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Postliberal Approaches To The Theology Of Religions: Presentation, Assessment, And Critical Appropriation, Joel Okamoto

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study focuses on the third type—the postliberal approaches to the theology of religions. In undertaking this, I have two basic purposes. One is to examine these postliberal approaches. This examination will include a description and analysis of selected postliberal proposals concerning issues and concerns in the theology of religions. The second is to assess these proposals on key issues and appropriate certain insights from the postliberal approach for the purpose of developing a Lutheran theology of religions.

While few proposals in the theology of religions have been characterized as “postliberal," there are considerable differences among them. Therefore I shall …

Law And Gospel In Luther's Antinomian Disputations, With Special Reference To Faith's Use Of The Law, Jeffrey Silcock

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Three major antinomian controversies took place in Wittenberg in the sixteenth century, one during Luther's lifetime and two after his death. The first controversy, which is the subject of our study, had its beginnings in 1527 in an argument between Johann Agricola and Philipp Melanchthon. The occasion for this was the visitation of the churches in electoral Saxony and the major issue was the role of the law in repentance. The main phase of the first controversy however was the dispute between Agricola and Luther between 1537 and 1540. The issue was basically the same. The second and third antinomian …

When God Becomes Your Enemy- The Theology Of The Complaint Psalms, Ingvar Floysvik

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The experience of being forgotten, rejected or even attacked by God has been very real for people of all times. An untimely death in the family, prolonged sickness, unfair treatment in the community or in court, or on the larger scale, natural disasters, war and persecution, these and other catastrophes may make individuals or whole communities experience God as an enemy. Readers of the Bible recognize that income psalms the psalmists share these experiences. They complain to God that he has abandoned them or that he is angry with them. The present dissertation is an investigation into the theology of …

The Missiological Significance Of The Doctrine Of Justification In The Lutheran Confessions, Klaus Schulz

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Generally the Lutheran Confessions are understood in the traditional sense as the normative sources for Lutheran doctrine; in addition, they are also documents which offer valuable missiological insights. To support the latter observation the following study attempts to read the Lutheran Confessions with a heightened missiological perspective. Such a reading takes up the interests and concerns frequently raised by Lutheran theologians who in light of the increasing changes in mission see the theological integrity of Lutheran mission endangered. Consequently, they plea for a return to the Book of Concord from which guiding principles for Lutheran mission m Confessions, though, should …

The Arminian Libertarian Doctrines Of Freedom And Responsibility Evaluated According To Biblical-Reformed Doctrine Of Sin, Carlos Heber De Campos

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Now the question to be asked is this: How can the human will decide to perform acts spiritually good, or have the ability of contrary choice, if it is determined by the condition of man's nature? Has man the moral ability to perform contrary to his own nature? Those who try to study man's moral ability without seriously knowing man’s total depravity, make a serious mistake.

The Theology Of Spiritual Gifts In Luther And Calvin: A Comparison, Robert Wetmore

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This dissertation compares and contrasts Luther's and Calvin's theology of ministry because spiritual gifts are in some sense ministry gifts (using the broad definition of ministry as "every form of preaching the Gospel or administering the means of grace" as carried out by Christians in general) which are exercised by believers. Because spiritual gifts are not limited to the priests, this dissertation examines the understandings of both reformers concerning the priesthood of all believers. In turn, because spiritual gifts have often been understood as miraculous, so that it is necessary to explain what Luther and Calvin taught on the miraculous. …

Propter Absolutionem: Holy Absolution In The Theology Of Martin Luther And Philipp Jacob Spener A Comparative Study, Gerald Krispin

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The approach to Luther's theological development which will be taken here is a chronological one. This is in no small part due to the character of Luther's writings themselves, many of which are occasional in nature and therefore inherently reflect Luther's theological development. It is therefore imperative that the time of writing and the occasion of a quotation must always be taken into account. What becomes evident in following such a chronological approach is that we are then learning him all the way through and may be kept from selecting pieces which fit into a preconceived pattern. Indeed, any such …

Theology Of The Pain Of God: An Analysis And Evaluation Of Kazoh Kitamori's (1916- ) Work In Japanese Protestantism, Akio Hashimoto

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The overall negative appraisal of Kitamori must be considered as a critical reaction to various aspects of his own theology. Perhaps not one or two aspects of his theology alone are responsible for this. The reason for the negative responses is surely of a composite nature. However, it is not the main concern of this study to find answers individually to the questions raised above. The intention of this study is to analyze and assess Kitamori's theology as a whole. But to try to find the answers to the questions is useful for the purpose here: they provide methodological clues.

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 …

Presbyterian Missions To Indians In Western Canada, James Codling

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This paper seeks to explain the success and failure of Presbyterian missions to Indians in western Canada. It attempts to discover if there has been an authentic engagement between the Gospel of Christ and the cultures of these Indians. The focus is on the theology of missions and its application. The question of Christian relationship to culture is an important issue.

The problem that the Presbyterian Church in Canada faced in its missions to Indians was theological. The Christian faith challenged an Indian religion. It was theology that determined how the religion of the Indian should be approached by Presbyterian …

Biblical Authority In The Westminster Confession And Its Twentieth Century Contextualization In The Reformed Presbyterian Testimony Of 1980, John Delivuk

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This dissertation is a study of the doctrine of Biblical authority as believed and taught by the Westminster Assembly in its Confession of Faith, and this doctrine's application to the late twentieth century. Further, this dissertation will consider the definition of that doctrine, and how it was applied in the Westminster Confession. This study will also consider how the Westminster doctrine of Biblical authority is applied today in the Reformed Presbyterian Testimony of 1980. These issues will serve as the center of this study.

The issue of authority is one of the most important in Christianity, because it affects the …

Watchman Nee And The Priesthood Of All Believers, Wai Man Ng

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is the thesis of this study that the priesthood of all believers serves to undergird the seemingly unrelated loci of his theological scheme, namely, personal sanctification and the doctrine of the church. We shall examine Nee's teaching of the priesthood of all believers with reference to his spiritual theology and the doctrine of the church. And since Nee's teaching of the priesthood of all believers has historiographical implication in that the apostasy of the church is indicated by what he considers the intermediary class of clergy and the decline of the universal priesthood, we shall examine the development of …

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 …

Imputatio Iustitiae Christi, Liberum Arbitrium In Renatis, And Tertius Usus Legis In Melanchthon's Later Loci, Richard Osslund

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is the purpose of this study to investigate how forensic justification, the third use of the Law, and the free will of the regenerate Christian complement one another in Melanchthon's theology. The distinction of Law and Gospel, justification and sanctification, "old man and new man," sin and grace provide the pedagogical framework for this expression of evangelical theology. This study therefore focuses on the fundamental distinction basic to understanding the Scriptures and articulating Christian theology -- the distinction between Law and Gospel. In so doing, it underscores Melanchthon's great and continuing legacy as the pedagogue of the Lutheran reformation. …

Judgment And Grace In The Wilderness Narratives, Martin Buerger

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is ultimately the inclusion of the of Yahweh’s love toward Israel in the wilderness, and the contrasting judgment in times that closely parallel the saving acts, which prompt this study. In Lutheran terms this is known as gospel and law theology. The covenant made at Sinai seemingly distinguishes the way Yahweh approaches his people, and separates the narratives. The pre-Sinai narratives accentuate the gracious acts of Yahweh and the post-Sinai narratives emphasize his judgment and punishment. Considering this difference, the question is asked whether the murmurings of the people are the focal point for studies, as the emphases of …

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 …

Covenant And Kingdom As Fulfilled In The Synoptics, Marvin Middendorf

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The first chapter of this paper will concern itself with the covenant concept in the Old Testament and related literature. The second chapter will take up the kingdom concept in the same material. In Chapter III the kingdom concept will be considered on the basis of the Synoptic Gospels. Chapter IV will concern itself with the covenant concept in the Synoptics. Finally, in Chapter V a comparison will be made between the two concepts. Similarities, differences, and unique features of each concept will be discussed.

The Theology Of Justus Menius, Alvin H. Horst

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The primary purpose of this dissertation, therefore, is to provide a general systematic exposition of the theology of Justus Menius. To accomplish that purpose, it will be necessary to provide an historical overview of his life and activities. Menius never published a systematic theology. His books and writings, like Luther's, were responses to specific theological and ecclesiastical problems. For Menius, these problems were occasioned primarily by the interaction between the theological movement which originated in the university and the life of the local congregations. In order to get at Menius' theology, therefore, it is necessary to have an acquaintance with …

The Return-To-Origins Motif In Pauline Theology And Its Significance For A Theological Interpretation Of Messianic And Millenarian Movements In Melanesia, John Gerhard Strelan

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The thrust of the present study is not that the return-to-origins motif dominates Pauline theology to the exclusion of all other themes. It is, however, suggested that such concepts as "the body," "image of God," "in Christ," and "the last Adam," should not be treated as unrelated concepts. They should rather be seen as parts of a larger whole. This larger whole is the return-to-origins motif. The frequent use which Paul makes of this particular motif to answer some of the basic questions of human existence is a measure of the important place which the return-to-origins motif occupied in the …

The Theology Of Divine Anger In The Psalms Of Lament, Thomas Dixon Hanks

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

From our survey of the controversy over divine wrath in the history of theology it should be evident that we are not dealing with a matter of minor importance but one of great significance for the whole structure of theology and basic to our understanding of biblical teaching.

The Role Of The Old Testament In High School Level Curricula Of The American Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Church In America, And The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod 1964-1970, Harold W. Rast

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The aim of this study is to determine how the various curriculum materials present Word of God in the Old Testament. Accordingly, topics or categories to be dealt with include revelation, Bible, the unity of the testaments, salvation, morality, and historical-critical exegesis.

In a general way, then, this study proposes to engage in what educators would call descriptive research. One type of descriptive research is content analysis, the use of a set of techniques to determine certain specified characteristics of verbal communication. According to Gephart and Ingle, education professors at Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the purpose of …

The Pauline Understanding Of "The Law Of Christ", Keith Arnold Gerberding

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is puzzling, then, to hear Paul affirming the validity of the law, as he does in his letter to the Romans (3:21,31; 7:12,16) and in the first letter to the Corinthians (14:34). It seems to be a contradiction in terms when Paul combines "law" and "Christ" in the expression "the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). The purpose of this study is to find out what Paul means by this phrase and those phrases which are similar (1 Cor. 9:21; Rom. 3:27; 8:2), in view of his teaching on law and the revelation given in Christ.

The Fear Of God As Ethical Motivation In Pauline Theology, Walter A. Maier

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The present writer has long been interested in the study of Pauline instruction concerning motivation for sanctification. In 1967 he presented to the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, a Master of Sacred Theology thesis on the subject of the fourth of the abovementioned motivations for ethical living, namely, faith in the fact of the Christian's union with Christ and personal participation with Him in his death and resurrection. The opportunity to enter upon a concentrated study of what Paul has to say, in particular, about the sanctifying fear of God presented itself in the same year, when the writer …

A Comparative Study Of The Prolegomena In Karl Barth's Christliche Dogmatik Of 1927 And The Kirchliche Dogmatik Of 1932-1938, Heino Olavi Kadai

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

After his first Prolegomena in 1927 seemed to indicate the shape which his theology was to take, Barth abruptly discontinued his work to start over again. The new beginning in 1932 led to the monumental Kirchliche Dogmatik. Did Barth need to start over again? In what way do the two Prolegomena agree or disagree? What were the advantages of the Kirchliche Dogmatik? These are the questions that should be answered in this study. In the process of the investigation Barth's basic foundations of theology become visible in the historical context in which they were conceived and in which they are …

Via Propria And Via Mystica In The Theology Of Jean Le Charlier De Gerson, David Schmiel

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

What is proposed then, is to concentrate upon the development of: Gerson during his university period without referring to the work of his later years. The division is natural. Until 1408 Gerson was occupied primarily with his work as Chancellor of the University of Paris. Toward the end of this period and especially after 1408, he was drawn more and more into churchly-political affairs, and his concern was no longer only the reform of the University but also the resolution of the schism. It was before 1408, and especially during the years 1402-1408, that he produced many of his great …

Luther's Principles Of Teaching As Reflected In His Preached Sermons 1528-1532, Franklin Ritthamel

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This thesis will explore the educational development and teaching activities of Martin Luther against the background of the Reformation. It will bring some understanding of the importance of education in the Lutheran Reformation, the scope of Luther’s educational activities, the necessity of education for the success of the Reformation, and the objectives which marked the educational activity in the Reformation. It will show the theological development of Martin Luther and how this brought about educational reforms. This study is especially directed toward relating these items to Luther’s preaching in the period of 1528-1532.

Lutheran Theology In The Tranoscius With Special Attention To The Doctrine Of The Church, Samuel Boda

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

One of the purposes far the preparation of this thesis is to make available to the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches and to its doctrinal unity committee and its officers still another corpus of doctrinal materials which might be used more frequently and perhaps with greater effect than in the past in discussions with the Wisconsin and Norwegian bodies.

The Old Testament Locus De Novissimis In Contemporary Lutheran Theological Thought, Howard Tepker

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is the purpose of this dissertation to present in an objective manner the various views held by leading Lutheran theologians and scholars who have written on phases of the Old Testament locus De Novissimis during the past two decades, or whose works have been republished in this period of time. This writer is aware of the mass of research that would be required if one were to undertake to offer a critical analysis of present-day scholarly thought. He will therefore assume the more modest task of presenting what might be called a composite picture of trends in contemporary Lutheran …

Fundamentalism And The Missouri Synod, Milton Rudnick

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The conclusion of this study is that Fundamentalism and the Missouri Synod were not related closely enough for either to exert major influence upon the other. Basic factors in the background of each group kept them at a distance from one another, and, while their paths were often parallel, they never actually converged. The relationship was, for the most part, cordial, but never intimate, with the result that there was no important interchange of ideas and attitudes. It is for this reason that the word "in" had to become "and"--"Fundamentalism and the Missouri Synod,” signifying the revised view of at …

The Development Of Th Meaning Of Faith In The Understanding And Experience Of John Wesley, 1703-1791, Byron Osborn Jr

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The aim of this thesis is to determine the concept of faith which Wesley developed during a life principally devoted to the understanding and significance of Christian experience. Since this life touched every decade in the eighteenth century, this thesis bas been necessarily extensive.