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Portraits Of Moses, John Sharp

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

What about different portraits of Moses? What can be said about how Moses is portrayed in the book of Exodus? How does that compare with modern retellings of the life of this great man of God? We will explore some of these issues here. We will begin with modern critical approaches to the text of Exodus. These approaches yield a certain picture or pictures of the man called Moses. Then the text of Exodus as it stands in the canon will be examined. It will yield its own portrayal of Moses. It will be argued here that the portrait of …

The Christological And Ecclesial Pacifism Of Stanley Hauerwas-A Lutheran Analysis And Appraisal, Joel Lehenbauer

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

The first purpose of this study, therefore, is to explore and examine the nature and content of Hauerwas's pacifist convictions and claims as a way of understanding more deeply and clearly his contribution to contemporary theology and ethics. There are, as we will see, many different varieties of pacifism. What are the essential characteristics of Hauerwas's pacifism, and what distinguishes it from these other varieties? Where do his pacifist convictions fit into his program for reforming Christian ethics? How do they inform and impact his theology as a whole?

A second purpose will be to examine Hauerwas's pacifism in the …

The Laments Of Integrity An Investigation Of Psalms 17, 101, And 26, Robert Gebel

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

Each Psalm states a basis for the Psalmist's appeal of integrity, i.e., a reason why he should have some sort of standing before Yahweh. Each appeal is constructed around one word that summarizes the appeal. Psalm 17 bases its appeal on righteousness, or that which Yahweh requires to be acceptable to him. Psalm101 is a song to integrity, or blamelessness, the lack of any transgression or impurity. In Psalm 26, the Psalmist addresses Yahweh the Judge and challenges him to find a verdict of innocence, or no basis for any charges of wrongdoing against him. These three appeals (righteousness, integrity, …

A Lutheran Look At President Bush's Faith-Based Initatives, Darren Olson

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In recognition of this resolution it is important to examine President Bush's policy of faith-based initiatives. LCMS congregations that are faced with the opportunity to participate in faith-based initiatives should be informed of the nature and content of this government program. The purpose of this paper is to show that, theologically, legally, and practically, the church that participates in faith-based initiatives not only compromises but also loses her unique Christian witness. Theologically, the church that participates in faith-based initiatives is required by the government to separate her religious message from the social services she provides. By means of this requirement …

The Mentor Method Of Evangelism: A Study In The Use Of Interrogatives, Luther Biggs

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a need to increase the effectiveness of the training process currently used to introduce members of Messiah Lutheran Church to the practice of what I call "the mentorship method" of evangelism. This project represents an effort to assess how graduates from a fifteen-week training course in mentorship-evangelism are able to perform a technique that is central to this method. Specifically, the technique under assessment is that of interrogative bridge-building in which evangelism practitioners are trained to use a series of questions to build a cognitive bridge between the evangelized spiritual questions and specific scriptural resources.

Preparing Christian High School Students For Secular College Experience, Joseph Stanley

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6 NIV). These words may have occupied the thoughts of Dr. Martin Luther when he wrote, "If all manner of problems are to be dealt with successfully, then the young people who are to live and govern on this earth after us must be trained and guided accordingly." This paper addresses the training and guidance of youth in the church with a view to properly preparing them for the college experience at state or private universities where the academic …

The Descent Of Darwin—A Theological Understanding Of Charles Darwin, David Kummer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In the process of seeking to understand Charles Darwin and his ideas that have come to dominate much of the modern/postmodern, western worldview, it is essential to elucidate the historical context in which both are developed is essential to elucidate. This approach asserts a reciprocity between Darwin the man (son, explorer, naturalist, husband, father, controversialist)and his ideas that not only derive from his life experiences but also contribute to them. An obvious place to start in this regard is the relationship he has with his mother. Although seemingly Freudian in tone, the purpose for this analysis does not include a …

Straight Away: The Meaning And Literary Function Of Εὐθὐς/Εὐθἐως In The Gospel Of Mark, Daniel Paavola

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Mark is the Gospel of breathless excitement. The narrative is noted for its rapid movement between scenes and for an urgent tone through the miracles and journeys of Jesus. With its focus upon the actions of key characters, the Gospel leads the reader quickly through the ministry of Jesus as he approaches his passion. From its opening in1:2-3 which promises a straight path ahead, the narrative moves forward to the culmination of that road at the cross.

A key in furthering this journey is the use of εὐθὐς. Used at least forty-two times in the Gospel, εὐθὐς serves as an …

An Icon Of Jesus Michael: The Archangel As Antagonist Of Satan, Raymond Hagan

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The attempt here is not to identify Jesus as being on a par with angels, or with an individual angel per se. Indeed, the Epistle to Hebrews discusses the relationship between Christ and angels, making a clear differentiation. The doctrine of Christ's humanity also serves this distinction - "he became man in order to save men." Christ took the form of a man, not of an angel, in order to bring about salvation. The issue of worship demonstrates the same conclusion. Angels are not to be worshipped (see John in Revelation), but the Son is to be worshipped.

The Spirit Of God And The Salvation Of Israel-Recovery Of An Economic View Of The Trinity, Gayle Wilson

Master of Art Theology Thesis

In this thesis, I will survey the story of the Spirit of God in the pages of the Old Testament, in the salvation of God's people in their creation, their sustenance and their preservation until the gift of the promised Spirit-bearer, Jesus of Nazareth, i.e., an economic Spirit. We will examine the Hebrew word for Spirit, ruach, and will see how a concept which represents wind and breath is actually very substantive in meaning. I will briefly survey metaphors and symbols used of the Spirit to deepen our perception of the Spirit. We will see how the Spirit was active …

The Lamb Of God Image Of Christ In Revelation, Donald Fitzner

Master of Art Theology Thesis

The identification of Christ as the Lamb of God provides great potential for comfort to God's people. Although this designation of our Lord Jesus Christ occurs only twice in Holy Scripture, I a shortened version, the Lamb, is used extensively in the book of Revelation as one of His titles. While there is much debate as to the origin and precise meaning of this term, there is a significant amount of scriptural background that provides a context for understanding this title of the Lord Jesus.

The prominence of lambs in the sacrificial cultus of the Old Testament' prefigures the presentation …

The Theological Principles Underlying Parish Records With Particular Application To Their Role In The Design And Evaluation Of Computer Software, Chris Hinkle

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This paper will document the theological and pastoral underpinnings of LCIS and its immediate successors as a reminder that how we say things and what we do should flow from what we believe. However, these theological and pastoral considerations have more than historical importance. For, although the forms and programs congregations use to keep their records may change, unless our beliefs change, the principles behind their selection and use will remain the same. Clarifying these principles should be helpful to those who wish to understand how they can best utilize their current system for keeping records. Understanding them will help …

The Christian Concept Of God And Japan-An Examination Of The Christian Concept Of God In Japanese Culture, Utilizing The Two Realms Theology Of The Lutheran Framework, Chikako Drawbaugh

Master of Art Theology Thesis

Therefore, it is essential to recognize that God, the author of the earth and heavens, has placed people in cultures with a variety of lifestyles and values. Even though circumstances may differ, our Christian identity remains unchanged because of faith in Christ. It is also crucial to appreciate culture as God's gift to human beings. At the same time, however, Christians need to recognize the idolatrous attitudes in their lives. Christians uniquely possess the character of living within and beyond cultures. This prompts us to consider what it means to live as a Christian while also belonging to a particular …