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Grammars Of Transformation: Saving Evangelical Cultural Engagement, William Watts

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Watts, William J. “Grammars of Transformation: Saving Evangelical Cultural Engagement.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2018. 137 pp.

Evangelical Christians have been struggling to offer a thorough and unified account of cultural engagement for the last several decades. H. Richard Niebuhr’s “Christ the Transformer of Culture” type has supplied evangelicals with the most influential rhetoric on the proper relationship of Christians and the church to the culture at large. However, this consensus is collapsing in the wake of new ways of speaking of cultural engagement that largely downplay or altogether avoid the language of transformation. The emergence of these new ways …

Vocational Apologetics An Argument For Using The Lutheran Understanding Of Vocation As A Form Of Enfleshed Apologetics For The Church To Engage A Cultural Setting Influenced By The Criticism Of The New Atheists, Kirk Clayton

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Clayton, Kirk M. “Vocational Apologetics: An Argument for Using the Lutheran Understanding of Vocation as a Form of Enfleshed Apologetics for the Church to Engage a Cultural Setting Influenced by the Criticisms of the New Atheists.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2017. 252 pp.

This dissertation examines criticisms against Christianity from the New Atheists (Dawkins, Dennett, Harris, Hitchens, and Stenger), considers problems with how the church has formulated its apologetic response, and concludes that Martin Luther’s understanding of vocation applied to the Christian life offers a significant contribution to shaping an apologetic response to the New Atheism.

Apologetics is best understood …

John Wesley‟S Liturgical Revision: A Pattern For Reshaping Worship For Post-Christian America, Lawrence A. Lacher

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Lacher, Lawrence A. “John Wesley‟s Liturgical Revision: A Pattern for Reshaping Worship for Post-Christian America.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2011. 316 pp.

This project seeks to find a solution to the current malformation of Christian Worship in the American church through re-examining John Wesley‟s Sunday Service for Methodists in North America (1784) in order to extract the underlying pattern. That pattern is then proposed as a paradigm that allows for the contextualization of worship while retaining its historic shape, function and purpose.

John Wesley‟s liturgical advices are examined for several reasons. Since the writer is interested in helping those who …

The Moral Visions Of The Epistle Of James And Zhongyong, Stephen Oliver

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

This dissertation is a cross-textual study, designed to compare the moral visions of the Epistle of James and Zhongyong. The Epistle of James is a book of the Christian New Testament. Zhongyong is one of the Four Books of Confucianism.

This introductory chapter will present the relevance and method of this study. First, the ongoing relevance of the present topic will be introduced in the section entitled China and Christianity. This section notes the impact of Christianity on China, the Chinese impact upon Christianity, and the consequent importance of investigating Chinese thought in order to understand Chinese interaction with Christianity. …

Armenian Christology And The Council Of Chalcedon, Joseph Watson

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The purpose of this study is to trace the historical and theological development of the Monophysitic Christology of the Armenian Church, especially as it is related to the Armenians' rejection of the Council of Chalcedon.

The first section of this paper will be devoted to a brief history of the Armenian Church, especially St. Gregory the Illuminator's role in Armenia's conversion to Christianity. The second part is devoted to the Armenian Church and its involvement with the first three ecumenical councils. The third portion of the paper will focus on the events leading to the Council of Chalcedon. Finally, the …

An Analysis Of Gospel Elements In Selected Major Works Of Charles Dickens, Steven Smith

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is my thesis that Dickens' use of "Gospel elements" in the works studied is both intentional and fundamental to the themes and structures of the novels. The Gospel elements present are no afterthought or coincidence but significant in Dickens' intent and meaning.

Soli Deo Gloria: The Relationship Between Christianity And The Arts, Frederic Baue

Master of Divinity Thesis

For Eliot, for Bach, for the redeemed of every age, "Soli Deo Gloria" sums up the relationship between Christianity and the arts. It is the purpose of this paper to examine that relationship, past, present, and future.

The Influence Of Traditional Practices In The Church Life Of Etche People, Emmanuel Amadi

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

All through the ages, even before the advent of Christianity, the Ibos, in general, have treasured these practices because they served their cultural and social concerns. But no sooner was Christianity introduced into the various segments of our society than conflicts upon conflicts began to erupt. The Etche man, like his relatives the Ibos, is torn between two worlds. Christianity demands that he give up his past, while his culture insists that he stick to his heritage. The Etche man today asks how these conflicting thoughts can be reconciled. In this thesis, the writer shall attempt to describe these traditional …

Factors Of Influence In The Development Of Mukyokai, Rodger Grulke

Bachelor of Divinity

It is the intention of this paper to point out those factors of influence in the cultural and historical climate which helped to forge and shape Mukyokai, but also to reveal the importance of a great man who is responsible for its development and continuation. This does not intend to eradicate the importance of individuals and the church in the life of Uchimura Kanzo. However, a movement which maintains fifty thousand members including many prominent individuals in government, education, and theology is the living testimony of a man who deserves recognition as a great theologian and Scholar.

Marxist Humanism In Dialogue With Christianity, Richard Lischer

Master of Divinity Thesis

In this paper I will attempt to follow Garaudy's suggestion, mentioned above, and retain my own Christian perspective. With that factor in mind, plus an obvious limitation of space, much of the Christian doctrine of man will be presupposed.as I investigate Marxist humanism. The goal of this paper is not the isolation of two humanistic concerns but the description and analysis of their intersection.

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 Voice In The Wilderness And The Coming One-- The Old Testament As The Link Between John The Baptist And Jesus Christ, Walter Rosin

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

As already indicated, in dealing with the question of the relationship between Jesus and John it is easily possible to overlook what is at least an equally important area, the content of the Baptist's message. In addition, an emphasis upon the environmental factors tends to lead to a generalization regarding the similarity of one movement to another without making sufficient allowance for original elements or for elements whose origin may not be in the contemporary scene but rather in a previous era. It is this content of the Baptist's message which has often been dealt with piecemeal in journal articles …

The Pharisees In The Religious Scene, Eric Clemens Mackenzie

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this thesis is to clarify some of the issues; to portray Pharisaism as it really was; and to determine its place in the religious scene. The subject will be considered with respect to the rise of Pharisaiam, its theology, and its influence upon and place in human relations. One premise is accepted from the outset; Pharisaism was essentially a religious movement.

The Ministry During The Period From Saint Clement Of Rome To Saint Cyprian Of Carthage, James Fackler

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the intention of this writer to present a systematic consideration or the concept or the ministry from documents or the Christian Church outside the New Testament to the middle or the third century. To do this it will be necessary to take into consideration the historical development of thought through the period. History, or tradition, will present vignettes with which this writer intends to give you, the reader, a concept of the ministry from St. Clement or Rome to St. Cyprian of Carthage.

The Foolishness Of Christ Crucified Viewed From The Point Of Incipient Gnosticism At Corinth, William Goerss

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The thesis of this paper is that at Corinth Paul did take over some of the thought patterns and vocabulary of an incipient Gnosticism with Judaic overtones. But instead of being influenced theologically by the borrowed terms, he used them for his consistent preaching of the crucified Savior, the true Wisdom of God. He was well aware of the uniqueness of the religion he preached; its real source lay not in the current thought forms of either Judaism or Hellenism, but in the Person, 'Preaching and redemptive work of the crucified Son of God.

Marxist Humanism In Dialogue With Christianity, Richard Lischer

Bachelor of Divinity

In this paper I will attempt to follow Garaudy's suggestion, mentioned above, and retain my own Christian perspective. With that factor in mind, plus an obvious limitation of space, much of the Christian doctrine of man will be presupposed.as I investigate Marxist humanism. The goal of this paper is not the isolation of two humanistic concerns but the description and analysis of their intersection.

Christianity And The Mystery Religions Wit Special Reference To Mithraism, Edwin Lehman

Bachelor of Divinity

The problem of the relationship of the mystery religions to Christianity Is no mere academic question. While the common layman has very likely never heard of the mystery religions he at least has been indirectly influenced by thoughts which these re1igions have provoked. The entire modern school of liberal criticism is based to a greater or lesser degree upon the thesis that Christianity was merely an outgrowth of the mystery-religions, one which evolved to a higher degree to be sure, but one which nevertheless borrowed most of its theological content and form directly from the mystery religions. It is this …

Soren Kierkegaard's Critique Of Nineteenth Century Christiandom, Andrew M. Weyermann

Bachelor of Divinity

Every criticism and evaluation of Kierkegaard’s message is made on his grounds and on the basis of his works. The basic criteria for criticism is the criteria Kierkegaard employed to judge his age; namely, Christianity of the New Testament. As he saw it, his task was to define what it took.ma to be a Christian on the basis of the New Testament. The question is: to what extent does Kierkegaard in his attack actually base his criticism and corrective on the interpretation of Christianity in the New Testament? This question is posed with the recognition that Kierkegaard himself did not …

The Role Of Christianity In Healthy Personality Development, Elmer O. Luessenhop

Bachelor of Divinity

The question is: What about Christianity and personality development? Does the Christian religion have a part to play in the development of personality? May it be said that Christianity is of definite, positive value in the establishment and maintenance of mental health? This is the problem that we hope to solve in the course of this thesis.

Jesus Christ According To The Koran, John Gall

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

There are twenty-five passages in the Koran, the holy book of the Mohammedans, in which the name "Jesus" appears. When perusing these passages one cannot help but be struck by the question, "What were the Koran's sources? Where did Mohammed get his knowledge of Jesus?" To answer these questions accurately has been the ambition of Islamic scholars for many years.

The Nature And Purpose Of Our Savior's Miracles, Carl E. Mehlberg

Bachelor of Divinity

If we wish to know someone, we must study both his words and his actions. Since we cannot read his mind, we can only analyze what we can see and hear in order to learn who and what he is. From this it becomes evident, that the Person of Christ, Who and What He is, is involved in the question of miracles and their authenticity. They were, as St. John tells us, recorded to prove that Jesus "is the Christ, the Son of God". (Jn.20,31). If they are false, so also is Christ. He then becomes nothing more than an …

Emil Brunner And His Idea Of Chrisitan Philosophy, Vernon Boriack

Bachelor of Divinity

By this method Christian revelation can maintain its station unblushingly and remain vital and valid for any scientific world view that future generations may evolve. Thus today, Emil Brunner - prolific writer, brilliant lecturer, stirring preacher - has taken his stand and is zealously striving to reinterpret, theologically and philosophically what he thinks Christianity must be made to mean for his community and for the whole world at large if the Church would endure.

The Injunctons Of Scripture For A Well -Balanced Personality, Carl T. Geist

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this paper is to show the power and aid that the Bible and Christianity can extend to mental and physical problems.

The Mission Commands Of Christ, Herbert Manthey Zorn

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper places emphasis on the word "command." Its purpose is to explain what Christ meant when He said, "Go ye." The discussion deals chiefly with the five records of mission commands which the Savior issued after His resurrection and before His ascension to heaven. The problems of mission work and the various methods and approaches necessary to make that work efficient are beyond the scope of this paper.

Celtic Chrisitinaity A Survey Of Its History And Influence, Gerald Schaus

Bachelor of Divinity

In the light of thorough research in this field by outstanding historians, it would be a rather serious admission of a lack of completeness of historical study to hold with the old view, namely, that nothing factual is known about Celtic Christianity! Now this paper makes no, pretensions of being a comp1ete coverage of the history of Celtic Christianity, for that is impossible to do in a work of this length. The purpose, rather, is to present an overall picture of the labors of the Celtic Christians and to compare the Celtic Church with the Church of Rome.

The Church And Its Battle With Gnosticism, Luther Koepke

Bachelor of Divinity

As we look at Gnosticism we find it a counterfeit of the true and Christ-founded Church. To the people living at the height of the Gnostic heresy this erroneous teaching and Christianity must have seemed similar. Similar terms, and similar concepts, but Gnosticism offering these by a different method. Gnosticism came in similar garb, offered like benefits, but gave soul-destroying results.

Liberialism In Contrast To The Biblical Faith, William Grunow

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper is a study of the doctrines of Liberalism. By being thoroughly familiar with these doctrines, the student will not be misled by the sheep’s clothing of orthodox phraseology which Liberalists often employ.

Gnosticism And Its Conflict With Christianity, Gerhardt Nitz

Bachelor of Divinity

The study of such a movement as Gnosticism is doubly important to the student of' theology. This is a phase of history which greatly influenced the church in its infancy. It has left marks upon the church which will never be erased. Moreover, a study of this heresy is essential for the proper understanding of the New Testament. Again, the influence of Gnosticism, as will be pointed out later continued for many centuries. Such a deeply rooted, powerful, paganistic tendency cannot be lightly passed by.

A Comparison Of The Views Of Plato And Paul On The Immortality Of The Soul, Oswald C. Hoffmann

Bachelor of Divinity

Of all the conflicts which Christianity passed through in the early stages of its history, that with philosophy seems to have been the most severe and the most far-reaching in its effects. Judaism was firm and self-reliant, because it was in a sense supernatural; Gentilism was pliable, because it was ignorant and weary of itself; but philosophy was obstinate, because, regarding religions as superstitions, it recognized no special merit in Christianity, and attempted to ridicule it out of existence when its unprepared defenders first announced it. With the representatives of the Epicurean, Stoic and New Academic schools, or with the …

Mithraism And Early Christianity, Edward A. Jenne

Bachelor of Divinity

The word Mystery was the name of a religious society, founded not on citizenship or kindred, but on the choice of its members, for the practice of rites by which, it was believed, their happiness might be promoted both in this world and in the next.