Arts and Humanities Commons^™

A Church On The Move: A History Of First Baptist Church Clemson 1907-2006, Lawson Clary

All Theses

The purpose of First Baptist Clemson`s founding was two fold, to provide a body of worship for college students at Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina and to reach the Clemson community. The main focus of the church at its inception was to reach out to students, but as the church and school grew, so, too, did the need for the church to expand its ministries.
Throughout the history of First Baptist Clemson, the church never compromised on its traditions and values under pressure from the community or outside forces. In every situation the church held strong in its beliefs. …

Shankara: A Hindu Revivalist Or A Crypto-Buddhist?, Kencho Tenzin

Religious Studies Theses

Shankara, the great Indian thinker, was known as the accurate expounder of the Upanishads. He is seen as a towering figure in the history of Indian philosophy and is credited with restoring the teachings of the Vedas to their pristine form. However, there are others who do not see such contributions from Shankara. They criticize his philosophy by calling it “crypto-Buddhism.” It is his unique philosophy of Advaita Vedanta that puts him at odds with other Hindu orthodox schools. Ironically, he is also criticized by Buddhists as a “born enemy of Buddhism” due to his relentless attacks on their tradition. …

San Francesco D'Assisi E Santa Caterina Da Siena. La Loro Influenza Sulla Letteratura, La Cultura, La Religione E L'Arte Italiana Dei Primordi, Ann-Frances Hamill

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Examines the works and thoughts of two Italian saints: Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) and Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380). Explores the common ideological denominator in the works of these major figures and analyzes their impact on Italian society and culture.

Religion And Semiosphere: From Religious To The Secular And Beyond, Rajka Rush

Dissertations

Religion is a system of structural ideas that involve the natural ability of the mind to engage itself into the process of unlimited semiosis which can be defined as an existential openness of one's consciousness to the universe as a system. This primary religious consciousness becomes limited by language, symbolic, and cultural constraints. The religious semiotic space is a sub-cultural system open to culturally and cross-culturally encoded idioms and concepts. These cultural potentials are interpreted and settled by the religious exegesis expressed in the behavioral patterns of the symbolic actions that reflect a specific worldview of the closed community controlled …

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 …

Becoming One Spirit: Origen And Evagrius Ponticus On Prayer, Hilary Case Osb

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Origen and Evagrius present a theology of prayer that provided the spiritual foundation for later monasticism, both in the East and in the West. Indeed, the influence of Origen and Evagrius on Christian spirituality is perceptible even today. Yet the works of both writers were repeatedly condemned by ecumenical councils, beginning with the Second Council of Constantinople in 553. In this thesis, I attempt to shed light on this paradox by setting the spiritual works of each writer within the context of the theological controversies of his time. When Origen’s works are seen in relation to the Church’s third-century effort …

The Spiritual Potential Of Poetry, Carl Schlueter

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This paper presents poetry as a possible means of spiritual formation and transformation. Through the example of two poets, Seamus Heaney and Matsuo Basho, as well as two poetic devices, symbol and metaphor, poetry proves capable of radically engaging and converting both spiritual attention and action. In addition, the colloquial and connotative nature of poetic language renders poetry capable of expressing spiritual matters in a manner more quotidian and concrete. As a result, spiritual edification through poetry can offer a more affective and accessible alternative to the sometimes unaccommodating technical and abstract aspects of theological and philosophical prose.

Ethnographic Study Of Buddhist Education, Based On Burgess' Social Science Method At An American University And A Private Buddhist Organization, Wan-Ming Lu

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

The literature shows that there are many studies about Buddhism in the United States and religion on college campuses, but few studies specifically about Buddhism in American universities. The purpose of this study is to explore how American college students approach and learn about Buddhism. A qualitative research study of clinical ethnography was applied to conduct this study at the Florida International University (FIU) and Florida Buddhist Association (FBA). FBA was chosen to compare with FIU so that the features of Buddhist education at FIU would be clearer.

Eight students and four teachers (instructors) were interviewed at FIU; and two …

Syncletica: Urban Ascetic And Desert Mother, Susan Dreyer Osb

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This paper provides evidence and understanding of how Syncletica, a fourth and fifth century Alexandrian ascetical woman, developed her ascetical life; first within the movement of consecrated virgins which was evident in the Christian world of her time, and later in life as an anchorite, where she became renowned within the category of a desert mother. This paper stresses the value of using modern historical method to discuss Syncletica, as well the need to understand her within the spiritual uniqueness of the eastern Christian desert tradition, of which is claimed as representative.

Fundamentalism And Modernity: A Critique Of The "Anti-Modern" Conception Of Fundamentalism, Andrew Charles Hoffmeister

Religious Studies Theses

This paper addresses the conception that fundamentalisms are “anti-modern.” I propose that this view is a mischaracterization of fundamentalisms. I argue that an understanding of fundamentalisms would be better served by forgoing this “anti-modern” characterization and instead approaching fundamentalisms from the perspective that they are wholly modern phenomenon. In my analysis I use the writings and speeches of Pat Robertson as examples of the modern nature of America Fundamentalism in four areas. The first area examines how the Enlightenment influenced Fundamentalism’s development of inerrantism. The second area examines Fundamentalism’s prophetic interpretation. The third area examines the political nature of Fundamentalism. …

A Woman Of The Reformation, Megan S. Enninga

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Description of the Project: Katharina Schütz Zell (1497 or 8-1562) influenced Strasbourg, Germany and the surrounding area by her marriage to a clergyman, publishing a hymnal and other writings, and by serving as a strong advocate for those less fortunate than herself. By looking at some of her writings, the climate of the society in this period in regards to clerical marriage, and some of her acts of social activism, Katharina Schütz Zell will be proven to be a remarkable woman and most likely the only woman of this period in Strasbourg who had such a wide variety of contributions …

Ayatollah Khomeini And The Islamic Revolution In Iran, Dustin John Byrd

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the events leading up to the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran and the role of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in bringing about that revolution. It attempts to demonstrate the social, psychological, political, and religious factors that led to the rise of Khomeini as the leader of the revolution. It furthermore focuses on Khomeini's strategy to oppose, destabilize, and eventually overthrow the Shah of Iran through various means. This thesis is limited to the study of Khomeini as a revolutionary figure, not as a head of state, and therefore I do not examine Khomeini after the overthrow of the …

A Seven Strand Cord: Braiding Together Leadership Development For Mid-Adolescents, Richard Barrett Bartlett Ii

Doctor of Ministry

The emerging culture is necessitating different leadership paradigms: preparation of leaders in a "business as usual" fashion is becoming inadequate. Mid-adolescents in churches who are being "called" or "shoulder tapped" as emerging leaders need an intentional process of leadership development.

This paper will recommend leadership development of mid-adolescents through the metaphor of a seven strand braided cord which includes these threads: discernment, an understanding of call, rite of passage events, mentoring, spiritual formation, service/ministry opportunities, and commissioning. The goal of this research is to suggest that these kinds of learning experiences, which the Church could be providing today, will best …

Personal Scripture Study Of Prospective Missionaries, Eric Lyon Wing

Theses and Dissertations

The call of Church leaders to "raise the bar" placed direct attention on the preparation of future missionaries. Also, the new Preach My Gospel missionary guide emphasized effective personal scripture study in order for missionaries to fulfill their purposes of teaching by the Spirit and inviting others to come unto Christ. Thus, "raising the bar" and Preach My Gospel together created an important focus on the personal scripture study of prospective missionaries. However, available social research offered little indication of the state of scripture study among future missionaries. Consequently, this study maintained an exploratory design and utilized qualitative research methods …

A Study Of The History Of The Office Of High Priest, John D. Lawson

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an examination of the office of high priest from its beginning with Adam as the first and down through the restoration of the Church in the last days. This study revealed that the office of high priest was the only priesthood office that was held from the time of Adam until the Melchizedek Priesthood was taken, generally, away from the congregation of Israel in Moses' day. The office did however remain but was exclusive only to a few. Another important aspect of the history of the office of high priest that will be shown is how the …

"We Should Glory In The Cross:" The Feast Of The Exaltation Of The Cross And Its Contemporary Liturgical Significance, Cody C. Unterseher

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This essay is an examination of the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross as celebrated in Western Christianity at the beginning of the third millennium. While mentioning the historical events that occasioned its admission to the liturgical calendar, this essay focuses on the euchology and theology of the feast with a view to identifying its contemporary significance. With these foundations in mind, specific pastoral-liturgical suggestions are made to enrich the celebration of this feast in a parochial setting.

The Feast Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Ecclesial Discipleship And Redemption, Diane Draxler Pederson

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Vatican II greatly influenced both Catholic and ecumenical perceptions of Mary, specifically in regard to her Assumption. Once a topic that caused an enormous fracture between the denominations, Mary is seen today as a means of reconciliation. Vatican II has spurred greater understanding ecumenically and provided an impetus for the hope of future ecclesial communion.

The Education Of Heloise In Twelfth-Century France, Susan Dreyer Osb

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

The question of how Heloise, the renowned twelfth-century abbess of the Benedictine women’s monastery called the Paraclete, obtained a classical education in the twelfth century French culture is important and not adequately answered at present. The purpose of this paper is to discover a reasonable understanding of how she acquired her high quality education and what conditions made it possible for her to learn three languages, be highly literate, and successful in her role as a religious abbess. Heloise was acclaimed for her intelligence, but this paper shows that she was supported in her educational pursuits by the expectations and …

To Know The One True God: Reconciling The God Of The Old Testament With The God Of The New Testament, Kelly D. Newman

Theses and Dissertations

There is a popular misconception in the world that Jehovah is too severe on occasion while Jesus Christ is always kind and merciful. The Latter-day Saint belief that Jehovah and Jesus are the same person presents a supposed conflict. There has not been much written on this subject by either non-Latter-day Saints or Latter-day Saints, thus, this thesis represents a unique contribution to a common perception prevalent in many Christian circles. The research of this thesis shows that the misconception is based on three problems: first, a misinterpretation of biblical stories in both the Old and New Testament; second, a …

Can Religion Help? Using John Howard Yoder And Mohandas Gandhi To Conceptualize New Approaches To Intractable Social And Political Problems Such As Violence And War, Gregory T. Keeter

Religious Studies Theses

Religious Studies is making possible a scholarly study of many aspects of human religious traditions and practices, but the field has yet to articulate fully the ability of such study to affect the creation of new approaches to intractable social and political problems. Many of these problems have as their basis religious justifications, yet the rigor of academic thought has only barely begun to clarify the underlying religious reasoning. Through this essay I intend to provide clarity to some of the underlying religious justifications for war and violence by examining the religious writings of two widely recognized theologians that firmly …

Goddess Dethroned: The Evolution Of Morgan Le Fay, Dax Donald Carver

Religious Studies Theses

In the Arthurian romances of the Middle Ages, the character of Morgan le Fay was transformed dramatically from her Welsh original, the goddess Modron. The effect was to vilify the enchantress so that medieval Christians would not be sympathetic to her character. This study consults the oldest available Welsh mythological and historical texts as well as the medieval romances surrounding King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Also consulted are some of the top contemporary Arthurian scholars. By unraveling Morgan’s transformation and the reasons for such change, it is revealed that medieval demonizing of old pagan deities was …

Consuming Islamic Fashion In Cairo Market, Sahar Aref

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Healing Ministry Of Jesus As Recorded In The Synoptic Gospels, Alvin Lloyd Maragh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study explores the narratives in the healing ministry of Jesus as recorded in the synoptic gospels. The majority of the healing narratives address issues that transcend physical aspects and point to Jesus' attempt to restore the whole person. This is reflected in the fact that more than half of the healing narratives deal with the marginalized of society during Jesus' time. He healed demon possessed persons, beggars, lepers, women suffering from incurable diseases, and those who were racially discriminated against by the Jews. Other healing narratives deal with the understanding of faith, the message of forgiveness, and the meaning …

Rights And The Islamic State: The Thought Of Ayatollah Khomeini And Sayyid Qutb, Sarah Adel Elibiary

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Intoxication Of The Spirit: Ahmed Ibn 'Ajibah's Commentary On 'Umar Ibn Al-Farid's Wine Song, Nuri Friedlander

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Women's Rights In Islam, Two Reformist Approaches: Abdullahi An-Na'aim And Khaled Abu El Fadl, Mohamed Sayed Sultan

Archived Theses and Dissertations

The thesis examines two different reformist approaches to Islamic law in general and women's rights in particular. Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im and Khaled Abou El Fadl are chosen as the focus of this study because of their respective innovative approaches to a historically controversial issue. The focus is on the Qur'anic verses and various definitive texts in Qur'an or al-nas qati al-delalah. Discussed is the historical context of the scholars interpretation of the Qur'anic verses; the relationship between the historical context of the Qura'nic verses and the occasions for which the Quranic verses were revealed to the Prophet; any differences between …

Vicious Circle: Coptic Divorce Between Positive Law And Canon Law, Jacqueline Samir Saad

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Servant Leadership Training Process For Elected Board Chairpersons, Larry Tieman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project is an exercise in training board chairpersons to become servant leaders who will bring people and programs together for the completion of identified tasks within the life of the congregation. The project will seek to: 1) clarify the roles of eight chairpersons; 2) form the chairpersons into servant leaders; and 3) mentor each chairperson through the counsel and guidance of others.

As a result of the project the percentage of active members has increased by 58% and the average member gives 33% more time in service to the church.

Examine, Understand, And Address The Attitudes The Fathers Of St. John's Lutheran Church Of Durand, Wisconsin Have Toward Worship, Daniel M. Pfaffe

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Therefore, the purpose of this MAP is to examine, understand, and address the attitudes the fathers of St. John's Lutheran Church of Durand, Wisconsin have toward worship.

The Effectiveness Of Illustrations In Preaching: Understanding And Retaining Biblical Truths, Ronald Rall

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project explored how illustrations function in sermons to facilitate the understanding and retention of Biblical truths. Personal interviews with members of the congregation and focus groups that evaluated sermons provided feedback and insights related to the effectiveness of illustrations in preaching. The researcher compiled responses from the interviews and the focus groups to draw some conclusions about how illustrations function most effectively in aiding comprehension and facilitating an effective hearing of the message. On the basis of this study the researcher offers recommendations that preachers may find helpful in using illustrations in their preaching.