Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Synodality As The Listening Church: Pope Francis Continues And Expands Vatican Ii's Teaching On Collegiality, Toan Van Phan O.Cist

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

At the Ceremony Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Institution of the Synod of Bishops, 17 October 2015, Pope Francis affirmed that synodality is an essential dimension of the Church, and it is what the Lord asks the Church in the third millennium. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the origins and history of the concept of synodality in the life and mission of the Church in the light of theology and doctrine. The theoretical intention is to study what is old and what is new in Pope Francis’s idea of synodality and how the old is made …

The Role And Characteristic Of Love In 1 Corinthians 13, Ninh Van Nguyen

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

In this paper, I discuss the role and characteristics of Love in 1 Corinthians 13. Before going into detailed treatment of this topic, I sought to clarify why Paul writes this letter, and the coherent unity of the letter. I also recognize that it is necessary to clarify the term ‘Love’ in the context of First Corinthians. It is equally important to discern the thematic weight and the position of chapter 13 in the context of the whole epistle. I utilize the structural criticism which considers the chapter in question as the central part of the ‘sandwiched’ construction between chapters …

Pauline Theology: The Interdependently Called Body Of Christ, Katryna Bertucci

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Utilizing the mindset of theology defined as faith seeking understanding, this paper will explore the apostle Paul’s theology on vocation and calling in relation to the “Body of Christ.” It will first aim at exploring Paul’s theology on calling and vocation of the Body of Christ by highlighting 1 Corinthians 12, followed by zooming out to consider recent scholarship on more general Pauline theology. It will then demonstrate how interpretations of Paul’s theology have been utilized and/or critiqued over time in its implementation in relation to vocation and calling. It will conclude with an analysis of newer perspectives of how …

The Glory Of The Lord Whose Likeness Is As The Appearance Of A Human Being/Adam: A Study Of Ezekiel’S Son Of Man/Adam Anthropology, Timothy R. Schmeling

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Ezekiel has often been criticized as a dehumanizing book. Still it is alternative humanisms that have done so much to dehumanize mankind with the totalitarianism of self-deifying individualism or the totalitarianism of collectively-imposed manmade metanarratives. Far from being a dehumanizing book, the objective of the son of man/Adam is certainly to purge his hearers of all anthropologies of autonomy and license, but this Adamic priestly prophet does this to eschatologically resurrect in them an anthropology of dependence and true freedom. Reasserting the creation theology and anthropology of Genesis, Ezekiel insists that authentic humanism, Edenic humanism (i.e., the original humanism), is …

The Power, (Problem), And Potential Of Prayer, Meghan E. Stretar

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This paper illuminates the complex and nuanced relationship between mental health and prayer, particularly seeking theologically grounded understandings of prayer and of our relationship with God in times of mental distress that goes beyond intercessory prayer. The paper begins with an evaluation of social structures that cause mental health problems (notably in college students). A discussion on emotional agility, scarcity, and vulnerability serves as a transition to examining this question from a theological perspective, the second main section of this paper. In this section, I claim that a misunderstanding of the divine-human relationship and of prayer is one potential source …

Seeking A New Paradigm For Youth Ministry Of Waegwan Abbey, South Korea, Cyprian Ji-Eung Ryu

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

No abstract provided.

The Wounded Body Of Christ: Social Trauma In Pastoral Care, Kelsi Watters

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

No abstract provided.

Taking Care Of The Forgotten: A Pastoral Response To The Hospice Care Professional, Constance Friebohle

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

No abstract provided.

A Global Church In The Local Parish: Fostering Intercultural Competency For Indonesian Catholic Ministry In The United States, Janice Kristanti

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

No abstract provided.

How Can Catholic Youth Programs Improve The Youth’S Connection To The Mass?, Elizabeth Cook

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

No abstract provided.

The Catholic Church And The Turn Of The 20th Century: An Anthropology Of Human Flourishing And A Church For Peace, Maria Siebels

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This paper will explore the connections between the 20th century’s unsurpassed violence and the Catholic Church’s adoption of anthropology of human dignity and flourishing, resulting in a call and commission for peace as seen in Pacem et Terris, Gaudium et Spes, and the Catholic Worker Movement.

The Indispensability Of Inculturation For Effective Evangelization: Revisiting The Evangelization Of Sub-Saharan Africa, Mark Obeten

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This paper argues that the incarnation is a profound moment in the redemptive plan of God and hence paradigm of evangelization. It demonstrates that non-inculturated evangelization lacks depth and may lose the fruits of its labor with time. The evangelization of Sub-Saharan Africa is used as a case in point to show this connection between evangelization and inculturation as inevitable.

Introducing Queer Theology, Cole Epping

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

The paper works through the sources of queer theology, giving special attention to how these sources are used in published works. Further, the paper explores the doctrine of the Trinity as a model of “radical friendship”, a relational model that is inclusive to LGBTQ+ folks, as well as the inadvertent queerness of Von Balthasar’s writings on the Trinity.

A Non-Dualistic Reading Of Body And Soul In The Gospel Of Matthew: Focusing On Matthew 10:39 In The Context Of Discipleship, Alexander Blechle

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

The aim of this paper is to suggest a non-dualistic reading of σωμα and ψυχή in the Gospel of Matthew, which will reveal a better understanding of ψυχή in Matthew 10:39, especially in the context of discipleship. Three perspectives of body and soul will be considered: The Platonic, Middle-Platonic, and Matthean.

Catholic Social Teaching And The Christian Responsibility To The Poor, Rose Aspholm

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This paper examines the development of the Catholic Church’s understanding of the Christian responsibility to people who are poor through papal and conciliar documents, Scripture, and the writings of patristic authors.

Life Or Death And Other False Dichotomies: A Theology Of Hospice, Kayla Stock

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Feelings of fear and failure are often ascribed to death and dying; hospice offers a new way forward. This paper considers fear of death from a personal and evolutionary psychological perspective, then branching into the ways fear of death and death anxiety are made manifest in the health care system. Within the health care system, in particular the biomedical model of health care, death is construed as the enemy, the ultimate mark of failure. In one sense, death is fundamentally unknown, and is therefore naturally fear-inducing. Simultaneously, death is also both singularly and universally knowable; it is the only thing …

Not Quite Calvinist: Cyril Lucaris A Reconsideration Of His Life And Beliefs, Stephanie Falkowski

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Cyril Lucaris is primarily remembered as an Eastern Orthodox patriarch who held Calvinist beliefs. A more nuanced view is gained from often ignored facets of his life and times, the extant letters he wrote, and in recognition of various possible interpretations of the existing evidence. This paper, challenging common misconceptions about Lucaris, explores three main areas relevant to this discussion: his biographical influences, his beliefs and their development, and his own intentions and self-understanding of his relationships with Protestants. The result shows a man engaged in a world influenced by Western theological developments from the Reformation, fostering friendships as he …

On Dionysian Theological Methodology, Joseph Arrendale

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite was an anonymous theologian who likely lived in Syria around the sixth century CE. He is primarily known for his advancements in the field of apophatic, or negative, theology. However, far from being against positive statements about God, Dionysius viewed them as necessary springboards for the worship of a God that is beyond word or concept. The structure of the Dionysian method for doing theology allows for the avoidance of idolatry as well as for sidestepping the charge of onto-theology in Christian God-talk. Thomas Aquinas and Hans Urs von Balthasar are theologians that each appropriated the Dionysian …

Do This, In Memory Of Me!, Joseph Qiu-Lin Zhang

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

In order to better understand the meaning of the Eucharist, in this paper I describe three theologians’ views about the Eucharist. Their views represent three denominations of the Church. They are: Martin Luther (Lutheran), Alexander Schmemann (Orthodox), and Thomas Merton (Roman Catholic). I compare their views from three aspects: The meaning of the presence of Jesus Christ in bread and wine in the Eucharist, the qualification of receiving communion, and the entire meaning of the Eucharist.

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Formed For Diverse Communion: Toward Developing An Ecumenical Formation Process For New Members Of Holy Wisdom Monastery’S Sunday Assembly, Rosy Kandathil Osb

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

No abstract provided.

A Garden Enclosed, A Fountain Sealed Up: Paradoxical And Generative Metaphors Of Enclosure In Medieval Female Anchoritism, Cody Maynus Obl.S.B.

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

In addition to monastic and eremitic vocations, medieval women embraced with great fervor the anchoritic life. This unique method of separation produced a multiplicity of metaphorical language to describe the experience of the anchoress and her enclosure. This essay examines a cross section of that metaphorical language, focusing on those which are principally generative and paradoxical.

The Paradox Of Remarkable/Unremarkable Julian Of Norwich, John P. Fitzgibbons

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

No abstract provided.

The Gospel Of Mark, Nancy Mccabe

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

No abstract provided.

A Theological Retrieval Of Communal Parenting As A Moral Response To Baby Stealing And Childlessness In Nigeria, Henry U. Omeike

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This thesis proposes the practice of communal parenting in the Igbo culture as critical to strengthening the godparent/godchild bond by way of offering a moral response to baby stealing and childlessness in Nigeria. It examines how practices such as spiritual intercession, catastrophic fertility expenditure, extramarital conception, baby stealing, and baby factories are impacting Igbo Christian families. It exposes the Igbo beliefs about marriage and fertility; explores the meaning of Igbo marriage, marital fruitfulness, and progeny, as well as the Igbo tradition of co-parenting and how this practice has responded to childlessness. It highlights how the Igbo society's shift from "co-parenting" …

A Story Of Identity In The Christian East, Manya Gustafson

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

A survey of the division of the Christian Church in the East which also led ultimately to schism with the Church in the West. Supplying a context by introduction of the two biblical interpretive schools of Alexandria and Antioch, the essay frames the reconstruction of Christian identity in the territories of the East catalyzed by conflict between the leading ecclesial figures of St. Cyril and Nestorius, and traces efforts to negotiate unity. A closing reflection on possible lessons from the struggle considers how historical objective, interpretive consensus, right relationships, or recognition of present unity may assist the work to find …

Matthew's Least Brothers And It's Application In The Catholic Church, Runbao Zhang

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

The The paper, paper, paper, paper, MatthewMatthew Matthew Matthew’s “Least BrothersLeast BrothersLeast Brothers Least Brothers Least Brothers ” and Its Application in and Its Application in and Its Application in and Its Application in and Its Application in and Its Application in and Its Application in the Catholic ChurchCatholic Church Catholic Church Catholic ChurchCatholic Church Catholic ChurchCatholic Church, exams who exams who exams who exams who exams who “the least brothers the least brothers the least brothers the least brothers the least brothers the least brothers” are in the Gospel of Matthew. are in the Gospel of Matthew. are in …

Jude's Enochian Apocalypse, Lucian López Osb

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Jude’s was an apocalyptic imagination much like that of the writer of Revelation, but he had no need to write his own apocalypse. In his brief epistle, written sometime before 62 CE, Jude revealed that the apocalyptic imagery fueling his own mythos was none other than that of Enoch and various other ancient stories of the Hebrew people.

A Church Built On Charity: Augustine's Ecclesiology, Michael J. Clinger Jr

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This thesis will undertake the mission of articulating the ecclesiological thought of Augustine with particular emphasis on charity as the fundamental component to church unity. Hopefully, this will further demonstrate his inclusivity, not exclusivity. The beginnings of this thesis will simply show his influences, and thus serve as a background to understanding the mind of Augustine. The next step will take the reader into the world of Augustine’s theology of charity. Charity in the Christian life is the result of being gifted with God’s grace; how charity works and how proper, authentic charity appears will be the topic of the …

My Brother's A Jerk And Dad's Gonna Spank Him: Roles And Relations In Obadiah, Aletta Stumo

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This paper presents research and analysis on the use of violence in the Book of Obadiah to make claims of a restored strong masculinity for God, the nation of all-Israel, and the author. The paper finds that these claims can only partially be validated due to the violent nature of the threats and due to how the exile ended.

Gifting Freedom To The Samaritan: Considerations On Access To Both The Sacramental Event And Salvation For Those Who, For Whatever Reason, Find Themselves Outside The Church, And The Consequences Of Identity For The Church In Gifting Such Access, C. A. Chase

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

This thesis gives consideration to issues surrounding the question of access to salvation, and to sacramental event, for contemporary ‘Samaritans’ – those persons who, for whatever reason, find themselves outside the Church. To chart such access, attention must be afforded, not only to the historical pronouncements of the Church, but also, most importantly, to the voiced laments and insights of these Samaritans themselves, enduring their dissonance and respecting their critique, both theological and ecclesiastical. Through such colloquy, a return to the Samaritan in Luke who offers hope to the exigencies of access, and leaves to linger an ecclesiastical question of …