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Structuring A Youth-To-Youth Visitation Program, Marvin Bergman

Master of Divinity Thesis

This interest in youth evangelism is due to several factors. The number of unchurched youth in the United States is a factor. Though it is difficult to obtain reliable figures on the youth population, Ellis reports that the difference between the number of youth enrolled in church activities and the youth population of America amounts to 19,328,000 teen-agers. This means that three out of four young people are outside the church.

An Analysis Of The Theology Of The Merger Documents Between Lutherans And Reformed In The Sixteenth And Seventeenth Centuries, Walter Harms

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis will analyze the theology of the merger documents between Lutherans and Reformed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The analysis will consist in looking at the theology of these document• to discover what theology they contain, how the theology of one agrees with the theology of the others, and the purpose for which the documents• themselves propose this theology is to be used.

Luther's Theology Of The Holy Spirit In His Sermons Of John 14, 15, 16, Gerhard Galchutt

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this research is to participate in the denominational investigations with regard to specific theologies of the Spirit. Scientifically stated our. purpose is only to see what Luther himself says·about the Spirit and the Spirit's working.

The Doctrine Of Man In Genesis, Pyeng Seh Oh

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is, therefore, the fundamental teaching about man. in the Pre-Mosaic revelation that is dealt with in this thesis. This study will treat both individual man and a group of Men, viz., a society. It is plain from the previous explanation that this study is not limited by the traditional dogmatic division of Christian anthropology. It is a synthetic or systematic exegesis instead of the familiar consecutive exegesis, chapter by chapter, as presented in commentaries. This material will be collected under five cardinal themes on the doctrine of man in Genesis, with each theme displaying disparities and sim1larities or opinion …

Structuring A Youth-To-Youth Visitation Program, Marvin Bergman

Bachelor of Divinity

This interest in youth evangelism is due to several factors. The number of unchurched youth in the United States is a factor. Though it is difficult to obtain reliable figures on the youth population, Ellis reports that the difference between the number of youth enrolled in church activities and the youth population of America amounts to 19,328,000 teen-agers. This means that three out of four young people are outside the church.

The Parable Of The Unjust Manager In The Light Of Contemporary Economic Life, Erich Kiehl

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The solution to the problem of the parable of the Unjust Manager lies in determining the possible provisions in the contract of the landowner with his manager. If the manager's contract was similar to those common to our western experience, then the manager's final act was one of larceny. However, the parable was spoken by Jesus, an Oriental, to hearers who were also Orientals and who lived in an Oriental setting. The solution lies in trying to determine as carefully and as closely as possible what the contractual arrangements between landowner and manager of that day were.

The Concept Of Chastisement In The Book Of Hebrews, Carl Lutz Jr

Bachelor of Divinity

As a result of personal contact with several cases in which the purpose and nature of Christian suffering was misinterpreted by the individual, one is led to study the Bible very carefully in order to offer all of the hope and comfort which God has placed into this Holy Book for His faithful followers. The present study is so constructed as to lead a person to discover the many ways in which he might offer consolation and encouragement to a person who is suffering some form of chastisement from God, specifically employing the Epistle to the Hebrews to the given …

The Significance Of The Foot Washing In John 13:1-17, Robert F. Mayer

Bachelor of Divinity

The object in writing this thesis was to got down to the real meaning of the words and action of Jesus in the foot washing of His disciples. The problem was primarily whether Christ had given to His Church a sacred ordinance that He expected His followers to observe after His ascension, or whether we were really free from any obligation to a specific rite in connection with Christ's command in John 13:14 f. The problem is significant since there have been and still are large numbers of Christians that observe the custom of foot washing as a very sacred …

Chorale Texts And Tunes In Some Representative Present-Day Protestant Hymnals, Louis Nuechterlein

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis demonstrates the extent to which German Hymnody, from its beginnings to the mid-eighteenth century, forms a part of the hymnic worship material used in the Protestant churches of today. Twelve representative present-day hymnals were examined to enumerate the texts as well as the tunes from the German tradition which were to be found in them.

Lutheran Free Conferences In America From 1856 To 1866, Edward L. Schneider

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this study is to shed some light on the confessional experiences within the bodies which finally took part in the Lutheran Free Conferences in America in the decade beginning in 1856. The study has been carried on with the intent of determining to what extent doctrines formulated the climate of friendliness between confessional bodies.

A Christian Answer To Marcion Of Pontus By Tertullian And Irenaeus, Carl Willard Beuschlein

Bachelor of Divinity

The scope of the Church’s answer covers the whole field of theological thought. But because there are no existing sources of Marcion’s theology, except those contained in the answers of Christian writers, and, because even these writers have been selective, the scope of this study was necessarily limited to the basic problems of God, Scriptures, Christology, and Eschatology. The thesis of this study was that the Church, through Tertullian and Irenaeus, had answered Marcion’s attack thoroughly and decisively for the edification of the Church of Christ. For the purpose or proving this thesis, this study presents a brief outline of …

A Historical And Political Study Of Antipater, The Idumean, Who Established A Political Dynasty In Palestine, Neil R. Schmidt

Bachelor of Divinity

Historically, there is little doubt that Antipater was a political giant. Even the limited account or his life reveals the shrewdness and native talents of this Idumean. Yet he was and is neglected. Perhaps the reason rests in the shortness or his actual reign as ruler. Perhaps he is forgotten due to the fact that he was never actually crowned as king. But the purpose of this paper was not to answer the "why,” but rather to establish the historical fact that Antipater was truly an important figure in the history between the testaments, and that he really did influence …

The Terminology Of The Ark Of The Covenant, Kenneth K. Miller

Bachelor of Divinity

The problem under investigation is not a single problem, but multiple. It deals with the terminology connected with the Ark of the Covenant. There are some important technical terms that are either directly or indirectly connected with the Ark. During the course of Old Testament research in the last century these terms and the Ark itself have, for various reasons, acquired a great many connotations. The Ark has been explained as a fetish-box that contained a meteorite or a piece of stone from Mount Sinai, as a divine throne, as a container for sacred divination-stones, as a shrine of the …

John 20:16-17: The Ascenison Of Christ As The Prerequisite Of His Abiding Presence, Lowell Lubben

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper proposes to investigate the appearance of Christ after His resurrection to Mary Magdalene, as it is recorded in the twentieth chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, verses 1 through 18. Attention is directed primarily and specifically to verses 16 and 17, which refer to Mary’s being prohibited to "touch" Christ and to the reason given for this prohibition, namely, that Christ had "not yet ascended."

The Organization Of The Ministry In The First Century Of The Church, Charles Russell Whittington

Bachelor of Divinity

In order that the Church might know the possibilities, it is good to delve into the past and examine the methods of the Church which have been used through the centuries. A critical examination of the various organizations or the Church in history will result in ideas which may bear fruit in application to the situation of the Church in the modern world.

It is with a view to initiating such a study that I offer this investigation of the organization of the ministry in the New Testament and in the earliest of the Church Fathers. Unfortunately, the period allowed …

The Ocassion And The Purpose Of The Escahatological Proclamation Of The Thessalonians Epistles Of Paul, Robert Joel Riedel

Bachelor of Divinity

The special concern of this study, however, is the problems of eschatology which had arisen. They receive considerable prominence and are discussed in some detail. It seems that there were false ideas concerning the doctrine of the Second Coming prevalent in the congregation, and Paul wishes not only to counteract these ideas, but also to emphasize the final importance of this doctrine.

The Sermon On The Mount As A Part Of Jesus' Call To Repentance, James J. Johnson

Bachelor of Divinity

A cursory glance at various expositions of the Sermon on the Mount, will show that there are as many interpretations of the Sermon as there are interpreters. Some men feel that the Sermon on the Mount is a list of practical rules for daily living which can easily be carried out by all right-thinking men. Still others have held that the Sermon is not meant for all Christians, but only for a few-those who went to maintain a more perfect station in life. Some have maintained that the Sermon is all Law; others see in it many elements of Gospel. …

The Meaningfulness Of Theological Language, Hillman Fischer

Bachelor of Divinity

One of the most prominent Logical Positivists is Alfred Jules Ayer. He is avowedly in closest agreement with the Logical Positivists who compose the “Viennese Circle” under the leadership of Mortiz Schlick, owing most to Rudolf Carnap. His book, “Language, Truth and Logic” has attained classic status as a representative of logical positivist thought. We shall investigate Ayer’s criticism of theological language.

The Mystery Religions And Christianity In The Roman Empire Of The First Three Centuries A. D., John B. Koch

Bachelor of Divinity

The writer will endeavour to show by the presentation of pertinent material that it does seem probable that the Mystery religions did affect certain areas of Christian practice, but that in the final analysts there is insufficient evidence to prove this effect in any given area with any great degree of certainty.

Concept Of Personal Freedom In Berdyaev, David J. Klumpp

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper will attempt to describe Berdyaev’s thinking on the subject of personal freedom. No attempt will be made to criticize or evaluate his thinking by either the criteria of philosophy or theology although instances in which he takes issue or attacks Orthodox Christianity will be noted. In presenting Berdyavev’s concept of personal freedom an attempt will be made to remain within the framework of his thought as it is available in his English writings.

Holy Ordination And The Call In The First Hundred Years Of Lutheranism And In The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, Walter C. Kalbhen

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis is primarily a historical, not a systematic study. The contents will attempt to give basic concepts and beliefs of the doctrines and practices as they have appeared in the Lutheran Church from the time of the Reformation.

An Investigation Of The Hermeneutical Principles Reflected In The De Iustificatione (Article Iv) Of The Apology In Its Interpretation, Use And Application Of Holy Scripture, Randell Tonn

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this investigation is to answer the question, "What are the hermeneutical principles employed by Philipp Melanchthon in his interpretation of the Holy Scriptures as these principles are reflected in the Fourth Article of the Apology to the Augsburg Confession? "Incidental to this primary question three secondary questions have suggested themselves: 1) How do Melanchthon's hermeneutical principles relate themselves to his theology? 2) How do Melanchthon's hermeneutical principles relate themselves to Patristic and Medieval hermeneutics? 3) How do Melanchthon's hermeneutical principles relate themselves to modern hermeneutics, specifically, modern Lutheran hermeneutics?

St. Augutine--Sacrifice In Eucharist And Life, John Meether

Bachelor of Divinity

The amount of material produced by Augustine is very great, and an examination of all of it is beyond the scope of this work. The polemical writings will not be considered at all. Of the other works, the “City of God” will be the basic work used in the thesis with considerable dependence upon his sermons and commentary on the Psalms. Other nonpolemical writings were used where they were relevant to the thesis.

Man's Attitude, By Nature, To Christ As Articulated In The Fourth Gospel, David Ralph Krampitz

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this investigation is to determine, on the basis of the Gospel according to St. John, how man, by nature, reacts to Christ. This issue is by no means merely academic. Christ's testimony concerning His Gospel conflicts with at least two situations which exist in our "Christianized" society. For one thing, our Lord told His disciples that the world would hate and persecute them because of His Gospel. Yet, in America today, "Christianity" receives the approval of the majority of people. In the second place, Christ informed His disciples that He had chosen them, not vice versa. The …

The Effect Of Luther’S Philosophy Of History On His Writings About Social And Governmental Issues With Special Reference To Some Recent Missouri Synod Interpretation, E Fred Vonderlage

Bachelor of Divinity

In this thesis the main concern is with reference to Luther's treatises on social issues, political issues or whatever one may call them. Actually the influences of this brand of scholarship run much deeper than the reinterpretation of Luther, and they must be explored briefly to apply them to Luther also.

An Intergrating Theology Of Parish Administration, Michael Keyne

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the task of the Church, the role of the ministry, and their interacting functions. The first step is to determine the nature and function of the Church. The conclusion is reached that the Church is the body of Christ. By means of the Holy Ghost's work, its task is to build itself in the faith and to expand its outreach. To carry out this dual task, the Church uses its God given implements, the gifts of the Spirit.

Prolegomena In Pieper And Aulen- A Comparison, Kurt E. Marquart

Bachelor of Divinity

Comparing Pieper and Aulen involves (1) an exposition of both positions, and (2) a juxtaposition of the two in a way which will actually exhibit their mutual relations. Whatever is relevant, to the understanding of either position In terms of thesis or antithesis is relevant to the thesis. Since this involves practically limitless source-material, a rigorous selectivity had to be exercised. Naturally this involves the element of judgment on the writer’s part, since he must select what seems particularly relevant and reject what does not. This thesis does not pretend to be anything like an exhaustive treatment. It attempts merely …

Life After Death According To The Old Testament, Merrill Kluhsman

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this study is to determine, as nearly as possible, precisely, what the canonical books or the Old Testament say about life after death.

A Survey Of Past And Present Principles Of Dealing With Desertion In The Four Major Non-Lutheran Protestant Church Bodies In America, Howard R. Klenz

Bachelor of Divinity

The question then arose as to what church bodies have said in an official way to guide and direct their ministers in handling each individual case on its own grounds . This then became the center of attention for this thesis.

To limit the scope of the thesis, concern was narrowed to the principles of treatment as found in the recognized confessions and creeds of the four major, non-Lutheran, Protestant denominations in America.

The Conflict Between Walther And Lohe In The Area Of Ecclesiology, William J. Schmedler

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis is limited to the controversy that existed between Walther and Loehe and thus excludes, except where necessary, any discussion of the controversies which either of these men had with other theologians.

In the same manner a complete discussion of the ecclesiology of either of the participants could not be given. Such a task, for either Walther or Loehe, would constitute a complete study in its own right. This study merely attempts to summarize the ecclesiological thinking of both men to give the reader the necessary information for an understanding of the controversy.