Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Theology Of The Laity: The Lutheran Way, Brian M. Mosemann

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

The distinction between the laity and clergy has been a contributing cause of disunity within the church because the clergy and laity are often pitted against one another with one or the other being elevated to the detriment of the other. This problem has plagued the church from the middle ages until the present day. Since the definition of the term “laity” is vacuous, the laity are generally defined relative to the clergy, specifically in reference to their authority and duties. This results in a negative definition when the laity are defined as the opposite of the clergy. The laity …

We Are All Eve: Rescuing The Mother Of All Things From Patriarchal Interpretation And Its Implications For Modern Christian Women, Maeve Pioli

Senior Theses

For centuries, the traditional Christian understanding of the Genesis narrative has relied heavily on the patriarchal biases of historic church figures to enforce a gendered hierarchy where women are deprived of authority, voice, and agency. My thesis deconstructs these misogynistic interpretations to provide liberating, alternative readings for the Garden of Eden as well as New Testament verses that utilize Eve’s transgression to justify women’s secondary status. As a former Christian, I have witnessed the persistence of this oppressive theology, often repackaged as a “complementary” relationship between sexes where women must dutifully submit to the headship of men. Therefore, by building …

Prayerbook Of Christ, Prayerbook Of The Church: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’S Christological Interpretation Of The Psalms, Brad Pribbenow

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Pribbenow, Brad A. “Prayerbook of Christ, Prayerbook of the Church: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christological Interpretation of the Psalms.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2017. 260pp.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945), German Lutheran theologian and pastor, is known as an ethicist, church reformer, political resistor, seminary professor, and martyr. Yet overlooked by many scholars is his contribution to the history of interpretation of the Psalms. Bonhoeffer’s interpretive approach toward the Psalms, which shares many characteristics of pre-critical exegesis, is built on a two-pronged hermeneutic emphasizing the relationship of the Psalms to prayer and to Jesus Christ the Crucified One. The distinguishing mark of his unique …

Intersexion, Cynthia Davis

English Theses & Dissertations

A combination of memoir, reportage, and opinion writing, Intersexion explores the realities of growing up intersex while also examining the conservative mindset that caused the narrator—a happily married suburban mother—to lose a tenure-track position at a Christian university for being unwilling to label Danny’s intersex condition as “repugnant” and “offensive to God.”

Reclaiming And Reconciling What Was Originally Ours--Christianity And Feminism: A Concise History, Soquel Filice

History

No abstract provided.

Rhetorical Rationale For The Compositional Integrity Of Second Corinthians, Mark Erickson

Master of Art Theology Thesis

The contention of this thesis, then, is: The Apostle Paul’s apparent use of ancient Greco-Roman rhetorical conventions in 2 Corinthians gives evidence of its compositional integrity and adequately accounts for the apparent partitions which, to some scholars, reveal the existence of multiple documents.

Gay Christians: Living Out Faith In The Light Of Exegesis And Experience, Megan Baxter

Senior Theses and Projects

A study of God’s will towards gay sex within loving and committed gay unions based on exegetical scholarship and the lived experienced of gay Christians. Over 350 gay Christians were surveyed for this work, and their experiences are reflected in the conclusions of this paper. This work also investigated the relevant Biblical texts, paying close attention to the use of language and historical critical aspects of exegesis.

The Moral Visions Of The Epistle Of James And Zhongyong, Stephen Oliver

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

This dissertation is a cross-textual study, designed to compare the moral visions of the Epistle of James and Zhongyong. The Epistle of James is a book of the Christian New Testament. Zhongyong is one of the Four Books of Confucianism.

This introductory chapter will present the relevance and method of this study. First, the ongoing relevance of the present topic will be introduced in the section entitled China and Christianity. This section notes the impact of Christianity on China, the Chinese impact upon Christianity, and the consequent importance of investigating Chinese thought in order to understand Chinese interaction with Christianity. …

The Usage Of A Κατ Ω Formula In The Book Of Revelation, Shiu Ming Lau

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

In this paper I will first describe the background and usage of the "Alpha and Omega" formula. Next, I will evaluate all these possibilities. Finally, I will explain the meaning and significance of this formula in the Book of Revelation.

James 1:25 And 2:12: The Perfect Law Of Liberty And The Perfect Liberty Of The Christian, Paul Alliet

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

"The perfect law of liberty" is an expression which sounds strange. Even in secular use, a law is more often seen as a restriction of liberty than a guarantee of it, and theologically the problem seems as great if not greater.1This study is based on the belief that if James is allowed to speak on his own terms, he speaks as one who not only found the Law compatible with Christian liberty, but an essential part of it. This is particularly the case since St. James was one of the four half-brothers of our Lord mentioned in Matthew 13:55 and …

The Chrisitian Day Of Worship Gatherings- Its New Testament Practice And Theological Basis, David Fielding

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This paper presents an antidote to sabbatarianism, namely the New Testament teaching of Christ as the fulfillment of the sabbath. A corollary to this idea is the matter of Christian freedom regarding the day for worship. The principle of Christian liberty in such matters is neglected by legalistic sabbatarians. It needs to be said that Christ did not directly abolish the sabbath. He fulfilled it. Observance of a particular day is not satisfactory in the Christiane era, as this study demonstrates.

The "I" In The Storm: Paul's Use Of The First Person Singular In Romans 7, Michael Middendorf

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The purpose here is not merely "to spill more ink.” Rather, it is to address approaches to and facets of these issues which have not yet been adequately considered or appreciated. This thesis proposes to answer the questions surrounding the identity, the spiritual condition, and the purpose of the "I" in Romans 7. It will arrive at its conclusions by means of an exegetical study of Romans 7, through an analysis of Paul's use of the first person singular in his letters, and on the basis of Pauline theology as a whole.

In order to provide the necessary background for …

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.

An Investigation Of Contemporary Feminist Arguments On Paul's Teaching On The Role Of Women In The Church, Hershel House Wayne

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

As may be readily seen, mass confusion pervades this problem. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the various approaches interpreters have used to understand the apostle Paul's teaching on the role of women in the church and to offer alternative ways to view the Pauline texts. Not only will I interact with the feminists on their specific perspectives of the pertinent Pauline texts, but I will examine the hermeneutical presuppositions of these writers and also attempt to discern their perspective of Scripture and how that affects the exegetical fruit they produce.

A Study Of Recent Research On The Concept Of Holy War In The Old Testament, Brian Truog

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The main purpose of this thesis is to gain a general overview of recent scholarship in the area of Holy War in the Old Testament. Holy War is a "problem" for the Christian for at least two reasons. First, the concept of holy War in the Old Testament is often a major point used in stressing the discontinuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Contrasts are set up between the Old Testament as a book of Law and the New Testament as a book of Gospel. The Old Testament is seen as containing a primitive form of religion …

The Gift Of Prophecy In The New Testament, Kevin Popp

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this study is not to provide a thorough treatment of all spiritual gifts, but to concentrate on one such gift and trace it through the entire witness of Scripture. It is hoped that this method will contribute to the overall understanding of spiritual gifts and provide a basis for continuing study.

The Relationship Between The Holy Spirit And Baptism In The New Testament, Paul Peckman

Master of Divinity Thesis

Although a thorough critique of Dunn's position cannot be attempted here, this paper will attempt to defend the opposite contention, namely that the Holy Spirit and Baptism are uniquely, indissolubly, and necessarily connected in the New Testament. Lampe's comments in regard to the Pauline evidence is cogent at this point: "Pauline thought affords no ground whatever for the modern theories which seek to effect a separation in the one action and to distinguish a 'Spirit-Baptism' and a 'water-Baptism,' not as the inward and outward parts of one sacrament, but as independent entitities."

A Study Of The Hermeneutical Principles Involved In The Interpretation And Use Of Psalm 22 In Biblical And Extra-Biblical Sources, Harvey Donald Lange

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study seeks to answer the specific question: what principle or principles of interpretation--philological, historical, theological--guide ancient interpreters as they used Psalm 22? The writer does not propose to discuss in depth the theology of any particular writing except to indicate its significance for the question of hermeneutics. There will be no extensive exegesis of every passage which either quotes or alludes to Psalm 22. A complete exegesis of Psalm 22 will not even be undertaken except on those points which seem most pertinent to the objective of this dissertation. This study will consider the nature of midrash and its …

Community Discipline: Saint Paul And Qumran: An Exegetical Study Of Paul's Principles Of Church Discipline Based On An Investigation Of Qumran And Such Pauline Materials As Relate To First Corinthians 5:1-5, Harold Louis Kitzmann

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Discipline problems arose early in the church. A case of flagrant immorality at Corinth prompted Pau1 to counsel the congregation there to meet in solemn assembly and to “excommunicate” the offender. The purpose of this study is to examine the subject of discipline as treated in Paul’s letters, particularly the instance related in 1 Cor. 5:1-5, against the background of Qumran. It is an attempt to establish the New Testament principles governing the church in its internal relations as the fellowship or community of God's "called out people" as compared with practices described in the Dead Sea Scrolls. On the …

The Authenticity Of The Seven Words From The Cross, John Junke

Bachelor of Divinity

In this paper I intend to give a critical analysis of the "Seven Words" which Christ spoke while on the cross. I will attempt through research chiefly to challenge or support the authenticity of each “Word" (hereafter the term "Word" will be used without quotation marks. When it is capitalized, it refers to one of the utterances which Christ made while on the cross. In some cases it will actually refer to only one word, as in John 19:30. In other cases it will refer to more than one word, as in Matthew 27:46.).

Henotẽs:Pauls Term For Christian Unityin Ephesians 4:3 And 4:13, John Edward Helmke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

We believe that in this light the almost casual treatment that henotẽs has received is a distressing situation, commanding our attention and challenging our best efforts. The purpose of this study paper is to help the church continue in its mission to the world by- seeking to better understand that mission in the light of henotẽs.

The Covenant Comes Of Age: A Study Of Jeremiah 31:31-34, Thomas Decker

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper purposes to determine the historical and theological context into which Jeremiah introduced the concept of the new covenant found only in Jeremiah 31131-34. The Old Testament was acquainted with many covenants at various times; each held a place of importance with subsequent generations in understanding the relationship of Israel to the Kingdom of God. Integral to the thought of this paper is the question, “How was this once-mentioned new covenant of Jeremiah understood by God's people?" The scope of the problem spans the history of the Old Testament and the Christian Church. But this paper limits itself to …

The Revelation Of God In The Revelation To St John, Williard Mueller

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The question to which this present paper addresses itself is that concerning the nature of revelation as this is reflected in the Revelation to John. It asks whether God's revelation in that writing is of Himself or of facts concerning Himself; what the source of the revelation is and in what manner it takes place; and whether revelation is an event of the past, the present, or the future. The Apocalypse is examined first to determine if its message can be clearly enough understood today to provide evidence for this investigation. The investigation then turns to the language describing revelation …

The Christian Under Grace, According To Romans 6:1-14, Walter Maier

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis proposes to discuss one of the basic New Testament passages dealing with baptism and its significance for baptized believers, Romans 6:1-14. In this section the Apostle Paul speaks of one of the mighty, saving effects of the sacrament, the fact that it establishes spiritual union of the baptized with Christ. This is sometimes referred to as the "mystical union" of the believer and his Lord. Because of the union with Jesus, the child of God participates spiritually in Christ's crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and continuing life. As a result, the Christian is a new creation in Christ and, …

Paul's Source And Use Of Tradition As Reflected In His Writings To The Corinthians, Paul Andrews

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The present study seeks to explore the question whether an adapted form of the Jewish concept of tradition constituted a significant part of Paul's work as a Christian apostle in the congregation at Corinth.

’Ασχληιό ΕωτήΡ, ’ΙησοῠΣ ΕωτήΡ, Donald Tanner

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper deals with the Healer Asklepios of Golden Age Greece and the healing miracles preserved in the early Christian Gospel. This present study was motivated by a preliminary exegetical consideration of the healing of the blind man in John 9:1-12. At the time of that initial, study in May, 1964, the author became interested in parallels to this pericope in the healings of Asklepios. Thought was given to the possibility that the writer of the Gospel of John composed his record with the healings of Asklepios in mind, and that certain emphases in the Gospel, traditions concerning the Healer …

Developing A Ministry On Mission Fields In The Light Of The New Testament Concepts Of Church And Ministry, Maynard Dorow

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study concerns the ministry of the church. To phrase the question in this way already demonstrates that ministry cannot be understood by itself but that it is to be studied in the context of the church. When we look at ministry in the New Testament we find that it is always involved with serving the purposes of the church. In this chapter, therefore, we will set forth in brief outline the concept of the church as presented in the New Testament in order that our study of ministry might be seen in proper perspective.

He Who Came By Water And By Blood - A Summary And Critique Of The Majo Interpretations Of 1 John 5:6, F Peter Brinkman

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It has been said that 1 John 5:6 is "the most perplexing passage in the Epistle and one of the most perplexing in the New Testament." It is perplexing, if for no other reason, for the variety of interpretations that have been offered. This variety, in turn, hinges on many factors beyond the text itself.

The Doctrine Of Christian Cross-Bearing In The New Testament, Carl Lutz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

He suffers, he witnesses suffering all around him, and yet he is at a loss to define it. In church he hears a definition, but in daily life the Christian's “cross” does not seem to be any different from the afflictions experienced by the godless. The purpose of this study shall be to attempt to clarify the situation and as far as possible to define the limits and contents of the Christian's "cross."

The Biblical Teaching Of The Visio Dei- A General Overview Of Its Scope And Its Implications For The Christian, Richard William Baldes

Bachelor of Divinity

While Greek and similar systems oftheo1ogy are fascinating, we want to examine briefly some that were a bit more connected and invo1ved with Christianity, and note their stress or lack of stress on the visio Dei. These will not necessarily be contemporary with New Testament times nor is it the purpose of this examination to revea1 their influence on, or their being influenced by the Christian teaching. The purpose of this examination is merely to give the reader an idea of the various strains of thought that were rampant in the people to whom the Christian teaching of the visio …