Arts and Humanities Commons^™

We Hope: Sot/Sem Midday Prayer Reflection - November 9, 2023, Kathleen A. Cahalan

Obsculta

Every week, the faculty, staff, and students of the Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary gather together in common worship for Ecumenical Midday Prayer and Convivium, a shared meal. This reflection was given by Kathleen Cahalan—Professor of Practical Theology—in November of 2023 and explores the role of hope in the life of the Christian disciple.

Letter From The Chairman, Kendall Davis

Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal

It’s almost certainly a cliché at this point, but it’s been an incredibly long year and a half for all of us. This year’s fourth year class was forced to learn alongside their churches how to do ministry in the midst of a pandemic. This year’s vicars will have done their entire vicarages during a pandemic. Even though we’ve been inperson for classes, things have still been markedly different on campus. Classrooms are socially distanced and have even been conducted online at times. The usual events that characterize the seminary calendar have been mostly gone. Even outside of the pandemic …

Christianity On The Way: An Eastern Orthodox-Pentecostal Dialogue On The Journey Of Salvation, Raphael J.T. Twitchell

Masters of Theological Studies

We seek to develop a theological means of reconnecting the sojourners of the Way with each other through a recognition of common Christ-followership. Since no human life begins with the same conditions as any other, no two journeys with Christ will be the same, yet it is still the same Spirit who leads them all. This is a mystery which we will explore by peering through the theological framework of an Eastern Orthodox portrayal of the Way and bringing it into dialogue with Pentecostalism and Mysticism. This study seeks to show that the Way which Christ calls us to follow …

Rethinking Law And Gospel In The Way We Do Preaching, Benjamin Berteau

Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal

This paper evaluates the impact of C. F. W. Walther’s Law and Gospel and Richard Caemmerer’s goal, malady, means approach to homiletics, also discussing the potential trap of law-gospel reductionism. A suggested pathway forward is a reemphasis on a creedal approach to Lutheran theology and preaching as well as a renewal of rhetoric as foundational to ultimately restoring a positive view of the third use or function of the law in Lutheran preaching. Having done so, the reader may certainly apply this positive view of the law as it relates to preaching on other topics related to the Christian Life …

Ellen G. White's Understanding Of Indwelling Of The Holy Spirit: A Chronological Study, Cory Wetterlin

Andrews University Seminary Student Journal

Throughout history there have been two major understandings of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The first is the indwelling of the transcendent timeless God within the timeless soul of a body/soul, dualistic anthropology. The second is an allinclusive view in which either everything is God, pantheism, or everything is within God, panentheism. Adventism has traditionally rejected both of these understandings. Adventism teaches a monistic anthropology, denying the indwelling of the soul and a panentheistic point of view. How then is Adventism able to define the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? In order to begin to answer this question it …

Revisiting The Merits Of A Contested Discipline: Reflections On The Study Of Old Testament Theology, Benjamin J. Lappenga

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

Luther's Two Kinds Of Righteousness And His Wartbug Postil, Makito Masaki

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

This study discusses how Luther exhorted people to live the Christian life. Luther understood the Christian life as a life of the saved sinner in himself and in his community. He understood that Christians live lives defined by two kinds of righteousness; that is, righteousness that God bestows, and righteousness that they produce. This study will be carried out by reviewing this basic understanding of what the Christian life is, and by examining Luther's preaching material, specifically a set of sermonic writings called The Wartburg Postil. The thesis of this survey is that in The Wartburg Postil, Luther used the …

Dismantling The Myths: The Connection Between Faith And Morality, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

Includes full text of Chapter 1 only.

In this revision to his 1997 guide to making wise choices, the author discusses the moral compass that can assist us in dealing with confusing ethical issues of our times. Strategies for making ethical decisions that are sensible and based on God’s word are presented.

Contents: 1. Getting Started: Setting the Stage – 2. Say “Cheese:” Snapshots from Our Culture – 3. A Penny for Your Thoughts: The Way We Think Becomes the Way We Live – 4. On Guard: Preparing for the Culture Battle – 5. Here We Stand: What Christians Believe …

Rendezvous: A Sacred Encounter With God, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

Includes full text of Day One only.

For those who are excited about the possibility of regularly rendezvousing with Christ, the good news is that Christ has designed ways and means of meeting with us as often as we like. This book reveals basic practices that can be developed into an almost endless combination of settings, activities, and social groupings through which we encounter Christ.

Partial Contents: How Do I Turn My Spiritual Routine into a Sacred Romance? – Rendezvous: Encountering Christ in My Life – Rendezvous: Encountering Christ in My Closest Relationships – Rendezvous: Encountering Christ in My Friendships …

The Power To Be Free: Discovering Life In The Spirit Of Christ, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

Includes full text of Day One only.

This book, a 40-day study in pursuit of God's purpose for our lives, is one piece of a local church campaign -- The Quest.

Partial Contents: How Can I Live the Life I've Longed For? -- Discovery 1: You Have a Guide -- Discovery 2: You Can Accept Love -- Discovery 3: You Can Experience Purity -- Discovery 4: You Can Receive Power -- Discovery 5: You Can Develop Christlike Character.

The Journey Within: Learning To Live The Holy Life, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

Book two in the Holy Life Bible Study Series.

Full text via download: Study 1 -- New Testament Snapshots of Holiness

Contents: New Testament Snapshots of Holiness – Another Counselor – A Big Event for Your Big Adventure – A Call to Holiness – Needed: Heart Cleansing – My Consecration – God’s Gift of Sanctification – The Forerunner – Our Coach – Life in the Spirit – Growing in the Spirit – Tying It All Together.

Traveling With Friends: Becoming God's Holy People Together, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

Book three in the Holy Life Bible Study Series.

Full text available via download: Study 1 -- Living in a Community of Faith

Contents: Living in a Community of Faith – Living with the Saints – Living with Less-than-Perfect Saints – Living with Temptation – Living with Trials – Living in a World That Doesn’t Make a Place for God – Looking In and Reaching Out – Really Caring – Not in Public – Golden Rules for Holy Living – Three Sets of Two – Tying It All Together.

Serving Others Along The Road: Revealing Christ's Love Through Holiness, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

Book four in the Holy Life Bible Study Series.

Full text available: Study 1 -- In the World But Not of It

Contents: In the World But Not of It – Salt, Light, Yeast – Leave the Altar and Report to Work – Taking Risks for God – A Lifestyle of Service – Keeping a Light Touch – Investing in the Kingdom – Your Unconscious Influence – Offering Deliverance – Sharing My Faith – Making Disciples – Tying It All Together.

God's Road Map For Us: The Plan Of Holiness, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

Book one in the Holy Life Bible Study Series.

Full text available via download: Study 1 - Welcome to the Adventure

Contents: Welcome to the Adventure – Meeting God – In His Image – Created to Be Holy – The Way We Were – Choosing Not to Follow Directions – Restoration Promised – Abraham: The Blameless Man – A Systems Approach – A Better Approach – Holiness Requires the Cross – Tying It All Together.

Principles, Practices, And Problems-The Pastoral Theology Of St. John Chrysostom, Jack Ferguson

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The importance of this limited outline of the life of St. John Chrysostom is that it highlights the pastoral periods of his work within the context of the two metropolitan communities which he served. It also locates within these periods several of his major works which yield, upon examination, a wealth of material as well as many points of comparison concerning the rudiments of his pastoral theology.

Breaking Free From Sin's Grip: Holiness Defined For A New Generation, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

Includes full text of Chapter 1 only.

Exploring the ongoing story of the relationship between God and humanity, this book looks at God’s plan for His children, how we have derailed that plan, and how God involves himself in our lives to bring us back to His original plan for us.

Contents: An Adventure Story – The Test – Who Is He? – The Cure – A Long-Awaited Dream Comes True – The Transformation – The Helper – ETA – Perfect Yet? – False Advertising – The Test-Drive – Steve: A Case Study – Christlikeness.

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, …

More Coffee Shop Theology: Translating Doctrinal Jargon Into Everyday Life, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

A sequel to Coffee Shop Theology, this book continues the translation of the Christian faith into concepts that apply to everyday life. In order to provide continuity for the reader, the first five chapters of this book (section on Jesus Christ) are a reprint of the last five chapters of the earlier book.

Partial Contents: Jesus Christ – Salvation – Christian Life – Last Things.

Coffee Shop Theology: Translating Doctrinal Jargon Into Everyday Life, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

This book strives to communicate Christianity’s central truths with simplicity, clarity, and brevity. A more complete and accurate understanding of our Christian faith helps to satisfy our hungry souls and increases our ability to offer God’s answers to others.

Partial Contents: God – God’s Self-Revelation – Evil – Humanity – Sin – Jesus Christ.

Dismantling The Myths: Realigning Moral Choices With Faith, Frank M. Moore

Books and Manuscripts – Theology

Includes full text of Chapter 4 only.

In this guide to making wise ethical choices, the author discusses the current moral climate, how people in our society think, and what the Bible says about making moral choices. Strategies for aligning our personal and community lives with our faith and relating properly to our world are presented.

Contents: Getting Started: Setting the Stage – Say “Cheese:” Taking a Snapshot of Baby Boomers and Generation Xers – A Penny for Your Thoughts: The Way We Think Becomes the Way We Live – On Guard: Preparing for the Culture Battle – Here We …

Luther And The Third Use Of The Law, With Special Reference To His Great Galatians Commentary, Jeffrey G. Silcock

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The question of whether Luther taught a third use of the law is far too broad for a thesis. We will therefore confine ourselves, in the main, to his great Galatians Commentary of 1531 / 1535, where he explicates in considerable detail the doctrine of justification and the proper distinction between law and gospel.4 Even though the nature of the letter is such that Paul speaks there more about justification than about sanctification, Luther still writes enough about the role of the law in the Christian life to warrant using this as our primary source. There are two main reasons …

The Priesthood Of All Believers And The Theology Of Pietism, Breno Faber

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Pietism and pietistic emphases are becoming popular again because during the seventeenth and early eighteenth century the Pietists sought to revitalize Christianity in ways familiar to twentieth century Christians seeking to do the same. Pietism sought to foster a more vigorous personal and public piety among the people. They sought to improve the education of ministers in practical piety so that they might better guide and edify their people. They sought to encourage the reading of the Bible, Christian education of the youthful and the mature, demonstrated social concern and resposibility in their philanthropic enterprises, and embarked upon ambitious programs …

The Jewish Liturgy Of Marriage, Asher Finkel

Rabbi Asher Finkel, Ph.D.

Situationism And Law In Christian Ethics, Paul Jersild

Concordia Theological Monthly

Our purpose in these pages is to focus on the question of law in Christian ethics and consider in what sense we can speak of the "law of God." This question is raised in a quite critical manner in situation ethics, and for that reason we shall discuss the subject in relation to this approach, and particularly in relation to the work of Joseph Fletcher. Our concern is to present a theological basis for the law-a basis that is notably lacking in situation ethics - and seek to clarify the relationship between love and law in the Christian understanding.

Legalism In An Evangelical Church, J. P. Koehler

Concordia Theological Monthly

The essay that follows developed from a remark that the author made at one of the larger intersynodical conferences. The remark was to the effect that there is much legalism rampant in our circles, that the result is stagnation and retrogression in all areas of church life, and that for this reason sincere and general repentance is necessary before we may anticipate a turn for the better. The expression "legalism in our circles" was not generally understood. It was intended to describe one aspect of all our activity in thought, speech, and endeavor, based on a comprehensive observation of life …

The Place Of The Family In The Church's Educational Ministry, Oscar E. Feucht

Concordia Theological Monthly

Parents are the child's most potent teachers. They provide the all-important environment. Good manners, good English, love of good books and music, life's ideals, in fact, the whole outlook on the world are developed largely in the home. And so are dislikes and prejudices, religious views as well as political views, habits of going to church, of receiving Holy Communion, of prayer and reading the Bible. The paths which adult feet travel find their origin in childhood, and one way is as likely to be traveled as another, if started upon in the preschool days.

Theology And Love, Richard R. Caemmerer

Concordia Theological Monthly

Two customs of thought have tended to erect, if not a barrier, at least a filter between theology and Christian life.

The one is the hoary distinction between the "doctrinal" and the "practical" portions of the epistles - as though the apostles were "teaching" less strenuously when they were shaping the life and behavior of their readers than when they were discussing their faith. The other is the theologically more recent distinction between kerygma and didache and the assumption that when a preacher wants to save people, he tells them about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; when he …

Contrition (Concluded), Theodore Engelder, Herbert J. Bouman, Erwin Lueker

Concordia Theological Monthly

Does repentance follow faith? Such a question seems strange to Lutherans. We teach: "Now, repentance consists properly of these two parts: One is contrition, that is, terrors smiting the conscience through the knowledge of sin; the other is faith, which is born of the Gospel" (AC XII). Faith is "the chief part of repentance" (Ap XII 58, German Text). No, repentance, the essential characteristic of which is faith, cannot follow faith. Calvin and his adherents, however, teach that repentance follows faith.

The Relationship Of The Church To The National Culture In America, Ernest B. Koenker

Concordia Theological Monthly

As one considers the cultural complex of America today, there are a number of questions which might present themselves to the Christian living under the Word. What are the values which underlie our national culture, and is there any sense in which these are being absolutized today in some kind of Messianism? Can one say that the Christian churches in America, or the Lutheran Church, have profoundly shaped our culture, or have the churches themselves been thoroughly shaped by the culture? In view of the loss or muffling of a dynamic Christian witness in many of the American denominations, what …

Christian Citizenship, Valentine J. Mack

Bachelor of Divinity

"The Christian's life in this world is not lived in separate compartments, the spiritual and the temporal. It is one life, the life of a child of God, and in all the various situations and relationships in which the Christian finds himself he is motivated and governed by those principles which have been implanted in him in his regeneration and which are nurtured and developed by the means of grace. It is impossible, therefore, to separate his life as a Christian from his life as a citizen; in his relation to the state, the nation, and the government the Christian …