Arts and Humanities Commons^™

A Heretic Reconsidered Pelagius, Augustine, And "Original Sin", Craig St. Clair

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

It is the purpose of this paper to illustrate that original sin became the issue in the Pelagian controversy and that the teaching of Pelagius was behind this opposition.

Selfhood And The Search For An Identity: Explaining The Emergence Of The Nineteenth-Century Holiness Movement And Early Church Of The Nazarene, Paul R. George Jr.

Dissertations

This dissertation seeks to explain the emergence of the nineteenth-century Holiness Movement and subsequent organization of a national holiness church asthe result of a reconstruction of the cultural-linguistic system of John Wesley. In the process of contact and exchange with American religious pluralism, Wesley's doctrine of Christian perfection and his system of societies were reconstructed by charismatic leaders who selected discursive and nondiscursive elements which they found efficacious. Theological and social changes in the Methodist Episcopal Church compelled holiness advocates to emphasize theinstantaneous aspect of Wesley's doctrine of Christian perfection (entire sanctification) and construct a ritual form which had the …

Divine Minds: The Cognitive Foundations Of God And Religion, Todd Tremlin

Dissertations

Understanding how human brains work bears directly on the study of religion. Introducing the new "cognitive science of religion," this dissertation explains how natural mental processes that shape everyday human thought are also responsible for the arising and persistence of religious ideas and for the content and development of religions. The central claim of this work is that understanding the origin and features of god concepts and the religious systems that form around them requires an understanding of the adapted mind. This argument unfolds in two parts. The first explores the cognitive foundations ofsupernatural beings. It discusses in both evolutionary …

Prayer As A Treatment Modality In Patient Healthcare: Physicians' Spiritual Beliefs And Religious Practices And Their Relationship To Patient Health, D. Ronald Rickerhauser

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The intention of this study was to determine whether physicians' spiritual beliefs and the integration of prayer in medical practice are associated with patient health. In this study, 546 physicians from 40 different family practice residency programs in the contiguous United States completed and returned surveys. Regression analyses using these data and patient statistics provided by the clinics were performed. Patient's length of hospital stay and a ratio of clinic patients to hospital patients were used as dependent measures. The results did not show a relationship between physician beliefs, prayer, and patient health. However, there was a significant relationship between …

Folk Healing In The Tradition Of The Fidencista Movement, Katherine Brittain

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Fidencista Movement is a religion in process . Like in many other medico-religions whose primary ministry is healing, women hold the highest positions of authority. The shamanic channeling of the spirit of the folk saint, Niño Fidencio , plies Fidencistas' belief in the spirit world and ameliorates physical and emotional healing. Fidencistas are concentrated in the Texas/Mexico borderland region where they are facing a passing of traditionalism, the social matrix in which folk healing thrives. However, the signature of the Movement, the penitential trek up the Vía de Dolores in Espinazo, is a cohering bi-annual ritual that fortifies devotion …

Portraits Of Moses, John Sharp

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

What about different portraits of Moses? What can be said about how Moses is portrayed in the book of Exodus? How does that compare with modern retellings of the life of this great man of God? We will explore some of these issues here. We will begin with modern critical approaches to the text of Exodus. These approaches yield a certain picture or pictures of the man called Moses. Then the text of Exodus as it stands in the canon will be examined. It will yield its own portrayal of Moses. It will be argued here that the portrait of …

The Christological And Ecclesial Pacifism Of Stanley Hauerwas-A Lutheran Analysis And Appraisal, Joel Lehenbauer

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

The first purpose of this study, therefore, is to explore and examine the nature and content of Hauerwas's pacifist convictions and claims as a way of understanding more deeply and clearly his contribution to contemporary theology and ethics. There are, as we will see, many different varieties of pacifism. What are the essential characteristics of Hauerwas's pacifism, and what distinguishes it from these other varieties? Where do his pacifist convictions fit into his program for reforming Christian ethics? How do they inform and impact his theology as a whole?

A second purpose will be to examine Hauerwas's pacifism in the …

The Parable Of The Prodigal Son, Karen P. Sames Osb

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This project began with the investigation of the role of parables in the teachings of Jesus Christ. I researched the function of parables and the different levels of interpretation. Then I studied the Parable of the Prodigal Son in depth looking at the parable through a window into the past and reflecting on the meaning that the parable had in history and then looking at it like a reflection in a mirror to see what the parable has to say to us today. The research included a look at the characters of the parable and the roles they played in …

Social Capital And Religion: A Quantitative Analysis Of The Relationship Between Religious Participation And Social Capital, Kyshawn Smith

Sociology & Criminal Justice Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to confirm the existence of a positive correlation between religious participation and social capital, and to show that such a correlation varies considerably when specific demographic variables, and denominational and organizational dynamics are accounted for. Beginning with the early theoretical works of James S. Coleman, The World Bank and Robert Putnam, research has shown the importance of studying the philosophy and science of social capital, and the significance of measuring interrelated concepts like community volunteerism, political involvement, and religious participation. However, much of this research surveys national audiences and either completely ignores or spends …

Instructing Teachers Of Children With Disabilities Within The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Katie E. Sampson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates benefits of in-service training on LDS primary teachers' ability to state an objective, obtain and keep attention, use wait time, incorporate active participation, teach to the multiple intelligences, and employ positive behavior management techniques. Two groups of 30 viewed either a video-tape or read a handout. Pre and post surveys were used to determine mean gain.
Using an ANCOVA, comparisons were made of overall mean gain for each group. Results showed participants made a gain of approximately 1/2 point per question on a 4-point scale on the video and the handout (video gain = .6032 p<.01; handout gain = .6264 p<.01). The results of this study support the hypothesis that teachers receiving one in-service will increase their perception of their ability to teach students with special needs.

Controversy Over Jihad, Hazem Khaled Khalil Kandil

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Thought Of Tareq Al-Bishri Between The New Islamic Intellectual Discourse And The Contemporary Modernist Discourse, Mariam Yaseen Abdel Ghaffar

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Worthy Is The Lamb: Pastoral Symbols Of Salvation In Christian Art And Music, Jo W. Harney

MALS Final Projects, 1995-2019

This paper examines the role of the lamb and the Good Shepherd as Christian symbols of atonement in art and music. Christians adopted the lamb as a religious symbol from ancient cultures and from Jewish sacrificial traditions. It reflects their understanding of how redemption is achieved. The author demonstrates that the lamb, as well as the Good Shepherd, became emblems commonly used by visual artists and composers to represent theories of atonement which were generally accepted during their own times, as well as those which had enjoyed popularity in the past. Significant works explored here which employ the lamb and …

The Laments Of Integrity An Investigation Of Psalms 17, 101, And 26, Robert Gebel

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

Each Psalm states a basis for the Psalmist's appeal of integrity, i.e., a reason why he should have some sort of standing before Yahweh. Each appeal is constructed around one word that summarizes the appeal. Psalm 17 bases its appeal on righteousness, or that which Yahweh requires to be acceptable to him. Psalm101 is a song to integrity, or blamelessness, the lack of any transgression or impurity. In Psalm 26, the Psalmist addresses Yahweh the Judge and challenges him to find a verdict of innocence, or no basis for any charges of wrongdoing against him. These three appeals (righteousness, integrity, …

A Lutheran Look At President Bush's Faith-Based Initatives, Darren Olson

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In recognition of this resolution it is important to examine President Bush's policy of faith-based initiatives. LCMS congregations that are faced with the opportunity to participate in faith-based initiatives should be informed of the nature and content of this government program. The purpose of this paper is to show that, theologically, legally, and practically, the church that participates in faith-based initiatives not only compromises but also loses her unique Christian witness. Theologically, the church that participates in faith-based initiatives is required by the government to separate her religious message from the social services she provides. By means of this requirement …

The Mentor Method Of Evangelism: A Study In The Use Of Interrogatives, Luther Biggs

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a need to increase the effectiveness of the training process currently used to introduce members of Messiah Lutheran Church to the practice of what I call "the mentorship method" of evangelism. This project represents an effort to assess how graduates from a fifteen-week training course in mentorship-evangelism are able to perform a technique that is central to this method. Specifically, the technique under assessment is that of interrogative bridge-building in which evangelism practitioners are trained to use a series of questions to build a cognitive bridge between the evangelized spiritual questions and specific scriptural resources.

Preparing Christian High School Students For Secular College Experience, Joseph Stanley

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6 NIV). These words may have occupied the thoughts of Dr. Martin Luther when he wrote, "If all manner of problems are to be dealt with successfully, then the young people who are to live and govern on this earth after us must be trained and guided accordingly." This paper addresses the training and guidance of youth in the church with a view to properly preparing them for the college experience at state or private universities where the academic …

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 …

Straight Away: The Meaning And Literary Function Of Εὐθὐς/Εὐθἐως In The Gospel Of Mark, Daniel Paavola

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Mark is the Gospel of breathless excitement. The narrative is noted for its rapid movement between scenes and for an urgent tone through the miracles and journeys of Jesus. With its focus upon the actions of key characters, the Gospel leads the reader quickly through the ministry of Jesus as he approaches his passion. From its opening in1:2-3 which promises a straight path ahead, the narrative moves forward to the culmination of that road at the cross.

A key in furthering this journey is the use of εὐθὐς. Used at least forty-two times in the Gospel, εὐθὐς serves as an …

Getting The Family Together Again: Restoring The Midlevel Connections In Northwest Yearly Meeting Of Friends, Richard C. Sartwell

Doctor of Ministry

Historically Friends (Quakers) have had a polity that reflected the denomination's strong sense of community with a structure and traditions that enabled practical caring for one another and accountability to one another. This community extended beyond local congregations to include Friends in other places. In the last half of the 201 h century the American group of Quakers known as Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends made structural changes to their midlevel connections, the Quarterly Meeting, that were intended to help the church operate more efficiently. Unfortunately, a related and unintended consequence was to reduce communication and connection between and among …

“Yours For The Salvation Of Mexican People”: Race, Identity, And The Growth/Decline Of Mennonite Brethren Missionary Efforts In South Texas, 1937–1971, Felipe Hinojosa

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Mennonite Brethren (MB) church in south Texas is an anomaly. Mennonite Brethren missionaries were once prominent in Protestant circles in south Texas between 1937 and 1971, planting eight churches during this time. Today, however, the Mennonite Brethren church is relegated to several small congregations sprinkled throughout Hidalgo and Starr County. This research argues that Mennonite Brethren missionary efforts with Mexican Americans were racist and oppressive. Furthermore, the racist ethos that developed was maintained throughout the life of the mission because of the institutional rigidity of the MB church. Both Church Growth Theory and the Contact Hypothesis are applied to …

The Covenanted Pilgrim: The Biblical Roots Of The Consecrated Life, Caroline N. Mbonu

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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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.

Creating Community: A Quaker, Covental Approach Toward A Parallel Society, Colin B. Saxton

Doctor of Ministry

Within many local churches people hunger and thirst for deeper spirituality, authentic fellowship and more active ministry in the world. Sincere disciples long to know and follow Christ and participate in a community of saints who embody the values of God's Kingdom in this world.

Along the way, however, many of these same people often feel unfulfilled and frustrated. Hindered by social pressure and conventional values, these Christians find themselves conforming to the American social patterns and practices they often disdain. Many simply do not experience the necessary communal support to live out the gospel in the face of the …

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 …

Eucharistic Paradigms In The Didache Correlated To Paradigms In The "New Testament", Emmet S.R. Southwick

Doctor of Ministry

Thesis Statement:

We contend that it is possible to articulate a viable correlation between eucharistic accounts in the "New Testament" and the prayers in Didache 9 & 10, by way of the various words spoken over the elements of cup and bread.

Summary Statement:

This paper addresses eucharistic constructs found in Didache chapters 9 and 10. An initial chapter lays a foundation for discussion with a general treatment of the Didache as a whole. The second chapter provides a translation of the focal chapters and correlates them with broader observations from the first chapter. A third chapter engages various scholastic …

Visual Symbols As Aids To Worship, Susan E. Ostrom

Doctor of Ministry

The ministry problem addressed in this dissertation is how can visual symbols become aids to worship, particularly in small churches with limited budgets and traditional architecture? Chapter One defines Christian Worship as the Body of Christ encountering and responding to God as revealed in Jesus Christ, and asks how visual symbols aid or hinder that encounter. A survey of leading authors on worship gives a basis from which to examine the place of visual symbols within the postmodern church. Chapter Two looks at the roles of the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, and the Temple as visual symbols which …

A History Of Women In The Episcopal Church, And Its Effects On Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialog, Cynthia M. Reynolds

Seminary Masters Theses

Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed that those who share in His calling "may become completely one" (John 17:23 NRSV). Unity is a major goal of many Christian denominations, both within those groups and with other churches. The second half of the twentieth century was an extremely active period of dialogue between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. However, the question of authority has been a significant roadblock in this quest for ecumenical recovery. Traditional faith practices in each church are determined by markedly different models for arriving at final decisions in matters of doctrine. By way of an …

Gathering The Flock And Marginalizing The Sheep: The Origins Of A Christian Deaf Liberation Theology, Sophara Sok

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

The Christian religion plays an important role in the lives of many deaf and hearing Americans as a source of security and spirituality; however Deaf people have values, a worldview, and sensory preferences that differ in a significant ways from hearing people. This paper argues that those differences lead to an underlying predicament brimming with ideological conflicts between being a culturally Deaf person and a Christian. A new religious movement derived from Liberation Theology promises a resolution to the identity/ideological struggle for Deaf Christians but will succeed only if educational and religious institutions make a concerted effort to teach Deaf …

Drumbeats And Tides The Salvation Army Crestmont College A Better Model For Preparing Leaders In The Emerging Age, Raymond L. Peacock

Doctor of Ministry

Christian higher education in general and Salvation Army higher education Vll specifically are undergoing a learning revolution. Most organizations in general and The Salvation Anny specifically are simultaneously experiencing a leadership revolution. Crestmont College was given two mandates in 2000 and a third mandate in 2002 to address these two revolutions. But what is it about learning and leadership that the mandates need to address? Moving towards connecting transformative learning with transfonnationalleadership development within the context of an institution and an organization requires sorting out the structure, strategic plmming, and linking the plan to implementation. The dissertation works itselfthrough these …