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An Examination Of The Career Trajectory Of Black Female Pastors In The Black Church, Genesis Wyne Player

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research is a qualitative narrative inquiry of the career trajectory of Black female pastors in the Black church. Historically, the Black church has been a vital symbol of the Black community and a haven for its members. However, because the Black church is undergirded in Black liberation theology to fight the oppression of Blacks, it continues to oppress Black female pastors by not allowing them the same opportunities as their Black male counterparts when their qualifications are the same. In this study, the researcher aimed to understand Black female pastors’ perceptions of their success in breaking the stained-glass ceiling …

The Apocalyptic Character Of The Ethnic Identity Argument In Galatians, Benjamin J. Nickodemus

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Nickodemus, Benjamin J. “The Apocalyptic Character of the Ethnic Identity Argument in Galatians.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2023. 281 pp.

The relationship between Paul’s ethnic identity argument to bring Gentiles into the line of Abraham and the apocalyptic inbreaking of Christ into the present has been poorly defined. The new creation seems to relativize all difference in ethnic identity, yet the importance of Gentiles being heirs of Abraham remains a fundamental component of Paul’s argument. This dissertation argues that the tension between these two identity arguments arises because they are not in fact two arguments, but one reality. The ethnic …

Transformative Learning Theory As Applied To Worship Studies, Loueda B. Bleiler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite extensive research regarding the application of Transformative Learning Theory in adult education, there is very little literature promoting applying these principles and practices within Christian Worship Studies. Transformative Learning Theory is an educational theory that researches and promotes perspective-changing teaching and learning. Structured educational opportunities and spiritual development through Christian worship both have the potential to be life-altering events in human experience. In each of these dimensions of learning, the final result may include a change in perspective which then leads to modified behaviors. Transformative change occurs in the life of the learner. This qualitative research study explores the …

A Practical Theology Of Created Space: Contextualized Theology For Pastoral Crisis Ministry, Gabriel Fisher

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

This is a practical theology of created space that attends to the questions raised by critical incidents and contexts by cultivating dialogue among experiences, beliefs, perceptions, and theology. This confessional approach works from the conviction that God is active and present within our experiences and that we are called to participate in the compassionate ministry of Christ. A created space represents a holding pattern of listening and dialogue where attention is given to the other person’s experiences, beliefs, present concerns, and our own formed center using the resources of spiritual theologies.

Sex In Church: The Christian Vocation Of Sexuality Within The Ecclesial Community, Sarah Talena Rusche

Master of Art Theology Thesis

Rusche, Sarah Talena. “Sex in Church: The Christian Vocation of Sexuality Within the Ecclesial Community.” Master’s thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2023. 71 pp.

Sex is characterized as an individualistic endeavor by both Christian and non-Christian thinkers. The culture of the world gives license to every individual to choose what kind of sexual experiences they would like to give and receive, while the culture of Christianity isolates individuals navigating the complexities of sexuality. In response to this individualism, this thesis argues that a faithful sexual ethic orders itself according to God’s will for His creation by considering the needs of the ecclesial …

Christ In The City, Skip Bell

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

The Mass Exodus Of Black Millennials From The Black Church: In Search Of Biblical Blackness, Jacqueline A. Trim

Doctor of Ministry

A mass exodus of Black millennials away from the Black churches of the African diaspora has taken place in recent years. There is a plethora of reasons for this given by the Black millennials, spiritual authors/researchers, and the spiritual leadership of the Black church. The most important of these reasons has been put forward by Black millennials that the Bible and Christianity are irrelevant to the social, economic, and political issues of their lives and they want no part of it. This research is undertaken to investigate the real cause(s) of this exodus and to determine where the responsibility lies …

Wisdom: The Feminine In The Divine, Rogel Anecito L. Abais

Loyola Papers

This paper explores the figure of Lady Wisdom (sophia) in the Book of Wisdom, particularly her portrayal in Wisdom 7:22b–8:1. It examines whether Wisdom should be understood as a personification of God or as a divine attribute, highlighting the text’s rich imagery and theological depth. By tracing the development of the Wisdom figure in Scripture and engaging the feminist critique of Rosemary Radford Ruether, the study investigates how Wisdom literature presents feminine imagery within a largely androcentric biblical context. The analysis seeks to determine whether the depiction of Wisdom offers a meaningful affirmation of the feminine in the divine and …

Contributors, Contributors Contributors

Loyola Papers

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, Volume 4, Issue 1

Loyola Papers

No abstract provided.

Institutionalized Religion And Ambivalence In Charlotte Brontë’S Jane Eyre, Abdulla Dagamseh

Association of Arab Universities Journal for Arts مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية للآداب

In Charlotte Brontë’s novel, Jane Eyre, the protagonist, Jane Eyre, cannot avoid the trap of empire, which represents the British colonial domination in the 19 th century. Through close reading of the text and using Postcolonial and Marxist theory, I claim that Jane Eyre develops an ambivalent attitude towards oppression. That is to say, she, at one point, is very critical of using religion to oppress her own people. On the other hand, she keeps silent when the same discourse of institutionalized religion is used to justify colonizing and oppressing other people and nations. This ambivalent attitude shows that the …

Gathered Together: The Impact Of In-Person Experiences In A Virtual Age, Consuela Knox

DMin Project Theses

This February 2024 Doctor of Ministry project thesis at Lipscomb University analyzes how following the height of a global health pandemic which required that individuals quarantine, in-person attendance at West Harpeth Church worship services has not reached the pre-pandemic level. The goal of this project was to enhance West Harpeth members’ theological understanding of the importance of in-person corporate gatherings as compared to virtual gatherings. The key research question was: Can awareness of the value of in-person corporate gatherings at West Harpeth, in comparison to virtual gatherings, be raised among members by them engaging in theological reflection? Related questions were: …

An Epistemological Reading Of 2nd Peter With Application To Truth And Information Warfare, Terry D. Robertson

Seminary Scholarship Symposium

In 2 Peter, the knowledge, practices, and dispositions of the faith community (2 Pet 1), contrasted with those of the false teachers (2 Pet 2), are applied to a truth warfare issue (2 Pet 3). Drawing from interdisciplinary conversations on information literacy, sociality, and philosophical argumentation, the theme developed in 2 Peter of “growing in knowledge” may be viewed as relational, performative, and consequential. This understanding equips the Christian disciple to “be not deceived” and to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet 3:17-18)--both in the discernment and proclamation of truth. I …

Do Modern Christians Know God Differently?: A Review Of Chapters 4-5 Of Neo-Calvinism, Geoffrey Fulkerson

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"Brock and Sutanto synthesize wide bodies of content and an array of rather complex concepts and arguments into succinct summary chapters."

Posting about ­­­­­­­­the book Neo-Calvinism from In All Things - an online journal for critical reflection on faith, culture, art, and every ordinary-yet-graced square inch of God’s creation.

https://inallthings.org/do-modern-christians-know-god-differently-a-review-of-chapters-4-5-of-neo-calvinism/

The Beacon, February 3, 2023, Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2022-2023

Unsung Heroes: Janelle Phinney; Celebrating Black History Month; An instrumental road trip with DeMarco; Artificially intelligent friendship fallout; Senior Spotlight: Emily Rozendaal; Longstanding festival honors young performers; Class of 2023 with unique college experience; NW Campus celebrates Black History Month; Raider Student Ambassadors appreciation; Phinney and the music dept.; RA's Responsibilities with Alcohol Off Campus; Elementary Education is the Best Major; Lind: NW Wrestler Rolling Opponents Over; Raider Cheer Team Working Towards Gains; Recent Basketball Wins Propelling Raiders to March; Book studies starting up on campus; NW community pitches in to help feed Hondurans

John's Canonical Portrait Of Christ: A Biblical-Theological Approach To The Depiction Of The Glorified Christ In Revelation 1, Christopher Matthew Carpenter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout the history of evangelical scholarship, a significant lacuna has formed in Apocalyptic studies. Many theologians have expressed fear or uncertainty concerning the text of Revelation as numerous ambiguous aspects exist within the Apocalypse. A proposed path forward into the gap in scholarship is to return the focus to the intent of the author of Revelation, John the apostle, and examine the definitive truths of the text. John’s priority is revealed in the initial chapter as he depicts the subject of his Apocalypse, Jesus Christ. This intent is revealed in John’s use of allusions, metaphors, and other rhetorical devices through …

The Liminal Church: Why Navigating Thresholds Between Us Leads To Thriving, Andrew Hale

Doctor of Leadership

Through the discovery, design, and delivery stages of the doctoral project, I centered my work on the following NPO: Churches can thrive when they understand, navigate, and leverage the liminality existing between people, the community, and where God is leading. Despite the myriad of different contexts among local churches, whether polity, worship style, belief statements, and geographical locality, congregations are still composed of people living in relationship to one another and the community around them. Relationships, no matter their nature, are complicated. For the relationships within a local church to thrive, they require intentionality, coaching, effort, openness, and vulnerability. My …

A Seat At The Table: Why The Seat You've Been Entrusted With Is More Vital Than The Position You're Entitled To, Donna Pisani

Doctor of Ministry

My NPO (The lack of understanding and framework of Biblical leadership as entrustment rather than an entitlement that empowers both genders to lead together has created a lack of female representation in strategic influence and leadership roles) was birthed out of my experience as a female in ministry for four decades leading with men, coupled with the lack of resources available to an upcoming generation of leaders. Through extensive research and interviews, the most viable solution that emerged was a published book written to empower a new generation of female leaders—one that addresses the theology of women in leadership with …

Strengths-Based African Leadership Training: A Comprehensive Guide For Empowering Grassroots Communities, Henry Gwani

Doctor of Leadership

This project portfolio addresses the following need, problem or opportunity (NPO): Hopelessness within African low-income communities highlights the need for equipping local agents with a Christian gospel that integrates discipleship with leadership development, vocational training, mental health and asset-based community development if we wish to see Shalom. Several insights emerged from this research. First, to foster holistic transformation within low-income communities, it is imperative for discipleship to include basic mental health and practical interventions such as vocational training. Second, each community, regardless of how impoverished, is blessed with assets (skills, experiences and relationships), that need to be leveraged for the …

Ideas Explosion! How Church Can Create More Ideas, Scott M. Shelton

Doctor of Ministry

In this project, I am addressing my NPO: A healthy church nurtures a culture of humble exploration and responsive innovation. One of the key findings is that there is not enough material focused on how a healthy church can process and explore ideas. In addition, church leaders often feel ill-equipped for a process that requires creativity. Believing that God made everyone creative, especially the church, this project is a book that details a system to explore ideas, properly discern strengths and weaknesses, and prepare leaders to make informed decisions. I created the Gather-Discern-Decide (GDD) Process from research findings, personal experiences, …

Infobesity: How Does Information Overload From Digital Technologies Affect Our Relationship With Jesus, Andy Gabruch

Doctor of Ministry

My research project is based on the NPO of how information overload from digital technologies affects our relationship with Jesus, according to Mark 12:30-31, and how followers of Jesus can redeem digital spaces. My key insights of the research led me to the conclusion digital information overload is based on the lack of moderation and regulation of digital technologies as followers of Jesus. Furthermore, my research led me to the effects of information overload to five categories Jesus speaks of in Mark 12:30-31 of our hearts (emotions), soul (identity), mind (cognitive reasoning), strength (physical), and relationships (social skills) according to …

The Wise Professor: The Skillful Art Of Living In God's Mission, Aaron Badenhop

Doctor of Ministry

Today’s Christian professor in the secular university setting is likely an expert in their academic field. Likewise, many Christian faculty are sincere in their faith and devout in their practice. The Christian professor’s expert knowledge is impressive and their heart for God is admirable. Yet, today’s Christian professor is simultaneously likely to be ill-equipped and disconnected from having a missional impact in their secular university context. In my work with Cru at The Ohio State University, this challenge is complex; there are no easy answers. Christian faculty are typically educated and trained in environments that assume the irrelevance of God …

No Lack Of Gain: A Biblical Theology Of Feminine Generosity, Jenny Zoë Huelsman

Master of Art Theology Thesis

This thesis traces a biblical theology of feminine generosity. The capable wife of Prov. 31:10–31 sets an Old Testament paradigm, which is inhabited and enlarged by women in the New Testament. The thesis considers the women who supported Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:1–3); the widow and her mites (Luke 21:1–4); Mary’s anointing of Jesus (John 12:1–8); and Tabitha caring for the widows (Acts 9:36–42). Throughout these profiles, a picture emerges of women who make essential contributions to the mission and work of Christ as agents of generosity that is derivative, expressive, contextual, intemperate, and Christocentric, always flowing from and returning to …

The Body Of Christ Has Always Been A Virtual Body, Deanna A. Thompson

Consensus

No abstract provided.

On God’S Side Of History: Time And Apocalyptic History In Paul’S Speech To The Areopagus, Keldie Paroschi

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

This paper considers Paul’s speech to the Areopagus from the framework of Jewish apocalyptic historiography in order to determine the degree of overlap between Paul’s conceptual background on history and time and Stoic philosophy. The main facets of Jewish apocalyptic historiography include unique conceptions of God, time, and human existence with unique existential implications, all of which are found in Acts 17:22–31. The added element of the Christ event (vv. 30–31) heightens the urgency of Paul’s message of repentance. Despite some proximity between Paul and Stoicism, the Jewish apocalyptic worldview of Acts 17 differs significantly from the pantheistic and deterministic …

Ethical Leadership: A Phenomenological Study Of Administrators' Principles For Ethical Decision-Making, Janice Marie Holmes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenology research study was to examine the administrator’s ethical leadership principles and decision-making significance. The desired outcome of the study provided educator leaders in Christian universities and theology seminaries with information to improve their strategies when making ethical decisions and better safeguard their organizations against unethical behavior. The ability of a leader to make sound decision-making is essential to their ability to run any organization. The guiding theory of Kitchener’s five-model ethical leadership paradigm, which served as the basis for this investigation, was relevant based on the four research questions. The study utilized purposeful and …

A Reframed Consistent Ethic Of Life On Nuclear Energy: Exploring The Moral Implications Of The Revival Of The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, Archie R. Magarao

Landas

This paper critically examines the moral implications of reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) through the lens of the Reframed Consistent Ethic of Life (RCEL). While the Philippine government highlights its potential economic benefits, the study raises serious concerns about nuclear waste and its risks to human and nonhuman life. It evaluates both the advantages and dangers of nuclear energy, emphasizing threats to ecological integrity and long-term safety. The paper also questions the adequacy of existing plans for nuclear waste disposal, particularly in light of geopolitical and security challenges. In response, it proposes key moral perspectives: rethinking God’s presence …

Religious Freedom And Peace: Modern Catholic Perspectives And Contemporary Taiwan Society, Jeffrey G. L. Chang

Landas

After a brief review of the Biblical background of peace, this addresses the theme of religion and peace from the perspective of modern Catholic principles, especially with guidance from the Second Vatican Council’s Dignitatis Humanae and John XXIII’s Pacem in Terris, both of which affirm the primacy of conscience in a personalist conception of society where the role of government is to provide for the common welfare, including the right to religious freedom. Such a social order is instrumental to establishing peace on earth. Taiwan offers an Asian example of a democratic society in which the state does not intervene …

A Trinitarian Pneumatology For Evangelization In Asia, Renato Taib Oliveros

Landas

Asian religions may differ in their belief in the Spirit yet the Spirit is the same Spirit that has been present amongst Asians since creation. In Redemptoris Missio, St. John Paul II acknowledges that the Holy Spirit is active in the heart of every person and that the Spirit’s activity can also affect “society and history, peoples, cultures and religions.” The Spirit of God communicates the Word as the Christ incarnate, the same Word revealed by the Spirit to non-Christians as divine wisdom and guidance. The Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of God for …

Isang Bagong Salin Sa Tagalog Ng Mga Salmo At Mabisang Pagbabalik-Bukal Sa Kalinangang Hilagang-Kanluraning Semitiko: Isang Paglalahad, Pagsasanay, At Pagganyak Sa Pamamagitan Ng Slm 109, Bienvenido Q. Baisas

Landas

After 500 years since the arrival of Christianity in these islands now called the Philippines, we are still being summoned to inculturate our faith. This dialogue between faith and culture takes place more effectively if done in our local language—Tagalog. This challenge is posed concretely to the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines in the form of a translation project, with enough Filipino and Filipina biblicists, of the entire Sacred Scriptures, which shall serve theological studies and reflection rooted in the context of our people and society. The belated and posthumous appreciation of Mitchell Dahood, SJ’s magnum opus (Psalms I-III …