Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
The Mahabharata, being a humungous epic narrative and a significant Hindu scripture, has been studied intensely by western academics for more than a century. The various characters, scenes and...Show moreThe Mahabharata, being a humungous epic narrative and a significant Hindu scripture, has been studied intensely by western academics for more than a century. The various characters, scenes and doctrines have been subject to academic scrutiny, all seeking to establish the multi-dimensional and even paradoxical aspects and teachings of the epic. However, while characters such as Arjuna, Karna and Draupadi have been focused on by academics and Hindus to look for heroism and epic and moral paragons, the most viable candidate for the moral exemplar, Yudhisthira, remains largely ignored by both academics and Hindus. He is the dharma-raja and the royal heir, he is placed at the pith of the epic narrative. He plays a central role in most of the ethical dilemmas which enforce the story. Yet despite these factors Yudhisthira does not enjoy the same popularity as other characters. This thesis looks into why this is the case. It establishes that Yudhisthira is an epic character through which the contradictory and significant philosophies which defined Epic, ancient Indian history, are explored. Being a didactic instrument in the narrative, Yudhisthira unifies, in confusing fashion, the multiple ideologies presented in the epic. Thus, in Yudhisthira, we find a significant aspec of the narrative which suggests a holistic reading of the entire Mahabharata, and suggests its cohesiveness despite apparent contradictions.Show less
Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
Comparing the effects of rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction from both religion-based and non-religion-based rehabilitation programs, specifically concerning relapse rates. The focus...Show moreComparing the effects of rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction from both religion-based and non-religion-based rehabilitation programs, specifically concerning relapse rates. The focus of religion-based programs will be Christian and all programs will be from the United States of America. Surrounding this is the “war on drugs” culture President Nixon waged in the 1970s and which has not been won yet; if anything, it has worsened in the last few decades. Concurrently, the laws regarding drug abuse have become harsher. The relationship between religion and health is fundamental to the discussion, and five specific relationships as defined by Hood, Hill, and Spilka will be applied to three selected studies. Hood et al’s relationships portray the core concepts of “self-control,” “coping,” and “emotion regulation” which are needed to deal with addiction and which rehabilitation is designed to provide tools to help with. The studies will cover a spectrum of religious rehabilitation, non-religious rehabilitation, and the “grey area” between. Pertinent questions for analysing these studies will be outlined and the results and their implications will be compared before ideas for further research are given.Show less
