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Abilene Christian University

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Articles 301 - 330 of 2189

Full-Text Articles in Religion

An Analysis Of Altruism, Sarah Siemens May 2017

An Analysis Of Altruism, Sarah Siemens

Dialogue & Nexus

Scientists, freethinkers, and philosophers have attempted to find an explanation of the role of altruism in a natural world that is compatible to the dominantly accepted Darwinian principle of natural selection. Many postulates have been developed in an attempt to explain how self-sacrificial behaviors are cohesive within the “survival of the fittest” ideology. This has caused many scientists to broaden the definition of altruism to understand its components in the physical world. In order to understand how absolute altruism is solely found through God’s love, it is necessary to examine each subset of scientific altruism to reveal their differences. None …

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Down Syndrome, The Image Of God, And Personhood, Paris Webb May 2017

Down Syndrome, The Image Of God, And Personhood, Paris Webb

Dialogue & Nexus

People with Down syndrome help Christians understand what being made in the image of God truly means. After describing Down syndrome, we will examine the different views of the image of God and how these relate to people with Down syndrome. Another approach will be to define personhood in light of God’s image and relate it to Down syndrome. We will use the principles held by the L’Arche community as an exemplar in this discussion to demonstrate that those with Down syndrome encourage us to expand our understanding of the image of God. Consequently, Down’s persons allow us to apply …

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Livin’ On A Prayer: An Analysis Of Intercessory Prayer Studies, Savannah Vincent May 2017

Livin’ On A Prayer: An Analysis Of Intercessory Prayer Studies, Savannah Vincent

Dialogue & Nexus

A meta-analysis of intercessory prayer studies was done. Current studies fail to account for the numerous variables and limitations posed by these studies; nevertheless, it is possible to reach the conclusion that the prospect of prayer as an alternative medicine is, at best, limited. The boundaries of faith and science need to be respected. The essential takeaway from this discussion is to look deeper into what sounds like simple and well-designed scientific studies on faith. These studies are often either inconclusive or have varying results when compared to similar studies.

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Human Evolution And Divine Agency, Alexandra Rakestraw May 2017

Human Evolution And Divine Agency, Alexandra Rakestraw

Dialogue & Nexus

Modern Christians often find themselves at a crossroads when confronted with the two predominant understandings of human and universal origins. Plain sense readings of Genesis lead many to believe in a historical six-day creation that occurred in the past ten thousand years while proponents on the other side of the spectrum use current scientific understanding to support a creation that occurs through evolutionary means. How one views human origins has a profound impact on one’s concept of how God works in the cosmos. In this paper, I will lay out a background to better understand the characters of Adam and …

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Deism Revisited: A Modern Approach, Tina Johnson May 2017

Deism Revisited: A Modern Approach, Tina Johnson

Dialogue & Nexus

An evaluation of the history of Deism and its modern counterpart, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, in light of Theistic Naturalism is done in order to place the several forms of deism into a proper context in modern society. My hoped for outcome is that perhaps we can view Deism as a progressive rather than an archaic belief system that still has a purpose in American religious culture.

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Moral Awareness, Original Sin And The Atonement, Tanner Gregory May 2017

Moral Awareness, Original Sin And The Atonement, Tanner Gregory

Dialogue & Nexus

I will explore how evolution impacts the Christian notion of The Fall of man, and, ultimately, the atonement. Various theories of atonement in the Christian tradition generally assume universal and individual sinfulness in humanity. In some cases, this sinfulness is thought to be the result of a distinct moment of rebellion against God, and is transmitted to all of the descendants of Adam. Here, atonement involves Christ’s sacrifice as the means liberate humanity from the bondage of our sinful nature. Evolution collides with these traditional models. Instead of a creation originally void of death and later corrupted by sin, evolution …

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Mollifying Neuroscience And Christian Faith: An Emergent Monistic Claim For Free Will And The Soul, Paul Figel May 2017

Mollifying Neuroscience And Christian Faith: An Emergent Monistic Claim For Free Will And The Soul, Paul Figel

Dialogue & Nexus

Modern neuroscience makes it difficult for one to support a case for substance dualism regarding the existence of a soul and free will. The neuroscientific evidence stems from several experiments in which test subjects were instructed to perform a simple voluntary movement. Scientists consistently observed neurological antecedents preceding the subject’s conscious decision to perform the action. An examination of these experiments and the conclusions drawn will show several key inconsistencies that weaken the extreme anti-conscious will claim. However, it is important to not reject the neurological evidence against substance dualism, but instead discover a new perspective (e.g. emergent monism) that …

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The Problem Of Suffering: Universal Health Coverage As A Partial Solution, Christen Scaggs May 2017

The Problem Of Suffering: Universal Health Coverage As A Partial Solution, Christen Scaggs

Dialogue & Nexus

Universal Health Coverage is evaluated from a Christian Biblical perspective and found that it meets an appropriate standard of service to the poor. Christians should consider its benefits and drawbacks compared to doing nothing. The issue of diminished access to healthcare, burdensome medical costs, reduced coverage, and discrimination against impoverished individuals with specific regards to healthcare are all conquerable challenges.

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End Of Life Care For The Incarcerated, Codie Robinson May 2017

End Of Life Care For The Incarcerated, Codie Robinson

Dialogue & Nexus

As the prison population ages, a new need has come to light – caring for those who are in the final stage of life. This paper will examine the current end of life services provided to those in prison throughout the United States. After a general awareness of the system is presented, a more complete discussion of end of life care for prisoners will be considered, in light of ethics, social justice, and the Christian perspective. The two care options presented, hospice care and compassionate release, are observed through these lenses. In order to make a decision on how to …

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Race Relations: A Dialogue Between Science And Theology On The Basis Of Race, Shanice Latham May 2017

Race Relations: A Dialogue Between Science And Theology On The Basis Of Race, Shanice Latham

Dialogue & Nexus

When the topic of race is breached the emotions expressed can range from extreme feelings of guilt to extreme feelings of anger. Why is a word that is, today, commonly associated with a person’s skin color and other physical characteristics responsible for such strong emotional reactions? Much of the violence, poverty, injustice, and hurt in the world has been and is caused by racial division. With the continued use of such an arbitrary system as race these issues will continue to persist and deteriorate. This paper will explore the origin, as well as scientific and theological perspectives of race and …

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Feminism In Biology And Belief, Rachel Hurst May 2017

Feminism In Biology And Belief, Rachel Hurst

Dialogue & Nexus

As feminism has become more hotly-contested in today’s society, the need to analyze the movement’s claims from a scientific and theological perspective has developed. Labor statistics and sociological research reveal that income inequality persists between the sexes. Neuroscience and evolutionary psychology show that subtle differences exist between male and female brains, and these slight variations can potentially be traced to the differing selective pressures between the genders. Ultimately, the biological differences that favor power differentials must be overcome to remedy inequality and injustice. Although Christians have historically upheld these differences and viewed women as inferior, a more modern theological understanding …

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“Bone Of My Bones And Flesh Of My Flesh”: A Feminist Analysis Of Christianity, Evolutionary Theory, And The Provenance Of Patriarchy, Heather Bishop May 2017

“Bone Of My Bones And Flesh Of My Flesh”: A Feminist Analysis Of Christianity, Evolutionary Theory, And The Provenance Of Patriarchy, Heather Bishop

Dialogue & Nexus

While perceived by many as conflicting in nearly every sphere, science and religion both play an important role in the promotion of patriarchal ideologies. My research has found that neither Christianity nor evolutionary theory are inherently patriarchal, neither do they justify patriarchy. Instead, it is the misinterpretation and misuse of these subjects that contribute to the justification of patriarchy for the deep-seated goal of reproductive power. I will show this by analyzing theological themes present throughout the Christian scriptures, as well as investigating findings of evolutionary psychology and hominid ancestry. The implication of this study is that there is no …

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Science And Religion On Sexual Orientation, A.N. Scout May 2017

Science And Religion On Sexual Orientation, A.N. Scout

Dialogue & Nexus

An analysis of scientific and religious perspectives on sexual orientation will show that the scientific data support a biological origin of sexual orientation that is influenced but not determined by environmental conditions. Religious perspectives will show values affirming equality and integrity are of greater importance than the conditioned attitudes that condemn homosexuality. As a result, forgiveness and acceptance are paramount in dealing with others as they struggle to know Christ. Commitment within a relationship is paramount regardless of the couple’s orientation.

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Science, God, And Sexual Orientation, Devin Baker May 2017

Science, God, And Sexual Orientation, Devin Baker

Dialogue & Nexus

Sexual orientation is a modern and complex term for sexual attractions and behaviors that have been experienced throughout history. Science and religion have both taken stances on the origin and ethics of sexual orientation. Research done in both fields has begun to shed light on the fact that there is an innate biological cause for sexual orientation, and that the Bible might offer a more positive view on non-heterosexual orientations than previously thought.

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Volume 3 Editorial, Daniel Brannan May 2017

Volume 3 Editorial, Daniel Brannan

Dialogue & Nexus

No abstract provided.

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John The Solitary's Homily On The Poor In Spirit: Edition And Translation, Daniel Robert Marolf May 2017

John The Solitary's Homily On The Poor In Spirit: Edition And Translation, Daniel Robert Marolf

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines an early fifth-century homily by John the Solitary of Apamea on Matthew 5:3, which I have called Homily on the Poor in Spirit. Mar John wrote the homily to other monks, arguing for the importance of renunciation and voluntary poverty in the life of a monk and exhorting them to develop this practice in their own lives. Although he is understood to be a prominent and influential author during his time, Mar John has received relatively little attention by modern scholarship. Neither an edition nor a translation of the Homily on the Poor in Spirit has …

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The Ethical Viability Of In Vitro Fertilization, Jack Hamilton Apr 2017

The Ethical Viability Of In Vitro Fertilization, Jack Hamilton

Dialogue & Nexus

In vitro fertilization is considered from multiple ethical positions and whether or not it is limited to disease prevention or used for genetic enhancement. The first can be in line with most ethical theories provided time and resources are allowed for the technology to be provided for all. The latter seems to devalue humans and remove compassion for the disenfranchised.

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A Political Theology Of Ecological Action: Liberation Of The Poor Through Democratic Stewardship Of Creation, Zach Snyder Apr 2017

A Political Theology Of Ecological Action: Liberation Of The Poor Through Democratic Stewardship Of Creation, Zach Snyder

Dialogue & Nexus

In the United States, many popular forms of evangelical Christianity hold a deep skepticism and antipathy toward ecological activism for reasons ranging from political interests to eschatology. In this paper I will present a legitimate model for the role of the Christian faith in ecological action that is developed by considering and synthesizing the work of two theologians, Leonardo Boff and Christopher Southgate. The contributions from each of these authors are centered on the call to care for creation as a response to their respective areas of emphasis: the suffering and striving of the poor and marginalized in the case …

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Downward Mobility: Rediscovering A Narrative Of Justice, Josh Smith Apr 2017

Downward Mobility: Rediscovering A Narrative Of Justice, Josh Smith

Dialogue & Nexus

In this paper, social justice is defined by examining key perspectives of what it is from philosophy, theology, and biology. We will note where it is absent in order to discover what people deserve in a society governed by social justice. All of this will be evaluated in light of the Carmen Christi, the Hymn of Christ from Philippians 2. The example of Christ’s self-emptying (kenotic) refusal to consider equality with God (harpagmos) a thing to be grasped provides a crucial framework that enables us to emulate self-sacrificial altruism.

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The Gift Of Soul, Cory Holt Apr 2017

The Gift Of Soul, Cory Holt

Dialogue & Nexus

An evaluation of biblical concepts of the soul in light of neuroscience reveals that it is not something that we possess but is a gift from God. Using the concept of forms, emergence, and supervenience, I will show that Greek concepts of dualism, where the soul is an added entity to a body, are untenable in light of both the biblical witness and neuroscience.

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Categorizing The Complexity Of The Origin Of Consciousness, Lydia Brown Apr 2017

Categorizing The Complexity Of The Origin Of Consciousness, Lydia Brown

Dialogue & Nexus

I propose a four-category Cartesian spectrum that contains most, if not all, the extant theories of the origin of consciousness. This spectrum consists of four broad philosophical descriptions that help us organize the various theories of consciousness along lines of non-divine to divine (aka naturalism to non-naturalism) and along the lines of continuous to discontinuous (aka non-interventionist to interventionist). I give examples of each, ultimately favoring Nagel’s view of Discontinuous Divine Influence (aka interventionist non-naturalism).

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A Darwinian Look At Atonement Theory, A. Rachel Ritchie Apr 2017

A Darwinian Look At Atonement Theory, A. Rachel Ritchie

Dialogue & Nexus

After presenting various atonement theories, especially in light of evolutionary explanation, I conducted a brief survey among students to determine their level of theological understanding and scientific literacy. Based on this data, I conclude that students are given a poor education in theology. This paucity of wisdom needs to be mitigated. I offer some suggestions for rectifying this lacuna.

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Evolution And The Fall, Andrew Tate Apr 2017

Evolution And The Fall, Andrew Tate

Dialogue & Nexus

Within Christianity, there are a spectrum of beliefs regarding the function and mode of baptism, what constitutes original sin (or in what form it exists), modes of worship, gender roles (or if they even exist). I will argue here that despite varying dogmas and ideologies one consistent position over two millennia is that Jesus, as the Son of God, came to the earth, died on a cross, and was raised from the grave. Following this is the belief that in some way through these actions, either natural or supernatural, he has given humanity the opportunity to be redeemed. Through this …

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Miracles, Divine Action, And The Christian Perspective, Colton Mccoy Apr 2017

Miracles, Divine Action, And The Christian Perspective, Colton Mccoy

Dialogue & Nexus

After exploring various definitions for miracle and its characteristics in Christian thought, I will consider modes of action for carrying out such events in light of an overarching position that ‘miracle’ must be defined in relation to a higher purpose. Determining what this purpose is presents greater concerns than either definitions of miracle or mechanisms of divine action in carrying out miracles.

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The Great Divide: Disbanding The Borders Between Ethical Issues Of Environmentalism, World Hunger And Food Safety, Jennifer Acuff Apr 2017

The Great Divide: Disbanding The Borders Between Ethical Issues Of Environmentalism, World Hunger And Food Safety, Jennifer Acuff

Dialogue & Nexus

Various groups work toward correcting social injustices including alleviating world hunger. The command to care for Creation as God’s image bearers indicates that humans have a responsibility to restore Earth and its resources at all times. And yet, we must balance this environmental care with compassion for the hungry. Unfortunately, many popular ‘green’ or ‘organic’ methods of doing so may prevent efficiency in feeding the world. In this paper, I will examine world hunger, environmentalism, and the surrounding ethics through a lens of scientific data, practicality, social justice, and Christianity.

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The Fetal Position: An Examination Of The Validity Of Gender Through The Lens Of Ecological Fluidity Of Behavioral Dimorphisms, Tanya Daughtry Apr 2017

The Fetal Position: An Examination Of The Validity Of Gender Through The Lens Of Ecological Fluidity Of Behavioral Dimorphisms, Tanya Daughtry

Dialogue & Nexus

Sex and gender is not dichotomous as traditionally thought. Once the biology of sex is understood, perhaps a correction of the teaching about male and female uniqueness can be balanced with Jesus’ teaching regarding eunuchs. Until this is done, persons with gender identity discontinuities will be marginalized by the church. Recognizing that this dichotomous view is incorrect is the first step in correcting the marginalization.

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Passive Euthanasia, Jennifer Hulett, Madeline Peterson Apr 2017

Passive Euthanasia, Jennifer Hulett, Madeline Peterson

Dialogue & Nexus

The controversy of passive euthanasia (e.g. the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatments in patients that are either disabled or terminally ill) has been long-debated because, it has been argued, passive euthanasia violates the physician’s Hippocratic Oath to do no harm to the patient. This withholding or withdrawal can include one or more of the following: ventilators, feeding tubes, and life support. In this paper we will explore the major debate points of passive euthanasia in light of four ethical theories: utilitarianism, virtue ethics, Kantian, and evolutionary ethics.

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Theodicy Through The Lens Of Darwin, Zach Moore Apr 2017

Theodicy Through The Lens Of Darwin, Zach Moore

Dialogue & Nexus

Any theodicy is often fraught with difficulties. The two major families identified are Augustinian theodicy and Irenaean theodicy, named after these two early church fathers. These two perspectives are widely accepted accounts of theodicy and represent a general theological approach to the problem of evil. We will explore the insufficiency of these perspectives in light of evolutionary considerations and, in the end, disappointingly, call for an as yet developed theodicy to be offered.

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Divine Action And Teleology In An Evolutionary World, Emily Sparks Apr 2017

Divine Action And Teleology In An Evolutionary World, Emily Sparks

Dialogue & Nexus

In this paper I explore three possibilities: 1) whether or not there is room for divine action in a dynamic, undetermined, evolutionary world; 2) if divine action is necessary to explain the outcome of creation; and 3) if there is purpose (e.g. teleology) in such a world. I will address the implications of indeterminacy, parts-and-whole behavior (or emergence), and directionality for divine agency. Models of God’s action informed by these trends will be provided. Finally, I will explain the teleological implications of these discoveries and God’s action and conclude with implications to the Christian faith.

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Altruism: Biological Rationale Vs. Christian Love Command, Chris Porter, Landry Guin Apr 2017

Altruism: Biological Rationale Vs. Christian Love Command, Chris Porter, Landry Guin

Dialogue & Nexus

The idea of altruism and self-sacrifice appears counter to a simple view of evolution. While a “survival of the fittest” mindset occurs in some Darwinian views, there are counter-examples of animals and humans with cooperative, pro-social, and even self-sacrificial behavior. Social animals such as bees and ants work for the community and provide for the queen due to a haploid-diploid system of genetic relatedness. Some humans sacrifice their lives and money to promote the well-being of others even without genetic relatedness and, rarely, without reciprocity. We will explore why human animals often help people who are less fortunate by giving …

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