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An Examination And Evaluation Of A. H. Strong's Doctrine Of Holy Scripture, Myron Houghton

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

One of the reasons for writing this dissertation was to provide a written document that would correct the major defects in Strong's doctrine of Holy Scripture from a perspective that accepts the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. But in the process of doing research and writing, major problems were discovered in many areas of Strong’s theology. An attempt has been made in this dissertation to point out these problems and to offer suggestions as to how they might be corrected, although it is beyond the scope of this study to explore these problems and/or their solutions in great …

Jesus' Teaching On "Entering The Kingdom Of Heaven" In The Gospel According To Matthew (Interpretation Of Selected Matthean Texts And Parables), Caleb Huang

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

In Matthew's Gospel Jesus speaks frequently on the topic of "the Kingdom of Heaven" both in His speeches and in His parables. His purpose is not only to reveal this important truth to mankind, but also to urge people to enter this Kingdom of Heaven. This idea can be seen explicitly in His “entrance message" such as in 5:20; 7:21; 18:3; 19:23,24, along with some other related passages, and is also implied in many of His parables.2 The purpose of this study is to explain through the exegesis of selected Matthean texts and the interpretation of some Matthean parables the …

The Hermeneutics Of Liberation Theology: A Lutheran Confessional Response To The Theological Methodology Of Leonardo Boff, Jacob Preus

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Therefore, it is the basic thesis of this study that a theological critique of and response to liberation theology can be done properly only on the basis of its methodology, for it is the theological method of liberation theology and not its theological or political results which serves as its unifying force. Emilio A. Nunez C. says it simply: "Fundamentally, what distinguishes the theology of liberation most from other theologies is its methods"? It is the method, and the hermeneutical presuppositions which accompany it, that shape this diverse and conflicting movement into a unified whole. It is not an oversimplification …

A Biblical/Clinical Introduction To The Disease Of Chemical Dependency, Charles Smith

Master of Art Theology Thesis

Medicine and magic in the Bible.-- The disease concept.-- A look at commonly misused drugs. A. Alcohol in the Bible. B. Drug use in the Old Testament.-- Intervention and treatment for chemical dependency.-- A Biblical approach to the psychology of treatment.

Hermeneutical Perspectives Of Biblical Typology, Deomar Roos

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The presentation and development of the argumentation of this thesis follow a simple, logical and somewhat natural and progressive flow. The preliminary considerations of Chapter One go over a brief survey of the history of typological interpretation, focus on the notion of sensus plenior, and summarize the basic approaches to typology. Chapter Two delineates the necessary distinction between typology and allegory. The typology of the Old Testament, its terminology and hermeneutical implications, is discussed in Chapter Three. Chapter Four has the same topics but relates to the New Testament area. And all the emergent hermeneutical perspectives raised by the discussion …

Eb-Nueva Vida En Cristo, David Brondos

Estudios Bíblicos

EB-Nueva vida en Cristo

The Hermeneutical Principles Of Theodore Laetsch With A Focus On The Relationship Between The Old And The New Testaments, James Bollhagen

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This dissertation will summarize the findings which resulted from an in-depth study of all the published works of Dr. Theodore Laetsch, professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. These writings include a commentary on Jeremiah and Lamentations, a commentary on the Minor Prophets, and eighty-six articles which appeared in the Concordia Theological Monthly.

The study was undertaken with the specific goal of ascertaining the hermeneutical principles of Laetsch, particularly those principles that address the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. The phrase "hermeneutical principles" will be employed in this paper in the following sense: an exegete's …

The Nature And Significance Of Christ's Death As Reflected In Selected General And Pauline Epistles, Masao Shimodate

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The death of Christ as the saving event was also the basis for Paul’s teaching on the sacraments. In the present study our interest is in the Lord's Supper rather than Baptism. Chapters 10: and: 11 of First Corinthians indicate what it was that Paul was particularly concerned about in this matter. These two chapters are the only places in which the Lord’s Supper is mentioned in the Pauline epistles.

An Investigation Of Contemporary Feminist Arguments On Paul's Teaching On The Role Of Women In The Church, Hershel House Wayne

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

As may be readily seen, mass confusion pervades this problem. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the various approaches interpreters have used to understand the apostle Paul's teaching on the role of women in the church and to offer alternative ways to view the Pauline texts. Not only will I interact with the feminists on their specific perspectives of the pertinent Pauline texts, but I will examine the hermeneutical presuppositions of these writers and also attempt to discern their perspective of Scripture and how that affects the exegetical fruit they produce.

The Consummation Of The Exodus: A Study Of The Exodus Motif In The Revelation, Philip S. Haugen

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The study of the Exodus motif grew out of the author's curiosity concerning the clear reference to the Exodus in Revelation 15:3. The question which arose concerned the extent to which the Exodus motif is used in the Apocalypse, and its significance. Therefore, the purpose o this study is to examine and demonstrate the use of the Exodus motif in the Revelation.

The study will commence with a discussion in chapter one of typology and the unity of Scripture. Because the Exodus is a major source of Old Testament types, an attempt will be made in chapter one to illustrate …

The Use Of The Hebrew Term Kbd And Its Significance For The Incarnation, Lee A. Maxwell

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The topic which was originally approved for my thesis was "The Incarnational Theme in the Old Testament, Especially its Explication through the Term kābōd." During the course of my research, especially in my investigation of the root kbd, I concluded that the original designation of the topic was not the best way in which to formulate and thereby to describe my research and its results. Accordingly, I submit the following title as a more accurate reflection of my thesis: "The Use of the Hebrew Term kbd and Its Significance for the Incarnation"

With that restatement of the topic in mind, …

Marriage, Divorce And Remarriage An Interpretation Of Matthew 19:3-12 In The Context Of Old & New Testament And Judaica, Lane Burgland

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of£ this study is to examine the principal text (Matthew 19:3-12) in its historical context and in light of the rest of Scripture and draw conclusions appropriate to a Lutheran pastoral setting.

The Last Testaments Of Jacob And Moses, Joel Heck

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

In the light of current critical positions regarding Genesis 49 and Deuteronomy 33, the purpose of this thesis is to defend the antiquity and unity of both chapters. The defense of the authorship of Jacob and Moses serves to buttress both the antiquity and the unity of these last testaments. Recent findings in the field of Ugaritic studies have shed new light upon the proper exegesis of the individual verses. After a careful exegesis is given of both chapters, information based upon that exegesis will be pulled together to show that both chapters are of great age and to show …

Dr. H. C. J. Leupold, The Man And His Work --Especially His Exegesis, David Schreiber

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Dr. Leupold holds a pivotal position in American Lutheranism, if for no other reason than that theologically he came to be little bit at odds with his own (1960) American Lutheran Church. And because his church went off in a little bit different direction than Dr. Leupold himself, it just makes him stand out in relief that much more.

The Theological Argument Of Hebrews 11 In Light Of Its Literary Form, Merland Miller

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The scope of this study does not end with literary form, however. Too often in the past the study of literary form has been either consciously or unconsciously divorced from the study of theological argument. The hypothesis of this paper is that an understanding of literary form will aid in determining and illuminating theological argument.

The material for the study of literary form will be the texting Hebrews itself, along with the prior extant texts whose literary structure and characteristics are similar to Hebrews 11. The existence of literary material lying behind the present text is conjectural and beyond the …

Significant Exegetical Aspects Of The Sadducees' Question To Jesus Regarding The Resurrection, Wilfred Karsten

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this investigation, therefore, is to take a closer look at the pericope as presented by the Synoptic writers, in order to ascertain if these disparaging comments (and others like them) are warranted. In essence, this thesis is a defense of the view which holds that Jesus' answer to the Sadducees' question was a direct and explicit proof of the resurrection of the dead.

Divorce And Remarriage In 1 Corinthians 7_10-16- An Evaluation Of The Interpretation Of Writers Of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Jerald Joersz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this thesis is to re-examine 1 Cor. 7:10-16, on the basis of which desertio malitiosa has been regarded as a second "ground" for divorce, with the liberty of remarriage. Our intention is to address the question at the level suggested by the second of the above two approaches to the interpretation of the divorce and remarriage texts, and to inquire whether in fact the traditional position regarding malicious desertion as articulated by theologians of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod LCMS) can be substantiated by a valid exegesis of the text.9 With the Biblical text as our norm, we …

John's Use Of The Absolute Εγω Eimi As A Reflection Of The Theology Of The Prologue To The Fourth Gospel, John Upton

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The investigation will center on John's intended meaning of έγω είμι as the phrase relates to the unique Prologue which prefaces the Fourth Gospel. It is hoped that, in approaching the Prologue as the thematic key to the Gospel, it will provide guidance in ascertaining the relative purpose of the έγω είμιs as they reflect the purpose of the Gospel as a whole; the Prologue should provide a direction for drawing some conclusions as to John's intent in the use of this phrase.

Judgment And Grace In The Wilderness Narratives, Martin Buerger

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is ultimately the inclusion of the of Yahweh’s love toward Israel in the wilderness, and the contrasting judgment in times that closely parallel the saving acts, which prompt this study. In Lutheran terms this is known as gospel and law theology. The covenant made at Sinai seemingly distinguishes the way Yahweh approaches his people, and separates the narratives. The pre-Sinai narratives accentuate the gracious acts of Yahweh and the post-Sinai narratives emphasize his judgment and punishment. Considering this difference, the question is asked whether the murmurings of the people are the focal point for studies, as the emphases of …

A Study Of Recent Research On The Concept Of Holy War In The Old Testament, Brian Truog

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The main purpose of this thesis is to gain a general overview of recent scholarship in the area of Holy War in the Old Testament. Holy War is a "problem" for the Christian for at least two reasons. First, the concept of holy War in the Old Testament is often a major point used in stressing the discontinuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Contrasts are set up between the Old Testament as a book of Law and the New Testament as a book of Gospel. The Old Testament is seen as containing a primitive form of religion …

Deus Absens-An Old Testament Judgment Motif, David Adams

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to show that not only was the Deus Absens, the Absent God, an important part of Old Testament thought, but also that this motif was used by the various authors of the Old Testament as one means to express the judgment of God. This is not to say that every text in which God's absence is referred to must be understood as a judgment text. In some cases God's Absence is to be attributed to His transcendent nature rather than to His judgment. This is particularly true of the many passages in the Psalms …

‘Righteousness’ And ‘Peace’ In The Pauline Epistles And Ecumenical Missiology, Gregory John Lockwood

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

'Eirene' cannot be fully understood in isolation from the concept with which it is frequently associated, 'dikaiosyne' (for example, Romans 5:1, 14:17; Hebrews 7:2). 'Justification' was the theme for a retreat of Australian missionaries held at Wau, Papua New Guinea, in 1980 - the 400th anniversary of the Book of Concord. Through participation in this retreat I was stimulated to take a greater interest in the 'articulus .stantis et .cadentis ecclesiae' and its continuing significance for mission theology. Accordingly a major part of this paper will be devoted to a study of 'dikaiosyne.'

"Jesus And Japan" In The Thought Of Kanzo Uchimura: A Study In A Theological Interpretation For The Indigenization Of Christianity In Modern Japan, Akio Hashimoto

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The reason for our choosing salvation as the central topic of this study is to be found in the fact that a theologian's concept of salvation, whatever it might be, is in the last analysis the surest index to what he regards as the ultimate issue of the Gospel. Then, it goes without saying that·the other aspects of Uchimura's theological thought will be taken into consideration as far as they have bearing on our attempt to understand Uchimura's soteriology.

Nehushtan And Serpent Symbolism In The Ancient Near East, James Bollhagen

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In Numbers 21:4-9 the story is told of how Yahweh punished the Israelites by sending "fiery serpents" into their midst. After hearing the people's confession, Yahweh provided the means of healing in the form of the Bronze Serpent. This serpent was not heard of again until the time of Hezekiah, over five-hundred years later. It was destroyed as part of Hezekiah's reform, where it was designated as Nehushtan. What happened to the Bronze Serpent in the interim? And what was the theme of Nehushtan worship? This paper will endeavor to shed light on these questions by surveying the use of …

The Historical-Critical Method- Dividing Wall Between Moderates And Conservatives In The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Controversy, Jose Fuliga

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

There are, without question, theological and non-theological differences between the Moderates and Conservatives which are not directly related to the former's use of historical criticism. The role politics has played in the controversy cannot be denied. The differences regarding the practice of unionism, ecumenism, close communion, church polity, and even Synodical policies toward foreign missions have been controverted issues. But the focus of this study will be confined to verifying whether the use of historical criticism is indeed the dividing wall, between Moderates and Conservatives. This research shall furthermore probe if the Moderates' hermeneutical presupposition -- the Law-Gospel reductionism restrains …

A Study Of The Rhetorical And Thematic Structure Of The So-Called "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17- 26) In Order To Evaluate Unity And Authenticity, Roger Cotton

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

My purpose is not to disprove the critic3,1 assumptions, methods, or theories~, but to do a fresh, straightforward, and thorough literary .analysis of the canonical text of Leviticus 17- 26 o I want to investigate the rhetorical and thematic ·structural aspects of the text and consider how these affect the interpretation of its meaning. 7 I want to determine what organization, what structure, what unity and purpose, if any, there are in Leviticus 17-26, and if it is authentic to Leviticus as a whole.

A Comparative Study Of The Psalter In Light Of Qumran Cave Eleven Psalter Scroll A, Martin Homan

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The major thesis of this paper is that llQPs is better understood not as a Psalter but as a liturgical psalmbook, a collection of psalms, used by the Dead Sea community. This scroll's text does not support the theory of Frank M. Cross, Jr. on local text types, but the text does have importance for textual criticism of the Old Testament. llQPs supports an understanding of an earlier development of the canon of the Old Testament. This thesis will be developed in the subsequent chapters.

A Study Of Psalms 16, 49, 116, And 23 And Their View Of Eternal Life And The Resurrection, Joel Christiansen

Master of Divinity Thesis

This study is an analysis of Psalms 16, 29, 116, and 23 for their understanding about eternal life and the resurrection of the body. Since the time of Mowinckel it has been the standard assumption of most scholars that neither Israel nor early Judaism knew of a faith in a resurrection. On the basis of Ugaritic parallels Mitchell Dahood in his work on the Psalms challenged that conception. Not only are there references to immortality and the resurrection in Psalms 49 and 73, which .other scholars agree with, but it was his contention that there are at least forty other …

St. Paul's Apostolic Authority And His First Letter To The Corinthians, Robert Weinhold

Master of Divinity Thesis

The search for an authoritative word from God has been at the heart and center of man's struggle for existence since the beginning of time. God, in His wisdom, has seen fit to provide that authoritative word through many messengers in the course of history. Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah and Malachi were all messengers, mediators, of God's sacred will to his chosen and beloved people, Israel. With the sending of his own Son, God sent the ultimate messenger in the perfect God-Man, Jesus. Even though Jesus spoke God's message clearly and perfectly, man still needed guidance in understanding God's will …

The Cosmic Christ Of Colossians, Victor Raj

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study was undertaken as an attempt to evaluate and possibly correct some recent interpretations of Christ's person and work. Much of theology today has left the impression that Christianity is just another agency of good will to fight against social, political and eco­ nomic injustice in the world. Accordingly, the motive behind much of contemporary theological discussions has been to challenge the church to join in what is often called the "humanization" of man.

It is our position that Christology occupies the pivotal position in any facet of Christian theology. In fact, it performs normative functions for the rest …