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Interaction: Ecumenism And Confessionalism, John E. Groh

Concordia Theological Monthly

It is ironic that the contemporary confessional movement owes its origin, in part at least, to the ecumenical movement. Visser 't Hooft himself predicted that certain confessional and denominational retrenchments would occur after the first World Council of Churches convention at Amsterdam in 1948. Nor did he consider this a tragic development. The question of enduring significance was, what would follow next?

A Sachkritik Of First Corinthians 13 Authenticity And Integrity, John Hollar

Bachelor of Divinity

The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians happens to be one of those documents of the early Christian community which was to become a subject of debate, sooner or later, for the form critical school of exegesis. Evidence for this issues from the fact that it was in 1910 when Johannes Weiss wrote what still remains as the classical form-critical analysis of First Corinthians. Then in1912 Adolf Harnack presented the second great contribution of scholarship concerning this chapter of agape, with his article "The Apostle Paul's Hymn of Love and Its Religious-Historical Significance." From this time on it almost …

The Role Of The Quote From Psalm 82 In John 10:34-36, Colin Liske

Master of Divinity Thesis

Our investigation will therefore begin with a detailed study of the present position of research regarding John 1034-36and an analysis in detail of the two points mentioned in Jesus’ argument. The investigation of the first point in the argument will be a critical study of Psalm 82, both in its ancient and modern exegesis, and the study of the second will include an analysis of early second century A.D. Rabbinic exegesis of three Old Testament passages which deal with the concept of blasphemy, Finally, we will attempt to explicate the relation between the two points in their immediate and broader …

Principles For The Development Of Adult Premembership Instruction, Robert L. Conrad

Concordia Theological Monthly

The need for a study was brought forcibly to the author's attention by his membership on a subcommittee of the Board of Parish Education of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The responsibility of the subcommittee is to formulate principles for adult premembership instruction in The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. The subcommittee could find no existing statement of principles, so it was forced to make a beginning on such a formulation.

Eucharistic Sacrifice: An Expression Of Good For Others, William Hempel

Bachelor of Divinity

We would hope to demonstrate that the entire topic of Eucharistic sacrifice might be placed upon a much broader base than has been the case prior to this. It is hoped that this study will reveal the possibility of doing this with7some profit as well as increase our present understanding of the historic background of eucharistic sacrifice.

Editorial, Herbert T. Mayer

Concordia Theological Monthly

We salute the new year of God's grace with three articles that deal with time and history. Marvin W. Anderson has addressed himself to a historical question about the origins of the Lutheran Reformation with reference to philological reforms associated with the name of Lorenzo Valla. David W. Lotz looks at the understanding of history associated especially with the name of Rudolf Bultmann. Oscar Cullmann speaks to the whole question of the historical character of the Gospels and the message the church offers to the world in this day.

Laurentius Valla (1407-1457): Renaissance Critic And Biblical Theologian, Marvin W. Anderson

Concordia Theological Monthly

When Laurentius Valla penned those words, he was writing the fuse scientific treatise on Latin grammar since John Duns Scotus. Leonardo Bruni died in the same year Valla’s treatise appeared. The year 1444 marks the return of Renaissance scholars to a philological analysis of classical texts. This method, which Valla soon applied to Biblical study, revolutionized medieval Biblical scholarship in the century before Trent. Valla's purpose was to revitalize Catholic faith. Protestants and Catholics still owe their fresh awareness of Scripture to the labors of Valla.

New Testament Studies, Past And Present, Edgar Krentz

Concordia Theological Monthly

The pastor who picks up a recent New Testament introduction or theology, a study of the Synoptic Gospels or Acts, or a history of New Testament times may well feel that for him the study of the New Testament has become an arcane and esoteric discipline. The questions asked about the Redaktionsgeschichte of a Gospel, the surprising frequency with which the term gnosis or Gnosticism appears in current literature, or the discussion in many circles of "incipient catholicism" may well lead him to suspect that the whole discipline has now changed.

Book Review. - Literatur, Frederick W. Danker

Concordia Theological Monthly

Book Review. - Literatur

Ezekiel 28 And The Fall Of The First Man, Norman C. Habel

Concordia Theological Monthly

In the light of recent discussions on the Fall narrative of Genesis 3, the text of Ezek. 28:1-19 has come in for considerable comment. A separate treatment of Ezek. 28:11-19 therefore seems appropriate. In this study we shall analyze the basic message of Ezek. 28:11-19 and indicate the importance of the tradition of the fall of the first man reflected in this passage from Ezekiel.

History And Theology In The Writings Of The Chronicler, Peter R. Ackroyd

Concordia Theological Monthly

It would seem as if the Greek title of the two books of Chronicles, Ta Paraleipomena (“The things omitted") has left a certain legacy of doubt about the value of the work of the Chronicler. In liturgical use as well as in reconstructions of the history, particularly those of a more conservative kind, the tendency has often been for passages from 1 and 2 Chronicles to be inserted or utilized at what appear to be appropriate places when Samuel and Kings are being read or the history of that period is being surveyed, by way of supplementing the material covered …

Psalms 2 And 110: A Comparison Of Exegetical Methods, Herbert Hohenstein

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This investigation is prompted first of all by the controversy within the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod concerning the use of historical criticism as a legitimate method of interpreting the Bible. But it is also important to ascertain whether the method is strictly a classroom discipline or if the procedure has tangible benefits for the work of the Christian minister. If the method does assist one in understanding the theological message of the Biblical words, then its potential value for the parish pastor in his varied ministries is heightened.

The purpose of this investigation, therefore, is to determine if historical criticism contributes …

An Exegetical Study Of I Corinthians 7:21 And Its Contemporary Implications, James Kaspar

Bachelor of Divinity

To attempt to discuss the whole of the New Testament evidence on slavery is too broad for a paper of this nature. Therefore, I have limited myself to an exegetical study of I Corinthians 7:21 and some of its implications. This paper will specifically seek to isolate the thrust or message of the pericope and its relationship to the total Pauline corpus, I shall discuss the various textual problems,, -especially the meaning of κλη̑σις and the construction μ̑αλλον χρ̑ησαι Then I shall consider the periscope in its various contexts (the immediate context [verses 17-24], the seventh chapter, the entire book …

Kosmos In John, Donald Heinz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to determine what John aims to say with the word kosmos . What understanding of man underlies John's semantic signal kosmos? Why did John choose this particular word to signal the thought he wanted to convey? What role did this term play in the Umwelt of John? Is the idea behind the term kosmos effectively and accurately signalled by the English term "world"?

The Significance Of Hebrews 1:1-2a For The Method And Message Of 1:1 – 10:18 Toward A More Efficacious Ministry, Charles Dube

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper, however, is an attempt to make some sense of the message of Hebrews and its method of dealing with OT material. The opening sentence of the book has been used as the key to this operation. Thus a formal statement of the question with which we shall be dealing is: "What is the significance of Hebrews 1:1-2a for the method and message of 1:1-10:18?"

Ezekiel 40-48, Gerald White

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The author's interest in the book· of Ezekiel and its problems was kindled in a previous study involving an exegetical analysis of six passages selected from the first thirty-nine chapters of the book. These problems may be classified under the headings of (1) authorship and authenticity, and ( 2) interpretation. The study now proposed involves the investigation of these literary and theological problems in order to determine (1) to what extent the passage under consideration may be attributed to the prophet and how much must be ascribed to one or more editors, (2) the relation between this section of the …

Paul's Source And Use Of Tradition As Reflected In His Writings To The Corinthians, Paul Andrews

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The present study seeks to explore the question whether an adapted form of the Jewish concept of tradition constituted a significant part of Paul's work as a Christian apostle in the congregation at Corinth.

Cosmology And Soteriology In Alexandrian Judaism And The Christology Of Hebrews, Jonathan Grothe

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of the Christology of Hebrews to Hellenistic Jewish thought. Both in Hebrews and in the writings of Alexandrian Judaism intermediary figures play an important part in the relationship of God to the world as creator and as savior. In both writings there is an agent of creation and a mediator of salvation. This thesis will compare and contrast the description of the agent of creation and the mediator of salvation in the writings of Alexandrian Judaism with the Christology of Hebrews. In this way we hope to achieve a greater …

Exegesis And History: A Comparison Of The Concepts Of History In Rudolf Bultmann’S And Oscar Cullmann's Exegesis Of Matthew 16:17-19, Romans 5:12-21, And John 3:9-21, Stephen Carter

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This paper offers a case study of two modern exegetes who use the historical-critical method, Rudolf Bultmann and Oscar Cullmann. An introductory statement of their methodology will serve to emphasize their similarities and their differences.

Principles For The Development Of Adult Premembership Instruction, Robert Conrad

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The responsibility of preparing interested persons for membership in the congregation is a task that faces every parish pastor. In carrying out that responsibility, he needs to make decisions as to what his goals for such instruction shall be and how those goals shall be attained. There is nothing in writing in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod that will help a pastor think through what the goals of the premembership process should be and what is the best way of attaining those goals. There are manuals available for the instruction of adults but there are no studies which investigate the underlying …

Life And Death In The Prophets, Martin Buerger

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The study of the teachings of the prophets concerning life and death is of benefit to the Christian of the New Testament era. The same problems vex him in his daily life. Grief at times appears to overcome joys. Catastrophes ruin prosperity. Death takes away life. Political maneuvering in the world raises the question of its relationship with the intent of our God in the heavens. The Christian faith, however, confidently assures the believer that God's will is always done and that even the loss of physical life is not the final chapter, the absolute end of man. He will …

The Christian Under Grace, According To Romans 6:1-14, Walter Maier

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis proposes to discuss one of the basic New Testament passages dealing with baptism and its significance for baptized believers, Romans 6:1-14. In this section the Apostle Paul speaks of one of the mighty, saving effects of the sacrament, the fact that it establishes spiritual union of the baptized with Christ. This is sometimes referred to as the "mystical union" of the believer and his Lord. Because of the union with Jesus, the child of God participates spiritually in Christ's crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and continuing life. As a result, the Christian is a new creation in Christ and, …

The Church A Covenant Community As Seen In The Jerusalem Council Implications For The Church Today, Edgar Copeland

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It will be our purpose to show to what extent the covenant shaped the life of Israel, and to what extent the life of Israel became a pattern for the life of the church. The length of the last section has been influenced by the fact that some of these elements of the covenant are lacking in some excellent studies, and the significance of the covenant concept to the understanding of the nature and action of the church has been somewhat neglected.

John The Baptist And Elijah: A Study Of Luke 1 In Relation To The Rest Of The Gospel With Special Reference To Conzelmann's Theory, Donald Abdon

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis purposes to serve as a test of Conzelmann’s theory. If Conzelmann is correct, Luke's Gospel modifies the eschatological scheme of two ages, replacing this eschatological scheme with a three stage history of salvation, If it can be shown that the first two chapters of Luke do contain eschatological thinking, Conzelmann’s theory is seriously weakened, If it can further be shown that Luke's conception of "redemptive history" is closely tied to eschatology and the distinction between the Old Age and the New Age, Conzelmann’s definition of Heilsgeschichte must be modified.

The Eschatological Significance Of Paul's Collection For Jerusalem, David Young

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Paul's collection has always been looked upon for its functional value. It relieved the needs of the Jerusalem poor, and it was an ecumenical venture embracing Jews and Gentiles. Other minor functional explanations have been suggested. Such explanations usually treat the collection as a small event in the history of the early church.

The scope of our investigation is devoted to the eschatological significance Paul attached to the project. Paul's understanding of the end-time seems to provide the only explanation that can justify the time and effort being spent on this matter. Our inquiry may be formulated as follows:

The …

Suggested Criteria For Determining The Antiquity Of The Ancient Poems In The Old Testament, John Miller

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Within the Old Testament there is a group of poems which a majority of scholars believe is quite old. In most of the books and articles which have been written on these poems, the songs are designated "ancient" or "archaic" in a rather arbitrary manner. It is the contention of this thesis that the archaic poetry is different from later poetic writing with respect to style, form, and language, and that it is possible to isolate the distinguishing characteristics of ancient poetry and, using them, to form criteria and establish a balance of probability as to the antiquity of a …

The Comparison Of Tao In Tao Teh Ching And The Word In The Bible, Andrew Chiu

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the purpose of this study to compare and contrast Tao with the Word in their respective connotations, features and functions. This study, however, is concerned only with the Tao in Tao Teh Ching and the Word in the Bible.

The Concept Of Doubt In The New Testament, Charles Lentner

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this research paper is to present the New Testament concept of doubt. Such a study necessitates a detailed examination of the various words that directly or indirectly mean or refer to doubt. By the word "doubt" is not meant an intellectual inquiry in search fora greater understanding—every Christian must do this to grow in the knowledge of his faith. Rather, by "doubt" is meant a wavering between faith and unbelief wherein one’s reason and personal desires try to be autonomous. Some Greek words can be translated directly into the word “doubt." If only these words were studied, …

Vatican Council Ii Addresses Protestantism, Carl S. Meyer

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Second Vatican Council made no overt bid to all Christians to return to Rome. It did not condemn those outside the Roman Church. Instead, the Council spoke kindly to those who are not under the jurisdiction of the Pope. The pronouncements of the Council about nonRoman-Catholics are earnest and deserve serious attention. Although they are not addressed directly to Protestantism, they speak about Protestantism and in that sense they may be regarded as being addressed also to Protestants.

Documentation: A Lutheran Stance Toward Contemporary Biblical Studies, Ctcr

Concordia Theological Monthly

When the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod instructed the Commission on Theology and Church Relations to "conduct a comprehensive study of Biblical hermeneutics" (1965 Proceedings, Res. 2-07, page 95), it did not thereby declare a moratorium on Biblical study and scholarship throughout the Synod. On the contrary, the church's scholars, wherever their calling finds them, as well as all other members of the church, are expected to continue their daily searching of the Scriptures as vigorously as ever. The special study assigned to the Commission on Theology and Church Relations is simply a part of and, hopefully, a useful contribution to the …