Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

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.

The Contemporary Charismatic Movement And The Reaction Of The Lutheran Church, David Hauschild

Bachelor of Divinity

Often, where there has been this experience among some of the members of a church and not among the others, there develops a misunderstanding and a divisiveness. Such is the subject of this paper. Why is there this divisiveness? Is it really true that Spirit-baptism is a separate experience, apart from baptism with water? Does God intend for people today to have this gift of Spirit-baptism? How does the church react when there is this divisiveness? How does the local congregation react? Are there any differences among the various Lutheran groups in the United States in the manner in which …

A Theology Of Ecology And Its Relation To The Pesticidal Exploitation Of The Environment, Norbert Firnhaber

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this paper, then, is to make an attempt to review the stance toward the environment in both biblical and church history, formulate a skeletal theology of ecology, and examine man’s responsibility toward nature with particular focus on the use of pesticides in the environment.

the scope of this paper is limited to the study of the threat of an unbalanced ecology and its resulting theological implications for the church. The methodology consists of extensive use of bibliography, personal correspondence, government monographs, and several unpublished articles. All of these are contained in the bibliography.

A Comparative Study Of Protestant Sex Education Literature Past And Present, Donald Becker

Bachelor of Divinity

The way in which this challenge is being successfully met through the current sex education materials of various Protestant denominations compared with the way in which this challenge was not met in the sex education materials of the past is the focal point of this research project. The main purpose or intent of this thesis is not that it be a critical analysis of those materials which have been published or used for the teaching of sex within the church in the past. Instead, in view of the fact that the more recent sex education materials represent a number of …

A Study Of The Approach To Delinquent Church Members, Carl E. Zahrte

Bachelor of Divinity

One of the most difficult and distressing problems that a minister encounters today is that of dealing with delinquent church members. Those members of a congregation who become lax in their faith through neglect of the means of grace or an evident attitude of indifference in their spiritual life constitute a problem that is not easily solved. Speaking of delinquent or inactive church members, W. F. Crossland asserts: "They constitute a challenge to every church and minister and represent one of the major problems facing the Christian Church. The aim of this study, therefore, has been to examine the extent …

E. L. Mascall's Interpretation Of The Thomistic Doctrine Of Analogy In Relation To Charles Hartshorne's Doctrine Of Analogy And Religious Language, William Bersley

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper proposes to examine the logic of analogy as a form of religious discourse in the writings of Eric Lionel Mascall and Charles Hartshorne. The problem is to exhibit the response of these men to the question: In what way and to what degree is discourse about God analogical?

Some Aspects-Of Existentialism And Their Implications For Christian Education, Carl Nielsen

Bachelor of Divinity

Along the same track the Christian Church through its preaching and teaching, either explicitly or implicitly,(2)has concerned itself with the significance of individual existence. At a minimum existentialism and the Christian Church find a correlation in that they share the inquiry into the nature of human existence.3 In this paper the author intends to examine)some aspects of existentialism and their implications for Christian education.

Christ And The Newly Matured World, Carl Petering

Bachelor of Divinity

The quest of the present paper, therefore, is a dissection of the statements about Christ which are made by those for whom the world has come of age. How does one address himself to an audience which may have jettisoned the trappings of transcendentalism? Is there another means of expressing the message, or must the message itself be changed?

The investigation will begin with Bonhoeffer, for he has coined the phrase, "the world come of age," and he has raised the questions for which others are attempting to provide the answers. The theology of Bishop John A. T. Robinson has …

The Means To Proceed Beyond Nihilism, Dale Erickson

Bachelor of Divinity

This particular study seeks to answer the question: Did Camus succeed in going beyond nihilism in developing a positive, workable, and moral philosophy of life in line with the facts of man's experience in the 20th century? The answer to the question will be developed in the following steps: (1) The definition of Camus' goal; (2) A description of his means to that goal; (3) Camus’ analysis of man’s predicament; (4) His rejection of Christianity; (5) His rejection of other modern solutions; (6) The redeeming quality of nature; (7) His description of the ideal man of our century; (8) Social …

Evolutionary Theology Of Pierre Teilhard De Chardin, His Critiics And A Personal Evaluation, Robert Letalien

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper will be an attempt to evaluate the lifegoal of Teilhard, namely, his reconciliation of the theory of evolution with the Christian faith. The emphasis will be placed upon his hopes for the future of man in the light of his philosophy. The future of man he labels as the “Omega point." To see how this point is reached it will be necessary to briefly describe how Teilhard views the evolutionary process from the inception of matter until the fulfillment of all things at the Omega point.

The Doctrine Of Scripture In The Light Of The Relationship Of Inspiration And Inerrancy, James Hallerberg

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper is written by one who is a member of the Church catholic, by one who is a Lutheran, and by one who does not necessarily make statement of dogmatic truth the exclusive property of men within the Lutheran tradition. This is said to disparage the Lutheran heritage not at all, but to indicate that one can at least be open to different systematic formulations. The point is also made to indicate to the reader that the student was conscious of his own heritage, but that at the same time both during the research and during the writing of …

The Influence Of Martin Heidegger On The "New Hermeneutic": Heinrich Ott's Use Of Heidegger, James Marquardt

Bachelor of Divinity

In the past few years theology has experienced a renewal in the area of hermeneutics. This renaissance includes more than a stimulating interest in the principles of interpretation, a periodic revival similar to those that have come and gone in other theological fields. Hermeneutics has broken the boundaries in which it has been confined since the age of orthodoxy and assumed totally new proportions, even to the extent of becoming the focal point of theology for some theologians. To trace some of the philosophical influences behind and in this movement is the proposed task of this paper.

The View Of Language In The Theology Of Rudolf Bultmann, John Groh

Bachelor of Divinity

Chapter I shall serve as a summary for this paper. I take the liberty of speaking in the first person in order to specify what my concern has been, and to summarize the conclusions I have reached, In this study I have attempted to determine what influence Rudolf Bultmann's theology has had upon his usage of language. This attempt has led, simultaneously, to the characterization of his view of language. Finally, I have attempted a critical evaluation of his theology, and with it a concurrent evaluation of the view of language which finds its genesis within that theology.

A Comparison Of Hegel's Christian Philosophy With Historic Christian Theology, Fred H. Stennfeld

Bachelor of Divinity

Throughout the ages man has wrestled with the problem of “maturing" the Christian faith, of presenting something that intelligent mind could grasp and hold on to. Beginning with gnosticism and carrying on through the ages to today and tomorrow, this process has been and will be carried on. This paper concerns itself with one such effort, the effort of philosopher George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel to present a system of Christian philosophy to satisfy the grasp of the "higher mind." This paper will show what happens to historic Christianity when such effort is carried out.

Of God And Of Gods A Critique Of Diety Teachings In The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Paulus Ernest Voelzke

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis limits itself to this one body of the six Mormon groups, known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are referred to as Utah Mormons, and whose inf1uence is being felt throughout our United States of America.

The Validity Of Baptism Performed By The Little Flock, Delbert Williams Gremmels

Bachelor of Divinity

Although there are many errors in the teachings of the Little Flock, the baptism performed by the group should be accepted as valid and re-baptism should not be required before admittance for membership in the Lutheran Church.

The Problem Of Christian And Church Fellowship, Ronald Frederick Blaess

Bachelor of Divinity

The history of the Christian Church from the first to the twentieth century could be written in terms of its struggle to maintain, to demonstrate, or to realise this fundamental unity between the Lord Jesus Christ and His body, the Christian Church, besought of God the Father by Him in His great high-priestly prayer, and declared above by St. Paul. But is this oneness an earthly or a spiritual oneness? Is it a oneness to be manifest in this life and world or only hereafter? Is it a oneness which can exist despite or inspite of divisions, frictions, and refusal …

A Comparison Of Fourth Century Trinitarian Terminology With The Terminology Of Karl Barth, Paul C. Dorn

Bachelor of Divinity

In general, the problem under investigation is in what way and to what extent Karl Barth agrees in his doctrine of the Trinity with the traditional orthodox trinitarian theology formulated by representative theologians during the first four centuries of the Christian Church as well as those condemned doctrines formulated by their opposing heretics. Barth has often been accused of Modalism by some and conversely defended against this view by others. We have felt the importance of settling in some way this nebulous debate by addressing this investigation more specifically in the direction of Modalism, and it is mainly within this …

Scripture And Tradition In Clement Of Alexandria, Robert Louis Wilken

Bachelor of Divinity

In the latter half of .the second century Tertullian could write in his Prescription, "Quid Athenae Hierosolymis"? Not many miles eastward there lived a .contemporary in ' . Alexandria who thought Athens had much to do with Jerusalem. Clement of Alexandria had begun a tradition in. the Catholic Church which was destined to influence its theological thinking until the present day. He began the never-ending task of attempting systematically to relate the Gospel of' Jesus Christ to the culture of the world in which Christians live. Although he has not gained immortality through his own systematic efforts, the fruits of …

An Examination And Evaluation Of The Theology Of Karl Barth And Oscar Gullman On The Doctrine Of Baptism, With Particular Emphasis On The Question Of Infant Baptism, Richard Taron

Bachelor of Divinity

An Examination and Evaluation of the Theology of Karl Barth and Oscar Gullman on the Doctrine of Baptism, with Particular Emphasis on the Question of Infant Baptism It is the purpose of this paper to present the respective views of these two leading theologians on the subject or baptism, in particular infant baptism, as expressed in their two publications on the subject, and to submit them to analysis and criticism. During the course of the paper it will be necessary to refer to the various statements of the New Testament regarding baptism and to compare those passages with certain conclusions …

The Meaningfulness Of Theological Language, Hillman Fischer

Bachelor of Divinity

One of the most prominent Logical Positivists is Alfred Jules Ayer. He is avowedly in closest agreement with the Logical Positivists who compose the “Viennese Circle” under the leadership of Mortiz Schlick, owing most to Rudolf Carnap. His book, “Language, Truth and Logic” has attained classic status as a representative of logical positivist thought. We shall investigate Ayer’s criticism of theological language.

Concept Of Personal Freedom In Berdyaev, David J. Klumpp

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper will attempt to describe Berdyaev’s thinking on the subject of personal freedom. No attempt will be made to criticize or evaluate his thinking by either the criteria of philosophy or theology although instances in which he takes issue or attacks Orthodox Christianity will be noted. In presenting Berdyavev’s concept of personal freedom an attempt will be made to remain within the framework of his thought as it is available in his English writings.

An Investigation Of The Hermeneutical Principles Reflected In The De Iustificatione (Article Iv) Of The Apology In Its Interpretation, Use And Application Of Holy Scripture, Randell Tonn

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this investigation is to answer the question, "What are the hermeneutical principles employed by Philipp Melanchthon in his interpretation of the Holy Scriptures as these principles are reflected in the Fourth Article of the Apology to the Augsburg Confession? "Incidental to this primary question three secondary questions have suggested themselves: 1) How do Melanchthon's hermeneutical principles relate themselves to his theology? 2) How do Melanchthon's hermeneutical principles relate themselves to Patristic and Medieval hermeneutics? 3) How do Melanchthon's hermeneutical principles relate themselves to modern hermeneutics, specifically, modern Lutheran hermeneutics?

The Effect Of Luther’S Philosophy Of History On His Writings About Social And Governmental Issues With Special Reference To Some Recent Missouri Synod Interpretation, E Fred Vonderlage

Bachelor of Divinity

In this thesis the main concern is with reference to Luther's treatises on social issues, political issues or whatever one may call them. Actually the influences of this brand of scholarship run much deeper than the reinterpretation of Luther, and they must be explored briefly to apply them to Luther also.

Prolegomena In Pieper And Aulen- A Comparison, Kurt E. Marquart

Bachelor of Divinity

Comparing Pieper and Aulen involves (1) an exposition of both positions, and (2) a juxtaposition of the two in a way which will actually exhibit their mutual relations. Whatever is relevant, to the understanding of either position In terms of thesis or antithesis is relevant to the thesis. Since this involves practically limitless source-material, a rigorous selectivity had to be exercised. Naturally this involves the element of judgment on the writer’s part, since he must select what seems particularly relevant and reject what does not. This thesis does not pretend to be anything like an exhaustive treatment. It attempts merely …

Paul Tillich's Theory Of Symbol, Norbert Oscar Schedler

Bachelor of Divinity

We will begin this paper with an introduction into the Weltanschauung out of which the problem of symbolism arises. The importance of studying the trends in the field of symbolism is not to be underestimated. In the development of modern philosophical thought the problem of symbolism has played a decisive role.

Luther's Concept Of The Two Kingdoms And The American Situation, Walter Charles Pieper

Bachelor of Divinity

It is neither the purpose of this paper to prove or disprove any man’s theory of interpretation of application of Luther’s teaching and to see how it has affected modern history, but rather it aims to look at Luther and see what he actually says.

The Doctrine Of Christ's Exaltation In Luther's Theology, Gerhard Galchutt

Bachelor of Divinity

If we, us Lutherans, are within Western Protestantism, it would hardly be possible for us to escape the influence of this milieu. And this writer believes this influence and its effects are readily found also within or own church body. There may be no traces of this influence in our doctrine and theological discussion, but it might become manifest already.in our cultus and then in some of our religious publications and devotional art for popular consumption. If so, this thesis has a very “practical” bent. It tries to set forth Luther's doctrine of the exalted Christ as a corrective for …

Psychology In Relationship To Theology, Martin L. Maehr

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this paper is not to answer specific questions but rather to probe widely and, to as great a degree as possible, effectively into the field in order to raise certain questions and determine the point of thrust of future research.

The Paradoxical Content Of The Title Son Of Man, Arno M. Klausmeier

Bachelor of Divinity

The problem with which this thesis will be occupied is the determination of the content of the title "Son of Man" and demonstrating the sources of this content. An investigation of this sort will prove that the content of "Son of Man” is anything but simple; it is paradoxical. Since this title is Jesus' favorite self-designation, writer and reader are justified to expect growth in the "knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”