Religion Commons^™

The Fear Of Yahweh: Introducing Scripture’S Wisdom Literature For Biblical Counseling, Alexander Lee

Senior Honors Theses

Biblical wisdom literature is one of the most neglected areas of Scripture related to biblical counseling. Biblical counseling is formulated on the sufficiency of Scripture, so a deeper examination of any area of Scripture is sure to enlighten the biblical counselor. Wisdom in biblical counseling was introduced through an examination of the fear of Yahweh. A proper fear of Yahweh connects the counselee with the revelation of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, leading to a transformation of the client’s character toward a flourishing life. An existing case study was examined, highlighting how these findings can be implemented in the …

Dictating The Divine: Revisiting Authorship, Intention, And Authority From Sacred Texts To Generative Ai, James Hutson, W. Travis Mcmaken

Faculty Scholarship

This article interrogates the historical practice of mediated authorship in religious texts to draw critical parallels with contemporary debates surrounding generative artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models (LLMs). By juxtaposing the mediated authorship of sacred texts, such as the Hebrew Bible and New Testament—where figures like the Apostle Paul dictated theological concepts to scribes who infused these directives with their interpretive insights—with the generative processes of LLMs, this research underscores the shared dynamics of co-constructed authorship across historical and technological contexts. Employing interdisciplinary methodologies from art history, textual studies, and reception theory, as well as theological and biblical studies, …

The Invisible Health Care Provider: Informal Caregivers Within Medical And Faith Communitie, Dr. Julie Yonker, Erin Cawley, Joseph Devries, Elianah Reynolds

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

• Training – Professional Caregivers

• Training – Faith Community

• Training – Informal Caregivers

Interpretive Development In The Binding Of Isaac, Josiah Troutner, John Vonder Bruegge

Celebration of Research

Despite unimportance within the Pentateuch, the Binding of Isaac (the Aqedah) became central to later Rabbinic Jewish theology. In this essay, my goal was to identify early literary developments of that change in the Aqedah narratives of Jubilees, Philo and Josephus using the methodological premise that where sources of disparate backgrounds and rhetorical goals thematically overlap, they are more likely to represent more widely held beliefs – what I call “historical, cultural, and theological development in post-biblical self conception”. Was the Aqedah connected to the institution of the temple or Passover? Was Isaac thought to prefigure later Jewish martyrs? Was …

Two Neighbors Walk Into A Ballot Box A Soon-To-Be Lawyer’S Second Take On Jesus And 21st Century Politics, Trey Murphy

Undergraduate Theses

Although the overarching question of the thesis is "What party would Jesus register for in a 21st century election?", the goal is to teach Christians how to think about politics well. By critically analyzing scripture and four controversial issues that pervade politics, the thesis intends to detach the preconceived notions of our day and attach logically sound thinking to the minds and hearts of Christians who are politically active in the United States. The four issues that are tackled include the following: Same-sex marriage, abortion, immigration, and Just-War theory. Each chapter contains an argument for the Republican party and Democratic …

Spiritual Direction For Teacher Wellbeing, Identity And Resilience, Bernadette Miles, Marlene Marburg

eJournal of Catholic Education in Australasia

Amid growing teacher dissatisfaction and attrition, this 2022 research project explored the potential benefits of spiritual direction in enhancing teacher well-being, identity, and resilience. The study involved 11 trained spiritual directors providing eight sessions of spiritual direction to 38 teachers from Australian Christian schools. Findings highlight the positive impact of spiritual direction on teachers' vocational clarity, self-awareness, and ability to manage workplace challenges. Participants reported a renewed commitment to their profession, improved emotional resilience, and a deeper connection between their spiritual and professional identities. Many educators also noted that spiritual direction provided a confidential and reflective space to process professional …

Saintly Cinema: Modelling The Icon In The Flowers Of St. Francis And Andrei Rublev, Alexander Hart

Journal of Religion & Film

Throughout the history of the cinema, filmmakers have turned to the visual arts for inspiration in creating spiritual styles on film. In this essay, it is argued that Roberto Rossellini’s The Flowers of St. Francis (1950) and Andrei Tarkovsky’s Andrei Rublev (1966) were influenced by Giotto di Bondone’s frescos and Andrei Rublev’s Eastern Orthodox icons, respectively. Committed to realism, Rossellini adopts Giotto’s proto-Renaissance, humanist art as a model for a spiritual style in which the Transcendent is manifested through the natural world. Subverting terrestrial reality, Tarkovsky adopts the aesthetic principles of the Eastern Orthodox icon, translating Pavel Florensky’s concepts of …

The Theological Power Of Film, Irena Sever Globan

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a book review of James Lorenz, The Theological Power of Film (New York: Routledge, 2024).

A Labor Of Love: Wall-E'S Redemption, Rosamund M. Gammie

Journal of Religion & Film

Inaugurated into the Criterion Collection in 2022 this paper re-examines some of the initial responses to the 2008 Disney-Pixar animated film, WALL-E. The movie received a mixed reception, largely celebrated (but occasionally viewed as “too leftist” by others) for its environmental, anti-capitalist message by many public critics, yet disparaged or dismissed as being superficially empty, shallow, and hollow in academic circles. Labor has been the focus of some academic criticism of the film, particularly as it relates to commoditisation, but this paper recontextualises labor not with capitalism, but with love. By viewing the film through the dynamic of labor and …

A Hidden Life On The Way Of The Cross: Terrence Malick And The Cultivation Of Character, William S. Skiles

Journal of Religion & Film

Terrence Malick’s film A Hidden Life depicts the resistance of the Austrian farmer Franz Jägerstätter against the Nazi regime and its demands that he serve Nazi war aims and swear an oath of loyalty to Adolf Hitler. Unlike other resistance films set in Nazi Germany or the Greater German Reich, which depict resistors conspiring to overthrow the regime or actively working toward its downfall, A Hidden Life presents a man’s simple and emphatic “No” to the Nazi regime and its ideology. The film does not simply show how Jägerstätter said “No,” but reveals how he was able to say “No” …

The Shrouds, Elijah Siegler

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of The Shrouds (2024), directed by David Cronenberg.

Conclave, William L. Blizek

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Conclave (2024), directed by Edward Berger.

Inside Out 2, Bertha A. Manninen Ph.D.

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Inside Out 2 (2024), directed by Kelsey Mann.

The Wicker Man, Laurel Zwissler

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a book review of Steve A. Wiggins, The Wicker Man (Liverpool: Auteur, 2023)

Conscience On Campus: Kohlberg, The Church, And The Moral Development Of College Students, Madeline Estep

Christian Ministries Student Projects (All)

This paper explores the role of Christian leaders in the moral development of college students using relevant literature and the framework created by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg. The paper discusses the importance of college years in faith and moral development, Lawrence Kohlberg and a Christian understanding of his work, as well as the implications of these findings for Christian educators and leaders of college student communities.

From Inherited Belief To Owned Faith: Mentoring Emerging Adults Through Fowler’S Faith Stages, Elijah Gutierrez

Christian Ministries Student Projects (All)

This paper explores how James Fowler’s theory of faith development and Richard Dunn’s model of mentoring through pacing can be used together to support the spiritual growth of emerging adults. Focusing on the transition from Stage 3 (Synthetic-Conventional Faith) to Stage 4 (Individuative-Reflective Faith), the paper highlights the challenges young adults face as they move from inherited to owned belief. Practical strategies are offered for ministry leaders and mentors who want to walk with emerging adults through this process of spiritual formation with empathy, patience, and intentional guidance.

Reconstructing Belief: Understanding The Mental Health And Faith Development Of Adolescents, Ella Bivens

Christian Ministries Student Projects (All)

This content argues that a proper understanding of James Fowler’s Theory of Faith Development can help ministry workers, specifically youth group volunteers, better minister to the emotional and spiritual needs of students within the Church who are doubting and deconstructing their faith.

To Speak Or Stay Silent: The Church's Role In A Polarized Political World, Minju Yang

Political Studies Student Projects

This paper deals with what we have to do with politics as Christians in daily life.

The Spiritual Call Of Nursing: Supporting Patients In Spiritual Distress, Cheryl Green, Lauren Thayer, Eliza Dickerson Rn

Posters

Nursing has historically been associated with the spiritual. Referred to “anamcara,” a soul friend in Celtic writings (Groves & Klauser, 2005), nurses accompany those in need, and the ill, from birth to end-of-life. The purpose of this project was to increase awareness of nurses in the identification of patients’ Spiritual Distress, a NANDA diagnosis.

Mythic Arcana - A Tarot And Mythology Guidebook, Kiya Whitaker

English Student Scholarship

Mythic Arcana is part of my senior thesis show and the culmination of my writing and design journey at the college. It is a creative spin on the Major Arcana tarot deck and features mythological characters from around the world. Tarot is used for spiritual guidance, and the Major Arcana cards represent the Soul’s journey from naivety and vast potential (starting with 0, the Fool) to success and fulfillment (ending with 21, the World).

Enjoy this celebration of our world's rich and diverse cultures. Immerse yourself in enchanting art and storytelling. Allow this work to bring you to the past, …

The Narcissistic Pastor: A Wolf In Shepherd’S Clothing, James M. Ennis

Master of Arts in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction

No abstract provided.

Access To Augustana’S Ascension Chapel: Who Gets To Worship?, Jaycee C. Bythewood

Race, Ethnicity, & Religion

This poster seeks to educate readers about the challenges disabled students would face in attending a service in Augustana College’s Ascension Chapel and how inaccessible this actually is using maps crafted by the author with hand-gathered data.

Theological Rituals Of Death: An Archaeological Case Study Of A Thirteenth Century Christian Burial Site, Makayla J. Bowman

Research and Creativity Symposium

This study examines the theological principles reflected in the burial practices of El Corral de los Condes, a thirteenth-century cemetery associated with the Knights of Calatrava at Zorita de los Canes, Spain. Founded during the Crusades, the Knights combined monastic vows with military service, emphasizing poverty, chastity, and obedience. Archaeological evidence from El Corral de los Condes reveals burials devoid of grave goods, consistent with Christian ideals of renouncing earthly possessions at death, as exemplified in Athanasius’ Life of Antony. The orientation of burials along an East/West axis, with heads facing east, aligns with early Christian eschatology, symbolizing the …

Examining The Effect Of Climate Change Denialism In American Christianity On International Climate Policy, Hope Mcbride

Selected Honors Theses

While 53% of Americans say anthropogenic climate change is happening, only 32% of American evangelical Protestants share that belief (Alper). Key reasons for this gap include the values and political affiliations held by religious Americans. Historically, there have been dissenting opinions on the role of Christianity in global warming, but ultimately data have demonstrated that the opinions of American Christians can influence major global political decisions, such as President Trump’s executive order pulling the United States out of the keystone Paris Agreement.

Analyzing The Methods And Effects Of Implementing Multiple Service Styles In The Church, Chloe E. Dillman

Selected Honors Theses

This thesis explores the motivations and methodologies behind offering different styles of worship services in churches in Lakeland, Florida. The study is inspired by the ongoing debate over modern worship, which has intensified over the past fifty years. As contemporary worship grew in popularity, many churches adapted by incorporating various worship styles into their services. In response to the controversy surrounding these changes, some churches implemented multiple service options—one reflecting a contemporary/modern style and another adhering to a more traditional approach. As this practice became more widespread, it sparked further discussion among church leaders regarding its impact on congregational unity, …

Aphantasia And Religion: Exploring The Impact Of Imageless Cognition On Spiritual Experience, Reagan J. Pletcher

Selected Honors Theses

This study examines the intersection of aphantasia – the inability to consciously visualize mental images – and religious experience, here Christianity. Taking a phenomenological approach, qualitative interviews were conducted with three self-described aphantasic Christians to examine how they conceptualize, practice, and experience their faith. Thematic analysis revealed that participants employ abstract thinking, propositional thinking, and moral reasoning rather than visual imagery when engaging with religious texts, prayer, and worship. They valued intellectual and moral aspects of Christianity more than imaginative visualization, demonstrating that religion is not necessarily dependent on mental imagery to participate spiritually. While participants did refer to challenges …

Augustana As A Physically Religious Institution: The Evolving Relationship With The Church, Lillian A. Mcclintock

Race, Ethnicity, & Religion

This paper looks at the evolution of Augustana College and Theological Seminary from a profane space to a secular one. First, I look at how the Augustana Theological Seminary’s relationship with the College has changed over time. Tying in themes from Vásquez’s reading, with how Seminary’s location as a prominent point on campus demonstrates spatial hierarchy. Secondly, I will look at the hourly bells emanating from Old Main, bringing in Religion is Not Done With You, the discussion falls to the invisibility of religious structures as they largely fade into the background alongside lived religion. Finally, the paper will assess …

Bendiciendo Nuestros Hijos, Ceh

Liturgias

Bendiciendo nuestros hijos

Invocación Al Espíritu Santo-Bilingüe, Ángel Morales

Liturgias

Invocación al Espíritu Santo-bilingüe

Funeral-Cementerio Hombre-Liturgia, Ceh

Liturgias

Funeral-cementerio hombre-liturgia