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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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The Correlates Of Right-Wing Extremism, Michael Damian Tucker Dec 2022

The Correlates Of Right-Wing Extremism, Michael Damian Tucker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research into the correlates of right-wing extremism has been focused on the group level, mainly ignoring the individual right-wing extremist behaviors, characteristics, and traits. Although group milieu strongly affects the ideology of individuals, personal decisions making often comes from a combination of unique experiences, cognitive abilities and biases, and differences in individual traits. This biographical study aimed to examine the life course events of twenty-five individual right-wing extremists identifying common biological and circumstantial correlates among and between the subjects. By analyzing the different correlates, this study created a matrix that identifies the correlates for significance. The results of the analysis …


The Effectiveness Of Praying And Fasting, Vanessa Lynn Estes Dec 2022

The Effectiveness Of Praying And Fasting, Vanessa Lynn Estes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem is that members of a small church were not praying and fasting often. When asked to pray in a congregational setting, they were hesitant. Therefore, the researcher invited fourteen God's Chosen Generation Church members to volunteer for a six-week prayer and fasting research study. The study sought to demonstrate that when praying and fasting are applied together, Christians can hear from God and better understand His will for their life. However, three participants decided to leave the research for personal obligations. Those who continued received a prayer and fasting schedule to pray three times a day and information …


Fasting And Prayer As A Mean Of Strengthening The Spiritual Bases Of An Interdenominational Ministry For Great Commission Effectiveness, Jerome Anicet Onguene Dec 2022

Fasting And Prayer As A Mean Of Strengthening The Spiritual Bases Of An Interdenominational Ministry For Great Commission Effectiveness, Jerome Anicet Onguene

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem identified by the researcher and addressed in this study is associated with the nature and the structure of the ministry for which the work is done. The ministry has two branches, a religious community and a philanthropic organization. This latter is actually the original one. It is composed by believers from different congregations who are united to make disciples for Christ. The problem is that communication and fellowship among ministry leaders is very slow and that negatively affects the implementation of the Great Commission. Otherwise, the purpose of this DMin Thesis Project is the improvement of the quality …


Fire And Fury: The German Tiger Battalions On The Eastern And Western Fronts, 1942-1945, Daniel L. Moore Dec 2022

Fire And Fury: The German Tiger Battalions On The Eastern And Western Fronts, 1942-1945, Daniel L. Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

After finding their tanks outclassed in terms of firepower and armor in 1941, Germany opted to design and field a tank that could defeat any enemy tank on the battlefield while remaining nearly impervious to enemy anti-tank rounds. The Tiger I and II were more than capable of serving in this role, but by the time of their introduction, Germany was on the verge of fighting a defensive war that would require large numbers of tanks that could rapidly relocate across a vast front line. The Tiger tank family has been the subject of hundreds, if not thousands, of publications, …


Beyond The Call Of Duty: Supererogation Towards An Apologetic Approach In The Us Navy, Donald Anthony Baker Iii Dec 2022

Beyond The Call Of Duty: Supererogation Towards An Apologetic Approach In The Us Navy, Donald Anthony Baker Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Members of the US Navy subscribe to common values outlined in the Sailor’s Creed, a shared dictum of foundational ideals that burdens all persons within the organization to follow. Honor, courage, commitment, excellence, and fairness are explicit organizational values written therein that codify the standard values expected of all Sailors regardless of rank or other designators. For Christians serving in the US Navy, how can they present the tenets of the Gospel in a manner appropriate, and legal, for a professional, secular work environment such as the military but are consistent with the biblical imperative to give a defense of …


“We Fought For The Right Reasons And God Was On Our Side”: Combat, Faith, And Perseverance During The 28th Infantry Division's Engagement At The Battle Of The Bulge, Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr Dec 2022

“We Fought For The Right Reasons And God Was On Our Side”: Combat, Faith, And Perseverance During The 28th Infantry Division's Engagement At The Battle Of The Bulge, Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In December 1944, Hitler’s Germany was besieged on every front. Germany was working on super weapons and needed to buy some time to fight off the Red Army and the Allies. Until his super weapons could turn the tide, Hitler opted for a major counteroffensive in the west to split the Allies. Hitler would launch his last military reserves in a desperate gamble aimed at driving to the port of Antwerp through Luxembourg and Belgium. Such a blow, Hitler believed, would wreck the Allied Coalition. One of the divisions facing the main German offensive was the American 28th Infantry Division, …


Deployment Separation Impact On Military Spouse Well-Being, Cinthia Joas Dec 2022

Deployment Separation Impact On Military Spouse Well-Being, Cinthia Joas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military spouses are confronted with multiple responsibilities daily. These demands intensify when their spouses deploy. By extension, military families respond differently and adapt to these stressors differently than civilian families. This necessitates coping with dynamic changes described as adequate or maladaptive. The deployment of one's spouse is also affiliated with mixed feelings such as anger, fear, joy, loneliness, anticipation, and relief. While the active-duty spouse is deployed, communication with the family allows a more significant emotional balance for the military member, the spouse, and the children to obtain a more favorable performance in their functions. Without proper and consistent communication, …


Jus Post Bellum And The Augustinian Worldview, Edward Anthony Herty Dec 2022

Jus Post Bellum And The Augustinian Worldview, Edward Anthony Herty

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Augustine of Hippo wrote a great deal regarding the subject of state-sponsored armed conflict. His views have been categorized into the concepts of jus ad bellum, jus in bello, and, more recently, jus post bellum. Jus ad bellum and jus in bello address the moral responsibilities of a nation and its sovereign as the decision to enter into conflict is made and as agents of the state endeavor to keep human suffering to a minimum. Jus post bellum is a more recent ideal that has, since World War I, addressed the need to establish a long-lasting peace upon the conclusion …


The Lived Experience Of Personnel Adversely Impacted By Toxic Leadership: A Phenomenological Study, Jeremy B. Piasecki Oct 2022

The Lived Experience Of Personnel Adversely Impacted By Toxic Leadership: A Phenomenological Study, Jeremy B. Piasecki

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the lived experience of personnel adversely impacted by toxic leadership. This topic is important to study because the harassment, bullying, and narcissistic behavior exhibited by toxic leaders and negative environments have severe adverse implications for personnel, such as reduced accomplishments, mental health, lack of trust, and overall wellbeing. In order to further understand the phenomenon, the following research questions guided the study: (a) What is the lived experience of personnel adversely impacted by toxic leadership? (b) How were the personnel impacted by the change in the culture and environment? (c) …


A Quantitative Research Study On Probability Risk Assessments In Critical Infrastructure And Homeland Security, Alfred B. Lee Sep 2022

A Quantitative Research Study On Probability Risk Assessments In Critical Infrastructure And Homeland Security, Alfred B. Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation encompassed quantitative research on probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) elements in homeland security and the impact on critical infrastructure and key resources. There are 16 crucial infrastructure sectors in homeland security that represent assets, system networks, virtual and physical environments, roads and bridges, transportation, and air travel. The design included the Bayes theorem, a process used in PRAs when determining potential or probable events, causes, outcomes, and risks. The goal is to mitigate the effects of domestic terrorism and natural and man-made disasters, respond to events related to critical infrastructure that can impact the United States, and help protect …


Accepting The Cost: German Baptist Brethren, Faith, And The American Civil War, Sheilah Rana Elwardani Aug 2022

Accepting The Cost: German Baptist Brethren, Faith, And The American Civil War, Sheilah Rana Elwardani

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The German Baptist Brethren, Dunkers, were a Pietist sect which organized in the Palatinate region of the German lands in central Europe in 1708. The sect was founded upon the structure of the Apostolic, or Primitive, Christian Church. The founder, Alexander Mack, was strongly engaged with the theology of the Pietist movement and taught that the structure of the Christian life must be firmly founded in scripture with Mathew 5 proscribing the elemental principles of the sect. The Brethren practiced adult, believers, baptism and firmly adhered to core peace principles as interpreted from Mathew 5. Increasing persecution forced the two …


The Effects Of The Union Blockade On The Confederacy During The United States' Civil War, Ronald C. Piccirilli Aug 2022

The Effects Of The Union Blockade On The Confederacy During The United States' Civil War, Ronald C. Piccirilli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historians have disagreed on the effects of the Union naval blockade on the states that formed the Confederacy during the United States’ Civil War. This research shows that the Union naval blockade caused a spiraling effect on both the Confederate home front and the Confederate war effort. The Confederacy developed new ordnance factories, machine shops, and sources of essential raw materials such as salt and copper. This growth was not adequate to compensate for the loss of imports from the Union naval blockade. The Confederate government could not meet the needs of its population. Because of the blockade by the …


Fostering Greater Interest And Engagement In Scripture Through An Eight-Week Scripture Reading Intervention, Jeffrey Lee Willey Aug 2022

Fostering Greater Interest And Engagement In Scripture Through An Eight-Week Scripture Reading Intervention, Jeffrey Lee Willey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to encourage the reading of the Scriptures at Femme Osage Church. The project demonstrates how the Holy Spirit can use simple, daily exposure to the Scriptures to transform apathetic participants into persons enthusiastic about reading their Bibles. The thesis explores the enigmatic problem of apathy toward the Word and its causes from Christian and secular viewpoints. A review of popular methodologies used to address Bible apathy is included. This study claims that Christians fail to read the Scriptures, not because they are lazy, but because of overlooked and misunderstood obstacles that cause apathy toward …


The Kindness And Severity Of God: A Defense Of The Conquest Of Canaan, Jordan Peter Ballard Aug 2022

The Kindness And Severity Of God: A Defense Of The Conquest Of Canaan, Jordan Peter Ballard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Conquest of Canaan has become a hot-button issue in Christian apologetics because of the moral dilemma it poses. Would an all-loving God command the wholesale slaughter of the Canaanite men, women, and children? Christians throughout the centuries have grappled with this problem and have offered many interpretations to alleviate the tension between God’s love and God’s wrath displayed in the Conquest. This dissertation defends a straightforward reading of the account: God really did command the destruction of the Canaanites, and the Israelites carried it out as described in the pages of the Old Testament. When understood in its biblical, …


720-960 Steps: A Historical Review Of Contemporary Techniques And Pedagogies And How They Revolutionized Pageantry For The Modern Marching Band, Stanley K. Holloway Aug 2022

720-960 Steps: A Historical Review Of Contemporary Techniques And Pedagogies And How They Revolutionized Pageantry For The Modern Marching Band, Stanley K. Holloway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a need for new and innovative marching band techniques in the music field, and most band directors have limited capacity to instill these concepts. Texts from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s concentrated primarily on these concepts and techniques. Gradually, a comprehensive show concept became standard practice. Examination of the existing literature does not reveal a need for more research. Still, some literature demonstrates a need for new and innovative band techniques for marching band, particularly in band pageantry. Although these materials help create a foundation for marching band concepts and have proven effective. They are dated and do …


A Phenomenological Study And Investigation Of Moral Injury With Veterans, Corey V. Douglas Jul 2022

A Phenomenological Study And Investigation Of Moral Injury With Veterans, Corey V. Douglas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Moral injury is not a new concept but there are present concerns surrounding the shortage of noted experiences of Veterans having dealt with moral injury. In addition, challenges in agreeing to a general definition and diagnostic criteria for moral injury are acknowledged. The lack of consensus on what is moral injury, diagnosis requirements, and treatment options are likely to complicate matters further in the future. The inability of the mental health industry and providers to determine a concrete foundation encompassing moral injury led to challenges to the delivery of care to individuals dealing with a moral injury such as Veterans …


Using Elements Of Professional Military Education To Develop Cognitive Interoperability Among Multinational Military Officers: A Case Study, Steven Dale Rosson Jul 2022

Using Elements Of Professional Military Education To Develop Cognitive Interoperability Among Multinational Military Officers: A Case Study, Steven Dale Rosson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative non-experimental single-case study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the complex social phenomena of a military staff planning exercise for multinational military officers completing their intermediate level education at a U.S. military service college. Given the critical nature of military interoperability in future warfare, the professional military education domain must determine the most effective means of educating officers to succeed in their future tasks, which requires the development of cognitive interoperability. This study examined the “how” and “why” of a multinational staff planning exercise by researching the central question; How does the use of …


The Educational Goal Achievement Among Diné (Navajo) And Their Resiliency, Lawanda Nodestine-Henry Jul 2022

The Educational Goal Achievement Among Diné (Navajo) And Their Resiliency, Lawanda Nodestine-Henry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aims to examine Navajo life experiences, which foster resilience and contribute to educational achievement. Resilience contributes to educational achievement and ongoing success in higher education. Chapter one is an introduction to the study and the significance of the study. This chapter discusses the limitations of Navajo academic achievements, including poverty and difficulties with no electricity and running water. Chapter two provides an overview of the theoretical framework of the study and the contextual challenges. It discusses the contributing factors that complicate educational success historical trauma, ongoing trauma, the generation gap, and the achievement gap. Despite the adverse …


Cold War Economic Ideology And Us Aid To Taiwan, 1950-1965, Wayne Robert Hugar Jun 2022

Cold War Economic Ideology And Us Aid To Taiwan, 1950-1965, Wayne Robert Hugar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project examines the puzzle of the ideological contradiction for why the United States justified giving large amounts of economic aid intended to develop capitalism and private sector free enterprise for the authoritarian Republic of China (ROC) government’s socialist style public sector economy on the island of Taiwan during the cold war period 1950-1965. The $1.4 billion in US foreign economic aid to the Chinese Nationalist led ROC government in Taiwan during this 15-year period was a seemingly disproportionate amount compared to its small size and type of authoritarian regime compared to other aid recipients. This project appraises the extent …


Biblical Literacy: An Expositional Christ-Centered Approach To Bible Study, Paula K. Offutt Jun 2022

Biblical Literacy: An Expositional Christ-Centered Approach To Bible Study, Paula K. Offutt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research aimed to examine biblical literacy from an expositional Christ-centered approach to Bible study. Using a triangular curriculum design focusing on scriptural theology, Bible study methodology, and a transformative approach to Christ-centered learning, the action research results revealed that an expositional Christ-centered approach increases biblical literacy. The researcher garnered data by hosting four bi-weekly Bible study sessions employing pre-and-post assessments to capture participants' current and post-state of biblical literacy. The validity and reliability of the pre-and-post assessments were determined by a focus group that reviewed the measurement tools and provided feedback confirming the trustworthiness and dependability of the …


The Culture Of Appalachian Coal Miners And Its Affect On Their Culture, Joanna Mary Ferrell May 2022

The Culture Of Appalachian Coal Miners And Its Affect On Their Culture, Joanna Mary Ferrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this ethnographic study was to understand and describe the culture and history of the Appalachian coal mining community and how the culture is impacting their future if they face a mine closure. The theory guiding this study is the Cultural Identity Theory by Mary Jane Collier as it explains that the miners’ culture is influenced by those around them and can change based on their surroundings. There is also influence from mining history, which was explored in detail. Surveys, interviews, and observations were utilized to collect data as well as historic artifacts.


The Consent Of The Governed: Constitutionalism Of The Levellers And Its Influence On Anglo-American Political Discourse, Nathan B. Gilson May 2022

The Consent Of The Governed: Constitutionalism Of The Levellers And Its Influence On Anglo-American Political Discourse, Nathan B. Gilson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

More fully understanding the Levellers suggests a new framework for understanding Anglo-American constitutionalism and jurisprudence. There was a logical progression in their constitutional thought, by which the exigent developments of the 1640s conflict continually pushed the Levellers to articulate new constitutional propositions. It eventually led them to a fully developed contractual theory for the origins of society based on the continuing consent of the People, including the rights to revolution and resistance, within a natural rights framework. The Levellers argued for limitations on the sovereignty of the government by the People, as opposed to the position of the Monarchists, Independents, …


Using Bible Reading In Moral Injury Therapy: A Mixed-Method Approach, John Ikenna Onuoha May 2022

Using Bible Reading In Moral Injury Therapy: A Mixed-Method Approach, John Ikenna Onuoha

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The debilitating effect of moral injury on members of the Sergeant Major Association of California in the Bay Area/Central Valley/Los Angeles area has deprived member veterans of a good and meaningful quality of life. This study aims to recognize the challenging impact of moral injury on adult Bay Area/Central Valley/LA veterans, address its symptoms using Bible reading therapy, and reassess their progress for an effective and lasting solution to veterans who are battling with war’s unseen wounds. The study used mixed research methods that incorporate the technical and social features of the combination of qualitative and quantitative means to help …


Building Healthy Families Through Intergenerational Worship Ministry, Frank Richard Gillespie May 2022

Building Healthy Families Through Intergenerational Worship Ministry, Frank Richard Gillespie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although literature exists concerning family ministry in the local church, there is little research that gives explicit insight into music and worship ministry’s role in helping to strengthen families. Since worship is one of the ultimate functions of both the church and the family, this study integrates family ministry methodology with worship ministry methodology to discover theological sound and practical ways to build up the family through corporate worship, structured music programs, and community involvement. Guided by biblical and historical foundational teachings on church and family, this qualitative research study identifies perspectives that have not yet been explored and documented …


Understanding Combat Veterans And Their Social Supporters’ Experiences Related To Trauma And Combat Veteran Suicide: A Qualitative Case Study, Martisa V. Bullock May 2022

Understanding Combat Veterans And Their Social Supporters’ Experiences Related To Trauma And Combat Veteran Suicide: A Qualitative Case Study, Martisa V. Bullock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand combat veterans and their social supporters’ experiences related to trauma and mitigating combat veteran suicide. The research questions were: What are combat veterans and their social supporters’ understandings and experiences related to trauma? What do combat veterans and their social supporters identify as significant aspects of support in mitigating suicidal ideation and suicide? The theories guiding this study were interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide and the psychache theory as these theories address the connections between suicidal thought processes and the trauma that contributes to them. This multiple case study consisted of …


The Decline Of Youth At Ministry Under The Sky, Wanda Elaine Belvin Apr 2022

The Decline Of Youth At Ministry Under The Sky, Wanda Elaine Belvin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The decline of youth attending their services is no secret for many churches. The influences of the world, technology, wanting to fit in are just a few reasons youth find other things to do than attend their church services faithfully. Ministry Under The Sky is a small ministry with a big heart. At its birth in 2001, Ministry Under The Sky’s start was in the researcher’s home and her husband, the Overseer of the ministry. God blessed Ministry Under The Sky with its first building in 2007. The church outgrew the first two buildings less than two years each. The …


To Stay Or Step Down: Assessing The Pastoral Qualifications Of Pastors With Prodigal Children, P. Kevin Garber Apr 2022

To Stay Or Step Down: Assessing The Pastoral Qualifications Of Pastors With Prodigal Children, P. Kevin Garber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The pastor’s home life is a reflection of his ability to effectively lead Christ’s church. Two seminal New Testament passages (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9) address, among other qualifications, the behavior and testimony of the pastor’s children. This vital aspect of a pastor’s leadership within the home must be given important emphasis and due consideration. With an examination of the nuances of these two seminal passages, exploration of published literature relevant to this topic, and an in-depth investigation of three pastoral case studies, the writer will offer a resource for pastors and parishioners who are facing the dilemma of whether …


Church Revitalization: Strategies For Revitalization And The Importance Of Emotional Intelligence For Pastors And Church Revitalizers In The Frontier Baptist Association, Timothy F. Ireland Apr 2022

Church Revitalization: Strategies For Revitalization And The Importance Of Emotional Intelligence For Pastors And Church Revitalizers In The Frontier Baptist Association, Timothy F. Ireland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The majority of Southern Baptist Churches in North America are plateaued or in decline. Without a new effective strategy for church revitalization, the largest evangelical denomination will close thousands of local churches. Knowing what to do and how to do it is critical for revitalization. The study presents a synthesis of research that reveals common factors present in plateaued and dying churches, strategies advanced for successful church revitalization, and church revitalizers’ qualifications. This project thesis included research concerning the utilization of emotional intelligence (EQ), EQ testing, and training. Pastors with high EQ are well suited for leading a church through …


Investigating The Impact Of Spiritual Gifts On Church Growth, Johnnie James Finkley Mar 2022

Investigating The Impact Of Spiritual Gifts On Church Growth, Johnnie James Finkley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project uses spiritual gifts found in scripture as teachable models for church growth to address a decline in church attendance at Friendly Missionary Baptist Church. The research assumes that if church members are aware of their spiritual gifts, they will use them to build a healthy church. Therefore, the question that this thesis project asks is, “Will an understanding and development of spiritual gifts grow Friendly Missionary Baptist Church?” The Bible is the primary literary resource for God’s provision in transforming believers into His image. It is the foundation for church members’ spiritual growth. The book of Acts …


The Modern Homeland Security Struggle: Divisive Disinformation, Stephen H. Dickerson Mar 2022

The Modern Homeland Security Struggle: Divisive Disinformation, Stephen H. Dickerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research introduces the concepts surrounding disinformation and misinformation campaigns, along with their standing as significant homeland security threats. The piece starts with a brief introduction that focuses in on current examples of how these campaigns are being utilized, to include introductory discussion of theory and strategy. This is followed by a literature review, which explores a wide variety of disinformation related topics, including pieces that help in defining the matter and others that introduce related psychological theories. In addition to the literature that discusses real world examples, current instances are discussed, allowing for a more comprehensive view of not …