Religion Commons^™

Resurrection In Daniel 12 And Its Contribution To The Theology Of The Book Of Daniel, Artur A. Stele

Dissertations

This study attempted to investigate the resurrection passages of Dan 12. The main concern was to discover the nature, scope, timing, and purpose of the resurrection in Dan 12:2 and 12:13, to establish the relationship between these two passages, and to determine the contribution of the resurrection of Dan 12 to the theology of the book of Daniel.

Chapter 1 offers a review of literature that presents the different and often conflicting opinions regarding the kind, extent, timing, and function of the resurrection in Dan 12.

Chapter 2 provides an exegetical study of the two resurrection passages in Dan 12 …

The Empirical Development Of An Instructional Product On The Religion Of Islam From A Missiological Perspective, Raja D. Farah

Dissertations

Problem. There is considerable misunderstanding in the contemporary world about the religion of Islam. Its swift growth has been a challenge to Christianity, and efforts to share Christ's message with Muslims have been relatively fruitless. The purpose of this study was to prepare a pedagogical module to instruct Seventh-day Adventist college students about the fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam. Topics include the Judaistic and Islamic heritage, Jesus and Muhammad, Islamic fundamentalism, Islamic marriage and family, the Muslim worldview, and practical Christian channels of missionary outreach to Muslims.

Method. The methodology of this instructional product development followed the pattern of …

Discontinuance From The Ministry By Seventh-Day Adventist Ministers : A Qualitative Study, Smuts Van Rooyen

Dissertations

Problem. This study explored discontinuance from the ministry by Seventh-day Adventist clergy. The inquiry first investigated the general factors that led to discontinuance from the ministry, and then focused specifically on the cessation from the ministry for doctrinal reasons.

Method. In this qualitative study the initial data were obtained by means of a survey instrument and written responses. From these responses. three individuals were chosen for in-depth interviews. Seventy-one former Seventh-day Adventist ministers completed a questionnaire exploring factors that may have influenced discontinuance from the Seventh-day Adventist ministry. The areas the survey addressed were family life, the work environment, …

Marketing Seventh-Day Adventist Higher Education In Southeast Asia, Geoffrey A. Pauner

Dissertations

Problem

There has been a concern by educational leaders of the Adventist church in the Asia Pacific Division that a number of parents of Seventh-day Adventist students choose to educate their children in non-Adventist primary and secondary schools. This study sought to determine if this concern is prevalent in Adventist colleges in Southeast Asia. To find answers to this concern the following questions were posed.

1. What methods do these colleges use to promote or recruit SDA students?

2. How do these colleges attract SDA students?

3. What special programs are in place in the colleges to retain SDA students? …

The Empirical Development Of A Curriculum On Faith Development, Samir Selmanović

Dissertations

Problem. Professional and lay leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist church need to be sensitive to the dynamics of faith development as it interfaces with human development over the life span, and with its practical implications. Currently, there is no curriculum available, empirically developed or otherwise, to explore this issue.

Method. The underlining philosophy of the approach to curriculum design utilized in this study is that curriculum is likely to be more effective when it is developed in a cooperative spirit between an instructor and learners rather than written in isolation, and when there is emphasis on both the cognitive and …

Factors Related To Clergy Sexual Misconduct, Donald L. Totten

Dissertations

Problem. Clergy sexual misconduct creates credibility, marital, family, and financial problems in the general church. The purpose of this study was to determine, through a survey research methodology, personality and situational factors in the lives of active clergy that may be related to clergy sexual misconduct.

Method. Two hundred sixty-nine pastors filled out questionnaires pertaining to spiritual well-being, locus of control, burnout, social support, active pre-marital sexual conduct, erotic thoughts, naivete/lack of training, demographics, and sexual involvement with a non-spouse while in the ministry. Univariate, discriminant, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the influence of each variable …

Spiritual Nurture In The Local Seventh-Day Adventist Congregation Through The Spiritual Gifts Of Prophecy And Shepherding, Francy Duran

Dissertations

The purpose. The purpose of this research was to analyze the church as a nurturing entity, and the spiritual gifts that enable the church to develop a ministry of spiritual nurture.

Method. This study followed the documentary methodology. The Scripture data, in both Old and New Testaments, regarding the purpose of the church and the gifts of prophecy and shepherding were analyzed indepth. Secondary sources, including books, journal articles, and research reports, were used where applicable.

Conclusion. The church was called to accomplish a specific ministry. This ministry is much more than the Gospel proclamation that leads to conversion and …

Sociopolitical Structure Of Transjordanian Societies During The Late Bronze And Iron I Ages (Ca. 1500-1000 B.C.), Paul Z. Gregor

Dissertations

According to the biblical account the Transjordanian region was occupied with somewhat organized societies during the time of the Exodus (ca. 15th century B.C.). Unfortunately, archaeological excavations could not confirm this account, and as result, the biblical data have been dismissed as unreliable and historically inaccurate.

The purpose of this study was to provide the most recent archaeological data as well as to reinterpret the old data to see whether or not the biblical account bears any historical value. For this reason, this dissertation provides evidence from three fields: archaeological, anthropological, and biblical.

In spite of Glueck's claim that Transjordan …

The Colton Celebration Congregation: A Case Study In American Adventist Worship Renewal 1986-1991, Viviane Haenni

Dissertations

This study investigates the experience of Celebration Center (Colton, California), its milieu, and its impact on the North American Seventh-day Adventist Church through what has been perceived as the celebration movement and controversy, while addressing underlying historical, sociological, and philosophical/theological question.

The principal findings of the study reveal that Celebration Center has uniquely attempted to explore a more multilayered approach to church life and worship within White Anglo Adventism. The celebration experience has ventured into breaking up some old Adventist expectations through its congregational trend; its emphasis on love, acceptance, and forgiveness; its different church organization and more holistic worship; …

The Sacred Times Prescribed In The Pentateuch : Old Testament Indicators Of The Extent Of Their Applicability, H. Ross Cole

Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the sacred times prescribed in the Pentateuch and to determine if the Old Testament itself contains indicators of the extent of their applicability. "Applicability" refers primarily to ongoing applicability throughout time. However, whether a sacred time will be universally applicable in the future may be directly related to whether it was ever meant to be universally applicable in the first place. Accordingly, this study entails a close examination of many different features of the Pentateuchal sacred times and their applicability.

Chapter 1 reviews relevant literature and describes the present investigator's methodology. On …

The Presence Of The Covenant Motif In Amos 1:2-2:16, Reinaldo W. Siqueira

Dissertations

The presence and use of the OT covenant(s) in the book of Amos has been a highly debated issue for the last century among OT scholars. The dissertation attempts to address this issue through an exegetical study of the "Oracles Against the Nations" of Amos 1:2-2:16. This pericope of Amos was chosen because it has played a central role in the argumentation that denies the existence of any notion of covenant in the book.

Chapter 1 introduces the controversy that surrounds the issue of the presence or absence of covenant in Amos, while chapter 2 surveys the scholarly debate and …

Development Of The Concept Of Salvation In Seventh-Day Adventist Children And Adolescents 7 To 18 Years Of Age Who Attend Public Schools, Bradley S. Booth

Dissertations

Problem. This study sought to explore how the concept of salvation and assurance of salvation develop in Seventh-day Adventist children and adolescents who have been educated only in public schools.

Method. Using a developmental, cross-sectional design, semi-clinical interviews were conducted with 91 subjects 7 to 18 years of age. Subjects also completed a demographic information survey and drawings. Parents were also interviewed. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results. Three of the eight sub-concepts of salvation were age-related in their development (the impact of sin on one's relationship to God, baptism, and being saved). The most growth in understanding of …

Job Satisfaction Among Teachers In Seventh-Day Adventist Schools And Its Relationship To Commitment And Selected Work Conditions, Athanase K. Rutebuka

Dissertations

Problem. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America has evidenced concerns over young people losing their commitment to the church, to SDA schools, and even to Christianity. Given the important role teachers play in the formation of young people, the purpose of this study was to determine the degree of teachers' job satisfaction and its relationship to commitment and selected work conditions.

Method. The population for this study included 261 elementary- and secondary-school teachers employed by the Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in 116 schools. A survey-research method was used to determine the degree of teachers' job satisfaction and …

The Empirical Development Of A Curriculum On Psalms Utilizing A Modified Form-Critical Approach, Ted Ewing

Dissertations

Problem. The purpose of this study was to empirically develop a curriculum on the book of Psalms for readers of the English text that would bridge historical, theological, cultural, and linguistic distance, as well as overcome literary challenges associated with Hebrew poetry including figures of speech, parallelism, and psalm forms.

Method. The instructional product development methodology employed in this study was based on the work of Baker and Schutz (1971) and Naden (1993). The need for the product was established through a literature review, the specific learners were described, behavioral objectives were constructed, an identical pre-test and post-test were prepared, …

Paternal Alcohol Abuse And Psychological Functioning Of Adolescents: An Investigation Of Moderating Variables, Blase E. Masini

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Image Of God As The Foundation Of A Right To Health Care: A Comparison Of Selected Papal And U.S. Texts, 1979-1993, Timothy L. Doherty

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Background And Meaning Of The Sealed Book Of Revelation 5, Ranko Stefanović

Dissertations

The primary task of this study was to determine the background of the sealed βιβλίον of Rev 5 and its meaning and significance in its literary context.

The historical survey shows that the interpretation of the sealed βιβλίον has undergone significant modifications in the course of time. The earliest documented Patristic references to Rev 5:1-5 indicate that the early church interpreted the sealed βιβλίον most likely in the context of the exaltation of the resurrected Christ as the eschatological sovereign. From the third century on, however, numerous studies regarding the contents and meaning of the sealed βιβλίον have led to …

The Name Israel And Related Expressions In The Books Of Amos And Hosea, Ganoune Diop

Dissertations

This study provides an investigation of the occurrences of the designation "Israel," the related names "Judah," "Jacob," "Joseph," "Isaac," "David," "Ephraim," and their combinations in the books of Amos and Hosea in order to find out their referents and the reasons for their usages. Chapter 1 provides a statement of the problem, pointing out the considerable divergence of opinions regarding the etymology, origin, and usage of the designation "Israel." Chapter 2 begins with a review of etymological and historical points of view in order to provide a background for the study. Then follows a review of the literature that addresses …

The Sanctuary And The Three Angels' Messages 1844-1863: Integrating Factors In The Development Of Seventh-Day Adventist Doctrines, Alberto R. Timm

Dissertations

The topic. The concepts of the cleansing of the sanctuary of Daniel 8:14 and the three angels' messages of Revelation 14:6-12 were viewed by Sabbatarian Adventists as the main integrating factors in the development of their doctrinal system.

The purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the chronological development of the Sabbatarian Adventist interpretation of thecleansing of the sanctuary of Daniel 8:14 and the three angels' messages of Revelation 14:6-12 from 1844 to 1863, followed by an investigation across time of the relationship between those two integrating factors and the early Sabbatarian Adventist distinctive doctrines of …

Paul's Earliest Statement Concerning The Christian Church: A Review And Evaluation Of Research Into Paul's Association Of The Term Ἐκκλησία To Ἐν Χριστῷ In 1 Thessalonians, Roberto Pereyra

Dissertations

The purpose of the dissertation is to develop a deeper understanding of Paul's earliest statement concerning the Christian Church as expressed in the context of 1 Thessalonians. This understanding is gained through a review and evaluation of research into Paul's association of the term ἐκκλησία to the ἐν Χριστῷ motif in the context of 1 Thessalonians.

Chapter 1 reviews literature on the topic and introduces the study. Chapter 2 examines introductory issues of 1 Thessalonians such as authorship, date and place of writing, recipients, general situation, and purpose. Chapter 3 deals with the authenticity of 1 Thess 2:13-16, aliterary question …

The Remnant Motif In The Context Of Judgment And Salvation In The Book Of Jeremiah, Kenneth D. Mulzac

Dissertations

This dissertation attempts to fill a gap in studies on the remnant motif in the Old Testament by investigating this motif in the book of Jeremiah, a task not fully attempted previously. This study pursues the motif within the main theological framework of judgment and salvation in the book. Five technical terms designating remnant are considered: š^כr, plt, mlt, śrd, and ytr.

Chapter 1 canvasses the literature on remnant research from 1903 to the present. It is divided into two sections. The first deals with publications on the remnant motif in materials outside the book of Jeremiah. …

Mediating Contexts In Trans-Generational Faith Transmission : A Qualitative Study, David John Mcclintock

Dissertations

Problem. This descriptive study explored the experience of faith transmission across generations in order to seek to identify the conditions that are intrinsic to successful faith transmission, and conversely, the conditions that my lead to a rejection of faith in Jesus Christ.

Method. Diads were chosen purposively so that the diads were: (1) known to the interviewer, (2) representative of the convergent or divergent paradigm, (3) residents of Australia, and (4) composed of children between 20-40 years of age. Convergent diads were defined as diads in which all in the diad when interviewed were members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. …

Descriptive Case Studies Of The Socialization And Acculturation Of Two Mentored First-Year Elementary Teachers Within The Seventh-Day Adventist School System, Carole B. Smith

Dissertations

Problem. A qualitative design was employed in this study to: (1) investigate the experiences and perceptions of two first-year elementary teachers within the Seventh-day Adventist educational system, (2) gain a better understanding of new teachers’ socialization and acculturation during their first year of teaching, and (3) use beginning teacher concerns gleaned from this study and previous studies to identify the kinds of support that need to be offered in a new teacher induction program within the Adventist educational system.

Method. I studied two first-year teachers, employed full-time at the elementary level by Scenic Vista Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Qualitative data …

Arthur Whitefield Spalding : A Study Of His Life And Contributions To Family-Life Education In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Allan William Freed

Dissertations

Problem. Using the historical-documentary research design, this study documented the contributions of Arthur W. Spalding to family-life education within the Seventh-day Adventist church. The contextual milieu revealed that Spalding was current with his times in fostering family-life education, but unique in his approach.

Method. The author examined primary documents from four archival sources, as well as reference holdings in two libraries. All book and article publications by Spalding were also examined. The findings were analyzed and compared. Agreements and inconsistencies were noted to maintain internal reliability. Secondary sources were utilized to create the contextual milieu and to supplement the primary …

The Book Of Joshua: Its Theme And Use In Discussions Of The Israelite Conquest And Settlement And The Relationship Of Archaeology And The Bible, David Merling Sr.

Dissertations

Problem. It has been suggested that the biblical account of the Israelite conquest of Canaan and the archaeological data are incompatible. This study evaluates the five main Israelite settlement theories and reevaluates the Book of Joshua as it relates to archaeology.

Method. Chapter 1 surveys the five archaeological theories of the Israelite emergence in Canaan. Chapter 2 critiques each theory. Chapter 3 examines the Book of Joshua from an archaeological and thematic perspective. Chapter 4 highlights presuppositions that have been brought to the archaeological data and the Book of Joshua. Chapter 5 uses the discussions of chapters 2, 3, and …

The Soteriology Of Ellen G. White Compared With The Lutheran Formula Of Concord: A Study Of The Adventist Doctrine Of The Final Judgment Of The Saints And Their Justification Before God, Gunnar Pedersen

Dissertations

The topic. The Adventist doctrine of judgment is part of a larger salvation-historical perspective that in Adventist theology is termed the Sanctuary Doctrine. This doctrine depicts the post-ascension soteriological work of Christ as reaching its consummation in the judgment and the parousia. Critics of the Adventist doctrine of judgment consider it perplexing and even incompatible with the basic principles undergirding the classical Protestant doctrine on forensic justification, understood as a present, complete reception and possession of salvation both existentially and forensically.

The purpose. This study aimed at investigating to what degree theclassical Protestant principles of grace alone, Christ alone, and …

Change In Seventh-Day Adventist Theology: A Study Of The Problem Of Doctrinal Development, Rolf J. Pöhler

Dissertations

Problem. Like other churches, Seventh-day Adventists face the challenge of harmonizing the essential immutability of revelation in Christ and what seem to be significant doctrinal modifications. This study provides the first in-depth treatment of the intricate problem of doctrinal development from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective.

Method. Chapter 1 defines the problem, chapter 2 offers a historical-genetic survey of proposed solutions, while chapter 3 presents a systematic-typological analysis of possible responses to doctrinal change in Christian theology.

Chapter 4 investigates the extent, nature, and direction of Seventh-day Adventist doctrinal developments in the light of the religious background of the church and …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Creation Concepts And Themes In The Book Of Psalms, Gnanamuthu S. Wilson

Dissertations

This descriptive analysis provides a comprehensive and wholistic view of Creation in the Book of Psalms. It is viewed in the background of the rest of the Creation material found in the Old Testament and the ancient Near Eastern religious records. Hermeneutics and analytic induction have helped to create a synthesis of major concepts and themes about Creation.

After an introductory overview of the three categories of documents (chapter 1), a literature review on the Psalms (chapter 2) analyzes eleven major studies on Creation, then seven studies of individual Psalms, plus five minor studies. None of these provides acomprehensive, wholistic …

Development Of The Concept Of Salvation In The Argentinean And Paraguayan Seventh-Day Adventist Children And Adolescents From Ages 6 To 17 Years, Victor Andrés Korniejczuk

Dissertations

Problem. Research is lacking on how the concept of salvation develops in children and adolescents from Christian religious populations. the purpose of this study was to explore how the concept of salvation develops in Argentinean and Paraguayan Seventh-day Adventist children and adolescents, from a psychological perspective.

Method. Using a developmental, cross-sectional design, semiclinical interviews were conducted with 120 Argentinean and Paraguayan children, ages 6 to 17, to assess the development of the concept and assurance of salvation. Subjects also completed (1) a semantic differential scale, which measured their attitudes toward salvation (ATS), (2) a demographic and religious practices information survey, …

Scripture In The Theologies Of W. Pannenberg And D. G. Bloesch: An Investigation And Assessment Of Its Origin, Nature, And Use, Frank Hasel

Dissertations

Scripture has played an authoritative role in Christian theology for centuries and has been at the heart of Protestant theology from its beginning. The rise of modern historical criticism, however, has led to a crisis at this very foundation of Protestant theology. In this context this dissertation seeks to set forth, analyze, compare, and evaluate theconcept of Scripture in the theologies of two contemporary Protestant systematic theologians who represent significantly different concepts of Scripture: Wolfhart Pannenberg and Donald G. Bloesch.

Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction, delineates the objectives, research methodology, and delimitations of the study. This is followed in …