Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Demonology According To The Universal Church Of The Kingdom Of God Three Important Aspects And A Lutheran Response, George Felten

Master of Art Theology Thesis

Felten, George, C. “Demonology According to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God: Three Important Aspects and a Lutheran Response.” MA Thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2020. 145pp.

Demonology should not be the center of a church’s theological center or modus operandi, but it should not be denied or avoided either. While the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD), a prominent neo-Pentecostal Brazilian church, makes too much of demonology, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB) seems to make too little of it. Yet this need not be the case. This thesis will analyze three aspects of IURD’s demonology, …

Whither The Body: Using The Church’S Hymnody To Reassert The Hope Of The Bodily Resurrection, Ruth Mcdonnell

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

McDonnell, Ruth E. “Whither the Body: Using the Church’s Hymnody to Reassert the Hope of the Bodily Resurrection.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2019. 216 pp.

Contemporary American cultural narratives of death and life after death are often inconsistent with the biblical doctrine of the resurrection. Indeed, the biblical message can be missed or distorted by these contemporary narratives and the ways metaphor is used to express them. This dissertation asserts that the evocative power of metaphor can be guided by the use of narrative. By applying the biblical narrative, rather than some other narrative, and by connecting the salvation story …

The Salvation Of The Household In Lukian Theology A Tool For Mission And Evangelism In The West African Church; Acts 16:25-34 As A Case Study, Jean Baptiste Mberebe

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Mberebe, Jean Baptiste. “The Salvation fo the Household in Lukan Theology: A Tool for Mission and Evangelism in the West African Church, Acts 16:25-34 as a Case Study.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2018. 251 pp.

What is the “salvation of the household” in Lukan theology? What does it mean for mission and evangelism in the West African context? These are the questions the author is attempting to answer, and in so doing he hopes to draw the attention of the reader, both in the West, and especially in Africa, on the nature of salvation-that the nature of salvation is not …

Faith Comes By Hearing: The Interrelationship Of Theology, Faith, And Practice, Nathan Olson

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Olson, Nathan, J. “Faith Comes By Hearing: The Interrelationship Between Faith, Theology, and Practice.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2017. 202 pp.

This work provides a constructive systematic framework which sets forth a conception of faith as Trust in a Promise, utilizing an understanding of justification as God’s declaration of man being made right with Himself, a theology of the Word as an effectual promise and effectual act, and a pneumatology which acknowledges the Spirit’s role to elicit faith by killing and making alive in those who hear the gospel. Through a critical assessment of selected church practices and of the …

A Theological Dialogue With And Evaluation Of Erik H. Erikson’S Theory Of Identity Development In Light Of Pauline Baptismal Theology In Romans And Some Implications For Pastoral Care, Walter Steele

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Steele, Walter R. “A Theological Dialogue with and Evaluation of Erik H. Erikson’s Theory of Identity Development in Light of Pauline Baptismal Theology in Romans and Some Implications for Pastoral Care” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2017. 304pp.

The Issue of identity and identity development, or actualization, is both a psychological and a theological issue. Among psychologists who have been concerned with identity, the name of Erik H. Erikson is at the forefront. His psychosocial theory has been appropriated by several people in the field of pastoral care, yet his theory has not been adequately subjected to a robust and thorough …

A Witness Workshop Based On The Christian Doctrine Of Vocation And Informed By The Two Kinds Of Righteousness, Dean Rothchild

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The specific purpose of this Major Applied Project is to develop a Witness Workshop which would embolden people to bring up Christianity to others, to invite them to church, and even to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. This workshop is based upon the Christian doctrine of vocation, informed by the distinction between the two kinds of righteousness, and directly shaped by the information gathered from the initial questionnaire.

Luther's Reformation Of Penance, Robin Korsch

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The history of the practice of penance from the early church to the dawn of the Reformation in the Western church is a rich story of continual change. The early church did not have a uniform doctrine and practice of penance and neither did the Western church even after Martin Luther's lifetime. The purpose of this paper is to study and explain the reasoning behind Luther's initial rejection of the Roman Catholic doctrine and practice of penance as found in various writings of Luther up until his 1520 work The Babylonian Captivity of the Church. It is the thesis of …

Luther's Small Catechism: An Examination Of Its Structure, Intent, And Use For The Church Today, Kenneth Watson

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The Small Catechism: an instructional manual? a confession? a prayer book? A practical life's compendium? Twenty years later, does the use of the Small Catechism today reflect the pedantry of Drevlow's "instructional manual," or does it in any way embrace the manifold possibilities set forth by Hoh? Does its use today, in fact, reflect what Luther intended in its compilation? Indeed, what did Luther intend?

It is toward suggesting answers to such questions (the last specifically) that this paper shall direct itself. It will do so basically in three parts: 1.) recognizing the difficulty in definitively disjointing structure from intent, …

A Study In The Theology Of Carl Fr Wisloff With Particular Focus On Faith And The Means Of Grace In The Bestowal Of Salvation, Eugene Boe

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

The general topic for this work is the relation of faith and the means of grace in the bestowal of salvation. The Lutheran Church from her beginning has believed, confessed and taught that we are saved by grace through faith alone. This is stated briefly in the Augsburg Confession, Article IV.

Our churches also teach that men cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works but are freely justified for Christ's sake through faith 2 when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins are forgiven on account of Christ, who by …

Holy Baptism’S Liturgy : What Is Extolled In Ones And Threes?, Jonathan Bontke

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The following is a study of the historical usage of single and triple immersion / sprinkling practices through the first twelve centuries A.D. The questions at hand are: 1) Has either practice historically been predominant 2) What doctrine is informing each practice? 3) Is there a specific text of Scripture informing each practice? 4) How does this study resource us in our current practice?

The Latin expression, "Lex orandi, lex credendi" has for centuries encapsulated the truth that liturgical practice serves a looking glass into the worshiper's theology. It is the purpose of this study to use baptismal liturgies as …

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 …

The Biblical Witness Regarding The Person And Work Of The Holy Spirit, Craig Molitoris

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The goal of this study is to better understand the Biblical witness regarding the person and work of the Holy Spirit. There is an urgent need for such a study. Almost twenty-five years ago, Dr. Lorenz Wunderlich wrote a book about the Holy Spirit entitled, The Half-Known God. The title is, unfortunately, still appropriate today. It is the intention of this study to enable the researcher to better know this "Half-Known" God and to better make Him known tithe Church.

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 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 Pastoral Response To The Charismatic Movement, Jack Schneider

Master of Divinity Thesis

In the material recorded in Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthian congregation, the reader comes into contact with what Paul refers to as charismata, or spiritual gifts. Chapter 14 of this Epistle concentrates on two of these charismata, namely speaking in tongues and prophecy. Both are "utterance gifts", and from Paul's treatment of them, it seems that there is a definite link between them. Since we are currently experiencing an increasing element of "charismatic renewal" within our own denomination, and do not seem able to deal pastorally with it, it will be my purpose in this brief section to delve …

A Study Of Matthew 3:13-17 -- The Baptism Of Jesus, Werner Boos

Bachelor of Divinity

The fact that Jesus came to John the Baptist in order to be baptized by him fascinates and puzzles many Christians. The event evokes many significant questions: What was the exact nature of the baptism administered by John the Baptist? Why did Jesus submit himself to such a baptism? What significance did the baptismal event hold for Jesus' subsequent ministry? What did it mean to the evangelists and to their original audiences? How did it influence the Christian sacrament of baptism? These and similar questions prompt the present study--a study which takes as its exegetical point of departure the most …

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, …

John The Baptist And Elijah: A Study Of Luke 1 In Relation To The Rest Of The Gospel With Special Reference To Conzelmann's Theory, Donald Abdon

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis purposes to serve as a test of Conzelmann’s theory. If Conzelmann is correct, Luke's Gospel modifies the eschatological scheme of two ages, replacing this eschatological scheme with a three stage history of salvation, If it can be shown that the first two chapters of Luke do contain eschatological thinking, Conzelmann’s theory is seriously weakened, If it can further be shown that Luke's conception of "redemptive history" is closely tied to eschatology and the distinction between the Old Age and the New Age, Conzelmann’s definition of Heilsgeschichte must be modified.

Titus 3:5 And Baptismal Regeneration, Adrian Leske

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The aim of this thesis, therefore, is to review the various interpretations of Titus 3:5 and baptismal regeneration throughout the history of the Church, to examine them in the light of their environments, and finally to reach a conclusion as to the meaning of Titus 3:5 and baptismal regeneration on the basis of an exegetical study or the text in its historical background. It is contended that once a true understanding of baptismal regeneration has been reached other problems dealing with baptism will be readily resolved. It is also contended that with a right understanding or baptismal regeneration the danger …

The Exegetical Basis For The Early Lutheran Doctrine Of Baptismal Regeneration, Martim Warth

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis was motivated by the question often raised in the classroom about the relation of faith to the regeneration in baptism. The question can be formulated in many ways. Is faith the presupposition for regeneration? What difference is there between faith and regeneration? Must faith precede baptism? What type of faith is given in baptism? What is faith without understanding of the Word of God? If baptism regenerates the infants who do not have preceding faith, what does baptism effect in the adult who already has faith? Can we still speak of regeneration in adult baptism? Or is baptism …

An Analysis And Development Of The Baptismal Rite Of The Lutheran Agenda, Hans Carl Boehringer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis is intended to be a practical study of two closely related problems involved in the use of the baptismal rite of the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America as it is found in The Lutheran Agenda, the conference's official guide to rites other than those most directly associated with the celebration of the Eucharist or with the observance of Matins and Vespers. The first quest i on to be studied is, “What does the rite itself mean?" The second question is, “How best may baptism be administered in an edifying manner in the congregations of The Lutheran …

The Theological Basis For Adult Bible Study And Its Practical Aspects In The Adult Educational Program Of The Church, Marvin Mueller

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis is concerned specifically with the theological basis of adult bible study within the program of the church. This concern is valid in as much as the word of God is basic for any program of adult Christian education in the church. The Bible as the word of God is the source and norm for the faith and life of all Christians who through Holy Baptism and the work of the Holy Spirit have been placed under this word of God. It is the purpose of this thesis to show in what way man is brought under the Word …

The Validity Of Baptism Performed By The Little Flock, Delbert Williams Gremmels

Bachelor of Divinity

Although there are many errors in the teachings of the Little Flock, the baptism performed by the group should be accepted as valid and re-baptism should not be required before admittance for membership in the Lutheran Church.

Baptism In The Intertestamental Period With Special Emphasis On The Qumram Community, Walter Wifall

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It will be the purpose of this paper to examine in particular the water lustrations practiced by this eschatologically- oriented group to see to what extent these washings were considered as a medium of God's grace and forgiveness. We shall also note whether one washing in particular took preference over the others as a means of induction into the life of the community.

The Sacrements And Sacremental Actions In The Works Of August Friedrich Chrisitan Vilmar, Edward Peters

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This paper is limited in its main part to what August Vilmar had to say about the Sacraments and what he termed “sacramental actions" ( sakramentale Handlungen). It is difficult, in a few words, to determine just what Vilmar included under these terms because in keeping with the Lutheran Symbols he did not categorically limit the Sacraments to a certain number and exclude all other acts of the Church. In certain contexts he spoke of seven and more Sacraments, and in other contexts, of only two Sacraments, placing the lesser acts of the Church into the category “sacramental” actions." In …

Baptismal References In First Peter, Gerard Edward Isenberg

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this thesis is to determine and interpret the specific and implied baptismal references within First Peter. This purpose also includes a presentation of the viewpoints of scholars who designate First Peter 1:3-4:11 as a baptismal homily.

Historical Evidence For Infant Baptism, John D. Frey

Bachelor of Divinity

Shortly before He ascended into heaven, Jesus gave this command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. The Book of Acts presents this command in action. “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” But nowhere in Scripture do we find the specific command, "Baptize infants.” Nor do we find a statement which specifically says that infants were baptized. This has caused many people to wonder about infants. Are they also to …

The Influence Which The Lapsed Had On The Concepts Of Baptism And Penance In The Writings Of Cyprian And Tertullian, Louis Oetting

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis has as its purpose the investigation of the concepts of baptism and penance during the times of persecution, in order to determine whether those Christians who lapsed during the persecutions had significant effects on the development of these concepts.

The Emerging Objectives Of Instruction For Confirmation As Currently Practiced In The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Martin Haendschke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In this study our primary interest was to approach, study, analyze, and. wherever possible, resolve the basic problems attending the development of specific objectives for junior confirmation instruction in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod

The Educational Implications Of Holy Baptism, Franklin Ritthamel

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study will concern itself chiefly with the subject of infant baptism and the educational implications for the child so baptized, though some reference will be made to adult baptism and the educational implications present in such a baptism.