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The Joy Of Feeling Close To God: The Practice Of Prayer And The Work Of Accompaniment, Douglas E. Christie

Theological Studies Faculty Works

What does it mean to pray in response to the most acute challenges of everyday historical existence? When prayer is conceived of primarily as a personal, deeply interiorized expression of the soul’s longing to communicate with a transcendent God, it can be difficult to imagine what it might mean to incorporate the embodied, communal, historically mediated dimensions of human experience into the broader understanding about what it means to pray. The challenge is to find a way of understanding and articulating how the powerful and supple language of prayer comes to expression in and through the concrete, historically mediated forms …

Transcending Subjects: Hegel After Augustine, An Essay On Political Theology, Geoffrey J.D. Holsclaw

Dissertations (1934 -)

From where do political reformers and radicals come who are willing and prepared to challenge the status quo? Where are people formed who are capable of initiating change within a political system? Some worry belief in transcendence closes off authentic political engagement and processes of transformation. Others think that a transcendent orientation is the only means to protect and promote a more free and just society. Some see a positive commitment to transcendence as inimical to democratic practices, while others see such a commitment as indispensable for such a project. These general issues concern transcendence, immanence, and subjectivity as they …

Oxen And Elephants: An Examination Of Approaches To Enlightenment And Dialogue Between Zen And Tibetan Buddhism, Alexander Macmillan

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Exchange between Tibetan Buddhism and Zen1 Buddhism in the United States has proven fruitful and mutually beneficial to each form as practiced in the American context. The relationship between the two began famously with the intimate relationship between Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and Chogyam Trungpa, arguably the two most influential Buddhist teachers in the West during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Although short lived, this relationship led Trungpa, from the Kagyu Tibetan lineage, to reach out to other Zen teachers in America and adopt zen art forms and meditation style in his teaching. On the side of Zen practitioners in America, Trungpa …

Merdjanova's "Rediscovering The Umma: Muslims In The Balkans Between Nationalism And Transnationalism" - Book Review, Paul Mojzes

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

No abstract provided.

"Spiritan Spirituality"? Possibilities And Limitations", Anthony Gittins C.S.Sp.

Spiritan Horizons

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Evolution Of The Angel Of Death In Jewish Literature, Carolyn Plocher, Dr. Jared Ludlow

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My original proposal was entitled “Ancient Near Eastern Perspectives on the Process of Death in the Hellenistic Period.” I initially chose this topic because the human fascination with death extends far back into history; in fact, it alone has been the reason for the founding of many cults, the erecting of innumerable monuments, and the writing of a great number of documents. Furthermore, the people most famous for their fascination with death are the inhabitants of the ancient Near East. Well-known examples of their enthrallment with death are the Egyptians who mummified their dead and built exquisite pyramids for funerary …

Foreign To One Another: The Critical Relationship Between "Protholics" And "Cathestants" In Some Short Stories By John Mcgahern And William Trevor, Claudia Luppino

Journal of Franco-Irish Studies

No abstract provided.

Becoming Lutheran: Exploring The Journey Of American Evangelicals Into Confessional Lutheran Thought, Matthew Richard

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this Major Applied Research Project was to examine the journey of American Evangelicals into Lutheran thought. Otherwise stated, the research project studied the emotional struggles, linguistic confusion, worldview changes, and epistemological shifts that happen during the pilgrimage between two theological traditions.

The research findings are intended to identify valuable insights and provide avenues of comfort for those who are making this transition. Furthermore, the findings of this research are intended to aid Lutheran pastors as they care for and shepherd individuals who are coming into Lutheranism from American Evangelicalism.

The primary components of this study were the …

Homo Religiosus? Religion And Immigrant Subjectivities, David Ley, Justin Kh Tse

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Once ignored in national and international public policy, religion has made a comeback as policymakers have noticed the significance of the resurgence of religion, especially due to migration flows. While laudatory of these developments, this chapter specifies the need for a theological reading of the migrant religious practitioner as homo religiosus. First, we describe the social geographies of immigrant religion in an international context, drawing attention to the vibrancy of religious devotion, especially Christianity from the global south, among migrant groups. Second, we re-conceptualise religious belief through the theoretical work of John Milbank and Charles Taylor as they recuperate a …

Gospel Sadness, Tom Shepherd

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

From The Editor's Desk [Theological Studies, September 2013], David G. Schultenover

Theology Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Christian Magic: Bible-Based Heresy, Seth Kohrman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Bible (the Old and the New Testaments) condemned magic. The Church Fathers followed the biblical example and also denounced magic. However, magic continued to exist among Christians and was even largely based upon biblical passages for its source of power; thus, magic survived partially on account of Christians and their ironic use of magic with help of the very scriptures that censured it. I will demonstrate first through specific examples that the Old and New Testaments as well as the Church Fathers reviled magic; however, the authors of each of these writings had their own agendas for speaking out …

Management As A Liberal Art (Seattle), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In these opening remarks recorded for a fall seminar at Seattle Pacific University, Pollard outlines Peter Drucker's theory of management as a liberal art and details the ways in which it was implemented in the ServiceMaster organization. He also notes why such a vision is important for contemporary management education.

“To Boldly Go”: Why Cross-Cultural Missionaries Should Read Science Fiction, Alan Howell

Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Ever Learning, Ever Loving: Augustine On Teaching As Ministry, Ronnie P. Campbell Jr.

Liberty Theological Review

While most remember Augustine (354-430 AD) as theologian, exegete, and philosopher, the purpose of this essay is to consider Augustine’s legacy and ministry as teacher. After his conversion (386 AD), Augustine’s views on teaching took a turn. His theological convictions thus set the course for his views on teaching throughout the rest of his life. It is to such views on teaching that this essay seeks to examine. Therefore this essay will wrestle through Augustine’s views on the role of the teacher and the learner and the link between the two, his theological basis for teaching, and some of the …

Review Of "Thinking Christ: Christology And Contemporary Critics", Brent A. R. Hege

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

A review of Thinking Christ: Christology and Contemporary Critics by Jane Barter Moulaison.

Genesis 12-50 And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Genesis 12-50 and Work
2. Abraham (Genesis 12:1-25:11)
   • Abraham’s faithfulness contrasted with the faithlessness of Babel (Genesis 12:1-3)
   • The Pastoral Lifestyle of Abraham and his Family (Genesis 12:4-7)
   • Abraham’s journey begins with disaster in Egypt (Genesis 12:8-13:2)
   • Abraham and Lot parted (Genesis 13:3-18)
   • Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality (Genesis 18:1-15)
   • Abraham’s dispute with Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-16; 21:22-34)
   • A burial plot for Sarah (Genesis 23:1-20)
3. Isaac (Genesis 21:1-35:29)
4. Jacob (Genesis 25:19-49:33)
   • Jacob's unethical procurement of Esau’s birthright and blessing (Genesis 25:19-34; 26:34–28:9)
   • Jacob Gains His Fortune (Genesis 30-31)
   • Jacob’s transformation and reconciliation with Esau (Genesis 32–33)
5. Joseph (Genesis 37:2-50:26)
   • Joseph rejected …

Paper Memory: A Sixteenth-Century Townsman Writes His World (Book Review), John B. Roney

History Faculty Publications

Book review by John B. Roney.

Lundin, Matthew. Paper Memory: A Sixteenth-Century Townsman Writes His World. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2012.

Implications And Consequences Of Post-Modern Philosophy For Contemporary Transpersonal Studies Ii. Georges Bataille’S Post-Nietzschean Secular Mysticism, Phenomenology Of Ecstatic States, And Original Transpersonal Sociology, Harry Hunt

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

The writings of the French philosopher Georges Bataille (1897-1962) offer their own contribution to the descriptive phenomenology of mystical and numinous states, as well as a version of the modern secular or this-worldly mysticism variously anticipated by Jung and Nietzsche, and a highly original sociology and social psychology of transpersonal experience, influenced by Max Weber, that helps to open an area not widely developed in recent studies. At the same time, the trauma and personal difficulties in Bataille’s life serve as a stark example of the often distortive effects of spiritual metapathologies on inner development. Bataille’s views of ecstatic states …

“Transpersonal Pakistan”, Paul Heelas

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

The essay is controversial. The argument that Sufi-inspired transpersonal experiences, practices and processes are widespread does not match the popular view of Pakistan as a major homeland of Islamic ‘fundamentalism’ and militancy. Neither does the argument match the views of all those Islamists who bind Sufism to the transcendent theism of tradition. In various ways and to varying degrees, the most illustrious of Sufi saints move away from tradition and the alterity of the Godhead. For this reason Sufi saints can serve as a powerful font of transpersonal humanism, a universal humanism of humanity which plays a critical role in …

Developing Transpersonal Resiliency: An Approach To Healing And Reconciliation In Zimbabwe, Mazvita Machinga, Harris L. Friedman

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

Zimbabwe has been experiencing one of the worst economic and humanitarian crises in modern times, after its people have suffered from horrific episodes of political violence. An approach to healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe aimed at developing transpersonal resiliency, called Lament, Welcome, and Celebration (LAWECE), was designed to be culturally appropriate through involving two distinct versions of psychological and spiritual intervention, one appropriate for traditional Shona values and one for Christian values. LAWECE involves a sequence of activities focused on both individual and community healing, starting with a lamentation process acknowledging the atrocities, followed by a welcoming process that invites …

Church Growth Missiologist And Defender Of The Faith: George G. Hunter, Iii, R. Daniel Reeves

Great Commission Research Journal

Reeves summarizes Hunter’s impact in McGavran missiology with professors, church planters and evangelists. He highlights Hunter’s pioneering research among secular peoples at Muscle Beach and the fifth century Celtic movement, with broad application for enlisting and equipping disciples. Reeves also emphasizes Hunter’s less reported role as friend and trusted advisor, citing his personal experience of receiving encouragement and advice while forming and facilitating the Council on Ecclesiology, a project aimed at reducing counterproductive rhetoric among several popular movements.

Finding The Way Forward: George Gill Hunter, Iii, Ronald K. Crandall

Great Commission Research Journal

Ron Crandall recounts some of the significant personal transitions, achievements, and contributions to evangelism and church growth made by his long time colleague. This brief “inside story” captures some of both the professional and personal life of this world-class scholar, and reveals his passionate pursuit to help thousands of churches and millions of secular and disenchanted peoples “find the way forward.” Never content to only talk about evangelism, George Hunter is portrayed as employing every gift available to equip the Church for its apostolic mission to spread the power of “Christ in us, the hope of glory.”

Retrieving Luther?, Mickey Mattox

Theology Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Toward A Theology Of Infertility And The Role Of Donum Vitae, Kathryn Lilla Cox

School of Theology and Seminary Faculty Publications

A theology of infertility is needed to help couples and the broader ecclesial community understand the theological implications of infertility. Infertility raises questions about human freedom, finitude, embodiment, childlessness, and parenthood. In this article, dominant cultural assumptions surrounding each of these areas when considering reproductive technologies are sketched. Official Roman Catholic teaching on reproductive technologies (Donum Vitae), while rejecting most forms of such technologies, does provide a viable response to the presupposition that reproductive technologies resolve infertility. Given the dominant cultural assumptions and insights from Roman Catholic teaching, this article advocates for several ecclesial changes when considering infertility. …

Converting Houses Into Churches: The Mobility, Fission, And Sacred Networks Of Evangelical House Churches In Sri Lanka, Orlando Woods

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

In this paper I examine the processes and politics associated with the formation of evangelical house churches in Sri Lanka. In doing so, I show how the sacred space of the house church is constructed through the development of sacred networks, which emerge when a group of Christians assemble for prayer and worship. Sacred networks grant the house church an important degree of mobility, but they also encourage church fission. Whilst the house church enables evangelical groups to grow in hostile environments like that of Sri Lanka, it is often a superficial form of growth that is unsustainable in the …

Leviticus And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction— does Leviticus have anything to tell us about our work?
2. The Foundational Concept of Holiness in Leviticus
3. Israel’s Sacrificial System (Leviticus 1–10)
   • The Dwelling of God in the Community (Leviticus 1-10)
   • The Whole People of God at Work (Leviticus 1-10)
   • The Workplace Significance of the Guilt Offering (Leviticus 6:1-7)
4. The Unclean and the Clean (Leviticus 11–16)
   • The Permissibility of Eating Particular Animals (Leviticus 11)
   • Dealing with Skin Diseases and Mold Infections (Leviticus 13–14)
5. Holiness (Leviticus 17–27)
   • Gleaning (Leviticus 19:9–10)
   • Behaving honestly (Leviticus 19:11–12)
   • Treating workers fairly (Leviticus 19:13)
   • Rights of People with Disabilities (Leviticus 19:14)
   • Doing Justice (Leviticus 19:15–16) …

The Creation Order For Man-Woman Relationships: Genesis 1-2, Richard M. Davidson

Memory, Meaning & Faith

No abstract provided.

An Interpretation Of Genesis 1:1-2:3 In Light Of Ancient Near Eastern Traditions And Modern-Day Science, Rebecca J. Morgan

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

In the fields of religion and science, people seek to comprehend the world in which they live. According to the Judeo-Christian religious tradition, the universe and all its elements were created by an omniscient, omnipotent God in accordance to his holy design and purpose. This explanation, articulated in the book of Genesis, has influenced several thousand years of human history. However, the literal 24-hour days-of-creation explanation and interpretation deduced from the Genesis 1:1-2:3 creation account is contested by recent scientific discoveries as an invalid explanation for the origins of the universe and mankind. To explore the “how” and “why” questions …

When God Dies: Deconversion From Theism As Analogous To The Experience Of Death, William David Simpson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In this thesis, I explore the psychological and experiential aspects of the shift from a supernatural theistic worldview (specifically born-again Christianity) to a
philosophically naturalistic and atheistic worldview in the context of the religious
landscape in the U.S. I posit that certain features of this transition, which is known as "deconversion,” can be thought of as potentially analogous, both psychologically and subjectively, to the experience of another's death as an objective environmental change. I provide anthropological and psychological evidence that believers often experience the God of born-again Christianity as an independently existing and active agent in the world. The similarities …