Digital Commons Network^™

An Aspirational Cultus? Tolkien Fandom At The Borders Of Belief, Tom Emanuel

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

This paper draws upon fan studies, sociology of religion, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s theory of sub-creation to theorize the religious implications of Enyalië (Quenya: remembrance), the emotionally charged graveside memorial which closes the U.K. Tolkien Society’s annual gathering in Oxford. Employing a framework of religion as sacred worldbuilding, the author argues that Enyalië is best understood as the “secondary liturgy” of the “secondary faith community” that is Tolkien fandom. The paper concludes that Tolkien’s fiction, his community of devoted fans, and the lineaments of religious ritual have combined, in Enyalië, to produce a fan practice which troubles the boundaries …

Vanguards Of Change In The “Georgia Of The North” Youth Activism In The New Jersey Civil Rights Movement, Emily Peterson

The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing

On February 17, 1948, the small suburb of Somerville, New Jersey began preparations for its annual “Brotherhood Week” meeting, part of an annual national initiative to address racial and religious prejudice. That day, the planning committee for the event received the following letter from a local high school student who served on the Brotherhood Week Youth Planning committee: “Every February…Brotherhood Week rolls around...But what about the other 364 days of the year? What happens to our fine ideas of cooperation, understanding, and goodwill then? Nothing ever comes of these meetings. We, the youth of Somerville, feel there should be a …

Examining The Effect Of Climate Change Denialism In American Christianity On International Climate Policy, Hope Mcbride

Selected Honors Theses

While 53% of Americans say anthropogenic climate change is happening, only 32% of American evangelical Protestants share that belief (Alper). Key reasons for this gap include the values and political affiliations held by religious Americans. Historically, there have been dissenting opinions on the role of Christianity in global warming, but ultimately data have demonstrated that the opinions of American Christians can influence major global political decisions, such as President Trump’s executive order pulling the United States out of the keystone Paris Agreement.

Analyzing The Methods And Effects Of Implementing Multiple Service Styles In The Church, Chloe E. Dillman

Selected Honors Theses

This thesis explores the motivations and methodologies behind offering different styles of worship services in churches in Lakeland, Florida. The study is inspired by the ongoing debate over modern worship, which has intensified over the past fifty years. As contemporary worship grew in popularity, many churches adapted by incorporating various worship styles into their services. In response to the controversy surrounding these changes, some churches implemented multiple service options—one reflecting a contemporary/modern style and another adhering to a more traditional approach. As this practice became more widespread, it sparked further discussion among church leaders regarding its impact on congregational unity, …

Augustana As A Physically Religious Institution: The Evolving Relationship With The Church, Lillian A. Mcclintock

Race, Ethnicity, & Religion

This paper looks at the evolution of Augustana College and Theological Seminary from a profane space to a secular one. First, I look at how the Augustana Theological Seminary’s relationship with the College has changed over time. Tying in themes from Vásquez’s reading, with how Seminary’s location as a prominent point on campus demonstrates spatial hierarchy. Secondly, I will look at the hourly bells emanating from Old Main, bringing in Religion is Not Done With You, the discussion falls to the invisibility of religious structures as they largely fade into the background alongside lived religion. Finally, the paper will assess …

Wholely: A Youth Ministry Program To Develop Life Skills For Students, Brenda Antigua

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

Churches usually focus primarily on people's spiritual lives. The mission of youth ministries is to foster a relationship with God among young people from an early age, but the church is called to do more because God cares holistically for his children. Wholely is a ministry that works with the academic, educational, and professional needs of students in Humboldt Park, Chicago, IL, providing them with monthly workshops that teach them life skills to prepare them for the future; mentorship from devoted leaders; inductive Bible study to learn what the Word says about them and what they are learning; a resource …

Does Anxiety Affect Shared Leadership? A Case Study On The Shared Leadership Practices Of A Pentecostal Denomination, Gretchen H. Abney

PhD in Organizational Leadership

This study investigates the interplay between anxiety and shared leadership within the organizational structure of a Pentecostal denomination, focusing on its One Team initiative. This qualitative case study examines how anxiety and self-differentiation affect leadership dynamics and team interactions. Using the Bowen family systems theory as a conceptual framework, the research explores organizational clarity, team roles, decision-making, and relational trust. Data collection involved three phases: analysis of organizational artifacts, focus group interviews with One Team members, and individual interviews with executives. Emergent themes included organizational experiences, expressions of anxiety, self-differentiation, commitment to future development, and the importance of training opportunities. …

Painting Stories And Filming Change, Coralynn V. Davis

Faculty Contributions to Books

Mithila Art has helped illuminate various aspects of the relationship between gendered Maithil social roles and Maithil women’s narratives in connection with a feminist participatory action research project conducted primarily in 2016-2017 in and around the northern Bihari town of Madhubani. While participatory action research philosophically and methodologically attends to process as much as product, Mithila Art played a role in the process and product of making a documentary film and in our capacity to understand and communicate with varied audiences about shifting Maithil gender norms. The research and filmic project provided insight into the complex relationship among the stories …

The Role Of Organizational Culture And Pastoral Leadership In Sustainable Church Outreach: A Multisite Mini-Ethnographic Case Study, Althea P. Gordon-Scott

PhD in Organizational Leadership

This study examined the role of organizational culture and pastoral leadership in sustainable church outreach programs. Two churches were chosen for this multisite mini-ethnographic case study because, for multiple years, they have participated in multiple outreaches each week to their non-Christian neighbors. These two churches differed in terms of geographical location, size, demographics, and budget. Data collection included field observations, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. The themes that surfaced from the data were altruistic foundations, relational equity, organizational agility, organizational challenges, exemplary pastoral leadership, and the centrality of God. This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding …

Book Review: Missiological Triage: A Framework For Integrating Theology And Social Sciences In Missiological Methods By Sarah Lunsford, L. Lynn Thigpen

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

The New Antebellum: A Sociological Interpretation Of Christian Nationalism And Its Danger To Both Christianity And American Democracy, Paige R. Dickerman

Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics

Hate and fear have become the new American identity, plaguing social media platforms and legislation as it drips from the mouths of the citizenry. The nation has been torn apart by polarization in a continuation of the division and extremist ideology that has tormented generations of Americans since its founding. Today, Christian nationalism is at the forefront of division and extremism in its idea of a new America, defined by traditionalism, biblical law, and an end to our taken-for-granted democratic processes. Its proponents insist that America’s survival depends on Christian laws and national observance, a claim that hides the truth …

Res Historica, Volume 4, Lynneth Miller Renberg Phd, Alpha Rho Epsilon Phi Alpha Theta

Res Historica

The 2025 journal of historical research by Anderson University students, Res Historica.

The editorial team for this edition of Res Historica was Dr. Lynneth Miller Renberg, Samuel Sanders, and Julia Ackerman. The cover art for this volume is an open access image.

Church Doors And Hospital Doors: The Interrelationship, Azubuike Chukwubumnobi Okeke, Samuel Obiajulu Ike

Great Commission Research Journal

This study examines the place of medical evangelism as a means of church expansion in modern Nigeria. It is a retrospective cross-sectional investigative study involving data collection from the Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital’s anonymized patient records. The Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital is in Enugu State in southeastern Nigeria. Over 100,000 patients sought medical care in the hospital during a period of 19 years. Seventy-four percent had spiritual care provided by a person of the same faith. Most of the respondents came from within the Enugu metropolitan area. Using the church planting ministry of the Chapel of His Resurrection within the …

From Doubter To Disciple: A Case Study On The Process Of Spiritual Transformation, Petr Činčala

Great Commission Research Journal

This study examines the spiritual transformation of Hadassah, who, despite a Christian upbringing, struggled with faith until a series of crises—including a severe car accident—catalyzed her journey toward discipleship. Grounded in theological principles such as the Great Commission and the Parable of the Sower, the article explores the unpredictable nature of spiritual growth. Integrating scientific research on conversion and six key motifs of transformation, it highlights the roles of crisis, mentorship, rituals, sensory experiences, rebirth, and triggering catalysts. Hadassah’s story underscores that discipleship is not an immediate outcome but a dynamic, ongoing process requiring divine intervention, relational support, and personal …

The Cycle Of Control: How Men Convince Women To Doubt Their Minds And Bodies, Zoe C. Bowman

Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics Essay Contest

In ultra-conservative religious communities, men in positions of power will often use tactics that cause women to doubt their thoughts, emotions, and bodies. Women are gaslighted into believing they are failing in some way when they feel anxious or depressed, as though they have not trusted God enough. While these practices are archaic and are seen less often in modern churches, there are still instances which give cause for concern. In order for women to be more confident in their understanding of the signals their bodies and minds give them, they must be aware of the help that is offered …

Being Muslim In European Football: Defining Spaces Of Muslimness, Leif Stenberg, Ridha Sheikh, Esen Kaya

Abdou Filali-Ansary Occasional Paper Series

This paper explores the intersection of football and Islam, looking especially at European contexts, and with particular focus on the experiences of Muslim footballers in the UK. By examining the stories of UK Premier League player Cheikhou Kouyaté and amateur footballer Yasmin Abdullahi in London, the paper investigates how these individuals navigate their Muslim identities in the context of their sporting careers. The paper reflects on the broader cultural and societal implications of Muslimness in football, considering how both Muslims and non-Muslims contribute to defining Islamic spaces within the sport. The research also touches on the evolving perceptions of Islam …

Rise Kids: A Disabilities Ministry At Markle Church Of Christ, Sydnee Follett

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

Churches are called to be a place of belonging and welcoming to all people who walk through their doors. However, it is common that individuals and families impacted by disability are left feeling marginalized and unwelcome in the church. This paper presents a philosophy for RISE Kids, a ministry at Markle Church of Christ in Markle, Indiana that exists to provide advocacy and support for these families to promote a true sense of belonging. The goal of this paper is to provide local churches with a ministry framework to intentionally minister to individuals and families with disabilities. This paper describes …

One More Neighbor: Utilizing Legal Services For Holistic Immigrant Care, Mitch Mcgeath

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

This paper rests upon the assumption that local churches in the United States have a critical role to play in obeying the command of Jesus to care for immigrants. I argue for a ministry that combines the mission of Jesus with the compassion of Jesus by bringing together immigration legal services with opportunities to disciple our “neighbors,” immigrants who live in close proximity to our church site. One More Neighbor is a ministry within One More, the missions non-profit of Church at the Crossing on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Indiana. The ministry of One More Neighbor is explored systematically …

Understanding The Motivation And Avoidance Factors Influencing Young Adults’ Participation In Religious Dialogue, Maria Rojas

Senior Honors Theses

The following study aims to present an overview evaluation of the motivation or avoidance factors that young adults are influenced by when considering participation in religious dialogue.

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

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of Selected Imprecations In The Old Testament In Light Of Recent Psychological Biblical Criticism, Uma John

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Russian-Ukrainian War In The Discourse Of The Biblical Concept Of A Just War, Vadym Dyiak, Klavdiia Tushko, Vladyslav Volobuiev

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article analyzes the russian-Ukrainian war through the prism of the biblical concept of a just war. The moral and ethical aspects of the war are explored based on biblical principles, such as the defense of truth, justice, and the innocent. The article compares traditional approaches to the concept of a just war with modern realities, including the russian aggression against Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the right to self-defense, the role of moral precepts in warfare, and the importance of humanitarian norms. The analysis of biblical texts helps to better understand the ethical justification of war as a …

Katharine Drexel And The Sisters Who Shared Her Vision, Annie Huey

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of God's Resistance: Mobilizing Faith To Defend Immigrants, Anna Peterson

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of Peacebuilding And Catholic Social Teaching, Peter R. Gathje

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of Grassroots Ecumenism: The Way Of Local Christian Reunion, John A. Radano

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of Portraits Of Peacemakers: Americans Who Tell The Truth, Rosemarie Pace

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of Pope John’S Pacem In Terris And The Call For Global Governance, Thomas Massaro

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

New Cold War, New Anti-Nuclear Activism (Webinar), - Kroc Institute For International Peace Studies

The Journal of Social Encounters

The nuclear freeze movement of the early 1980s demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to influence national defense and security policy at the height of the Cold War. Today, the world is threatened by a new global arms race as the United States, Russia, China, and other nuclear weapons states are rebuilding and enhancing their arsenals, including new missile deployments. In the face of worsening nuclear dangers, grassroots movements are once again advocating for nuclear disarmament and justice.

This webinar, which took place February 11, 2025 discussed the efforts and impact of local government officials, religious leaders, and international networks …

Christian Ethics And Business Leadership, Jon Armajani

The Journal of Social Encounters

This essay discusses the ethical principles of listening, community, stewardship, and interreligious and intercultural understanding with respect to business leadership. It opens by discussing definitions of ethics and their relevance to businesses and business leaders. It continues by providing a description of the consulting company Accenture’s ethical principles and practices, as positive examples. The essay provides Arthur Andersen and its work with Enron and WorldCom, both of which went bankrupt in the early 2000s, as examples of the failures that occur when ethical principles are not practiced. Then, the essay states that Christianity and the Benedictine tradition constitute a basis …