of Protestantism has

Analysis of Beyonce's music video Run the World Essay

Analysis of Beyonce's music video Run the World - Essay Example From the structural lines that comprises the song, it is true that most of the women according to Beyonce are infringed and are not empowered hence the purpose of the song- to empower the woman in the society such that they are not regarded as second class citizens in the society setting. Formalist Analyses of the Song Beyonce song can be subjected to formalist analyses where there are critical approaches that are used for the purposes of analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of the features inherent to the song. Several features are thus considered in the formalist analyses of the song, which not only includes grammar and syntax but also extends to encompass the use of literal devices as tropes and meter. In the ‘Run the World’ song by Beyonce, there has been little attention given to the grammar part of English presumably because some of the words and language used are a cliche with acquired meaning from English that will make it possible for the audience to constru e that meaning of the song without making them lose connectivity with the song. There are also uses of syntaxes where there are unique language arrangements (Altman 9). The composers of the song must have based the message delivery on how the words are arranged. The song has also used quite a number of literal devices to enhance message delivery and to bring the aesthetic value into the song. In this regard, several of such literal devices such as tropes, meter, symbolism, and simile have been used in the song to enhance the development of the song’s plot. Given the title of the song, it had to use those several literal devices in order to deliver the message most appropriately given that it is about appealing and agitating for... This "Analysis of Beyonce's music video "Run the World"" essay outlines this music video from different points of view. This song can be subjected to formalist analyses where there are critical approaches that are used for the purposes of analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of the features inherent to the song. Several features are thus considered in the formalist analyses of the song, which not only includes grammar and syntax but also extends to encompass the use of literal devices as tropes and meter. In the ‘Run the World’ song by Beyonce, there has been little attention given to the grammar part of English presumably because some of the words and language used are a clichà © with acquired meaning from English that will make it possible for the audience to construe that meaning of the song without making them lose connectivity with the song. There are also uses of syntaxes where there are unique language arrangements (Altman 9). The composers of the song must h ave based the message delivery on how the words are arranged. The song has aused quite a number of literal devices to enhance message delivery and to bring the aesthetic value into the song. Several of such literal devices such as tropes, meter, symbolism, and simile have been used in the song to enhance the development of the song’s plot. Given the title of the song, it had to use those several literal devices in order to deliver the message most appropriately given that it is about appealing and agitating for empowerment of the women in the society (Zoonen 2).