Arts and Humanities Commons^™

How The Russian Orthodox Church Views The "Russian World", Thomas Bremer

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The cultural concept of a “Russian world” (Russian: “russkiy mir”) plays an increasingly important role today, and is not limited to political discourse. The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which officially joined the “Russian World” foundation in 2009, has frequently referred to Russkiy mir in recent discourse. The term “Russian world” refers to a culture that differentiates itself from Western culture and is superior to it. Despite ROC usage of the term, understanding of Russkiy mir is diffuse. There are still some semantic constants which occur repeatedly. The most significant of these are a) the historical aspect, b) religion or religious …

Valčo And Slivka's "Christian Churches In Post-Communist Slovakia: Current Challenges And Opportunities" - Book Review, Lubomir M. Ondrasek

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

No abstract provided.

Orthodox "Imagined Communities" In The Ottoman Balkans, James R. Payton Jr

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

As a young scholar being trained in Early Modern European history, I imbibed unstated assumptions along with the canons of western historiography. My teaching and research career, though, soon moved eastward, to focus on Byzantium, the Balkans, and the Eastern Christianity which permeated both. With this transition, I became uneasily aware of how little attention western scholarship has given to these fields, or to the momentous developments which took place in the eastern half of the European continent. Some of these developments challenge and undermine some hallowed scholarly perspectives; among them is the assessment commonly held among western scholars about …

Religion And National Identity In Borderlands: Greek Catholics And Hungarian Reformed In Transylvania, Beth Admiraal

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

No abstract provided.

Lost Prophets: Tertullian, Eusebius, Epiphanius, And Early Montanism, Brice Andrew Larson

Seminary Masters Theses

ABSTRACT The dearth of reliable primary source material on the New Prophecy has led to a proliferation of interpretations of the character of the movement. However, a careful examination of the New Prophecy’s preserved sayings, the writings of Tertullian, and the movement’s earliest critics preserved by Eusebius and Epiphanius reveal a movement steeped in the Christian tradition that came into conflict with other Christians because of their willingness to pay ministers and their passive understanding of the charisma of prophecy.

Young Adults Leaving The Church: The Tie To Intentional Spiritual Mentoring Among Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Teens Through Youth And Confirmation Ministry, Serena Alexandria Pace

Doctor of Ministry

Previously churched Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)1 young adults are leaving the worship community post confirmation and post high school. Is this truly what is taking place? If so, what structures within churches and youth ministries might contribute to this problem? In order to address this problem, it is proposed that the lack of youth mentorship ministry, especially of teen-agers in the church, contributes to the problem. Worship communities can help ensure that young adults stay connected by establishing mentor relationships during the confirmation and teen years.

Philadelphia Methodism Walking Tour, Benjamin Hartley

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

This is a 22-stop walking tour script of Philadelphia Methodism in collaboration with Palmer Theological Seminary students and staff persons at St. George's United Methodist Church, the oldest Methodist church building in the United States. The 22 stops are within 5 blocks of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The stories told on the tour are inclusive of the histories of both the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church as well as other Wesleyan groups which trace their origins to antecedent bodies of the UMC denomination. The walking tour contains a map of the 22 stops and pictures …

Second Criticality— An Interdisciplinary Approach To The New Testament And Its Contexts, Paul N. Anderson

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

In my just-released introduction to the New Testament published by Abingdon1 I find myself trying to make several contributions that make this something of a new and serviceable approach. First, I proceed in canonical order, dividing the book into three parts (the Gospels and Jesus, Acts and the writings of Paul, General Letters and Revelation) beginning each chapter with laying out from three to six crises or background issues that help the reader appreciate the contexts in which the twenty-seven books of the New Testament were written. Nearly sixty crises and contextual issues are outlined overall, and I feel this …

Effects Of An Electronically Guided Prayer Intervention, Brian Lee Goetsch

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Abstract Hope has been identified as an important factor in a variety of positive outcomes in psychotherapy, medicine, academic success, and for general levels of functioning. However, until now most studies on hope have been correlational in nature, and researchers have rarely sought to understand how hope can be facilitated. The present study considered the effect of prayer on experiences of hope in a national sample of Christian college students. An intervention group completed a guided prayer exercise once a day for 2 weeks. Pre and post-test levels of hope were assessed and compared to a control group, and a …

Sexual Interdependence Theory (Sit)/Sexual Progression Approach (Spa), Rodger K. Bufford, Albert Pace, Brett Copeland

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

The Dual Textual History Of The Song Of Hana In The Ethiopic Manuscript Traditions, Brian Christopher Jeanseau

Seminary Masters Theses

In Ethiopia, the Song of Hana has been transmitted in two types of manuscripts—biblical manuscripts and Psalters. This thesis compares the textual histories of this song within both manuscript types and shows that these are actually two separate traditions, not one tradition as previously assumed. Chapter one starts with descriptions of what these two manuscript types are and what the Song of Hana is. In chapter two, we briefly discuss some background issues—the scholarly efforts that have taken place in the Ethiopic Old Testament so far and the history of the Judeo-­‐Christian religion in Ethiopia which has shaped these two …

An Indigenous Theological Perspective On Sabbath, Randy Woodley

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

No abstract provided.

Irenaeus Of Lyons: A Defense Of Recapitulation, Mathew Thomas Hollen

Seminary Masters Theses

Abstract This work sets out to explain the atonement theory of Irenaeus of Lyons. Irenaeus’ atonement theology is often described simply as “Christus Victor” but I argue that is simply a narrow sliver of the wider atonement theory of recapitulation. In this thesis I systematically try to expound what it is Irenaeus believed and why he believed it. In the first chapter I explain the problem at hand and a short biography of the bishop. In the second chapter I seek to summarize the Gnostic school of Valentinianism, which is the key opponent against Irenaeus writes in his best-known work …

An Indigenous Theological Perspective On Sabbath, Randy Woodley

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

No abstract provided.

On Finding Jesus ... And Divorcing Mary Magdalene, Paul N. Anderson

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

The last of the six CNN episodes on Finding Jesus: Faith. Fact. Forgery deals with Mary Magdalene and her relationship with Jesus. Like the other episodes and the book by David Gibson and Michael McKinley on which the series is based, glimpses of Jesus are garnered through the lenses of artifacts, including archaeological and manuscript discoveries ranging from over a millennium ago to recent decades. The final episode focuses on Mary Magdalene. According to the Gospels, she was a faithful follower of Jesus, but might she have been more than that -- perhaps even a lover, or Jesus' wife? Inquiring …

Sustainable Church Planting: A Missional Approach, Brandon Hempel

Doctor of Ministry

In my experience with church planting today, there is a concern for its sustainability due to financial constraints, leadership burnout, and results. The purpose of this dissertation is to discuss the problems therein with traditional church planting and to also lay the foundations for a more sustainable church planting option through the vehicle of missional community. My intentions are for my local Wesleyan conference to benefit from this work as it has been constructed through the culmination of my research and study as well as my own practical ministry experiences as a church planting pastor. While church planting is not …

Monastic Missional Pilgrim Communities In Liquid Modern Spain, Garrick C. Roegner

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation answers the question of how to start spiritual movements amongst young adults and university students in Spain. It begins by examining the current cultural context of present day Spain, exploring why Christianity is in decline. In the Introduction it argues for understanding Spain as being characteristic of Bauman’s liquid modernity. Here the dissertation adopts Bauman’s typologies of liquid modern society being populated by tourists and vagabonds, constantly on the move, but without destination. Chapter One discusses the need for community as the base structure for mission and the importance of missional theology (missio Dei) before suggesting missional communities …

Encountering Grace, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

People With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Heal With Story, Donald M. Twist

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation claims there is a growing inability within American culture, due to continuous technological connectedness and lack of physical community, to move beyond treating the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to actually healing it. I assert that by reestablishing community through storytelling, sufferers can experience deeper healing. Section One defines the nature of PTSD and its symptoms, while incorporating various academic and ministry-related viewpoints. Section Two delineates what has been done to treat PTSD and why simply treating symptoms is not enough. Section Three is the heart of this dissertation and discusses how our current communities and technology …

Journeying With Jesus: A Transformational Discipleship For Canadian Chinese Churches In Toronto; A Paradigm Shift, Suzan Kam-Shan Ho

Doctor of Ministry

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He charged His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Bill Hull comments that in a fast-food, instant-access generation, true discipleship is often substituted by a superficial community experience and a program-driven approach to faith which requires …

Restoring Burnout Millenial Ministry Leaders Within A Western North American Digital Society, Richard S. Rhoads

Doctor of Ministry

A growing number of emerging Millennial leaders between the ages of 22 and 35 are burning out, leaving ministry, and subsequently not returning. Emotional drain, physical fatigue, and an underdeveloped formation mark these individuals. My research studies the digital age and it's unique impact on Millennial burnout and the subsequent leaving of ministry. Spiritual formation is offered as a corrective and preventative lifestyle, while simultaneously being important to the restoring of young burnt out ministry leaders. Section 1 describes the landscape of burnout among Millennial leaders, highlighting the emerging generation and their unique relationship with burnout. Section 2 surveys burnout …

Emerging Young Adult Spiritual Formation: A Developmental Approach For An Intergenerational Church, Frederick R. Fay

Doctor of Ministry

There is a growing disconnect between young adults and the church. Research into this specific and recent phase of life shows how cultural trends have shaped the spiritual lives of emerging adults. This dissertation claims that the loss of relevancy of the church for young adults is rooted in how the church has either capitulated or ignored these trends. Section 1 addresses the current immature faith that is endemic in many contemporary churches. The church’s history and the culture within which it is embedded are examined. Section 2 describes other approaches to spiritual formation of young adults. Section 3 asserts …

Mind The Gap: The Relevance Of Contextualization For The Training Course Fresh X-Der Kurs By Kirche2, Sandra Bils

Doctor of Ministry

In Germany, the Evangelisch-Lutherische Landeskirche Hannovers and the Roman Catholic diocese of Hildesheim are partnering in the ecumenical network. Searching for an appropriate endeavor, which supports the emergence and Kirche2 sustainment for new forms of being church, they were encouraged by the fresh expressions movement in the UK and their training model, mission-shaped ministry. The use of this foreign material in Germany needs adaptation. Hence, this dissertation enfolds the relevance of contextualization and seeks to reflect the adaptation process, following the main research question: How can the Fresh-X course by Kirche2 adapt the foreign material for the context in Germany …

Liminal Spaces: A Narrative Spirituality Of The Bible, Thomas J. Rundel

Doctor of Ministry

Liminal space is a place in-between what was and what will be. It is crucial for ongoing Christian formation. However, the Evangelical Church currently has no space for supporting those in liminality. Evangelical theology and practice actively discourage those in liminal space. As a result, Christian maturity is frustrated. Future leaders and contemplatives are endangered. This dissertation explores how the Evangelical Church could acknowledge, support, and educate those in liminal spaces.

The Bible repeats three liminal themes which create a paradigm of ongoing Christian formation. The themes are desert/wilderness, pit/grave, and exile/pilgrimage. The desert/wilderness is a liminal space, the grave/pit …

Intimate Partner Violence In The Black Church: Bridging The Gap Between Awareness And Policy Development, Carlos Jermaine Richard

Doctor of Ministry

The perennial problem of intimate partner violence (IPV) has gained national attention due to the increased awareness efforts of advocates, law enforcement, government, education, and social service agencies. This awareness serves as the catalyst for the upsurge in legislation, law enforcement involvement, and incarceration of abusers. Although the secular community has strategically implemented tactics and policies to combat abuse, the Black church continues to experience challenges with awareness and effective stratagems to address the issue. Further, the issue of domestic violence in the Black church has significant impact on women who suffer intolerable mistreatment at the hands of their abusers. …

Toward A Corporeal, Biblical Narrative: A Study In Church Transformation, David C. Scafide

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation claims that church leaders can enact healthier church-wide transformation when changes are processed on the narrative level of culture. As the church’s narrative is transformed, the church lives out her new identity more readily and with less resistance. Chapter 1 defines key terms and examines the state of current transformation models and why they are not having widespread impact in transforming churches. Without understanding underlying narratives, church leaders face unnecessary resistance resulting from the attempt to impose changes that are not assimilated by the narrative of the church. Chapter 2 demonstrates how people always live out their perceived …

Disillusionment: An Unexpected Friend Of Spiritual Formation, Alicia Britt Chole

Doctor of Ministry

Is spiritual disillusionment a foe or a friend? Avoidable or inevitable? A failure or a teacher? Our answer will greatly impact our spiritual journeys. This dissertation defines spiritual disillusionment as the act (-ment) of removing (dis-) false spiritual ideas (illusions), and explores the origin, substance, and purpose of spiritual disillusionment through the insights of scholars and Christian writings. Far from being a foe, spiritual disillusionment is a welcome, ancient ally of spiritual formation.

Throughout the ages, mystics have viewed disillusionment as a wise mentor toward intimacy with God. By abrasively removing layers of inaccuracy and self- protection, spiritual disillusionment can …

Sacred Nakedness Narraphor: The Untold Story Of Shame & Glory, Daniel J. Donohue

Doctor of Ministry

Shame and glory appear to be binary opposites inextricably tied within Scripture. As such, addressing one without the other is comparable to addressing slavery without mentioning freedom. Accordingly, the only way a counselee’s shame and glory can be healed and revealed is if both are held open to God and other people. Herein lies the problem: counselees hide vulnerability for fear of being ashamed, thus veiling the glory of their life. How, then, can a counselee feel more trusting of God and safer with people so their shame and glory can be healed and revealed? The thesis of this dissertation …

On Bone Boxes And The Brother Of Jesus, Paul N. Anderson

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

As with the other episodes of the CNN special on Finding Jesus, "The Secret Brother of Jesus" builds an understanding of Jesus and his ministry on the basis of recent archaeological finds and known historical facts. In this case, an ossuary (a bone box) discovered in Jerusalem several decades ago bears a remarkable inscription: "James the son of Joseph, brother of Jesus" carved in Aramaic. Archaeologists have determined that the ossuary is authentic, but how about the inscription? Does it also go back to the first century, or was it (or part of it) added later? Inquiring minds want to …

The Quest For The True Cross Of Jesus, Paul N. Anderson

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

No abstract provided.