Religion Commons^™

Fraternity, Martyrdom And Peace In Burundi: The Forty Servants Of God Of Buta, Jodi Mikalachki

Journal of Global Catholicism

During Burundi's 1993-2005 civil war, students at Buta Minor Seminary were ordered at gunpoint to separate by ethnicity—Hutus over here, Tutsis over there! They chose instead to join hands and affirm their common identity as children of God. The forty students killed were quickly proclaimed martyrs of fraternity. Their costly solidarity defused the cry for reprisals and continues to inspire Burundians and others on the path of reconciliation. Drawing on fifty interviews with survivors, parents of martyrs, neighbors, religious leaders and other Burundian intellectuals, this essay examines how Burundian Catholics understand the significance of the Buta martyrdom to their …

Editor's Introduction, Mathew N. Schmalz

Journal of Global Catholicism

No abstract provided.

Jesus Christ Is Fully God, Not Just Fully Man, A. G. Erum

Liberty Theological Review

Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) is a big religious organization that began in the Philippines and is spreading across the globe. INC teaches that Jesus Christ, as the Son of God is a very special man only and not God. They claim this by using their interpretation of biblical passages, such as John 8:40, Luke 24:38-39, and 1 Timothy 2:5. Contrary to the Scriptures and Christian traditions, they believe that the only true God is God the Father, who is the only Creator of the universe. However, the Scriptures (especially the New Testament) and Christian traditions demonstrate that Jesus is God-Man. …

Nietzsche: Dionysian-Apollonian Lord Of The Dance, Michael S. Mendoza

Liberty Theological Review

Friedrich Nietzsche introduced his philological study of the Ancient Greek's Apollonian and Dionysian duality in his first book, The Birth of Tragedy: Out of the Spirit of Music, in 1872. His interpretation of the two Greek gods underpinned his philosophy of the will to power, the Übermensch, and eternal recurrence throughout his career.

I contend that Nietzsche's philosophy would have a modicum of merit as a metaphor for Greek culture and the German society in which he lived if his underlying assumption about atheism was correct. However, his explicit rejection of Christianity led to a fatal flaw in his …

What Can Church History Tell Us About The Debate Between Just War Theory And Pacifism And What Does This Mean For The Church Today?, Michael Payne

Liberty Theological Review

This paper, in addressing Just War Theory and Pacifism, will argue that throughout church history there are faithful Christians that can be found on both sides of the debate. With that being said, each side has an obligation to uphold peace and justice. The Just War adherent has an obligation to seek peace, be selective in what is deemed “just war,” and be conscious of the dangers of supporting his nation’s priorities over the teachings of Christ. On the other side, in the case of a just war, the pacifist cannot use his pacifism as an excuse to sit out. …

Faith After The Fight: Overcoming Doubts And Trauma From Warfare, Donald Anthony Baker Iii

Liberty Theological Review

In the aftermath of intense kinetic battlefield engagements where friendly, civilian, and enemy casualties occur, Christian combat veterans express difficulty reconciling God’s omniscience, omnipresence, and benevolence with their traumatic experience. The result has been prolonged episodes of despondence with God that presents itself as an impediment to continued faith or worse, an outright rejection of His existence. Exposure to the horrors of armed conflict can have a profoundly detrimental effect on a service member’s faith, but a person can begin the process to heal the invisible wounds of spiritual trauma by not abandoning their faith in God but instead clinging …

From Modernity To Post-Modernity: The Apologetic Legacy Of Paul Tillich, Michael W. Cunningham

Liberty Theological Review

Paul Tillich, dubbed an “apostle to the intellectuals,” was one of the twentieth-century’s influential and infamous theologians. Tillich’s apologetic of doubt, method of correlation, and non-traditional lifestyle challenged the cultural and religious norms of his day. The study of Paul Tillich’s theology provides perspective on the origins of subjective apologetics and process theology. His focus on ontology made his works accessible and famous. It put the human at the center of the process as they reasoned up to God instead of accepting unquestioned authoritative doctrines. By embracing existential doubt, he connected to the masses by appealing to the “being” and …

In The Wake Of Euthyphro's False Dilemma, Gregory S. Mckenzie

Liberty Theological Review

All moral apologists, at one time or another, engage with the Euthyphro dilemma and all theologians engage, at one point or another, the issue of continuity or discontinuity of the Mosaic Covenant and Torah in general. The general view among apologists is that correct theology can be determined by its logical consistency and explanatory power considering philosophical, existential, and scientific principles. This study examines how answering the Euthyphro dilemma as a false dilemma, which is a common position among apologists actually produces theological contradictions primarily in the realm of theology proper and specifically immutability, issues in hamartiology and an improper …

Divine Hiddenness And Middle Knowledge: A Molinist Answer To How An Anselmian God Can Coexist With Reasonable Nonbelief, Brian Gray Chilton

Liberty Theological Review

Within the spectrum of doubt, divine hiddenness becomes a problem regarding the love of God. Why would a loving God allow individuals whom he loves, if he loves everyone, to maintain ? According to philosopher John Schellenberg, the existence of rational nonbelief poses a problem for divine hiddenness which provides a reason to believe that God does not exist.

We argue that the problem of rational nonbelief does not pose a problem for divine hiddenness if one adopts the doctrine of middle knowledge, a belief first proposed by Spanish Jesuit Luis de Molina. We first offers a defense for the …

Ranking Objections To Christian Theism: A Survey Of Subjective Declarations And Their Correlations With Expert Opinions, Ronnie P. Campbell, Kelly Budd, Hope N. Lassiter, Hunter W. Brown, Madison S. Schmidt, Kristen G. Brown

Liberty Theological Review

There have been numerous books written on the top objections to Christianity—sometimes stated as “common,” “major,” “frequent,” “every day,” “cultural,” “tough,” “difficult” objections. However, there is a dearth of behavioral studies in the literature that show how and given population ranks objections to Christianity. As such, the apologist has had to rely on expert opinions from the books that have been authored. These expert opinions are based on familiarity with the literature in the field and contact with laity from university, church, and other speaking engagements. The purpose of this study is to document trends in how people report the …

Barriers To Belief: Why Do The Resistant Resist God?

Liberty Theological Review

Barriers to belief in God and Christianity in an increasingly antagonistic culture are considerable. Reasons for resisting belief were studied in an intellectually-driven population of educated atheists in Western culture (N = 50) through survey and interview analysis. This mixed-method research study evaluated a broad range of functional (socio-cultural, psycho-emotional, existential, experiential, moral, volitional) and substantive (intellectual and spiritual) variables influencing disbelief. Based upon extensive data collection, these findings advance the case for viewing obstacles to belief as diverse, interactive, and complex in nature. These barriers should not be easily reduced to broad brushed presumptions, but should be engaged thoughtfully, …

Visual Displays In Space Station Culture: An Archaeological Analysis, Justin St. P. Walsh, Alice C. Gorman, Wendy Salmond

Art Faculty Articles and Research

We offer an archaeological analysis of the visual display of “space heroes” and Orthodox icons in the Russian Zvezda module of the International Space Station (ISS). This study is the first systematic investigation of material culture at a site in space. The ISS has now been continuously inhabited for 20 years. Here, focusing on the period 2000–2014, we use historic imagery from NASA archives to track the changing presence of 78 different items in a single zone. We also explore how ideas about which items are appropriate for display and where to display them originated in earlier Soviet and Russian …

Dear Maliha,, Na-Eela Djemil

Capstones

Dear Maliha is a short documentary film exploring the complexities of spiritual abuse through Maliha Fairooz. Spiritual abuse is a form of abuse that uses spiritual or religious beliefs to control or manipulate others. In some cases, spiritual abuse can be used to describe a religious leader who abuses their platform. But in Maliha’s story, we explore the concept of parental spiritual abuse. However, we learn more about this through Maliha Fairooz and the creative use of her journal.

For Maliha journaling is a form of therapy she uses to process her feelings and days. She also uses it as …

A Bible Study Series: The Family-Centered, Church-Supported Paradigm Shift For Raising Children In The Faith At Salem Lutheran Church, Michael J. Nielsen

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Nielsen, Michael J. “A Bible Study Series: The Family-Centered, Church-Supported Paradigm Shift for Raising Children in The Faith at Salem Lutheran Church.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2021. 160 pp.

In many Christian churches there is the question: “How do we keep our children after confirmation?” The answer is a simple one: Parents. This MAP examines the relationship of the family and the church when it comes to raising children in the faith. Biblically parents are called to be the primary faith formers in the lives of their children. A multi-part Bible study was created to teach …

Queerificando A Cristo: Manifestando La Gloriosa PasióN
 Y Promiscuidad Amorosa De La EncarnacióN, Lisa Isherwood

Conexión Queer: Revista Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Teologías Queer

This article looks at the trajectory of queer theologies, especially highlighting the challenges and opportunities they offer to the Christian tradition. It examines the way in which a queer eye on doctrine and church history yields different perspectives. These benefit the LGBTIQ+ community and the whole Christian community through deepening and broadening our understanding of the incarnate divine. While acknowledging the existence of a fluid rupturing core in Christianity —a queerness that begs for its embracing— the analysis concludes that Incarnation and queer theory are splendid passionate and risk compelling companions towards the deconstruction of Christ.

Viajes Sagrados: Una Lectura Desde Las TeologíAs Queer
 De La PelíCula Santitos
 De Alejandro Springall, Hugo Córdova Quero

Conexión Queer: Revista Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Teologías Queer

This article analyzes immigrants’ genderized and sexualized experiences intermingling with theological discourses by exploring the film Santitos [little saints]. Queer theory and queer/indecent theologies provide theoretical tools to interrogate those experiences in the movie. The analysis explores how religious institutions have traditionally denied the intersectionality of gender/sexuality and religion/theology that bind up the everyday lives of the faithful. Thus, it explores alternatives to view those issues from a perspective that could still be considered «Christian.» Furthermore, it contributes to a perspective that could enforce and promote the spiritual growth of the faithful amidst situations of migration and sexual work.

Fe, Cultura Y Sexualidad: Hacia Una ComprensióN Queer
 De Su InterrelacióN
 En El Contexto Del Sur Global, Hugo Córdova Quero, Saúl Serna Segura, Jorge A. Aquino Ph.D.

Conexión Queer: Revista Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Teologías Queer

Inclusive churches propose to explore a path of revision and adaptation of queer faith in our Global South contexts. The way initiated is promising, and indeed the inclusive churches —together with queer theologians and their allies— are setting a course towards adapting Christianity to people's contexts instead of the traditional way of adapting contexts to Christian faith.

Una Pareja De «EspíRitus Rebeldes» E Indecentes: Una Lectura Queer De La Novela MediúMnica Caminhos Cruzados De Mauricio De Castro, Henry Isaac PeñA Grajales

Conexión Queer: Revista Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Teologías Queer

This article relates Marcella Althaus-Reid’s indecent theology to the novel Caminhos cruzados [crossed paths] by the spiritist medium Mauricio de Castro. In this novel, a homoaffective couple —Sergio and Fabricio— suffer homophobia from society, the implication of defamation, and are victims of prejudice of «sinfulness» and «immorality» because of their homoaffectivity in a committed and stable couple relationship. In analyzing the story of these two protagonists, indecent, «rebellious spirits,» and queer, I apply the Sexual Theology of Liberation method proposed by Althaus-Reid following the Latin American Theology of Liberation: see, judge, act.

La CampañA «Con Mis Hijos No Te Metas» En CóRdoba, Argentina: Reflexiones Acerca Del Uso Del Espacio PúBlico Por Parte De Iglesias EvangéLicas Conservadoras En La PolíTica Local, Romina Chain

Conexión Queer: Revista Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Teologías Queer

In September 2018, in Cordoba, Argentina, citizens witnessed the launching of a campaign in a public transport line with the inscription «#Con mis hijos no te metas.» It was enacted against the Comprehensive Sex Education Law (ESI) and sponsored by the Christian Church Cita con la Vida. This article analyzes the incidence of conservative evangelical churches in local politics based on this campaign in public. It concludes that in the religious field, conservative evangelical churches dispute the monopoly of the Roman Catholic Church —primarily political and social power— through the use of public space.

«MáS Allá De La Biblia»: Reflexiones CríTicas Sobre Las Aportaciones De Los Estudios Culturales Y Poscoloniales Sobre Las Relaciones Entre Personas Del Mismo Sexo En ÁFrica, Lovemore Togarasei, Ezra Chitando

Conexión Queer: Revista Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Teologías Queer

Except for South Africa, sub-Saharan African countries criminalize same-sex relationships, although the call for acceptance increases. The «pro» and the «anti» -same-sex relationships camps use the Bible. However, investigating the texts shows a selective use of the Bible to entrench one’s already accepted position. The questions addressed in this article are: do Africans resist same-sex relationships purely based on the teaching of the Bible, or are there other factors at play? Several African scholars examining those texts expose the weaknesses inherent in their use to resist same-sex relationships. The analysis critically reflects on the use of the Bible in the …

Contrarrestar La Homofobia Basada En La Biblia
 Y Culturalmente Establecida: ¡Lo No-Africano Se Encuentra
 Con Lo InequíVoco!, Jeremy Punt

Conexión Queer: Revista Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Teologías Queer

On the African continent the argument that homosexuality is un-African is often used in tandem with the claim that the Bible unambiguously condemns homosexuality. This article suggests that the link between the un-African and unambiguous positions largely depends on hard-core heteronormative positions informed by debilitating homophobia. Amidst a seeming impasse in debates, biblical hermeneutics which includes attention for ancient and modern contexts, moves beyond selective texts and incorporates recent research on human sexuality and can contribute towards debunking Bible-based, culturally-ensconced homophobia in Africa.

C. S. Lewis And His Later Respondents: Letting In Fresh Air, Preventing Questions, And Reimagining A Preface To Paradise Lost, David V. Urban

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

This essay chronicles significant responses to C. S. Lewis’s A Preface to Paradise Lost (1942) that occurred from the 1960s into the twenty-first century. Important responses include those of William Empson, Stanley Fish, Stuart Curran, John Rumrich, Peter C. Herman, Michael Bryson, and Joseph Wittreich. All of these scholars challenged Lewis on various points—most commonly concerning matters of Lewis’s analysis of Milton’s Satan, his alleged oversimplification of Milton’s theologically complex epic, the supposed similarities between A Preface and Fish’s Surprised by Sin, and his assumed hegemonic prevention of new avenues of critical inquiry into Milton’s epic. This essay contends …

Faith In A Faithful God: A Biblical Theological Analysis Of Ezekiel 34:11-24, Jenna King

Biblical Studies Student Projects

Ezekiel 34:11-24 falls in the midst of passages concerning judgment and a future hope for Israel. This paper examines the themes of relationship and faithfulness as they are presented through the motif of God as the shepherd of his people. Furthermore, it examines the significance of the passage within the context of the broader Biblical canon, concluding with a brief examination of both historical and contemporary applications.

Gospel Impact And Stewardship Tool (Gist): Visual Mapping To Discover Gospel Imperatives For Strategic Ministry Decisions, Martin Edward Lee

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Lee, Martin Edward “Gospel Impact and Stewardship Tool: Visual Mapping to Discover Gospel Imperatives for Strategic Ministry Decisions.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2021. 260 pp.

This research project and the resulting Gospel Impact and Stewardship Tool (“GIST”) addresses congregational stewardship deficits from a systems perspective, with a shared-stewardship imperative for all leaders and members of a congregation, instead of focusing stewardship on the individual. The GIST Ministry Map provides a visual picture of how individual ministries are interconnected. This project illustrates how a learning environment, and the GIST visual ministry mapping process, help improve strategic decision-making …

Equipping Lay Elders With The Spiritual Care Skills Of Active Listening, Sharing Scripture, Offering Prayer, And Providing Follow Up At St. Paul Lutheran Church In Wood River, Il, David Martin Arthur Schultz

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Schultz, David, MA. “Equipping lay elders with the spiritual care skills of active listening, sharing scripture, offering prayer, and providing follow up at St. Paul Lutheran Church Wood River, IL.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2022. 122 pp.

Spiritual care is vitally important for all people. Unfortunately, too often those who are commissioned to provide spiritual care lack the necessary skills to help others. This MAP explores how a lay elder seminar might equip the lay elders of a congregation with the spiritual care skills of active listening, sharing scripture, offering prayer, and providing follow up. This …

A Christian Response To Modern Extraterrestrialism, Chase Perry Cakmis

Masters Theses

Extraterrestrial beliefs (ET-ism) have become a cultural craze in contemporary times, infatuating many who encounter these ideas. ET-ism has influenced all forms of media, science, and even religion. With ET-ism permeating all facets of society, Christians need to know how to approach this craze and the ideas that sprout from it. Much research has been conducted on this subject both on the individual and scientific level, thrusting these beliefs from fringe views believed only by the paranoid into widely accepted ideas even within the scientific community. While Christian circles have discussed this subject in the past, it is becoming a …

Traversing The Back Door Of The Mind: Directing Imaginative Stories To Generate Meaningful Dialogue About Biblical Truths In A Materialist World, Heather Jean Birkeland

Masters Theses

Ontological materialism hinders evangelistic efforts because it precludes any dialogue about spiritual matters, especially regarding the importance of cultivating an eternal value system. Furthermore, potential meaningful dialogue is inhibited by an audience that routinely rejects overtly Christian materials, which results in failure to develop the correct contextual understanding regarding biblical spiritual truths. The writer provides an overview of the philosophy of ontological materialism and its effects on people, the impact of imaginative storytelling, and the psychology of narrative persuasion. Firstly, the selected thesis topic will explore how non-Christians could potentially approach and engage in biblical truths without hostility through the …

Review Of Layer By Layer: A Primer On Biblical Archaeology By Ellen White, Deirdre Dempsey

Theology Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Joy Beyond The Walls Of The World: How Christianity Ably Explains The Moral Facts, Jonathan Royce Pruitt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

I argue that Christianity ably explains the moral facts of moral goodness, intrinsic human value, moral rationality, and moral transformation. Chapter 1 provides an explanation of the thesis, a historical overview of the moral argument, a defense of the method, a critique of William Lane Craig’s deductive argument, and a response to some challenges to abduction from a Christian worldview. In chapter 2, I explain how Christianity ably explains moral goodness. I first give some reason to think God should be identified with the Good, following Robert Adams. Next, I summarize some of the issues related to moral goodness. Then, …

Theological Practices For Sustaining Community Renewal At Speedway Church Of Christ, Kent A. Ellett

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project assembled a group of potential small-group facilitators for the purpose of drafting a small-group discussion guide to be used at the Speedway (Indiana) Church of Christ. The guide was intended to aid the discernment of missional practices which sustain the renewal of the wider community. Focusing on the Gospel of John, the intervention attempted to recover a temple Christology, construing the incarnation, ministry, death, and the lifting up of Jesus within the larger story of the temple’s ongoing re-creation of the world. In bestowing his glory upon the church, Jesus sends the church into all the world, as …