Digital Commons Network^™

Stress Perception And Measurement In Missionary Populations, Laurie A. Tone, Fernando Garzon, John C. Thomas, Brigitte Ritchey, Mike Malek-Ahmadi

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Christian missionaries experience numerous stressors across multiple domains. To understand their unique experiences, a targeted assessment is required. There is no known psychometrically tested measure that captures the nuances of stress for this population. To that end, as part of a larger study, the quantitative CHOPS Stress Inventory, a new tool for measuring missionary stress was developed and showed good initial psychometric qualities when compared to an established stress measure. Furthermore, the Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) of survey findings on 267 cross-cultural evangelical missionaries noted that both age and sex demonstrated significant effects on perceived stress scores. Implications for missionary …

A Relentless War: America, Israel, And The Fight Against Terrorism, Elyse Keener

Senior Honors Theses

For Israel, terrorism has plagued the nation since its beginning. Terrorism rears its ugly head in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons; however, in both the United States and Israel, Islamic extremism has presented itself as the largest threat. Since its birth as a nation, the United States has been involved in numerous conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to World War II and beyond. These wars were fought between nation-states and traditional powers, but since the attacks on 9/11, the United States finds itself in a new kind of conflict against a different kind of enemy. …

Developing An At Risk Youth Prevention Model In Local Church, Norman Dwight Vick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Congregations must be spiritually positioned to receive and pass on the Gospel baton to all believers. This work will concentrate on those that are at risk for emotional disorders, particularly at the stage of adolescence. This effort will point to the young with emotive challenges that will assist them in being able to pass on the faith constructively and wholesomely. This dissertation will utilize an analytic approach that consists of multi-components related to mental health classifications and disorder, therefore, Christian leaders should be looking beyond secularism to provide support for adolescents who are at risk. Given the presence of millions …

The Intersection Of Ministry And Mental Health: Worship Leaders With Depression, Benjamin Bartow Harrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the fact the mental health issues are becoming more destigmatized among those in society, pastors and other church staff still face unique challenges when seeking treatment for mental health issues. This study considers the perspectives of ministers who often struggle in silence with depression. This qualitative historical research study will identify the unique challenges faced when battling depression that have not yet been studied concerning the lives of worship leaders in various stages of such mental health issues. Time demands, financial challenges, and stigma have emerged as common themes through exploration of a small body of existing literature and …

The Relationship Between Academic And Social Satisfaction Among Post-9/11 Veterans In Higher Education, William Alton Hammac

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined reintegration of Post-9/11 military veterans into higher education as measured by their satisfaction with a private southeastern university. This research was accomplished through the study of the potential relationship between the academic satisfaction and social satisfaction of Post-9/11 military veterans attending a private southeastern university and how they felt about their overall educational experience. The research questions were derived from the Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory which was administered by the university, surveying the quality of student life, and serving as a national benchmark comparison for educational institutions nationwide. This research was a non-experimental, ex post …

Impact Of Combat Experience On Adult Learning For Students Enrolled At Liberty University In Spring 2019, Stephany Dawn Pracht

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation joins an active conversation in the behavioral sciences regarding the challenges of assimilating the adult experienced trauma into the adult education setting. This quantitative study employed a nonexperimental, causal-comparative research design to explore the perceptions of current and former combat-experienced military students about their academic experiences. By exploring the needs in higher education that are concerning and prevalent among those who have experienced active combat, this paper discusses the effects of the combat experience on current and former military members as they seek to acclimate to the academic world. This study was guided by Malcolm Knowles’s idea that …

Comparing Security Self-Efficacy Amongst College Freshmen And Senior, Female And Male Cybersecurity Students, Lane H. Melton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study sought to determine if there was a difference in the self-efficacy of freshman and senior, female and male Cybersecurity students relating to threats associated with various information systems. The design for this quantitative study was non-experimental, causal-comparative and known as group comparison used to determine if there was a causal relationship between variables. The method used to make that determination utilized a self-efficacy survey developed by Phelps (2005), to identify the independent variables specific level of self-efficacy. Research was conducted at a small, southern university with total of 33 participants. Each student was enrolled in the Computer Science …

Would An Omnibenevolent God Allow Some To Be Lost Who Would Have Been Saved In Different Circumstances? A New Molinist Theodicy Against The Problem Of The Contingently Lost, Zachary Paul Breitenbach

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation addresses a particular issue within the soteriological problem of evil: Would an omnibenevolent God allow anyone to be lost who would have freely chosen to be saved in other circumstances? It critiques various Molinist theodicies that respond to this issue, especially the prominent theodicy of William Lane Craig. Ultimately a new Molinist theodicy is proposed. An argument is also given for how this soteriological theodicy can help to reduce concerns in the broader problem of evil relating to the amount of evil observed in this life and the apparent gratuitousness of some evil.

The Battle Of The Ourcq River, Earl Jacob Starbuck

Masters Theses

An account of the Battle of the Ourcq River, 28 July-6 August, 1918, World War One.

A Peculiar Service: The Chronological Exploits And Evolving Nature Of The Confederate States Marine Corps, Lucas Peed

Masters Theses

This work looks at the little studied and often neglected history of the Confederate States Marine Corps. The purpose of this work is to tell the story of the CSMC and provide a chronological account of their actions. Through the Confederate Marines’ story, their ability to adapt their skills and training throughout the war becomes apparent.

Crusaders, Sellswords, And Separatists: The Russian State’S Use Of Paramilitaries, Separatists, And Irregular Armies, Bruce Schlesman

Masters Theses

Russia currently supports various paramilitaries around the world whether in the guise of separatists, mercenaries, or irregular armies. Using their own military and intelligence operatives and different tactical and religious-ideological means of asserting control over these paramilitaries and the territories they inhabit, Russia seeks to expand the scope of its global dominance and regional influence. Consistent with its long-term goal of weakening NATO and the EU, Russian strategy under Putin has sought to exploit Russian Orthodoxy and the Russian culture as instruments of solidarity binding many of these paramilitaries to Russia in a kind of pan-Slavic religious-nationalist mission. No passive …

The Logic Of Intersubjectivity: Brian Mclaren’S Philosophy Of Christian Religion, Darren M. Slade

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To survey harsh criticisms against Brian Douglas McLaren (1956‒), readers gain the inaccurate impression that he is a heretical relativist who denies objective truth and logic. While McLaren’s inflammatory and provocative writing style is partly to blame, this study also suspects that his critics base much of their analyses on only small portions of his overall corpus. The result becomes a caricature of McLaren’s actual philosophy of religion. The thesis of this dissertation is simple: McLaren is, in fact, a rationalist and empiricist, who utilizes irony, humor, generalization, and ridicule to disturb those expressions of faith common to mainstream, Western …

Flying Tigers, Black Sheep: Legends In The Pacific, Delynn Burrell

Masters Theses

This project seeks to explore the relationship between Claire Lee Chennault and Gregory “Pappy” Boyington and their respective units. By carefully studying Claire Chennault and Gregory Boyington and the strategies they implemented within their units for missions one can better understand what made their units so successful. By extension, this project also seeks to understand how popular culture has continued to bring their stories to the forefront for a new generation and the influence it has in expanding the legends. By examining personality traits, leadership skills, and the command policies of the commanders outside of missions, it is hopeful that …

The Wealth Of Nations And The Advancement Of Collective Security, Kerry Daniel Good

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis will address the economic development of countries from the strategic perspective of the United States, and consider how this development will progress overlaid in the context of the Chinese framework for the projection of national power. Using an inter-disciplinary approach, this research will synthesize sources on national security policy and economics, while seeking a Christian apologetic framework to answer these questions: How can the United States promote the economic development of countries in the Asia-Pacific region using a biblical economic-development model, as a part of its national strategy? This thesis focuses on some of the political and socio-economic …

Review And Recommendations For Promoting International Economic Development In U.S. Geo-Strategy: A Biblical Christian Worldview Approach, Kerry Good

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Textual or Investigative

Review And Recommendations For Promoting International Economic Development In U.S. Geo-Strategy: A Biblical Christian Worldview Approach, Kerry Good

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

International Relations

Anglo-Spanish Trade And Diplomacy 1712-1742, Forrest La Jeunesse

Masters Theses

Between the War of Spanish succession till the war of Austrian succession, the British focus shifted from matters of the European Continent towards that of expanding its trade and its commercial empire. With the securing of an important treaty with France, the British were able to seek trading concessions from the Spanish, through diplomacy or war, in order to gain economic dominance in the West Indies. However, unequal and often conflicting interests between the two nations prevented desired expansion into the West Indies for the British, so they sought to exploit vague treaty terms and obligations in order to conduct …

Plasmonic Metamaterials: Physical Background And Some Technological Applications, Benjamin G. Schmidt

Senior Honors Theses

New technological frontiers appear every year, and few are as intriguing as the field of plasmonic metamaterials (PMMs). These uniquely designed materials use coherent electron oscillations to accomplish an astonishing array of tasks, and they present diverse opportunities in many scientific fields.

This paper consists of an explanation of the scientific background of PMMs and some technological applications of these fascinating materials. The physics section addresses the foundational concepts necessary to understand the operation of PMMs, while the technology section addresses various applications, like precise biological and chemical sensors, cloaking devices for several frequency ranges, nanoscale photovoltaics, experimental optical computing …

Reexamining Amos’ Use Of Rhetorical Questions In Hebrew Prophetic Rhetoric, Matthew Bovard

Masters Theses

The book of Amos contains a message of repentance and judgment to eighth-century Israel. However, the book also portrays the Hebrew prophet persuading his audience of their condemnation before a God whom they do not fully understand. The prophet employs rhetorical questions to help assert his argument. Modern scholarship, however, does not address the function(s) of rhetorical questions from a purely Hebrew context, but evaluates them from an approach heavily influenced by Classical rhetoric. This error results in an incomplete view of Amos’ rhetoric and message that removes the rhetorical questions from the context of the Hebrew prophet. Thus, a …

An Examination Of Preaching And Church Leadership Within Royal Baptist Church, Jeffie L. Powell Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout this qualitative investigation, the researcher will examine prevalent preaching and leadership styles to promote congregational growth and development. Additionally, a proposed organized dossier for Royal Baptist Church will be implemented, delineating a biblical, practical, compelling leadership style. To explore for analysis, the researcher will assess their contemporary church leadership style juxtaposing favored leadership styles found in the literature. After creating a baseline, the researcher will interview seven ministers via face–to–face, telephone, video messaging, and email, assessing their church preferred leadership style, comparing their preferred preaching and leadership style against techniques found in the literature. Lastly, the researcher will provide …

The Relationship Between Physical Fitness Factors And Academic Skills Among Officer Aircrew, Michael Lopez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between physical fitness and academic skills among a group of 110 aircrew flight officers. The study compared Air Force flight officers’ physical fitness scores to academic skills. Prior research suggests a person’s physical fitness levels are directly related to academic skills; however, current research has not addressed a military aviation population. This study used regression analysis to examine the relationship between physical fitness scores as tested by the Air Force physical fitness test (predictor instrument) and academic skills as tested by the Wechsler Fundamentals: Academic Skills Numerical Operations Sub-Test (criterion …

The Experience Of Meaning And Purpose In Life Among Adult Iraqi Refugees In Jordan: A Qualitative Study, Reem Issa Abbasi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research was to present a study that promotes understanding and exploration about how adult Iraqi refugees living in Jordan can still experience meaning making and hope in the face of suffering. The significance of this research lies in its unique findings that contribute to the body of literature concerning trauma recovery. A qualitative phenomenological in-depth interview methodology was used to explore the phenomenon of meaning in suffering among adult Iraqi refugees. The following research questions were used in this study to explore the phenomenon of meaning in suffering: Can life still be experienced as meaningful in …

Traitors In The Service Of The Lord: The Role Of Church And Clergy In Appalachia's Civil War, Sheilah Elwardani

Masters Theses

Studies of the guerrilla war in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains reveal repeated instances of violence and threats directed at the pastors of mountain churches. Instances of churches being burned, pastors and laymen beaten and at times murdered are sprinkled throughout the primary source materials. The question raised here is why were pastors and specific churches being targeted for violence? The church was the center of the life for secluded Appalachian communities, church leadership carried tremendous weight in influencing loyalties. Research focused solely on the Dunkard Church in Floyd County, Virginia revealed that amidst a particularly violent guerrilla war, …

God-Ordained Leaders - Kings And Rulers, Harold Willmington

God-Ordained Leaders

No abstract provided.

Fasting To Know God & Make Him Known, Elmer L. Towns

Books

No abstract provided.

Rivers Of Revival, Elmer L. Towns, Neil T. Anderson

Books

No abstract provided.

The Bible By Jesus: The Complete Old And New Testament, Elmer L. Towns

Books

No abstract provided.

Mightier Than The Sword: Benjamin Franklin’S Satirical Rebuke Of British Policy, Bethany L. Fontenot-Miller

Masters Theses

The genius of Benjamin Franklin resides not in his unique personality or worldly manner but in his distinct ability to eloquently express his ideas in written form. One of his most notable and peculiar scripted expressions emanated from his desire to assert American authority in peace negotiations with Great Britain in the final stages of the American Revolution. Franklin’s “Supplement” to the Boston Independent Chronicle, printed in 1782 at his press at Passy, satirized British political and economic procedure in an effort to illuminate British hypocrisy and defend American interests in the peace process. Though the “Supplement” has only recently …

The Impact Of Using Elementary Science Specialists On 5th Grade Science Achievement Scores, Wesley Armstrong Roach

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

American students score significantly below several other countries in the area of science achievement. With threats such as epidemics and cyber terrorism facing modern society, it is important for schools to prepare students to succeed in science. Research has shown, however, that substandard science instruction at the elementary level leaves students ill-prepared for future success in science. And, even worse, low quality science instruction in elementary school is, for some students, correlated to the loss of interest in science altogether. The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to examine the effect of using science specialists in elementary schools on science …

The Relationship Between Epistemological Beliefs And Attitudes Towards Science Of Undergraduate Elementary Education Majors, Renae Reimer Bullock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Much of the educational research that has investigated the attitudes of pre-service elementary educators towards science has seemed to show that their attitudes are negative towards science. Research also indicates that factors of gender, perceived competence, anxiety, perceived relation to their lives, and epistemological beliefs are related to pre-service elementary educators’ attitudes towards science. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between epistemological beliefs of undergraduate elementary education majors at a large, private, faith-based university in the southeastern United States and their attitudes towards science. Schraw et al.’s Epistemological Beliefs Inventory (EBI) (Schraw, Bendixen, & Dunkle, 2002) …