Religion Commons^™

A Byzantine Church At Qiryat Ata(With A Contribution By Ariel Berman) (Pp. 165–176), Fanny Vitto

'Atiqot

Part of a Byzantine-period church was revealed during an excavation conducted at Qiryat Ata. The church was basilical in plan, oriented roughly eastward. The nave was paved with a polychrome mosaic, exhibiting a geometric pattern that was dated on stylistic grounds to the second half of the sixth century CE. Small limestone fragments decorated with geometric motifs were found on the mosaic floor, probably belonging to a chancel screen. The finds included pottery and glass vessels of Late Byzantine date. The church probably belongs to a rather prosperous settlement that existed within the present limits of Qiryat Ata.

The Excavation At Khirbat El-Baṭiya (Triangulation Spot 819) (Hebrew, Pp. 21*–28*; English Summary, Pp. 197–198), Hanaa Abu ‘Uqsa

'Atiqot

The western part of a large building was exposed, dating to the end of the Byzantine period. Two main strata were observed (I, II). Stratum Ia included the remains of a dry-built building, constructed from finely dressed limestone blocks arranged in headers and stretchers. The floors were paved with stone slabs, and the walls were probably coated with plaster. The finds from this phase date to the fifth–sixth centuries CE. Stratum Ib represents slight modifications that were carried out in the building. In Stratum II the building continued to be used, mainly in the southern part. A jug and a …

A Greek Inscription From Tel Ashdod (Hebrew, Pp. 3*–6*; English Summary, Pp. 233–234), Vassilios Tzaferis

'Atiqot

The seven-line Greek inscription from Tel Ashdod is a typical dedicatory inscription, mentioning the construction of a winepress and monastery. It was dated to the Byzantine period.

Remains Of A Monastery At The Foot Of Tel Ashdod (Hebrew, Pp. 1*–2*; English Summary, P. 233), Shlomo Gudovitch

'Atiqot

A mosaic floor was uncovered, consisting of a square surrounding a medallion, in which a seven-line Greek inscription was preserved. It is suggested that the mosaic adorned the entrance to a monastery or a church that existed at the site during the Byzantine period.

Excavations At Shiqmona—1994 (Pp. 131–143), Yizhar Hirschfeld

'Atiqot

Excavations were conducted along the railway tracks from Tel Aviv to Haifa on the eastern fringes of Tel Shiqmona, located on the outskirts of modern-day Haifa. The finds from the excavation were extremely meager; however, they offered a new understanding of the nature and size of the site. The architectural remains represent a single occupation dating to the Byzantine period, based on ceramic and numismatic evidence. The excavation results determined that the site covered an area of no more than 50 dunams (12.5 acres) and was occupied by Jews. Thus, Shiqmona was identified as a large, Byzantine-period village.

What Hath Jerusalem To Do With Chile: Towards An Evangelical Understanding Of The Enneagram And Its Usage For Spiritual Development, Wesley E. Scholtz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, it is estimated that the personality testing market is worth approximately $2 billion. The Church has expressed interest in understanding personality types through various testing methods. The Enneagram offers a possibly ancient method to help people understand who they are in a spiritual capacity, which can be an aid in connecting more closely with God. This dissertation addressed the research gap that exists within the current literature which is the lack of data concerning whether adults who are professional, ordained ministers are aware of, use, and may be skeptical of the Enneagram. The research method in this dissertation was …

Three Greek Inscriptions From The Monastery At Nahal Pehar (Giv‘Ot Bar), In The Northern Negev, Leah Di Segni

'Atiqot

Three Greek inscriptions were discovered within a small coenobium at Giv‘ot Bar in the northern Negev. One was set in a mosaic pavement in the chapel, and the other two were painted in red ink on building blocks found in the debris near the entrance to the chapel. The mosaic inscription mentions a string of names, probably of the monks who cared for the laying of the mosaic pavement in the chapel, or perhaps for the foundation of the coenobium. The two other inscriptions are epitaphs, indicating that the chapel was also used for burial. One epitaph mentions a date …

A Byzantine-Period Monastery And Farmhouse In Nahal Pehar (Giv‘Ot Bar), In The Northern Negev, Nir-Shimshon Paran

'Atiqot

A Byzantine-period monastery and farmhouse were uncovered on the southwestern bank of Naḥal Peḥar, within the modern settlement of Giv‘ot Bar, in the northern Negev. The monastery was well-preserved, attesting to the daily life of the monks in the Negev in the Byzantine period. It was paved with poorly executed mosaic floors, probably laid by the monks themselves. Most of the finds in the monastery were uncovered on the floors, attesting to its orderly abandonment in the late Byzantine or beginning of the Umayyad period (sixth–seventh centuries CE). The monastery seems to have belonged to the widespread ecclesiastical system documented …

Church Attendance, Gender Roles, And Human Sexuality, Derek D. Goodrich

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

This research examines how the frequency of religious attendance impacts views on gender roles and sexuality in Christian subgroups in the United States. Prior research on the varying worldviews of American Christians has revealed a diverse group of opinions that cannot be explained solely by denominational affiliation. Based on social identity theory, this study explores whether the frequency of attendance at religious services influences congregants’ beliefs on six issues: legalization of gay marriage, the acceptance of homosexuality in society, the acceptance of transgender people, whether a parent should stay home with the children, which parent should stay home, and women …

Where Transformation Happens : Identifying Formational Qualities Of Spiritual Friendship Groups For Gen Z University Students, Gregory K. Haseloff

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Restoration Vs. Revelation: Alexander Campbell's Unique Condemnation Of Joseph Smith, Luke Gibbs

Tenor of Our Times

The great Alexander Campbell, an influential figure of the Restoration Movement, is historically regarded as a fiery orator, minister, and evangelical Protestant. Much of the historiography surrounding Campbell rightfully focuses on his adamant efforts to proliferate his ideology. His scorching personality brought him into conflict with members of every Christian sect. Still, Campbell’s focus on unity allowed him to make general concessions with his fellow Christians. He was often congenial and sociable when engaging with Christians, and even atheists, who held opinions that differed from his own. However, Campbell was plainly angered by Joseph Smith's Mormon movement. This paper attempts …

'God Loves The World' Documentary, Ilona Kitchen

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The internet is a powerful place. People feel that they can share how they feel with no consequences. Hedviga Tkáčová (2021) argues that negative media portrayals of Christianity contribute to prejudice against Christian university students in Slovakia, which undermines social cohesion and highlights the need for greater support of religious diversity. From memes to viral videos, these digital interactions can feel like a personal attack, exposing how online spaces can betray the trust and faith of the Roman Catholic Church. As a Roman Catholic, I frequently encounter such issues when engaging with content in the media. In public settings, it …

The Judgment, James M. Taylor

Heritage Material

No abstract provided.

Hungarian Ruling Political Party Fidesz’S ‘Soft Power’ Use Of Religion: Themes, Networks, Partnerships, Alexander Faludy

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article aims to stimulate better understanding of Fidesz’s use of religion as a ‘soft power’ tool. Exploring the Hungarian government’s ‘soft power’ has lately engaged the attention of professional researchers. The use of religious messaging, networks, and opinion formers to propagate positive images of Fidesz abroad has, however, largely been overlooked. This essay argues that such use has been both substantial and successful. The article’s primary focus will be on the use made of Christianity in government aligned communications and network building. Attention will, however, also be paid to the subsidiary roles played by Fidesz’s outreach to both Jewish …

"All Power Over Ouranos And Gaia": The Maiestas Domini Supra Caelum Motif In Matthew 28:18 And The Junius Bassus Sarcophagus, Calan Christensen

Studia Antiqua

The maiestas domini supra caelum motif, as depicted in the central vignette of the upper register of the Junius Bassus sarcophagus, is widely understood as epitomizing a Christian ideal or an eschatological adventus as opposed to a representation of any “historical” biblical narra- tive. Nevertheless, this paper addresses the compelling iconographical al- lusion between the Bassus enthronement scene over Caelus and the final chapter of Matthew, specifically highlighting Jesus’s declaration of divine power “ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς.”

Through an examination of the relevant contemporaneous theological and ritual literature produced during the period of Matthew’s authorship and the crafting of …

Submit Yourself: Religious Beliefs, Gender Roles, Self-Control, And Alcohol Use’S Influence On Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence, Carina J. Pawlak

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

Religious beliefs bear a great significance in many individuals’ lives, as they shape our personal belief systems and affect our relationships with others. Limited research has explored the relationship between religion and intimate partner violence (IPV), an increasingly prevalent issue that persists in our society. The traditional values, such as male gender roles associated with patriarchal societies and traditional religious beliefs, may magnify the prevalence of IPV perpetration. Other variables that may be associated with positive attitudes toward IPV include self-control, alcohol intake, and belief in divine control. This analysis used preliminary data from the Crime, Health, and Intimate Partner …

Servant Leadership That Transforms : Using The Practices And Principles Of Servant Leadership Lead To Transformation?, Cathy L. Jacobs

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

المسيحيّة في الكويت, محمد جاسم المحميد

Horizons et Conjonctures

خلاصة

يتناول البحث تاريخ المسيحيّين في الكويت منذ القرن العشرين، ولا سيّما مع الإرساليّين العرب–الأمريكيّين، كما يرصد أثر اكتشاف النفط على الوجود المسيحي في خمسينيّات وستّينيّات القرن الماضي. يدرس البحث العلاقة مع الفاتيكان والكنائس الثماني المعترف بها، مبرزًا واقع التعايش واحترام الدولة للحريّات الدستوريّة، ولا سيّما حرّيّة الاعتقاد. كما يشرح تأثير دخول الإسلام السياسي إلى البرلمان على حقوق المسيحيّين، مقارنةً بالدستور والاتفاقيّات الدوليّة، مبيّنًا دور المحكمة الدستوريّة في حماية الحقوق.‏

كلمات مفتاحيّة

المسيحيّة، الدستور، حقوق الإنسان، الإسلام السياسي‏

Résumé

L’article traite de l’histoire des chrétiens au Koweït depuis le XXe siècle et la Mission arabe-américaine, ainsi que de l’impact de …

The Chronology Of Jesus' Triple Fulfillment Of The Feasts Of Israel, Carter Day Watson

Masters Theses

Much of modern scholarship believes that Jesus only fulfilled the spring feasts of Israel during His First Coming and will fulfill the fall feasts in His Second Coming. This thesis argues that this view is mistaken; instead, the biblical and historical evidence points towards Jesus already fulfilling both the spring and fall feasts during His First Coming: (1) Trumpets with His birth on September 29, 2 BCE (and Herod the Great's death on January 27, 1 BCE); (2) the Day of Atonement with His spiritual baptism on October 6, 29 CE and physical baptism on October 14, 29 CE; (3) …

Evaluating Bad Theology And Making A Case For The Ethical Priority Of Religious Diversity In Tolkien Studies, Nick Polk

Journal of Tolkien Research

Presented at Oxonmoot in 2024, the aim of this paper is to present a selection of theological Tolkien criticisms for the purpose of evaluating them through practical theologian Leah Robinson’s definition of bad theology. The point is argued that bad theology in Tolkien Studies needs to be identified and understood as unethical and replaced with the openness of theologian John Thatamanil’s criteria for religious diversity. Concluding will be a promotion of religious diversity as an ethical priority and evaluative tool for future theological engagements within Tolkien Studies.

The Impact Of Colonization, The Problem Of Evil, And The African Traditional Religion Worldview On Biblical Hermeneutics In West Africa, Christopher Blay

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research paper delves into the complex relationship between colonization, African Traditional Religion (ATR), the problem of evil, and their impact on interpreting biblical texts in West Africa. The study explores how historical colonization, cultural beliefs rooted in ATR, and the existential question of evil have shaped the lens through which Millennials and Gen Z in West Africa engage with Christianity.

Through an analysis of historical sources, scholarly works, and academic articles, this paper highlights how these factors have contributed to a decline in interest in Christianity among the youth in the region. The paper also emphasizes the importance of …

Walter Rauschenbusch: Bringing The Kingdom Of God To Alleviate Poverty In Christianity And The Social Crisis, Christopher Price

Liberty Theological Review

Industrialization and the Gilded Age exacerbated the gap between the wealthy and the extremely poor who inhabited major American cities like New York. Walter Rauschenbusch, a German Baptist pastor who served a parish in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City, began his ministry focusing on individual salvation and piety. After seeing the tangible effects of poverty, including the all-too-common deaths of young children, Rauschenbusch attempted to articulate the social ramifications of Christianity. The best-known example of his understanding of the Kingdom of God was Christianity and the Social Crisis, which became a seminal text in social gospel …

Timothy Keller: Champion For The City: Keller's Philosophy Of Urban Contextualization, Michael W. Cunningham

Liberty Theological Review

Timothy Keller's 2023 passing serves as an occasion to consider his ministry legacy. His magnum opus, Center Church, encapsulated his philosophy of contextualization. This philosophy was rooted in a robust theology that informed and balanced missions, evangelism, and church planting. Keller's passion for city missions defied current ministry trends that favored suburbia and avoided urban contexts. His ministry conviction overcame cultural opposition and ministry bias and grew a thriving ministry in an unlikely ministry setting. Keller’s ministry captured the imagination of rising generations of pastors, missionaries, and ministry practitioners and provided the needed theological framework and training for successful …

Pastoral Prose And Civic Engagement: Crafting The Call To The Public Square, Christopher Ian Thoma

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis explores the relationship between creative writing techniques employed by pastors and congregational engagement in the public square. The central thesis posits that if pastors incorporate creative writing methods in extended weekly communications with congregants, then the necessary factors for engagement in the public square will be fostered, leading to attitudinal shifts demonstrated by increased congregational interest or participation in civil affairs. Through an extensive literature review, the thesis fairly examines historical and contemporary views of church and state, the Two Kingdoms doctrine, concepts relative to public square participation, Christianity’s waning cultural influence, communication science, developmental theory, literature familiarity, …

Radical Hospitality: Height And Excess Of The Other And The New Host Self, Diako Alikhani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Drawing on Emmanuel Levinas’ ethical framework and its emphasis on the “height and excess” of “the Other,” this thesis explores and develops a sense of “radical hospitality” in Levinas and across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In particular, the thesis explores how encounter with the Other is not only marked by an overwhelming excess, but one which transforms the subject into what I call a “New Host Self:” Where the self is the host who greets the stranger with hospitality, it is ultimately the stranger—the refugee, the migrant—who transforms the host into someone new. Here, the host ultimately receives a gift …

Progressive Paradox In Political Rhetoric: The Hart-Celler Immigration Act Of 1965, Amanda Rolston Henderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the interplay between U.S. norms for inclusion, the embedded role of religion within these norms, and how political rhetoric challenges or sustains them. Using a historical lens, I outline key moments in U.S. history, unravel central ideologies entrenched in U.S. narratives, and illuminate the ideographic function of the key concepts land, family, and work. These terms serve as conduits for conveying complex systems of meaning, which are entrenched in societal assumptions and concretized through political discourse and action.

These dynamics are demonstrated in a case study of the discourse surrounding the Hart-Celler Immigration Act …

New Paths In Jewish And Religious Studies: Essays In Honor Of Professor Elliot R. Wolfson, Glenn Dynner, Susannah Heschel, Shaul Magid

Purdue University Press Books

The work of Elliot R. Wolfson has profoundly influenced the fields of Jewish studies as well as philosophy and religion more broadly. His radically new approaches have created pioneering ways of analyzing texts and thinking about religion through the lens of gender, sexuality, and feminist theory. The contributors to New Paths in Jewish and Religious Studies: Essays in Honor of Professor Elliot R. Wolfson, many of whom are internationally renowned scholars, hearken from diverse fields. Each has learned from and collaborated with Wolfson as student or colleague, and each has expanded the new scholarly directions initiated by Wolfson’s groundbreaking …

Information Technology In The Christian Sphere, Kaylen Frazee

NEXUS: The Liberty Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

No abstract provided.

Shadows Of Virtue: ‘The Abolition Of Man’ In Modern Context, Luke Thomas Soule

Communication Studies

C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man stands as a remarkable examination of the mid-19th century shift towards moral subjectivism. With a detailed study of this text, this essay will utilize ideological and Postmodern criticism to reveal how Lewis builds his defense of objective morality, or what he calls the "Tao," against the educational spread of relativism. The heart of the analysis is the examination of Lewis's use of ideographs. Terms such as "the Tao," "Men without Chests," and "the Abolition of Man'' not only criticize the philosophical trends of the time but also tap into a deep cultural current of …

The Logic Of Toleration: Pierre Bayle' S Christianity And Religious Tolerance, Michael J. Walker

The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing

In 1598, after the pronouncement of the Edict of Nantes by French king Henry lV, some French Catholics obeyed the edict and afforded religious tolerance to Huguenots (French Protestants} in parts of France. For the most part, ruling elites tolerated small Protestant communities that did not challenge their authority. However, as the seventeenth century progressed, issues of religious tolerance, concord and persecution became increasingly pertinent. Catholic communities often ignored many of the concessions afforded to religious minonttes by the Edict. Protestants throughout Europe had experienced varying degrees of tolerance and persecution during the sixteenth century, but by the seventeenth century …