Religion Commons^™

Effects Of Language Status, Community Advice, And Parent Beliefs On Heritage Language Maintenance In The U.S.: A Scoping Review, Isabelle Trujillo, Jasmine Loeung, Carolyn Quam

Student Research Symposium

This scoping review of qualitative research examines effects of language status, community advice to parents, and parents' beliefs on heritage language maintenance within a U.S. context. The review was guided by three research questions: 1. What is the nature of the relationship between a heritage language’s (HL) status in society and language maintenance across generations? 2. How does information parents receive from community members (e.g., health professionals, teachers, friends/family) influence their beliefs about the HL? 3. How do parents’ beliefs about the impact of a HL on academic/career success influence HL transmission? Thirty-four articles met inclusion criteria. Three themes were …

Gangism: An 'Elementary Form Of Religious Life', Robert Northman

Student Research Symposium

This study is intended to examine the question: could gangs be a form of religion? The study will examine Steven Cureton's ethnographic case study of a street gang as found in his work titled Hoover Crips (2008), where I will then analyze the findings within the sociological framework of Emile Durkheim’s theory of religion as set forth in his classic book titled Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1912).

This exploration faces challenges as the terms “gang” and “religion” are both hotly contested, and discussions on each have largely occurred independently, leaving a significant gap for this research to address. This …

"Fearfully And Wonderfully Made": The Reconciliation Of The Lgbtqia+ Community To American Christianity, Madalyn Sailors '24

Senior Research Symposium

I explore in this paper the ways in which churches in the United States treat LGBTQIA+ issues and members in their congregations. To do so, I will focus on several case studies, including the Metropolitan Community Church, the Episcopal Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the United Methodist Church. These examples range from socially affirming to conservative and from traditional to contemporary worship styles. I plan to research the social landscapes of these churches and propose possible solutions for how other faith spaces can create more inclusive membership. I also address my …

Spare The Rod, Spoil The Child?: The Christian Ethics Of Corporal Punishment, Brooke Wright

Scholars Day Conference

This paper seeks to answer the question of whether or not Christians should spank their children according to what the Bible and research says about a parent's duty to their children, the long term effects of spanking, and the efficacy of the practice.

Short-Term Missions And Their Ethical Shortcomings, Breanna Watson

Scholars Day Conference

I wrote on "Short-Term Missions..." for my Christian Ethics class last semester. Short-Term Missions (STMs), while aiming to fulfill the Great Commission, often prioritize quick results over genuine relationship-building, diverting significant financial resources from sustainable solutions. They perpetuate power imbalances and fail to foster mutual understanding between "goers" and "receivers." STMs lack the long-term, selfless, culturally adaptive nature of true mission work, exemplified by early missionaries like Paul the Apostle. To mitigate their damaging effects, prospective participants should engage in informed cultural study, prioritize relational connections over task completion, and reconsider the economic impact of their involvement, seeking more ethical …

The Religious Significance Of Ise Grand Shrine, Noah Embrey

Scholars Day Conference

This research paper will discuss the religious history of Ise, explain the beliefs of Shintoists, explore the rituals performed at the shrines, and explain why the Ise Grand Shrine is a sacred space.

Buddhist Monasteries, Bella Rushing

Scholars Day Conference

Buddhist monasteries are a foundational piece of the Buddhist tradition. These monasteries play an important role in shaping the lives of monks and laypeople alike. Purposefully designed to be both unique, as well as containing some of the same architectural and social aspects, these monasteries are the hub of cultural significance in Buddhism.

Monasteries serve as a home to monks, as well as a place of worship, education, and religious practice for Buddhists. Within each monastery is a hierarchy of monks, who collectively work to propagate the teachings of the Buddha. Because of their interdependent relationship with laypeople, the monastery …

Black Liberation Theology In The Civil Rights Movement: Contextualizing The Works Of James H. Cone, Ella Cox

Scholars Day Conference

These slides are meant to provide a visual aid for the presentation given on my thesis, "Black Liberation Theology in the Civil Rights Movement: Contextualizing the Works of James H. Cone."

Under The Sun: Songs From Ecclesiastes, Emma Kay Smith

Scholars Day Conference

Historically, artists in all spaces have gleaned inspiration from the text of the Bible in order to communicate meaningful stories. The book of Ecclesiastes is particularly rich in its images and themes, and it warrants profound creative contemplation. This project documents the process of crafting 1960s-style folk songs based on this often confounding and ever-beautiful text. This process included close, meditative listening to the works of great songwriters from the 1960s folk era such as Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen and culminated in the live recording of four folk songs, compiled in the demo-EP Under the Sun: Songs from Ecclesiastes. …

Exploring The Medieval Frontier: The Reconquista, Alex Wolfe

Scholar Week 2016 - present

This project focuses on material history, the study of objects and their role in history, and deriving meaning from artifacts in order to synthesize an applied historical thesis.

The objects studied in this research project are of particular importance to the study of the Reconquista, a unique frontier conflict in the Iberian Peninsula between Christians and Muslims that lasted from the eighth through fifteenth centuries.

The artifacts brought together in this digital exhibit bring into material focus the visible exchanges and borrowings between Christians and Muslims across the frontier of the Reconquista. In their material relationship, they demonstrate the unique …

“When White Men And Indians United Shall Praise:” Indigenous Inclusion In The Hartford Music Company, Savannah N. Skaggs

ATU Research Symposium

The Hartford Music Company and Institute of Hartford, Arkansas has attracted increasing academic interest, particularly within the last twenty years. This southern gospel music publishing company and singing school based in southern Sebastian County published a collection of shape note hymnals which boasted some of the genre’s most prolific literature. Though a growing number of Arkansans are learning that these gospel staples came from their own hill country, many do not realize that several of these songs were premiered by or recorded by Indigenous people. While this may not initially seem particularly impactful, this genre developed its own distinct identity …

Are We Wrong: The Symbolic Identity Of The Goat For Azazel (The Scapegoat), D. Houston Beckworth

Campus Research Day

This paper argues that a distinction needs to be made between the goat and the scapegoat (Azazel), and thus the goat’s symbolic identity should also be separate from Azazel. Seventh-Day Adventists and evangelical Christians hold two different views regarding the antitypical identity of the goat for Azazel within Leviticus 16’s account of the Day of Atonement. Adventists focus on the features of Azael to conclude that the scapegoat is Satan. Evangelicals commonly argue that the goat is characteristic of Jesus. Each of them has problematically taught these while merging the goat and scapegoat. However, separating the goat and Azazel resolves …

From Proposal To Implementation: The Founding Of The Center For Faith And Family, Leon Blanchette Edd, Mark Frisius Phd, Lindsey Bush

Scholar Week 2016 - present

This panel will discuss the process involved in the formation of the Center for Faith and Family at Olivet. The concept of the Center originated in Spring of 2022 when Lilly Endowment invited Olivet to submit a grant proposal. The purpose of the grant was to establish a unique approach to providing resources that assist parents and caregivers to pass their faith to their children. In this panel discussion, the presenters will discuss the process of submitting the grant proposal, the steps taken to research and launch the Center, and the current initiatives of the Center.

Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been, Cleopatra? A Study Of Past Life Regression, Practitioners, And The Impact Of Reincarnation Beliefs, Victoria Hoover

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Alyosha The Christian Hermeneut, Eddie Li

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Presentation Abstract: Alyosha as the Christian Hermeneut

This presentation is adapted from my essay Alyosha as the Christian Hermeneut, written under the supervision of Dr. Paul Contino. In the essay, I gave an analysis of the character Alyosha in Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, in light of Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology, Hans-Georg Gadamer’s hermeneutics, and Dr. Contino’s book on Incarnational Realism. I discussed how Alyosha adapts from an inexperienced Christian disciple to a mature interpreter capable of conducting the hermeneutical fusion of horizons with different horizons. Within this capability, Alyosha develops his unique Christian horizon, enabling him to understand and reconcile the …

Is "Divine Hiddenness" Evidence For Atheism? A Response To J. L. Schellenberg, Jim Beilby

Day of Scholarship

The problem of divine hiddenness is an objection to Christianity that claims that a perfectly loving God would make his existence more obvious than it, in fact, is. The philosopher, J. L. Schellenberg has argued extensively there are some people who fall into the category of "non-resistant nonbelievers," people who desire to believe in and be in relationship with God, but who cannot due to the lack of evidence for God's existence. Schellenberg argues that the existence of non-resistant nonbelievers is incompatible with God's being perfectly loving and all-powerful. In response, I argue that even if there are nonresistant nonbelievers, …

Embedded Genres In The New Testament, Jeannine Brown

Day of Scholarship

This forthcoming monograph addresses embedded genres in the New Testament and asks the question, What difference does careful attention to ‘genres within genres’ make for interpretation? The book, to be published in 2024, is based on my lecture series at Acadia Divinity College in 2022. There is little, sustained theoretical exploration of the role of embedded genres in either biblical studies or in literary studies. The heart of the book (chapters 2-4) provides analysis of three examples of embedded genres across the New Testament. One example is vigorously debated (Philippians 2:6-11 as poetic); the second is usually overlooked (riddles by …

The Problem Of Religious Peer Disagreement: A Response To Harold Netland, Jim Beilby

Day of Scholarship

The problem of religious peer disagreement is this: suppose there are people that are your "epistemic peers" - they are just as intelligent, informed, and sincere as you - but they reject your religious beliefs. Does the existence of skeptical epistemic peers force Christians to withhold or evidentially support their religious beliefs? In this paper, I critique Harold Netland's work on religious peer disagreement on three fronts: (1) his identification of epistemic peers, (2) his understanding of the epistemic implications of religious peer disagreement, and (3) the viability of his demand for additional evidence as a response to instances of …

Japan, Anime, And Theology, Kaz Hayashi

Day of Scholarship

This poster presents two publications related to Japan, anime, and theology. While each publication is different, they both ask “How do Japanese anime and popular culture reflect the beliefs of the people, and how can we view these beliefs from a biblical theological lens?” The book Anime, Philosophy, and Religion explores the diversity of anime themes and content by an international group of scholars. The article “Holograms and Idols: The Image of God and Artificial Transcendence in the Cultural Phenomenon of the Japanese Vocaloid Hatsune Miku” argues how the popularity of hologram concerts reflects the universal human desire for a …

Belonging In Unashamed Authenticity, Nathan R. Kitchen

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

In 2020, the UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute reported that 47% of LGBTQ adults were moderately or highly religious. This equates to 5.3 million religious LGBTQ adults in America. We cannot ignore this population.

When making the transition into young adulthood, many religious LGBTQ youth feel they must make a choice between their spiritual well-being or their queerness. As a university community interested in the success of the rising generation, we can provide support for religious queer young adults through understanding:

1. What is happening in this transition and why,

2. The well-being needs of religious queer young adults …

Program: Featured Lecture, "Stranger God: Meeting Jesus In Disguise.", Richard Beck

William M. Green Distinguished Christian Lecture Program

Program for the Forty-Third Annual William M. Green Distinguished Christian Lecture Program with featured lecturer Dr. Richard Beck, Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Abilene Christian University.

Restored In Christ, Grace And Peach Church

Symposium on Worship Archive

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence: Its Impact On Christian Education, Youssry Guirguis

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

In recent years, the world has witnessed a resounding revolution in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and today there is no field where AI is not employed. These institutions have a major role in developing policies, curricula, and strategies to keep pace with the modern artificial revolution. The aim of this research is to find out how current developments in this ��eld are likely to impact education in the future, and how such developments in Edtech might impact on future graduates, colleges, universities, societies, and cultures.

Developing An Operation Model For Mission Trips On Health And Evangelism In Developing Countries - The Salama Health Project., Sozina Katuli

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Many mission trips conducted by health workers and evangelists in developing countries have benefitted the communities in Africa. However, some of these benefits have been very short-lived and need to be more sustainable. Once the mission team leaves, the communities are left unattended, with little or no support. This project employs a mission research grassroots approach. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of the research-mission approach in terms of acceptability and sustainability by using the PRECED/PROCEED, model.

Adventist Spirituality In A Post-Modern World, Monthusi Legodi

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

The Adventist movement, which originated in the 19th century, has long placed a strong emphasis on the study of biblical prophecy and the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. As the world continues to change and evolve, Adventists are faced with the challenge of maintaining their traditional spiritual practices while also adapting to the realities of a postmodern society. The challenge of maintaining their traditional spiritual practices while also adapting to the realities of a post-modern society. This research paper aims to explore the role of tradition and innovation in Adventist spirituality in the 21st century.

The Role Of Young People On The Future Of Adventism On Health, Education, Socio- Economic Growth, And Spiritually., Jerimiah Rogito

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Adventism is a unique global faith that seeks to ensure wholistic growth of an individual. The faith seeks to build an individual socially, economically, spiritually, and physically leading to a thriving and fulfilling lifestyle. This paper, through a theoretical review of thematic literature of various articles and books, seeks to highlight the role of young people in the future of Adventism on health, education, socio-economic growth, and spirituality with a focus on the role of faith in healing and thriving.

Developing A Research Agenda: Collaborative And Impactful Research For Adventist Ministry And Education In Australia And New Zealand, Tracie Mafile'o, Erika Puni Dr, Michelle Ralston Dr, Daniela Brown Ms, Branimir Schubert Dr

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Adventist human-subject research ought to have a positive impact and to address real-world challenges. This presentation reports on a current qualitative study which aims to develop a research agenda for collaborative and impactful research for the Adventist ministry and education in Australia and New Zealand.

We Are Kamea Christians Not Because We Sing Like Berrien Springs Christians: Towards A Methodology Of Developing A Biblical Theology In Context, Unia Api

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This paper attempts to demonstrate a methodological approach to doing theology in context. A lot of homogenizations of Western Christianity have very much impacted the way we do church in Melanesia (Pacific Islands). This trend motivated me to ride on the wave of Melanesian thinkers to make theology relevant in the Melanesian context. Title: Exploring

Belonging Among Seventh-Day Adventists With Disabilities, Shannon M. Trecartin

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Globally, 15% of Seventh-day Adventists have some form of disability, the same percentage found in the world population. Yet barriers to belonging beyond access to a physical building persist. This study explores dimensions of belonging, compares findings across world divisions of the church, and makes recommendations for research and practice.

What Does Recent Research Say About The Level Of Education Of Adventist Church Leaders?, Galina Stele

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a global Church with 13 divisions and four attached fields. A growing number of unions and conferences makes the need for competent leadership obvious. Leadership is important for the success of any organization, and it is even more crucial for the Church that fulfills the Great Commission to bring the message about Jesus' saving power and His second coming to the world. But what is the level of education of church administrators in the Adventist Church? How well are they educated? And in what areas and institutions did they receive their education?