Arts and Humanities Commons^™

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.

Relations Between The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod And The Igreja Evangelica Luterana Do Brasil, Paulo Buss

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study is an attempt to describe and analyze the relations between the Synod (LC-MS) and the Brazil District., the Igreja Evangelica Luterano do Brasil (IELB). A study of this nature seems to be particularly timely now that the traditional relations between Synod and District have given place to a new relationship in which both organizations see themselves as partner churches.

The Ministry Of Jesus Christ As The Fulfillment Of The Servant Prophecies Of Isaiah, Vilson Scholz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

No abstract provided.

The Mediation Of The Spirit Through The Word: A Critical Analysis Of The Theology Of Theodore Jungkuntz In The Light Of The Lutheran Confessions, Timothy Maschke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

A critical analysis of any theology can be presumptuous at worst; unnecessary at best. This study was undertaken a number of years ago as the writer struggled to determine the critical area where the charismatic movement touches Lutheran theology most sensitively. To start with a premise that the Lutheran charismatic movement is heretical (as a few writers have assumed) did not seem scholarly or fair. To impose Lutheran terminology on charismatic and nee-Pentecostal concepts seemed equally unsound. After observing the growing pains of the Lutheran charismatic movement, the writer became aware that a study of one area--the mediation of the …

Augustana Vii And The Unity Of The Church Major Interpretive Accents In Nineteenth And Twentieth Century American Lutheranism, Mark Wangerin

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the intent of this thesis to examine the meaning of the Seventh Article of the Augsburg Confession on the basis of the article itself, its Scriptural and creedal antecedents, and its context within the corpus of the Lutheran Confessions. The interpretation of this article by key theologians of the period of Lutheran Orthodoxy as well as by nineteenth century American Lutherans will then be presented. Finally, the clashing and sometimes bitter debate regarding the interpretation of this article in the twentieth century will be fully presented both from the viewpoint of official church documents am from the pen …

The Cosmic Christ Of Colossians, Victor Raj

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study was undertaken as an attempt to evaluate and possibly correct some recent interpretations of Christ's person and work. Much of theology today has left the impression that Christianity is just another agency of good will to fight against social, political and eco­ nomic injustice in the world. Accordingly, the motive behind much of contemporary theological discussions has been to challenge the church to join in what is often called the "humanization" of man.

It is our position that Christology occupies the pivotal position in any facet of Christian theology. In fact, it performs normative functions for the rest …

Predestination: A Comparative Analysis Of The Theology Of A. W. Pink In Relation To The Westminster Confession Of Faith, Richard Belcher

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The subject matter of this dissertation concerns the doctrine of predestination in the theology of Arthur W. Pink. The study will include a comparison of his view to the Westminster Confession of Faith. Several areas of preliminary consideration must be presented before the primary subject can be approached.

Was Jesus The Priestly Messiah A Study Of The New Testament's Teaching Of Jesus' Priestly Office Against The Background Of Jewish Hopes For A Priestly Messiah, Jonathan Grothe

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Thus, on a narrower scale, this study aims to test an hypothesis in one area of New Testament Christology and to present conclusions regarding it. Since the question involves also the relationship of Judaism to the New Testament, this study also aspires to make a contribution to the ongoing task of methodically examining and carefully describing that relationship. Inasmuch as a major section of the study deals with the Epistle to the Hebrews, it also includes among its goals the attempt to add to the current discussion of the proper background and purpose of Hebrews.

As an historical and exegetical …

A Strategy For The Lutheran Church-Hong Kong Synod To Fulfill The Great Commission Of Making Disciples, Yat Kwong Wong

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

There are three reasons for writing this thesis" "A Strategy for the Lutheran Church-Hong Kong Synod to Fulfill the Great Commission of Making Disciples. "

In the first place~ no one has evaluated the Hong Kong Synod in regard to church growth since it began thirty years ago. It is necessary to know whether our church in Hong Kong has grown effectively or not. Secondly, since no church on earth is prefect, a study such as this will help in identifying the weaknesses of the Hong Kong Synod as a first step toward improving it.

Finally, the author plans to …