Biblical Studies Commons^™

'To Open Eyes That Are Blind . . . ' [Isa 42:7]: Senses, Idolatry, And Unity In Isaiah, Kelsie Job

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the theme of sense-lessness throughout Isaiah in connection with the sin of idolatry and prophetic expectation that Israel and Judah will one day be reunited. It explores Isaiah's use of a metaphorical trope to communicate the spiritual reality of Israel's insensibility and Isaiah's anticipation of YHWH's restorative action on their behalf. The restoration of Israel's senses portrays Israel's metaphorical features (eyes, ears, hearts) finally fulfilling their proper purpose before God (seeing, hearing, understanding), which are representative of the deeper spiritual reality that they at last will find their proper function as the people of God. Their senses …

The Bottom Line: Friend Or Foe? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Gunter was reeling. The board of Mastech had brought him in as CEO to move the company forward. He had been selected not only because of his proven business skills, but because he cared about people. Now the board was adamant: “You’re just being soft, Gunter. You care about people so much you’re not making the tough decisions. You’ll never improve the bottom line of this company unless you start swinging the axe. Get to it, or…um…the axe may fall on you!” The directive hit Gunter right in the gut. For a year he had been trying to build a …

When Work And Family Collide (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Maria had been preparing for this day for several months, and now her Saturday morning piano recital was nearly here. Best of all, her daddy would be coming! Her excitement helped her overlook all the times he’d had to miss such events because of his work. Then, just a day before the recital, her dad’s boss called. Would history repeat? Would he be called out of town again? From what Maria overheard, she knew her dad was doing his best to get out of making the trip. But as soon as he hung up it was obvious he was unsuccessful. …

Accountability In A Compassionate Enterprise (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Dr. Gonzales was a highly skilled dentist who came across to his patients as unusually caring and compassionate. He took extra time so clients were reassured and understood the procedures they were walking through. He occasionally provided services without charge for those who couldn’t afford them, and followed up to make sure his patients were making good progress. However there was a problem with some members of his staff. They took advantage of their boss’s tender nature, cutting corners in ways that would never be permitted in a demanding, no-nonsense workplace. They didn’t feel accountable. Dr. Gonzales needed to make …

The Frustrated Customer (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

It had been one of those long, aggravating days—the kind where the nerves of everyone in the company were on edge. At least it’s almost over, thought Carlos, the customer service representative for Ace Windows and Doors. Just as he reached for his coat, his phone rang. “I’ve tried for half an hour, and I can’t get your Model SD 92 storm door to lock properly,” said the frustrated customer. Carlos knew this complaint and knew instantly the caller hadn’t even cracked the owner’s manual. “Listen,” said Carlos, “I’ll just bet anything you haven’t read the instructions that came with …

Can You Love Your Employees? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Samantha thought the advice of her grad school professor was a little unusual—words given her as she was about to launch her career: “Don’t get too close to your co-workers,” he said. “You never know when you’re going to have to fire someone, and you don’t want to fire your close friends.” Soon Samantha was moving up the ranks at Agile, a large pharmaceutical firm, and had several associates reporting to her. Reading a book on leadership, she was drawn to the story of Vince Lombardi, the legendary football coach of Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers in the late ’50s. She …

'Whence This Evil?' A Critical Assessment Of (Anti)Theodicy And Innocent Suffering In Lamentations 3, Mark P. Stone

Theses and Dissertations

Recent scholarship on Lamentations has focused on the voice of Daughter Zion in chapters 1-2. Arguing that the frank protests constitute an antitheodicy, interpreters have placed these poems in opposition to the voice of the man in Lam 3, specifically 3:21-42. This Wisdom-like, paraenetic section is seen to put forth a theodicy, counseling penitent acceptance of God's righteous judgment. The present study argues instead that, when incorporated into the rhetorical movement of Lam 3 as a whole, 3:21-42 instead constitutes an antitheodicy consonant with Lam 1-2. It is proposed that Lamentations manipulates the expected theodicy solution until it has been …

When Do You Fire Your Customer? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

The senior management of Software Dynamics, Inc. had just completed its Business Roadmap, spelling out SDI’s Vision, Mission, Values and Guiding Principles. One section described the company’s position toward its customers: “We realize we are dependent on close relationships with our clients, and will go the extra mile to assure we are meeting their requirements and serving their needs.” Shortly after, the purchasing agent for one of SDI’s largest customers asked to meet privately with Paul, SDI’s sales manager. It was soon clear he wanted more than good service, delivery and competitive pricing. He wanted a personal “commission,” a percentage …

Faith: How Open Can You Be? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Findlay debated with himself for some time, and then made a conscious decision to leave a Bible on his desk at work. Since becoming a believer he wanted to let others know about his newfound faith, and had concluded this small step could open some doors. It didn’t take long for Findlay to get a response. Into his office walked the Manager of Human Relations: “My friend, what is that? Have you become one of those?” A chill went down Findlay’s spine. He knew his next words were important, so he lifted a quick prayer for what to say. “Ahh, …

A Foreign Text In A Foreign Land, Dylan A. Vernon

Honors Projects

The Bible has passed through different languages and cultures, and in the process the words of the text lose their original meaning and gain new meanings. This process influences the way that commentators interpret the biblical text. This study looks at the Hebrew verb פתה that appears in Hosea 2:16, the Greek verb πλανω that translates פתה in Hosea 2:16, and the Latin verb lacto that translates פתה in Hosea 2:16. This study then looks at the interpretations of Hosea 2:16 by three commentators, Rabbi Shlomo ben Issac (Rashi), Theodore of Mopsuestia, and Nicholas of Lyra. Rashi read the Hebrew …

Deuteronomy And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Duane Garrett

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Deuteronomy
2. Rebellion and Complacency (Deuteronomy 1:1–4:43)
   • Israel Refuses to Enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:19-45)
   • When Success Leads to Complacency (Deuteronomy 4:25-40)
3. God’s Law and its Applications (Deuteronomy 4:44–30:20)
   • The Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6-21)
     • “You shall have no other gods before me” (Deut 5:7; Ex 20:3)
     • “You shall not make for yourself an idol” (Deut 5:8; Ex 20:4)
     • “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God” (Deut 5:11; Ex 20:7)
     • “Observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy” (Deut 5:12; Ex 20:8-11)
       • The Sabbath and the work we do (Deut 5:12; Ex …

Numbers And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Numbers
2. God Numbers and Orders the Nation of Israel (Numbers 1:1-2:34)
3. The Levites and the Work of God (Numbers 3-8)
4. Offering God the Products of Human Labor (Numbers 4 and 7)
5. Confession and Restitution (Numbers 5:5-10)
6. Aaron’s Blessing for the People (Numbers 6:22–27)
7. Retirement from Regular Service (Numbers 8:23–26)
8. The Challenge to Moses’ Authority (Numbers 12)
9. When Leadership Leads to Unpopularity (Numbers 13 and 14)
10. Offering God our First Fruits (Numbers 15:20-21; 18:12-18)
11. Reminders of the Covenant (Numbers 15:37-41)
12. Moses’ Unfaithfulness at Meribah (Numbers 20:2-13)
13. When God Speaks Through Unexpected Sources (Numbers 22-24)
14. Land Ownership and Property Rights …

Covington Aircraft Engines, Center For Faith & Work At Letourneau University, Paul Abbott

Theology of Work Project

Paul Abbott takes Matthew 6:33 to heart as he fulfills his calling to be a Christian businessman: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” (Click here to explore what this verse says about work.) Since 1972, he and his wife, Betty, have been working at Covington Aircraft Engines, a company of 65 employees that runs on four core principles: integrity, dependability, affordability, and quality service. Since people’s lives are at stake, integrity is essential to their business.

Genesis 12-50 And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Genesis 12-50 and Work
2. Abraham (Genesis 12:1-25:11)
   • Abraham’s faithfulness contrasted with the faithlessness of Babel (Genesis 12:1-3)
   • The Pastoral Lifestyle of Abraham and his Family (Genesis 12:4-7)
   • Abraham’s journey begins with disaster in Egypt (Genesis 12:8-13:2)
   • Abraham and Lot parted (Genesis 13:3-18)
   • Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality (Genesis 18:1-15)
   • Abraham’s dispute with Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-16; 21:22-34)
   • A burial plot for Sarah (Genesis 23:1-20)
3. Isaac (Genesis 21:1-35:29)
4. Jacob (Genesis 25:19-49:33)
   • Jacob's unethical procurement of Esau’s birthright and blessing (Genesis 25:19-34; 26:34–28:9)
   • Jacob Gains His Fortune (Genesis 30-31)
   • Jacob’s transformation and reconciliation with Esau (Genesis 32–33)
5. Joseph (Genesis 37:2-50:26)
   • Joseph rejected …

Genesis 1-11 And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Andrew Schmutzer, Alice Matthews

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Genesis 1-11
2. God Creates the World (Genesis 1:1-2:3)
   • God works to create the world (Genesis 1:1-25)
     • God brings the material world into being (Genesis 1:1-2)
     • God’s creation takes work (Genesis 1:3-25; 2:7)
     • Creation is of God, but is not identical with God (Genesis 1:11)
     • God sees that his work is good (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31)
   • God works relationally (Genesis 1:26a)
   • God limits his work (Genesis 2:1-3)
3. God Creates and Equips People to Work (Genesis 1:26-2:25)
   • People are created in God's image (Genesis 1:26, 27; 5:1)
   • Dominion (Genesis 1:26; 2:5)
   • Relationships (Genesis 1:27; 2:18, 21-25) …

Leviticus And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction— does Leviticus have anything to tell us about our work?
2. The Foundational Concept of Holiness in Leviticus
3. Israel’s Sacrificial System (Leviticus 1–10)
   • The Dwelling of God in the Community (Leviticus 1-10)
   • The Whole People of God at Work (Leviticus 1-10)
   • The Workplace Significance of the Guilt Offering (Leviticus 6:1-7)
4. The Unclean and the Clean (Leviticus 11–16)
   • The Permissibility of Eating Particular Animals (Leviticus 11)
   • Dealing with Skin Diseases and Mold Infections (Leviticus 13–14)
5. Holiness (Leviticus 17–27)
   • Gleaning (Leviticus 19:9–10)
   • Behaving honestly (Leviticus 19:11–12)
   • Treating workers fairly (Leviticus 19:13)
   • Rights of People with Disabilities (Leviticus 19:14)
   • Doing Justice (Leviticus 19:15–16) …

Ruth And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Daniel I. Block

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to the Book of Ruth
2. Tragedy strikes the family of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:1-22)
3. God’s blessing is the source of human productivity (Ruth 2:1-4)
4. God bestows his blessing of productivity through human labor (Ruth 2:5-7)
5. Receiving God’s blessing of productivity means respecting co-workers (Ruth 2:8-16)
6. God calls people to provide opportunities for the poor to work productively (Ruth 2:17-23)
   • God’s law calls people of means to provide economic opportunities for the poor (Ruth 2:17-23)
   • God leads individuals to provide economic opportunities for the poor and vulnerable (Ruth 2:17-23)
7. God’s blessing is redoubled when people work according to his …

Exodus And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Exodus
2. Israel in Egypt (Exodus 1:1–13:16)
   • The Harshness of the Israelites’ Slave Labor in Egypt (Exodus 1:8-14)
   • The Work of Midwifery and Mothering (Exodus 1:15-2:10)
   • God’s Call to Moses (Exodus 2:11-3:22)
   • God’s Work of Redemption for Israel (Exodus 5:1-6:28)
   • Moses and Aaron Announce God’s Judgment to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1-12:51)
3. Israel at the Red Sea and on the Way to Sinai (Exodus 13:17-18:27)
   • The Work of Justice Among the People of Israel (Exodus 18:1-27)
4. Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-40:38)
   • The Meaning of Law in Exodus (Exodus 19:1-24:18)
   • The Role of the Law for Christians (Exodus 20:1-24:18)
   • Instructions about …

Truth & Deception Overview, Theology Of Work Project, Scott Rae

Theology of Work Project

1. Truthtelling in the Bible
   • Truthtelling is the Norm in the Bible
   • Exceptions to Truthtelling in the Bible
2. Why Truthtelling is Important
   • Authentic Communication Requires Truthtelling
   • Trust and Cooperation Require Truthtelling
   • Human Dignity Requires Truthtelling
3. Truthtelling in the Workplace
   • Financial Statements Must Tell the Truth
   • There May be Exceptions to Truthtelling in the Workplace
     • Puffery/exaggeration
     • White lies
     • Bluffing
   • When Someone Has No Right to the Truth
     • Deception to obtain information you have a right to know
     • Information you have no right to know
     • Social implications of protecting information others have no right to know
4. Conclusions About Truth & Deception
5. Key Biblical …

The Twelve Prophets And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Tim Meadowcroft, William Messenger

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to the Twelve Prophets
2. Historical Backdrop of the Twelve Prophets
3. Faith and Work Before the Exile—Hosea, Amos, Obadiah, Joel, Micah
   • God Demands Change (Hosea 1:1-9, Micah 2:1-5)
   • God Makes Change Possible (Hosea 14:1-9, Amos 9:11-15, Micah 4:1-5, Obadiah 21)
   • Unjust Work (Micah 1:1-7; 3:1-2; 5:10-15)
   • Working Unjustly (Hosea 4:1-10; Joel 2:28-29)
   • Individuals’ and Communities’ Work are Interdependent (Amos 8:1-6, Micah 6:1-16)
   • Work and Worship (Micah 6:6-8; Amos 5:21-24; Hosea 4:1-10)
   • Apathy Due to Wealth (Amos 3:9-15, 6:1-7)
4. Faith and Work During the Exile—Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah
   • God’s Punishing Hand at Work (Nahum 1:1-12; Habakkuk 3:1-19; Zephaniah 1:1-13)
   • Idolatrous Work (Habakkuk …

Acts And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Aaron Kuecker

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Acts
2. The Beginning of God's New World (Acts 1-4)
   • A Community with a Mission (Act 1:6)
   • An Orienting Vocation for the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:8)
   • An Orienting Identity as God's Kingdom Witnesses in Daily Life (Acts 2:1-41)
   • An Orienting Community that Practices the Ways of God's Kingdom (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-38)
     • The Economics of Radical Generosity (Acts 2:45; 4:34-35)
     • The Holy Spirit Empowers Radical Generosity With Every Kind of Resource (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-38)
     • A Just Community Is a Witness to the World (Acts 2:47; 6:7)
3. A Clash of Kingdoms: Community and Power (Acts 5-7)
   • Ananias and Sapphira: A …

Proverbs And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bruce Waltke, Alice Matthews

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Proverbs
2. About the Book of Proverbs
3. What Do the Proverbs Have to Do With Work?
   • The Valiant Woman (Proverbs 31:10-31)
4. The Wise Worker is Trustworthy (Proverbs)
   • A Trustworthy Worker is Faithful to His or Her Fiduciary Responsibilities (Proverbs)
   • A Trustworthy Worker is Honest (Proverbs)
5. The Wise Worker is Diligent (Proverbs)
   • A Diligent Worker is Hard-working (Proverbs)
   • A Diligent Worker Plans for the Long Term (Proverbs)
   • A Diligent Worker Contributes to the Profitability of the Enterprise (Proverbs)
   • A Diligent Worker Can Smile at the Future (Proverbs)
6. The Wise Worker is Shrewd (Proverbs)
7. The Wise Worker is Generous (Proverbs)
8. The …

Hebrews And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Jon C. Laansma

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Hebrews
2. Christ Created & Sustains the World (Hebrews 1:1-2:8)
3. The Creation has Become Subject to Evil (Hebrews 2:14-3:6)
4. Life in the Wilderness: Journey to the New World (Hebrews 3:7-4:16)
5. Our Great High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-10:18)
   • Christ's Sacrifice Makes Possible Our Service (Hebrews 5:1-7:28)
   • Christ's Intercession Empowers Our Life and Work (Hebrews 7:1-10:18)
6. Realizing the Faith (Hebrews 10:19-11:40)
7. Enduring Hardship, Pursuing Peace (Hebrews 12:1-16)
8. Shaking Things Up (Hebrews 12:18-29)
9. Hospitality (Hebrews 13:1-3)
10. Money Matters (Hebrews 13:5-6)
11. Working Outside the Camp (Hebrews 13:11-25)
12. Conclusion to Hebrews

1 Corinthians And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Joel R. White

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to 1 Corinthians
2. All are called (1 Cor 1:1-3)
3. Spiritual Resources Available (1 Cor 1:4-9)
4. The Need for a Common Vision (1 Cor 1:10-17)
5. Friends in Low Places (1 Cor 1:18-31)
6. It Takes All Sorts (1 Cor 3:1-9)
7. Do Good Work (1 Cor 3:10-17)
8. Leadership as Service (1 Cor 4:1-4)
9. Working with Nonbelievers (1 Cor 5:9-10)
10. Bloom Where You are Planted (1 Cor 7:20-24)
11. Maintain the Proper Perspective (1 Cor 7:29-31)
12. Everyone Gets Their Fair Share (1 Cor 9:7-10)
13. God's Glory is the Ultimate Goal (1 Cor 8 & 10)
14. Gifted Communities (1 Cor 12:1-14:40)
15. Our Work is Not …

Provision & Wealth Overview, Theology Of Work Project, Wayne Kirkland

Theology of Work Project

1. God's Original Intentions: Blessing, Provision, Abundance
2. The Effects of a Fallen World
   • Many People Are Unable To Obtain Even Basic Provision
   • Many People Find Provision and Even Become Wealthy—But Cause Great Harm
     • Wealth Gained Through Unjust Means is Harmful
     • Legitimate Wealth Can Still be Harmful
3. Redeeming the Economic Sphere
   • We Are To Develop And Model Right Attitudes To Provision And Wealth
     • From an Attitude of Ownership to Trusteeship
     • From an Attitude of Ingratitude to Gratitude
     • From an Attitude of Discontentment to Contentment
   • We Are To Change Our Personal Lifestyles
     • From a Lifestyle of Self-Sufficient Individualism to Community
     • From a Lifestyle …

2 Corinthians And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Joel R. White

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to 2 Corinthians
2. Thank God for Relationships (2 Corinthians 1:1-11)
3. Transparency (2 Corinthians 1:12-23)
4. Working for the Joy of Others (2 Corinthians 1:24)
5. The Priority of Relationships (2 Corinthians 2:12-16)
6. Sincerity (2 Corinthians 2:17)
7. A Genuine Reputation (2 Corinthians 3)
8. Leading and Serving (2 Corinthians 4)
9. Performance and Accountability (2 Corinthians 5:1-15)
10. Reconciling the Whole World (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)
11. Transparency Revisited (2 Corinthians 6:11)
12. Working with Nonbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
13. The Encouragement of Praise (2 Corinthians 7)
14. Generosity Is Not Optional (2 Corinthians 8:1-9)
15. Timely Fulfillment of Obligations (2 Corinthians 8:10-12)
16. Sharing the Wealth (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)
17. You Can't …

Mark And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Grant Macaskill

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Mark
2. Kingdom and Discipleship (Mark 1-4, 6, 8)
   • The Beginning of the Gospel (Mark 1:1-13)
   • The Calling of the First Disciples (Mark 1:16-20)
   • The Paralytic Man (Mark 2:1-12)
   • The Calling of Levi (Mark 2:13-17)
   • The Twelve (Mark 3:13-19)
   • Discipleship in Process (Mark 4:35-41; 6:45-52; 8:14-21)
3. Rhythms of Work, Rest and Worship (Mark 1-4, 6, 13)
   • The First Days of the Movement (Mark 1:21-45)
   • The Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-3:6)
   • Jesus the Builder (Mark 6:1-6)
   • Parables at Work (Mark 4:26-29 and 13:32-37)
4. Economic Issues (Mark 10-12)
   • The Rich Young Man and Attitudes to Wealth and Status (Mark 10:17-31) …

Ecclesiastes And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Duane Garrett

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Ecclesiastes
2. Working Under the Sun (Eccl 1:1-11)
3. Work is a Chasing After Wind (Eccl 1:12-6:9)
   • Achievement (Eccl 1:12-18)
   • Pleasure (Eccl 2:1-11)
   • Wisdom (Eccl 2:12-17)
   • Wealth (Eccl 2:18-26)
   • Timing (Eccl 3:1-4:6)
   • Friendship (Eccl 4:7-4:16)
   • Joy (Eccl 5:1-6:9)
4. There is No Way to Find Out What is Good to Do (Eccl 6:10-8:17)
5. There is No Way to Know What Comes Afterwards (Eccl 9:1-11:6)
6. A Poem on Youth and Old Age (Eccl 11:7-12:8)
7. Epilogue of Praise for the Teacher (Eccl 12:9-14)
8. Conclusions to Ecclesiastes

Matthew And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Jonathan Pennington, Alice Matthews

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Matthew
   • The Kingdom of Heaven Has Come Near (Matthew)
2. Working as Citizens of God's Kingdom (Matthew 1-4)
   • Why Should We Listen to Jesus? (Matthew 1-2)
   • Jesus Calling (Matthew 3-4)
3. The Kingdom of Heaven at Work in Us (Matthew 5-7)
   • The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
     • "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3)
     • "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4)
     • "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5)
     • "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6) …

Job And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Timothy Johnson

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Job
2. Background and Outline (Job)
3. Theology and Themes (Job)
4. Prologue (Job 1-2)
   • Job’s Prosperity Acknowledged as God’s Blessing (Job 1:1-12)
   • God Allows Satan to Destroy Job’s Prosperity (Job 1:13-22)
   • God Allows Satan to Destroy Job’s Health (Job 2:1-11)
   • Job’s Friends Arrive to Comfort Him (Job 2:11-13)
5. Job’s First Lament (Job 3)
6. Job’s Friends Blame Job for the Calamity (Job 4-23)
   • Job’s Friends Accuse Him of Doing Evil (Job 4-23)
   • Job’s Friends Accuse Him of Abandoning God (Job 8-22)
   • Job Pleads His Case to God (Job 5-13)
   • Job’s Friends Try to Protect God (Job 22-23)
   • Job’s Complaints Take on …