Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Augustine’S Theology Of The Sacrament Of The Altar As Understood From His Theory Of “Signum” And “Res”, Leo Fuhr

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Augustine's Platonic way of thinking causes him to see the things of this world as signs that point to a world beyond. Within the context of this way of thinking, that is, from lower to higher, from outer to inner, from visible to invisible, from temporal to eternal, we will seek to analyze his theology of the sacrament. In order to do this, this paper will examine the terms siqnum and res as employed by Augustine in his theory of sign and in his definition of sacrament. That, in turn, may enable us to re late this theory to his …

The Nature And Function Of The Lutheran Confessions In Twentieth Century American Lutheranism, Charles Arand

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

By concentrating on what theologians and church leaders have written on the sub­ject of the confessional principle and confessional subscription, this study has dealt with those who had or have an interest in the subject. It may or may not be representative of the way in which the church at large regards and deals with the church's symbols. Attempting to address such a concern, this study has referred to official synodical resolutions and dec­larations as illustrative that the confessional attitude of the theologians was also representa­tive of their church's position. At the same time, however, it may be pointed out …

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 …

Justification In The Eastern Orthodox Churches (A Comparative Study), Eshetu Abate

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The topic of this Thesis, Justification in the Eastern Orthodox Churches, is prompted by the document which recently came out of the U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue on the doctrine of Justification by faith alone, work which took more than five years ending in September 1983. To one who comes from the East, especially from Ethiopia, a country where half of the population is Orthodox, the reading of the publicity on this dialogue and its outcome raised the question: "How do the Orthodox Churches in the East think about justification by faith alone?" The incubation of this idea yielded the present …

Melanchthon's Understanding Of The Will In The Loci Communes, Richard Osslund

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is a commonplace among many Lutheran theologians that Philip Melanchthon was a synergist. The purpose of this study is to evaluate this theological judgment on the basis of Melanchthon’s Loci of 1521, 1535, 1543, 1555, and 1559. The conclusion of this study is that Melanchthon's writings do not support the charge of synergism which has been directed against him. It is not the intention of the author to ascribe malevolence or lack of scholarly integrity to those who have described Melanchthon's position as synergistic. There are reasons for the historical judgment that Melanchthon was "the father of synergism in …

The Doctrine And History Of Worship In The Reformed Presbyterian Church Of North America, John Delivuk

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

As the smaller, conservative Presbyterian churches have moved towards merger, one doctrinal problem has emerged. It is the position of the Reformed Presbyterian (Covenanter) Church of North America (RPC) on worship. The Reformed Presbyterian Church holds to the traditional Reformed positions of a capella singing and the exclusive use of the Psalms for singing in worship. This thesis was written to explain Reformed Presbyterian worship. The questions that it attempts to answer are: What is the historical basis for Reformed Presbyterian worship? What is the doctrinal basis for Reformed Presbyterian worship? What, if any, have been the changes in Reformed …

Predestination: A Comparative Analysis Of The Theology Of A. W. Pink In Relation To The Westminster Confession Of Faith, Richard Belcher

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The subject matter of this dissertation concerns the doctrine of predestination in the theology of Arthur W. Pink. The study will include a comparison of his view to the Westminster Confession of Faith. Several areas of preliminary consideration must be presented before the primary subject can be approached.

A Beauty Walk A Systematic Compendof Navajo Theology, Walter Snyder

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The doctrine of god will itself be the subject of five chapters. These five chapters will treat the subjects of: The First God; The Former Gods; The Latter Gods; The Present Gods; and, Demonology. There was a serious question whether the last two chapters should come under the doctrine of god or not. The first thought was that they should be under the separate categories of angelology and demonology since they both dealt with spirits. However, in both instances these are spirits that are worshipped. Therefore, the final decision was that they should properly go under the doctrine of god. …

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 Doctrine Of Sanctification As Portrayed In Spener's Pia Desideria In Light Of The Lutheran Confessions, Francis Monseth

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The writer believes there is a need for a fresh study of the doctrine of sanctification. In the area of Christian ethics, a variety of views have found earnest adherents. Though various approaches have been advocated, three main categories are seen by the writer to be able to encompass the present spectrum: antinomianism, legalism, and truly biblical Christian living. The latter is given expression in the Lutheran Confessions. It is marked by pronounced emphasis upon the inseparability of justification and sanctification. Indeed, as A. T. Mollegen has expressed it, the whole of Protestantism in its historic confessions has derived its …

The Doctrine Of The Church In The Writings Of Dr. C. F. W. Walther, John Martin Drickamer

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The doctrine of the church has been a matter of theological controversy for the Missouri Synod through much of its history. The difficulties predate the origin of the Synod itself, and they continue in different forms into the last quarter of the twentieth century. In terms of both theological statement and practical application, no individual was more important for the Missouri Synod during its first third of a century of existence than C. F. W. Walther. As eminent an historian as Sydney E. Ahlstrom has even said that Walther was "probably the most influential figure in nineteenth-century Lutheranism in America. …

Key 73: A Case Study In The Doctrine Of Church Fellowship, Curtis Peterson

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study is presented with the hope that it can help establish confessional Lutheran evangelistic and missiological practice on the bedrock of sound, Biblical and Confessional doctrine. The specific theological concern of this presentation is the doctrine of church fellowship. Key 73 is an excellent place to begin such a study because it is especially in evangelism and mission practice that the pressure to unite without prior doctrinal agreement is the greatest. "Conservatives” are particularly vulnerable to these temptations, because of their zeal for reaching the lost with the Gospel. Those who believe that there is salvation in no other …

The Role Of Lutheran Theology In India Today, James Canjanam Gamaliel

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

As I write, I have in mind the pastors and lay leaders of the nine Lutheran Churches of India. The topics treated in this thesis will be useful for group discussions in congregations so that the people and the pastors will realize the heritage of the Lutheran Church. How the five doctrines chosen are crucial in facing the specific problems and opportunities the church in India is facing will be shown in each chapter. In evaluating the contribution of Lutheran theology, the doctrines promulgated by the Second Vatican Council and some Roman Catholic scholars will al.so, when relevant, be referred …

The Soteriological Approach To Christian Doctrine., F. E. Mayer

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Lutheran Confessions present all Christian doctrine from the soteriological standpoint, that is, from the meaning each has for our salvation. Each and every doctrine of Christian revelation must be viewed in actu, not only in statu; it must be within the focus of a real spiritual problem and be presented only in its soteriological significance.

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 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 …

Justification And Anthropology, Wenzel Lohff

Concordia Theological Monthly

The author suggests that contemporary difficulties with respect to understanding the article of justification arise in large measure from the fact that justification has been separated from its anthropological rootage. At the same time, Dr. Lohff argues that the doctrine of justification offers great help to modern man, who often feels trapped in his very humanness. Furthermore, justification, when proclaimed properly, makes Christian unity possible. He describes justification briefly as the right and unequivocal determination of a human practice: to always live anew the life of faith in the Gospel.

Open Letter To Charismatic Lutherans, Paul F. Hutchinson

Concordia Theological Monthly

The author is pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Missouri, and has been actively involved in aspects of the charismatic movement.

“The Log In Your Own Eye.", Paul G. Bretscher

Concordia Theological Monthly

It is painful for me to write what I am about to write-about the log in the eye of my own church. I am not blind to some of the specks or even logs which concern many of my brothers. Every confusion and diffusion and diminution of the Gospel deeply disturbs me. But our first concern has to be the log in the eye of those among us who assume they are qualified to do eye surgery on their brothers. The Lord's judgment has a strange way of beginning at Jerusalem.

Doctrinal Emphases In The Missouri Synod, Erwin L. Lueker

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has had the same doctrinal basis for 125 years. It is remarkable that within that period of time the loyalty of no group in Synod to that basis as given in the constitution could be seriously challenged. This, however, does not mean that there were no variations in emphases. This study is a brief synopsis of such variations. It is not concerned with difference, uniformity, contradiction, or inconsistency in doctrine (although some of these factors may be present) but with coordinating stresses. Examination of consistent adherence to basic insights is also beyond the scope of this …

A Comparative Study Of The Doctrine Of Scripture In Article 4 Of The Apology Of The Augsburg Confession With The Doctrine Of Scripture In The Works Of Kister Stendahl, Jerry Kosberg

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper is to be a comparative study of the doctrine of Scripture found in Article Four of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession with the doctrine of Scripture found in various representative writings of Dr. Krister Stendahl. The paper will be an attempt to establish the relationship between the view of Scripture found in an article of the Lutheran Confessions and the view of Scripture found in a Lutheran biblical scholar who works from the perspective of what may be called the historical -critical method. In other words, the question this paper is asking is: Is the historical - …

The Christian Faith And Revelation, Fred Kramer

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Christian faith rests solidly on God's own revelation of Himself and of His will with respect to man. Divine revelation is an act of God, not subject as such to the correction of the philosopher. Divine revelation has, however, a human correlative, namely theology. Theology, as the word is here used, is the church's speaking and teaching about God and His will. It is not itself revelation, which is always God's activity, but the church's speaking and teaching based upon divine revelation and therefore subject to correction, where it may need correction, on the basis of divine revelation.

The Presence Of Christ's Body And Blood In The Sacrament Of The Altar According To Luther, Norman Nagel

Concordia Theological Monthly

The great feature of the 450th celebration of the Reformation is the extent of ecumenical participation. It might almost be said that our Roman Catholic brethren have taken over the show. Luther studies provide an index of the growth in mutual understanding, but what help is Luther at the heart of Christian unity, the doctrine of the Lord's Supper?

Moving Toward Lutheran Unity, Oliver R. Harms

Concordia Theological Monthly

Two words in this topic seem to me very important: "moving" and "unity." They express thoughts that many persons seemingly have wanted to avoid or to ignore. There are those who say we are already at the point of unity. Others are sure we will never get there. Some flexibility in thought is required at both ends of this spectrum of opinion.

Some Thoughts On The Church In The Lutheran Symbols, Herbert J. Bouman

Concordia Theological Monthly

Near the end of 1536 Martin Luther wrote that "a seven-year-old child knows what the church is" (SA III XII). In our time great ecumenical gatherings expend incalculable amounts of time and effort in wrestling with the doctrine of the church, and first-rate theologians in all churches provide the printing presses with an unabating flow of materials in discussion of the problems and implications of ecclesiology.

Luther On Justification, John F. Johnson

Concordia Theological Monthly

Once upon a time every student of theology identified in any way with the Lutheran Confessions was able to read, pronounce, and understand the expression articulus stantis et cadentis ecclesiae. More importantly, he was not only able to read it; he believed with all his heart that this designation referred to the doctrine of justification. Indeed, this has always been the distinguishing mark of evangelical Lutheranism.

Changes In The Missouri Synod, Arthur C. Repp

Concordia Theological Monthly

Have there been doctrinal changes in The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod? Few questions have disturbed that Synod more during the past quarter of a century. Both negative and affirmative answers have been staunchly maintained. ''Missouri has not changed its doctrinal stand" was the repeated claim made by Theodore Graebner, though few men changed their doctrinal position as much as he did in so short a time.

Notes On The Inerrancy Of Scripture, Robert Preus

Concordia Theological Monthly

This study is o1fered as an approach to the problem of the inerrancy of Scripture as it concerns the Lutheran Church today. The attempt is to present a position that agrees with Scripture's testimony concerning itself and with the historic position of the Christian church. At the same time the attempt is made to be timely and to take into account contemporary issues raised by modern Biblical theology.

Principals Of Biblical Interpretationin The Lutheran Confessions, Ralph Bohlmann

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Basic and preliminary to the above investigation, however, is an understanding of the principles of biblical interpretation employed in the Lutheran Confessions. The setting forth of these principles and the presuppositions upon which they rest is the primary purpose of this paper. In our investigation we shall give primary attention to confessional statements referring explicitly to biblical interpretation and to examples of biblical interpretation within the confessions that illustrate hermeneutical principles.

The Doctrine Of Baptism As An Ecumenical Factor, Elvin Janetzki

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This ecumenical problem of apparent unity in disunity is the starting point for this study. All aspects of the problem, however, cannot be fully investigated here, so it has been narrowed down to show how a major ecumenical organization, The World Council of Churches, through its Assemblies and Commissions has become increasingly interested in the doctrine of Holy Baptism, to investigate why it has done so, and to trace the attempts it has made to formulate a doctrine of Baptism that it is hoped will resolve the problem of unity in disunity to the satisfaction of all concerned.