Ethics in Religion Commons^™

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 …

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” …

Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 67, No. 2

Restoration Quarterly

PDF of the cover of Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 66, No. 1.

This repository hosts selected Restoration Quarterly articles in downloadable PDF format. For the benefit of users who would like to browse the contents of RQ, we have included all issue covers even when full-text articles from that issue are unavailable. All Restoration Quarterly articles are available in full text in the ATLA Religion Database, available through most university and theological libraries or through your local library’s inter-library loan service.

The Cycle Of Control: How Men Convince Women To Doubt Their Minds And Bodies, Zoe C. Bowman

Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics Essay Contest

In ultra-conservative religious communities, men in positions of power will often use tactics that cause women to doubt their thoughts, emotions, and bodies. Women are gaslighted into believing they are failing in some way when they feel anxious or depressed, as though they have not trusted God enough. While these practices are archaic and are seen less often in modern churches, there are still instances which give cause for concern. In order for women to be more confident in their understanding of the signals their bodies and minds give them, they must be aware of the help that is offered …

The Semantics Of Sin: Profanity, Reform, And Cultural Authority In Progressive America, Evan J. Christensen

Roland D. Sawyer Scholarship Papers

During the Progressive Era, language reform movements such as the Anti-Profanity League sought to regulate everyday speech as part of broader efforts to preserve public morality and cultural identity. This paper examines the rhetorical strategies and cultural assumptions underpinning the anti-profanity crusade, focusing especially on Reverend Roland D. Sawyer’s leadership. Using historical sources including league literature, newspaper accounts, personal letters, organizational records, and sermons, it argues that profanity was framed not merely as a religious or moral failure but as a threat to social cohesion, character, and national values. Efforts to suppress swearing reveal how language functioned as a marker …

Crusading Against Vice: American Anti-Profanity Leagues And Their Legacy, Evan J. Christensen

Roland D. Sawyer Scholarship Papers

This presentation examines the rise of American Anti-Profanity Leagues during the Progressive Era, with particular focus on the efforts of Roland Sawyer and Arthur Colborne. These leagues sought to eliminate profanity from public and private life, using printed materials, pledge campaigns, public speeches, and media outreach to promote “clean speech” as a moral imperative. Drawing on archival research, including the Roland D. Sawyer Papers housed at the UNH Library, as well as digital newspaper databases, this project investigates how profanity was framed as a threat to civic virtue, and how anti-profanity activism mirrored the goals and methods of other Progressive-Era …

Black And Catholic: Leadership Lessons From The Saintly Six, Sr. Nicole Trahan

Black History at St. Mary's University - 2025 Collection

Finding your voice as a Black Catholic in the United States today can be challenging in many ways. This workshop explored the lessons for leadership and empowerment we can learn from Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Servant of God Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, Venerable Henriette DeLille, Servant of God Julia Greeley, Venerable Augustus Tolton, and Servant of God Thea Bowman – the six Black Americans in the official process of being recognized as Saints by the Catholic Church.

The Russian-Ukrainian War In The Discourse Of The Biblical Concept Of A Just War, Vadym Dyiak, Klavdiia Tushko, Vladyslav Volobuiev

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article analyzes the russian-Ukrainian war through the prism of the biblical concept of a just war. The moral and ethical aspects of the war are explored based on biblical principles, such as the defense of truth, justice, and the innocent. The article compares traditional approaches to the concept of a just war with modern realities, including the russian aggression against Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the right to self-defense, the role of moral precepts in warfare, and the importance of humanitarian norms. The analysis of biblical texts helps to better understand the ethical justification of war as a …

Christian Ethics And Business Leadership, Jon Armajani

The Journal of Social Encounters

This essay discusses the ethical principles of listening, community, stewardship, and interreligious and intercultural understanding with respect to business leadership. It opens by discussing definitions of ethics and their relevance to businesses and business leaders. It continues by providing a description of the consulting company Accenture’s ethical principles and practices, as positive examples. The essay provides Arthur Andersen and its work with Enron and WorldCom, both of which went bankrupt in the early 2000s, as examples of the failures that occur when ethical principles are not practiced. Then, the essay states that Christianity and the Benedictine tradition constitute a basis …

Adult Sexual Grooming: A Systematic Review, Christin Aletky, Bonita Sharma, Jose Carbajal, Tia Eubank

Journal of Social Work in the Global Community

Grooming is the manipulation and intimidation of people into acts that may appear consensual but are in fact exploitative and harmful, activities they would not have chosen otherwise. Different legal definitions and shifting social perspectives on consent complicate efforts to determine whether a given behavior is a result of informed consent or a response to grooming behaviors. Most studies on grooming and sexual assault focus on adults grooming and abusing children—research on adults grooming other adults is scarce. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to conduct a systematic review of current research on the grooming of adults. We used …

Strategies Of Religious Communication Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In The Context Of Russia’S War Against Ukraine, Valentyna Kuryliak Dr

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Abstract. The article examines the strategies of religious communication employed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. It discusses the transformation of approaches to religious activity through media platforms, particularly the “Nadiya” TV channel, which adapted its content to meet the audience's needs during the war. The article emphasizes the issue that while Adventist media typically maintain a neutral stance and refrain from commenting on military actions, they cannot remain detached from the realities of a society living in a state of war. The role of the “Nadiya” TV channel in providing psychological and …

Old Victims, New Oppressors? Considering Postcolonial Social Conservatism Without Christianity In Central And Eastern Europe, Michal Opatrný

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

A significant part of societies in the states of Central and Eastern Europe openly reject the interconnection of Europe with the geopolitical, social and environmental problems of Africa, the Middle East, etc. Social conservativism without Christian belief is characteristic of this situation. Nevertheless, the churches and especially the representatives of the Catholic Church, often openly support these rejecting attitudes, i.e., by rejecting refugees, for example.

In the 20^th century, the Soviet Union and its internal supremacy of Russian nationalism heavily influenced this area. The postcolonial theory, together with the anti-oppressive theory, seems realistic to apply to this situation. In …

Is Buddhist View Of Mental States In Consonance With The Foundational Tenets Of Their System?: Investigating Nyāya And Buddhist Debate On Perception In Jayanta Bhatta’S Nyāyamanjari, Ajay K. Verma

Comparative Philosophy

The first noble truth in Buddhism points toward a purely phenomenal experience. Though purely qualitative in nature, the experience of suffering has an existential aspect. As stated in the second noble truth, suffering has a cause that relates to our situatedness in the world. Notwithstanding, the cause of suffering has to be something external to the mental state of suffering itself. Some of the more recent studies on mental states suggest two different positions on the nature of mental states. One may view mental states as self-referential, reflexive and purely qualitative in nature; alternatively, one could view them as transitive …

Witchcraft, Demons, And Spiritual Death: An Apologetic For The Bible's Prohibition Against Witchcraft, Joshua Dean Wrenn

Masters Theses

This paper attempts to apologetically defend the Bible's intolerance against witchcraft and other related activities that are prohibited in the Old Testament. It does so by showing that Witchcraft and other related activities gets one involved with demonic entities. It shows how demonic entities are deceitful, and how they are actually the ones behind the power of witchcraft. The paper starts by studying the history of ancient witchcraft, which is something that is useful for understanding the witchcraft of today. It then builds a profile of demons. The paper shows what demons physically do and what they attempt to get …

How Pentecostals Living In The United States Experience, Interpret, And Respond To Depression, Robert Mcbain

College of Theology and Ministry Dissertations, Projects, & Theses

The prevalence of depression in society underscores the need for awareness and support, particularly within Pentecostal communities, where depression remains underexplored. While studies suggest how the Christian context shapes depression, the literature lacks depth about the relationship between Pentecostalism and depression. This gap risks fostering misconceptions, marginalizing sufferers, and allowing dominant voices to impose stigmatizing interpretations that discourage external help and reinforce unrealistic norms. These repercussions emphasize the need to research the relationship between Pentecostalism and depression to address stigma, create supportive environments, and ensure that sufferers retain ownership of their mental health narratives. This dissertation contributes to this need …

The Fear Of God: The Foundation Of The Divine Covenants Through The Blood Sacrifice And Meal Of Exodus 24:4–11 And 1 Corinthians 11:23–32., Matthew Taylor Propst

College of Theology and Ministry Dissertations, Projects, & Theses

The Fear of God and its relevance to establishing the Old Covenant and the New Covenant is vital in understanding the nature of the role of sacrificial blood and meal in Exodus and 1 Corinthians. The Fear of God acts to establish and maintain proper covenantal relations with God and a covenant community’s cohesion. There is also an element where those that participate in covenants are required to live under its commandments by self-sacrificial behavior.

Chapter 1 introduces the issue of this thesis within certain parameters and boundaries alongside the purpose and objectives this issue wishes to address. Chapter 2 …

Imago Dei: Recognizing Divine Dignity And Revitalizing Caritas In The Fight Against Oppression, Andrenique D. Rolle

Obsculta

This paper explores the story of Fainess Lipenga, a resilient survivor of human trafficking. It highlights her journey and its connection to broader social justice themes. Using a theological framework, it examines how ideas of liberation and justice shape our understanding of her resilience. It also emphasizes the role of faith and spirituality in healing for survivors and the need for justice to address the systemic issues behind oppression.

Raising Awareness And Taking Practical Actions To Reduce Food Loss And Waste Is Everyone’S Moral Responsibility To Respond To The Cry Of The Earth And Of The Poor, Thu Hang Phan

Obsculta

This paper is a response to the call of Pope Francis as well as the Catholic teaching for global changes to overcome the throwaway culture or culture of waste and care for an integral ecology. The global food system is malfunctioning, leaving large segments of the population undernourished and causing significant environmental damage. Food loss and waste are undoubtedly an ethical issue; however, our awareness of and actions regarding food loss and waste reduction have not been adequate. Therefore, raising awareness and taking practical actions to reduce food loss and waste is everyone’s moral responsibility.

Ukrainian Catholicism In A Time Of War And Ecclesial Debates, Valentyna Kuryliak Dr, Ivan Ostashchuk

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the diverse responses of Ukrainian Catholics–encompassing both influential individual voices and official church structures to two key contemporary challenges: the full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine and ongoing intra-church debates on issues of life, sexuality, and gender ideology. The analysis highlights inherent tensions and points of convergence between the universal teaching of the Catholic Church and the local experience of profound crisis. It demonstrates how believing communities navigate both external existential threats and internal doctrinal shifts, contributing to a deeper understanding of contemporary Catholic identity and mission in times of conflict.

Records Of The Institute On Religion And Democracy (Ird) Arc2025-001 - Finding Aid, Ats Special Collections And Archives

Finding Aids

No abstract provided.

Perspectives On Mental Health And Disability Theologies Through Dialogue Between The Disciplines, Emily Heidick

Obsculta

This piece places some voices from theologies of mental health in dialogue with voices from disability theology. While far from exhaustive, this piece seeks to spark insight into how theology and society at large contemplates mental health and disability. Specifically, this piece seeks to challenge assumptions about suffering and calls for greater understanding and inclusion.

Ideas Of The "Russian World" And Ukraine: Value Epicrises On The Ukrainian Orthodox Church Under The Moscow Patriarchate, Oleksandr Brodetskyi, Iryna Horokholinska

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Against the background of the identity, jurisdictional, and institutional crossroads in which contemporary Ukrainian Orthodoxy finds itself, the authors analyze the mental, value-related, and personal (linked to the “human factor”) influences in Ukraine of the destructive and militant ideology of the “Russian World” (Russkiy Mir), as well as the degree of involvement of leading functionaries of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the dissemination of these influences.

The article reveals the mechanisms of the corrosion of spirituality among the ecclesiastical elites of Russia and their satellites in Ukraine. This corrosion is manifested in the substitution of the Church’s …

The Ethical Theory Of Enrique Dussel: An Investigation Of Violence And Coercion In His Three Foundational Principles, Eric Antonio Del Valle Cruz

Dissertations

Problem

Enrique Dussel's ethics proposes addressing global inequality through legitimate coercion as a means of liberating the poor, contrasting it with the violence of the current system. However, the inclusion of life-threatening acts, such as armed revolution, as coercion raises practical challenges for the Christian community, including ethical-political dialogue, inclusion of opposing parties, and potential dehumanization, which need further exploration in light of Dussel’s use of Scripture in support of his proposals.

Purpose

This dissertation aims to assess Dussel's philosophical principles and their connection to coercion and violence, ultimately establishing a framework for a conservative Christian proposal that combines the …

Papers Of James E. Hamilton Arc2025-003 - Finding Aid, Ats Special Collections And Archives

Finding Aids

No abstract provided.

The Liberation Of The Disabled Christ And What That Shows Us About Our Human Sacredness In Healthcare, Hannah Miers

Obsculta

This paper explores the significance of Christ’s identity in relation to disability, emphasizing the need for a liberating theology that acknowledges and affirms the dignity of disabled individuals in healthcare settings. It advocates for a Christological perspective that integrates the image of a disabled Christ, calling for awareness and equitable treatment for the disabled within a healthcare framework. By recognizing the connections between disability theology and the holistic needs of human beings, this paper aims to inspire a shift towards greater respect, grace, and compassion in caring for vulnerable populations, thereby addressing systemic inequities inherent in medical practices.

Spiritual Exercises In Novarodok Mussar And The Early Work, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper compares aspects of the teachings launched in pre-revolutionary and revolutionary Russia of two spiritual figures: Rabbi Yoseph Yozel Horwitz and George Gurdjieff. Yozel founded the Novarodok school of Mussar within Judaism; Gurdjieff founded the spiritual tradition known as “the Work” or “Fourth Way.” There are of course great differences between Judaism and the Work, but some similarities might be expected between spiritual disciplines, especially similarities in practice as opposed to doctrine. This paper explores similarities of some spiritual exercises in the Mussar school of Novarodok and secondarily in later or other Mussar teachings and in the early Gurdjieff …

Samuel Štefan Osuský’S Critique Of Church And Society In The Face Of Totalitarianism, Michal Valčo, Katarína Valčová

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This paper provides a systematic review analysis of the relevant works of Slovak philosopher and theologian Samuel Štefan Osuský (1888-1975), focusing on his critical perspective concerning the responses of the Church (mainly the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Augsburg Confession in Slovakia) and society to the ideological and political dangers of fascism and Nazism in 20th-century Central Europe. Drawing on his major writings, including his prophetic 1937 lecture "Filozofia boľševizmu, fašizmu a hitlerizmu" [The Philosophy of Bolshevism, Fascism, and Hitlerism] and the courageous 1942 "Pastiersky list k židovskej otázke" [Pastoral Letter on the Jewish Question], we explore Osuský’s diagnosis of institutional …

'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 …

Digital Orthodoxy And Political Populism In Eastern Europe: How Orthodox Media Facilitate Political Mobilization, Dmytro Garaschuk, Oleh Sokolovskyi

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article examines the intersection of Orthodox digital media and political populism in Eastern Europe, focusing on how religious institutions utilize digital platforms to facilitate political mobilization, reinforce nationalistic narratives, and undermine democratic institutions. Drawing on a comparative analysis of six countries–Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Georgia, and Montenegro–the study identifies a shared ideological matrix that fuses populist rhetoric with theological motifs. The research highlights the strategic use of digital media by Orthodox actors to construct moral binaries, sacralize political resistance, and disseminate disinformation framed in religious language. Particular attention is given to the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and …

Theatre As Sanctuary: Queer Identity, Religious Trauma, And The Path To Healing, Casey Worley

Theses and Dissertations

Growing up as a queer individual in a deeply religious Southern Baptist community, I learned early that faith and identity could feel like irreconcilable forces. I sat in the pews, surrounded by voices that preached love but often excluded people like me. For years, I struggled with the question: Can I be both queer and faithful? This tension—between belief and belonging, between the church I was raised in and the identity I could no longer deny—became the foundation of my journey, my artistic practice, and this thesis.

Through this research, I explore the intersections of queer identity, religious trauma, and …