Digital Commons Network^™

"Merkabah Stratum" Of The Short Recension Of 2 Enoch, Andrei Orlov

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The understanding of the Jewish literary environment of Early Christianity is important for Biblical research. One of the major textual sources of that environment is the so-called Enochic literature -a number of documents which were composed from the second century B.C. to the second century A.D. in Jewish and Christian communities. These texts are mainly dedicated to apocalyptic descriptions of the heavenly journeys of Enoch ben Jared, a well known Biblical character. The language and ideas of the Enochic literature had a great influence on the New Testament and on early Christology.

The Theology Of Atonement Sacrifice In Leviticus 1, 4:1-6:7, And 16, Glenn Pemberton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The theology of Old Testament atonement sacrifice is foundational for both Judaism and Christianity. However, despite a consensus on its importance, the theology of atonement sacrifice remains elusive. Scholars differ significantly on the purpose, meaning, and object of atonement, as well as the modus operandi of atonement sacrifice. This study focuses on specific exegetical issues that arise from the primary sources for atonement sacrifice (Leviticus 1:1-17, 4:1-6:7, and 16:1-34) in an attempt to understand the theology of atonement sacrifice.

Fighting For Peaceful Fighting: A Teaching Ministry Moving Church Members From Suppressing To Managing Conflict, Randy Willingham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to develop a seminar that offers a conflictual church an alternative way of managing conflict. The project begins by identifying one church's major obstacles to conflict engagement. These identified obstacles are a rigid theology supporting unhealthy conflict patterns, a high level of anxiety concerning conflict, a lack of skill in addressing conflict because of adaptation to conflict suppression, and a variety of unhealthy habitual responses to conflict.

The Son Of Man In Recent Discussion, Patrick E. Spencer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Though various summaries of the Son of Man debate have been attempted in the past thirty years, a disparity of views remain. In particular, recent summaries fail to adumbrate specific areas of consensus and disagreement and provide possible directions for future discussion. Most scholars concur, nonetheless, that the current debate hinges on at least two matters: the use and interpretation of the philological evidence, and the existence or nonexistence of a pre-Christian, Jewish, messianic concept. Others would add a third hinge, arguing that the validation and use of exegetical criteria are connected intricately to recent discussion.

Rivers Of Faith: Nurturing Holistic Faith Among Adult Members Of The Higden Church Of Christ, Jimmy Sites

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to produce a model of instruction that enabled the nurturing of holistic faith among adult members of the Higden, Arkansas, Church of Christ. The project began with an analysis of the congregation by using a Congregational Profile Inventory. Problems identified included individualism, traditionalism, an indoctrination philosophy of education (disallowing doubt, questioning, and reason), a works/righteousness approach to faith, and a lack of transparency regarding personal struggles. Many adult members were depicted as living at the projected faith level of an early adolescent. The project continued by searching for a model of faith nurturing that …

Connections: Some Implications Of Informal Communication Networks For Congregational Nurture, David B. Jackson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An integral part of the dynamics of congregational development is the quest for deeper, maturer spiritual life. The biblical image of the church as a body conveys the "oughtness" of such progress, growth being the sure sign of the presence of life. A persistent question exists concerning the "how'' of promoting that search. The thesis of this project is that the discovery and diagramming of informal t communication networks within a church provides an effective avenue through which to nurture the spiritual life of the members. These naturally occurring links between congregants carry less resistance than do formal channels of …

"In The Name Of" Jesus: A Study Of The New Testament Phrase, Roger W. Kelcy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The prepositional phrase "in the name of" is applied to Jesus Christ in a variety of contexts on the pages of the New Testament. The phrase occurs several times with some verbs, and only once with others. The Greek form of the phrase varies among several different constructions.

This study attempts to uncover the meaning of this significant New Testament phrase, "in the name of" Jesus.