Digital Commons Network^™

Life In The Spirit: A Post-Constantinian And Trinitarian Account Of The Christian Life, Andrea Snavely

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Snavely, Andrea D. "Life in the Spirit: A Post-Constantinian and Trinitarian Account of the Christian Life." Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2013. 235 pp.

Post-Constantinians John Howard Yoder and Stanley Hauerwas have re-imagined the Christian as a follower of Jesus, critiquing natural theology's dominance that eclipses seeing Jesus' life as the "content" of a Christian's life. However, they lack an answer to the "energy” question, of how one lives like Jesus, because their theologies are based on Logos-Christology. This dissertation proposes that a complementary Spirit-Christology provides the answer to the “energy" question by describing Jesus' life as receiver, bearer, and giver …

Christian Navy Chaplains And The Challenge Of Expanding Religious Pluralism, Timothy Oswald

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Oswald, Timothy J. “Christian Navy Chaplains and the Challenge of Expanding Religious Pluralism.” D.Min. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary – St. Louis. 2013. 245 pp.

Navy chaplains are expected to facilitate for the religious needs of those from other faiths. For chaplains who believe in the exclusivity of the Christian religion, this can create theological and even personal tensions about support for religious practices which the chaplain believes to be false.

This project explores those tensions and proposes ways to help exclusivist Navy chaplains navigate them. The final ministry product is a Power Point® brief. It draws from bibliographic research, …

A Virtue Ethic For The Twenty-First Century Warrior: Teaching Natural Law Through The Declaration Of Independence And The Gettsyburg Address, Ryan Rupe

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

It is to those who do not believe in natural law that this project was targeted. The goal of my training was to get into the hearts of amoral men and women and, through the use of two valuable historical documents, help them to begin to synthesize these truths and, as a result, be better citizens. All five services have at least three core values that they want each of their members to know. While the emphasis may be a bit different with each branch they all share one: ethical integrity. They may label it as simply “integrity” or “honor,” …

The Descent Of Darwin—A Theological Understanding Of Charles Darwin, David Kummer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In the process of seeking to understand Charles Darwin and his ideas that have come to dominate much of the modern/postmodern, western worldview, it is essential to elucidate the historical context in which both are developed is essential to elucidate. This approach asserts a reciprocity between Darwin the man (son, explorer, naturalist, husband, father, controversialist)and his ideas that not only derive from his life experiences but also contribute to them. An obvious place to start in this regard is the relationship he has with his mother. Although seemingly Freudian in tone, the purpose for this analysis does not include a …

The Spirit Of God And The Salvation Of Israel-Recovery Of An Economic View Of The Trinity, Gayle Wilson

Master of Art Theology Thesis

In this thesis, I will survey the story of the Spirit of God in the pages of the Old Testament, in the salvation of God's people in their creation, their sustenance and their preservation until the gift of the promised Spirit-bearer, Jesus of Nazareth, i.e., an economic Spirit. We will examine the Hebrew word for Spirit, ruach, and will see how a concept which represents wind and breath is actually very substantive in meaning. I will briefly survey metaphors and symbols used of the Spirit to deepen our perception of the Spirit. We will see how the Spirit was active …

Receiver, Bearer, And Giver Of God's Spirit-Jesus' Life And Mission In The Spirit As A Ground For Understanding Christology, Trinity, And Proclamation, Leopoldo Sanchez

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

In this project, I assess the usefulness of a Spirit-christology for reflection on Jesus’ perennial question, "But who do you say that I am?" (Mt. 16:15), and its implications for christology itself, trinitarian theology, and the proclamation of Jesus' story.1 I argue that reading the life and mission of Jesus as receiver, bearer, and giver of God's Spirit—i.e., a"Spirit-christology"2 —invigorates and complements classic Logos-oriented approaches to christology, Trinity, and proclamation.

Like many proposals in systematic theology, mine has both critical and constructive tasks. Critically, I investigate some reasons for the partial eclipse of the place of the Holy Spirit in …

Witness And Worship In Pluralistic America, John F. Johnson, Joel Okamoto, Charles Arand, David Adams, Richard Warneck, Andrew H. Bartelt, Paul Raabe, William Schumacher, Paul Robinson, James Voelz, Robert Kolb

Ebooks

American society in the twenty- first century poses a myriad of challenges for the church as it seeks to be an effective witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Among these challenges is an increasingly pluralistic cultural and religious context.

O Come Our Wisdom From On High- An Introduction Into Wisdom Christology, Ralph Shorey

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The purpose of this paper is not to tackle directly all the varying presuppositions held by Feminists in connection with Sophia Christology. Paul Wenz, in the Thanksgiving, 1994 issue of Concordia Student Journal has written an excellent article concerning this point.' Instead, this paper will deal with the following: (1) The general meaning of "wisdom" as it is commonly understood in Scripture, (2) an analytical study of Proverbs 8:22-35 in order to see how Scripture has appropriated the name of Wisdom to Christ, and (3) a brief survey of Early Church History up to the Nicene Creed of 325 A.D. …

Mystical Aspects Of Pentecostal-Charismatic Soteriology, James Breckenridge

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Statement of the Problem

Pentecostal historian Vinson Synan estimates that Pentecostals now comprise the largest family of Protestants in the world. Drawing from the World Christian Encyclopedia) he concludes that Pentecostalism now claims a total of 51,167,000 adherents, not including an additional11,000,000 independent charismatics. This places the Pentecostal/Independent Charismatic movement significantly ahead of classical groups such as the Anglicans (49,804,000adherents), Baptists (47,550,000) and Lutherans (43,460,-This figure grows even larger when the "Third-Wave “phenomenon is included. This term, used by Pentecostals and Charismatics to identify members of traditional evangelical churches who have begun to practice charismatic gifts and worship, indicates a …

A Study (Reading) Guide For Dr. Francis Pieper's Christian Dogmatics Iii, Won Yong Ji, Craig Lutz

Dr. Francis Pieper's Christian Dogmatics Study Guide

This list is intended to be a 'study guide' for students. They don't have to use it. They may develop their own method. The important thing is to learn the book well.

A Study (Reading) Guide For Dr. Francis Pieper's Christian Dogmatics Ii, Won Yong Ji, Craig Lutz

Dr. Francis Pieper's Christian Dogmatics Study Guide

Christian Dogmatics Volume II provides a twofold entree to ready us for the imminent theological banquet. Read the "Foreword" by John Theodore Mueller (1885-1967).

A Study (Reading) Guide For Dr. Francis Pieper's Christian Dogmatics I, Won Yong Ji, Craig Lutz

Dr. Francis Pieper's Christian Dogmatics Study Guide

This is merely intended to be a "Study-Guide." Students are not required to use it; in fact, they are encouraged to employ their own method of study The important thing, however, is that they study seriously the Christian doctrine presented by Dr. Pieper.

An Examination And Evaluation Of A. H. Strong's Doctrine Of Holy Scripture, Myron Houghton

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

One of the reasons for writing this dissertation was to provide a written document that would correct the major defects in Strong's doctrine of Holy Scripture from a perspective that accepts the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. But in the process of doing research and writing, major problems were discovered in many areas of Strong’s theology. An attempt has been made in this dissertation to point out these problems and to offer suggestions as to how they might be corrected, although it is beyond the scope of this study to explore these problems and/or their solutions in great …

Samuel Simon Schmucker's Fraternal Appeal And The Reaction By The General Synod To 1850, Chris Wicher

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the General Synod's reaction to the "Fraternal Appeal." The General Synod itself was a structurally complex and a highly intergrated church body. Because it is in constant flux it is difficult, if not impossible, to analyze the General Synod's theological position with precise accuracy. At best it can be assumed that from 1820 to 1850 the General Synod was commiting itself anew to the Lutheran Confessions and reevaluating its ecumenical position.

The Mediation Of The Spirit Through The Word: A Critical Analysis Of The Theology Of Theodore Jungkuntz In The Light Of The Lutheran Confessions, Timothy Maschke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

A critical analysis of any theology can be presumptuous at worst; unnecessary at best. This study was undertaken a number of years ago as the writer struggled to determine the critical area where the charismatic movement touches Lutheran theology most sensitively. To start with a premise that the Lutheran charismatic movement is heretical (as a few writers have assumed) did not seem scholarly or fair. To impose Lutheran terminology on charismatic and nee-Pentecostal concepts seemed equally unsound. After observing the growing pains of the Lutheran charismatic movement, the writer became aware that a study of one area--the mediation of the …

The Bahai Faith- A Theological Analysis Of A World Religion, Mark Mueller

Master of Divinity Thesis

What, then, is a Bahai? Bahai is a person who accepts Baha'u'llah as his Lord, knows his teachings and obeys his precepts; the Bahai religion is the religion of Baha.

Critical Methodology And The Lutheran Symbols' Treatment Of The Genesis Creation Accounts, Horace D. Hummel

Concordia Theological Monthly

We must begin by specifying what lexicon we are using. What “critical methodology” in the first place? "Critical" is, no doubt, the usual shorthand for what is commonly labelled "the historical-critical method."

The Development Of Pentecostalism Out Of Revivalism In America: A Reaction Against The Established Churches, Paul F. Hutchinson

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Because the writer has been personally involved with neo-Pentecostals in the charismatic movement, this thesis was undertaken in an attempt to understand that movement in terms of its history. Such history cannot yet be written. At the same time, traditional Pentecostalism has had a strong influence on the charismatic movement. Apart from the fact that the charismatic movement is much less institutionalized than the older Pentecostalism, there is no essential normative difference between the two. A thorough understanding of the latter contributes material to an understanding of the former.

The Christology Of Martin Luther King, Jr., Kenneth Joseph Stumpf

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis will examine whether King personally followed that challenge in his thought as well as deed and it will do so by centering the analysis on his understanding of the Christian faith's cornerstone-Jesus Christ. The study will commence by sketching the ecclesiastical and geographical background from which King emerged. Next will be a survey of the major intellectual influences upon his theological positions and personal faith. Only after this extensive but essential prologue will the thesis address itself directly to its chief task of analyzing his Christology with sections on the theistic nature of God, the incarnation of God …

The Word And The Confessions In The Lutheran Church In America Confession Of Faith Of 1962 - A Historical Approach, Thomas Roy Mccrone

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the purpose of this study to examine this last point, the Lutheran Church in America's position on the Word and the Confessions, as this is established in its "Confession of Faith" of 1962. Such an examination, however, poses certain difficulties because of the merger and consensus nature of the Lutheran Church in America. The "Confession of Faith" was not drafted in a theological and historical vacuum. Behind it stand several major theological controversies and almost one hundred and fifty years of doctrinal development within the Muhlenberg strain of American Lutheranism, and shorter but no less important developments within …

The Christian-Marxist Dialog: Spurious Or Authentic?, Ralph L. Moellering

Concordia Theological Monthly

The author offers a descriptive analysis of the Marxist-Christian encounter to date, raising the question whether or not the stage has been set for authentic dialog to occur.

Companions Of The Augustana, E. George Pearce

Concordia Theological Monthly

How many of us Lutherans have wished at one time or another that our church might be called by another name? As an introductory thought, I should like you to consider the title of this essay, "Companions of the Augustana," as a possible alternative.

Dr. Adolph A. Brux And Prayer Fellowship In The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, John Marschhausen

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this paper is to explore the case of Dr.Adolph A. Brux and his relations with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod on the subject of prayer fellowship, and in doing that to discover what effect, if any, the work of Dr.Brux had upon the Missouri Synod. F. Dean Lueking, in his book, Mission in the Making, terms the period between 1920and 1940 "The Struggle for Vision" within Missouri. It is in this period that the case between Dr. Brux and the Missouri Synod took place, and it is during this time that one can begin to see the shift …

The American Military Chaplaincy And Its Relationship To The Issue Of Church And State, Kenneth W. Henschel

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The relationship of church and state in the United States is still a live issue today. The tension which exists within this relationship was again brought to public attention through the recent hearings of the cases before the United States Supreme Court regarding Bible reading and prayer in the public schools. A television special on churches and taxation also raised anew an issue which is increasing in tension. In addition, a prime focus of this tension has been centered in the discussion of the church's role over against the Vietnam War.

One particular facet of the debate on the relationship …

Brief Studies, Erwin L. Lueker

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Religious Situation 1969

The Movement Toward Religious Liberty: An Examination Of The Factors Responsible For The First Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States, William Grese

Bachelor of Divinity

This is the context in which this research paper is written though its goal is much more modest. We do not hope to settle the question of the intent of our founding fathers. But we want to try to determine whether the churches were at all involved in this movement toward religious freedom. Were they in favor of a separation between church and state, or did they only seek to end preference? Or were they not involved at all? At the same time, we also want to examine the various factors responsible for the first amendment and to see what …

Theses On Ecumenical Truth And Heresy, John George Huber

Concordia Theological Monthly

Out of love and zeal for both truth and unity, the following theses are presented to my beloved colleagues in the Southern California District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as a constructive contribution to the current debate on altar and pulpit fellowship. They do not represent an official policy, but are only a personal, unofficial opinion offered for exploratory discussion. They reflect the "hernial stance" of one who lives in the tension of obedience to Jesus Christ while simultaneously remaining a responsible member of a changing synod and a changing world.

The Significance Of The Dogma Concerning Christ As Defined By The Council Of Chalcedon, Herbert J. Bouman

Concordia Theological Monthly

Jesus asked His disciples at Caesarea Philippi: "What do the people say about who I am? What do you say?" (cf. Matt.16:13-16). Jesus asked His enemies: "What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?" (Matt.22:42). The people, in turn, in perplexity and resentment asked Jesus: "Who do you claim to be?" (John 8:53). And when Saul of Tarsus was struck down near the city of Damascus and was confronted by the risen Lord, Saul's first question was: "Who are you, Lord?" (Acts 9:5)

The Plight Of Man: A Study In Contemporary Preaching, Lary Misner

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study comprises an examination of sermonic material for clues to the plight of man. Initially the research involves an assessment of the signs of man's plight and places these signs into significant categories of man's existence. After locating and classifying the plight of man, the analysis shifts to the meaning of the plight of man in all of the plight's dimensions. After summarizing various aspects of man's plight and its meaning, the analysis moves to detect the implications of plight and meaning for man and for the preaching task. Finally, several areas for further study are suggested on the …

The Method Of Testing Audience Reactions To Religious Television Programs, Ronald Lind

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the purpose of this study then to demonstrate a method of program evaluation by testing with live audiences; to show that it can be valuable to the religious telecaster, and that it deserves his serious consideration.