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Jesus In, With, And Under The Spirit: The Spirit's Presence And Activity In Christ In The Sacrament Of The Altar, Brian A. Gauthier

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Contemporary theological scholarship has seen a turn toward pneumatology and the use of a pneumatological lens for exploring and [re]considering Christian doctrines. Spirit Christology has long been considered the first major, successful work in this movement of scholarship which has come to be called Third Article Theology.

This study proposes to consider the Lord’s Supper pneumatologically through use of a Trinitarian Spirit Christology. Three primary aspects of a traditional account of the Lord’s Supper will be the subject of pneumatological reimagining. Spirit Christology will inquire into the Spirit’s presence and activity in the presence and activity of Jesus through his …

Bonhoeffer And His Answer To The Enduring Problem, Joel Durrwachter

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In light of the relatively recent critiques of Christ and Culture, I would like to examine another text by a rough contemporary of Niebuhr's: Bonhoeffer's Discipleship. In the book, Bonhoeffer is dealing with similar themes and problems as Niebuhr wrestled with years later, yet Bonhoeffer has an entirely different interpretation and outcome than Niebuhr. Why is this the case? What was occurring in Bonhoeffer's social context and what influenced him that contributed to his argument? To help answer this question I will focus upon three areas that recent criticisms of Christ and Culture have highlighted: (1) the definition of culture, …

“Made In Each Other:” John Scottus Eriugena’S Conception Of The Human Person As A Unifying Vocabulary For Trinitarian Metanarrative And Anticartesian Phenomenology, Carey B. Vinzant

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Vinzant, Carey B. “Made in each Other: John Scottus Eriugena’s Conception of the Human Person as a Unifying Vocabulary for Trinitarian Metanarrative and Anti-Cartesian Phenomenology.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2010. 260 pp.

This study sets forth an account of the human person, drawn primarily from the thought of John Scottus Eriugena, which integrates the metaphysical account of personhood set forth by Trinitarian theology (especially John Zizioulas) with the phenomenological one set forth by certain Anti-Cartesian philosophers (especially John Macmurray, Martin Buber, and Gabriel Marcel). These two schools of thought have in common the conviction that uniqueness and relation to other …

Catholicity Or Consensus? The Role Of The Consensus Patrum And The Vincentian Canon In Lutheran Orthodoxy: From Chemnitz To Quenstedt, Quentin Stewart

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Stewart, Quentin D. "Catholicity or Consensus? The Role of the Consensus Patrum and the Vincentian Canon in Lutheran Orthodoxy: From Chemnitz to Quenstedt." Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2006. 340 pp.

This dissertation traces the role played by the Vincentian Canon and its theological corollary, the consensus patrum, within the parameters of Lutheran Orthodoxy. Though Luther had no use for the consensus patrum, his chief colleague Philip Melanchthon had a high view of the consensus of the ancient church, especially whenever it could be applied to evangelical Lutheran theology. As a humanist, Melanchthon maintained a critical reverence for the ancient church …

The Gentile Mission In Old Testament Citations In Acts-Text, Hermeneutic, And Purpose, James Meek

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Meek, James A. "The Gentile Mission in Old Testament Citations in Acts: Text, Hermeneutic, and Purpose." Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2005,341 pp.

Study of the Old Testament in Luke-Acts has focused on the role of the Old Testament in development of Luke's Christology. Explicit citations and summary statements of Old Testament teaching, however, support five main themes: the death and resurrection of Christ, eschatological blessings, judgment, rejection of the gospel by many Jews, and the inclusion of all who believe in Jesus (including Gentiles). The question "Who are the people of God?" is posed both by the rejection of the …

An Icon Of Jesus Michael: The Archangel As Antagonist Of Satan, Raymond Hagan

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The attempt here is not to identify Jesus as being on a par with angels, or with an individual angel per se. Indeed, the Epistle to Hebrews discusses the relationship between Christ and angels, making a clear differentiation. The doctrine of Christ's humanity also serves this distinction - "he became man in order to save men." Christ took the form of a man, not of an angel, in order to bring about salvation. The issue of worship demonstrates the same conclusion. Angels are not to be worshipped (see John in Revelation), but the Son is to be worshipped.

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 …

Who Do I Say That You Are? Anthropology And The Theology Of Theosis In The Finnish School Of Tuomo Mannermaa, William Schumacher

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Part of what drives the present study is the conviction that anthropology matters in theology. That is to say, theology must find new ways (or recover and translate old ways) to answer questions about what it means to be human. One purpose of this study, then, is to try to reclaim the doctrine de homine as a vital and pertinent dimension of the whole theological enterprise, rather than relegate anthropology to non-theological (or even anti-theological) disciplines. The anthropological suggestions that arise from the studies of the Finnish school, intriguing and stimulating in some respects, ultimately fall short of this goal, …

A Narrative Critical Approach To The Gospel Of Peter With A Focus On Its Christology, Roberto Bustamante

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The interest of our work is the Christology of the apocryphal literature. However, the limits imposed by a seminar paper force us to narrow our focus rather strongly. We will attempt to define the Christology of a single apocryphal Gospel, by applying narrative criticism. We consider that the fact that the text came to us in a narrative form implies a particular way of uttering its Christology and asks for a treatment adequate to its literary form. There are both reasons and reservations with respect to this method's appropriateness.

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. …

Christology In Africa: Work In Progress, Carl Rockrohr

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

Can Jesus Christ be preached, teached and confessed only through the worldviews, philosophies and languages of the writers of the Nicene and Chalcedonian creeds? Can Christology be faithfully understood only from traditional Western perspectives? Now in the life of the Christian church in Africa at the end of 20th century, this is a question being addressed by a variety of African Christian theologians. This paper will: 1) briefly outline some difficulties currently being identified by African theologians and missionaries with Christology presented from Western world views in Africa; 2) overview some Christologies developed with an African perspective; and 3) review …

Luther And Zwingli On The Righteousness Of God, Liars Plume

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

It would be going too far to say that Zwingli was a Nestorian, but his christology definitely had weaknesses, similar to those of Scholastic theology. My thesis, which I hope to demonstrate in this paper, is that Zwingli did not come to Luther's evangelical understanding of "the righteousness of God" because he did not recognize the importance of the proper distinction between the law and the gospel. The result of this was that Christ remained a lawgiver for him, as Christ was for Luther before his rediscovery of the gospel. I shall base my research on Luther's two sermons, "Sermo …

The Christology Of Feminist Theology-Exploration And Critique, Michael Miller

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The primary focus of this thesis is feminist Christology. Nevertheless, it will be necessary to begin with a general introduction to feminist theology and an exploration of its fundamental teachings. The general introduction will first explore the historical roots of feminist theology in America, briefly tracing both its nineteenth century roots and its more contemporary roots. Second, it will explore and set forth the situation from which feminist theologians have written feminist theology. Finally, the general introduction will explore the basic goal of feminist theology.

Marriage And The Image Of God As It Is Reflected In Paul's Understanding Of Women And The Ministry In Four Passages: 1 Cor. 11:2-16; 14:33b-36; Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Tim. 2:11-15, Lane Burgland

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study proposes to examine the Pauline texts which bear most directly upon the subject of women and their involvement in the ministry of word and sacrament. Several evangelical feminist6writers will be engaged in the study at specific points in the interpretation. The primary goal of this paper, however, is to produce an exegesis of these four passages which identifies the basis of Paul's comments and demonstrates their unity. This work is intended to answer the question: "how does what Paul's says about women in four passages reflect his understanding of the image of God and Christology?"

The contribution this …

The Λογος-Christology In The Prologue Of The Gospel Of John As A Bridge Concept Between The Old Testament Shekinah Events And Johannine Christology, Chul Hae Kim

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The purpose of this study is to trace the origin and meaning of the λóγος of John in the Prologue. The main question in this study is why John used the Greek word λóγος instead of one of the many other terms from the Old Testament or Greek philosophy which were familiar to the readers of his Gospel. Another question is what was the intention of John by adopting the Greek term λóγος in the Prologue.

One of the basic principles of this study is to search for the meaning of the Johannine λóγος in the context. That is, the …

Cyril As Pastor: The Proclamation Of His Christology To His People, Theodore Mayes

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Cyril's Christology as he wrote or preached it to the people in his own diocese, for the particular purpose of discovering whether Cyril, in speaking to his own people, was "Chalcedonian" or "Monophysite." Cyril's anthropology (even though it would be helpful in a definitive study of Cyril's Christology) is not covered, nor are Cyril's major dogmatic and polemic works used.

The Cosmic Christ Of Colossians, Victor Raj

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study was undertaken as an attempt to evaluate and possibly correct some recent interpretations of Christ's person and work. Much of theology today has left the impression that Christianity is just another agency of good will to fight against social, political and eco­ nomic injustice in the world. Accordingly, the motive behind much of contemporary theological discussions has been to challenge the church to join in what is often called the "humanization" of man.

It is our position that Christology occupies the pivotal position in any facet of Christian theology. In fact, it performs normative functions for the rest …

Was Jesus The Priestly Messiah A Study Of The New Testament's Teaching Of Jesus' Priestly Office Against The Background Of Jewish Hopes For A Priestly Messiah, Jonathan Grothe

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Thus, on a narrower scale, this study aims to test an hypothesis in one area of New Testament Christology and to present conclusions regarding it. Since the question involves also the relationship of Judaism to the New Testament, this study also aspires to make a contribution to the ongoing task of methodically examining and carefully describing that relationship. Inasmuch as a major section of the study deals with the Epistle to the Hebrews, it also includes among its goals the attempt to add to the current discussion of the proper background and purpose of Hebrews.

As an historical and exegetical …

Christology And The Cleansing Of The Temple: Integrating Biblical And Dogmatic Theology, Gerhard Bode

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

Although extremism4 is to be avoided, both Christology "from above" and "from below" can make a valuable contribution to the overall study of the doctrine of Christ. A biblical, historical approach to the study of Christ is vital. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the integration of dogmatic and biblical theology, specifically demonstrating how the findings of biblical theology can be implemented by dogmatic theology to enhance the understanding of the person and work of Christ.

The Real Presence In The Lord's Supper A Comparative Study Of Hermann Sasse, Leiv Aalen, And Tom Hardt, Geir Hoaas

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Our objective is to portray the Real Presence under three aspects, namely Christology, Salvation for the individual, and the Function in the Church. As such it is a systematic endeavor to clarify the relation of the Real Presence to each of these areas. The two latter are necessarily dependent on the first. However, we are also limited in a historical sense, in that our study is primarily an analysis of these three relations as presented by the theologians we are investigating, Hermann Sasse, Leiv Aalen, and Tom Hardt. We do not, therefore, intend to give an independent and original contribution …

An Examination And Exposition Of Process-Thought And Extrapolation Of Its Themes For Theological Use, Christian Just

Master of Divinity Thesis

It is the expressed purpose of this study to investigate the possibilities for theological use of process philosophy. Within that scope and purpose, certain objects had to be met. First, it was necessary to understand as fully as possible the philosophical system itself. Second, certain judgements had to be made as to the availability of that system for theological and religious purposes. Finally, it was necessary to expand on the philosophical scheme to include certain theological notions that are not inherent in the system.

The Implications For Christology Of The Idenity Of The Poor Man In The Teaching Of Jesus, Adrian Max Leske

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Studies have been carried out in times past on the poor man motif in the Old Testament. The results of these have varied and few have deemed it necessary to suggest any implications their conclusions might have for the Gospels. Consequently, investigations of the motif in the New Testament area have been negligible and generally disappointing. For this reason, I have undertaken this study of the poor man motif, particularly as it appertains to the Messianic role as Jesus himself understood it.

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 …

Rom 1:1-7- The Christology Of An Early Christian Church Formula And The Apostle Paul's Reinterpretation, Kenneth Neumann

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this investigation is to determine the extent and text of the pre-Pauline tradition or formula generally acknowledged to be cited in this passage, secondly, to discuss the Christology embedded in the formula, and finally, to compare this earlier Christology with the Pauline reinterpretation of it. This study does not claim to exhaust the Christology of Rom. 1:1-7 but rather focus primarily on the verses which have possible pre-Pauline tradition. The questions concerning Christ's person which are raised in this passage demand much more space, particularly the questions of adoptionism and pre-existence, and the relation of resurrection, ascension, …

Pauline Paidology: The Use Of The Suffering Servant Of God Image Of Isaiah 52-53 For Jesus Christ In The Pauline Corpus, Robert Kolb

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis is the result of an investigation of the Pauline epistles which sought to determine whether Paul did use Isaiah 53 in the formation of his Christology, and if he did, to determine the purpose of his uses of that chapter. This presentation seeks to demonstrate that Paul's use of the image of the suffering Servant of .God taken from Isaiah 53 is infrequent at best and difficult to determine assuredly in most cases. It further seeks to demonstrate that most possible references to Isaiah 53 are found 1n formulations which at least may be pre-Pauline. However, the implication …

Cosmology And Soteriology In Alexandrian Judaism And The Christology Of Hebrews, Jonathan Grothe

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of the Christology of Hebrews to Hellenistic Jewish thought. Both in Hebrews and in the writings of Alexandrian Judaism intermediary figures play an important part in the relationship of God to the world as creator and as savior. In both writings there is an agent of creation and a mediator of salvation. This thesis will compare and contrast the description of the agent of creation and the mediator of salvation in the writings of Alexandrian Judaism with the Christology of Hebrews. In this way we hope to achieve a greater …

Matthew's Concept Of The Son Of God In The Context Of Jesus' Baptism And First Temptation, Paul Bretscher

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Like Cullmann, Fuller sees a close conceptual relationship between the language of sonship and that of the Servant in Deutero- Isniah.

It is to this kind of inquiry that the present study hopes to make a contribution. We shall not attempt, as others have done, to construct a total Christology, or even to trace our single term through the whole of the New Testament. We shall concentrate on one Book, the Gospel of Matthew, and within that book on one moment, the baptism of Jesus and His first (wilderness) temptation. Resources which contribute to this limited area of study we …

The Concept Of Pleroma In Its Contribution To Pauline Christology, Harold Merklinger

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the meaning of the word πλήεωμα as it is used by St. Paul and from its theological content to ascertain Paul's contribution to Christology in his employment of the concept. Theologically Paul's concept of Pleroma is among his basic concepts. This is particularly true in his epistles to the Ephesians and to the Colossians. In the latter Paul uses Pleroma to give his readers a glimpse into the deep relationship which exists between the Father and the Son, while in the former epistle he moves Pleroma over into the realm of Ecclesiology …

The Personal Union In The Theology Of Barth, Brunner And Berkouwer, George Lobien

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The problem about to be investigated is whether or not G. C. Berkouwer, Karl Barth and .Emil Brunner teach a personal union or the two natures 1n our Lord Jesus Christ. Or, to state it more comprehensibly, it they claim to teach a personal union of the two natures, we then propose to uncover exactly what they mean by the use of this term. Furthermore, throughout the study we shall attempt to indicate to the reader the areas of agreement and disagreement among these three outstanding Reformed theologians. Lastly, it must be admitted in all candor that our appraisal of …

The Christology Of The Seven Letters In Revelation Chapters Two And Three, With Special Reference To Possible Relationships Between The Author's Self-Designations And The Subject Matter Of The Letters, Ewald Otto

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study does not attempt to add to the material on the history of the congregations or to the analyses of their graces and defects, zeal and lukewarmness. Rather, a portion of what: has been written was restudied from the standpoint: of the relationship between the self-designation3 and the contents of the letters against the backdrop of the Christology of the Apocalypse.

The biologist and the physicist must begin with certain assumption~. To claim otherwise reveals ignorance and vanity. The theologian, too, must begin somewhere. This study assumes that the Bible is the Word of God, that an inspiration without …