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Articles 1 - 30 of 84
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Understanding And Avoiding Institutional Betrayal Of Congregants When Accusations Of Domineering Pastoral Leadership Are Made, Jonathon R. Hansel
Understanding And Avoiding Institutional Betrayal Of Congregants When Accusations Of Domineering Pastoral Leadership Are Made, Jonathon R. Hansel
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This study examines institutional betrayal within evangelical churches as experienced by congregants who reported concerns about domineering pastoral leadership and encountered minimizing or dismissive responses from church elders. Institutional betrayal, understood as harm that occurs when trusted institutions fail to respond protectively to wrongdoing within their own systems is examined as a distinct and compounding form of spiritual and relational injury.
The study employed a qualitative research design consisting of two primary data sources: (1) an anonymous online survey of congregants who self-identified as having experienced harm following reports of domineering pastoral leadership and (2) semi-structured interviews with church elders …
Breaking Barriers: A Ministry Approach To Understanding And Addressing The Needs Of Somali Immigrants In The Twin Cities, Yared K. Woldemariam
Breaking Barriers: A Ministry Approach To Understanding And Addressing The Needs Of Somali Immigrants In The Twin Cities, Yared K. Woldemariam
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This study examines the relational dynamics and ministry barriers between Somali immigrant communities and Christian churches in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, with the aim of identifying practical and theological strategies for cultivating trust-based engagement. Grounded in diaspora missiology and the biblical model of hospitality in the Book of Acts, the research explores how historical experiences, cultural perceptions, and communication patterns shape present-day interactions.
A qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design was employed, consisting of twenty-one semi-structured interviews with church leaders and Somali community leaders, supported by questionnaire data to identify comparative trends. Inductive thematic analysis revealed that relationship history, language interpretation, institutional …
Pastors In Crisis: A Proactive Prayer Life As A Measure Against Pastoral Burnout, Seth W. Hinrichs
Pastors In Crisis: A Proactive Prayer Life As A Measure Against Pastoral Burnout, Seth W. Hinrichs
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This Doctor of Ministry project examines the relationship between a proactive prayer life and pastoral burnout among senior pastors in Converge North Central churches. Addressing the increasing prevalence of burnout in vocational ministry, the study reframes burnout as a fundamentally theological issue rather than merely a psychological or organizational problem. Drawing on the work of Ray Anderson and others, the project argues that burnout reflects a misalignment between a pastor’s lived theology—particularly in identity, calling, and dependence on God—and the realities of ministry practice. The research integrates biblical-theological reflection, a review of contemporary literature, and quantitative field research through a …
A Case Study Examining The Strengths And Gaps Of Servant Leadership Within Pentecostal Churches Of Ohio, Octavia Denise Hardaway
A Case Study Examining The Strengths And Gaps Of Servant Leadership Within Pentecostal Churches Of Ohio, Octavia Denise Hardaway
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This study examined the gaps in servant leadership within Pentecostal churches in Ohio that could contribute to the departure of members from Pentecostal churches. This qualitative study examined the biblical servant leaders Nehemiah and Paul, as well as theological literature. The researcher created an instrument to assess the strengths and gaps in servant ministry leadership within Ohio Pentecostal churches.
The Need To Identifying An Assessment Method To Evaluate Narcissistic Leadership Traits In Christian Churches In The Minneapolis Area And Determining Their Impact On Assemblies From The Perspective Of Congregants, Rita Lekova
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This dissertation examined the need for effective assessment methods to evaluate narcissistic leadership traits in Christian congregations in the Minneapolis area and the consequential effects of these traits on assemblies, as perceived by the congregations. This study addressed growing concerns about destructive leadership behaviors that compromise spiritual well-being, organizational trust, and biblical paradigms of servant leadership, as exemplified by Jesus. Employing an interdisciplinary framework that includes the theological, psychological, and leadership studies literatures, the research examined the expression of narcissistic traits by ecclesiastical leaders and ministers and how these tendencies are perceived by congregants and attendees. Qualitative and quantitative research …
Toward A Transformative Church: The Role Of Elders In Church Growth In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Brian Kwalela Mungandi
Toward A Transformative Church: The Role Of Elders In Church Growth In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Brian Kwalela Mungandi
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This study addressed the need for a transformational leadership strategy that engages elders in membership retention and church growth for a Seventh-day Adventist Church. This mixed-method study aimed to identify factors contributing to declining membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with the goal of informing strategies for improved member retention and potential church growth. A survey involving 30 active members was administered to gather insights into the target church’s profile. Additionally, interviews were conducted with 18 elders across four churches to evaluate leadership perspectives concerning membership retention and church growth. These data sources offered a snapshot of the target church's …
Measuring Change Readiness In Congregations Searching For A Pastor During A Pastoral Vacancy, Paul Hennings
Measuring Change Readiness In Congregations Searching For A Pastor During A Pastoral Vacancy, Paul Hennings
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This study addressed the problem of measuring change readiness in Midwestern LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) congregations searching for a pastor during a pastoral vacancy. Measuring change readiness is important because it reflects an organization’s willingness and preparedness to change, which is especially crucial for aligning congregations and new pastors. This qualitative study utilized a collective case study approach examining four congregations. The call committees of each congregation completed an online survey and an interview with the researcher in order to collect data regarding congregational change readiness and personal change resistance. The research included a biblical and theological …
Emotional Health As A Preventive Measure To Reduce Abuse In Evangelical Ministries, Tammie Jean Haveman
Emotional Health As A Preventive Measure To Reduce Abuse In Evangelical Ministries, Tammie Jean Haveman
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This study addressed the relationship between emotional health and abuse in Evangelical ministry contexts in the United States. A mixed-methods design explored how the emotional health of leaders contributed to organizational dynamics within ecclesiastical and nonprofit ministry settings. The theological review examined Pauline epistles, emphasizing emotion’s role in leadership and the biblical expectation that Christian leaders exhibit Spirit-led, Christlike character and emotional maturity. A conceptual heuristic was developed to interpret Pauline teachings on emotionally unhealthy dispositions such as selfishness, domineering tendencies, and irascibility. While not labeled as abuse in Paul’s context, these traits correspond to emotional patterns that often underlie …
Barriers To Spiritual Growth, Brian A. Brunke
Barriers To Spiritual Growth, Brian A. Brunke
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This thesis examined the barriers to spiritual growth among believers, analyzing biblical and theological sources alongside perspectives from additional literature. The study identified significant obstacles to spiritual development, including persecution, cultural and religious differences, conflict, lack of understanding, and worldly influences, as illustrated in the Book of Acts. Furthermore, modern challenges, such as the implications of neuroscience for spiritual formation, lifestyle choices, and cultural shifts, also contribute to these barriers. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing an online survey to assess spiritual growth across six dimensions: commitment to God, evangelism, engagement in spiritual disciplines, pursuit of intentional relationships, stewardship, and …
Understanding The Effect Of Restorative Leadership Development In Parent Or Caregiver Differentiation Of Self In Chronically Conflicted Family Systems Experiencing Chronic Absenteeism/Truancy, Lisa J. Welter
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This study sought to understand the effectiveness of restorative leadership development and coaching in parent or caregiver differentiation of self in chronically conflicted family systems experiencing chronic absenteeism or truancy. This mixed method study employed a program evaluation approach that examines parent pre- and post-survey results after engaging with The Parent Line over nine weeks. A third-party statistician collected and analyzed the data to provide research transparency. The research includes a review of the biblical book of Genesis 37-50 examining Joseph's attributes towards differentiation of self in a chronically anxious family system and a literature review that examined the parental …
Barriers To Churches Understanding How They Are Impacted By White Supremacy Culture, Pamela R. Ngunjiri
Barriers To Churches Understanding How They Are Impacted By White Supremacy Culture, Pamela R. Ngunjiri
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The problem this project addressed was the barriers to Christian churches' understanding how they are impacted by white supremacy culture. The research identified themes that hinder racial equity and arrived at recommendations on how to disentangle white supremacy culture and the Christian Church. Biblical and theological resources were utilized to provide support for the scriptural foundation of the Christian faith, and current literature provided scholarly backing to identify the barriers to understanding the possibility of the entanglement of Christian churches and white supremacy culture. Conclusions reached included that the same foundational faith among folks of different races/color, results in a …
Embodying Jesus' Mission: Trauma-Informed Pastoral Care, Melanie Cole
Embodying Jesus' Mission: Trauma-Informed Pastoral Care, Melanie Cole
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The goal of this dissertation was to ascertain the need for trauma-informed training in pastoral preparation programs. To achieve this goal, the researcher examined the main components of Jesus’ mission manifesto as detailed by Luke in his gospel narrative. The researcher evaluated the main components of Jesus’ programmatic speech in Nazareth including, but not limited to, the key Isaianic reference Jesus reflects on and the people his mission was geared towards. Subsequently, the researcher conducted a contemporary literature review on trauma. The researcher defined trauma, assessed the impact of trauma and investigated the healing process for victims of trauma. The …
Christian Leadership Development: A Christian Leadership Development Curriculum To Increase Emotional Intelligence (Eq) Using A Multifauceted Approach, Molly Katherine Schroeder
Christian Leadership Development: A Christian Leadership Development Curriculum To Increase Emotional Intelligence (Eq) Using A Multifauceted Approach, Molly Katherine Schroeder
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This study delved into the need for, design, and evaluation of a Christian Leadership Development curriculum aimed explicitly at increasing Emotional Intelligence among leaders within the Christian faith through a multifaceted approach that blended Spiritual Practices, activities, and periods of reflection, all underpinned by Experiential Learning Theory. Adopting a qualitative case study research design, Christian leaders currently serving in a pastoral role participated in a two-session workshop series utilizing the Christian Leadership Development curriculum. An Emotional Intelligence self-assessment, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, was utilized both prior to participation in the workshops, and immediately following the workshops. Participants also completed a survey …
Μαλακοί And ΆρσενοκοῖΤαι In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: Reception History And Its Applicability To Modern Homosexuality, Taylor Patz
Μαλακοί And ΆρσενοκοῖΤαι In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: Reception History And Its Applicability To Modern Homosexuality, Taylor Patz
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This thesis is arguing that μαλακοί and ἀρσενοκοῖται in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 should not have a place in the formation of modern Christian theological stances on homosexuality because neither μαλακοί nor ἀρσενοκοῖται conceptually align with modern homosexuality. Chapters one through four cover background context on Jewish, Greek, and Roman views of sexuality. This background information is to provide context, based on the literary evidence we have today, on what Paul could have conceptually intended by μαλακοί and ἀρσενοκοῖται. The second part to this thesis, chapters five through seven, look at the reception history of 1 Corinthians 6:9 from Latin to …
Developing A Leadership Model That Encourages Racial Equity In The Church, Karen J. Beaumont
Developing A Leadership Model That Encourages Racial Equity In The Church, Karen J. Beaumont
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This project, Developing a Leadership Model that Encourages Racial Equity in the Church, brings the reader to a place of real contemplation over personal quandaries regarding racism in this country, as well as current leadership practice in the Church at large. One of the greatest problems in this country is racism; one of the greatest problems in the Church at large is lack of how to handle racism. People think of the Church as a safe haven where they can feel like they have a “place” in society when everything on the outside of the Church is in chaos. However, …
Transformational Leadership Characteristics Of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Marie E. Hofmann
Transformational Leadership Characteristics Of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Marie E. Hofmann
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This thesis examines how Skanderbeg utilized transformational leadership principles. To identify Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg’s leadership characteristics, the researcher used a qualitative interpretive biography, a subcategory of narrative inquiry. Skanderbeg inspired his followers through his vision, charisma, and steadfast commitment to the cause of Albanian independence from Ottoman domination. He had a special ability to unify feudal lords, foster a strong sense of common identity, and awaken a deep level of loyalty among his troops. Skanderbeg’s transformational leadership left a deep-seated imprint on Albanian history, exemplifying how visionary leadership can inspire a nation to rise against adversity and strive for a …
Diversity And Inclusion In Historical White Church: The Great Experiment, Deborah J. Roberts-Carter
Diversity And Inclusion In Historical White Church: The Great Experiment, Deborah J. Roberts-Carter
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This research project addresses the concern of minorities receiving spiritual growth from church leaders. This research project presents how a church accepted the challenge of removing segregation within the church's wall and moving towards integration into the spirit and teaching of Jesus Christ. The research project also has incorporated the book of Galatians, focusing on the Apostle Paul, reminding the Jews and the Gentiles that to fulfill the spirit and teachings of Jesus Christ, you have to Love your neighbor as yourself. The research project presents the methods the church has implemented, such as diversity and inclusion training and additional …
Japan, Anime, And Theology, Kaz Hayashi
Japan, Anime, And Theology, Kaz Hayashi
Day of Scholarship
This poster presents two publications related to Japan, anime, and theology. While each publication is different, they both ask “How do Japanese anime and popular culture reflect the beliefs of the people, and how can we view these beliefs from a biblical theological lens?” The book Anime, Philosophy, and Religion explores the diversity of anime themes and content by an international group of scholars. The article “Holograms and Idols: The Image of God and Artificial Transcendence in the Cultural Phenomenon of the Japanese Vocaloid Hatsune Miku” argues how the popularity of hologram concerts reflects the universal human desire for a …
Mountains Shall Drip Sweet Wine From The Temple: Joel’S Interpretation Of The Epilogue Of Amos, John Anthony Dunne
Mountains Shall Drip Sweet Wine From The Temple: Joel’S Interpretation Of The Epilogue Of Amos, John Anthony Dunne
Seminary Faculty Publications
This essay argues that the parallels between the endings of Joel and Amos suggest that Joel has interpreted Amos, including the esoteric reference to “David’s Tent.” Both prophetic endings anticipate an era of fecundity with mountains dripping with sweet wine (עסיס), which is a rare term in the Hebrew Bible, occurring only five times. Both address the fate of Edom, and both point to the recipients of the respective oracles being secure in their land forever. In Joel, it is God’s presence within the temple that creates these realities, whereas in Amos 9.11, it is “David’s Tent.” This suggests that …
Character Formation And Its Place In Leadership Development: An Examination Of The Leadership Development Practices Of Advent Christian Churches In North America, Matthew William Larkin
Character Formation And Its Place In Leadership Development: An Examination Of The Leadership Development Practices Of Advent Christian Churches In North America, Matthew William Larkin
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This study addressed the lack of understanding of the core components of a character formation strategy that could be employed in a leadership development model by the Advent Christian churches in North America. This qualitative study employed a multiple case study approach examining four Advent Christian churches from within the United States. The Lead Pastors from the four churches were interviewed and members of each church’s leadership team were surveyed in order to collect data regarding how character formation fits within their leadership development strategies. The research also included a review of the biblical book of 1 Timothy examining Paul’s …
A Case Study Of Limitation Awareness Concerning Converge North Central Senior Pastors, Adam Sidler
A Case Study Of Limitation Awareness Concerning Converge North Central Senior Pastors, Adam Sidler
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Considering the obstacles Senior Pastors face within their churches, “A Case Study of Limitation Awareness Concerning Converge North Central Senior Pastors” is a project to address the following research questions: (1) To what level are Converge North Central (CNC) Senior Pastors aware of their limitations and need for emotional wellness and mental health? (2) If aware, how are CNC Senior Pastors addressing their emotional wellness and mental health? There is plenty of research and material illuminating burnout amongst Senior Pastors in their lives and ministry context. However, little research points to the level of awareness Senior Pastors have regarding their …
Narrative Theology In An African Context, Rebecca Makanyara Chizema-Makayi
Narrative Theology In An African Context, Rebecca Makanyara Chizema-Makayi
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The African Shona have yet to find a religion that accepts and cherishes their spiritual and cultural heritage. A theology that accommodates their social and cultural progress while allowing them to express their cultural evolution and practices is needed. As Zimbabwe was colonized by the British from Britain or the United Kingdom in Western Europe, this research will investigate if British colonial periods impacted traditional Shona perspectives about God, beliefs, humanity, and their role in the context of globalization. Christian Shona Africans are still undergoing an identity crisis due to the unfavorable concepts and actions of British colonialism as well …
Shared Leadership As A Tool For Leadership Development In Multicultural Congregations, Darryl E. Seay
Shared Leadership As A Tool For Leadership Development In Multicultural Congregations, Darryl E. Seay
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This project studied shared leadership in multicultural congregations to determine if it serves as a tool for leadership development. There is limited empirical data on shared leadership in multicultural congregations and even less on the use of shared leadership as a tool for leadership development in multicultural churches. A multiple case study was conducted involving three multicultural churches in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Twenty-two leaders, from the three churches, were interviewed to assess the presence and practice of shared leadership within the congregations. Four themes emerged from the interview data: shared leadership lightens the load for the primary leaders, everyone has a …
The Difficulties Pastors Face In Shepherding The Unregenerate Within Their Congregations, Michael S. Deckman
The Difficulties Pastors Face In Shepherding The Unregenerate Within Their Congregations, Michael S. Deckman
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Pastors can face difficulties when trying to shepherd unregenerate people in their congregations. This qualitative case study investigated the characteristics of the difficulties and what effects they can have on pastors. A biblical and theological review of the book of Matthew provided an understanding of the theme of the “many and the few,” the wide and narrow gates, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and judging others. In addition, Matthew’s Gospel provided an understanding of defining the unregenerate and regenerate. The pastoral epistles of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus provided a theological understanding of pastors' roles, responsibilities, and duties in relation …
Exploring The Need For Non-Shame Based Therapeutic Approaches For The Treatment Of Pornography Addiction, Mina Shaheid
Exploring The Need For Non-Shame Based Therapeutic Approaches For The Treatment Of Pornography Addiction, Mina Shaheid
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This research underscores that pornography addiction is an addictive disorder that poses extremely serious threats to the lives and wellbeing of many people worldwide. Pornography addiction is a type of sexual addiction characterized by it compulsive nature that harms many areas of the life of an addict. Shame and addiction are deeply interconnected, making it extremely difficult for an addict to realize his or her value and self-worth. Moreover, the research purports that people who are religiously committed suffer more severely from the emotion of shame than those who are nonreligious. Shame-proneness reinforces emotions of self-loathing and despair, leading to …
A Model For Transformational Leadership Development In Urban Ministry Contexts, Charles A. Hunt
A Model For Transformational Leadership Development In Urban Ministry Contexts, Charles A. Hunt
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The context of this thesis project, “A Model for Transformational Leadership Development in Urban Ministry Contexts,” is the Beloved Community Cooperative Ministry (BCCM) in Baltimore, Maryland. The BCCM was formed in July 2020 and is comprised of three urban United Methodist churches—Epworth Chapel UMC, Sharp Street Memorial UMC, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial UMC. The problem that this project investigated and addressed is the need for transformational leadership development training for leaders (clergy and laity) serving in urban ministry contexts, specifically among the three churches that comprise the BCCM. In response to this problem, the researcher (a) explored biblical …
Paul's Approach To Social Superiority In The Corinthian Church Applied To Racial Superiority In The 21st Century Church, Michael R. Burns
Paul's Approach To Social Superiority In The Corinthian Church Applied To Racial Superiority In The 21st Century Church, Michael R. Burns
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This study aimed to create a model to guide multiracial churches through a process of engaging effectively in the type of equity imagined in Scripture. Paul’s letter, 1 Corinthians, was examined to determine his response to the social systems, structures, and inequities created by status divisions in Roman first-century culture. A set of principles was distilled into a working model of how Paul addressed these situations, which created classes of social superiority and inferiority. This project traced the roots of status division in Corinth to the lie of superiority that first appears in Scripture with the serpent in Eden. The …
Supporting Foster Parents In Order To Prevent Burnout, Tara L. Tulberg
Supporting Foster Parents In Order To Prevent Burnout, Tara L. Tulberg
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The researcher sought to understand how to effectively support foster parents in order to prevent burnout. As a result, the researcher explored a theology of foster care, reviewed current literature on how foster parents develop family life, face unique stressors, experience burnout, and benefit from support strategies, and conducted a qualitative case study to learn how foster parents described their personal experiences with these phenomena in order to identify best practices for how to effectively support foster parents. The researcher implemented a qualitative mixed-methods design in order to identify the essence of foster parents’ experiences. Participants were identified by contacting …
Suicide Prevention For The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, Tiffany M. Manor
Suicide Prevention For The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, Tiffany M. Manor
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The problem that this research addressed is the lack of a Lutheran training framework for suicide prevention in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) in which ministers learn to identify and respond to congregants and colleagues who have suicidal thoughts and wish to die. In response to the problem, this research began with a theological study of three biblical characters (Elijah, Job, and Jonah) that expressed a wish to die. Following the theological study, the researcher reviewed current literature on existing suicide prevention models, best practices for suicide prevention, and pastoral care for people who have suicidal thoughts. The …
Parenting During A Pandemic: Exploring The Experience Of Evangelical Parents Cultivating A Spiritual Orthodoxy In Their Children During The Covid-19 Quarantine, Joseph E. Brown
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Beginning in March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic forced evangelical parents to adjust their parenting and Christian discipleship. With in-person gatherings limited, families and churches had to reorient to more isolation and less community. This study sought to explore this experience among evangelical parents of congregations of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) in the Greater Richmond area. Using an embedded single-case study research method with multiple participants, the researcher gathered data from one hundred one participants representing about sixty families units through virtual focus groups, in-person interviews, and online surveys. This research began with an extensive biblical, theological, and historical …