Religion Commons^™

Letter From The Chairman, Kyle Moellenhoff

Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal

The theme for this year’s journal, “With Eyes of Faith,” was selected to fit with the Seminary’s theme for the academic year, “Let us Fix our Eyes on Jesus.” As I pondered this theme it was the word “eyes” that stood out most. The Lutheran tradition, with its rich theology of the proclaimed Word, tends to focus heavily on the ears. After all, Paul says that “faith comes from hearing” (Rom 10:17). But with all this salutary emphasis on hearing, we should not neglect the role that the eyes play in the life of faith.

Managing Financial Sector Crisis: Do “Faith” And “Leave It To God” Matter?, Rebecca Attah, Christine Avortri, Emmanuel Appah, Alexander Preko

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to elucidate the understanding of two religious concepts related to the financial sector clean-up among bank customers; and second, to explore how these concepts have been employed as strategies to mitigate the impact of financial sector clean-up shocks in Ghana. This qualitative research is anchored in the theory of belief and meaning-making theory, utilizing purposive and snowball sampling methods, with twenty-eight in-depth interviews for data gathering. The findings of this study revealed that financial sector clean-up customers understood religious faith as “aggressive faith,” “passive faith,” and “offensive faith,” which were found to …

Hooked On A Feeling: The Importance Of Fostering Emotional Intelligence In Adolescents, Annika Wirkkala

Classical Conversations

In the summer of 2023, CNN reported on a 14-year old girl who claimed to have several mental health issues. These included ADHD, depression, autism, and various phobias. After a specialist examined her, however, she was officially diagnosed not with her extensive list of illnesses but with severe anxiety. How did this 14-year old girl become so convinced that she suffered from all of these problems? Social media. Sadly, this girl is not the only victim of social media self-diagnosis. According to the CNN report, “A growing number of teens are turning to social platforms such as Instagram and TikTok …

Comparing And Contrasting Luther’S And Aquinas’ Viewpoints Regarding The Essence Of Justification: A Step Towards Promoting Ecumenical Harmony, Paulinus Daeli Osc

Obsculta

This article is intended for Christians who recognize the importance of diversity in ecumenical unity. By comparing the views of Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther on the idea of justification, the author seeks to convey that faith in Christ helps one to grow and develop spiritually. The similarities and differences of the two figures offered in this sense invite Christians to see that their differences need not be contradictory and that they can be juxtaposed.

Newman's Faith In A Synodal Church, Emily Heidick

Obsculta

This piece is a brief exploration of the theology of how the church develops by John Henry Newman with particular attention to the connection to the synodal church of today.

Interpretation Of Luke 15:11-32: For Parents Of Children Who Have Fallen Away From The Faith And Have Other Children At Home, Anisabel Palma

Obsculta

This piece aims to interpret the pericope of Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the Prodigal Son, for parents with children fallen away from the faith and other children with them. Its purpose is to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ during those difficult moments, offering hope and trust in the loving God of the merciful Father. It is aims to explore the graces that God bestows upon parents who mourn the estrangement of their child.

Are Latter-Day Saints Perfectionists? Guest Editor’S Introduction, W. Justin Dyer

BYU Studies

A while back, I was sitting in a university meeting at the beginning of another school year. A therapist was facilitating a helpful discussion on the growing concern of student mental health. When toxic perfectionism came up, the facilitator mentioned in an offhanded way that we have a particular problem with this at Brigham Young University (BYU) because of “the gospel.” This statement was not much of a surprise given the seemingly common attitude that BYU students (and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in general) struggle with perfectionism.

Observation, Reason, Faith, And Revelation, Dale G. Renlund

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

While some might believe that observation and reason are at odds with faith, they in fact support our ability to receive revelation. We can be deceived when we draw conclusions based on observation, reason, or faith alone, but when used in harmony, they facilitate revelation and enable the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion. Following this pattern of revelation increases the spiritual momentum in our lives.

“Be Not Faithless, But Believing”, Brad Wilcox

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

esus Christ taught Thomas, and through him, all of us, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believed” (John 20:29). In the Americas, the Savior taught that those who have not seen and still believe are “more blessed” (3 Nephi 12:2). How are we more blessed not to see Him? By not compelling us to believe, the Lord leaves space for choice and for faith. Choosing faith is the act that welcomes God and Christ into our lives, and their involvement and influence bring the miracle of change. The goal is not just to see God and Christ—one …

Broken Shelves Or Continuing Revelation? Extending The Shelf Life Of Faith, Jared M. Halverson

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

Many former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explain their loss of faith with the phrase “My shelf broke.” This is in reference to a well-known analogy by Camilla Kimball in which her shelf was where she kept the questions she could not yet answer, not as a way to avoid those questions but with faith that God would eventually answer them. Based on Sister Kimball’s analogy and the ninth article of faith, this paper suggests that there are actually three shelves rather than one, with a constant interplay between revelation past (shelf 1), revelation present …

Increasing Parent Faith Engagement At A Parish School, Grace Mazza Urbanski

Journal of Catholic Education

Increasing faith engagement among Catholic school shareholders is a priority for school leaders. Catholic school communities can learn from this year-long project with a parish school. Sacred Heart Parish School serves approximately 300 K3-8th grade students. Like many parish schools, Sacred Heart sees a growing number of parents disengaged with the faith life of the parish and school, despite 98% of them being registered parishioners. The parent population enjoys robust and regular social activities, but report they are uncomfortable or uninterested in faith activities. The mission of Sacred Heart Parish School is to nurture “children’s growth in the Catholic faith,” …

Moral Injury: The Hidden Adversary Of War, Lashell Y. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of United States Army combat veterans who have supported combat operations at least once over the past fourteen years in either Iraq or Afghanistan who self-identified as suffering from symptoms of moral injury. This study was designed to elucidate the impact of faith on resilience and coping mechanisms and broaden previous research on moral injury and whether Army leaders should identify and mitigate moral injury within the ranks. Phenomenology focuses on the interpretation and meaning of how individuals experience their world within a given context. Seven …

Curriculum As Theology: A Framework For Analyzing Curriculum As Theological Text, Russell Miller

The Journal of Faith, Education, and Community

This article seeks to establish a framework that contemplates curriculum as theological text by exploring the works of Neil Postman, W.F. Pinar, and C.S. Lewis in relation to past and present research and commentary. The paper investigates a range of concepts related to theology and curriculum including culture and religion, ethics, and morality. The author argues that curriculum is intrinsically a theological endeavor due to the nature of humanity and the interaction between learning and spiritual development.

The B. H. Roberts Story

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

The Lord obviously did not intend the Book of Mormon to be an open-and-shut case intellectually, either pro or con. No miracle and no matter of faith is.

New Audiovisual Materials

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

On May 10, 1988, John W. Welch gave the Devotional address at Brigham Young University. In this inspiring talk entitled "Study, Faith, and the Book of Mormon," he discussed recent studies of the Book of Mormon and how they can increase our appreciation for the book. The video and the transcript of this talk are now available.

Everyday Imaginative Apologetics: A Case Study, Justin Bailey

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

No abstract provided.

Best Practices In Prayer: Are Some Forms Of Prayer Better Than Others For A Healthcare Patient's Well-Being?, Tyler Michener Garth

Masters Theses

Spiritual Assessment is the central contribution of chaplains to an interdisciplinary team. If it is confirmed that prayer is beneficial, and, furthermore, that certain prayer types are more beneficial than others; should not the patient’s spiritual assessment include recognition of whether he has been participating in the most beneficial forms of prayer as opposed to those less beneficial (and perhaps why)? If prayer is integral to patient well-being, then absence of prayer, or using prayer types of least benefit for the well-being of the patient, should be noted as of potential clinical importance on the patient’s chart. In this study, …

Book Of Mormon Series Offers Five New Lectures

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

The following lectures, recently filmed and broadcast as part of the FARMS Book of Mormon Lecture Series, are now available for you to enjoy (videos, audiocassettes, or transcripts- see the order form).

Reprint Probes How Evidence Facilitates Belief

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

A new FARMS reprint makes available a lengthy paper first presented by John W. Welch in 1995 at the twenty-fourth annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium at BYU. In "The Power of Evidence in the Nurturing of Faith," Welch offers the most extensive analysis available of the role of evidence in strengthening one's faith in the Book of Mormon.

A Literary Analysis Of Moroni 7, Richard Dilworth Rust

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

Moroni 7 is one of the most tightly woven and forceful sermons in the Book of Mormon. Recorded by Mormon's son Moroni, this sermon on faith, hope, and charity is particularly poignant because Mormon has been killed by the Lamanites and Moroni is the solitary survivor. We can picture Moroni rereading this sermon in order to strengthen his own faith, hope, and charity-topics he addresses in his concluding words in the Book of Mormon.

Online Worship And The Autism Community, Stephen J. Bedard

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many faith communities to move their services online. This may have been a pragmatic decision to adapt to health regulations but it also provided an accessible option for autistic worshipers to participate in their faith community. Although there are some challenges to online worship services, they remain an important option for autistic members of faith communities.

Letter From The Chairman: Over One Hundred Years Of Student Publications At Concordia Seminary, Ben Vanderhyde

Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal

For hundreds of years, in various countries, through various languages, Christian pastors have exhorted their people to lift up their hearts in the liturgy of Holy Communion. Whether or not every church has always used these precise words, the exhortation is universal among Christians. We are called to put our faith and trust in the one who is above us; to set our hope firmly on the one whose second advent is on the verge of dawning; to aim all of our desires and affections toward the one who made us. In short, we lift up our hearts to the …

Almsgiving In Early Christian Catechesis, Ben Vanderhyde

Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal

To say simply that almsgiving was a part of early Christian catechesis would not say much that is new to the Lutheran church today. Our own catechism includes this idea in its explanation of the 5th commandment: “We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.” It is not so much significant that the Apostolic Fathers taught almsgiving but how they did so. Almsgiving played such a central role in the life of the early church that it came to be …

Liturgy & Life: How The Divine Service Connects With The Rest Of The Week, Benjamin Janssen

Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal

On vicarage, I was blessed to spend many hours with a faithful member named Ginger, who, alongside her husband Walter, runs and operates the congregation’s robust food and clothing distribution center. This center is completely run by volunteer efforts out of the undercroft of the church and successfully feeds and clothes 150 families a month. This work both serves the neighbor in need and brings the congregation into contact with many of those living in the immediate community. In short, it is a blessing to the congregation and the surrounding community. Therefore, at the end of each service day, I …

Sursum Corda As A Call For Repentance And Faith, Sebastian Grünbaum

Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal

This article examines Chemnitz's understanding and interpretation of the Sursum Corda in his work the Lord’s Supper. Chemnitz’s theological adversaries had been claiming that the Sursum Corda was evidence that the early church did not believe that the true body and blood were on the altar. They argued that the believer had to go up to the Lord (who sits on the right side of the Father) in faith and eat mere bread in this faith.3 Chemnitz aimed to correct this understanding by showing that the Fathers did not understand the Sursum Corda in this way but rather as an …

Seat At The Table: An Inclusive Ministry To Families And Individuals With Disabilities At Plainfield Christian Church, Lindy Ruth Rader

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

Churches are called to be a place of welcoming and belonging, but it is common for individuals and families with disabilities to not feel like they have a place in the Church. Seat At The Table is a ministry designed to address this problem and help families feel integrated into the local church. This ministry is a part of Plainfield Christian Church, located in Plainfield, Indiana. Seat At The Table desires to create a space for individuals and families to encounter Jesus and to form a deep and lasting relationship with Him. Along with this, they want participants in the …

Remembering Emma, Sarah Moss

The Voice

No abstract provided.

Help For The Emotional Religious Doubter: Divine Revelation As An Epistemic Axiom And Its Significance Upon The Implementation Of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (Rebt), Ronald Henry Davis Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study addresses the concept of religious doubt concerning those who embrace the Christian tradition, i.e., those who embrace the words and works of Christ, specifically the reality of the Resurrection, as true and efficacious for both salvation and spiritual formation. The existential crisis of doubting these truths is a consistent and significant issue addressed in both religious and secular circles driven by the desire to help the individual overcome the emotional distress associated with this phenomenon. This study is designating doubt that creates an existential crisis as emotional religious doubt (ERD), i.e., it is a species/variety of doubt that …

Res Historica, Volume 2, Lynneth Miller Renberg Phd, Alpha Rho Epsilon Phi Alpha Theta

Res Historica

The 2023 journal of historical research by Anderson University students, Res Historica.

The editorial team for this edition of Res Historica was Dr. Lynneth Miller Renberg. Johnathan Sorce, and Helen Smith. Cover art for this volume by Helen Smith.

Healing And Exorcism, Meghan Henning

Books and Book Chapters by University of Dayton Faculty

The study of the Synoptic Gospel healing and exorcism stories has been dominated by contemporary medicalized ways of viewing the human body. This essay challenges those approaches, which assume that there are universal ideals of the body that transcend time and space, and privileges approaches which seek to rigorously contextualize the healing and exorcism stories amid ancient conceptions of the body. One primary way in which ancient conceptions of the body differ from the contemporary is through the ancient overlap between healing and exorcism. This essay argues that one should view exorcisms as ancient healing narratives. Through comparison with other …