Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Religion

Taylor University

Series

Articles 1 - 30 of 240

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Analyzing Substance Dualism From A Christian Perspective, Samuel J. Fulbright Apr 2024

Analyzing Substance Dualism From A Christian Perspective, Samuel J. Fulbright

Philosophy Senior Capstone

This paper seeks to analyze the Substance Dualist position from a Christian perspective. After looking briefly at the way in which the Christian Scriptures present the relationship between the body and the soul, the paper then turns to looking at the way in which the Substance Dualist position presents the relationship between the body and the soul. It ends by offering a Christian response to some of the most common and most popular objections raised against Substance Dualism.


Ephesians 2:11-22, Unity In Christ: A Biblical Theological Analysis, Kaeley Sells Apr 2024

Ephesians 2:11-22, Unity In Christ: A Biblical Theological Analysis, Kaeley Sells

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Often, in large group settings there can be a tendency to stick to one’s own in-group. This tendency then leads to the diminishing and exclusion of those outside of that particular group. In the early church, this was the story of the Gentile believers who, despite receiving the same life through the sacrifice of Christ were subject to discrimination, cultivating an inferiority complex in many of the early believers. Paul attempts to critique this trend by highlighting not only the grace extended to all but the intentional life, death, and resurrection of Christ that enables all believers to be citizens …


Hear & Believe: Epistemic Humility And The Limits Of Human Reason, Elias Seeman Apr 2024

Hear & Believe: Epistemic Humility And The Limits Of Human Reason, Elias Seeman

Philosophy Student Projects

There are few more hotly debated questions in philosophy than the capacity of human reason as it relates to knowing God. Both Immanuel Kant and G.W.F. Hegel dedicated a significant portion of their work to precisely this question. These thinkers, however, did not seek to understand the capabilities and limits of human reason from a distinctly Christian perspective. Their work, while containing real insights, has serious, problematic implications for Christian thinkers, making it imperative to chart a path toward a robustly Christian, Biblically-anchored, conception of reason.


Euthyphro & The Third Horn, Elias Seeman Apr 2024

Euthyphro & The Third Horn, Elias Seeman

Philosophy Student Projects

One of the most interesting questions in Christian ethics is known as the Euthyphro problem. Put simply, the question is "is something good just because God commands it, or does God command something because it is good." It is a question of the foundation of morals. Typically, there are two responses to this problem, both of which I find unsatisfying. In the paper, I propose a third way of understanding the dilemma.


Resilient Faith: Building A Faith That Lasts In High School Students, Camille Miller Apr 2024

Resilient Faith: Building A Faith That Lasts In High School Students, Camille Miller

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

With research showing that 40-50 percent of youth group kids walk away from the faith after high school, I wanted to research ways to build a resilient faith in students through a church youth ministry. Fuse is the high school ministry at Northpoint church that is represented throughout this paper. The Frankena Model will be used as the format for the paper as I develop a philosophy of ministry for Fuse that incorporates all the aspects of Frankena's model and looks to find a better way to do youth ministry.


Shepherding Sisters: Mentoring Within Residence Halls, Hallie Brenner Apr 2024

Shepherding Sisters: Mentoring Within Residence Halls, Hallie Brenner

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

Shepherding Sisters is a ministry which seeks to connect upperclassmen with lowerclassmen within all-female residence halls in a mentoring relationship. In order for spiritual formation and spiritual friendship to take place in all-female residence halls, upperclassmen will be trained and equipped in order to shepherd their sisters in Christ.


Kantian Reason & Epistemic Humility, Elias Seeman Apr 2024

Kantian Reason & Epistemic Humility, Elias Seeman

Philosophy Senior Capstone

Immanuel Kant continues to be one of the most influential thinkers in the history of philosophy. His thought shapes much of contemporary culture and has dramatically influenced Christian philosophy and theology. While some of this influence is beneficial, there are components of Kantian thought – especially as it pertains to the capabilities of human reason to arrive at true knowledge of God – that are decidedly problematic. In this paper, two different readings on Kant’s work on this subject are presented, followed by a brief overview of key insights and shortcomings. The final section charts a positive way forward for …


Able Leaders: A Ministry For Developing Executive Pastors, A Philosophy And Strategy For Ministry, Jayden Jeriah Wilhelm Apr 2024

Able Leaders: A Ministry For Developing Executive Pastors, A Philosophy And Strategy For Ministry, Jayden Jeriah Wilhelm

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

This paper examines relevant literature to design an effective training program for executive pastors.


Harvest Workers Ministry: Creating Passionate Life-Long Disciples By Nurturing Faith Development And Individual Callings Of Adolescents, Sam Wolowski Apr 2024

Harvest Workers Ministry: Creating Passionate Life-Long Disciples By Nurturing Faith Development And Individual Callings Of Adolescents, Sam Wolowski

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

“6 out of 10 twentysomethings who were involved in church during their teen years will fail to maintain their active spirituality during their years of adulthood” (Robbins 17). Even the majority of adolescents involved in the church eventually separate from their faith and faith community. David Kinnaman, the president of Barna Group, explains that more than 50 percent of teenagers and young adults who are not committed Christians report that their former faith community (e.g., church, parish, etc.) did not help them understand their purpose and view their gifts and passions as part of God’s calling (159). The separation of …


The Two Witnesses Of Revelation 11, Elisabeth Edwards Apr 2024

The Two Witnesses Of Revelation 11, Elisabeth Edwards

Biblical Studies Student Projects

The identity of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 is ambiguous. Popular arguments for their identities include Elijah and Moses, Peter and Paul, a symbolic interpretation, and an assortment of minority views. While each perspective has pros and cons, I find the symbolic interpretation most persuasive based on the text. Regardless of the identity of the two witnesses, their significance remains. The power of the Lord is more than fire, blood, and plagues; it is the power of life over death. The way in which God works through the Church – how his breath is felt through us – should …


The Genesis Of Sacred Roots, Hank Voss Nov 2023

The Genesis Of Sacred Roots, Hank Voss

2021 Evangelical Theological Society

No abstract provided.


The Lord's Providence To Work Evil For Good - Genesis 50:15-21, Elisabeth Nieshalla Oct 2023

The Lord's Providence To Work Evil For Good - Genesis 50:15-21, Elisabeth Nieshalla

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Genesis, the great first book of the Bible, concludes with a redemptive and reconciliatory scene between Joseph and his brothers that strikes the heart of those. Joseph had endured much hardship at the hands of his brothers, having been sold by them into Egyptian slavery and then thrown into prison when he was falsely accused of sexual assault by Potiphar’s wife. Through it all, however, he remained faithful to God and was entrusted with authority over all of Egypt to lead them through a famine that would have otherwise devastated the entire region. This scene in Genesis 50 testifies to …


The Son's Easy Yoke And Light Burden: A Biblical Theology Study Of Matthew 11:25-30, Keegan Matheson Oct 2023

The Son's Easy Yoke And Light Burden: A Biblical Theology Study Of Matthew 11:25-30, Keegan Matheson

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Matthew 11:25-30 is a rich passage that reveals the nature of God's revelation to His people and the spiritual rest that He generously offers to them. This paper discusses both of these prominent themes and how they connect this passage with the rest of God's grand story. Furthermore, this paper addresses the implications of this passage on the life of a disciple.


A Biblical Theological Analysis Of Isaiah 11:1-10, Kaeley Sells Oct 2023

A Biblical Theological Analysis Of Isaiah 11:1-10, Kaeley Sells

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Fear, unrest, and hopelessness were just some of the emotions that marked those living in Judah during the time that Isaiah was writing. Following the realization of the reality that Judah is to be destroyed, Isaiah was motivated to give prophetic words of encouragement to the people. He wrote to shed light on the great plan God had for His people and the ultimate righteousness, hope, and peace that He promises His people. For many today the emotions of fear, restlessness, and desolation are everyday occurrences as people wrestle with hopelessness amidst a world that seems to be falling apart. …


Ezekiel 36:24-28: God Promises Salvation For The Sake Of His Name, Emerson Claire Jones Oct 2023

Ezekiel 36:24-28: God Promises Salvation For The Sake Of His Name, Emerson Claire Jones

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Ezekiel 36:24-28 is an important passage both for the original audience and for modern day Christians. In this paper, the connections between this passage and the rest of the biblical narrative will be addressed. Why is God saying that He will give Israel a new heart? What is the motivation of God's action? How should we respond today? What led Israel to be in this position? These are all questions that will be addressed.


Christ The Preeminent, Firstborn, And King - Colossians 1:13-20, Elisabeth Nieshalla Oct 2023

Christ The Preeminent, Firstborn, And King - Colossians 1:13-20, Elisabeth Nieshalla

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Who is the Son of God? Jesus Christ is the obvious central figure in the New Testament, which consists of four distinct accounts of his life and ministry and numerous other books and epistles pointing others to follow and give their lives to him. Reading through the Old Testament, however, Christ the Son, the second person of the Trinity, seems to be strangely absent, at least upon first glance. In Colossians 1:13-20, though, the apostle Paul helps us to see the creative and redemptive role of Christ from the beginning, displaying his divine nature, supremacy and authority over all of …


Matthew 11:25-30: Finding Rest In The Yoke And Providence Of God, Emerson Claire Jones Oct 2023

Matthew 11:25-30: Finding Rest In The Yoke And Providence Of God, Emerson Claire Jones

Biblical Studies Student Projects

In this fallen world, it is difficult to find rest. As life fills with meetings and activities, resting well can feel impossible. Jesus offers true and lasting rest for his people. He reveals himself to the lowly and lifts their burdens. Through examining Matthew 11:25-30, the easy and light yoke of Jesus is explained.


Flourishing With Friends: How Spiritual Classics Can Help Us Finish Well In Ministry, Hank Voss Jul 2023

Flourishing With Friends: How Spiritual Classics Can Help Us Finish Well In Ministry, Hank Voss

Essays

No abstract provided.


Reading Spiritual Classics Together: How To Facilitate A Sacred Roots Study Group, Hank Voss Jul 2023

Reading Spiritual Classics Together: How To Facilitate A Sacred Roots Study Group, Hank Voss

Essays

No abstract provided.


St. Columbanus And Holiness In Community, Elise Wixtrom, Hank Voss May 2023

St. Columbanus And Holiness In Community, Elise Wixtrom, Hank Voss

Presentations

No abstract provided.


Discipling College Students Through Scripture Engagement: A Philosophy Of Ministry, Keegan Matheson May 2023

Discipling College Students Through Scripture Engagement: A Philosophy Of Ministry, Keegan Matheson

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

Within the Church today, there is a concerning lack of Bible prioritization. College students are also leaving the Church and saying farewell to the Christian faith at an unprecedented rate. Discipleship with college students has become something that is sadly overlooked. Therefore, this paper presents a philosophy for Instill Ministries which is a college ministry that strives to disciple college students through Scripture Engagement. The goal of this paper is to provide a ministry paradigm that helps local churches in college towns to intentionally disciple the students in the area. This paper describes the theological and anthropological premises that will …


Equipping And Mobilizing Parents And Guardians Of Middle Schoolers To Disciple Their Children Through The Ministry Of Parents Of Middle Schoolers (Poms), Mary Kate Hipp May 2023

Equipping And Mobilizing Parents And Guardians Of Middle Schoolers To Disciple Their Children Through The Ministry Of Parents Of Middle Schoolers (Poms), Mary Kate Hipp

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

Parents within the church are facing a pandemic of feelings of inadequacy in terms of discipling their teens. Modern culture has largely shifted responsibilities away from parents and onto professionals at church, for developing the spiritual dimension of their adolescent. Yet, the familial influence of an adolescent supersedes the influence of any youth worker. Youth workers should neither be the foundation of an adolescent’s spirituality nor the cosmetic finishing. In a Christian home, parents and guardians have the high privilege to influence and lead the spiritual formation of their children. The church was granted the high privilege and honor to …


Fullness Of Christ Ministries: Spiritual Formation Of Emerging Adults At Woodmen Valley Chapel Through Mentoring, Joseph Geijer May 2023

Fullness Of Christ Ministries: Spiritual Formation Of Emerging Adults At Woodmen Valley Chapel Through Mentoring, Joseph Geijer

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

Most churches today do not address the needs of emerging adults in any way outside of occasional social gatherings. This has led to a mass exodus of emerging adults from the Church and presents a need for intentional spiritual formation, mentors, and programming for this demographic. This paper outlines a philosophy and strategy for the spiritual formation of emerging adults in the local church through mentoring.


Seat At The Table: An Inclusive Ministry To Families And Individuals With Disabilities At Plainfield Christian Church, Lindy Ruth Rader May 2023

Seat At The Table: An Inclusive Ministry To Families And Individuals With Disabilities At Plainfield Christian Church, Lindy Ruth Rader

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

Churches are called to be a place of welcoming and belonging, but it is common for individuals and families with disabilities to not feel like they have a place in the Church. Seat At The Table is a ministry designed to address this problem and help families feel integrated into the local church. This ministry is a part of Plainfield Christian Church, located in Plainfield, Indiana. Seat At The Table desires to create a space for individuals and families to encounter Jesus and to form a deep and lasting relationship with Him. Along with this, they want participants in the …


Apprenticing Ourselves To Wise Mentors: Pastor Al's (D. 1167) Paradigmatic Vision For "Spiritual" Friendship, Hank Voss Apr 2023

Apprenticing Ourselves To Wise Mentors: Pastor Al's (D. 1167) Paradigmatic Vision For "Spiritual" Friendship, Hank Voss

Essays

No abstract provided.


The Gospel Of Luke: Major Themes, Narratives, And Theology, Adelyn Schoenbeck Apr 2023

The Gospel Of Luke: Major Themes, Narratives, And Theology, Adelyn Schoenbeck

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Within the paper, major Lukan themes are portrayed. The birth narrative is reimagined with major themes of the narrative, especially the purpose of the birth narrative to Theophilus, Luke's mentor. The paper defines and identifies Christology and discipleship which is formed from Luke. The paper illustrates what Jesus really means by stating the first century was an "evil and adulterous generation" (Luke 9:41). The essay concludes with the passion narrative and personal challenges that I have faced as studying the book of Luke.


Evangelical Ressourcement: How Retrieving Our Sacred Roots Can Renew And Refocus The Global Evangelical Movement, Don Davis Mar 2023

Evangelical Ressourcement: How Retrieving Our Sacred Roots Can Renew And Refocus The Global Evangelical Movement, Don Davis

Essays

No abstract provided.


Rev. Dr. Don Davis And A Theology Of Race, Mitch Mcgeath, Hank Voss Jan 2023

Rev. Dr. Don Davis And A Theology Of Race, Mitch Mcgeath, Hank Voss

Presentations

No abstract provided.


Sacred Roots: Dr. Davis And The Great Tradition’S Contribution To Leadership Development Among The Urban Poor, Danae Passero, Hank Voss Jan 2023

Sacred Roots: Dr. Davis And The Great Tradition’S Contribution To Leadership Development Among The Urban Poor, Danae Passero, Hank Voss

Presentations

No abstract provided.


Dr. Don Davis And The Christian Artist, Summer Davidson, Hank Voss Jan 2023

Dr. Don Davis And The Christian Artist, Summer Davidson, Hank Voss

Presentations

No abstract provided.