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Harding Magazine Fall 2026 (Vol. 34, No. 1), Harding University

Harding Magazines

Publication distributed to alumni and friends of the community

103rd Annual Inspire Bible Lectureship Program (2026), Harding University

Lectureship Programs

This document contains the printed lectureship schedule.

Destruction As Devotion: Warfare As Worship And Liturgy In Joshua 1–8, Ethan James Highfill

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

This paper explores the nature of divine and human violence in the Book of Joshua and its relation to ritual and liturgy. I argue in this paper that the violence that readers encounter in the Book of Joshua makes more sense as a subcategory or product of ritual. I point out that the emphasis on violence in Joshua is misplaced if the elements of ritual and worship, which are prevalent throughout the work are not given proper attention. I contend that the חֵרֶם commands in Deuteronomy and Joshua serve the specific functions of removing Canaanite identity from the land of …

The Reception History Of Isaiah's “New Heavens And New Earth”: Isaiah 65:17–25 In Jewish And Early Christian Thought, Preston S. Nichols

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

The study examines Isaiah’s vision of “a new heavens and a new earth” (Isa 65:17). Isaiah’s vision is often understood as either wholly symbolic or purely futuristic; however, this study contends that the vision is both historically inaugurated in the post-exilic community and eschatologically consummated in the renewal of creation. Through textual analysis of the biblical text, it demonstrates that the restoration taking place in Jerusalem functions as the initial realization of YHWH’s broader cosmic purposes.

This study further traces the reception of Isaiah 65:17–25 in early Jewish and Christian literature, including 1 Enoch 91:16; Jubilees 1:29; Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum …

Overcoming Apathy And Complacency Through Discipleship Micro-Groups At Spencer Church Of Christ, Jerrard A. Davis

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Review Of Ancient Near Eastern Thought And The Old Testament, Walker Sharp

Ex Sapientia Loqui

A relatively short overview of Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament, I attempt to address important aspects of Ancient Near Eastern culture and its relevance to interpreting Scripture. By addressing different aspects of the cultures and by using certain methods to understand them, we can gain a deeper understanding of the contexts of a lot of the Old Testament history.

"A Pre-Eminently Christian Life": The Seventh Earl Of Shaftesbury As A Guide For Modern Political Engagement, Clara Kernodle

Harding Undergraduate Research Conference

Society has suffered in the absence of Christian courage. Today, an antagonistic culture is feeding an increasingly antagonistic government. Christians do not know how to “win” – we do not even know how to engage. Rod Dreher's "The Benedict Option" encourages us to give up and retreat. Andrew Isker's "The Boniface Option" encourages warfare-style aggression. But Dreher’s and Isker’s approaches each take an aspect of the solution and expand it out of proportion. The proper solution is found in the historic Christian tradition. The Church has always understood her role within culture as one not of fear and loathing, but …

Crossing The Border: A Participatory Action Research Project For The Brentwood Oaks Church Of Christ To Engage With Spanish-Speaking Neighbors Through Missional Hospitality, Charles Johanson

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

Throughout Scripture, hospitality occupies a central place in the mission of God. Welcoming the stranger across cultural barriers requires the church to practice missional hospitality by playing the role of host and, especially, guest in the neighborhood. Moreover, small group experimentation facilitates the innovation necessary to effectively practice missional hospitality. Through experimentation in cross-cultural situations, church members increase their awareness of cultural differences that leads to opportunities for the congregation to welcome neighbors in loving, sacrificial, and hospitable ways. Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ (BOCC) resides next to a neighborhood with a high population of Spanish-speaking immigrants. The goal of …

From Stone Campbell To Brick And Mortar: A Look Into The Origins Of Restoration Colleges, Donald C. Matthews

Tenor of Our Times

This article examines the paradoxical rise of Bible colleges within the Stone Campbell Restoration Movement between the early nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. Founded upon a principled rejection of human institutions, creeds, and ecclesiastical hierarchies, the movement nonetheless came to rely upon organized centers of learning to preserve its theological identity in a rapidly modernizing America. Tracing the movement’s intellectual roots through Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell, the article explores how early Restoration leaders reconciled anti-institutional convictions with an emerging commitment to disciplined biblical education. Particular attention is given to Bethany College and its influence on second-generation …

Missional Shepherds: Exploring Development Opportunities For Shepherd Teams In Alaskan Churches Of Christ, Jeff Smith

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Rethinking The Godness Of Jesus In Light Of Oft-Neglected Evidence, Russell W.E. Biser

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Discerning God’S Foreknowledge In Genesis 18:16–33, Devin T. Morris

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

The Portrayal Of Power: Revelation 17:18 And Its Graeco-Roman Context, Jeremy M. O'Clair

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

A Message Of Encouragement - Exegesis Of Romans 8:17-28, Verne Weir

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Participation Theology In Gorman And Moltman, William D. Brannen

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

The New Testament Use Of Sacred, Cultic Imagery As A Foundation For Understanding Christian Worship: An Exegetical Analysis Of Extended Metaphor In 1 Peter 2:4-10, Eric Brandell

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

The Medium And Message Of Salvation: Canonical Theism And Marshall Mcluhan, Sam Klein

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Harding Magazine Spring 2024 (Vol. 32, No. 1), Harding University

Harding Magazines

Publication distributed to alumni and friends of the community

Full Issue

Tenor of Our Times

No abstract provided.

Alumni Spotlight, William Deloach

Tenor of Our Times

We would love to introduce you to this year's Alumni Spotlight, Coleman Yoakum.

When Disaster Strikes: Developing A Resource Guide For Churches In The Aftermath Of Natural Disasters, John Reside

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Harding School Of Theology 2023-2024 Academic Catalog, Harding University

Harding Academic Catalogs

Academic catalog for the graduate program in Bible and religion.

The New Heavens And New Earth: The Interpretive Development Of Isaiah 65:17, Baron Vander Maas

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Feedforwarding Techniques In Sermon-Crafting: A Collaborative Approach To Preaching, Stephen Rollins

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Prayer As A Pathway To Reimagining Evangelism At Lindenwood Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ), Geoffrey Mitchell

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of The Garden Metaphor In The Poetry Of Song Of Songs, Kizito Jasper

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Harding School Of Theology 2022-2023 Academic Catalog, Harding University

Harding Academic Catalogs

Academic catalog for the graduate program in Bible and religion.

Rethinking Sacrifice And Atonement: A Contextual, Exegetical, And Historical Analysis Of Leviticus 16, Ladye Rachel Howell

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of Job's Use Of The Psalms, Robert Andrew Montgomery

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Establishing Intergenerational Relationships In Youth Ministry, Bryce Kittinger

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.