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Contextualization: Old Tool, New Reach, Rogelio Paquini

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Reason’S Constraint And Textual Authority In Imam Al-Shafi‘I’S Legal Methodology: A Critical Usulī Examination, Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Azzab Moussa

Faculty Peer-Reviewed Papers | بحوث هيئة التدريس المحكمة

This study addresses one of the most critical issues in contemporary intellectual discourse: the role and status of reason in legal inference (istidlāl) in the thought of Imam al-Shāfiʿī. It focuses particularly on the widespread claim that Imam al-Shāfiʿī formulated his legal methodology with a bias toward textual authority at the expense of rational deliberation. Critics have even alleged that Imam al-Shāfiʿī sought to confine reason within strict boundaries, as evidenced- according to them- by his emphasis on the Arabic language of the Qur’an, his reliance on the Sunnah and analogical reasoning (qiyās), and his rejection of juristic preference (istiḥsān). …

The God Prompt And Deus Ex Machina: Techno-Theological Tropes And Operational Metaphors In Generative Media, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This study reframes two durable tropes—the ―God Prompt‖ and the deus ex machina—as analytic lenses for understanding how contemporary generative systems stage beginnings and endings of cultural production. The ―God Prompt‖ denotes command-driven synthesis in which minimal textual instructions instantiate content on demand, crystallizing a production loop of input, model execution, and post hoc evaluation that orients anticipation toward instantaneous yield and controllable variation. The deus ex machina names an externally imposed resolution that interrupts causal development—historically a crane-borne god, functionally an algorithmic override—thereby concentrating attention on closure mechanics rather than world-building continuity. Read together, the pair offers a compact …

Local Identity In The Lives Of The Fathers Of Mérida: When Ethnicity And Religion Aren’T The Point, Erica Buchberger

History Faculty Publications

While scholarship on early medieval Europe often centers ethnicity or religion over other forms of identity, they were not always the most relevant form of identification for contemporaries. In the Lives of the Fathers of Mérida (late sixth-early seventh century), ethnic and religious identity were actually deployed to construct a local identity around the space and people of the city. This article explores how the text did so by closely analyzing terms used and their context, and by applying social scientific theories of boundary construction to illuminate the strategies of identification behind it. It argues that such an approach …

The Mercy Seat Of The Risen Christ: Atonement And The Glory Of God In Romans 3:21-26, David Westfall

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

Scholarship on Romans 3.21–26 typically isolates the death of Jesus on the cross as the moment when Paul says the righteousness of God was disclosed, leading to the justification of all who believe the gospel. In this paper I argue that, although the death of Christ relates in important ways to Paul’s claims in the paragraph, this reading does not fully account for his metaphorical description of Christ as a ‘mercy seat’ (ἱλαστήριον), nor his assertion that those who believe are ‘justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus’. I show that Paul uses this language and imagery to …

Shaping Youth Ministry: Exploring Influences On Youth Pastors’ Approaches To Programme Design, Timothy A. Mullen, Trudi Cooper

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The literature on youth ministry practices is mostly anecdotal, and empirical research into the practices, goals, and meanings of youth ministry to youth pastors is rare, especially in Australia. In this study, 20 youth pastors in Perth, Western Australia, were interviewed about their goals, priorities, practices, training, and what influenced them. This study forms part of a larger doctoral research project. The interview data were analysed utilising a phenomenological approach, drawing upon Goffman’s framing analysis to examine the link between ‘meaning making’ and explicit and tacit motivations for youth ministry practice. The research found that youth pastors were most often …

Contextualization: Old Tool, New Reach, Rogelio Paquini

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Merit Transference And The Paradox Of Merit Inflation, Matthew Hammerton

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Many religious traditions and ethical systems hold that individuals accrue merit through their good intentions, acts, and character, and demerit through their bad intentions, acts, and character. This merit and demerit, accumulated by individuals throughout their lives, gives each person a kind of ethical “score” that can determine what they deserve, and influence whether good or bad things happen to them (e.g., divine punishments and rewards, a favourable or unfavourable rebirth, etc.). In some traditions (most notably Buddhism, but also to a limited extent in Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity), “merit transference” is a feature of these merit-based ethical systems. This …

The Female Body In Visual Narratives, Dolly Sharma

Journal of Gender, Ethnic, and Cross-Cultural Studies

When a photographer seeks to capture the culture of a particular place inhabited by a minority group in society, a pertinent question arises as to how one might capture the female body in ways that avoid eroticisation while still conveying the photographer’s intent. The way photographers approach the Himalayan and Indian regions is particularly complex when they must decide whether to ask women to pose themselves in order to frame the multiple narratives that emerge out of a female body—such as motherhood, nurturing an infant, ornamentation and adornment, and the bodily manifestations of patriarchal and prejudicial practices. Photographer Olivier Föllmi, …

Refashioning The Meanings Of Dress In Palestinian Transnational Communities, Enaya Othman

Journal of Gender, Ethnic, and Cross-Cultural Studies

This paper examines how Palestinian women in both the homeland and diaspora contexts have sustained and redefined cultural heritage through tatreez embroidery and revitalized the traditional thob since 1948. As designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs, they have transformed cultural dress into a site of socio-political agency, economic empowerment, and national identity-making. Their work not only preserves inherited forms but also recasts them as living cultural practices that resist colonial erasure and counter Orientalist and Western feminist narratives portraying Arab and Muslim women as passive. From post-Nakba efforts to safeguard thobs as tangible material testaments of Palestinian life to contemporary hybrid fashion …

The Layers Of Trauma In Gisella Perl’S I Was A Doctor In Auschwitz, Tiffany Sidders

Journal of Gender, Ethnic, and Cross-Cultural Studies

Contemporary trauma theory argues that trauma operates in a binary, linear fashion that represents healing from a crisis. As one of the foremost trauma theorists, Cathy Caruth situates trauma within a binary framework of either victim or perpetrator but does not fully account for victims who became perpetrators or those who perpetrated for survival—or for the survival of others. One example of such a figure is Gisella Perl. In her memoir I Was a Doctor in Auschwitz, Perl describes multiple layers of trauma that create a deeper connection to her emotions and her lived experience in Auschwitz. Unlike other …

The Islamic Approach To Combating Administrative Corruption, Kayed Qaroush

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

Corruption is considered a global phenomenon that exists in both developing and developed countries; the latter are not immune from it. It manifests in various forms, such as political, financial, environmental, and administrative corruption. However, this research is focused on the administrative type, which is linked to the questionable conduct of certain public officials, including illegal gains through bribery and gifts, abuse of power, breach of trust (such as embezzlement, coercion, or forgery), and adherence to bureaucratic behavior characterized by closed-door policies. It also covers the imposition of unfair tax policies in an attempt to address economic imbalances. This research …

The Methodology Of The Prophetic Sunnah In Dealing With Threats To Civil Peace: The Penal System As A Model, Mohammed Tarira

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This study presents the sayings and actions of our Prophet, peace be upon him, regarding the penal system, which remains a guiding light across all times for those seeking peace, security, and stability. The study aims to answer several questions related to the general principles followed by the Prophet’s Sunnah in dealing with threats to civil peace, including how it addressed crimes before, during, and after their occurrence, as well as the precautions taken to prevent the improper application of the penal system. First, I explain the concept of search terminology, then discussed the meanings of the Sunnah, civil peace, …

Prophetic Hadiths (Traditions) Considered Defected By Ibn Kathir Under The Chapter Of The Prophet's Migration In His Work Al-Bidaya Wa Al-Nihaya And His Methodology In Addressing Them, Ghassan Hermas

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

Occasions have become numerous in the Islamic world to the extent that some consider them to be festivals. One such occasion is the Prophet’s Migration, for which many Hadiths (Traditions) have been narrated. Many orators and preachers have taken it upon themselves to mention these narrations, aiming to determine whether they are authentic or fabricated. However, some well-versed scholars dedicated themselves to clarifying the status of these narrations and evaluating their authenticity. One of these scholars was Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir, who examined them closely in his famous work Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya (The Beginning and the End), highlighting which narrations were …

Cooperation In Arab Society, Salah Fayyad

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This study aimed to clarify the concept of cooperation in Arab society and the development that has occurred due to changes in its social structure resulting from the introduction of Islam. Values, morals, and principles differed and evolved toward progress, which significantly influenced the nature of cooperation within the society. In the pre-Islamic era, harsh environmental conditions compelled individuals to cooperate and work together to meet their needs. With the arrival of Islam in this society, cooperation became a dominant feature in all circumstances and conditions. This is rooted in the belief that cooperation is a divine obligation and a …

Corporate Governance And Risk Disclosure In Islamic Banks: Evidence From Jordan, Hasan Al-Shatnawi

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This study aimed to test the impact of corporate governance on risk disclosure levels in Jordanian Islamic banks. It analyzed the content of financial reports from Jordanian Islamic banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange during the period from 2012 to 2017. The effects of corporate governance and various control variables on risk disclosure were measured using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis. The results showed that the risk disclosure level in Jordanian Islamic banks is 66.8%. Moreover, board independence, CEO-Chairperson separation, audit committee effectiveness, ownership concentration, and institutional ownership have a significant impact on risk disclosure levels in financial …

Women And Asylum Issues In Islamic Law, Ahmad Ababneh

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This study examines one aspect of the difficult reality caused by wars and current conflicts in Islamic countries. More specifically, it focuses on the reality of refugees who are forced to flee their countries in search of safety, highlighting the largest portion and most vulnerable group among refugees: women. This is accomplished by revealing the harsh realities that women face in refugee camps and by reviewing reports from international human rights organizations, which include important statistics that inform and accurately describe the issue. The study also explores the most favorable circumstances for women, particularly as defined by their rights in …

An Analysis Of Feminist Biblical Scholarship Through Case Studies In Judges, Erika Conner

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the rise and significance of feminist biblical scholarship, particularly as it engages the book of Judges. Feminist approaches to Scripture have often been criticized as politically motivated or ideologically biased, yet they also claim to offer corrective readings to centuries of male-dominated interpretation. This study situates feminist scholarship within its historical development and cultural context, beginning with the reconstruction of women’s societal, familial, religious, and agricultural roles in ancient Israel. Building on this foundation, it undertakes a comparative analysis of three key figures in Judges, Deborah, Jael, and the unnamed Woman of Thebez, first through traditional interpretations …

After His Likeness: The Holy Trinity And Creation Of Humanity, Chris Trevino

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation presents a comprehensive theological and interdisciplinary examination of the Holy Trinity (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and its influence on human creativity, ethical development, and identity, as rooted in the Genesis creation narrative. Employing exegetical analysis of Genesis 1:26-27 alongside systematic theological synthesis, lexical‐theological study of צֶלֶם (ṣélem, image) and דְּמוּת (dəmûth, likeness), and historical‐doctrinal reflection on Chalcedonian definitions of the hypostatic union and kenosis, it develops a triadic framework that aligns the divine mind, heart, and will with human cognition, emotion, and volition. The study reveals that the threefold act of divine creativity (i.e., the Father’s …

A Chaplain-Specific Care Plan For Addressing Moral Injury And Promoting Holistic Well-Being In Nurses That Have Transitioned From Hospital Care To Hospice Care, Franklin Hicks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project, “A Chaplain-Specific Care Plan for Addressing Moral Injury and Promoting Holistic Well-Being in Nurses That Have Transitioned from Hospital Care to Hospice Care,” addresses the lack of chaplain-led interventions for nurses suffering from moral injury. Many nurses who transitioned from hospital to hospice care reported ongoing moral residue from ethically distressing events in acute settings. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a spiritually grounded care plan, developed and facilitated by a board-certified chaplain, to address these moral wounds and promote holistic well-being among hospice nurses.

Twelve hospice nurses in West Tennessee participated …

The Role Of Standard Business And Biblical Principles In The Strategic Human Resource Management Practices Of Contemporary Protestant Churches, Brandon Marshall Mccutchen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) practices have consistently evolved in the for-profit business sector to support business profitability. Nonprofit organizations have also adopted strategic HRM practices. Despite their status as tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, contemporary Protestant churches have not been included in the current literature discussing the use of strategic HRM practices in nonprofit organizations. Adoption of an HRM strategy varies across the spectrum of nondenominational Christian churches, and churches that are affiliated with a denomination. This qualitative study assesses the leadership perspective of five local churches to determine how standard business practices and biblical principles combine to create a formal …

The Day Of The Lord As The Unifying Theme Of John’S Revelation, Jared Michael Quirk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to argue that the day of the Lord (DOTL) is a major unifying theme within the book of Revelation. Chapters 2–3 of this study prepare the reader to accept this point by first arguing that the DOTL was a prominent theme in both the Old Testament Scriptures and the other New Testament writings besides Revelation (Matthew–Jude). After establishing the validity of the DOTL as a prominent theme in the biblical corpus (and thus as a theme worthy of John’s consideration), chapters 4–5 of this study focus specifically on the book of Revelation, highlighting how …

Integrated Growth: Developing A Sustainable Continuum Of Whole-Person Discipleship For Cultivating Healthy Leaders, Joyce A. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Leadership, particularly within ministry contexts, involves complex responsibilities that often lead to chronic stress, burnout, and diminished well-being. These challenges underscore the need for a holistic, sustainable framework that supports leaders in every dimension of life. This Dissertation in Praxis explored a biblically grounded, multidimensional wellness initiative designed to foster integrated health among ministry leaders at The Harvest Church, a nondenominational congregation in North Houston, Texas. Framed by biblical principles of stewardship, wholeness, and relational unity, this study implemented and assessed a structured wellness program addressing four critical domains of a leader’s well-being: emotional resilience, financial stability, physical/nutritional health, and …

Paul’S Second Missionary Journey In Acts: How Paul Was Adaptable In His Church-Centered Missiology For Fulfilling The Great Commission Among Jews And Gentiles, Terri P. Graham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation argues that the Apostle Paul fulfilled the Great Commission by employing a church-centered missiology throughout his second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 16–18. Through contextualized evangelism and intentional church-planting, Paul established covenant communities marked by baptism, discipleship, pastoral leadership, and theological instruction. His model demonstrates that the local church drives the agent and result of the mission, offering a biblically grounded paradigm for contemporary missions.

The Christian Church’S Inclusion Of Children With Autism Who Experience Parental Incarceration: A Phenomenological Examination Of Christian Ministry Leaders’ Experiences, Julia Frances Vasquez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States has the highest incarceration rate worldwide. Parental incarceration increases children’s susceptibility to adverse childhood experiences and often results in the transmission of criminal behavior. Research on children of incarcerated parents and separate findings on the experiences of children with autism reveal that these children endure bitter societal stigma, even within the church. Stigma toward disability erects barriers to much-needed spiritual support. There is a gap in the literature concerning Christian outreach and spiritual community support for children with autism who experience parental incarceration. Understanding effective ministry support for these dually marginalized children and the barriers preventing access …

The Primacy Of Revelation 21:1-7 As Declared In The Covenant Formula As A Theological Mosaic Of Creation, Covenant, And The Metanarrative Of God’S Plan In Scripture, Paul E. Hinsberg

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the theological significance of Revelation 21:1-7, as defined through the theological mosaic of creation, covenant, and the metanarrative of God's plan in Scripture, as embodied in the covenant formula. The study examines the covenant formula's role in the Old Testament, focusing on its appearances and variations, and how it interacts with surrounding texts to convey theological themes. The analysis extends to the New Testament, ultimately focusing on Revelation 21:1-7, where the covenant formula appears uniquely as direct utterances by God. The dissertation argues that Revelation 21:1-7 should be viewed as a declarative statement of God's culminating act, …

Insufficient Leadership Training For Ministers At Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church That Enables Them To Serve The Congregation In The Absence Of The Senior Pastor, Shirley J. Gamble

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to create an operation and coaching module on every aspect of church ministry to train ministers. This project aims to establish a process following Ephesians 4:11-12, which states, “And He gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors, and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (King James Version). The Christian leadership training for ministers at MSMBC will enable them to serve the congregation in the absence of the senior pastor. The desired …

Enhancing Collaborative Care: A Training Manual For Improving Veterans Affairs Mental Health Chaplaincy, Eddie L. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) launched a study to investigate the integration of chaplains in mental health care. This research expands on that study by focusing on the critical need for enhanced collaboration between chaplaincy and mental health services at local VA facilities. While existing literature affirms the integral role of chaplains in addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals, significant gaps in awareness and effective collaboration practices were identified at the Marion, IL VA Health Care System (VHCS). This study aimed to assess and address the specific training …

Means Of Evangelization In The Catholic Church Through Music, Patrice Metcalf

Masters Theses

There are numerous resources for Catholic churches today to encourage a congregation’s full involvement in musical participation, but there is little guidance or information on how these practices help with evangelization. The evangelization process is essential to the healthy growth of the church on Earth and for the salvation of believers. Musical resources give an eclectic variety of music, all of which is methodically written by its composers. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many church choirs have struggled to return, with some churches abandoning the use of large choirs and opting for a single soloist to lead the congregation. This leads …

Differentiation In Artistic Expressions Of Worship: A Study Of The Front Royal Church Of The Nazarene, Stephanie L. Blakely

Masters Theses

While music is globally recognized as a common tool for expressing worship in both academia and the evangelical church, it is not the only art form mentioned in the Bible regarding acts of worship. The Council of Arts Accrediting Associations recognizes four main disciplines of fine and performing arts, including Music, Art and Design, Theatre, and Dance; however, in the twenty-first century evangelical church, music takes precedence as the main expression of worship. This qualitative study will gain insight into the pursuit and understanding of utilizing various art forms as expressions of biblical worship in modern-day worship settings within the …