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Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 51 No 1 - April 2016), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

Articles: Neo-Calvinism: A Theology for the Global Church in the Twenty-first Century by Richard J. Mouw - 7 / Casting out Hagar: Anti-Judaism in the Sermons of Augustine by Wendy Elgersma Helleman - 20 / The Discipline of Missiology in 2016: Concerning the Place and Meaning of Missiology in the Theological Curriculum by Stefan Paas - 37 / Reformed Orthodoxy and Gendered Authority: The Christian Reformed Church 1945–1984 by Tamara J. Van Dyken - 55 / The Threats of the Gospel: John Owen on What the Law/Gospel Distinction Is Not by Ryan M. McGraw - 79 / Hair Length …

Discipleship: Encouraging Haitian Churches In The United States To Fulfill The Great Commission Mandate, Lony Antoine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project makes a comparative analysis between the way discipleship was performed by the first century Christians with the way it is accomplished by the Haitian-American churches today. Extant studies in this field demonstrate that there is a lack of participation in missionary work and discipleship among Haitian-American Christians. They are failing to fulfill the command of Jesus Christ in Matthews to “Go and make disciples” (28:19-20). This project surveyed Christians in twenty-five Haitian American churches in order to evaluate their understanding of the Great Commission. The author also consulted religious and historical documents with the goal of conducting …

A Case Study Examining Growth In Understanding Biblical Anointing At Faith Baptist Church, Steven Headrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Why do some Christians expect and experience the power of God (biblical anointing) in their daily living and other Christians rarely do? This project contends that a lack of understanding the principles of biblical anointing is a fundamental cause of this difference. The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of biblical anointing by the Christians attending Faith Baptist Church. Biblical principles related to understanding, living and maintaining the anointed life will be presented. This project will measure the increase in understanding biblical anointing from the responses given to pre-study and post-study surveys. The teaching will be in …

Sanctification As Virtue And Mission: The Politics Of Holiness, Nathan Willowby

Dissertations (1934 -)

This dissertation considers the political implications of the doctrine of holiness. I proceed by demonstrating the neglect of holiness in political theology, the viability of the holiness movement as an embodied witness of the political implications of the doctrine of holiness, and a biblical trajectory in Leviticus that extends into the New Testament. I describe this scriptural holiness as vocation for all of God’s people through personal formation and outward societal action to extend God’s holiness. With attention to the approaches of political theology and formation, I demonstrate that the holiness movement of the nineteenth century offers an example of …

Questions Of Self-Designation In The 'Ascension Of Isaiah', Meghan Henning, Tobias Nicklas

Theology and Religious Studies Faculty Publications

The Question of the 'Parting of the Ways' between Jews and Christians has become a matter of debate again: Is it really appropriate to speak about two more or less coherent groups going two different ways from a certain point in history — perhaps after Paul's mission, after the destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE), or after the Bar-Kokhba War (132-135 CE)? Does the image of a tree with one root and two different trunks going into two different directions really fit what the extant sources tell us about the complexities of the past? Or shouldn't we distinguish between …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: March 2016, Julius T. Medenblik, Cory Willson, Mary Vanden Berg, Sarah Schreiber

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Articles
3 - From the President: How Now Shall We Live? by Jul Medenblik
4 - Every Believer Called to Mission by Cory Willson
6 - Prayers from the Missional Conference by Mary Vanden Berg and Sarah Schreiber
8 - Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics by John Bolt
9 - Meet Herman Bavinck by Jessica Driesenga
12 - Fostering Formation for Mission in Our Classrooms by Kristy Manion
15 - Is There a Future for Sacrifice? by Erin Zoutendam
16 - Taste and See Israel Trip by Paula Seales
18 - Church Growth and Its Challenges in Ethiopia by Fikre Norcha

The Interplay Between Forms Of Revelation: Implications For Theological Methodology, Andrew Tompkins

Seminary Scholarship Symposium

The interplay between forms of revelation has been a matter of much discussion in theological discourse for many centuries. While this paper is not particularly concerned with the final say on the doctrine of revelation it is concerned with revelation and its relation to theological method. In other words, what is the significance of the various modes or forms that revelation takes in connection with the way theology is approached and done? The thesis of this paper is that God is not limited to one form of revelation, but rather that each revelatory form can and does inform the others …

Salvation And Faithfulness As They Apply To Eternal Security, Michael Frye

The Kabod

All who believe in Christ can have peace and security that their salvation is not temporary but eternal.

Divine Foreknowledge And The Problem Of Evil: Four Views, Nathan S. Justice

The Kabod

This paper examines the issues of divine foreknowledge and the Problem of Evil from the standpoint of four different theological systems: Open Theism, Arminianism, Molinism, and Calvinism. The author summarizes each view’s understanding of divine foreknowledge and then explains how this understanding applies to the view’s refutation of the Problem of Evil.

An Inquiry In The Early Creed Of Romans 1:3-4: Does The Word Ὁριζω Support An Adoptionistic Christianity?, Nicholas Dodson, Brian Scalise

Eruditio Ardescens

No abstract provided.

Imparting Biblical Theology Cross-Culturally For Transformation, Malcolm S. Reid

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Moore Theological College’s Preliminary Theological Certificate has been a vehicle to impart an approach to Biblical Theology not only domestically but also outside Australia. Course participation overseas has seen significant growth and this research identifies some of reasons for this as well some principles for imparting Biblical Theology cross-culturally. The first chapter of this study outlines the specific approach of the research. Four specific case studies are identified as being Latin America, India, East Africa and South East Asia. A biblical foundation is laid down in the next chapter. Three themes that affect a Biblical Theology of culture in the …

Meeting Paul As Rhetor: Creation, Nature, And The Law Written In The Heart, Jon Radwan

CHDCM Publications

No abstract provided.

Hebel' In Ecclesiastes : Abel As Symbol Referent, Gregory R. Vruggink

CTS Master of Theology (ThM) Theses

This work contends that Abel should be considered as a possible referent for hebel in some contexts in the book of Ecclesiastes. The attempt to rightly understand the usage of hebel has employed several translation philosophies, but the theory of hebel in Ecclesiastes as a metaphor functioning with multiple referents best explains the variety and complexity of its usage in Ecclesiastes. This thesis contends that Abel should be considered an additional referent in cases where the usage of hebel is framed by the concepts of death and transience, a relationship which is made stronger in nearby allusions to Gen 1-4 …

Scandal And Censure: A Reinvestigation Of The Socio-Political Forces Surrounding The Disappearance Of Aimee Semple Mcpherson, Margaret English De Alminana

Selected Faculty Publications

This paper sets the oft-told narrative of McPherson’s disappearance and alleged sexual misconduct into important aspects of the historical context of her era. Although the accusations against the evangelist were widely embraced by the Pentecostal community—and although they continue to exhibit a shaping effect upon her legacy and legend—this paper uses primary historical research to reexamine these events through the lens of emerging, powerful cultural forces, including entrenched female biases common in the post-Victorian era, the ascendance of the American mob, the public’s rejection of prohibition and revulsion against the Women’s Temperance Union and recent Suffragist gains, and the desire …

"Introduction" To Theology And Science Fiction, James F. Mcgrath

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

What is the difference between a god and a powerful alien? Can an android have a soul, or be considered a person with rights? Can we imagine biblical stories being retold in the distant future on planets far from Earth? Whether your interest is in Christianity in the future, or the Jedi in the present--and whether your interest in the Jedi is focused on real-world adherents or the fictional religion depicted on the silver screen--this book will help you explore the intersection between theology and science fiction across a range of authors and stories, topics and questions.

Throughout this volume, …

Raiders Of The Lost Corpus, Caroline T. Schroeder, Amir Zeldes

College of the Pacific Faculty Articles

Coptic represents the last phase of the Egyptian language and is pivotal for a wide range of disciplines, such as linguistics, biblical studies, the history of Christianity, Egyptology, and ancient history. It was also essential for "cracking the code" of the Egyptian hieroglyphs. Although digital humanities has been hailed as distinctly interdisciplinary, enabling new forms of knowledge by combining multiple forms of disciplinary investigation, technical obtacles exist for creating a resource useful to both linguists and historians, for example. The nature of the language (outside of the Indo-European family) also requires its own approach. This paper will present some of …

Advent Devotional Guide 2016, Belmont University

Advent Devotional Guides

No abstract provided.

Genesis 3 As A Model For Understanding The Nature Of Sin And Salvation, Jiri Moskala Thd, Phd

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

"In order to perceive the nature of sin clearly, it is necessary to freshly investigate what is sin and its consequences according to God’s revelation. This biblical-theological study is principally limited to Genesis chap. 3."

A Power Or Person: The Nature Of The Holy Spirit, Jo Ann Davidson

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

"This paper surveys and reviews the broad Biblical testimony of one member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit."

Theology On The Way: Hermeneutics From And For The Frontline, Wagner Kuhn, Andrew Tompkins

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

No abstract provided.

Spiritual Formation: Beyond Cognitive Belief - An Ethnographic Study Of Adult Sunday School In Baptistic Churches In Massachusetts, Laura J. Cassidy-Moffatt

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research project was designed to examine adult Sunday School in seven baptistic churches in Massachusetts. In interviewing pastors and surveying attendees, an ethnographic study was conducted to discern common practices and to highlight opportunities for growth in the midst of church decline. The researcher examined the biblical concepts of teaching and knowing. The researcher then conducted a literature review in the fields of the history of Sunday school, pedagogical best practices, and advances in cognitive neuroscience of learning. Through field research, the researcher identified five themes common to these Sunday school programs that have impacted the observed results of …

Empowering Congregations To Move From Simple Hospitality To Celebration Of Ethnic Diversity Within Their Church, Stephen R. Gibson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the question of how a large church can best pursue ethnic diversity. Using qualitative research methods the researcher demonstrated that the best practices found among secular organizations in pursing diversity are effective when implemented in a large predominately white church. The researcher identified that there are common themes running through such organizations as Coca Cola, IBM and American Express in regards to their individual diversity initiatives. The researcher demonstrates that the four best practices of 1) getting the leadership to be champions for the cause, 2) casting the vision across the organization, 3) motivating the organization’s employees …

The “Spirit” That Returns To God In Ecclesiastes 12:7, Dana M. Pike

Faculty Publications

Influenced by the Restoration doctrine of premortality, some Latter-day Saints have employed the KJV translation “the spirit” in Ecclesiastes 12:7 to support the doctrine that spirit personages leave their mortal bodies at death. Furthermore, Latter-day Saints have sometimes asserted, again citing Ecclesiastes 12:7, that a premortal spirit being can only “return” to God because it previously came from him. This verse has thus become one of several in the Old Testament that some Latter-day Saints have employed as support for premortal existence, a doctrine that is so important in the broader plan of salvation.

Exploring Anthropological Monism For Pastoral Care Practice In A Local Church, Michael Robert Mcleod

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research project explored the viability and benefits of anthropological monism for pastoral care practice in a local church. Monism, as it relates to human nature, refers to humanity consisting solely of materiality or physicality from which emerge all capacities and functions of the human individual⎯feeling, thinking, relating, acting, or experiencing God, self, others, or the world in general. Biblically and theologically, anthropological monism can point to integration for holism to overcome life disruption and fragmentation due to sin. It can also highlight embodiment and refocus the church towards human physicality and the prominence of resurrection for end-of-life outcomes rather …

Keel And Schroer's " Creation; Biblical Theologies In The Context Of The Ancient Near East" (Book Review), Paul B. Drake

The Christian Librarian

A review of Keel, O., & Schroer, S. (2015). Creation; Biblical theologies in the context of the ancient Near East (Peter T. Daniels, Trans.). Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 244 pp. $44.99. ISBN 9781575060934

Akala's "The Son-Father Relationship And Christological Symbolism In The Gospel Of John" (Book Review), John E. Palmer

The Christian Librarian

A review of Akala, A. J. (2014). The Son-Father relationship and Christological symbolism in the Gospel of John. NY: Bloombury T&T Clark. 248 pp. $112.00 (Hardback); $39.95 (Paperback). ISBN 9780567374141

Book Review: Ecclesial Identities In A Multi-Faith Context: Jesus Truth-Gatherings (Yeshu Satsangs) Among Hindus And Sikhs In Northwest India, Nadya Pohran

Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies

Book Review of Ecclesial Identities in a Multi-Faith Context: Jesus Truth-Gatherings (Yeshu Satsangs) among Hindus and Sikhs in Northwest India. Darren Todd Duerksen. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2015, xxiii + 292 pp.

Human Reason And Biblical Hermeneutics: An Introduction, Angel Manuel Rodriguez

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

"It is our intention to explore some of the issues involved in the use of reason in a hermeneutics that seeks to properly interpret the Scripture. This is necessary in an intellectual context where reason, in spite of postmodernism, remains the omnipotent ruler of knowledge. I will approach the assignment as a Christian who believes that God is the Creator and Redeemer and that He has revealed to us the fundamental elements and concepts necessary to find meaning in life and in the world in which live. The content of this revelation, preserved for us in the Holy Scripture, should …

The Digital Humanities As Cultural Capital: Implications For Biblical And Religious Studies, Caroline T. Schroeder

College of the Pacific Faculty Articles

Although the study of the Bible was central to early Humanities Computing efforts, now Biblical Studies and Religious Studies are marginal disciplines in the emerging field known as Digital Humanities (English, History, Library Science, for example, are much more influential in DH.) This paper explores two questions: First, what does it mean for Biblical Studies to be marginal to the Digital Humanities when DH is increasingly seen as the locus of as transformation in the humanities? Second, how can our expertise in Biblical Studies influence and shape Digital Humanities for the better? Digital Humanities, I argue, constitutes a powerful emerging …

The Afterlife Views And The Use Of The Tanakh In Support Of The Resurrection Concept In The Literature Of Second Temple Period Judaism: The Apocrypha And The Pseudepigrapha, Jan A. Sigvartsen

Dissertations

The literature of Second Temple Period Judaism indicates there was an increased interest in and speculation about the fate of the righteous and the wicked following their physical death. This period saw the birth of multiple Jewish sects and also multiple views of the afterlife. This study will outline the numerous afterlife views and will analyse the resurrection passages appearing in the Apocrypha and the Pseudepigrapha to gain a comprehensive overview of the texts used from the TaNaKh in support of these various resurrection beliefs. This study also provides a better understanding of how the TaNaKh was read by differing …