Digital Commons Network^™

Front Matter - Spiritus 9.2 (Fall 2024), [email protected]

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Full Issue Spiritus 9.2 (Fall 2024), Jeffrey S. Lamp

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This issue of Spiritus is a special one indeed. Almost three years ago I received a message from Martin Mittelstadt of Evangel University concerning the dialogue underway between representatives of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA) and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). This dialogue would take place over a three-year period (2021–2003), with papers and responses addressing three topics from the perspectives of Pentecostals and Roman Catholics. The participants expressed an interest in having the presentations from this dialogue published in journals representing both traditions.

Ecclesial Communion: Of Divine Economy Through Love And Participation, Kyle J. Groesch

Masters of Theological Studies

Following the councils of Nicaea and Constantinople, the early followers of Christian faith understood the proper name for their God to be entirely triune in essence: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While this trinitarian heritage has scarcely been passed down to modern believers of Christianity, the fundamental truth of God’s triune nature remains the same. Out of the divine economy, humanity was crafted in the image of God with koinonia at heart. As Father, Son, and Holy Spirit comprise the singular ousia and cannot exist apart from one another, so the Body with many members is only possible in the …

Alumni Giving At A Christian Liberal Arts College That Originated As A Bible College, Joel K. Johnson

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Alumni giving is a critical revenue stream for Christian liberal arts colleges that originated as Bible institutions. This dissertation includes an in-depth case study of the patterns and determinants of alumni donations, focusing on the transition from Bible colleges to liberal arts institutions and the subsequent impact on alumni giving behaviors. Quantitative data from a member institution of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities were analyzed to explore the influence of demographic variables of age, marital status, and era of institutional operation on alumni contributions. This research addressed six key questions, including comparisons of the participants' mean giving to …

Salvation Through King Jesus In Zechariah 9:9-13, Mitch Mcgeath

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Zechariah 9:9-13 is a prophecy of radical hope given to Israel in utter despair. In this passage, the Lord reveals through Zechariah the counter-cultural nature of his humble king, his Davidic Messiah. This paper explores how contemporary believers can apply a kingdom of God lens to Christocentric fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9-13. In turn, we may gain deeper appreciation for the foreknowledge of God and the future hope of the church's deliverance from the evil one, sin, and oppression.

How Biblical Theology Supports Jesus’S Teaching On Food Cleanliness, Mitch Mcgeath

Biblical Studies Student Projects

This paper uses a framework of biblical theology to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus's teaching on food cleanliness in Mark 7:14-23. Using the framework of levitical law, including God's original intent for the law as a compass pointing towards moral purity, Jesus redefines the law in himself, thus fulfilling it in full and abrogating it in part.

Better Understanding Of The Biblical Theology Behind Romans 1:18-23, Christina Veatch

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Romans 1:18-23 is a passage rich in biblical theology relating to creation, judgment, and idolatry. Through exegetical analysis and supporting commentaries, this paper shows how Romans 1:18-23 connects to the overall story of the Bible.

A Training Model For Strategic Planning In Large Evangelical Churches, Ginger Ann Beady

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

This dissertation explores strategic planning for churches in the post-Christendom era, where the cultural influence of Christianity has significantly diminished. The study aims to create a resource to help church leaders develop and implement strategic plans focused on long-term church health and sustainability. The first objective is to define what strategic planning entails and emphasize its necessity for fulfilling God's mission. Drawing on the Old Testament case study of Nehemiah and a New Testament survey, the research emphasizes the importance of effective planning within a biblical context. The second focus of this research question is to identify what to plan …

Review Of Sermons On The Parables, Wendy L. Pohlhaus

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Church Adoption: Three-Pronged Elements That Support The Revitalization Of Coastal Church Battery Park Location In Virginia, Michael Christopher Bard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The church is God’s plan for delivering the good news of Jesus Christ’s finished work on the Cross. This finished work is evidenced through the bodily resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15). In the US a steady decline in church attendance has been prevalent over the past three decades and church buildings are either near empty or closing. This research explores the concept of church adoption merger in hopes of one avenue that would promote revitalization of local fellowships. Though multiple elements are supportive in revitalization this research explore three elements that should lead towards centralizing the church on Christ. …

Wilson, Debbie W. Little Strength, Big God. Abilene, Tx: Leafwood Publishers, 2023., Katie M. Meeks

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Becoming A Disciple-Making Disciple Through A Written Guided Plan In A Handbook, Benjamin T. Morrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis addresses the lack of disciple-making at Richland Heights Baptist Church by implementing a disciple-making plan through a handbook. Churches needing revitalization often lack a disciple-making plan. Historically, Richland Heights had not implemented any New Testament training to develop disciple-makers. The project utilized triangulated methods consisting of a survey, questionnaire, interview, and observations. The observations took place during the implementation of opportunities before and after the sessions in the handbook. These incorporated the researcher's knowledge of the responses in the survey and questionnaire. By having a plan to make disciples with tools, training, and opportunities to implement the lessons …

Review Of L. Ann Jervis' Paul And Time: Life In The Temporality Of Christ, Caleb Gordon

Liberty Theological Review

This review of Paul and Time offers a summary and critique of Dr. Jervis’ thought-provoking contribution to Pauline Studies concerning an alternative temporal approach to the undisputed Paul in place of the Jewish apocalyptic “two age” framework. This scholarly work is a necessary read for serious Pauline scholars and advanced students in New Testament scholarship.

Review Of On The Resurrection: Evidences Volume 1, Brian G. Chilton

Liberty Theological Review

Dr. Brian Chilton reviews the first volume of Dr. Gary Habermas's magnum opus On the Resurrection: Evidences. Chilton summarizes Habermas's work, offering key themes found throughout the book. Then, he analyzes the methodology of the book and confronts the possible objections offered by popular naysayers of the minimal facts approach. Chilton ultimately deduces that the naysayers objections are overblown and that Habermas's approach stands on its own.

Textual Triads: The Identification And Justification Of An Apocalyptic Literary Form, Jeffrey R. Dickson

Liberty Theological Review

This study seeks to elucidate just one of the many literary/structural devices found in John’s Apocalypse—textual triads (groupings of three words or ideas that are either repeated or parallel to each other). In so doing, this paper will argue that not only do textual triads exist in Revelation, but they are present in various forms throughout this last canonical work and can be categorized/justified via grammatical/literary markers that help readers identify them within the text of Scripture. All this will prove that, among many other literary devices, the apostle utilizes this unique threefold repetition in pervasive ways to describe, reveal, …

Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 66, No. 3

Restoration Quarterly

PDF of the cover of Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 66, No. 3.

This repository hosts selected Restoration Quarterly articles in downloadable PDF format. For the benefit of users who would like to browse the contents of RQ, we have included all issue covers even when full-text articles from that issue are unavailable. All Restoration Quarterly articles are available in full text in the ATLA Religion Database, available through most university and theological libraries or through your local library’s inter-library loan service.

Food Insecurity & Gendered Vulnerability – Sarai/Sarah And Rebekah In Genesis, Maricel S. Ibita

Theology Department Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Salvation Of The Nations In Isaiah, Isaiah M. Gillette

NEXUS: The Liberty Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

In the book of Isaiah, a key theme that is present is the salvation of the nations. This salvation is in the form of peace on earth, peace in the millennium, and salvation of the soul through the Messiah Jesus Christ. Articles are looked at that discuss specific passages about the salvation of the nations in Isaiah. The passages themselves are also studied to determine what they say about the salvation of the nations. Some authors of the articles argue for different views on certain passages, like that it is of judgment of the nations instead of salvation of the …

Inciting Peace From The Inside Out, Stephen G. Adubato, Ebere Bosco Amakwe, Katherine Hinic, Sarita Maldjian, Forrest Pritchett, Jon Radwan, Nicholas Sooy, Chad Thralls

Conferences

Violence and war can be incited, and so can peace. This volume shares select addresses and responses from Seton Hall University’s 2/7/23 conference “Inciting Peace From The Inside Out.” A multi-disciplinary range of scholars each addresses how reconciliation processes grow from spiritual dynamics. Multiple religious traditions teach contemplative praxes that prioritize and nurture personal reflection oriented toward peace. Social conflicts divide, so engaging them with a partisan orientation only serves to escalate harmful rifts. In contrast, bringing personal awareness and sensitivity, spiritual balance, and holistic integral perspective to conflict can transcend divisions and work toward unity. This volume is supported …

Mentoring As A Catalyst For Change: Creating A Mentor Training Curriculum Using The Servant Leadership Model, Alana S. Freeman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation-in-praxis was a response to the problem of a lack of youth involvement at Warren Chapel United American Free Will Baptist (UAFWB) church in Winterville, NC. The Collaborating Coach, Pastor Betty Haddock, and the Collaborating Team were concerned about the church's future amid its aging congregation. The importance of investing in the spiritual formation of the younger generation in preparation for them being mature successors of current leaders is a principle reflected throughout Scripture. The Bible encourages the older generation to teach the younger generation about Godly principles so they will retain what they have learned when they are …

An Exegetical Evaluation: Believers’ Differential, Works-Based Heavenly Rewards In The New Testament, Emma Griffith

Masters Theses

While no Bible-believing Christian would deny that salvation comes only through the work of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, several New Testament passages appear to teach that there will be additional, works-based heavenly rewards. This interpretation has become somewhat of a default position within modern Christianity, especially American Christianity. Moreover, it has had very few scholarly challengers, and none have done so from a contextually-based exegesis of the relevant NT texts. Therefore, this thesis exegetes the major NT texts to argue that these specific passages do not teach varying, proportional heavenly rewards for believers in the eschaton, but rather that …

The Effects Of Testimony In Seminars Through Cinemeducation, Biblical Narratives, Live Personal Testimony, And Journaling At Christ Lincoln Among Young Adults Learning To Share Testimony, Aaron Hutton

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project explores the impact of various testimonial methods on young adults at Christ Lincoln, focusing on their ability to share personal testimonies. The study employs a multi-faceted approach, incorporating cinemeducation, biblical narratives, live personal testimonies, and journaling. Through a series of seminars and interviews, it was found that all these methods are impactful in building connections, strengthening faith, and deepening vulnerability, which in turn fosters relationships. The intertwining of God's grand narrative with personal stories brought hope and encouragement to participants. The findings suggest that this integrative approach significantly improves participants' confidence and effectiveness in sharing their testimonies, fostering …

Typological Reading Of The Apocalyptic Vision Of Daniel 7 And 9, Timothy Andrew Prince

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Prince, Timothy A. “Typological Reading of the Apocalyptic Vision of Daniel 7 & 9.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2024. 311 pp.

As a response to Daniel’s prayer for the restoration of God’s city and sanctuary, “The Seventy Sevens” oracle of Dan 9:24–27 gives further details of the overarching apocalyptic vision of ch. 7. After establishing how the canonical apocalyptic visions of Daniel and Revelation constitute a unique genre that gives a teleological-eschatological-apocalyptic perspective, this study demonstrates how a typological reading of the text best perceives the revelation and interprets the message presented in Daniel’s apocalyptic vision. The vision and oracle …

The Beautiful Place: Understanding, Perceiving, And Participating In Beauty According To The Doctrine Of The Two Kinds Of Righteousness, Martin Bartholomew Dressler

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Nearly everyone agrees with this statement: Beauty is powerful. But what exactly is beauty? Is it objective or subjective? Is beauty bound up with reality, or even the being of God? Or is beauty “nothing but” a social construct, rendering all judgments concerning beauty mere opinion, or else the fruit of culturism? This dissertation examines beauty through the lens of the Lutheran distinction of the Two Kinds of Righteousness. It will enable Christians to account for their experience with beauty by attending to the following three questions: (1) What is beauty? (2) How do we perceive beauty? and (3) How …

Community Formation And Effective Leadership In African American Churches In High-Poverty Communities, Kevin Laron Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

African American church traditions were reputable for serving “the least of these" (Matthew 25:35 - 46) (TLOT) through intentional, Bible-based community fellowship and relationship. However, African American churches are moving away from community ministries to inside worshiping that does not fulfill God's agenda. As a result, the phenomenon of serving in isolation versus serving through community formation is incrementally deviating from the biblical worldview. This qualitative phenomenological study explores, community formation and effective leadership in African American churches in high-poverty communities in the aggregate city of Newark, NJ. This research aims to explore community formation and effective leadership in African …

The Congregation In All Her Glory: How The History Of The Association Of Free Lutheran Congregations (Aflc) Can Be Used To Teach Free And Living Church Polity, Stephen Mark Mundfrom

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Among Lutheran denominations in America, the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations privileges the free activity of the congregation with a unique church polity. Because of its rarity, the AFLC is especially concerned that a correct understanding of its polity be taught at its schools and passed on effectively to future generations. One way to ensure that this occurs successfully is through a combination of theological and historical instruction. Historical education has been in decline for several hundred years due to developments in Western thought. Nevertheless, significant arguments can be made for the necessity of an historical and narrative understanding of …

Vision, Repetition And Redemption: Envisioning Universal Salvation In A Group Of Six Carolingian Ivory Book Covers, Valerie Thai

Theses and Dissertations

Six Carolingian ivory plaques share almost identical imagery. This thesis focuses on the figures of Synagoga and the rising dead repeated in the compositions. As the ivories are Gospel covers used in Mass, this study demonstrates how these motifs appeal to the congregation, conveying the Christian tenet of universal salvation.

Faith Seeking Understanding: A Comparative Study Of Herman Bavinck And Wolfhart Pannenberg On The Doctrine Of Revelation, Jin Li

CTS PhD Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation builds upon John Bolt’s suggestion that Wolfhart Pannenberg’s work can be utilized to extend and further elaborate upon Herman Bavinck’s efforts in outlining the fundamental contours of a philosophy of revelation. It focuses on various themes related to the doctrine of revelation to examine the theological and metaphysical frameworks of Bavinck and Pannenberg. Through a comparative analysis of their theoretical approaches, this study aims to offer a fresh, comprehensive perspective on the doctrine of revelation, highlighting their shared metaphysical foundations and the synthesis of orthodox and modern thought.

In this research, I explore the motifs and frameworks of …

Evaluating “Grit” (Genuine Relationships, Intergenerationally Tied) Groups At The Highland Church Of Christ: An Intergenerational Enhancement Of Small Group Community Life, Beth Ann Fisher

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT This project, Evaluating “GRIT” (Genuine Relationships, Intergenerationally Tied) at the Highland Church of Christ: An Intergenerational Enhancement of Small Group Community Life is a response to the request for intergenerational partnership in worship, fellowship, and ministry by the university students at Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. The church’s robust small group life was a logical place to create a vehicle in which intergenerational partners could ride for a determined period in pursuit of their common goals of furthering Highland’s mission and vision. The “Genuine Relationships, Intergenerationally Tied” or GRIT groups were formed by combining existing small groups …

Bedeviled Beauty: My Journey Through White American Theater Institutions, J'Aila C. Price

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Game console: Oculus Quest

World: American Theater Institutions

Player: Minority

Place: United States

Level: “Ain’t no way.”

This thesis explores the contrast between the Westernized philosophies ingrained in my education and my identity as a Black female artist. It sheds light on the difficulties of pursuing higher education in the arts and the gaps that arise from limited exposure to culturally diverse Black resources, revealing the systemic issues in Western performance education. The paper also discusses the insights gained from my journey as a Black female artist, focusing on my thesis performance of Blood at the Root, which is …