Humanities Project: Compare And Contrast Two Figures ✓ Solved

Humanities Project: Compare and Contrast Two Figures

In the Humanities Project, you will compare and contrast two figures of the Humanities, focusing on their contributions and achievements. You will choose some of the earliest figures dating as far back as the fourteenth century, all the way up to the twentieth century, and compare that figure to a current, but relevant figure of the humanities. This project should reflect your understanding of these figures and their artistic flare that made them stand out among the rest. Based on research - explain how the earlier figure has influenced the current figure, and analyze how those contributions reflected the culture of each era.

Your final project is due in Module 11. There will be individual assignments along the way.

This paper should be written in traditional research paper format. You will choose two figures from the Humanities (one from the past and one figure from the present, or a completely different era from the other) and compare and contrast their achievements. Please plan to choose two figures of interest to you.

1 Original research paper that is a minimum of 4-5 pages in length, double-spaced, 12 point, with a standard font. In general, pages consist of:

• Title Page - Captivating title, your name, title of the course, date.
• Body - 4-5 pages in length. Follow this rough map (outline):
  • Introduction - introduce subjects - (Remember you are comparing and contrasting two figures from different eras) Bring focus to your study through thesis statement.
  • First Point coming out of thesis statement
  • Support #1 from research
  • Support #2 from research
  • Personal observation
  • Etc.
  • Second Point coming out of thesis statement
  • Support #1 from research
  • Support #2 from research
  • Personal opinion
  • Etc.
  • Third Point (if needed) coming out of thesis statement
  • Support #1 from research
  • Support #2 from research
  • Personal opinion
  • Etc.
  • Conclusion - Reiterate (do not simply restate) your thesis. Remember to mention both subjects here and close with a striking point.
• References Cited page - in APA format.

Follow APA format for the paper and for citing your sources. Proper mechanics (clear, concise, and complete sentences and paragraphs), proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Four to five sources for the paper from your research. Please use one or two sources as available from your college's Online Library. Internet resources should be from credible sources.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the rich tapestry of human history, there stand numerous figures whose contributions to society have defined the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual landscape of their respective eras. Among these luminaries, Eusebius of Caesarea and Martin Luther emerge as two pivotal figures whose works and actions have significantly shaped Christianity and its theological framework. This paper seeks to illuminate the similarities and differences in their contributions and achievements while analyzing how Eusebius’ earlier scholarship influenced Luther's reformation thought and broader cultural reflections of their times.

Eusebius of Caesarea: The Father of Church History

Eusebius, an early Christian historian who lived in the early fourth century, played a crucial role in the development of Christian historiography. Born around 260 A.D., his most notable works include "Ecclesiastical History," which provides a chronological account of the Christian church from the time of Christ to his own era, and "Preparation for the Gospel," which served as a defense against pagan philosophers. Eusebius was the first to employ critical analyses of historical documents and texts, thus laying the groundwork for future biblical scholarship (Eusebius, 2010).

Eusebius’s dedication to the church and its history not only preserved early Christian writings but also aimed to affirm the legitimacy of Christianity in a time when it was often viewed with skepticism. His historical narratives provided Christians with a sense of identity and continuity, emphasizing their place within the broader historical evolution of humankind. Through his efforts, Eusebius established the foundational framework for biblical exegesis and historical context that later scholars would build upon (MacCulloch, 2011).

Martin Luther: A Catalyst for the Protestant Reformation

Fast forward to the sixteenth century, when Martin Luther emerged as a monumental figure in the landscape of Christianity, instigating the Protestant Reformation. Luther, originally an Augustinian monk, challenged the extrabiblical teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, notably rejecting the idea that salvation could be purchased through indulgences. His famous 95 Theses, nailed to the church door in Wittenberg in 1517, questioned the authority of the papacy and called for a return to scripture as the sole basis of faith (Bainton, 2009).

One of Luther's key theological contributions was the concept of “sola scriptura,” asserting that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and doctrine. In these theological touchpoints, we see echoes of Eusebius’ early historical works, as Luther also aimed to return to the original intent of the scriptural texts, albeit with a radical departure from Eusebius’ endorsement of the established church authority of his time.

Comparative Analysis: Influence and Cultural Reflection

The temporal distance between Eusebius and Luther is significant; yet, their contributions are interconnected within the Christian narrative. Eusebius laid the groundwork for biblical scholarship, exploring the texts that would later inspire the reformatory zeal of Luther. Both figures sought truth, though their paths diverged with regard to the structures they sought to validate or reform. Eusebius worked within the framework of the ecclesiastical authority, while Luther rejected that authority in favor of a direct relationship with scripture (Wright, 2016).

Culturally, Eusebius and Luther reflect differing historical contexts—the Roman Empire transitioning from paganism to Christianity and the rise of Renaissance humanism influencing the Reformation, respectively. Eusebius championed a continuity of Christian thought and history, while Luther’s challenge to ecclesiastical authority was a direct result of a cultural shift toward individualism and personal interpretation of faith. As a result, Luther’s ideas contributed to a fractured Christian landscape, spawning numerous denominations and a broader dialogue on the nature of faith and authority within Christianity (Schmidt, 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eusebius of Caesarea and Martin Luther represent pivotal moments in the evolution of Christian thought. Eusebius’ historical work provided a foundation that would later influence Luther and his contemporaries, while Luther’s actions fundamentally transformed the relationship between individual believers and their faith. Understanding these figures provides insight not only into their contributions but also the cultures they represented—foreshadowing the continuing evolution of Christianity throughout the centuries.

References

• Bainton, R. H. (2009). Here I stand: A life of Martin Luther. Peabody, Mass: Hendrickson Publishers.
• Eusebius, Pearse, R., & Biblioteca apostolica Vaticana. (2010). Gospel problems and solutions =: Quaestiones and Stephanum et Marinum. Ipswich: Chieftain Publishing.
• MacCulloch, D. (2011). Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years. New York: Viking.
• Schmidt, R. (2020). The Reformation: A History of the Protestant Reformation. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Wright, N. T. (2016). Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters. New York: HarperOne.
• Green, M. (2000). Evangelism in the Early Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
• Baker, C. (2015). Eusebius of Caesarea: The Church History. Los Angeles: University of California Press.
• Healy, M. (2018). The Renaissance and the Reformation. New York: Thought Catalog Books.
• Pope, R. (2012). Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
• Horsley, R. A. (2004). Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Roman Imperial Society. Trinity Press International.