This was most notable in the 3rd and 4th century with the different parts of the world recognizing different books as gospel. ... Even on its own terms, the psycho-cult explanation is barely coherent: reporters were compelled to note, almost grudgingly, that cult members died "willingly"--indeed with a certain quiescent joy--and that Applewhite let his followers mingle rather freely with the world at large, even giving lapsed believers bus fare home or driving them to the airport when they lost their faith. ...

• Word Count: 1846
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

When I compare my own country to the U.S, I do not have to have read books or taken lessons to know that America is a highly religious country, and has been since its earliest days. ... In 1689, Great Britain had passed a religious Act of Toleration, but this meant little for American colonies.4 In his Notes on the State of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson highlighted the fact that in 17th century Virginia, it was punishable for "parents to refuse to have their children baptized," and for various other offenses.5 Sheriffs imprisoned Baptists living within Virginia; Baptist ministers were not given...

• Word Count: 3342
• Approx Pages: 13
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate