Religion Commons^™

Church, Sect, And Government Control, A History Of Seventh-Day Adventists In Austria, 1890-1975, Daniel Heinz

Dissertations

Seventh-day Adventism, a young American-based denomination, encountered strenuous opposition when it first reached Europe in the second half of the nineteenth century. This was especially true in Austria, where traditional allegiance to Roman Catholicism, linked with a strong emphasis on cultural continuity, constituted the tenor of social life.

Although the Adventist church has been present in Austria for almost a hundred years, its influence and size have remained insignificant. Baptists and Methodists have had the same disappointing experience. Austria is certainly one of the most difficult countries for evangelical mission outreach in Europe.

This dissertation not only describes the history …

An Evaluation Of Edward Heppenstall's Doctrine Of Redemption, Armando Juárez

Dissertations

One of the major problems in the study of the doctrine of redemption is that it has been linked to the cross while overlooking its etiological and eschatological perspectives. This has caused many to dissociate creation and redemption, leading to the acceptance of an evolutionistic approach to theology, and redemption and eschatology, leading to the mitigation of the connection of the two in the New Testament.

While other Christian traditions emphasize the atoning death of Christ, Adventist theology has tended to overemphasize its eschatological significance. Thus, in Adventism, there is need to present a more balanced view of redemption. Edward …

Ecclesiology In Dialogue : A Critique Of The Understanding Of The Nature Of The Church In The Thought Of G. C. Berkouwer, Bruce Norman

Dissertations

This dissertation deals with the concept of the nature of the church in the thought of G. C. Berkouwer as indicated in the following chapter sketches. Chapter 1 briefly outlines the historical and theological development of thought about the nature of the church, her function, and the interrelationship of the two. The most revelant elements of the church's nature are identified, described, and analyzed in both Roman Catholic and Reformed thought. Chapter 2 presents biographical, methodological, and theological backgrounds of Berkouwer. These provide the framework within which one must understand Berkouwer's view of the nature of the church. Chapter 3 …

Religion, Culture, And Modernity : Some Missiological Implications Of The Process Of Secularization In East Asia, Gan-Theow Ng

Dissertations

This study investigates the outcome of the process of secularization in three modernized urban Chinese societies in East Asia and seeks to describe the resultant patterns of change and continuity. Some missiological implications are drawn from the findings of the investigations. Chapter 1 is an account of the historical development of secularization in Western societies and the effects of secularization on religion, society, and the individual. The focus in chapter 2 is on worldview and worldview change and the functions of these in the process of secularization. A five-part theoretical paradigm of the traditional Chinese worldview analyzed vis-à-vis the themes, …

Humanist Reconceptualization Of The Dogmatic Marxist Concept Of Religion By Esad Ćimić, Radisa Antic

Dissertations

This study analyzes and evaluates the humanist reconceptualization of the dogmatic-Marxist concept of religion by the Yuqoslav philosopher Esad CimiC . The questions we address are:How did Cimic reshape the dogmatic Marxist criticism of religion? and What is the significance of this reshaping for both dogmatic Marxism and Christianity?

We beqin with the broad outlines of the concepts of metaphysics and epistemoloqy of both dogmatic and humanist Marxism because they provide the basic presuppositions for the understanding of the phenomenon of religion in Marxism. Then, we address those elements of Cimic's life and philosophy which define him as a man …

Christ-Centered Discipleship: A Biblical Concept Of Religious Education, Myung Soo Cho

Dissertations

Concomitant with increased concern for church growth in the 1950s was a new awareness of the importance of discipleship. From the days of Jesus to the present, the concept of discipleship has changed greatly. The problem of this investigation was to identify a Biblical concept of discipleship.

It was hypothesized that the relationship of Jesus with His Heavenly Father was the model for Jesus' discipleship with the Twelve apostles and other disciples. The primary objective was to identify principles form this Christ-centered discipleship that could provide a theoretical framework for Christian religious education.

The historical development of the Rabbinic schools …

The Latter Days And The Time Of The End In The Book Of Daniel, Gerhard Pfandl

Dissertations

This study attempts to investigate the two temporal expressions be'aharit hayyamim (the latter days) and cet qes (the time of the end) in the book of Daniel. Its main objective is to determine the precise meanings ofthese phrases and the relationship between them.

Chapter 1 presents an historical review of literature on the expression "the latter days" and "the time of the end." The four major schools of interpretation (Historical-critical, Preterist, Historicist, Futurist-dispensational) and their understanding of these phrases are outlined and the great divergence of opinions among scholars concerning them is noted. Furthermore, the issues and problems …

Clark H. Pinnock's Shift In His Doctrine Of Biblical Authority And Reliability, An Analysis And Critique, Ray C. Roennfeldt

Dissertations

This study investigates Clark H. Pinnock's shift in his doctrine of biblical authority and reliability.

A brief introduction, delineating the objectives, method, and delimitations of the study, is followed by an historical survey of developments inregard to biblical authority and reliability from the sixteenth century onwards. There were few doubts regarding scriptural authority and veracity until the rise of English Deism, biblical criticism, and religious liberalism. The resulting demolition of the traditional view of Scripture was protested by Fundamentalism, then by evangelicalism. Contemporary evangelicals, however, reveal little uniformity in regard to the doctrine of Scripture. Pinnock's own role in the …

The Background, Formation, Development, And Presentation Of Ellen White's Concept Of Forgiveness From Her Childhood To 1864, Ronald Deane Bissell

Dissertations

Problem. Ellen White's early writings reveal a pronounced emphasis on sanctification and holiness. They do not set forth a clear and comprehensive presentation of her concept of forgiveness. The purpose of this study is to explicate her concept of forgiveness as presented in her writings to 1864 in the light of the background, formation, and early development of her religious views.

Method. Ellen White wrote little about forgiveness during her early years. Her concept of forgiveness can best be deduced from inferences found in her writings. Examination of factors that contributed to her religious thought is carried forward by means …

The Historical Development Of Seventh-Day Adventist Eschatology 1884-1895, Roy Israel Mcgarrell

Dissertations

Problem and Purpose. The Millerite Movement foundered after the non-realization ofits expectation regarding the second advent of Christ in 1844. Of the groups that sprouted from the movement, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has grown globally in 145 years to become the largest and most influential. While Adventists kept key elements of the Millerite premillennialist eschatology, they added some unique features.

For example, they added: a sanctuary theology concerning Christ's mediatorial ministry and His work in a heavenly pre-advent judgment, the "third angel's message" (announced in Rev 14:12), and other teachings including the "latter rain," the "loud cry," health-reform, the seventh-day …

The "Throne Of God" Motif In The Hebrew Bible, Daegeuk Nam

Dissertations

This dissertation explores the biblical significance and theological implications of the "throne of God" motif through an exegetical investigation of the texts of the Hebrew Bible which have direct reference to it.

Chapter I states the problems which the biblical "throne of God" motif poses, and also theobjectives, limitations, methodology, and procedure of this study.

Chapter II reviews pertinent literature since theturn of the century. This survey reveals thecurrent status of investigation on our topic to be only fragmentary.

Chapter III is devoted to the investigation of the"divine throne" motif in ancient Near Eastern literatures such as Sumerian, Akkadian, Hittite, …

The Resurrection Motif In Hosea 5:8-6:6: An Exegetical Study, Bertrand C. Pryce

Dissertations

This study investigates Hos 5:8-6:6 in an attempt to discover the mode and function of the resurrection motif. Chapter 1 surveys the interpretation of Hos 5:8-6:6 since the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. Previous discussion of this passage, notwithstanding a few careful exegetical and pointed treatments, is in the main cursory, not comprehensive and detailed, or engages in alteration of the MT. The studies reviewed support either a healing, historical/political, or resurrection viewpoint of Hos 6:1-3. These conclusions are for the most part not buttressed by a detailed and close scrutiny of each verse and similar contexts …

Principles For Reorganization Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Administrative Structure, 1888-1903 Implications For An International Church, Barry David Oliver

Dissertations

This study investigates the process of reorganization of the administrative structures of the Seventh-day Adventist Church between 1888 and 1903. From the findings of the investigation are drawn some implications which relate to the need for contemporary denominational structures that accommodate and facilitate the mission of the church. The first three chapters present a documentary account of the process of reorganization. Chapter one places the study within the context of the nineteenth-century American Protestant missionary movement. Chapters two and three tell the story of reorganization on the basis of denominational archival materials. Chapters four and five analyze theological foundations and …

A Study Of Student And Faculty Perceptions Of The Religious Environment Of Andrews University In Relation To Religiosity, Walter M. Booth

Dissertations

Problem. A report of the perceptions of the environment of an institution can be useful inassessing the effectiveness of that institution. This study assessed student and faculty perceptions of the religious environment of Andrews University, a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) school.

Method. An instrument developed for the study was administered to 350 randomly selected subjects in eight subsamples: non-SDA students, faculty, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, theological seminary students, and other graduate students. The instrument consisted of inventories to measure perceptions of the religious environment and subject religiosity. Approximately 75% of the subjects completed the instrument. Scores were analyzed by analysis of …

The Sinaitic Covenant And Law In The Theology Of Dispensationalism, Keumyoung Ahn

Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the dispensational position concerning the Sinaitic covenant and law and to evaluate it. The design of the study includes three major sections: the historical (chaps. 2-3), the descriptive (chap. 4), and the critical (chaps. 5-6).

Chapter 2 presents the meaning of Dispensationalism and briefly outlines its origin and its modern development in North America. Chapter 3 reviews the covenant theologians' hermeneutics in respect to the Sinaitic covenant and their conflicts with Dispensationalists, with the analysis of the main differences between the old and new positions of dispensational theology on the Sinaitic covenant …

A Study For Educational Administrators Concerning The Relationships Between Selected Dimensions Of Christian Education And Student Spirituality In Seventh-Day Adventist Day Academies In The United States Of America, Bruce R. Youlden

Dissertations

Problem

Central to Christian education are the twin goals of leading students into a personal relationship with Christ and nurturing student spirituality. Yet, while the importance of these goals were generally recognized by Christian educators, the dimensions of Christian education which have greatest impact on adolescent spirituality were not identified. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to research (1) possible differences in the levels of student spirituality between Seventh-day Adventist day academies in the United States, (2) possible differences in the levels of spiritual nurture in selected dimensions of Christian education (3) possible relationships between the selected dimensions of …

Protection And Reward: The Significance Of Ancient Midrashic Expositions On Genesis 15:1-6, Aecio E. Cairus

Dissertations

Genesis 15:1-6, because of its content, provides singular opportunities for the study of ancient midrashic documents. This kind of study is being increasingly performed, and has interest from a theological, historical and--especially--exegetical viewpoint.

Chapter 1 attentively analyzes the treatment of the entire unit in midrashic documents (Jubilees, Genesis Apocryphon, Philo, Josephus, the Targumim, and Genesis Rabbah), identifies their individual theological and exegetical concerns, and shows their progression over time. The most ancient ones are found to emphasize the covenantal aspects of the passage, while later documents stress the eschatological reward of Abraham as a fruit of his good works.

Chapter …

The Function Of Christ's Suffering In I Peter 2:21, Madelynn Jones-Haldeman

Dissertations

Problem. The phrase "because Christ also suffered for you" in 1 Peter 2:21b has been interpreted to suggest the vicarious death of Christ. The problem posed by this understanding results from the comparison made between Christ and the slaves who are invited to follow Christ's example. Therefore this study sought to determine the function of Christ's suffering in 1 Peter 2:21b and the nature of the example left to the slaves.

Method. The Greek grammar and literary style of the pericope were analyzed; documents that discussed the slave-master relationship in the first centuries B.C. and A.D. were studied; and books, …

The Successive, Corresponding Epochal Arrangement Of The "Chronogenealogies" Of Genesis 5 And 11b In The Three Textual Traditions : Lxxa, Sp, And Mt, Colin L. House

Dissertations

Problem. The research problem of this study has been, How might church pastors and college Bible teachers answer questions from members/students regarding the three numerically disparate versions of Gen 5 and 11b?

Method. The categories of chronological data investigated were: prepaternal, remainder, life span, anno mundi, and postflood birth and death. Analysis preceded synthesis, and the formulation of hypotheses followed the investigation of the data. It was assumed that the necessary arithmetic commonly used within Torah was available to the ordinary reader. In hypothetical reconstructions, investigation was confined to extant variants rather than fictitious numbers.

Findings. An …

The Effects Of Regional Accreditation On The Achievement Of Aims, Goals, And Mission Of Seventh-Day Adventist Academies In The United States As Perceived By Principals And Teachers, Garnet P. Spence

Dissertations

Problem. There has been an on-going debate as to whether SDA academies should seek regional accreditation. No studies were found on principals' and teachers' perceptions of the effects of regional accreditation on the aims, goals, and mission of Seventh-day Adventist academies in the United States. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the principals' and teachers' perceptions of the effect of regional accreditation on the aims, goals, and mission of Seventh-day Adventist academies in the United States.

Method. Items selected from the Evaluative Criteria checklist of the National Study of Secondary School Evaluation (1981) and from the Evaluative …

Occupational Choice And Academic Planning In The Colombia-Venezuela Union Of Seventh-Day Adventists : A Needs Assessment, Leonardo Suescun Franco

Dissertations

Problem. In Colombia and Venezuela the number of students demanding higher education commonly surpasses the capacity of their educational systems. Furthermore, the academic programs may not match the occupational needs of the region. When academic planning occurs without systematic needs assessment, resources are wasted and graduates are ill prepared tor the labor market.

The Subjects. The subjects included senior high-school students attending SDA institutions, teachers serving those schools, the students’ parents/representatives, school and church administrators, and SDA members within Colombia and Venezuela.

The Method. A design for needs assessment was developed upon the implementation of a Data Flow …

Warren Eugene Howell, Seventh-Day Adventist Educational Administrator, John Francis Waters

Dissertations

Problem. Warren Eugene Howell served the Seventh-day Adventist educational system as an administrator and teacher for thirty-four years. He pioneered in two important Adventist educational institutions and led the General Conference Education Department during a critical period in the history of Seventh-day Adventist education. Notwithstanding Howell's contribution to Adventist education, no comprehensive study of his administration has been attempted.

Method. In this study a historical-documentary method of research has been used. Correspondence collections; minutes of boards, committees, and faculty meetings; church periodicals; transcripts of lectures; and miscellaneous archival materials have provided primary source materials. These sources may be found …

A Study Of The Religious Attitudes And Behaviors Of Seventh-Day Adventist Adolescents In North America Related To Their Family, Educational, And Church Backgrounds, Janet Leigh Kangas

Dissertations

Problem. Why are Seventh-day Adventist youth leaving the church in North America? This study, the first report of a 10-year longitudinal research project, sought to identify attitudes and behaviors of Adventist adolescents and examine possible correlations with the religious backgrounds and influences of their homes, churches, and schools.

Method. One church was randomly chosen for every 1,000 members within each local conference of the Seventh-day Adventist church in North America which totaled 695 congregations. Eventually 659 of the 695 church clerks responded, producing the names of 2,429 eligible baptized 15- and 16-year old youth. A questionnaire designed to report their …

A Study Of Group Attitudes Toward The Professional Status Of Teachers In Selected Adventist Elementary And Secondary Schools, Edward Joseph Kunitz

Dissertations

Problem. It was not known to what extent groups associated with Adventist education supported the professional role orientation of teaching which in turn affected the work behavior and morale of teachers.

Method. A Professional Role Orientation Scale (PROS) was responded to by 701 randomly selected subjects. The scale contained four criteria identifying professional aspects of teaching as a profession. Responses to the instrument were item weight analyzed and judged for point multiserial reliability before insertion into a BMDP statistical program. Four null hypotheses were tested using two-way ANOVA with the Scheffe test for multiple mean comparisons. Stepwise multiple regressions were …

The Problem Of Synoptic Relationships In The Development And Testing Of A Methodology For The Reconstruction Of The Matthean Community, Robert K. Mciver

Dissertations

Problem. The problem faced in this study was to discover a method of obtaining data concerning the Matthean community in a way that does not pre-suppose a solution to the problem of Synoptic relationships. To find such a methodology has become desirable because of the recent reopening of the question of Synoptic relationships.

Method. By comparing the Synoptic Gospels it is possible to detect patterns of differences between them. Particularly helpful is the material unique to the Gospel of Matthew. This is examined to discover the characteristic emphases of the Gospel. Further investigation showed that the sequences of events were …

Preparation And Practice Of Ministry : A Study Of Seventh-Day Adventist Ministerial Education In The Philippines, Crisolito Vasquez Dela Cruz

Dissertations

Background and purpose of the study. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the present undergraduate ministerial degree offered at Philippine Union College is able to prepare the ministry adequately to meet the demands in the North Philippines. This study surveyed the opinions of administrators/departmental directors, pastors, religion and seminary faculty, and selected laymen.

Methodology. Societal background and statistics of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Philippines were collected and organized from existing sources. Information concerning the graduates were obtained by aquestionnaire with two five-point scales. Data were analyzed and rankings were developed for levels …

Orthodoxy And Heresy In Hans Küng: An Analysis And Critique Of His Criteria And Norms Of Christian Truth And Error, C. Enrique Espinosa

Dissertations

This investigation deals with the concepts of orthodoxy and heresy in the thought of the Swiss theologian Hans Kung.

Chapter I sketches the broad outlines of the development of Christian orthodoxy and, by implication, of the heresy which opposed it, starting with the New Testament times. The most relevant elements constituting the structure of the orthodoxy-heresy antithesis are identified, described, and analyzed. The attention is thus focused on the traditional and modern principles, criteria, norms, and theological issues which have interplayed in the church's efforts to understand the Christian message correctly.

Chapter II shows that the pastoral concerns which constitute …

A Study Of Stress Factors Related To The Attrition Of Christian Reformed Church Missionary Personnel In A West African Work Environment, Dirk W. Vander Steen

Dissertations

Missionary attrition is a costly experience for North American mission boards. Debilitating stress, related to resignations and early withdrawal of missionaries has led to human suffering on the part of missionaries and financial losses for those who sponsor the mission overseas.

This study investigated the factors that were stressful for missionaries of the Christian Reformed Church that worked in West Africa and attempted to identify those stress factors that are primarily responsible for missionary attrition. Previous research, with other missions on other continents provided the basis for identifying factors related to missionary stress. A Likert-like scale was used to measure …

Lesser Gods Of The Ancient Near East And Some Comparisons With Heavenly Beings Of The Old Testament, K. Merling Alomia

Dissertations

This study examines the concept and imagery of heavenly beings as they appear described and depicted in the texts and iconography of the Ancient Near East, and compares the variegated concept and imagery with the angelic realm in the Old Testament.

Utilizing motifs commonly repeated in the mytho-epic literature of the Fertile Crescent--such as the divine assembly and its diverse constituency, the protector gods, the messenger gods, the sons of the gods, the warrior gods, the demonic gods, etc.--the study exposes the diversity among heavenly beings and their place within the divine realm or the hierarchical pantheon. The study abounds …

Allusions, Exegetical Method, And The Interpretation Of Revelation 8:7-12, Jon Paulien

Dissertations

This dissertation attempts to overcome a significant obstacle to the development of a comprehensive exegetical method that can enable an interpreter to unlock the meaning of such difficult apocalyptic passages as Rev 8:7-12.

The first chapter utilizes a survey of previous research to explore four issues whose resolution is vital to the interpretation of the book of Revelation: (1) the sources of the Apocalypse, (2) how the Revelator used them, (3) the language and text tradition of the Old Testament that he used, and (4) the nature and location of his allusions to earlier literature. The literature survey indicates that …