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Wedding Appropriate?: A Reflection On 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, Barbara Kowalkowski Osb

Obsculta

This piece looks at whether the passage of 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a (the wedding verses) is overused or misused as one of the most popular readings during wedding ceremonies by considering the context of the passage. It delves into whether its use leads to misunderstanding among those gathered for their wedding on what its true meaning is.

A Practice Of Singing Psalms: The Impact On People’S Understanding Of God, Understanding Of Themselves, And Their Worldview, Jan Frederik Ezinga

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Singing influences people. Song lyrics influence people’s views and behavior, both positively and negatively. Researchers indicate that influence through songs may occur subconsciously. Because songs can move people, activists and governments use songs, or the prohibition of songs, to influence the population. This is relevant for church leaders and Christian school teachers because Christian songs communicate doctrine. Within a Christian setting, songs influence people’s faith. However, when Christians sing God’s Word, the songs affect people exponentially because God’s Word does not return to him empty (Is. 55:11). God commanded the church to sing psalms (Col. 3:16). Singing God’s Word from …

Refuting Ruscism: A Critique From Biblical Social Ontology, Paul Miles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation argues that the ideology of Ruscism is incompatible with biblical Christianity on the basis of God’s design for the individual, the family, and the country. Indeed, the extent of incompatibility between these two worldviews renders any attempt to syncretize them a significant departure from biblical Christianity. God’s design for society is an absolute standard by which political ideologies may be evaluated, and these three societal units will suffice to demonstrate that Christians must reject Ruscism.

This dissertation will describe these three societal units—the individual, the family, and the country—as they are described in biblical Christianity and contrast their …

Second Temple Period Foundations Of The New Testament: A Teaching Model At Longview Evangelical Community Church, Stephen T. Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research project examined whether a structured Bible study focused on the Second Temple Period could improve participants’ ability to recognize historical context in the New Testament and apply that knowledge to a more Christocentric understanding of Scripture. The project was conducted at a local church and involved adult participants from diverse educational and spiritual backgrounds. The study used a six-week instructional model that integrated historical background, theological reflection, and guided discussion. Data were collected through an initial questionnaire and Likert-scale surveys administered before the study began, observational notes and recordings during the study, and a final assessment after …

The Deuteronomic Portrayal Of The Messiah: Christ And Mosaic Typology In Matthew, Francis Riggs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation addresses an underemphasized area in the study of Mosaic typology in the NT portrayal of Christ. Matthew’s Jesus is widely viewed in Mosaic terms, and scholars also consider the nature of his new Exodus, but there is little discussion of the character of the new Exodus participants. Yet the matter is quite relevant because the participants in the historical Exodus were disobedient, and, for the most part, they perished in the desert. Accordingly, this study seeks to find out how the new Exodus participants will be different from those of the historical Exodus, and whether they will now …

Missional Hospitality: A Contextualization Of God’S Hospitable Mission For New Lisbon Christian Church, Jonathan Willmore

DMin Project Theses

The town of New Lisbon, originally called Jamestown, has been home to Restoration Movement churches. The first congregation began in 1839, not long after the town’s official incorporation and renaming as New Lisbon. It unfortunately died out in the decades that followed, and not much is known about its history. The second is called New Lisbon Christian Church (NLCC) and was planted in 1893.1 The records indicate that NLCC changed Senior Ministers approximately every three years, until the 1970s, when a pastor stayed at New Lisbon for nine years. That minister was the longest tenured until the most recent one …

A Place At The Table: Lessons In Hospitality For Women Elders In The Churches Of Christ, Karen Cooke

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project concerns women who serve as elders in Church of Christ congregations. In the fall of 2023, a survey found that these women desire training to better serve their congregations. In response to that expressed need, a group of collaborators engaged in Participatory Action Research (PAR) to create the plan for a conference to provide training to women serving as elders in Churches of Christ. The conference will provide training in the theology and practice of hospitality to support these women in guiding their churches to be places of welcome. This dissertation presents a theology of hospitality drawn from …

A Curriculum To Empower And Equip Women For Leadership In The Monash City Church Of Christ In Melbourne, Australia, Devni Yasindra Attygalle

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses women in Christian leadership in the Monash City Church of Christ Melbourne, Australia. The problem identified within this ministry context was a lack of appropriate theological teaching around women in leadership, especially in the areas of preaching, teaching, and leading, which has led to misconceptions and prejudices in the minds of church members, negatively impacting the congregation’s mission. The purpose of the project was to develop a curriculum specific to MCCOC that provides a theological foundation for advocating for future senior leadership roles for women. The curriculum provides biblical teaching on women in leadership that will equip …

“He Sat Down:” The Session Of Christ And Faithful Perseverance In Hebrews, Jonathan Myers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the most prominent themes in the book of Hebrews is the session of Christ – the belief that God’s Son, after successfully completing His earthly mission, was awarded the highest position of honor at the right hand of the Father. As the Davidic Son, He rules and reigns over all creation as its rightful heir, fulfilling texts such as Psalms 2, 8, and 110, as well as 2 Samuel 7. As high priest, He has atoned for sins and is presently interceding for believers. Thus, the session of Christ is no ethereal or esoteric doctrine, but a reality …

Spiritual Mentoring In Action: Empowering Younger Women In Spiritual Growth Through The Wisdom And Guidance Of Spiritually Mature Women, Elwanda C. Richardson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This researcher presents an action thesis project that examines generational spiritual mentoring among women who are current or former members of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, with a focus on how structured mentoring can integrate biblical, theological, and apologetic principles into discipleship practices. While mentoring is widely used in academic and professional settings to transfer knowledge, develop skills, and foster personal growth across generations, this study adopts that model to a faith-based context. It emphasized the intentional sharing of Scripture, lived experiences, and a Christ-centered worldview to nurture spiritual maturity. The research investigates the effectiveness of a structured, …

Therepairer_Vol19no10_Oct1914

The Repairer

No abstract provided.

Therepairer_Vol8no6_Jun1903

The Repairer

No abstract provided.

Enoch’S Measuring, Counting, Weighing, And Balancing Creation In 2 Enoch, Andrei Orlov

Theology Faculty Research and Publications

In recent years one can see increased scholarly attention to the epistemological dimension of early Jewish apocalyptic writings and, in particular, to the ways by which divine knowledge was harvested and cultivated by the protagonists and antagonists of those early Jewish accounts. The early Enochic booklets have traditionally played a central role in these epistemological probes since they contain the earliest descriptions of the transmission and acquisition of divine knowledge in Jewish apocalypticism.  These accounts deal both with revelations unveiled by God and angels to the patriarch Enoch and with illicit transmission of divine knowledge by the rogue group of …

The Birth Of Afghanistan: From Ancient Persia To A Modern-Day Multiethnic And Linguistic Country, Tyler A. Worm

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This thesis offers a comprehensive historical analysis of the formation and evolution of Afghan identity from antiquity through the early medieval period, emphasizing the region’s role as a dynamic crossroads of civilizations. It traces the origins of Afghan populations to Indo-Iranian pastoralist migrations and examines the successive influence of major imperial formations, including the Median and Achaemenid Persian empires, the conquests of Alexander and the Seleucid period, and the rise of the Kushan, Parthian, and Sasanian states. Through this longue durée approach, the study demonstrates how Afghanistan’s geographic position facilitated continuous cultural interaction, economic exchange, and political contestation, producing a …

The Servant’S Ear: Study Of The Servant In Whom Yhwh Is Well Pleased: An Expositional Connection Of Exodus 21:5-6 And Deuteronomy 15:16-17 To The Servants Of Revelation, Warren Eugene Hoskins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation undertakes an extensive investigation into the theological, historical, and literary development of the biblical servant motif. This study examines the evolution of the concept of servitude, beginning with its origins in Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) laws and culture.

It is anchored in the tradition of ear-piercing for the willing servant, as outlined in Exodus 21:5-6 and Deuteronomy 15:16-17. This research unpacks how ideas about servitude changed in the Old Testament law and how this relates to the end times and the early church, as described in Revelation. This study also compares Old Testament servant laws with those of …

From Disruption To Renewal: Harnessing Divine Interruptions And Strategic Leadership For Transforming Church Culture, Ryan Johnson

Witness

No abstract provided.

From Disruption To Renewal: Harnessing Divine Interruptions And Strategic Leadership For Transforming Church Culture, Ryan Johnson

Great Commission Research Journal

Church revitalization is a field that addresses refreshing the church’s mission and vision by leaders who assess internal and external factors affecting the congregation’s current state. However, researchers in organizational culture argue that refreshed strategies will be ineffective without also addressing underlying cultural issues. This essay addresses the need for and the process of transforming church culture during the revitalization process. Pastors and leaders bring about cultural change by disrupting the status quo. This disruptive leadership is achieved through two approaches. First, leaders proactively and incrementally disrupt the status quo to influence cultural change through faithful pastoral practices. Secondly, leaders …

Echoes Of Redemption: What Typology Reveals About The Significance Of Isaac In The Aqedah, Jacob A. Lugo

Masters Theses

In this thesis, I outline a problem of logical consistency within the typological interpretation of the Aqedah narrative in Genesis 22. I also attempt to provide a more consistent interpretation that still seeks to remain faithful to the text while recognizing how this account fits into the overall narrative of Scripture.

In times past, the literature on this topic has been saturated with the identification of Isaac as a type of Christ; this is seen most readily in the Early Church Fathers’ interpretation. I also explore other modern readings to demonstrate the multiplicity of understandings that have arisen regarding this …

Gender In Translation: How The Contemporary Bible Is Challenging Androcentric Language In Translation Through Gender-Accurate And Feminist Hermeneutical Lenses, Matthew T. Gennard

Masters Theses

This Thesis surveys the changing practice of gender-accurate translation from the late nineteenth century to the present, with special consideration for the three key principles of gender-accurate translation: Generic ‘he,’ androcentric lexemes, and pronoun substitution. These focus areas are derived from an analysis of the five translation guidelines produced during the late twentieth-century gender-neutral controversy. The loss of individuality when introducing pronominal interchange or the masculine representative hermeneutical lens has left scholars divided on gender-accurate practices. This study surveys the sociohistorical development of the feminist hermeneutical lens and the changing linguistic trends of contemporary language, which challenge androcentric assumptions in …

Pneuma And Logos: Strengthening Sermon Preparation Through A Spirit-And-Word Approach To Biblical Exegesis, Natalie Barnoske

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Powerful preaching results from honoring the Word and Spirit as active participants in the sermon preparation process. However, the influence of postmodernism and the lack of resources clarifying this convergence point have led to a polarization of perspectives in biblical exegesis. Therefore, this DMIN action research project designed, implemented, and evaluated a Pneuma and Logos Approach to biblical exegesis based on five essential pillars of hermeneutics, derived from William Oliverio’s Pentecostal Hermeneutics in the Late Modern World. By integrating inductive skills of biblical exegesis with holistic habits of Lectio Divina, this project proposes that stronger sermon preparation skills can be …

The Clarity And Obscurity Of Inspired Writings: A Historical Survey From Late Antiquity To Early Nineteenth- Century America, Denis Kaiser

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

Throughout Christian history, pastors, scholars, and church leaders have discussed whether, or to what extent, Scripture is clear or obscure. This article surveys the views on the clarity and obscurity of Scripture as advocated by Christian writers in five eras from late antiquity to early nineteenth-century America. Writers in the Protestant tradition have generally objected to the common notions among Roman Catholics that Scripture is obscure, consists of a four-fold sense, and that normative teaching authority is in the hands of the magisterium. Lutheran, Reformed, and Pietist scholars have generally emphasized the importance of having an educated clergy that understands …

Creation's Jubilee: The Reconciliation Of All Things Through The Work Of Christ, Darrell Wayne Murphy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many have taken it upon themselves to discover the meaning of the biblical teaching of reconciliation and deduced various theories. The topic has reached an impasse for many years. This dissertation will show that God is always the subject, and that man is the object of reconciliation. Through Jesus Christ’s work, God intends to reconcile all things to himself. This assertion claims that Christ’s redemptive work extends to all categories of intelligent beings but does not propose a universal salvation for all. Instead, God has supplied the provision whereby all categories of creatures are offered the work of redemption procured …

Preparing Meals As A Metaphor For The Use Of Arts In Worship: A Liturgical Arts Curriculum For Nourishing Chinese-Indonesian Congregations, Carolien Eunice Tantra

Doctor of Pastoral Music Projects and Theses

Food plays an essential role in human life. It is of paramount importance to consume an adequate quantity of food to maintain good health, nourish the body, and provide the necessary energy for daily activities. In addition to its role in providing nourishment, the visual appeal of food can bring delight to the eyes, desire to the heart, stimulate the appetite, and prompt humans to consume it. Liturgical art is like food. The metaphor of food or meals, as employed in liturgical arts, serves to emphasize the significance of artistic expression and integration within worship services to nourish and reach …

Exploring Biblical Language In Trauma Processing, Kathy B. Hoppe

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

Clients may often find themselves struggling with accessing traumatic experiences in therapy, thereby developing an avoidance of trauma that impedes healing. Strategies for reducing trauma processing may be difficult to identify effectively. This project suggests several means by which therapists can utilize the language of scripture, including scriptural narrative, metaphor, and poetry, as a therapeutic intervention with conservative Christian clients who are pursuing trauma processing. The proposed approach assists clients in explaining their traumatic events in a secure setting, hence preventing the common hyperarousal symptoms that are upsetting. The treatment can enhance the effectiveness of evidence-based practices. It incorporates several …

Divine Achilles And His Raging Heart: Cannibalism In The Iliad, Lucca Crowe

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

The story of the Iliad is one of identity. As Achilles struggles with whom to identify with, his divine mother or mortal father, he is consumed by an overwhelming rage that threatens to overpower him, dragging him down from both divinity and mortality into the very depths of monstrous savagery. This article examines the role that diet, particularly the act of cannibalism, plays in differentiating humans from gods and beasts. By examining Achilles identity struggle through the lens of cannibalism, this article sheds light on the broader ways Greek and Roman authors used cannibalism to express notions of otherness, situating …

Establishing Traditional Methodism : Teaching Free Methodist History, Theology, And Practices To A Former United Methodist Congregation, D. Stanley Cushing

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Yielding Fruit: The Relationship Of Love, Unity, And Spiritual Gifts, Douglas Donald Vannostrand

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the interconnectedness of love, unity, and spiritual gifts within the Christian church, primarily through an analysis of Paul's letters in Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians. It argues that these principles are essential for the church to fulfill its divine purpose. The study examines how love serves as the foundation for unity and the effective use of spiritual gifts, contributing to the community's edification and reflecting the nature of the Trinity. The research employs exegetical analysis, historical context, and practical application to demonstrate how these principles can address contemporary challenges in the church, fostering spiritual growth and reflecting God's …

Responding To Leadership Change: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study Of Female Pastors And Their Congregations, Sharon Britz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to explore the lived experiences of female senior pastors and their congregants who have embraced leadership change from male to female. Although many denominations openly accept and ordain female pastors, and the number of women in pastoral leadership roles has risen, many women in ministry still face obstacles. Guided by the theory of change, in conjunction with liberation theology, this study addressed a gap in research related to the experience of female pastors in ministerial leadership, as minimal similar studies exist, and no other studies within the Congregational Christian Church were found. …

Biblical Theology For God's People : Perspectives In Theological Interpretation, Benjamin J. Aich

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Encouraging Conversation: Sharing The Oral History Of Nepalese Refugees Through Dialogical Preaching To Inspire Intercultural Collaboration, Matthew Clark

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Clark, Matthew J. “Encouraging Conversation: Sharing the Oral History of Nepalese Refugees through Dialogical Preaching to Inspire Intercultural Collaboration.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2025. 286 pp.

The project attends to the context of Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, where a minority group of church members are refugees from Nepal. As Ascension grows in ethnic diversity, however, much of the congregation has only a shallow multicultural level of engagement, where different cultural groups are only aware of each other as they exist parallel to one another with limited interaction.

The project seeks to answer the …