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Spire And Tower: The History, Architecture And Art Of Two Norfolk, Virginia Churches, Judith L. Smith

Institute for the Humanities Theses

While St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church and Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church are dissimilar in origin, religious practices, and architectural style, when taken together, their periods of construction in their respective revival styles span and define an important era in Norfolk, Virginia's urban history.

Original research in the sparse records of several Catholic parishes identifies the previously known name of the architect of St. Mary's church. The study also offers additional information on that church's stained glass window.

The author presents the heretofore scattered history of Epworth Church in chronological order. The study develops new information concerning …

Religious Belief, Salience, And Social Action: Are They Related?, Timothy R. Tuinstra

Masters Theses

With the increasing size and social/political activity of theologically orthodox religious groups within the United States, research dealing with the relationship between orthodoxy and social action is necessary in better understanding the phenomena. Past research has been inadequate in that it has largely focused either on the clergy or, when using the laity, has only measured attitudes toward social action rather than participation in social action. This study measured social action participation among lay members drawn from three Grand Rapids area United Methodist Churches. A third variable, salience of religious belief, was also examined, which past research indicated could be …

The Holiness Of Yahweh In Conflict With The Holiness Of Baal Vis-À-Vis Mount Zion And Mount Zaphon, Reed Lessing

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to define the holiness of Yahweh and the holiness of Baal as they are related to physical, tangible mountains. Qds is25 a holistic idea, which includes both physical and spiritual aspects Brevard Childs sums up this thesis with these words: The Old Testament understanding of space was eschatological, not mythical. It looked to the future, not to the past. However, it chose a mythical category to express the tensions within this new spatial reality. The new space had as its content God's holiness, but it was formed in the midst of a profane and …

The Doctrine Of Scripture In Fundamentalist Theology A Lutheran Appraisal, Terry Forke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The analysis of these four sources will form the body of this paper. The comparison will support the thesis that there is an appropriate distinction to be made between the fundamentalist and the traditional Lutheran doctrine of Scripture. This distinction is made in the hope that further discussion may be facilitated by the avoidance of unnecessary conflict due to the misuse of the term "fundamentalism" as applied to the Missouri Synod.

A Law-Gospel Comparison Of The World Council Of Churches' Document Baptism. Eucharist. And Ministry And The Book Of Concord, Glen Thomas

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Before comparing Baptism. Eucharist, and Ministry(BEM) and The Book of Concord with respect to their confession of the proper distinction between Law and Gospel, it will be helpful to establish and define what is meant by the terms Law and Gospel.as well as their proper distinction. While an investigation of all aspects of Law and Gospel would consume an entire thesis in itself, only those aspects of Law and Gospel which will be helpful in the investigation of BEM and The Book of Concord will be explored (those dealing with how man is justified before God). The material presented in …

Paul's Portrayal Of Judaism: St. Paul's Critique Of Judaism In Romans 3:19-31 And Evidence From Judaism Which Validates His Assessment, Michael Middendorf

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis will address the current debate over whether St. Paul is being fair and accurate in his appraisal of first-century Judaism's teaching on the doctrine of justification. The Apostle is currently being accused of making an unfair caricature of Judaism, especially in regard to its conception of how a righteous standing before God could be attained.1 This first chapter will serve to document these accusations, to lay out the issues and arguments involved in this debate, and then to assess its significance.

The Educational Needs Of The Adult Layperson Concerning The Mission Of God_Research Towards Writing An Introductory Adult Mission Education Course, Stephen Gaulke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

What are the educational needs of an adult layperson concerning world mission? What ought an introductory adult mission education study course attempt to teach? This thesis endeavors to answer the question in three chapters.

Chapter One articulates a concise theology of mission. Rooted in Scripture, especially the mission commands of the risen Savior, and drawing on the Apostles' Creed, The Book of Concord, and Martin Luther, Chapter One sketches the "who, what, where, when, why, and how" of God's mission.

Chapter Two surveys mission professionals to discover what they believe an introductory adult study course on world mission ought to …

Isaac As Preached By Luther, Ralph Rokke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study will trace Luther's exposition of the life of Isaac primarily as that exposition is found in his Genesis Commentary, although at times references will also be made to other writings of Luther in which Isaac is mentioned.

Augustine’S Theology Of The Sacrament Of The Altar As Understood From His Theory Of “Signum” And “Res”, Leo Fuhr

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Augustine's Platonic way of thinking causes him to see the things of this world as signs that point to a world beyond. Within the context of this way of thinking, that is, from lower to higher, from outer to inner, from visible to invisible, from temporal to eternal, we will seek to analyze his theology of the sacrament. In order to do this, this paper will examine the terms siqnum and res as employed by Augustine in his theory of sign and in his definition of sacrament. That, in turn, may enable us to re late this theory to his …

The Nature And Function Of The Lutheran Confessions In Twentieth Century American Lutheranism, Charles Arand

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

By concentrating on what theologians and church leaders have written on the sub­ject of the confessional principle and confessional subscription, this study has dealt with those who had or have an interest in the subject. It may or may not be representative of the way in which the church at large regards and deals with the church's symbols. Attempting to address such a concern, this study has referred to official synodical resolutions and dec­larations as illustrative that the confessional attitude of the theologians was also representa­tive of their church's position. At the same time, however, it may be pointed out …

Current Models In Roman, Lutheran, And Reformed Prolegomena: Exposition, Analysis, And Programmatic Assessment, David Lumpp

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The marketplace is currently experiencing no shortage of systematic theologies. At both the popular and academic levels, volumes are published at a rate exceeding the ability of any one scholar to digest or evaluate. The methodological pluralism alluded to above is now a cacophony. Yesterday’s mentors are challenged by process theology, theologies of hope, and seemingly infinite manifestations of liberation theology--to name only several of the most obvious.

With this history and the above cautions in mind, this essay will explore the definition, guiding motif, and methodology of three major contemporary theologians: Bernard Lonergan, Helmut Thielicke, and Edward Farley, representing …

Adolescence And Spiritual Gifts, Joel Campos Muñoz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This theory study shows the possible relations between adolescence and spiritual gifts. The study begins with the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and adolescence. The results of this study attempts to link the life stage of adolescence with adulthood. The work attempts to suggest that the Holy Spirit works in the same way in the adolescence as He works in adult life. As a stage of life, adolescence may be a possible time for conversion and the possible time to receive spiritual gifts. The gifts may be the practical means of finding and executing God's will for their …

The Three-Self Mission Approach In The Context Of The Igreja Evangelica Luterana Do Brasil, Egon Martim Seibert

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis intends to deal with the three-self principle and the IELB. In the first chapter the historical origin and development of the three-self mission approach will be presented. The question "Are they biblical?" will be answered in the second chapter. The third chapter will focus on the Brazilian background of the IELB, with the ethnic composition of its people, its economic and social status, and its chief religions. The foundation of the IELB and the most relevant facts of its history will be discussed in the fourth chapter. Finally, the conclusion will provide an explanation of how the three-self …

Pastoral Counseling And The Kingdom Of God, Cheryl A. Furtak

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

A Fifth Century Controversy On Grace: The Theology Of Grace In Prosper Of Aquitaine, Joseì M. Pedrozo

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Beyond A Patriarchal Interpretation, Holly Nicole Schamban

Senior Scholar Papers

Important in understanding the significance of the Hebrew Bible is the knowledge of how societal and cultural realities affected the ways in which the Hebrew Bible was interpreted. The thesis begins with an examination of the societal and cultural conditions which led to interpretations portraying male supremacy. It theorizes that derogatory images of women, stereotyping them as evil, corrupt, and inferior to men, were in fact due to the masculine biases present in biblical texts as a result of societal and cultural tendencies and were not the intent of the original texts themselves. In fact, patriarchal interpretations of biblical narratives …

Al-TakāMul Al-Masri-Al Sudani 1974-1985: A Case Study In The Dynamics Of Arab Integration, Charles Michael Malak

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

History And Analysis Of The Relationship Between The Seventh-Day Adventist Church And Several Independent Churches In The Kasai Province Of Zaire, 1972-1985, F. Duane Mckey

Professional Dissertations DMin

Religious ferment in the Kasai Province of Zaire in the decades preceding and following independence gave rise to a number of independent religious movements, some of which were overtly political. In an effort to control these movements, the Zairian government passed a law in 1971 which restricted the religious practice of these independent groups. As a direct result of these legal disabilities, a considerable number of independent movements in the Kasai sought affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This study surveys the history of the relationships between the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the above independent churches from 1972 to 1985 …

A Proposed Strategy For Evangelizing The Hindus Of The Republic Of Trinidad And Tobago, Wynall F. Kerr

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem

Substantial investments been made in the evangelization of Hindus in Trinidad, but have resulted in little success. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trinidad has not yet developed a well-defined approach to assist pastors and laity in evangelizing Hindus. The purpose of this study was to develop a biblically informed strategy of evangelism that can be used in designing appropriate evangelistic methods.

Method

The New Testament and other selected literature have suggested a strategy and methods of evangelism that were used for evangelizing particular peoples or groups of people, and these might inform the mission of the Seventh- day Adventist …

Concepts Of Supernatural Punishment For Worldly Moral Misconduct, Dwight Derrell Wash

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Feminist Ritual Healing, Transformation And Empowerment, Eileen R. Ormond

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

A number of contemporary Western feminists are re-defining their spiritual beliefs and creating ritual practices to reinforce feminine values in their lives. Advocates of feminist spirituality believe that the personal and spiritual dimensions of women’s lives are interrelated. The experience of transcendence and unity is often preceded by personal healing and empowerment for many women. The creation of alternative women’s rituals, a dynamic force in contemporary feminism, is well illustrated in the world of Diane Mariechild. One purpose of this work is to interpret Mariechild’s rituals from a feminist and psychological perspective and to suggest that feminist ritual may function …

The Sinaitic Covenant And Law In The Theology Of Dispensationalism, Keumyoung Ahn

Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the dispensational position concerning the Sinaitic covenant and law and to evaluate it. The design of the study includes three major sections: the historical (chaps. 2-3), the descriptive (chap. 4), and the critical (chaps. 5-6).

Chapter 2 presents the meaning of Dispensationalism and briefly outlines its origin and its modern development in North America. Chapter 3 reviews the covenant theologians' hermeneutics in respect to the Sinaitic covenant and their conflicts with Dispensationalists, with the analysis of the main differences between the old and new positions of dispensational theology on the Sinaitic covenant …

The "Throne Of God" Motif In The Hebrew Bible, Daegeuk Nam

Dissertations

This dissertation explores the biblical significance and theological implications of the "throne of God" motif through an exegetical investigation of the texts of the Hebrew Bible which have direct reference to it.

Chapter I states the problems which the biblical "throne of God" motif poses, and also theobjectives, limitations, methodology, and procedure of this study.

Chapter II reviews pertinent literature since theturn of the century. This survey reveals thecurrent status of investigation on our topic to be only fragmentary.

Chapter III is devoted to the investigation of the"divine throne" motif in ancient Near Eastern literatures such as Sumerian, Akkadian, Hittite, …

A Descriptive Study Of Sex-Trait Stereotypes Of Lay Church Members For Women Clergy, Loretta A. Mueller

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sex-trait stereotype church lay people had of women clergy. Two groups of lay people were studied, those who had and had not had a woman clergy as either pastor or assistant pastor of a church to which they belonged. Data was also obtained from women clergy.;Gough's Adjective Check List was used to determine a stereotype that the above described lay people had of women clergy. The goal was to determine if there were differences between lay men and women in the way they described women clergy and if there were differences …

Formation And Development Of Caring Ministries Based On Neighboring Evangelism Model Model, Lloyd I. Munson

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem

For more than a decade leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have encouraged various programs under the slogan "caring Church." This new and welcome concept and its corresponding "caring ministries" are in tension with traditional programs and philosophy of lay ministry. There is a need to clarify and articulate the underlying shift toward a more "relational" approach so that truly "caring" ministries may emerge. In addition there is a confusion from the local Church all the way to the General Conference as to how various departments are coordinated.

Method

This study documents one attempt to articulate a biblical concept …

Training For Evangelism Among The Yorubas Of Nigeria, Joseph Adebisi Ola

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem. When the Seventh-day Adventist church came to Nigeria in 1914, the Yorubas were the first people exposed to the church's message; today, Yorubas are the least receptive to Adventism when compared to the growth of Adventism in other parts of the country. Urban development in Yorubaland today presents the greatest challenge to the church; Yorubas forming one-fifth of the 100 million people in Nigeria. Most converts among Yorubas are from other denominations, for traditional religionists seldom attend Adventist crusades and are never converted to the Adventist faith. Since evangelistic campaigns lack efficient coordination within the whole church, the responsibility …

The Arguments Of The Apocriticus A Re-Evaluation Of The Apology Of Macarius Magnes, Benedict C. Sheehy

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Since its rediscovery in the last century, the Apocriticus of Macarius Magnes has been dismissed as a worthless apology. Scholars generally agreed that the value of the work was not in the Christian apology, but rather in the pagan point of view it preserves. This thesis is an analysis of the arguments from a historico-cultural perspective, particularly from the perspectives of rhetorical argument, allegorical interpretation, and Christian theology. The thesis then attempts to demonstrate that when understood in its proper historical context the apology is a substantial contribution to the Christian apologetic tradition and vehicle to understanding the Christian—pagan conflict …

The Historical Development Of Seventh-Day Adventist Eschatology 1884-1895, Roy Israel Mcgarrell

Dissertations

Problem and Purpose. The Millerite Movement foundered after the non-realization ofits expectation regarding the second advent of Christ in 1844. Of the groups that sprouted from the movement, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has grown globally in 145 years to become the largest and most influential. While Adventists kept key elements of the Millerite premillennialist eschatology, they added some unique features.

For example, they added: a sanctuary theology concerning Christ's mediatorial ministry and His work in a heavenly pre-advent judgment, the "third angel's message" (announced in Rev 14:12), and other teachings including the "latter rain," the "loud cry," health-reform, the seventh-day …

Brigham Young's Indian Superintendency (1851-58): A Significant Microcosm Of The American Indian Experience, Wayne Miles Eckman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis provides a detailed study of Brigham Young's Indian superintendency within a framework of the federal Indian policy of his era. It focuses on Brigham Young's personal challenges and successes in instituting a conciliatory policy with the natives of the Great Basin. Experience taught Brigham Young that it was "cheaper to feed the Indians than to fight them." Brigham Young pursued his policy in spite of opposition from some Mormon constituents until finally his determination overruled pleas to forcibly remove the Indians from their lands.

Another important emphasis of the thesis is the personal interaction between Brigahm Young and …

The Pilgrimage Phenomenon: An Analysis Of The Motivations Of Visitors To Temple Square, Jill W. Knapp

Theses and Dissertations

Pilgrimage to sacred places of religious meaning has taken place since the early days of mankind. In the last few decades pilgrimage travel has experienced a world-wide boom due to modern means of transportation. Though pilgrimage is most commonly referred to in the context of the major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), there is some indication of pilgrimage-like travel among Mormons.

This thesis looks at Mormon pilgrimage behavior among Mormon visitors to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. The study undertaken has revealed considerable differences between Mormon and non-Mormon motivations, behavior and visiting patterns visitors to …