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Portent And Providence- An Investigation Of The Puritan Habit Of Deciphering The Will Of God In The Natural And The Preternatural With Special Reference To "The Scarlet Letter" By Nathaniel Hawthorne, Milton Sernett

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper has something to do with both Puritan history and Nathaniel Hawthorne. As originally conceived it was entitled The Puritan Prolapsis: A Study in the Conception and Collapse of the "Holy Commonwealth," with Special Reference to the Interpretation of Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was to have been an attempt to isolate the basis, both experiential and theological, for the "Holy Commonwealth" and to determine what undermined the colony, especially as to the tension between the individual and the society in New England. However, after a good deal of research, it was found that such a problem would force a consideration …

1 Corinthians 15_3b-5: Primitive Christian Proclamation, Jerome Schoel

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Therefore, for matters of limitation, it shall be the purpose of this paper to examine one specific text in the Pauline corpus in which Paul himself cites something he had received. In 1 Corinthians 15:3b-5 Paul describes the gospel which the Corinthians came to believe and by which they were saved. Does this passage tell us anything about Paul's relationship with the apostles in Jerusalem? What does it tell us of the chief emphases in the gospel Paul had received?

Kosmos In John, Donald Heinz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to determine what John aims to say with the word kosmos . What understanding of man underlies John's semantic signal kosmos? Why did John choose this particular word to signal the thought he wanted to convey? What role did this term play in the Umwelt of John? Is the idea behind the term kosmos effectively and accurately signalled by the English term "world"?

The Study Of The Real Presence In The Ante-Nicene Fatherswith Some Lutheran Comparisons, Paul Pahl

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

A study of the nature of the eucharistic presence of .Christ in the writings of the early Fathers would therefore seem to have considerable practical value and should also help in forming a sound opinion and conclusions about the nature of this evidence.

In the present study it is also intended to examine Luther's views on the matter under discussion especially where they impinge on viewpoints and ideas set forth in the writings of the Fathers under consideration. Wherever possible reference will also be made to the Lutheran Confessions.

It is intended to examine and evaluate the patristic evidence up …

The Historical Deveopment Of The Postcommunion Collects For The Sundays And Some Feast Days Of The Church Year, Leo La Fontaine

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study surveys the historical development of the post-communion collects according to the Sundays and some feast days of the Church year.

Psalms 2 And 110: A Comparison Of Exegetical Methods, Herbert Hohenstein

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This investigation is prompted first of all by the controversy within the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod concerning the use of historical criticism as a legitimate method of interpreting the Bible. But it is also important to ascertain whether the method is strictly a classroom discipline or if the procedure has tangible benefits for the work of the Christian minister. If the method does assist one in understanding the theological message of the Biblical words, then its potential value for the parish pastor in his varied ministries is heightened.

The purpose of this investigation, therefore, is to determine if historical criticism contributes …

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 …

An Exegetical Study Of I Corinthians 7:21 And Its Contemporary Implications, James Kaspar

Bachelor of Divinity

To attempt to discuss the whole of the New Testament evidence on slavery is too broad for a paper of this nature. Therefore, I have limited myself to an exegetical study of I Corinthians 7:21 and some of its implications. This paper will specifically seek to isolate the thrust or message of the pericope and its relationship to the total Pauline corpus, I shall discuss the various textual problems,, -especially the meaning of κλη̑σις and the construction μ̑αλλον χρ̑ησαι Then I shall consider the periscope in its various contexts (the immediate context [verses 17-24], the seventh chapter, the entire book …

A Study Of Views Of Educators And Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Pastors Toward Continuing Education, Harold Kriesel

Bachelor of Divinity

The aim of this study will be to determine directions for continuing education within the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. In this study the views of various educators concerning objectives for continuing education will be explored. Secondly, the results of a questionnaire on continuing education, sent at random to pastors in the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, will be presented. Next, the implications of the results of the questionnaire will be drawn, and, where possible, correlated with the opinions of the educators. Finally, from these implications and comparisons, suggestions will be made, where possible, fora program of continuing education for pastors within the Lutheran …

The Counselor's Role In Encouraging The Adolescent To Christian Love With Special Reference To Carl Rogers' Theory Of Counseling, James Laatsch

Master of Divinity Thesis

One of the most repeated injunctions in the New Testament is that Christians should love one another. Accordingly, an important objective of Christian education is that the Christian understand and put love into practice in his life. "Love is the dominant motive and central emotion of the Christian life."1 In this paper the writer will examine how Christian love may be encouraged in a specific age group, adolescents. Only one aspect of encouraging Christian love, namely by interpersonal relations, will be considered. More specifically, the study will treat the youth counselor's part in encouraging Christian love in adolescents.

The Unwed Mother: The Psychological And Sociological Factors, Norman Stoppenhagen

Master of Divinity Thesis

This study will comprise an examination of two of the general factors which contribute to the dilemma of the unwed mother --the psychological and the sociological. Through a greater knowledge of the influence which the psychological and the sociological factors exert on young womanhood, the problem of the unwed mother will be better understood.

The Eschatological Significance Of Paul's Collection For Jerusalem, David Young

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Paul's collection has always been looked upon for its functional value. It relieved the needs of the Jerusalem poor, and it was an ecumenical venture embracing Jews and Gentiles. Other minor functional explanations have been suggested. Such explanations usually treat the collection as a small event in the history of the early church.

The scope of our investigation is devoted to the eschatological significance Paul attached to the project. Paul's understanding of the end-time seems to provide the only explanation that can justify the time and effort being spent on this matter. Our inquiry may be formulated as follows:

The …

The Hymnals Of The Lutheran Church --Missouri Synod, James Brauer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

At the suggestion, then, of Dr. Walter E. Buszin this task was undertaken: to write a history of the hymnals used by The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Such a study would be helpful in understanding the selection of hymns in the present hymnal, The Lutheran Hymnal. It would also provide answers to questions like ''Who prepared these hymnals?," "When were they prepared? “In what way were they compiled and edited?” and “What influences do they reflect?”

The scope of this study, then, is the hymns in the Missouri Synod hymnals. It encompasses the needs that. brought them into being, the people …

The Goodness Of Creation And The Natural Knowledge Of The Goodness Of God In Nicholas Selnecker, David Chytraeus And Martin Chemnitz, Philip Secker

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It has been repeatedly said that Lutheran theology has tended to neglect the First Article of the Creed. This thesis is an attempt to do some exploratory study in the First Article. The specific concern of this thesis is the goodness of creation and the natural knowledge of the goodness of God.

Exegesis And History: A Comparison Of The Concepts Of History In Rudolf Bultmann’S And Oscar Cullmann's Exegesis Of Matthew 16:17-19, Romans 5:12-21, And John 3:9-21, Stephen Carter

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This paper offers a case study of two modern exegetes who use the historical-critical method, Rudolf Bultmann and Oscar Cullmann. An introductory statement of their methodology will serve to emphasize their similarities and their differences.

Cosmology And Soteriology In Alexandrian Judaism And The Christology Of Hebrews, Jonathan Grothe

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of the Christology of Hebrews to Hellenistic Jewish thought. Both in Hebrews and in the writings of Alexandrian Judaism intermediary figures play an important part in the relationship of God to the world as creator and as savior. In both writings there is an agent of creation and a mediator of salvation. This thesis will compare and contrast the description of the agent of creation and the mediator of salvation in the writings of Alexandrian Judaism with the Christology of Hebrews. In this way we hope to achieve a greater …

Guilt And The Terminal Patient-Some Basic Considerations For Pastoral Care, Gilbert Mueller

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, the aim is to take a closer look at the influence and power of guilt in the personality and life of the terminal patient. Secondly, the aim is to structure an evangelical pastoral approach to the terminal patient that will best serve to overcome all guilt and enable the patient to use the time remaining to him in the fullest possible fellowship with, and service to, God and fellowmen, and to victoriously meet a meaningful death.

Life And Death In The Prophets, Martin Buerger

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The study of the teachings of the prophets concerning life and death is of benefit to the Christian of the New Testament era. The same problems vex him in his daily life. Grief at times appears to overcome joys. Catastrophes ruin prosperity. Death takes away life. Political maneuvering in the world raises the question of its relationship with the intent of our God in the heavens. The Christian faith, however, confidently assures the believer that God's will is always done and that even the loss of physical life is not the final chapter, the absolute end of man. He will …

Principles For The Development Of Adult Premembership Instruction, Robert Conrad

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The responsibility of preparing interested persons for membership in the congregation is a task that faces every parish pastor. In carrying out that responsibility, he needs to make decisions as to what his goals for such instruction shall be and how those goals shall be attained. There is nothing in writing in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod that will help a pastor think through what the goals of the premembership process should be and what is the best way of attaining those goals. There are manuals available for the instruction of adults but there are no studies which investigate the underlying …

The Christian Under Grace, According To Romans 6:1-14, Walter Maier

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis proposes to discuss one of the basic New Testament passages dealing with baptism and its significance for baptized believers, Romans 6:1-14. In this section the Apostle Paul speaks of one of the mighty, saving effects of the sacrament, the fact that it establishes spiritual union of the baptized with Christ. This is sometimes referred to as the "mystical union" of the believer and his Lord. Because of the union with Jesus, the child of God participates spiritually in Christ's crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and continuing life. As a result, the Christian is a new creation in Christ and, …

The Church A Covenant Community As Seen In The Jerusalem Council Implications For The Church Today, Edgar Copeland

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It will be our purpose to show to what extent the covenant shaped the life of Israel, and to what extent the life of Israel became a pattern for the life of the church. The length of the last section has been influenced by the fact that some of these elements of the covenant are lacking in some excellent studies, and the significance of the covenant concept to the understanding of the nature and action of the church has been somewhat neglected.

The Church And State In Calvin, Bong Rin Ro

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The relationship between church and state has been a problem for many centuries and still is today. Coming from the Reformed background, the writer was first interested in Calvin's view on church and state in connection with Luther's view on the same subject encountered in the Luther Studies Course. The writer soon found differences of opinion among historians as to how Calvin considered the church in relation with the state. Further research led to the understanding that there are two main problems involved in this study: the separation between church and state and the interpretation of Calvin's democratic ideals.

Rudolf Bultmann's Concept Of Gnosticism And Some Contemporary Criticism Of It, Theodore Eisold

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The primary purpose of this thesis is to examine Rudolf Bultmann's concept of Gnosticism to gain a fuller understanding of Bultmann's use of this term as well as to gain an insight into Gnosticism as it may have affected New Testament literature. The investigation seems necessary because of the many uncertainties connected with Gnosticism and with the backgrounds of early Christianity.

The Theology Of Paul Henkel In Relation To His Envirornment, Stanley Padgett

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to make the main member of the Henkel family better known, especially in the area of his theology. The man upon whom this study will concentrate, therefore, is Paul Henkel, the father of a family of Lutheran ministers.

The Method Of Testing Audience Reactions To Religious Television Programs, Ronald Lind

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the purpose of this study then to demonstrate a method of program evaluation by testing with live audiences; to show that it can be valuable to the religious telecaster, and that it deserves his serious consideration.

John The Baptist And Elijah: A Study Of Luke 1 In Relation To The Rest Of The Gospel With Special Reference To Conzelmann's Theory, Donald Abdon

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis purposes to serve as a test of Conzelmann’s theory. If Conzelmann is correct, Luke's Gospel modifies the eschatological scheme of two ages, replacing this eschatological scheme with a three stage history of salvation, If it can be shown that the first two chapters of Luke do contain eschatological thinking, Conzelmann’s theory is seriously weakened, If it can further be shown that Luke's conception of "redemptive history" is closely tied to eschatology and the distinction between the Old Age and the New Age, Conzelmann’s definition of Heilsgeschichte must be modified.

The Liberation Of The Creature: A Study Of The Interpretation Of Romans 8:19-22 By Representative Lutheran Theologians, Nestor Beck

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The present "study of the interpretation of Romans 8:19-22" prompted by the following reasons. First, the passage is somewhat of a puzzle to the unprepared reader of the epistle to the Romans. Second, the passage has been quoted to enhance the struggle for a better world. The question arises whether such a use of the passage is legitimate. Third, the passage has become in Lutheran theological tradition the centre of the controversy on the "destruction or renewal" of the present. The need world. arises to verify whether the passage actually teaches the renovation of the world and whether it stands …

Ezekiel 40-48, Gerald White

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The author's interest in the book· of Ezekiel and its problems was kindled in a previous study involving an exegetical analysis of six passages selected from the first thirty-nine chapters of the book. These problems may be classified under the headings of (1) authorship and authenticity, and ( 2) interpretation. The study now proposed involves the investigation of these literary and theological problems in order to determine (1) to what extent the passage under consideration may be attributed to the prophet and how much must be ascribed to one or more editors, (2) the relation between this section of the …

Characteristics Of Southeast Asian Islam As Factors In A Theology Of The Christian Mission To Philippine Muslims, Robert Mcamis

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The Christian mission to Islam offers one of the greatest challenges which the Christian Church has ever faced. In 1962 the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, in spite of its limited manpower and resources, accepted the challenge of the Christian mission to Philippine Islam. At the initial stage of this mission it is well to analyze the problem in detail. This demands a thorough understanding of Philippine Islam. The objective of this study is a clear picture of the Muslim situation in the Philippines together with implications for the Christian mission to Philippine Islam.

Paul's Source And Use Of Tradition As Reflected In His Writings To The Corinthians, Paul Andrews

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The present study seeks to explore the question whether an adapted form of the Jewish concept of tradition constituted a significant part of Paul's work as a Christian apostle in the congregation at Corinth.