Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Selected U.S. Supreme Court Cases Viewed Through The Lenses Of The Lutheran Two Kingdoms Doctrine, Larry Hendricks

Master of Divinity Thesis

The aim of this research is to prove how the Lutheran traditions (Scripture, Luther's writings, the Confessions, and Lutheran statements) to the citizen of a twentieth century democracy can help form a perception of selected cases of the Supreme Court of the United States in the light of the Two-Kingdom Doctrine of Luther. Certain Supreme Court decisions concerning the First Amendment of the United States Constitution will be chosen for their importance to the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

Demonic Possession, Exorcism, And Pastoral Care, Paul Sherouse

Master of Divinity Thesis

The objective of this research paper is to understand the phenomena of demonic possession in the light of Scriptural teaching and Lutheran theology, in order to evaluate the place of exorcism in pastoral care. To achieve this objective, the following research is employed: (1)Lutheran involvement in the 1949 case in terms of pastoral care provided, (2) Scriptural references to Satan, demons, and demonic possession, (3) references to the same in significant Lutheran theological literature, (4) insights from other literature on demonic possession, and (5) evaluation of exorcism in the practice of pastoral care.

Effective Pastoral Care For The Bereaved, Michael Klatt

Master of Divinity Thesis

The topic which I have chosen for my research elective is "grief.” The name which I have chosen for my study is "Effective Pastoral Care for the Bereaved." Since the grieving process is something which everyone goes through at one time of their life or another, I felt that doing a study of bereavement after the loss of a loved one would be a very appropriate subject. The pastor must know how to give effective pastoral care for the bereaved person, so it is essential that he know about grief with its various causes and stages. The pastor must also …

An Evaluation Of The Position Of The Missouri Synod On The Antichrist, Richard Hillenbrand

Master of Divinity Thesis

In this study, then, we will concentrate on three main witnesses: that of the Scriptures, that of sixteenth century Lutherans (with special emphasis on Luther), and that of the Missouri Synod. Each will be dealt with thoroughly in separate sections. The stance taken will be presented, and also the historical circumstances that brought about that stance at that particular time. Stances and the reasons for them will be compared and, finally, the practical implications of differing stances will be discussed.

The Three-Self Principle As A Model For The Indigenous Church, Peter Dorn

Master of Divinity Thesis

With all of these definitions, the one that is recognized the most is still the one with which it was associated from the beginning. "In common usage, an indigenous church is defined as a church that is self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propagating."11 This Three-Self Principle is the subject of this paper. Since the development of the Three-Self Principle more than a century ago, many other "selves” have been put forward as a means to developing the indigenous church. The most current of these discussions are centering on the indigenization or contextualization of theology. These discussions are outside the realm of discussion …

Selections Translated From The Loci Theoiogici By Johann Gerhard, Charles Paulson

Master of Divinity Thesis

An article in the December 14, 1981 issue of the Reporter begins: “Lutheran theologians do a good job of emphasizing salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, yet lay people do not seem to grasp the divine compulsion to follow faith with works." This may be true today, but it is no fault of John Gerhard and the other 'orthodox' Lutheran theologians. This paper has originated from a desire to learn more about the connection between faith and works, and whether Lutheran theology gives this connection proper treatment. Because the age of orthodoxy has formed the basis of so much …

Confronting And Utilizing Conflict In The Parish, David Becker

Master of Divinity Thesis

Conflict is a fact of life which congregations need to face, resolve, and utilize. The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of interpersonal conflict and ways in which a congregation can face, resolve, and utilize conflicts which arise.

A Study Of Psalms 16, 49, 116, And 23 And Their View Of Eternal Life And The Resurrection, Joel Christiansen

Master of Divinity Thesis

This study is an analysis of Psalms 16, 29, 116, and 23 for their understanding about eternal life and the resurrection of the body. Since the time of Mowinckel it has been the standard assumption of most scholars that neither Israel nor early Judaism knew of a faith in a resurrection. On the basis of Ugaritic parallels Mitchell Dahood in his work on the Psalms challenged that conception. Not only are there references to immortality and the resurrection in Psalms 49 and 73, which .other scholars agree with, but it was his contention that there are at least forty other …

Assimilation: It's Role In Church Growth, Dennis Bartels

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of the paper is to help the reader examine and evaluate the importance and the process of assimilation of members into the congregation. This will be accomplished by evaluation of Scripture on such topics as man's condition, discipleship and the body of Christ. Also included will be, the importance of assimilation in fulfilling the command of our Lord in the "Great Commission"; with a look at the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Finally the paper will look at the role the pastor and congregation play in the process of assimilation.

Pastoral Care In Lutheran Rural America-Its Uniqueness And Challenge, Stephen Nickodemus

Master of Divinity Thesis

The subject of this research paper deals with the topic, Pastoral Care in Lutheran Rural America: Its Uniqueness and Challenge. The paper will be divided into four chapters as follows: (1) Pastoral Care in general, a Lutheran definition and what this entails for the Lutheran pastor; (2) Rural America, the unique American sub-culture: what it is and how it is changing; (3) Lutheran Rural America, a definition and how it is changing; and (4) Pastoral Care in Lutheran Rural America its uniqueness and its challenge to the Lutheran Pastor. Each of these chapters might involve an entire research paper, but …

Prolegomena To The Study Of Hegel's Philosophy Of Religion, Alan Borcherding

Master of Divinity Thesis

This introduction is designed to aid a person with the desire to study the Hegelian philosophy of religion; it is not itself an introduction to his philosophy of religion (this ought to be obvious from the relative length of the early chapters and the relative brevity of the last two chapter0. It is hoped that three particular enemies of the reader in Hegel's philosophy can be overcome in this paper: the tracing of origins, the identification of main principles, and the vast literature.

St. Paul's Apostolic Authority And His First Letter To The Corinthians, Robert Weinhold

Master of Divinity Thesis

The search for an authoritative word from God has been at the heart and center of man's struggle for existence since the beginning of time. God, in His wisdom, has seen fit to provide that authoritative word through many messengers in the course of history. Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah and Malachi were all messengers, mediators, of God's sacred will to his chosen and beloved people, Israel. With the sending of his own Son, God sent the ultimate messenger in the perfect God-Man, Jesus. Even though Jesus spoke God's message clearly and perfectly, man still needed guidance in understanding God's will …

High Technology And The Church: The Computer As An Aid To Ministry, Warren Uecker

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the possible uses and potential benefits to the church on the congregational level of highly technological advances in the area of data management and information handling. More specifically, this discussion will center around the feasibility of the use of the small computer in the parish setting, including areas not only involving the financial and bookkeeping functions of the congregation but also, and in more detail, other potential uses of a computer system which could benefit the mission and ministry of the parish.

The Predestinarian Controversy And Its Effects On The Missouri Synod's Attempts Toward Lutheran Unity, John Wohlrabe

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper will attempt to set forth important facts involved in the Predestinarian Controversy and then analyze its effects on the Missouri Synod’s attempts toward Lutheran unity. One must realize that it is very difficult to set forth a totally unbiased account and analysis. Yeti have sincerely tried to give an honest presentation while holding true to my own convictions.

Gifts Of The Spirit, Glenn Nielsen

Master of Divinity Thesis

The format for this paper is relatively simple. First, a brief section on the history of spiritual gifts will be given. This will be followed by an indepth doctrinal study of the subject. On the basis of that study, each gift will be discussed with the purpose of providing a definition for that gift. And last, the benefits and dangers involved with the use of spiritual gifts within the Church today will be discussed. But, while the format is relatively simple, the topic of spiritual gifts is not. Thus it is wise always to keep in mind Paul’s advice when …

The Material Principle Of Lutheran Theology As A Hermeneutical Presupposition, Ralph Blomenberg

Master of Divinity Thesis

The scope of this paper has been limited by suggestion of the advisor to a discussion of the material principle of Lutheran theology as a hermeneutical presupposition, although readings for the research elective included a much wider range of subjects related to contemporary hermeneutics. It is the purpose of this paper to demonstrate the theological background for the concept of the Lutheran material principle, to describe its function as a hermeneutical presupposition, and to demonstrate that certain presuppositions of some contemporary methods of interpretation contradict those underlying the material principle of Lutheran theology.

The Validity Of Separating Altar From Pulpit Fellowship, Steven Bauer

Master of Divinity Thesis

This solution to the problem of church fellowship between the ALC and the LCMS deserves some attention. It offers a simple but practical compromise which seems to go a long way towards seeking out Christian fellowship among Lutheran church bodies which are very close while protecting their concern for the truth of God's Word. But, no matter how pratical it may be, the primary question we must ask of it is, "Is this in accordance with God's Word?” The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the separation of altar from pulpit fellowship is valid in the light of …

The Gift Of Prophecy In The New Testament, Kevin Popp

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this study is not to provide a thorough treatment of all spiritual gifts, but to concentrate on one such gift and trace it through the entire witness of Scripture. It is hoped that this method will contribute to the overall understanding of spiritual gifts and provide a basis for continuing study.

Soli Deo Gloria: The Relationship Between Christianity And The Arts, Frederic Baue

Master of Divinity Thesis

For Eliot, for Bach, for the redeemed of every age, "Soli Deo Gloria" sums up the relationship between Christianity and the arts. It is the purpose of this paper to examine that relationship, past, present, and future.

The Whole Counsel Of God: A Study Of The Development Of The Church Year And The Pericopal System, Neil Andersen

Master of Divinity Thesis

Within the scope of this paper the cycle of worship will be examined. This cycle of worship, called the "Church Year" has taken two forms. Traditionally, with the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England, the Eastern Rites, and the Lutheran Churches a set pattern or Liturgical Year has been followed. As will be seen this has developed into a rich and complete celebration including the life and ministry of the Savior from His birth and culminating in His Triumphant return. The first half is termed the First Semester of the Church Year or the Dominical Semester. This is followed …

Two Early Church Homilies Compared, Russell Sommerfeld

Master of Divinity Thesis

Thus, it becomes the purpose of this paper to examine the two earliest extant homilies of the Early Church in order to glean from them an import of assistance in doing the homiletical task today. The two early sermons to be examined, compared and used as homiletical tools are the, so-called, second Epistle of Clement and Passion Homily of Melito . Bishop of Sardis.

An Examination Of The Lutheran Doctrine Of Conversion, George Volkert

Master of Divinity Thesis

Having summarized the doctrine of conversion and its relation to the various articles of faith, it becomes incumbent upon us in a paper of the scope of this one to focus our attention on one aspect of this vast topic with the present prominence of "decision theology,” popularized by such as Billy Graham and asserted in many evangelism programs, notably Dr. James Kennedy's Evangelism Explosion, one particular aspect of Lutheran teaching stands out as deserving our special attention. That point on which we wish to concentrate is Luther's understanding of man as pure passive (purely passive) or mere passive(merely passive) …

The Reformation In Norway: A Historical-Bibliographical Survey, Jack Preus

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this study is to explore a few of the many questions that could be raised concerning the advent of the Reformation to Norway. When did the Lutheran Church of Norway begin? How did it come into being? Where did it begin? Where did it flourish first? How did Norway become a truly “Lutheran" country? Who were the heros or the antiheros of the Reformation in Norway? Where can one go to find out more about the Church of Norway? This study attempts to answer some of these questions.

Luther's Attitude Toward Religious Toleration In Light Of His Two Kingdom Doctrine, Richard Elseroad

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of the treatise is not simply to list the inconsistencies or contradictions that may exist in Luther's attitudes toward religious toleration (though at times it will become important to come to grips with these variances). No, the real challenge and goal is to uncover Luther’s rationale, if possible, which determines his relations with those he opposes. In other words, it is the attempt to find that consistency or loyalty to principle that will clarify the all too apparent inconsistencies.

New Testament Prayer As Found In The Epistle Of James, Mark Whitsett

Master of Divinity Thesis

Perhaps one may question, "Why another study on prayer?" Indeed volumes have been written on the subject much more eloquent and thorough than this study. But this may only further underscore the importance of the topic. In the New Testament alone there are well over 250 direct or indirect references to prayer. The commands to pray and the promises attached to prayer are many. This writer is convinced that as long as there are Christians in the world they will need to study this thing called prayer. And as long as there are Christians praying, prayer and its applications can …

The Immortality Of The Soul Versus The Resurrection Of The Dead, John Sattler

Master of Divinity Thesis

When preparing a presentation on 'death' for a confirmation class, I could find only weak Scriptural proof texts supporting the "traditional" view of death as "separation of body and soul:" Only a few passages spoke of the two nature sin man; namely, body and soul. None spoke in terms of an immortality in man or mentioned a "separation."

The evidence to be cited below will attempt to reveal the problems that are associated with this widely accepted concept of the fate of a Christian at death as it relates to the issue of the immortality of the soul. Several misconceptions …

Guilt In The Parish Ministry-A Pastoral Perspective, Dale Kleimola

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper is divided into four major sections. The first presents the nature of the illness from a personal and mec7icalperspective. This will be helpful in revealing to an interested pastor the symptoms of, the- illness. The second section deals with the illness from a theological perspective, especially in terms of how depression is influenced by the tension that exists between Law and Gospel. The third section deals with depression as a psychological illness and discusses how some schools of psychiatric medicine deal with the relationship between personal religious faith and psychological disorder. The fourth section considers how a pastor …

The Way International, Its History, Theology And Impact On The Church, Douglas Morton

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper deals with one such cult. Its founder is a man named Victor Paul Wierwille. The name of the false spiritual movement connected with this man is The Way International. This is a name that I am sure the Church will be hearing more of in the future. It can be classified among the new cults which have sprung up in America during the last few decades.

This paper will, in only a brief way, give the reader a look at this group. The hope is that the paper will give the reader a look at the insides of …

The Wauwatosa Theology: J.P. Koehler, His Exegetical Methodology And The Prote'stant Conference, Charles Werth

Master of Divinity Thesis

Given the limited secondary resources available on the Wauwatosa Theology, this paper intends to provide a brief summary of issues involved in the activity and fall of the Wauwatosa Theology. The aim of the paper is to provide an alternative viewpoint to Leigh Jordahl's Master's Thesis entitled “The Wauwatosa Theology" and the summary of the same found in the Introduction to The History of the Wisconsin Synod by John Philip Koehler.

Contemporary Doctrines Of The Lord's Supper Believed, Taught And Confessed By Selected Religious Bodies Of The United States Of America, With Special Emphasis Upon The Doctrines Of The Real Presence And The Consecration, David Last

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper has attempted to present the doctrines of 'the Real Presence and the consecration in various religious bodies on these United States; especially among Lutherans. It has hopefully raised some eyebrows, driven us back to Scripture and the Confessions, and caused us to think through our position once again. It has presented the understanding of the Sacrament and the Real Presence for Luther and for the Confessions of our beloved Evangelical Lutheran Church.