Arts and Humanities Commons^™

The Alleged Persecution Of The Roman Christians By The Emperor Domitian, Ken Laffer

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis examines the traditional view of Domitian 's reign, particularly as it relates to his alleged persecution of Roman Christians. In the light of recent revisionist studies, which offer alternative views, this alleged persecution needs to be reassessed. In order to reevaluate this topic, it will be necessary to examine the opinions of the traditionalists and the revisionists, argued from the pagan primary sources together with views expressed in Christian primary and secondary sources. The study of the development of the Domitianic tradition, which involves accounts from a variety of primary and secondary sources, will involve a re-examination of …

Three Plays : The Other Woman, Banana Split, Awa' The Crow Road ; And An Essay, Writing The End, Heather Nimmo

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The Other Woman is an eighty-minute stage play which asks the question: Do women really play the political game differently? A high-flying politician can't admit to a small mistake. A woman kills herself. Does her mother want justice or revenge? Banana Split is a ninety-minute comedy for two actors which investigates life after divorce, the connections between risk and reward, and the implications of doubling (or coupling). The play asks a number of questions: Is it riskier to stay or to go? Which is the more damaging to a relationship-nostalgia for a golden age or the fantasy of a perfect …

Seven Decades Of Sports Writing At The West Australian (1901-1971), David R. Marsh

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

For a country whose identity is much bound up with sport, little research has been done so far into Sports journalism in Australia. This study traces the changes that have occurred in the reporting of sport in the West Alustralian between 1901 and 1971. This time span has been chosen to cover the period from Federation to the point when sport acquired its own section at the back of the newspaper and sports editor Ted CoIlingwood retired after 32 years in the job. In this seventy year period, January and July of every seventh year are taken as a sample …

Towards The Light : A Fictionalized (Auto) Biography, John Cailes

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Towards the Light - - at times biographical, autobiographical, and basically fiction - is built out of anecdotes supplied to me as the result of direct questioning of my parents and relatives, and from my own memories of past experiences; from private 'on the ground' observations both in Western Australia and in Cornwall, England – and, where factual information is lacking, a good deal of creative invention on my part. My paternal great-grandfather who at the age of eight began his working life in a Cornish tin mine provided me with a figure central to my purpose while constructing this …

The Role Of The Artist At The Beginning Of The Twenty-First Century: An Exploration Of Dialectical Processes In Art And Science With Particular Reference To Biologically Based Art, Judith D. Roche

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis examines the role of the artist at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It focuses on the interaction between art and science in an exploration of the dialectical processes that may occur in that interaction. Researchers have recently developed techniques in stem cell technology and genetic modification that offer remarkable potential and bring possible advantages and disadvantages for scientists and the wider community. In response to these new technologies, scientists and artists have developed collaborative projects and, in some instances, artists have moved from the studio to the science laboratory to create work called sci-art, bio-art, or moistmedia. …

Christ And The Covenant: Francis Turretin's Federal Theology As A Defense Of The Doctrine Of Grace, Mark Beach

CTS PhD Doctoral Dissertations

The subject of this dissertation is Francis Turretin's federal theology as a defense of the doctrine of grace. Specifically, it deals with Turretin's exposition of the twofold covenant of God--that is, the covenant of nature and the covenant of grace. In treating this subject, the dissertation has a twofold objective--first, to conitribute to an understanding of the theology of Turretin; second, to offer an evaluation regarding the validity of certain trajectories of scholarship pertaining to federal theology in general. This study, in its analysis and exposition of Turretin's understanding of the twofold covenant, deals with several issues that have arisen …

The Decree Of Redemption Is In Effect: A Covenant David Dickson And The Covenant Of Redemption, Carol A. Williams

CTS PhD Doctoral Dissertations

While a significant amount of study has been devoted to the twofold system of covenants of works and grace, development of the threefold covenant system in Reformed theology of the seventeenth century that includes the pactum salutis has not been thoroughly researched. The doctrine of the intratrinitarian covenant between the Father and the Son concerning the whole work of redemption has been characterized in some secondary literature as speculative, unbiblical, the result of faulty exegesis, crassly contractual, a deviation from the pure teaching of the Reformers, and of dubious value. Moreever, these claims of discontinuity and questionable origin of pactum …

Joseph Bates: Originator Of Seventh-Day Adventist Mission Theory, George R. Knight

Faculty Publications

Joseph Bates was Seventh-day Adventism’s first theologian as well as the denominations first mission theorist. In the late 1840s he developed a chain- of-events approach to history and prophecy centering on the flow of events from Revelation 12:17-14:20. His prophetic chain-of-events logic eventually drove the denomination into worldwide mission as an eschatological imperative.

Post Reformation Ecclesiology And Missiology--From The Radicals To Wesley: Moving Out Of The Shadow Of Luther And Calvin, Woodrow W. Whidden

Faculty Publications

Whidden’s essay compares the key theological/ecclesiological factors of the Magisterial Reformation tradition with the Radical and Wesleyan ethos and their respective visions of discipleship, theology, ethics, and mission. He then argues that movements which are Arminian in their soteriology; functional, not institutional, in their ecclesiology; and emphasize discipleship (including strict discipline), sanctification, and Gospel ethics are more likely to have a missional bent.

A Pilot Grief Ministry Program To Equip Grief Ministry Facilitators In The Local Adventist Churches, Joyce Marie Hatchett

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

There is a need for a visible and effective Seventh-day Adventist Grief Ministry Training Program that is theologically sound and culturally sensitive that will serve the bereavement needs of both the local Seventh-day Adventist congregation(s) and others in the community.

Method

For this study, I used formative evaluation, sometimes referred to as pilot testing. Formative Evaluation has two goals: (1) To gain understanding through observation and soliciting responses of participants concerning how the curriculum and instructional processes might be improved; and (2) to develop strategies for improving the curriculum and instructional process. This pilot training program was held September …

Developing A Deeper Understanding Of God: A Strategy For Revitalizing The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Croatia, Miroslav Didara

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Adventism in Croatia will soon celebrate its one hundredth anniversary. The church is becoming increasingly traditional and formal. Baptisms have been in decline for the last ten years. Gradually the less important issues such as life style, worship style, music, and food have become a focus. It seems that many members have lost sight of what genuine Christianity is all about, not knowing the difference between form and meanings and unconsciously moving towards formalism and legalism. Therefore, there is a need for personal and corporate spiritual renewal which can only come through a deeper understanding of God and by …

The Development And Implementation Of Intensive Training For Planting And/Or Transitioning To Cell Church Models Within The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Donald C. James

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The priesthood of all believers is a theme I have heard sounded within the Seventh-day Adventist Church for many years, yet there are still many who are not really engaged in ministry who are on our church books. In our churches there seems to be a lack of close connections with one another in mutual support and in ministry to others. Equipping for every member is also lacking, an equipping that develops disciples and moves them into the paradigm of disciple-makers. As a church, we have good results with winning and baptizing individuals, but it seems there has been …

A Strategy For Revitalization And Growth Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Iceland, Jorgen Eric Gudmundsson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The Topic

This dissertation analyzes the growth pattern of the Adventist church in Iceland from its inception about a hundred years ago to the present and presents an objective portrayal of the future possibilities of church growth on the island and develops a practical strategy of revitalization of the church.

The Purpose

The proposed strategy presented in this project aims at increasing the quality of life of the Icelandic Adventist churches, raising their self-identity and sense of mission, and strengthening their ability to reach the community and to grow.

The Sources

A Biblical theological rationale for this program is set …

Planting Adventist Communities Of Faith Among Muslims In Unentered Areas Of The Balkans, Milan Bajic

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The purpose of this research was to develop and equip the church for the implementation of a workable strategy for reaching a large population of about eight million secular Muslims in the Balkans who have never been systematically confronted with the gospel.

Method

This study describes the history, culture, and religion of the Balkans, analyzes socioeconomic and political developments of its Muslim population, examines methods of evangelism and suggests a strategy based on sound biblical and missiological principles for work among the Balkan Muslims.

Results

The outcome of this project will be the development of a contextualized method for …

Increasing Pastoral Job Satisfaction And Efficiency In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Hungary, Andras Szilvasi

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The number of pastors in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hungary increased significantly since 1989. In 2002, 70 percent of the pastors had less than fifteen years in ministry. The members’ expectations of their pastor have changed and become widely polarized. Since there is not an evaluation and affirmation system in place, many of the pastors struggle to find satisfaction in pastoral work. One of the major premises of this project is that pastors are central figures in the church and the success of God’s work is largely dependent on how effectively pastors function.

Method

A Myers-Briggs Type Indicator …

Manos A La Obra: Un Seminario Para Fomentar El Trabajo En Equipo En La Iglesia Adventista Maranatha De Grand Rapids, Michigan, Basado En El Modelo De Liderazgo De Nehemías, Antonio M. Rosario

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The purpose of this dissertation was to promote the use of work teams in the Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. A team is defined as a group of individuals who keep a reciprocal relationship and coordinate their tasks regularly in order to achieve a common goal. Unilateral decision-making and unidirectional communication are incompatible with the basic nature of the church.

This project develops a training program for team leaders at the local church, based on the leadership principles derived from the life and ministry of Nehemiah. In the study of the literature, Nehemiah stands out as a model …

A Strategy For The Motivation Of The Uninvolved Church Member: A Pilot Project In The Gloucester Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Michael G. Hamilton

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

In the average Seventh-day Adventist church in the South England Conference the pastor is often not equipped with the time and the resources to conduct an adequate training and education program for the uninvolved member. Spiritual Gifts seminars, outreach, and witnessing seminars are often conducted away from the local church and are largely supported only by those who are already deeply committed, but the shy, introverted, and uninformed member is increasingly uninvolved in the work of soul winning and the local ministries, and is not involved in the training activities of the church.

Method

A church involvement survey was …

A Strategy For Developing Holistic Churches In London: A Case Study Of North Wembley Seventh-Day Adventist Community Church, Steve A. Thomas

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The lack of space for growing membership and to house ministries had allowed the members and officers to live with no clear picture of what they were supposed to be doing and where they were going as a church. The concept of developing a strategic plan and planning for progress was almost foreign to many. Because of these learned habits it was increasingly difficult to gain support for an increase in planned activities. Scheduled programs and activities were not supported. The laity was lacking in motivation for gospel work and had not been adequately trained for mission work. Members …

Developing A Strategy For Growth In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Finland Using The Natural Church Development Approach Based On A Case Study In The Turku Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Aimo Helminen

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The growth of the Adventist Church in Finland stagnated in the mid 1980s and after that the membership of the church began to slowly decrease. There is a need to look at the past growth patterns of the church in Finland to discover the reasons for the present decline in membership and develop and implement a strategy for church growth.

Method

Current literature was reviewed, including books and articles on the principles and strategies of church growth. These were studied in the context of the Turku Church in order to determine if the principles in the Natural Church Development …

La Depresión En El Ministro Adventista Del Séptimo Día, De Las Uniones Interoceánica Y Sur De México: Una Aproximación De Sus Causas, Incidencia Y Posibles Soluciones, David Manuel Pacheco Cocom

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Today depression affects millions. Its causes include social and psychosocial factors, as well as physical problems. The adverse atmosphere of the large cities, together with the speed of change and the stress of modem life, foster depression It has been recognized that persons in helping professions, ministers among them, are more prone to depression than others. Much is expected of pastors, both by their parishioners and their superiors. Often they work long hours and thus forego the support of their families. With these factors in mind, I studied depression among Seventh-day Adventist pastors in southern Mexico, looking for its frequency …

Revitalizing Youth Ministry: A Spiritual Strategy To Minister Effectively To The Millennial Generation, Gustavo Squarzon

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The number of young people dropping out of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has increased 50 percent in the last ten years. Fifty-seven percent of those who left indicated the primary reason was not doctrines or theological issues, but the lack of relevance of the church to their lifestyle, spiritual needs, and everyday challenges. The purpose of this dissertation was to identify the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of a specific generation, such as the millennial; and to develop a biblical spiritual lifestyle strategy to help today’s churches to reach and effectively minister to the members of that generation.

Method …

A Survey And Analysis Of Marital And Religious Perspectives Among First-Generation Chinese Seventh-Day Adventists In North America, John Kam-Hong Lee

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Most Chinese immigrants have experienced a great cultural shock in North America, and have been influenced by Western materialism and secularism. Their marriages and families are also affected by the environment and the secular society. Since Chinese Adventists in North America are exposed to secular influences, the traditional perception of marriage is undermined.

Method

Surveys were mailed to approximately a thousand individuals in Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Churches and Companies in North America. Additional surveys were hand-delivered to Church members. There was no attempt made to select a sample from the population in a random fashion. Consequently, the findings should …

Leadership Development In Albania: Equipping Young Pastors For Apostolic Leadership, Leigh Rice

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Albania opened to Christian missions in 1992. The church is new and the pastors are young and with limited experience. Initial rapid growth has been followed by slow decline. Leadership and leadership development is in the hands of foreign missionaries with limited experience in Albania. There is a need to develop culturally-appropriate, apostolic leadership for a country with a predominately Muslim population.

Method

Library research, questionnaires, interviews, and observations were conducted to develop an understanding of the Project Director, the Albanian culture, a theology of leadership and church, and methods in leadership development. An appreciative inquiry approach was used …

A Contextual Analysis Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Norway, With Suggestions For Renewal And Growth, Kjell Aune

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Since 1979, when the membership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Norway peaked, the membership has declined. There are underlying, complex reasons. This project seeks the underlying causes for the decline, and suggests possible solutions.

Method

The study begins by establishing a theological basis for ministry. Norwegian society is then analyzed demographically followed by an analysis of the Adventist Church in Norway, that includes a historical and organizational analysis, a review of the database material for the Adventist Church in Norway, and by four questionnaires designed for (1) Active members, (2) Pastors, (3) Former members, and (4) Young non-Adventists …

A Model For Reaching African American Males In Southeast Atlanta With Seventh-Day Adventism, Ralph P. Peay

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Churches in America are on average 60-70 percent female. Attracting and integrating African American males into church life is a grave challenge. This study focuses on African American males in Southeast Atlanta and seeks to design a model for addressing their sociological and spiritual needs in anticipation of their accession into church membership.

Method

The setting for this study is the Atlanta Boulevard Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southeast Atlanta. The method employed in this project is an exploratory research approach that is designed to identify the social, economic, and other needs of African American males. In order to ascertain …

Equipping The Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors In Zimbabwe For Grief Ministry: A Culturally Sensitive Approach, Simbarashe Nyasha Musvosvi

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The Problem

Zimbabwe faces a predicament in which the mortality rate is rising while support for grieving people is declining. At the same time the Zimbabwean culture is rapidly changing because o f the impact of Christianity, urbanization, Western influences, and HIV/AIDS. Church leaders are not always in agreement on what rites are appropriate for Christians. These factors often result in inadequate support from the extended family, the community, and the church.

Method

This dissertation discusses the challenges that confront the Seventh-day Adventist church in Zimbabwe in ministering to the bereaved. My purpose was to design a training program for …