Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Child Sexual Abuse And Mental Health: The Role Of Intrusive Thoughts And Spiritual Warfare, Sheriese S. Sanchez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A number of psychological issues are experienced by individuals who have experienced CSA, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as well as intrusive thoughts contribute to the perpetuation of the mental health problem. Studies have shown that spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, reading the Bible, and reciting scripture affirmations, can improve mental health, improving one’s psychological well-being. Further, intrusive thoughts may be initiated by dark spiritual influences. Despite ongoing research, there is a lack of integration between disciplines of science and biblical truth concerning the impact of immaterial spiritual dimensions on psychological states. To understand intrusive thoughts, one must …

Ontological Overtones Of Participatory Soteriology In Romans 8:1-17, Derek E. Wilder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The burgeoning scholarly interest in the concepts of deification and Paul’s “in Christ” participatory soteriology necessitates a deeper exploration of their interrelation with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of the increase in recent scholarship, the connection between participation in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit remains underexplored. This study examines the relationship between deification, Pauline participatory soteriology, and pneumatology through an exegetical analysis of Romans 8:1–17. This exegetical framework posits that the believer’s union with Christ initiates a profound ontological metamorphosis, actualized through the Holy Spirit’s immanent indwelling and transcendent relational dynamic. The pneumatological dimension of …

Matthew For The Defense: Identifying The Rhetorical Purpose Of Matthew's Heptadic Γέγραπται Passages, Donald C. Mcintyre

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Heptadic formulations are common throughout ancient Near Eastern, Second Temple, and biblical literature. Frequently, heptadic formulations are debated due to the lack of consistent identification criteria. This study identifies a heptadic formulation of γέγραπται passages in Matthew’s Gospel and seeks to evaluate the legitimacy of that heptadic formulation through applying strict identification criteria. Through those criteria, it was discovered that the Gospel of Matthew invites the reader to take notice of numerological data through the genealogy and continues to employ numerology throughout the Gospel. That fact being established, Matthew then employed the γέγραπται formula a total of nine times with …

The Canonical Development Of Zion Symbolism And Its Transformation In Jesus Christ, Jared Micah Blair

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Zion symbolism developed through the canon of Scripture primarily as a reflection of God’s presence among his people and was transformed in Jesus Christ as the Church becomes a reflection of the heavenly Zion on earth. Building upon the imagery of Eden, Israel’s experience at Sinai, and the temple in Jerusalem, Zion emerged as the primary symbol denoting God’s presence among his people and as a reflection of God’s covenant promises to King David. As the symbol developed through the Psalms and Prophets, an emerging image of the coming Messiah produces a hope that once again mankind will dwell in …

Deepening Relationships With God At Crosspoint Church Through Understanding Covenantal Heritage, David J. Ogurek

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research project addressed the problem of Crosspoint Church’s members not understanding their heritage as God’s covenantal people, which impeded deep relationships with God. The project designed and delivered a six-week sermon series with small-group discussion guides to help participants deepen their relationships with God through understanding their covenantal heritage. The project utilized a multi-week sermon series that employed a teaching method involving biblical history to show how God’s story continually points toward Christ and is relevant to Christianity. Data were collected using surveys before and after the sermon series and a focus group of small-group leaders. The research …

The Fallen, Ann Rose

Masters Theses

The thesis, Free Association as a Means for Fictional Character Development, is a study of how to use the technique of free association to build a character with a mind, mannerisms, and a physique. The method is a way for an author to draw upon real life people in the past to meld their characteristics and psyches into a well-developed fictional character. The components of this chapter discuss how certain people have influenced the author’s childhood and resultant character building in creative writing. The individual mentioned from the author’s childhood is relevant to the creation of the character in the …

Messianic Judaism And The Church, Robert C. Greer

Liberty Theological Review

One of the more curious phenomena within the Protestant Evangelical Church is Messianic Judaism. Its gospel is essentially the same as Protestant evangelicalism since Messianic Jews worship Jesus as Messiah, Savior and Lord. Yet many shun the label "Christian," preferring such titles as "fulfilled" or "completed Jews." Messianic Jews typically worship on Saturdays and observe a kosher diet. The symbol of the cross, which is ubiquitous in Protestant Evangelicalism and regarded as its most sacred symbol,, is problematic with many Messianic Jews. Messianic Judaism therefore maintains an arm's distance from Gentile Christianity. This paper is an exploration of that separation …

Public Theology And Political Polarization: Environmental Policy, Jean Golicz, Leonard S. Momeny

Liberty Theological Review

The purpose of this article is to explore the impact of public theology on potentially polarizing political views. Specifically, the historical and contemporary interpretations of the Lynn White Thesis (1966) are examined as well as the practical implications for developing environmental policies that align with a biblical worldview. The authors propose the application of multiple paradigms to the study of religiosity and environmental activism as a way of addressing the complexity and diversity of various viewpoints. Understanding the multiple ways Jesus operated in an equally contentious and polarized society creates a path forward for churches. By rejecting the supposition that …

Defending The Doctrine Of Hell, Jordan P. Ballard

Liberty Theological Review

The doctrine of hell, or the final state of the wicked, has become one of the most objectionable Christian doctrines because it depicts God as vengeful and wrathful, which is offensive to human sensibilities. As an extension of the problem of evil, where God is put on trial for allowing what may appear to be gratuitous pain and suffering in the world, many Christians and non-Christians alike wonder how a loving God could consign people to suffering in hell forever. After all, why didn’t God make a world where all would be saved if He is truly loving? Belief in …

"Restoration Under The Davidic Shepherd-King": An Exposition Of Ezekiel 37:15–28, Angela Gloria Erum

Liberty Theological Review

Considering what is happening to Israel in the Middle East these days, this exposition of Ezekiel 37:15–28 provides hope for the people of Israel as well as the Gentile believers in Christ. Ezekiel 37:15–28 exhibits Yahweh’s covenantal promise to gather His people (the people of Israel) from other nations, restore them to their land, and reunify them (both northern and southern kingdoms) as one nation under one king, the Davidic shepherd-king; thus, other nations would realize that Yahweh is God. By examining Ezekiel 37:15–28, this paper will attempt to demonstrate the exegesis and the theological implications of the passage through …

The Decalogue As A Transitional Model For Fear, Pamela Jensen Ikasalo

Liberty Theological Review

God’s original intention for relationships was disrupted by the fall of man as recorded in Genesis 3. From that point, fear of man played an intricate role in both interpersonal relationships and decision-making. The purpose of the Decalogue was to moderate relationships among the people and with their God. However, there is an additional purpose as well. The Decalogue serves as a transitional model from fear of man to fear of the Lord. When God’s people live according to the precedents found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 their lifestyle no longer follows the pattern set by fallen humanity. Both …

Intellectual Virtues For Research - Integrating Faith And Scholarship, William Coberly

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Sinking Ships And International Relations: The Washington Conference And America's Relations With Britain And Japan, Tucker T. Peterson

Masters Theses

Following World War I, the diplomatic relationships between the United States, Great Britain, and Japan were being strained to a breaking point and the risk of armed conflict was increasing. To stave off a naval arms race and war in the Pacific, U.S. President Warren G. Harding called for a conference to discuss disarmament and questions regarding the “Far East.” The Washington Conference was held from November 12, 1921, to February 6, 1922, and delegates from nine different nations attended. Through the lenses of naval and diplomatic history, this study explores the ascendancy of the U.S. Navy, the Washington Conference, …

Theological Themes And Musical Influences Of Worship In Indonesian Immigrant Churches In The United States, Agnes Keren Bale

Masters Theses

Beyond evoking emotional experience, theologically sound songs are crucial for evangelizing, edifying the church, and congregational spiritual growth. This study examines worship in Indonesian immigrant churches in the United States, analyzing recurring theological themes in the most regularly featured songs in the worship repertoire. Additionally, it explores the influence of Western worship music which shapes the blended identity of these churches. Via the data gathered through worship service observations from a few churches and a survey for platform ministers, twenty-two congregational songs were coded and analyzed for their theological themes. Findings included the omnipotence and sovereignty of God, victory/battle, faith, …

The Positive Effects Of Audience Participation In Classic Literature, Joyelle Davis Braggs

Masters Theses

My thesis reviews the history of fan-fiction and how it plays a role in the world of literature, specifically classic literature. It focuses on Jane Eyre and Charlotte Bronte as well as the reasons why that storyline concluded the way it did. Also, I review the reasons why fans have decided to write their own versions of stories to either refresh or renew a character or storyline.

There is a brief history of fan-fiction and a simple summary of Jane Eyre. Included are examples of fan fiction that faced legal challenges both successfully and unsuccessfully. I have also shared my …

Witchcraft, Demons, And Spiritual Death: An Apologetic For The Bible's Prohibition Against Witchcraft, Joshua Dean Wrenn

Masters Theses

This paper attempts to apologetically defend the Bible's intolerance against witchcraft and other related activities that are prohibited in the Old Testament. It does so by showing that Witchcraft and other related activities gets one involved with demonic entities. It shows how demonic entities are deceitful, and how they are actually the ones behind the power of witchcraft. The paper starts by studying the history of ancient witchcraft, which is something that is useful for understanding the witchcraft of today. It then builds a profile of demons. The paper shows what demons physically do and what they attempt to get …

The Pragmatic Effect Of Φιλέω And Αγαπάω In John 21:15-17, Steven J. P'Pool

Masters Theses

The final chapter of John’s gospel is central to the New Testament in that it depicts the risen Jesus appearing to His disciples and sharing a meal with them, restoring Peter to his place as a leader among his brothers, and records John’s eyewitness testimony to the events reported. It is in verses fifteen through seventeen of chapter twenty-one that attention turns to Peter and John, with the latter eaves dropping on the conversation. John records the conversation in these three verses in which Jesus restores Peter from his trio of denials prior to Jesus’ crucifixion with three opportunities for …

Artificial Intelligence And The Urgency Of The Digitally Literate Instructor In Secondary Education, Evan Kyle Calderon

Masters Theses

The formative school years that comprise secondary education, defined as grades 6th through 8th, pave the way for student success in their foreseeable academic careers. More so than ever, the relationship between technology and student experience has significantly impacted students’ overall academic success. With the encroaching wave of artificial intelligence as a societally necessary tool, the days are fast approaching when AI will become commonplace in the classroom, for which educators of the aforementioned grade levels are overwhelmingly unprepared. In addressing the alarming lack of initiative from higher positions in the education hierarchy, an analysis of the reasons for this …

How The Flock Falters: An Analysis Of Apostasy In The Shepherd Of Hermas, Justin R. Bamba

Masters Theses

This study provides a detailed analysis of apostasy as it is expressed in the Shepherd of Hermas. Drawing from the work of B.J. Oropeza, the study offers a threefold analysis that identifies the Christian community in danger, the nature of apostasy as it pertains to this community, and the consequences of such apostasy. Special attention is devoted to Vision 3 and Similitudes 8-9 for their vivid Tower motif, a unique literary device by which the author expresses the hope and limitations of repentance, community identity, and the causes and consequences for separation from this community—all of which contribute to a …

The Importance Of Metaphysical Christian Screenplays, Francisca Dominguez Fuentes

Masters Theses

"HEAVEN AND EARTH, I AM" is a metaphysical screenplay that profoundly explores the universal theme of love. It parallels the Days of Noah and the Book of Revelation, warning humanity about the serious consequences of living without God daily. The screenplay emphasizes the urgency of this warning regarding the spiritual dangers arising from an alliance between the secular government and the church. It also examines the Three Angels' Message as described in Revelation, along with the prophetic teachings of the Bible presented by Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. The work serves as a reminder that the first judgment occurred through water, …

Timeless: A Sanctuary In Libraries, Taylor D. Vaughan

Masters Theses

This Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing thesis focuses on the literary element: character development. It includes a vision and background for the thesis project as a whole. An analysis of characters involved in wartime conflict will focus on William Shakespeare’s tragedies Macbeth and Hamlet and various characters in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. The creative manuscript that concludes the thesis incorporates fantasy and war genres and character development research. The manuscript aims to shed light on traumatic events in our modern world rather than use escapism in fantasy to ignore them.

Young Adult Fiction Through The Years: An Analysis Of What Readers Want, Treanna Greenwood

Masters Theses

In this literary critique, I discuss the advantages of reading young adult fiction, specifically fantasy. I define what young adult fantasy is, and then analyze some of the most famous young adult book series and discuss how popular they are and how they contribute to the genre. I also discuss works that are relevant to the creative piece I am submitting and explain why my piece has a place in the world of young adult fantasy. Finally, I acknowledge what I hope to contribute to the field.

Critical (G)Race Theory: A Biblical Response To The Growing Secular Social Justice Movement, Tyler A. Keaton

Masters Theses

Critical Race Theory is a worldview that has taken the social justice world by storm in recent years and has even begun to present itself within the teachings of much of the Church. Oftentimes, secular social justice looks to scripture due to the commands for justice found therein to justify their goal of racial justice and equity. However, while the causes of secular social justice movements and CRT are noble, the ideologies and methods they employ are unbiblical and immoral in many instances. CRT itself is a worldview that promotes further injustices that are just as immoral, if not more …

Historical And Theological Evidence Of Jesus' Resurrection In Paul's Undisputed Letters, Steven Cung Za Kham

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the historical authenticity and theological significance of Jesus’ resurrection as presented in the letters of Paul. The resurrection, central to the Christian faith, has sparked considerable scholarly interest as a foundational event offering humanity its greatest hope. Among early witnesses, the Apostle Paul stands out due to his transformative encounter with the risen Christ, which radically altered his life from a persecutor of Christians to an ardent advocate of the resurrection. His letters, written within a few decades of Jesus' death, provide key insights into what Paul and early Christians truly believe about the resurrection. The study …

Uncovering Faith In The Desert: A Hired Gun’S Redemption, Scott K. Shea

Masters Theses

This paper examines the perception of God during arduous times and throughout an individual's life, with a particular focus on wartime experiences. War is the backdrop for numerous personal narratives, with the themes of redemption and the search for faith central to this discussion. It raises the question, "Is it possible to find God amidst the chaos of war?" Throughout history, many military personnel have shared profound experiences of fate, often turning to God in desperate pleas for survival. It is essential to examine the concept of war in a broader context, considering its connection to biblical teachings and understanding, …

The Problem With Evangelism And A Move Towards Discipleship In Thailand, Micheal J. Hurley

Masters Theses

This paper will propose a new way for short term missions to work in Thailand. The nation of Thailand allowed freedom of religion for almost a century and a half, yet the Christian population struggles to exist. As one of the smallest religious groups, Christian missionaries have struggled to make inroads within this country. Thais do what is best for the community over themselves. They want to receive benefit today for their efforts. With little to no hope found for the next better life sought after in Buddhism, one would think Christianity would provide this hope. However, it is out …

Doctor Of Ministry Final Portfolio: Addressing The Lack Of Christian Education In The Local Church Through Podcasting, Workshops, Flowcharts, And Advertisement For Ministry Launch, Tracy (Trey) Harris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Why Theology? The "Why Theology" question will be defended to highlight the truths of systematic theology. The truths of systematic theology within the biblical text are rooted in the doctrines of biblical truths. Answering the why question of theology within Christian education from a systematic theological perspective empowers the local church with doctrinal truths about God's nature, character, and identity. Introducing Christian education to the local ministry offers next-level learning opportunities and a learning center for theological education. Theological education may not solve the entire ministry problem of the local church, but theological education will answer the why and enhance …

The Apologetic Method Of Thomas B. Warren: A Presentation Of His Case And A Biblical Assessment, George F. Beals

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Philosopher of religion and biblical theist Thomas B. Warren insists that the philosopher and theologian, and all, must do more than try to collect information and leave the matter there. Especially when dealing with matters of great import, to make one’s case, one must take the added step of forming an argument. “What is your argument?” he often asked. Accordingly, he worked out a precisely worded argument, valid in form, all of whose premises, he believes, are true, that he then defends as the basic argument of biblical Christianity. He specifies that its conclusion is the overall theme of the …

How Robespierre's Hostility Toward Traditional Religion Led To The Terror, Nuray Bamanie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research attempts to explain, from the perspective of Historical Studies of Revolutions, Maximilien Robespierre's hostility to France's state religion and how it led to the excesses of the Terror between 1792-1794. Robespierre appeared at the most radical phase of the Revolution, that began in 1792 and lasted up to 1794. He placed the belief in the Revolution as a priority to everything and justified faith in the cult of the Supreme Being as part of France's new Revolution. Robespierre is a controversial figure. In the historiography, historians are divided between those who are infatuated with him and those that …

Products Of Their Inheritance And Experiences: The Political And Personal Influences On John Quincy And Louisa Catherine Adams, Claude Randall Brawner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

John Quincy and Louisa Catherine Adams were important contributors to the American political landscape during a period of maturity. The Unites States was striving to solidify its independence within the dynamics of the global environment. The French Revolution and the resulting contingencies within the European nations had significant effect upon America. John Quincy and Louisa Catherine overcame significant ideological differences and each cooperated to provide essential differences within the global construct. Louisa Catherine began her marriage to John Quincy through an unexpected situation that was significantly expected and different from her childhood. The financial collapse of her father had significant …