Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Exploring The Medieval Frontier: The Reconquista, Alex Wolfe

Scholar Week 2016 - present

This project focuses on material history, the study of objects and their role in history, and deriving meaning from artifacts in order to synthesize an applied historical thesis.

The objects studied in this research project are of particular importance to the study of the Reconquista, a unique frontier conflict in the Iberian Peninsula between Christians and Muslims that lasted from the eighth through fifteenth centuries.

The artifacts brought together in this digital exhibit bring into material focus the visible exchanges and borrowings between Christians and Muslims across the frontier of the Reconquista. In their material relationship, they demonstrate the unique …

“When White Men And Indians United Shall Praise:” Indigenous Inclusion In The Hartford Music Company, Savannah N. Skaggs

ATU Research Symposium

The Hartford Music Company and Institute of Hartford, Arkansas has attracted increasing academic interest, particularly within the last twenty years. This southern gospel music publishing company and singing school based in southern Sebastian County published a collection of shape note hymnals which boasted some of the genre’s most prolific literature. Though a growing number of Arkansans are learning that these gospel staples came from their own hill country, many do not realize that several of these songs were premiered by or recorded by Indigenous people. While this may not initially seem particularly impactful, this genre developed its own distinct identity …

Are We Wrong: The Symbolic Identity Of The Goat For Azazel (The Scapegoat), D. Houston Beckworth

Campus Research Day

This paper argues that a distinction needs to be made between the goat and the scapegoat (Azazel), and thus the goat’s symbolic identity should also be separate from Azazel. Seventh-Day Adventists and evangelical Christians hold two different views regarding the antitypical identity of the goat for Azazel within Leviticus 16’s account of the Day of Atonement. Adventists focus on the features of Azael to conclude that the scapegoat is Satan. Evangelicals commonly argue that the goat is characteristic of Jesus. Each of them has problematically taught these while merging the goat and scapegoat. However, separating the goat and Azazel resolves …

From Proposal To Implementation: The Founding Of The Center For Faith And Family, Leon Blanchette Edd, Mark Frisius Phd, Lindsey Bush

Scholar Week 2016 - present

This panel will discuss the process involved in the formation of the Center for Faith and Family at Olivet. The concept of the Center originated in Spring of 2022 when Lilly Endowment invited Olivet to submit a grant proposal. The purpose of the grant was to establish a unique approach to providing resources that assist parents and caregivers to pass their faith to their children. In this panel discussion, the presenters will discuss the process of submitting the grant proposal, the steps taken to research and launch the Center, and the current initiatives of the Center.

Alyosha The Christian Hermeneut, Eddie Li

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Presentation Abstract: Alyosha as the Christian Hermeneut

This presentation is adapted from my essay Alyosha as the Christian Hermeneut, written under the supervision of Dr. Paul Contino. In the essay, I gave an analysis of the character Alyosha in Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, in light of Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology, Hans-Georg Gadamer’s hermeneutics, and Dr. Contino’s book on Incarnational Realism. I discussed how Alyosha adapts from an inexperienced Christian disciple to a mature interpreter capable of conducting the hermeneutical fusion of horizons with different horizons. Within this capability, Alyosha develops his unique Christian horizon, enabling him to understand and reconcile the …

Is "Divine Hiddenness" Evidence For Atheism? A Response To J. L. Schellenberg, Jim Beilby

Day of Scholarship

The problem of divine hiddenness is an objection to Christianity that claims that a perfectly loving God would make his existence more obvious than it, in fact, is. The philosopher, J. L. Schellenberg has argued extensively there are some people who fall into the category of "non-resistant nonbelievers," people who desire to believe in and be in relationship with God, but who cannot due to the lack of evidence for God's existence. Schellenberg argues that the existence of non-resistant nonbelievers is incompatible with God's being perfectly loving and all-powerful. In response, I argue that even if there are nonresistant nonbelievers, …

Embedded Genres In The New Testament, Jeannine Brown

Day of Scholarship

This forthcoming monograph addresses embedded genres in the New Testament and asks the question, What difference does careful attention to ‘genres within genres’ make for interpretation? The book, to be published in 2024, is based on my lecture series at Acadia Divinity College in 2022. There is little, sustained theoretical exploration of the role of embedded genres in either biblical studies or in literary studies. The heart of the book (chapters 2-4) provides analysis of three examples of embedded genres across the New Testament. One example is vigorously debated (Philippians 2:6-11 as poetic); the second is usually overlooked (riddles by …

The Problem Of Religious Peer Disagreement: A Response To Harold Netland, Jim Beilby

Day of Scholarship

The problem of religious peer disagreement is this: suppose there are people that are your "epistemic peers" - they are just as intelligent, informed, and sincere as you - but they reject your religious beliefs. Does the existence of skeptical epistemic peers force Christians to withhold or evidentially support their religious beliefs? In this paper, I critique Harold Netland's work on religious peer disagreement on three fronts: (1) his identification of epistemic peers, (2) his understanding of the epistemic implications of religious peer disagreement, and (3) the viability of his demand for additional evidence as a response to instances of …

Japan, Anime, And Theology, Kaz Hayashi

Day of Scholarship

This poster presents two publications related to Japan, anime, and theology. While each publication is different, they both ask “How do Japanese anime and popular culture reflect the beliefs of the people, and how can we view these beliefs from a biblical theological lens?” The book Anime, Philosophy, and Religion explores the diversity of anime themes and content by an international group of scholars. The article “Holograms and Idols: The Image of God and Artificial Transcendence in the Cultural Phenomenon of the Japanese Vocaloid Hatsune Miku” argues how the popularity of hologram concerts reflects the universal human desire for a …

Belonging In Unashamed Authenticity, Nathan R. Kitchen

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

In 2020, the UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute reported that 47% of LGBTQ adults were moderately or highly religious. This equates to 5.3 million religious LGBTQ adults in America. We cannot ignore this population.

When making the transition into young adulthood, many religious LGBTQ youth feel they must make a choice between their spiritual well-being or their queerness. As a university community interested in the success of the rising generation, we can provide support for religious queer young adults through understanding:

1. What is happening in this transition and why,

2. The well-being needs of religious queer young adults …

Program: Featured Lecture, "Stranger God: Meeting Jesus In Disguise.", Richard Beck

William M. Green Distinguished Christian Lecture Program

Program for the Forty-Third Annual William M. Green Distinguished Christian Lecture Program with featured lecturer Dr. Richard Beck, Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Abilene Christian University.

Restored In Christ, Grace And Peach Church

Symposium on Worship Archive

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence: Its Impact On Christian Education, Youssry Guirguis

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

In recent years, the world has witnessed a resounding revolution in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and today there is no field where AI is not employed. These institutions have a major role in developing policies, curricula, and strategies to keep pace with the modern artificial revolution. The aim of this research is to find out how current developments in this ��eld are likely to impact education in the future, and how such developments in Edtech might impact on future graduates, colleges, universities, societies, and cultures.

Developing An Operation Model For Mission Trips On Health And Evangelism In Developing Countries - The Salama Health Project., Sozina Katuli

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Many mission trips conducted by health workers and evangelists in developing countries have benefitted the communities in Africa. However, some of these benefits have been very short-lived and need to be more sustainable. Once the mission team leaves, the communities are left unattended, with little or no support. This project employs a mission research grassroots approach. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of the research-mission approach in terms of acceptability and sustainability by using the PRECED/PROCEED, model.

Adventist Spirituality In A Post-Modern World, Monthusi Legodi

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

The Adventist movement, which originated in the 19th century, has long placed a strong emphasis on the study of biblical prophecy and the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. As the world continues to change and evolve, Adventists are faced with the challenge of maintaining their traditional spiritual practices while also adapting to the realities of a postmodern society. The challenge of maintaining their traditional spiritual practices while also adapting to the realities of a post-modern society. This research paper aims to explore the role of tradition and innovation in Adventist spirituality in the 21st century.

The Role Of Young People On The Future Of Adventism On Health, Education, Socio- Economic Growth, And Spiritually., Jerimiah Rogito

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Adventism is a unique global faith that seeks to ensure wholistic growth of an individual. The faith seeks to build an individual socially, economically, spiritually, and physically leading to a thriving and fulfilling lifestyle. This paper, through a theoretical review of thematic literature of various articles and books, seeks to highlight the role of young people in the future of Adventism on health, education, socio-economic growth, and spirituality with a focus on the role of faith in healing and thriving.

Developing A Research Agenda: Collaborative And Impactful Research For Adventist Ministry And Education In Australia And New Zealand, Tracie Mafile'o, Erika Puni Dr, Michelle Ralston Dr, Daniela Brown Ms, Branimir Schubert Dr

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Adventist human-subject research ought to have a positive impact and to address real-world challenges. This presentation reports on a current qualitative study which aims to develop a research agenda for collaborative and impactful research for the Adventist ministry and education in Australia and New Zealand.

We Are Kamea Christians Not Because We Sing Like Berrien Springs Christians: Towards A Methodology Of Developing A Biblical Theology In Context, Unia Api

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This paper attempts to demonstrate a methodological approach to doing theology in context. A lot of homogenizations of Western Christianity have very much impacted the way we do church in Melanesia (Pacific Islands). This trend motivated me to ride on the wave of Melanesian thinkers to make theology relevant in the Melanesian context. Title: Exploring

Belonging Among Seventh-Day Adventists With Disabilities, Shannon M. Trecartin

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Globally, 15% of Seventh-day Adventists have some form of disability, the same percentage found in the world population. Yet barriers to belonging beyond access to a physical building persist. This study explores dimensions of belonging, compares findings across world divisions of the church, and makes recommendations for research and practice.

What Does Recent Research Say About The Level Of Education Of Adventist Church Leaders?, Galina Stele

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a global Church with 13 divisions and four attached fields. A growing number of unions and conferences makes the need for competent leadership obvious. Leadership is important for the success of any organization, and it is even more crucial for the Church that fulfills the Great Commission to bring the message about Jesus' saving power and His second coming to the world. But what is the level of education of church administrators in the Adventist Church? How well are they educated? And in what areas and institutions did they receive their education?

Through Christ Alone?: Adventists’ Beliefs About Salvation, Petr A. Činčala, René Drumm, Duane C. Mcbride

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This presentation examines how Adventists from four world divisions view the issue of salvation. Using data from the 2018 and 2023 Global Church Member’s Surveys, we compare and contrast members’ stated beliefs over time about how one receives salvation. The analysis includes cultural factors that may be influencing these outcomes.

Laughable At Best, Criminal At Worst: Why Adventist Clergy Leave Pastoral Ministry, René Drumm, Petr Cincala

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This presentation highlights Findings from a qualitative, study of former Adventist pastors. The analysis reveals a number of conditions that lead clergy to leave pastoral ministry for other endeavors. These findings are important in stabilizing the pastorate in North America. We conclude with recommendations to Church administrators and educational institutions.

Faith Experience Of African Students In Secular Universities In Russia: A Narrative Inquiry, Pavel Zubkov

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

For decades young Africans to come to study in Russian universities. Apart from social issues the Adventist students face a faith challenge in observing Sabbath and confronting secular worldview. This study will explore the life stories of African students to identify the reasons, why some keep Adventist faith and others give up.

Paul And Seneca On The Immanence Of God: Stoicism And Christianity Compared, Mason Campbell

Scholars Day Conference

This Thesis is a comparative study of the apostle Paul and the Stoic philosopher Seneca on the immanence of God. The study compares Paul and Seneca’s views on the divine, the self, and the immanence of the divine. The study compares epistle 41 of Seneca’s letters to Lucilius and Romans 8:9-11.

An Investigation Into The New Testament Understanding Of Israel, Ashton Hurst

Scholars Day Conference

This is an exegetical investigation into the New Testament understanding of the true, spiritual Israel.

Purim: Origins, Traditions, And Meaning, Holly Hatcher

Scholars Day Conference

An analysis of the history and purpose behind the Jewish festival of Purim and of its celebration among various Jewish cultures.

Organs In Colonial New England Puritan Churches, Jacob Skaggs

ATU Research Symposium

Puritans, often referred to as the founders of America, held strict religious doctrines that alienated themselves from other Christians. One such doctrine is the outlawing of instruments in public worship. However, it took only about 150 years for such anti-instrument sentiments to shift towards acceptance. The reinstatement of organs in Puritan Churches seems to follow trends of increased religious tolerance caused by both theological and social developments. This paper relates organs to tolerance through examination of theological and musical documents from 17th and 18th century Puritans. This research provides a lens for examining today's church worship doctrines through the context …

Can Feminism And Christianity Coexist According To 40 Christian Women?, Riley George

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Applied

The Abc Of Christian Missionary Work, Luke Walsh, Amelia Thomas, Annalisa Stoll, Briana Slaubaugh, John Chevere, Natasha Leininger, Paul Jang

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Textual or Investigative

God In Harlem: Religious Symbolism In "Sonny's Blues", Katherine Bechter

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Textual or Investigative