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The Historical Development Of Seventh-Day Adventist Eschatology 1884-1895, Roy Israel Mcgarrell

Dissertations

Problem and Purpose. The Millerite Movement foundered after the non-realization ofits expectation regarding the second advent of Christ in 1844. Of the groups that sprouted from the movement, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has grown globally in 145 years to become the largest and most influential. While Adventists kept key elements of the Millerite premillennialist eschatology, they added some unique features.

For example, they added: a sanctuary theology concerning Christ's mediatorial ministry and His work in a heavenly pre-advent judgment, the "third angel's message" (announced in Rev 14:12), and other teachings including the "latter rain," the "loud cry," health-reform, the seventh-day …

The "Throne Of God" Motif In The Hebrew Bible, Daegeuk Nam

Dissertations

This dissertation explores the biblical significance and theological implications of the "throne of God" motif through an exegetical investigation of the texts of the Hebrew Bible which have direct reference to it.

Chapter I states the problems which the biblical "throne of God" motif poses, and also theobjectives, limitations, methodology, and procedure of this study.

Chapter II reviews pertinent literature since theturn of the century. This survey reveals thecurrent status of investigation on our topic to be only fragmentary.

Chapter III is devoted to the investigation of the"divine throne" motif in ancient Near Eastern literatures such as Sumerian, Akkadian, Hittite, …

The Resurrection Motif In Hosea 5:8-6:6: An Exegetical Study, Bertrand C. Pryce

Dissertations

This study investigates Hos 5:8-6:6 in an attempt to discover the mode and function of the resurrection motif. Chapter 1 surveys the interpretation of Hos 5:8-6:6 since the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. Previous discussion of this passage, notwithstanding a few careful exegetical and pointed treatments, is in the main cursory, not comprehensive and detailed, or engages in alteration of the MT. The studies reviewed support either a healing, historical/political, or resurrection viewpoint of Hos 6:1-3. These conclusions are for the most part not buttressed by a detailed and close scrutiny of each verse and similar contexts …

The Sinaitic Covenant And Law In The Theology Of Dispensationalism, Keumyoung Ahn

Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the dispensational position concerning the Sinaitic covenant and law and to evaluate it. The design of the study includes three major sections: the historical (chaps. 2-3), the descriptive (chap. 4), and the critical (chaps. 5-6).

Chapter 2 presents the meaning of Dispensationalism and briefly outlines its origin and its modern development in North America. Chapter 3 reviews the covenant theologians' hermeneutics in respect to the Sinaitic covenant and their conflicts with Dispensationalists, with the analysis of the main differences between the old and new positions of dispensational theology on the Sinaitic covenant …

The Successive, Corresponding Epochal Arrangement Of The "Chronogenealogies" Of Genesis 5 And 11b In The Three Textual Traditions : Lxxa, Sp, And Mt, Colin L. House

Dissertations

Problem. The research problem of this study has been, How might church pastors and college Bible teachers answer questions from members/students regarding the three numerically disparate versions of Gen 5 and 11b?

Method. The categories of chronological data investigated were: prepaternal, remainder, life span, anno mundi, and postflood birth and death. Analysis preceded synthesis, and the formulation of hypotheses followed the investigation of the data. It was assumed that the necessary arithmetic commonly used within Torah was available to the ordinary reader. In hypothetical reconstructions, investigation was confined to extant variants rather than fictitious numbers.

Findings. An …

Protection And Reward: The Significance Of Ancient Midrashic Expositions On Genesis 15:1-6, Aecio E. Cairus

Dissertations

Genesis 15:1-6, because of its content, provides singular opportunities for the study of ancient midrashic documents. This kind of study is being increasingly performed, and has interest from a theological, historical and--especially--exegetical viewpoint.

Chapter 1 attentively analyzes the treatment of the entire unit in midrashic documents (Jubilees, Genesis Apocryphon, Philo, Josephus, the Targumim, and Genesis Rabbah), identifies their individual theological and exegetical concerns, and shows their progression over time. The most ancient ones are found to emphasize the covenantal aspects of the passage, while later documents stress the eschatological reward of Abraham as a fruit of his good works.

Chapter …

The Function Of Christ's Suffering In I Peter 2:21, Madelynn Jones-Haldeman

Dissertations

Problem. The phrase "because Christ also suffered for you" in 1 Peter 2:21b has been interpreted to suggest the vicarious death of Christ. The problem posed by this understanding results from the comparison made between Christ and the slaves who are invited to follow Christ's example. Therefore this study sought to determine the function of Christ's suffering in 1 Peter 2:21b and the nature of the example left to the slaves.

Method. The Greek grammar and literary style of the pericope were analyzed; documents that discussed the slave-master relationship in the first centuries B.C. and A.D. were studied; and books, …

The Problem Of Synoptic Relationships In The Development And Testing Of A Methodology For The Reconstruction Of The Matthean Community, Robert K. Mciver

Dissertations

Problem. The problem faced in this study was to discover a method of obtaining data concerning the Matthean community in a way that does not pre-suppose a solution to the problem of Synoptic relationships. To find such a methodology has become desirable because of the recent reopening of the question of Synoptic relationships.

Method. By comparing the Synoptic Gospels it is possible to detect patterns of differences between them. Particularly helpful is the material unique to the Gospel of Matthew. This is examined to discover the characteristic emphases of the Gospel. Further investigation showed that the sequences of events were …

Allusions, Exegetical Method, And The Interpretation Of Revelation 8:7-12, Jon Paulien

Dissertations

This dissertation attempts to overcome a significant obstacle to the development of a comprehensive exegetical method that can enable an interpreter to unlock the meaning of such difficult apocalyptic passages as Rev 8:7-12.

The first chapter utilizes a survey of previous research to explore four issues whose resolution is vital to the interpretation of the book of Revelation: (1) the sources of the Apocalypse, (2) how the Revelator used them, (3) the language and text tradition of the Old Testament that he used, and (4) the nature and location of his allusions to earlier literature. The literature survey indicates that …

Correlations Between Old Aramaic Inscriptions And The Aramaic Section Of Daniel, Zdravko Stefanovic

Dissertations

Problem. In scholarly debates on the origin of DA, the corpus of OA texts has not received full attention. Thus, there is a lack of comparative studies between DA and OA. This type of study serves a twofold purpose: It contributes to providing an answer to the questions of origin of DA, and it provides fresh insights into both OA and DA.

Method. This study of OA texts has been organized into seven sections which pertain to the literary and linguistic character of every one of the inscriptions: Description, Nature, Structure, Vocabulary, Orthography and Phonology, Morphology, and Syntax. The discussion …

The Vision Of Daniel 8 : Interpretations From 1700 To 1900, Samuel Núñez

Dissertations

This study attempts to trace the history of the interpretation of the vision of Dan 8, particularly its five animal symbols, the temporal phrase of the 2300 "evening-mornings," and three cultic expressions, from about 1700 to 1900. The main objective is to discover different interpretations, the exegetical and/or historical arguments that were offered, and the approaches that were used.

In the period 1700 to 1800, interpreters of the preterist and historicist schools were more involved in the interpretation of Dan 8 than any other school of interpretation. It was in this century that the traditional historicist view of the little …

Lesser Gods Of The Ancient Near East And Some Comparisons With Heavenly Beings Of The Old Testament, K. Merling Alomia

Dissertations

This study examines the concept and imagery of heavenly beings as they appear described and depicted in the texts and iconography of the Ancient Near East, and compares the variegated concept and imagery with the angelic realm in the Old Testament.

Utilizing motifs commonly repeated in the mytho-epic literature of the Fertile Crescent--such as the divine assembly and its diverse constituency, the protector gods, the messenger gods, the sons of the gods, the warrior gods, the demonic gods, etc.--the study exposes the diversity among heavenly beings and their place within the divine realm or the hierarchical pantheon. The study abounds …

A Sequential Study Of Revelation 1-14 Emphasizing The Judgment Motif : With Implications For Seventh-Day Adventist Apocalyptic Pedagogy, Richard Fredericks

Dissertations

Problem and purpose. Though Seventh-day Adventist theology is apocalyptically oriented, recent denominational studies indicate a lack of personal hope or assurance with respect to an imminent eschaton and the simultaneous revelation of divine judgment. Because existing studies focus specifically on judgment inRevelation to help Adventist teachers, this dissertation first offers a contextual study of judgment emphasizingits Christological/soteriological dimensions.

A second concern is with historicism as an exclusive interpretive model for apocalyptic. Though offering a sense of denominational uniqueness and mission, historicism leaves major portions of the Apocalypse with little relevance for and limited application to current issues confronting contemporary Adventists. …

The Concept Of Vengeance In The Book Of Revelation In Its Old Testament And Near Eastern Context, Joel Nobel Musvosvi

Dissertations

This study attempts to resolve the theological and ethical problems raised by the call for and rejoicing at vengeance as they appear in Rev 6:9-11 and Rev 19:2, respectively. Central to the study is the question of whether vengeance in Revelation expresses a vindictive human attitude or a divine attribute of justice.

In Chapter 1 a review of pertinent literature reveals the lack of agreement among scholars on the interpretation of vengeance in Revelation. Chapter 2 examines the concept of vengeance as it occurs in several Ancient Near Eastern vassal treaties, the Old Testament, and Pseudepigrapha. This examination reveals that …

The Use Of Computer-Assisted Instruction In A Biblical Studies Course: A Case Study, Joseph P. Gallen Edd

Dissertations

One purpose of this case study was to determine the effect of the introduction of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) materials upon students' learning ability in a college Biblical studies course. Another purpose was to gather information from students with regard to their attitudes toward CAI and its effectiveness in learning the course material. A third purpose of the study was the design of CAI materials using a general application software package. The data base and word processing functions of a general application software package were adapted for CAI in the Biblical studies course. The CAI components employed in the Biblical studies …

The Concept Of Contextualization And Its Implications For The Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Education In India, Melchizedek M. Ponniah

Dissertations

Problem

The Seventh-day Adventist chruch in India operates in a rapidly changing pluralistic context and a predominantly Hindu culture. Response to the emerging opportunities and demands suggest the reconstruction of theological education in more contextual terms. It is imperative that the institutions and practice of ministry be shaped and evaluated in terms of the manifold functions to be performed in the varegated and highly differentiated cultures within which the Adventist church functions.

Method

This study utilized the historical and descriptive methods. Literature was reviewed to gather concepts related to the concept of contextualization and contextualization of theological education.

Conclusions

1. …

A Curriculum Data Base For Continuing Education For Ministers In The Colombia-Venezuela Union Mission Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Edgar J. Escobar

Dissertations

Background and Purpose of the Study. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is seeking research data on which to base the planning and development of efficient continuing education for ministry programs geographically and culturally adapted to the territories where the ministers are serving. As a needs assessment, the study sought data regarding the societies in which the program functions, the ministers' attitudes toward their ministerial training, their needs and aspirations on subject matter, learning-situation preferences, motivations, and obstacles for continuing education. The study also surveyed the opinions of administrators, departmental directors, and lay leaders at the Union, Conference, and Mission levels.

Methodology. …

The Concept Of The Poor In The Context Of The Ecclesiology Of Liberation Theology, Amin Americo Rodor

Dissertations

This investigation deals with the concept of the poor in the thought of Latin American Liberation theology, particularly as articulated in the context of the movement's ecclesiology.

Chapter I traces the historical and theological context for the emergence of liberation theology. The focus is placed first on the ecclesiological models through which the Roman Catholic Church expressed its life and mission in Latin America and how it affected the Church's social relations in the area. The impact of the ecclesiological shift of Vatican Council II, in combination with the historical situation of Latin America in the late '60s, is seen …

Impeccability In 1 John: An Evaluation, Leon Eloy Wade

Dissertations

The First Epistle of John confronts us with a dilemma which, since its inception, has challenged many students of the Bible. On the other hand, the Christian must not deny his sinfulness -- for which, however, there is a ready solution in the expiation wrought by Jesus Christ. On the other hand, the one who abides in God and is born of him does not sin and, indeed, cannot sin.

Many solutions, discussed and evaluated in chapter 1 have been attempted to harmonize this apparent contradiction. Though some are more satisfying than others, a common weakness exhibited among them all …

The Jephthah Traditions : A Rhetorical And Literary Study In The Deuteronomistic History, Dale Sumner Dewitt

Dissertations

The literature on Judges reveals a growing body of insights into its structure and arrangement, and the social dynamics and theology of the eras of its events and (later) composition. At the same time, there is continual search for greater understanding of these features of the book. Rhetorical criticism furnishes a promising approach to discovering the structure of the Jephthah stories, when used with genre-identification aspects of form criticism. The five Jephthah narratives are a loosely integrated, but symmetrically arranged sequence. The first and fifth narratives are rhetorically designed to pair with each other; the second and fourth are similarly …

Slow To Understand: The Disciples In Synoptic Perspective, Bertram L. Melbourne

Dissertations

The problem of the portrayal of the disciples of Jesus has been the focus of much scholarly investigation. Discussion has been pursued primarily from the Marcan perspective, in keeping with its assumed priority. Consequently, Mark is seen as creating the disciples' incomprehension to serve his theological intent. The correctness of this notion is questioned in this study which seeks to determine whether incomprehension was an authentic experience of Jesus' original disciples, and whether slowness of understanding was to be expected in teaching and learning contexts.

Recent scholarship on the disciples is surveyed to identify the main issues, approaches, trends, and …

The Heavenly Court Scene Of Revelation 4-5, R. Dean Davis

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to interpret the heavenly court scene of Rev 4-5 through a thematic analysis of the passage. Little detailed study has been done to demonstrate the significance of the passage in its totality or its significance for the early chapters of Revelation. Scholars have noted parallels between Revelation and the Old Testament, but only recently have they begun to recognize the major impact of the Old Testament concept of covenant on Revelation. The research approach for this study is thematic m nature, with exegesis as a necessary tool. Chapter 1 establishes Rev 4-5 as a …

The Son Of The Morning And The Guardian Cherub In The Context Of The Controversy Between Good And Evil, Jose M. Bertoluci

Dissertations

Problem. Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-19 have been used, since the times of the Church Fathers, to explain the origin of sin in the universe, and interpreted as depicting the fall of Satan from heaven. However, through the years--especially from the end of the nineteenth century and on--theologians have affirmed that those passages report historical events, making use of mythological material in their narratives; and therefore have not to do with the origin of sin or Satan. It is the aim of this dissertation to verify these claims.

Method and Results. Chapter 1 reviews the interpretations of the passages from …

Perceptions Of The Role Of The Bible Class In Four Christian Liberal Arts Colleges: Considered In The Context Of Conflicting Rationales, Jaime Castrejon

Dissertations

Problem. The four Seventh-day Adventist senior colleges in Inter-America aim at training Christian professionals who will serve the church either directly on its payroll or indirectly as devoted Christian professional laymen. The colleges are doubly challenged to maintain academic excellence while providing spiritual nourishment and commitment. The Bible class is central to this approach to education. Adventist leaders and educators, however, have not given serious study to the questions arising from this practice. No guidelines exist for determining an adequate amount of Bible classes. Each institution sets its own requirements which results in great disparity among them in this regard. …

Frequency Of Use As A Measure Of Word Difficulty In Bilingual Vocabulary Test Construction And Translation, José Miguel Tamayo

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Seventh-Day Adventists And Original Sin: A Study Of The Early Development Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Understanding Of The Effect Of Adam's Sin On His Posterity, Edwin Harry Zackrison

Dissertations

Problem. In Seventh-day Adventist theology, the doctrine of original sin has received ambivalent treatment. Periodically voices within the church and outside of it have asserted that the doctrine has no part in SDA theology, yet other Christians have insisted that it is a Scriptural doctrine. It was the purpose of the present study to examine the theological roots of Adventism to determine the reasons for and the content of its treatment of the doctrine.

Method. Since Biblical and historical perspectives are indispensable to the critical process of theology, a brief developmental survey was done to reveal trends and models relevant …

The Meaning Of Telos In Romans 10:4, Robert Badenas

Dissertations

This study attempts to resolve the ambiguity surrounding the meaning of ‘telos’ in Rom 10:4 and to provide philological criteria for the understanding of this term.

Chapter I indicates clearly that a considerable shift has occurred in the history of the interpretation of ‘telos’ in Rom 10:4. The early church and the Reformers understood this verse in a teleological/completive sense: as a statement of the fulfillment of the law in Christ in a prophetic as well as purposive signification. However, since the post-Reformation era and particularly since the nineteenth century the terminal/temporal/antinomian interpretations have prevailed. Rom 10:4 has been generally …

Liberation Theology's Use Of The Exodus As A Soteriological Model, Atilio Rene Dupertuis

Dissertations

This investigation studies the soteriology of Latin American liberation theology particularly in the light of its use of the Exodus as a liberation model.

Chapter I briefly traces the historical and theological developments in the continent, from its discovery to the present, in an effort to provide a better understanding of the circumstances and currents of thought which led to the emergence of liberation theology.

Chapter II shows that liberation theology takes its starting point from a decided commitment to create a new and more human society, through the radical change of the present unjust social order seen as oppressive …

Poor And Rich In The Epistle Of James: A Socio-Historical And Exegetical Study, Pedrito U. Maynard-Reid

Dissertations

This investigation attempts to break further away from the parochialism in dealing with the Epistle of James--moving away from the purely literary and theological orientation, and paying more attention to the social milieu out of which the document arose and how the ethos of the community impinged upon the thought of the writer.

Socially oriented studies in NT scholarship are not new. Since the 1930s, however, this emphasis has been largely neglected until its recent revival. Chapter I shows that the greatest problem with social orientation in NT studies is finding a satisfactory method. The majority of scholars who are …

Typological Structures In The Old And New Testaments, Richard M. Davidson

Dissertations

This dissertation seeks to ascertain the nature of biblical typology by allowing its conceptual structures to emerge from within Scripture through a semasiological analysis of the term τύπος and NT cognates and an exegetical investigation of NT hermeneutical τύπος passages.

In the first chapter the stage is set for the study with a survey of the twentieth century discussion of biblical typology, placed against the backdrop of a concise overview of typological interpretation in preceding centuries. Several leading trends emerge from the survey—the traditional understanding of biblical typology (with three main strands), a post-critical neo-typology (with two major traditions), and …