thesis statement for faith

What is a Faith Statement and How Do You Write One? (with Examples)

What is a faith statement and how do you write one? This resource offers guidance from Lord’s Library editors and Christian thought leaders.

If you found this resource then you are probably looking to have the following question answered: “What is a faith statement?” You might also be trying to be find thoughtful advice on how to write a statement of faith. Christians write faith statements for confirmation, job applications, entrance into a church ministry, and Christian college and university applications.

This article will highlight the process for writing a good faith statement through various statement of faith examples, as well as advice from Christians with experience on the topic. It will also include faith statement outlines so you know what a statement of faith should include.

The motivation for creating this resource came after our launch of Lord’s Library last year. As a Christian media startup with a clear mission , we knew we had to construct a professional faith statement that our readers could reference. Our creation would also act as the personal statement of faith of our founders, making it a daunting task.

This article offers everything one needs to know when asking “what is a faith statement?” or when looking for a template on how to write a statement of faith.

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What is a faith statement.

A statement of faith is a description of spiritual belief as it pertains to an individual or community organization, structured by summarizing core tenets. Faith statements commonly include a description of belief on various Christian topics, including the nature of God, the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Bible, creation, salvation , revelation, the role of the Church, denominational association , and how those beliefs are relevant to an individual’s personal mission, a ministry, or organization.

A statement of faith is not dissimilar to a creed, which is a confession of faith or a symbol representing it. The earliest known creed in Christianity was written by Paul the Apostle and states “ Jesus is Lord. “

Personal vs. Professional Faith Statements; What’s the Difference?

It may be a surprise to learn that no standard format exists for how to write a statement of faith, and they can be as unique as the individual or community organization writing them. A personal faith statement is akin to a creed while a professional statement of faith could be comparable to a Christian-centric mission statement. There are many organizations though, like Lord’s Library, that choose to align their professional faith statements with the personally-held beliefs of their founders.

One might write a personal statement of faith for confirmation , which is sometimes required as a prerequisite for youths to attain membership in a church. Young adults are commonly tasked with writing a faith statement as part of the application process to a Christian college or university along with a personal essay. Or maybe you’re an outspoken Christian with a personal blog and you want your readers to know where you stand on key ecumenical issues. However, one should be guarded not to write a statement of faith for the sole purpose of showing Biblical knowledge.

A professional statement of faith follows along this same path, but is often written for a business purpose or for acceptance into a community organization or church ministry. You might also want to write a professional faith statement if you’re starting your own Christian ministry or commercial project, like we are doing here at Lord’s Library. Our guess is that this is growing increasingly more common due to the pandemic and digital transformation that has come as a result of it.

Christian companies may require a statement of faith for their records and as part of the application process which shows you agree with their overall mission. The same might be true for installation as a church officer such as elders or deacons. In one good example we found in our research, a church may require members to be in general agreement on doctrine while understanding that different people may word things differently.

In summary, personal and professional faith statements can differ depending on the writer and the purpose, but the goal should remain largely the same.

How to Write a Statement of Faith: Key Elements to Include

It can be a difficult process to put your personally held spiritual beliefs onto paper for multiple reasons. First, you may be worried about shutting others out who don’t have the same set of values. You might also be concerned with forgetting a key point. However, learning how to write a statement of faith can be an excellent exercise, both because it makes you contemplate deeply what you believe, and because it’s an ideal way to start communicating the faith with others.

We recommend beginning the process in prayer, asking The Lord for spiritual guidance on how best to communicate your declaration. Then you can begin to script your faith statement by starting with an outline of key elements that will act as a foundation of belief. And since the goal of a statement of faith is to communicate spiritual belief, Scripture ought to be used whenever possible. Next, begin adding supporting Scriptures to your faith statement outline to build it out.

A statement of faith can feature one all-encompassing paragraph that covers theological basics. Some may choose to devote an entire paragraph to each theological section, while others might combine some and highlight others specifically for added effect on a particular point. There are also faith statements which present as simple bullet point lists. The format isn’t important. Rather, the sequence and organization of the topics will make the statement distinct and personal.

To help you build out an outline, we listed below a number of key elements to consider including in your personal statement of faith.

• The nature of God the Father
• The nature of Jesus Christ
• The Holy Spirit
• The Trinity
• Inerrancy of Scripture and the Bible
• Role of the Church
• Revelation (or eschatology)
• Sin (or good and evil)
• Heaven and Hell
• Human nature
• Your mission (as it pertains to the above)

These are the most common examples we discovered during our research and analysis of various faith statements from across the web. You may choose to add additional topics to this framework.

Statement of Faith Examples and Advice to Consider

Below we link out to several statement of faith examples from different Christian doctrines to help save you time:

• Association of Classical Christian Schools
• First Baptist Atlanta (Georgia)
• Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ
• American Anglican Council
• Presbyterian Mission

We also thought it would be helpful to include tidbits of advice from other Christians who may have written their own faith statements in the past. So we took to LinkedIn and polled those in some of the most popular Christian user groups . The hope is that the advice they offered can be of some assistance as you begin your own writing process:

• “ Recognizing that you are probably writing your statement for a reason, I would hope the reason does not color your language. That is, don’t say what you want others to hear, rather write what you have come to believe .” – Paul Mannes, Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies at Washington University of Virginia in Theology for Today
• “ The statement must be Christ centered .” – Anthony Luckett, Pastor of Saint Paul Church in Milwaukee, WI in Bivocational Ministry
• “ Be truthful and fearless. Tell what you truly experienced with God through His Son by the way His given Holy Spirit .” – Vicki Gann, Founder of Love4Love Ministry in Assemblies of God Ministers
• “ If going it alone, a statement of faith should be built on a strong foundation and understanding of scripture with clearly articulated doctrinal points and a liberal use of Biblical citations .” – Lonnie Williams, Pastoral Counselor at Bethel Christian Church in Warren, MI in Inside Pastoral Care & Counseling

Are you currently writing your own statement of faith? Have tips, tricks, or techniques to share? Let us know !

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Tim is the Founder of Lord's Library. He believes the Bible commands us to minister "as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11). Tim aspires to be as The Lord's mouth by "taking forth the precious from the vile" (Jeremiah 15:19) and witnessing The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) to the whole world.

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• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

• Start with a question
• Write your initial answer
• Develop your answer
• Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

• Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
• Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
• Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

• Why you hold this position
• What they’ll learn from your essay
• The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

• In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Parts of a Paper / How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis can be found in many places—a debate speech, a lawyer’s closing argument, even an advertisement. But the most common place for a thesis statement (and probably why you’re reading this article) is in an essay.

Whether you’re writing an argumentative paper, an informative essay, or a compare/contrast statement, you need a thesis. Without a thesis, your argument falls flat and your information is unfocused. Since a thesis is so important, it’s probably a good idea to look at some tips on how to put together a strong one.

Guide Overview

What is a “thesis statement” anyway.

• 2 categories of thesis statements: informative and persuasive
• 2 styles of thesis statements
• Formula for a strong argumentative thesis
• The qualities of a solid thesis statement (video)

You may have heard of something called a “thesis.” It’s what seniors commonly refer to as their final paper before graduation. That’s not what we’re talking about here. That type of thesis is a long, well-written paper that takes years to piece together.

Instead, we’re talking about a single sentence that ties together the main idea of any argument . In the context of student essays, it’s a statement that summarizes your topic and declares your position on it. This sentence can tell a reader whether your essay is something they want to read.

2 Categories of Thesis Statements: Informative and Persuasive

Just as there are different types of essays, there are different types of thesis statements. The thesis should match the essay.

For example, with an informative essay, you should compose an informative thesis (rather than argumentative). You want to declare your intentions in this essay and guide the reader to the conclusion that you reach.

To make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you must procure the ingredients, find a knife, and spread the condiments.

This thesis showed the reader the topic (a type of sandwich) and the direction the essay will take (describing how the sandwich is made).

Most other types of essays, whether compare/contrast, argumentative, or narrative, have thesis statements that take a position and argue it. In other words, unless your purpose is simply to inform, your thesis is considered persuasive. A persuasive thesis usually contains an opinion and the reason why your opinion is true.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the best type of sandwich because they are versatile, easy to make, and taste good.

In this persuasive thesis statement, you see that I state my opinion (the best type of sandwich), which means I have chosen a stance. Next, I explain that my opinion is correct with several key reasons. This persuasive type of thesis can be used in any essay that contains the writer’s opinion, including, as I mentioned above, compare/contrast essays, narrative essays, and so on.

2 Styles of Thesis Statements

Just as there are two different types of thesis statements (informative and persuasive), there are two basic styles you can use.

The first style uses a list of two or more points . This style of thesis is perfect for a brief essay that contains only two or three body paragraphs. This basic five-paragraph essay is typical of middle and high school assignments.

C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series is one of the richest works of the 20th century because it offers an escape from reality, teaches readers to have faith even when they don’t understand, and contains a host of vibrant characters.

In the above persuasive thesis, you can see my opinion about Narnia followed by three clear reasons. This thesis is perfect for setting up a tidy five-paragraph essay.

In college, five paragraph essays become few and far between as essay length gets longer. Can you imagine having only five paragraphs in a six-page paper? For a longer essay, you need a thesis statement that is more versatile. Instead of listing two or three distinct points, a thesis can list one overarching point that all body paragraphs tie into.

Good vs. evil is the main theme of Lewis’s Narnia series, as is made clear through the struggles the main characters face in each book.

In this thesis, I have made a claim about the theme in Narnia followed by my reasoning. The broader scope of this thesis allows me to write about each of the series’ seven novels. I am no longer limited in how many body paragraphs I can logically use.

Formula for a Strong Argumentative Thesis

One thing I find that is helpful for students is having a clear template. While students rarely end up with a thesis that follows this exact wording, the following template creates a good starting point:

___________ is true because of ___________, ___________, and ___________.

Conversely, the formula for a thesis with only one point might follow this template:

___________________ is true because of _____________________.

Students usually end up using different terminology than simply “because,” but having a template is always helpful to get the creative juices flowing.

The Qualities of a Solid Thesis Statement

When composing a thesis, you must consider not only the format, but other qualities like length, position in the essay, and how strong the argument is.

Length: A thesis statement can be short or long, depending on how many points it mentions. Typically, however, it is only one concise sentence. It does contain at least two clauses, usually an independent clause (the opinion) and a dependent clause (the reasons). You probably should aim for a single sentence that is at least two lines, or about 30 to 40 words long.

Position: A thesis statement always belongs at the beginning of an essay. This is because it is a sentence that tells the reader what the writer is going to discuss. Teachers will have different preferences for the precise location of the thesis, but a good rule of thumb is in the introduction paragraph, within the last two or three sentences.

Strength: Finally, for a persuasive thesis to be strong, it needs to be arguable. This means that the statement is not obvious, and it is not something that everyone agrees is true.

Example of weak thesis:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are easy to make because it just takes three ingredients.

Most people would agree that PB&J is one of the easiest sandwiches in the American lunch repertoire.

Example of a stronger thesis:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are fun to eat because they always slide around.

This is more arguable because there are plenty of folks who might think a PB&J is messy or slimy rather than fun.

Composing a thesis statement does take a bit more thought than many other parts of an essay. However, because a thesis statement can contain an entire argument in just a few words, it is worth taking the extra time to compose this sentence. It can direct your research and your argument so that your essay is tight, focused, and makes readers think.

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Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements

Basics of thesis statements.

The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis." Every scholarly paper should have a thesis statement, and strong thesis statements are concise, specific, and arguable. Concise means the thesis is short: perhaps one or two sentences for a shorter paper. Specific means the thesis deals with a narrow and focused topic, appropriate to the paper's length. Arguable means that a scholar in your field could disagree (or perhaps already has!).

Strong thesis statements address specific intellectual questions, have clear positions, and use a structure that reflects the overall structure of the paper. Read on to learn more about constructing a strong thesis statement.

Being Specific

This thesis statement has no specific argument:

Needs Improvement: In this essay, I will examine two scholarly articles to find similarities and differences.

This statement is concise, but it is neither specific nor arguable—a reader might wonder, "Which scholarly articles? What is the topic of this paper? What field is the author writing in?" Additionally, the purpose of the paper—to "examine…to find similarities and differences" is not of a scholarly level. Identifying similarities and differences is a good first step, but strong academic argument goes further, analyzing what those similarities and differences might mean or imply.

Better: In this essay, I will argue that Bowler's (2003) autocratic management style, when coupled with Smith's (2007) theory of social cognition, can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover.

The new revision here is still concise, as well as specific and arguable.  We can see that it is specific because the writer is mentioning (a) concrete ideas and (b) exact authors.  We can also gather the field (business) and the topic (management and employee turnover). The statement is arguable because the student goes beyond merely comparing; he or she draws conclusions from that comparison ("can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover").

Making a Unique Argument

This thesis draft repeats the language of the writing prompt without making a unique argument:

Needs Improvement: The purpose of this essay is to monitor, assess, and evaluate an educational program for its strengths and weaknesses. Then, I will provide suggestions for improvement.

You can see here that the student has simply stated the paper's assignment, without articulating specifically how he or she will address it. The student can correct this error simply by phrasing the thesis statement as a specific answer to the assignment prompt.

Better: Through a series of student interviews, I found that Kennedy High School's antibullying program was ineffective. In order to address issues of conflict between students, I argue that Kennedy High School should embrace policies outlined by the California Department of Education (2010).

Words like "ineffective" and "argue" show here that the student has clearly thought through the assignment and analyzed the material; he or she is putting forth a specific and debatable position. The concrete information ("student interviews," "antibullying") further prepares the reader for the body of the paper and demonstrates how the student has addressed the assignment prompt without just restating that language.

Creating a Debate

This thesis statement includes only obvious fact or plot summary instead of argument:

Needs Improvement: Leadership is an important quality in nurse educators.

A good strategy to determine if your thesis statement is too broad (and therefore, not arguable) is to ask yourself, "Would a scholar in my field disagree with this point?" Here, we can see easily that no scholar is likely to argue that leadership is an unimportant quality in nurse educators.  The student needs to come up with a more arguable claim, and probably a narrower one; remember that a short paper needs a more focused topic than a dissertation.

Better: Roderick's (2009) theory of participatory leadership  is particularly appropriate to nurse educators working within the emergency medicine field, where students benefit most from collegial and kinesthetic learning.

Here, the student has identified a particular type of leadership ("participatory leadership"), narrowing the topic, and has made an arguable claim (this type of leadership is "appropriate" to a specific type of nurse educator). Conceivably, a scholar in the nursing field might disagree with this approach. The student's paper can now proceed, providing specific pieces of evidence to support the arguable central claim.

Choosing the Right Words

This thesis statement uses large or scholarly-sounding words that have no real substance:

Needs Improvement: Scholars should work to seize metacognitive outcomes by harnessing discipline-based networks to empower collaborative infrastructures.

There are many words in this sentence that may be buzzwords in the student's field or key terms taken from other texts, but together they do not communicate a clear, specific meaning. Sometimes students think scholarly writing means constructing complex sentences using special language, but actually it's usually a stronger choice to write clear, simple sentences. When in doubt, remember that your ideas should be complex, not your sentence structure.

Better: Ecologists should work to educate the U.S. public on conservation methods by making use of local and national green organizations to create a widespread communication plan.

Notice in the revision that the field is now clear (ecology), and the language has been made much more field-specific ("conservation methods," "green organizations"), so the reader is able to see concretely the ideas the student is communicating.

Leaving Room for Discussion

This thesis statement is not capable of development or advancement in the paper:

Needs Improvement: There are always alternatives to illegal drug use.

This sample thesis statement makes a claim, but it is not a claim that will sustain extended discussion. This claim is the type of claim that might be appropriate for the conclusion of a paper, but in the beginning of the paper, the student is left with nowhere to go. What further points can be made? If there are "always alternatives" to the problem the student is identifying, then why bother developing a paper around that claim? Ideally, a thesis statement should be complex enough to explore over the length of the entire paper.

Better: The most effective treatment plan for methamphetamine addiction may be a combination of pharmacological and cognitive therapy, as argued by Baker (2008), Smith (2009), and Xavier (2011).

In the revised thesis, you can see the student make a specific, debatable claim that has the potential to generate several pages' worth of discussion. When drafting a thesis statement, think about the questions your thesis statement will generate: What follow-up inquiries might a reader have? In the first example, there are almost no additional questions implied, but the revised example allows for a good deal more exploration.

Thesis Mad Libs

If you are having trouble getting started, try using the models below to generate a rough model of a thesis statement! These models are intended for drafting purposes only and should not appear in your final work.

• In this essay, I argue ____, using ______ to assert _____.
• While scholars have often argued ______, I argue______, because_______.
• Through an analysis of ______, I argue ______, which is important because_______.

Words to Avoid and to Embrace

When drafting your thesis statement, avoid words like explore, investigate, learn, compile, summarize , and explain to describe the main purpose of your paper. These words imply a paper that summarizes or "reports," rather than synthesizing and analyzing.

Instead of the terms above, try words like argue, critique, question , and interrogate . These more analytical words may help you begin strongly, by articulating a specific, critical, scholarly position.

Read Kayla's blog post for tips on taking a stand in a well-crafted thesis statement.

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A Comparison of James 2:24 and Ephesians 2:8-10 Part I

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION THESIS STATEMENT GENERAL SURVEY OF THE THESIS CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW CURRENT TRENDS CHAPTER 2: JAMES GENERAL BACKGROUND GENERAL CONTEXT OF JAMES 2:14-26 2:14-17 2:18-19 2:20-26 TERMS DEFINED: FAITH AND WORKS Faith Works CONTENT OF JAMES 2:24 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAITH AND WORKS CHAPTER 3: PAUL GENERAL BACKGROUND Historical/Cultural GENERAL CONTEXT OF EPHESIANS 2:1-10 2:1-3 2:4-7 TERMS DEFINED: FAITH AND WORKS Faith Works CONTENT OF EPHESIANS 2:8-10 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAITH AND WORKS CHAPTER 4: HISTORICAL REVIEW INTRODUCTION SAINT AUGUSTINE JOHN CALVIN JONATHAN EDWARDS CHAPTER 5: SYNTHESIS OF JAMES AND PAUL POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS A DIFFERENT USE OF TERMS Faith and Works in James Faith and Works in Paul SYNTHESIS OF JAMES 2:24 AND EPHESIANS 2:8-10 THREE USES OF THE LAW APPLICATION CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY

Introduction

Thesis statement, general survey of the thesis.

In fine, Saint John's Gospel and his first Epistle, Saint Paul's Epistles, especially those to the Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, and Saint Peter's Epistle, --these are the books which show thee Christ, and teach thee everything that is needful and blessed for thee to know even though thou never see or hear any other book or doctrine. Therefore is Saint James's Epistle a right strawy Epistle in comparison with them, for it has no gospel character to it. 5

Current Trends

A Greek reader who met the words "he who believes in me has everlasting life," would understand the word "believe" exactly as we do. The reader most certainly would not understand this word to imply submission, surrender, repentance or anything else of this sort. For those readers, as for us, "to believe," meant "to believe." Surely it is one of the conceits of modern theology to suppose that we can define away simple terms like "belief" and "unbelief" and replace their obvious meanings with complicated elaborations. 16

How to write a faith integration paper and score an A

Assuming you have been assigned to write a faith integration essay, term paper, or research paper, you might first find it challenging. It is a normal encounter, especially if it is your first.

We explore some important aspects relating to writing a faith integration paper so that the entire process becomes easier. We start by defining what it is, steps to take when researching and writing, and explore some useful tips before presenting a sample two-paragraph faith integration essay.

Follow these guidelines to join the league of performing students who turn in papers that professors, instructors, and teachers relate well with. Do it as we advise and score the best grades for it.

Let’s dive right in, won’t we?

What is a faith integration paper?

A faith integration paper is a traditional essay or research paper that integrates specific religious components, concepts, teachings, canonicals, or facts. In many instances, faith integration papers apply both scientific or secular arguments and religious arguments to explain a thesis . Therefore, this paper is not regarded as a pure objective essay or research paper.

When assigned to write this paper, you must share your religious faith, or the university religious perspectives are encouraged to make concrete arguments that support the thesis statement of the faith integration paper.

Writing a faith integration essay demands the application of objective scholarly sources and evidence to support your claims.

Typical faith integration paper applies both the scripture and scholarly journal side by side to demonstrate the holiness of your evidence in supporting your arguments.

Research Paper vs. Faith Integration Paper

Many students are not able to differentiate between the research paper and the faith integration paper.

A research paper is different from a faith integration paper in several ways. However, the significant difference is that the faith integration paper applies religious evidence that is not scientific to support the thesis of the paper. Since numerous faith integration papers are assigned by faith-based or religious schools, writing this paper demands a demonstration of the ability to incorporate secular worldview with religious perspectives.

To succeed in writing your faith integration paper, you must present religious interpretation or support for the secular claim you advance in your thesis when writing the paper. Faith integration paper supplements scientific worldviews with the writer's religious world view to bring the meaning of the paper. On the other hand, a research paper does not involve integrating religious aspects unless it is a religious study or a leadership research paper.

Generally, the underlying difference between a research paper and a faith integration paper is the existence of subjective-religious elements. 

8 Steps to take when writing a faith integration paper

1. read the instructions.

Instructions form the core requirements of every paper. Therefore, to write a good faith integration paper, you must adhere to your instructor's instructions. In many instances, the instruction may include the topic to be written, the format of the paper, word count or the number of pages, and submission details. Reading the instruction of a particular faith integration paper is vital in understanding the paper's specific requirement and, in many cases, is crucial in grading. This means that when you fail to read and apply the instructions provided, you can get lower grades in the assigned faith integration paper. Consequently, it is critical to read the instructions carefully before embarking on writing your faith integration paper.

2. Plan your faith integration paper

Like any other essay, a faith integration paper involves a plan to ensure the paper fulfills its purpose. Moreover, planning your faith integration essay or research paper will give you an easy time when writing the paper. Planning your faith integration paper will sort out all you want to include in your paper. When planning your paper, you put your ideas in position and define your points clearly and logically. Planning your faith integration paper involves declaring the intent study of the essay question, brainstorming, and writing thoughts. It also entails listing words to be used in the essay and noting the major points that support the paper. In general, planning your faith integration essay enables the reader to grasp the points addressed quickly.

3. Choose a topic and thesis for your paper

Sometimes your instructor may provide you with the topic of faith integration paper. However, when your instructor does not give a specific topic of the paper, you should select the appropriate one that interests you.

However, it is critical to choose the topic and thesis that reflects faith's beliefs that are of critical focus. Therefore, you should be strategic in selecting the topic of your paper to write a thesis that can be typically integrated with religious facts. Failure to adhere to this concept can lead to code of honor violation and make you lose more marks on the paper.

Besides, your topic should meet the requirements set out in the assignment prompt. If you are in doubt, you can contact your instructor for clarification.   

4. Research widely and organize your research

Faith integration paper, just like any other academic paper, involves research and organization. Before you begin writing your paper, you should explore the sources for facts, figures, examples, and evidence that support your claims.

Because this paper applies biblical quotes, you can use Google as the best option to do your research.

Sites such as openbible.info, biblegateway.com, bible.org, biblestudytools.com, bible.com and bible.knowing-jesus.com can provide you with your preferred biblical quotes that you can integrate into your essay or research paper.

Using these tools will save your time about scriptural integration. Moreover, you can use google scholar to get secular or scientific sources that provide worldview positions that you can integrate with religious perspectives.

We advise that you do comprehensive research to provide concrete evidence in your integration paper. Moreover, organize your research well both when researching and writing. You can manage the sources you gather online to ensure that you avoid plagiarism . Finally, ensure that the facts and examples match the perspectives you integrate into your paper when writing.

5. Write an outline for your paper

The next step after doing your comprehensive research is to write the outline of your paper.

Many students assume that writing an outline is unnecessary and is just a waste of time. However, this is not always the case. Writing an outline of your faith integration paper will give you an easy time when writing your paper. In addition, it provides a framework of what your final paper will look like.

Students who write an essay or research paper without an outline find it challenging to write the paper compared to the students who have an outline. However, the latter group ends up enjoying better grades than the former.

It is a no-brainer that a paper or essay outline guides you on what to include in a specific part of the paper, such as at the introduction, body, or conclusion sections of the paper.

Overall, writing an outline of your faith integration paper will enable you to write a proficient paper that attracts the attention of the marker and the reader of your paper.

6. Write your first draft

When initially writing a faith integration paper, you should not spend much time on perfection. You should instead treat the paper as a draft because it will involve several adjustments before its submission as the final paper. Consider the following steps when writing your first draft:

Begin with the body paragraphs

Many students will ask why they should begin their faith integration paper with the body paragraph rather than the introduction. You should start your draft with the body paragraph to ensure the transition, flow, coherence, and quality discussions, paragraphs, and sentences.

When you begin writing your essay with the body paragraphs then the introduction before the conclusion, you write a paper that holds water in whichever aspect. Your claims, counterclaims, and ideas will be consistent from the introduction to the conclusion.

Moreover, you may realize that your thesis statement requires adjustment. Consequently, writing the body paragraphs first will give an easy time to create a thesis statement that supports the ideologies discussed in the body paragraphs of your paper.

Write a good introduction

After writing the body paragraphs, it is now easy to write the introduction because you can easily construct a thesis statement based on the ideas discussed in the body paragraphs.

A good introduction provides a hook statement, an overview of the background information about the topic, and a thesis statement. The thesis statement of the paper comes as the last statement at the end of the paragraph. Therefore, as a student, you should ensure that you provide an effective introduction that entails the background information and informed thesis abatement in your faith integration paper.

Finish with conclusion

After writing the introduction of your first draft, you can now conclude your paper with a conclusion. At this point, you have some flow from the introduction to the body paragraphs.

The conclusion provides a summary of the paper. Therefore, the conclusion of your integration paper should reinstate the thesis statement provided in the introduction paragraph. However, it would help to rephrase the thesis instead of lifting it as is in the introduction. It should also incorporate a concise summary of the ideas discussed in the body paragraph. Moreover, it incorporates the concluding statement that defines your position concerning the ideologies addressed in the paper.

7.      Edit and proofread your paper

It is vital to proofread the paper after completion to correct any errors in the paper.

Many students lose marks because they do not proofread their papers after completion. In any case, this always results in submitting papers full of errors, discouraging both the markers and the readers. Proofreading enables you to change sentence structure, check to spell, and make any adjustments that can make the paper effective to the marker and the reader.

8. Submit the paper within the deadline

Details about the submission of the paper are addressed in the instructions provided by your instructor.

Failing to submit the paper within the deadline can lower your marks. Moreover, it can affect your relationship with your instructor. Therefore, it is important to submit your faith integration paper within the deadline as defined by the instructions.

Formatting a faith integration paper

 The format of the faith integration paper is the same as the format of any other research paper or essay. However, when formatting your faith integration paper, it is crucial to apply a thesis-driven model where the body sections or paragraphs support the thesis statement .

The only identifiable difference between formatting a faith integration paper and the formatting of a traditional research paper is that the format of faith integration paper involves referring to religious materials such as the Bible. Therefore, you must include scriptural evidence about the style guide assigned by your professor.

Formatting of faith integration essay regards scriptural reference as one of the fundamental aspects of writing the paper. Therefore, all the scriptural references you use in your paper should be appropriately cited in the body of the paper and presented as the works cited or references at the end of the faith integration paper.

Top 5 Useful Tips when writing a faith integration paper

As a Christian theologian/scholar or a leadership or religion student, you are expected to write a faith integration paper where you embed faith in various aspects of academic research. To successfully write a faith integration paper where you should use the tips below.

1. Select the topic of your interest that conforms with your faith beliefs

Selecting the topic of your interest will give you an ample opportunity to write your faith integration essay the best way you can. Moreover, it will enable you to express what you know about the topic to the best of your knowledge.

Therefore, students are encouraged to select the topic they are interested in instead of topics they are not interested in. Many students find it challenging to write faith integration essays that comprise the topics they are not interested in.

This is because they could not gather all the information about the topic. Furthermore, choosing a topic that conforms with your faith beliefs will easily integrate the topic based on the faith perspectives.

2. Plan your paper

Planning your faith integration paper is significant in structuring and brainstorming your ideas. Planning allows defining whatever you want to include in your paper.

It ensures the concepts addressed in the paper are well connected before the actual writing. Moreover, it allows you to evaluate your paper based on the instructor's requirements. It is vital for any writer of faith integration paper to plan their ideas and evaluate their effectiveness before the actual writing.

It is good to construct many ideas and supporting evidence before commencing writing. Additionally, planning will give an easy time when writing a faith integration paper as a writer.

3. Construct a strong thesis statement

A thesis statement is vital in any paper because it reveals the major argument in the paper. An effective faith integration essay is revealed by the strength of the thesis statement provided at the end of the introduction paragraph.

You should ensure that the thesis statement you provide is strong enough and is justified by all the ideas addressed in the body paragraphs.

It is a good idea to write the body paragraphs before writing the introduction of your paper to allow you to construct a strong thesis statement that demonstrates the effectiveness of your faith integration essay.  

4. Strive for variety

Vocabulary and sentences of different complexity define the effectiveness of any faith integration paper. When writing your faith integration research paper or essay, avoid using similar phrases words. Using varied words will make your paper readable and fascinating to your marker and readers.  

Reading many journals and articles will enrich your vocabulary. Moreover, you will be able to grasp how t different sentences are structured. These aspects are fundamental in equipping you with diverse skills of writing a proficient faith integration paper that can earn you full marks.

Consequently, when writing your faith integration essay, you should apply varied vocabulary and sentences to ensure the effectiveness of the paper.

5. Proofread your work

The best way to eliminate mistakes in your paper before submission is proofreading. After writing your paper to completion, you should go through your paper

One by one to eliminate mistakes in the paper. The mistakes might include spelling errors, sentence structure, wording, and any other possible error.

Going through your work will enable you to adjust your paper and evaluate your research paper or essay based on your understanding. This can give you room to adjust your paper to meet your instructor's requirements.

In general, proofreading is critical in ensuring that you submit an error-free script that can attract the attention of your marker and the audience.

Sample outline of faith integration paper

• The topic is selected based on the writer's preference or assigned by the instructor. It should be well defined and comprehensive to both the marker and the reader.

Introduction paragraph

• Background information about the topic or an attention-grabbing statement that introduces the topic to the reader.
• Create a strong thesis statement that reveals what is to be discussed in the body of the paper.
• Preview of the ideas to be discussed in the body section.

1 st Body paragraph

• Topic sentence that introduces the first idea that supports the thesis statement. It should open with the transition.
• Supporting examples, evidence, figures, and facts that are derived from both biblical scriptures and secular or scientific world views. To define the paper as a faith integration paper, you should ensure that the world views are integrated with scriptural perspectives.
• A concise explanation that relates to the example provided with your thesis. Ensure you demonstrate cohesiveness.

2 nd Body paragraph  

• Topic sentence that explains the second idea that supports the thesis statement. Ensure it opens with a transition.
• Supporting details include scriptural integration with other aspects of secular or scientific world views.
• Explanation of how the facts and evidence derived from the scripture supports the thesis statement.

3 rd Body Paragraph

• Topic sentence that elaborates on the third idea that supports the thesis statement. It commences with the transition.
• Supporting evidence includes scriptural integrations that define the purpose of the paper as a faith integration paper.
• Explanation of how the integration of faith and any other evidence justifies the thesis statement.

Concluding paragraph

• Begins with the transition. It involves the reinstatement of the thesis statement. The thesis statement is paraphrased.
• Rephrasing the ideas discussed in the body paragraphs. A brief and concise summary of the ideas is provided, and their connection with the thesis statement is clarified.
• The paragraph is concluded with a sentence that explains an intended future response or global statement concerning the topic.

Below is a short faith integration essay sample that can inspire your research and writing process.

Example of faith integration Essay

Parenting is one of the most important and toughest jobs. All of us are responsible for ensuring that all parents access the support and resources they require to conduct successful parenting. Communities can play a great role in aiding families to get the strength they require to raise healthy, productive, and safe children. Being a Christian nurse, I believe curbing child abuse is one of the responsibilities that God granted us. And we should understand our neighbors because challenges can be less overwhelming with nearby support. You should assist families experiencing stress by offering to babysit or providing resources that can support the same. It is vital to reach children within our community. The provision of a word of encouragement or a smile can positively impact the child's life. Just as the Bible elaborates, the objective of Biblical parenthood is defined by raising children who follow and love God (Deuteronomy 6:2) and fulfilling their potential (Proverbs 22:6). Being active in children's matters in the community assists the children in the community and helps to terminate child abuse. However, linking the Bible with child abuse is challenging because people are generally tempted to extremes. According to Jackson (2016), most people who abuse their kids justify their violent acts through biblical misinterpretation. The Bible protects the children but provides measures that can be applied to shape their character.

In my view, child abuse is considered a sin, and it does not matter whether it is verbal, sexual, physical, spiritual, or emotional. In Titus 2:4, the scripture instructs us to love children. The future of a certain community is defined by promoting the health and interest of future generations. A community that invests in children will profit from such investment through social responsibility and lifetime productivity. All children should be treated equally to experience development and healthy growth. If child abuse affects this opportunity, our future is grounded in a risky state. Our God wants to see us granting every child an equal opportunity for healthy growth. Many Child welfare professionals promote the protection of children from any form of abuse. However, the problem should be delegated to everyone. American Humane Association (2016) suggests that all people should be involved in protecting children. Generally, protecting children from violation and abuse should be everyone's responsibility in the community.

American Humane Association. (2013). The state of America's children. Retrieved from http://www.americanhumane.org/children/

Jackson, W. (2016). Language of the Bible. Christian Courier.49(8).30-32.

Final Remarks!

By now you understand that any paper that requires you to embed religious aspects, doctrines, or scriptures is a faith integration paper. You have to use both scientific research and religious evidence when completing this paper. A high-quality paper is paramount for the best grades.

We have outlined 8 steps you can take and tips that can help you write an excellent faith integration paper. Although you will be approaching this task as your regular research paper or essay , you must ensure that the facts are supported both by scientific literature or the bible and other religious texts.

We recommend reading and re-reading your instructions, adequate planning, and comprehensive research before writing this paper. Write an outline once you have chosen a preliminary thesis statement and refine it as you develop the body paragraphs.

As you craft the introduction, ensure that you use good hook statements to attract and keep the attention of the readers. With that said and done, we wish you luck. If you wish that our expert writers write your faith integration paper for you, do not hesitate to place an order.

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

Elie Wiesel

Ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

One of the main themes of Night is Eliezer's loss of religious faith. Throughout the book, Eliezer witnesses and experiences things that he cannot reconcile with the idea of a just and all-knowing God.

At the beginning of the narrative, Eliezer declares, "I believed profoundly." He is twelve years old and his life is centered around Judaism—studying the Talmud during the day, praying at the synagogue at night until he weeps with religious feeling. He wants to study the cabbala (Jewish mysticism), but his father says he's too young. Despite this, Eliezer finds a teacher in town, a poor man named Moché the Beadle , and the two of them pore over cabbalistic questions. Eliezer's faith in God is shared by many of his fellow Jews in the town of Sighet. On the trains to the concentration camps, people discuss the banishment from their homes as trial sent from God to be endured—a test of faith.

But Eliezer's belief in God begins to falter at the concentration camps of Birkenau-Aushwitz. Here the furnaces are busy night and day burning people. Here he watches German soldiers throw truckloads of babies and small children into the flames. The longer he stays in the concentration camps, the more he sees and experiences cruelty and suffering. People treat others worse than they would livestock. He can no longer believe that a God who would permit such nightmare places to exist could be just. The fact that many Jews do continue to pray, to recite the Talmud, and to look for comfort in their faith while in the concentration camp amazes and confounds Eliezer. That people would still pray to a God who allows their families to be gassed and incinerated suggests to Eliezer that people are stronger and more forgiving than the God they pray to. Later, as more people die, and others around him lose hope, starve, and succumb, Eliezer ceases to believe that God could exist at all. He is not alone in his disillusionment. Akiba Drumer (whose faith helps Eliezer endure for a while) as well as a rabbi whom Eliezer talks to, also eventually come to believe that God's existence is impossible in a world that contains such a large-scale, willful horror as the Holocaust. The final nail in the coffin, for Eliezer's faith, comes at Buna, where the prisoners are gathered to watch the hanging of a young boy. A man in the crowd asks, "Where is God now?" Eliezer's internal response is that God is that boy on the gallows. The boy dies slowly as the prisoners are forced to watch.

Having and Losing Faith in God ThemeTracker

Having and Losing Faith in God Quotes in Night

Thesis Statement

Series: Recalibrate | Week 1: The Reason for Romans

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Day Five Romans 1:16-17 Pray: Invite God into your time and ask Him to speak to you, then read the passage. 16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” – Romans 1:16-17 (NLT) Discover: Use the Discover section of your Recalibrate journal to write down your answers to the following observation and interpretation questions. 1. Why does Paul need to clarify that he is not ashamed of the Good News (verse 16)? 2. How does he define the Good News in these verses? 3. How is being made right in God’s sight (righteousness) accomplished (verse 17)? Respond: Use the Respond section of your Recalibrate journal to answer the following application prompts. 1. What does this passage teach me about God? 2. How does this aspect of His character change my view of self and others? 3. What should I do in response and when? For Further Learning Listen to discussion about these first 17 verses of Romans with this episode of the Knowing Faith podcast . For Families with Kids at Home Parents, think back to when you were a kid. If you grew up in a Christian home, when were some of the hardest times to stand up for your faith? If you came to Christ as an adult, what were your interactions with Christian kids or teens when you were that age? As you reflect, think about the different challenges your own kids are presented with when it comes to being “unashamed of the Good News about Christ.” Ask your kids what are the hardest aspects of following Jesus in their settings (school, sports, clubs, friend groups, etc.). Ask them how you can be more encouraging in their faith as a parent, and pray together that your kids would continue to be unashamed of their faith in Jesus! *If you don't have a Recalibrate journal, you can use any journal available to you to write down your responses. **TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.

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12.6: Literary Thesis Statements

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• Heather Ringo & Athena Kashyap
• City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

The Literary Thesis Statement

Literary essays are argumentative or persuasive essays. Their purpose is primarily analysis, but analysis for the purposes of showing readers your interpretation of a literary text. So the thesis statement is a one to two sentence summary of your essay's main argument, or interpretation.

Just like in other argumentative essays, the thesis statement should be a kind of opinion based on observable fact about the literary work.

Thesis Statements Should Be

• This thesis takes a position. There are clearly those who could argue against this idea.
• Look at the text in bold. See the strong emphasis on how form (literary devices like symbolism and character) acts as a foundation for the interpretation (perceived danger of female sexuality).
• Through this specific yet concise sentence, readers can anticipate the text to be examined ( Huckleberry Finn) , the author (Mark Twain), the literary device that will be focused upon (river and shore scenes) and what these scenes will show (true expression of American ideals can be found in nature).

Thesis Statements Should NOT Be

• While we know what text and author will be the focus of the essay, we know nothing about what aspect of the essay the author will be focusing upon, nor is there an argument here.
• This may be well and true, but this thesis does not appear to be about a work of literature. This could be turned into a thesis statement if the writer is able to show how this is the theme of a literary work (like "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid) and root that interpretation in observable data from the story in the form of literary devices.
• Yes, this is true. But it is not debatable. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who could argue with this statement. Yawn, boring.
• This may very well be true. But the purpose of a literary critic is not to judge the quality of a literary work, but to make analyses and interpretations of the work based on observable structural aspects of that work.
• Again, this might be true, and might make an interesting essay topic, but unless it is rooted in textual analysis, it is not within the scope of a literary analysis essay. Be careful not to conflate author and speaker! Author, speaker, and narrator are all different entities! See: intentional fallacy.

Thesis Statement Formula

One way I find helpful to explain literary thesis statements is through a "formula":

Thesis statement = Observation + Analysis + Significance

• Observation: usually regarding the form or structure of the literature. This can be a pattern, like recurring literary devices. For example, "I noticed the poems of Rumi, Hafiz, and Kabir all use symbols such as the lover's longing and Tavern of Ruin "
• Analysis: You could also call this an opinion. This explains what you think your observations show or mean. "I think these recurring symbols all represent the human soul's desire." This is where your debatable argument appears.
• Significance: this explains what the significance or relevance of the interpretation might be. Human soul's desire to do what? Why should readers care that they represent the human soul's desire? "I think these recurring symbols all show the human soul's desire to connect with God. " This is where your argument gets more specific.

Thesis statement: The works of ecstatic love poets Rumi, Hafiz, and Kabir use symbols such as a lover’s longing and the Tavern of Ruin to illustrate the human soul’s desire to connect with God .

Thesis Examples

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

These sample thesis statements are provided as guides, not as required forms or prescriptions.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Literary Device Thesis Statement

The thesis may focus on an analysis of one of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry or nonfiction as expressed in the work: character, plot, structure, idea, theme, symbol, style, imagery, tone, etc.

In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit.

Note that the work, author, and character to be analyzed are identified in this thesis statement. The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates). It also identifies the element of fiction that the writer will explore (character) and the characteristics the writer will analyze and discuss (determination, faith, cunning).

The character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet serves as a foil to young Juliet, delights us with her warmth and earthy wit, and helps realize the tragic catastrophe.

The Genre / Theory Thesis Statement

The thesis may focus on illustrating how a work reflects the particular genre’s forms, the characteristics of a philosophy of literature, or the ideas of a particular school of thought.

“The Third and Final Continent” exhibits characteristics recurrent in writings by immigrants: tradition, adaptation, and identity.

Note how the thesis statement classifies the form of the work (writings by immigrants) and identifies the characteristics of that form of writing (tradition, adaptation, and identity) that the essay will discuss.

Samuel Beckett’s Endgame reflects characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd in its minimalist stage setting, its seemingly meaningless dialogue, and its apocalyptic or nihilist vision.

A close look at many details in “The Story of an Hour” reveals how language, institutions, and expected demeanor suppress the natural desires and aspirations of women.

Generative Questions

One way to come up with a riveting thesis statement is to start with a generative question. The question should be open-ended and, hopefully, prompt some kind of debate.

• What is the effect of [choose a literary device that features prominently in the chosen text] in this work of literature?
• How does this work of literature conform or resist its genre, and to what effect?
• How does this work of literature portray the environment, and to what effect?
• How does this work of literature portray race, and to what effect?
• How does this work of literature portray gender, and to what effect?
• What historical context is this work of literature engaging with, and how might it function as a commentary on this context?

These are just a few common of the common kinds of questions literary scholars engage with. As you write, you will want to refine your question to be even more specific. Eventually, you can turn your generative question into a statement. This then becomes your thesis statement. For example,

• How do environment and race intersect in the character of Frankenstein's monster, and what can we deduce from this intersection?

Expert Examples

While nobody expects you to write professional-quality thesis statements in an undergraduate literature class, it can be helpful to examine some examples. As you view these examples, consider the structure of the thesis statement. You might also think about what questions the scholar wondered that led to this statement!

• "Heart of Darkness projects the image of Africa as 'the other world,' the antithesis of Europe and therefore civilization, a place where man's vaunted intelligence and refinement are finally mocked by triumphant bestiality" (Achebe 3).
• "...I argue that the approach to time and causality in Boethius' sixth-century Consolation of Philosophy can support abolitionist objectives to dismantle modern American policing and carceral systems" (Chaganti 144).
• "I seek to expand our sense of the musico-poetic compositional practices available to Shakespeare and his contemporaries, focusing on the metapoetric dimensions of Much Ado About Nothing. In so doing, I work against the tendency to isolate writing as an independent or autonomous feature the work of early modern poets and dramatists who integrated bibliographic texts with other, complementary media" (Trudell 371).

Works Cited

Achebe, Chinua. "An Image of Africa" Research in African Literatures 9.1 , Indiana UP, 1978. 1-15.

Chaganti, Seeta. "Boethian Abolition" PMLA 137.1 Modern Language Association, January 2022. 144-154.

"Thesis Statements in Literary Analysis Papers" Author unknown. https://resources.finalsite.net/imag...handout__1.pdf

Trudell, Scott A. "Shakespeare's Notation: Writing Sound in Much Ado about Nothing " PMLA 135.2, Modern Language Association, March 2020. 370-377.

Contributors and Attributions

Thesis Examples. Authored by: University of Arlington Texas. License: CC BY-NC

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Arts and Sciences > Religious Studies > Theses and Dissertations

Religious Studies Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2022 2022.

Interpreting 9/11: Religious or Political Event? , Fadime Apaydin

The need to address religious diversity at work: an all-inclusive model of spirituality at work , Ivonne Valero Cázares

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

The Mass is the Medium: Marshall McLuhan and Roman Catholic Liturgical Change , Ashil D. Manohar

White Too Long: Christianity or Nationalism? , Rachel E. Osborne

"Theology" in the Public University , Sarah T. White

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Warfare in Christianity and Islam: Unveiling Secular Justifications and Motivations Behind So-Called Religious Violence , Onur Korkmaz

Legitimizing Violence: Functional Similarities of the Religious and the Secular Violence , Tahir Topal

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

“Living Creatures of Every Kind:” An Ecofeminist Reading of Genesis 1-3 , T. G. Barkasy

Three Theorists on Religious Violence in an Islamic Context: Karen Armstrong, Mark Juergensmeyer, and William T. Cavanaugh , Ayse Camur

Complex Tripartite Hydro Politics of River Ganges , Muttaki Bin Kamal

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Solid Metaphor and Sacred Space: Interpreting the Paradigmatic and Syntagmatic Relations Found at Beth Alpha Synagogue , Evan Carter

Growth, and Development of Care for Leprosy Sufferers Provided by Religious Institutions from the First Century AD to the Middle Ages , Philippa Juliet Meek

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Altering Tian: Spirituality in Early Confucianism , Jacob Thomas Atkinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The U.S. Department of State Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives: What does the U.S. engage when they engage `religion'? , Belgica Marisol Cucalon

Rising Above a Crippling Hermeneutic , Luke Steven, Carlos, Armando Thompson

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

From Cosmogony to Anthropogony: Inscribing Bodies in Vedic Cosmogony and Samskara Rituals , Christine Boulos

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Gadamer and Nāgārjuna in Play: Providing a New Anti-Objectivist Foundation for Gadamer’s Interpretive Pluralism with Nāgārjuna’s Help , Nicholas Byle

Shamanism, Spiritual Transformation and the Ethical Obligations of the Dying Person: A Narrative Approach , Ellen W. Klein

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Finding Confucianism in Scientology: A comparative analysis , John Albert Kieffer

Sympathy for the devil: A character analysis of Gibreel Farishta in Salman Rushdie's The satanic verses , Catherine Mary Lafuente

The Babel paradox , Michel Machado

Theology, Spirituality, and the Academic Study of Religion in Public Universities , Don Saunders

Broadening the Spectrum: The Religious Dimensions of the Rainbow Gatherings , Seth M. Walker

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Poetry and Ritual: The Physical Expression of Homoerotic Imagery in sama , Zachary Holladay

Religious Exiles And Emigrants: The Changing Face Of Zoroastrianism , Tara Angelique Migliore

Metropolitan Community Church: A Perfectly Queer Reading Of The Bible , Matthew D. Stewart

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

(Dis)continuity between Sikhism and Islam: The development of hukam across religions , Mark Horowitz

Natural Law Ethics: A Comparison of the Theravāda and Thomistic Traditions , David Lantigua

An analysis Of Origen's charismatic ideology in his Commentary on the Gospel of John , Kimberly W. Logan-Hudson

The proliferating sacred: Secularization and postmodernity , Donald Surrency

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

The commodification of yoga in contemporary U.S. culture , Michelle E. Demeter

The Middle-Class Religious Ideology and the Underclass Struggle: A Growing Divide in Black Religion , Franklin Hills Jr.

The ethics of the spirit in Galatians: Considering Paul's paranesis in the interpretation of his theology , Steven Douglas Meigs

Cicero and St. Augustine's Just War Theory: Classical Influences on a Christian Idea , Berit Van Neste

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The Origins of Jewish Apocalyptic Literature: Prophecy, Babylon, and 1 Enoch , Sarah Robinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Sports and the American Sacred: What are the Limits of Civil Religion? , Frank Ferreri

Radical Religious Groups and Government Policy: A Critical Evaluation , Tori Chambers Lockler

“Symbolism of Language: A Study in the Dialogue of Power Between the Imperial Cult and the Synoptic Gospels” , Sharon Matlock-Marsh

Near-Death Experiences, Religion, and Life After Death , Holly Wallace

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Literary Criticism

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• Literary Theories
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• thesis examples

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

These sample thesis statements are provided as guides, not as required forms or prescriptions.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The thesis may focus on an analysis of one of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry or nonfiction as expressed in the work: character, plot, structure, idea, theme, symbol, style, imagery, tone, etc.

In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit.

Note that the work, author, and character to be analyzed are identified in this thesis statement. The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates). It also identifies the element of fiction that the writer will explore (character) and the characteristics the writer will analyze and discuss (determination, faith, cunning).

Further Examples:

The character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet serves as a foil to young Juliet, delights us with her warmth and earthy wit, and helps realize the tragic catastrophe.

The works of ecstatic love poets Rumi, Hafiz, and Kabir use symbols such as a lover’s longing and the Tavern of Ruin to illustrate the human soul’s desire to connect with God.

The thesis may focus on illustrating how a work reflects the particular genre’s forms, the characteristics of a philosophy of literature, or the ideas of a particular school of thought.

“The Third and Final Continent” exhibits characteristics recurrent in writings by immigrants: tradition, adaptation, and identity.

Note how the thesis statement classifies the form of the work (writings by immigrants) and identifies the characteristics of that form of writing (tradition, adaptation, and identity) that the essay will discuss.

Further examples:

Samuel Beckett’s Endgame reflects characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd in its minimalist stage setting, its seemingly meaningless dialogue, and its apocalyptic or nihilist vision.

A close look at many details in “The Story of an Hour” reveals how language, institutions, and expected demeanor suppress the natural desires and aspirations of women.

The thesis may draw parallels between some element in the work and real-life situations or subject matter: historical events, the author’s life, medical diagnoses, etc.

In Willa Cather’s short story, “Paul’s Case,” Paul exhibits suicidal behavior that a caring adult might have recognized and remedied had that adult had the scientific knowledge we have today.

This thesis suggests that the essay will identify characteristics of suicide that Paul exhibits in the story. The writer will have to research medical and psychology texts to determine the typical characteristics of suicidal behavior and to illustrate how Paul’s behavior mirrors those characteristics.

Through the experience of one man, the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, accurately depicts the historical record of slave life in its descriptions of the often brutal and quixotic relationship between master and slave and of the fragmentation of slave families.

In “I Stand Here Ironing,” one can draw parallels between the narrator’s situation and the author’s life experiences as a mother, writer, and feminist.

SAMPLE PATTERNS FOR THESES ON LITERARY WORKS

1. In (title of work), (author) (illustrates, shows) (aspect) (adjective). 

Example: In “Barn Burning,” William Faulkner shows the characters Sardie and Abner Snopes struggling for their identity.

2. In (title of work), (author) uses (one aspect) to (define, strengthen, illustrate) the (element of work).

Example: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses foreshadowing to strengthen the plot.

3. In (title of work), (author) uses (an important part of work) as a unifying device for (one element), (another element), and (another element). The number of elements can vary from one to four.

Example: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses the sea as a unifying device for setting, structure and theme.

4. (Author) develops the character of (character’s name) in (literary work) through what he/she does, what he/she says, what other people say to or about him/her.

Example: Langston Hughes develops the character of Semple in “Ways and Means”…

5. In (title of work), (author) uses (literary device) to (accomplish, develop, illustrate, strengthen) (element of work).

Example: In “The Masque of the Red Death,” Poe uses the symbolism of the stranger, the clock, and the seventh room to develop the theme of death.

6. (Author) (shows, develops, illustrates) the theme of __________ in the (play, poem, story).

Example: Flannery O’Connor illustrates the theme of the effect of the selfishness of the grandmother upon the family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find.”

7. (Author) develops his character(s) in (title of work) through his/her use of language.

Example: John Updike develops his characters in “A & P” through his use of figurative language.

Perimeter College, Georgia State University,  http://depts.gpc.edu/~gpcltc/handouts/communications/literarythesis.pdf

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College announces Faith & Public Life center, Pence fellowship

Grove City College is establishing the Center for Faith & Public Life to explore and support the presence of Christian faith in public institutions.

To help launch this important initiative, former Vice President of the United States Mike Pence will immediately begin serving as the Distinguished Visiting Fellow for Faith & Public Life.

“The appropriate role of faith in the public square is a major issue in this moment of our American life. The Founders envisioned a free society sustained by a self-governing citizenry and strengthened by virtues rooted in religious belief. At the core of Christian faith is the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. The Center will examine how and why Christians have sought to put their faith into action for the common good,” said Grove City College President Paul J. McNulty ’80.

The presence of Judeo-Christian values in the public square – once common, expected, and welcome – is facing increased scrutiny and growing opposition. The rapid rise of secularism, the influence of contentious voices, and other conditions present in post-Christian America are diminishing and endangering the historic and vital role of faith in society.

To meet this moment, Grove City College is launching the Center for Faith & Public Life to expand awareness of the historic relationship between religious belief and public life; explore ways to integrate faith in public policy and service; and strengthen opportunities for Christian engagement in public life. The term “public life” is not limited to government and politics. The Center will examine a broad range of issues encompassing business, education, media, and other sectors that impact the social fabric.

The Center is a natural extension of Grove City College’s grounding in permanent ideas and conservative values, its longstanding commitment to the foundations of a free society and advancing the common good, and its mission to prepare young people for lives of Christian service and civic responsibility.

As the Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Pence will play a key role in the Center’s work, McNulty said.

“Mike Pence is the perfect choice for the Center’s first fellowship,” McNulty said. “No one has pursued this calling more sincerely than the former vice president. He is an extraordinary role model for what it looks like to lead with wisdom and winsomeness in public life, and he will be a leading source of thought leadership and an impactful voice of the Center.”

As one of America’s foremost Christian political leaders, Pence has been explicit about how his faith has guided him as a public servant. The wisdom he has accrued over decades of service in Congress, as governor of Indiana, and as the nation’s second-in-command for four years under President Donald J. Trump will benefit the new center.

Pence, who was on campus Thursday to address the annual conference held by The Institute for Faith & Freedom, offered his thoughts on joining the Center and its mission.

“It is my great honor to serve as a visiting fellow to Grove City College’s new Center for Faith & Public Life,” Pence said. “Faith and engaging in public life are not mutually exclusive, nor should they ever be. History shows that Christians steadily working toward the common good have changed the world, and Grove City College opening a center shows they are committed to continuing this work.”

In addition to providing thought leadership through speaking and writing, Pence will be a presence on campus, participating in events, interacting with students, and teaching a course with McNulty next year.

“Grove City College has been a pivotal institution in helping students grow in their faith and in understanding God’s calling for their life through a rigorous education and a faith-based community. Grove City works to send out young men and women into the world to be beacons of light and truth in a world that needs leaders of integrity and principle,” Pence said.

About the Center for Faith & Public Life

The Center for Faith & Public Life will operate under the auspices of The Institute for Faith & Freedom, Grove City College’s vision and values think tank. Its work will focus on four broad categories of study:

• Winsome witness – Christian conduct in public life, including communication, family life, and concern for the common good.
• God and government – the relationship between religious beliefs and public policy and service.
• Religious freedom – the basic legal protections of conscience, religious speech and practice, and the free exercise of religion.
• Faith and the common good – the role of faith in every public sector for promoting prosperity, family values, human dignity, justice, and other attributes of a healthy society.

Distinguished Visiting Fellow for Faith & Public Life Michael R. Pence earned a degree in history in 1981 from Hanover (Indiana) College, where he renewed the Christian faith that is the driving force in his life. He graduated from Indiana University School of Law, where he met his wife Karen Pence. They married in 1988 and have three children. Before entering politics, Pence practiced law and hosted a talk radio show and public affairs program in Indiana. He was elected to the first of six terms in Congress in 2000 and served as chairman of the House Republican Study Committee. In 2012, he was elected governor of Indiana, where he enacted the largest income tax cut in state history. In July 2016, Donald Trump selected Pence as his running mate. He was sworn in as vice president of the United States on Jan. 20, 2017, and served until January 2021. Since leaving office, Pence wrote a book, “So Help Me God,” and mounted a presidential campaign. He recently launched Advancing American Freedom, a policy and advocacy organization committed to traditional conservative ideals that are” bigger than any one moment, election, or person.”

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Letters to the Editor — Israel and Iran, work ethic, No Labels, IVF

Readers urged a cessation of hostilities in the middle east; disputed a columnist’s notion of labor tenacity; urged a renewed search for a third political party candidate; and expressed distress over possible in vitro prohibitions..

By Letters to the Editor

12:30 AM on Apr 17, 2024 CDT

Stop arming Israel

I urge all U.S. citizens to contact President Joe Biden to ask him to suspend all transfers of offensive arms to Israel to persuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the killing and starving of Palestinians.

This must be done before other Muslim countries in the Middle East join Iran in attacking Israel, leading to a regional war. As we can see from the attacks by Iran, there is no way for the fighting in the Middle East to end unless Israel ceases hostilities.

Israel is not equipped, even with U.S. support, to fight multiple Middle East countries. There is no fighting solution to the Middle East conflict and the attempted purge of Palestinians from Israel. The only solution is for Israel to stop its genocide of the Palestinians before more attacks from other countries are made and the war widens, causing more devastation in Israel and across the region.

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Then the world can then work on reducing other hostilities in the region, including the rights of Palestine and Israel to exist in the Middle East.

David Troiano, Highland Village

Holey reasoning

Re: “Get to work, America — A shocking number of people have left the labor force when jobs abound, hurting themselves and their country,” by Dallas Cothrum, Sunday Opinion.

Thanks so much for publishing this hilarious rant on the working-age idlers who are poisoning America by failing to live up to his work standards. I’ll bet he’s a big hit at Thanksgiving and other family gatherings.

His reasoning is so full of holes, it’s hard to pick where to quibble, but I will say this: If he would stop to think way back to when he (and I) were young, he might recall that at any given time, upwards of 50% of U.S. residents between 25 and 54 in some locales did not work by his definition — they were called housewives.

Many of these housewives met with hostility and resistance from their husbands and others when they attempted to join the ranks of wage-earners. Now it appears we’ve come around 180 degrees to where housewives, househusbands and others who opt out of chasing the dime are dumped on for that decision.

This would be a sad statement on human nature if it weren’t so absurd.

Jennifer Kolmes, Richardson

Many-headed monster

Cothrum assures his readers at the beginning of his polycephalous column that, because we’re newspaper readers, we’re bound to agree with the unsupported thesis that America is losing its work ethic. He then scatter shoots at readers even more unsupported claims, non sequiturs, gripes, clichés and whole topics. Channeling bosses everywhere?

Speaking of work, he should buckle down, choose one issue, and give his thesis the support of some warrants and backing that might actually persuade his readers, before we quit this gig.

John Ogren, Dallas/Oak Cliff

Hungry for leadership

Re: “No Labels didn’t fail; political parties did,” by Mike Rawlings, Sunday Opinion.

It is disappointing that No Labels couldn’t place a candidate, although I fully understand the reasons why.

Rawlings suggested that disruption may well be headed for U.S. politics. I sure hope so. Disruption has impacted so many industries — Uber, Airbnb, Amazon shopping. My business, the film and video production industry, was turned upside down.

These disruptions, while bumpy, ultimately resulted in far superior user experiences. Some make the point that former President Donald Trump was a political disruptor. They are right. He was certainly heavy on the disruption part, but there was no subsequent improvement to the institution he disrupted.

There is a hunger in the country for reasonable and rational leadership, officials who work for everyone’s benefit, not just their own party members. No Labels has four and a half years to find, groom and market a new centrist candidate. Hopefully the group will spend that time wisely. If it does, the landscape may be quite different for the next presidential election.

David Seay, Plano

Restricting IVF

Re: “GOP groups seek to restrict IVF — But state party isn’t so sure about adopting resolution,” Sunday Metro story.

Texans, wake up. The Republican Party is coming after you, your rights and freedom. The decision of the Alabama Supreme Court that a few human cells in a freezer is a child makes as much sense as saying that an empty beer can in your recycling bin is an automobile.

The fact is that the majority of first attempts at IVF fail. If a frozen embryo is a child, then that must mean parents who knowingly expose that embryo to that outcome are at least guilty of attempted manslaughter and maybe murder.

Well, that’s Alabama; this is Texas, and that would never happen here. Well, guess again. Sunday’s News reports two county Republican parties have passed resolutions to ban or restrict IVF. Now the issue will be taken up by the state party, and state leaders, rather than standing against this hard-right agenda, are hedging.

I have an adorable granddaughter whose smile lights up a room. She is the result of her parents’ first attempt at IVF. But what if, like most first attempts, they had failed? Should her parents be in jail?

Paul Sokal, Dallas

Men’s opinions

Wes Thomas, Greg Abbott, Matt Mackowiak, Matt Rinaldi, Jon Speed: What do these names have in common? They are all men. Not one single woman was quoted regarding whether the Texas GOP should adopt a resolution to ban or regulate IVF.

I have an idea. How about passing a resolution that to make reproductive decisions for women in Texas, you have to be able to carry a baby?

Betsy Crawford, University Park

We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here . If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at [email protected]

Letters to the Editor

Dallas Rev. Frederick Haynes resigns from role in Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition

1-year-old killed in dog attack while being babysat in duncanville home, police say, shakira heading to dallas on 14-city world tour, ‘now’s the time’: amtrak leader urges momentum on dallas-to-houston high-speed rail, dallas city manager t.c. broadnax’s resignation was in works a week before announcement.