History of Christianity Commons^™

Watchman Nee And The Priesthood Of All Believers, Wai Man Ng

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is the thesis of this study that the priesthood of all believers serves to undergird the seemingly unrelated loci of his theological scheme, namely, personal sanctification and the doctrine of the church. We shall examine Nee's teaching of the priesthood of all believers with reference to his spiritual theology and the doctrine of the church. And since Nee's teaching of the priesthood of all believers has historiographical implication in that the apostasy of the church is indicated by what he considers the intermediary class of clergy and the decline of the universal priesthood, we shall examine the development of …

The Jesus Movement Of The 1960s And 1970s As A "Great Awakening", Kurt Bodling

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis attempts to answer the question: Was the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 1970s another "Great Awakening? It will begin by discussing the so-called "First Great Awakening" that occurred in colonial America under the leadership of Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. Then there is a chapter on the history of the series of events known as the "Jesus Movement," followed by a chapter devoted to an inspection of its theology. Finally, the major emphases are drawn together in a conclusion.

A Description And Evaluation Of The Pressures And Difficulties Within The Synodical Conference Which Led To Its Destruction, George Gude

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this thesis is to describe and evaluate the pressures and difficulties between the constituent synods of the Synodical Conference in order to determine what caused the Synodical Conference to be destroyed from within.

Prayer Fellowship In The First Half Of Synod’S History, Robert M. Hess

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The title of an article which appeared in the very first issue of the Ohio Synod's Columbus Theological Magazine may well describe the question of Missouri Synod fellowship. It has been "The Burning Question" since its very inception and even before its organization as a synod. The present study on fellowship is not the first attempt to deal with the question. It certainly won't be the last. This thesis is an attempt to look at fellowship in the Missouri Synod historically and theologically, assemble material which may be helpful to others who research the subject, and draw some conclusions from …

A Comparison Of The Ecclesiology Of Representatives Of The Lutheran And Helvetic Reformers, Chun Kwan Lee

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

There are two major areas that need to be investigated. The first concerns the ecclesiology of the four reformers selected for this study. It must be noted that the Reformation was not the work of isolated individuals, but a movement caused by the joint efforts of various persons and schools of thought. A comparison among these reformers is therefore very much needed in order to gain a better picture of the era. The following study will therefore analyse the various aspects of the ecclesiology of these four reformers and comparisons will be made accordingly.

Secondly, how the reformers' convictions of …

Samuel Simon Schmucker's Fraternal Appeal And The Reaction By The General Synod To 1850, Chris Wicher

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the General Synod's reaction to the "Fraternal Appeal." The General Synod itself was a structurally complex and a highly intergrated church body. Because it is in constant flux it is difficult, if not impossible, to analyze the General Synod's theological position with precise accuracy. At best it can be assumed that from 1820 to 1850 the General Synod was commiting itself anew to the Lutheran Confessions and reevaluating its ecumenical position.

The Theology Of St. Irenaeus A Survey, Timothy Endean

Master of Art Theology Thesis

In this paper we shall attempt a general survey of Irenaeus’ theology. We will use the typical systematic categories and order(which Irenaeus himself tends to follow), yet we will constantly keep in mind the Gnostic theology and philosophy which he fought and, as Church history and even the very existence of Church history shows, successfully opposed.

Uemura Masahisa (1857-1925) First Generation Pastor, Christian Leader And Instinctive Proponent Of Indigenized Christianity In Japan, Addison Soltau

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Uemura was an extremely able leader and organizer of men, sophisticated thinker, broad reader, and committed to the Christian faith ashes understood it. Part of the fascination of the study lies in observing how the influence of this towering figure and others like him came so quickly to bear upon the church in Japan. Unlike other countries to which the faith has been taken by missionaries, Japan stands out as one in which missionary leadership and influence were replaced by Japanese within thirty years after its introduction. Uemura was one who helped to bring this about. The Christian church in …

An Evaluation Of The Position Of The Missouri Synod On The Antichrist, Richard Hillenbrand

Master of Divinity Thesis

In this study, then, we will concentrate on three main witnesses: that of the Scriptures, that of sixteenth century Lutherans (with special emphasis on Luther), and that of the Missouri Synod. Each will be dealt with thoroughly in separate sections. The stance taken will be presented, and also the historical circumstances that brought about that stance at that particular time. Stances and the reasons for them will be compared and, finally, the practical implications of differing stances will be discussed.

The Missouri Synod's Unity Attempts During The Pfotenhauer Presidency, 1911-1935, John Wohlrabe

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this paper is to examine the unity attempts of the 4 German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States (hereafter referred to as the Missouri Synod) during the presidency of Frederick Pfotenhauer (1911-1935). This period of the Missouri Synod's history has been chosen because it was during these years that American Lutheranism, as a whole, began to consolidate through mergers, amalgamations, and various federations. The synodical alignments and boundaries that exist today in American Lutheranism found much of their early formation during this period of time. In analyzing the Missouri Synod's attitude and involvement in …

Relations Between The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod And The Igreja Evangelica Luterana Do Brasil, Paulo Buss

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study is an attempt to describe and analyze the relations between the Synod (LC-MS) and the Brazil District., the Igreja Evangelica Luterano do Brasil (IELB). A study of this nature seems to be particularly timely now that the traditional relations between Synod and District have given place to a new relationship in which both organizations see themselves as partner churches.

The Reformation In Norway: A Historical-Bibliographical Survey, Jack Preus

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this study is to explore a few of the many questions that could be raised concerning the advent of the Reformation to Norway. When did the Lutheran Church of Norway begin? How did it come into being? Where did it begin? Where did it flourish first? How did Norway become a truly “Lutheran" country? Who were the heros or the antiheros of the Reformation in Norway? Where can one go to find out more about the Church of Norway? This study attempts to answer some of these questions.

The Influence Of Traditional Practices In The Church Life Of Etche People, Emmanuel Amadi

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

All through the ages, even before the advent of Christianity, the Ibos, in general, have treasured these practices because they served their cultural and social concerns. But no sooner was Christianity introduced into the various segments of our society than conflicts upon conflicts began to erupt. The Etche man, like his relatives the Ibos, is torn between two worlds. Christianity demands that he give up his past, while his culture insists that he stick to his heritage. The Etche man today asks how these conflicting thoughts can be reconciled. In this thesis, the writer shall attempt to describe these traditional …

Luther's Attitude Toward Religious Toleration In Light Of His Two Kingdom Doctrine, Richard Elseroad

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of the treatise is not simply to list the inconsistencies or contradictions that may exist in Luther's attitudes toward religious toleration (though at times it will become important to come to grips with these variances). No, the real challenge and goal is to uncover Luther’s rationale, if possible, which determines his relations with those he opposes. In other words, it is the attempt to find that consistency or loyalty to principle that will clarify the all too apparent inconsistencies.

The Development Background And Analysis Of The Termination Of Fellowship With The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod By The Wisconsin Synod, Myron Maltz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Lutheranism is no exception to the historical account of the Christian Church. Since the Lutheran Church is part of the Church Militant here on earth, it, too, has experienced the way of toil and tribulation in fellowship mergers, splits and divisions. The topic of this particular thesis relates to a cherished part of our Lutheran heritage involving both the Wisconsin and Missouri Synods as they comprised the major part of the Synodical Conference. This segment of confessional Lutheranism provides an excellent source of historical truth and application.

The Way International, Its History, Theology And Impact On The Church, Douglas Morton

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper deals with one such cult. Its founder is a man named Victor Paul Wierwille. The name of the false spiritual movement connected with this man is The Way International. This is a name that I am sure the Church will be hearing more of in the future. It can be classified among the new cults which have sprung up in America during the last few decades.

This paper will, in only a brief way, give the reader a look at this group. The hope is that the paper will give the reader a look at the insides of …

Integrating The Adult Confirmand Into The Local Congregation, Frederick Koehler

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Methods of activating and integrating into the church will be touched on so that by any means we might save some. But this thesis will not satisfy all who read it. For it does not claim to have investigated all the programs or tried to define what an active member is. Probably the closest that this paper will come to that answer is that a person must center his life in and around the Word and the Sacraments. While many subjects will be treated, such as preaching, counseling, working with youth, evangelism, stewardship, psychology, personality and doctrine, none of these …

The Bahai Faith- A Theological Analysis Of A World Religion, Mark Mueller

Master of Divinity Thesis

What, then, is a Bahai? Bahai is a person who accepts Baha'u'llah as his Lord, knows his teachings and obeys his precepts; the Bahai religion is the religion of Baha.

The Mission Enterprise Of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod In Brazil, Elroi Reimnitz

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The purpose of this study is to examine the seventy years of the history of the IBLB from a missiological perspective. There are several historical issues and events in the IELB's development which must be questioned and analyzed critically. It is an historical description and an evaluation of the so-called missionary performance of the Missouri Synod during the period of 1900-1974.

The writer will give special attention to the following areas, which prompted the writing of this dissertation: (1) Row and why did the Missouri Synod begin work in Brazil? Was that work considered mission, or diaspora, or simply proselytism? …

A Historical Study And Translation Of Jacob Andreae's "A Short And Simple Statement Concerning The Lord's Supper And How An Ordinary Christian Should Conduct Himself In The Long And Drawn-Out Controversy Which Has Arisen Over It", Donald Pohlers

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

A Historical Study and Translation of Jacob Andreae's "A Short and Simple Statement Concerning the Lord's Supper and How an Ordinary Christian Should Conduct Himself in the Long and Drawn-Out Controversy Which Has Arisen Over It"

An Analysis Of Reinhold Niebuhr's Critique Of Martin Luther's Two Kingdom Doctrine, Jack Flachsbart

Master of Divinity Thesis

In one section of his book, The Nature and Destiny of Man, Reinhold Niebuhr constructs a critique of the Lutheran Reformation, and particularly of Martin Luther's theology as the formative theoretical base of Lutheran Reformation theology. ‘One of Niebuhr's specific charges was that the Lutheran Reformation was explicitly defeatist when confronting the problems of realizing justice in the collective life of man. Niebuhr lays a great deal of the blame for this “Lutheran defeatism" on Luther's formulation of the two kingdom doctrine and his application of it to legitimize the suppression by the government of the peasant revolt of 1525.

A History Of The Development Of Lutheran Church—Canada And The Purposes For Its Autonomy, Paul Langohr

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this loaner is an attempt to understand why autonomy is such an appealing and satisfying answer to the question of Canadian and world mission for a Canadian Lutheran Church. It is an attempt to prove that as an American-based Church working in Canada she cannot work to her fullest potential nor to her most effective capacity.

Luther And The Late Medieval Augustinians: Another Look, David C. Steinmetz

Concordia Theological Monthly

The question of the relationship of Martin Luther to the theological traditions of his own order, to which he was exposed in a lesser or greater degree, has remained one of the interesting, if unsolved problems of Luther research.

The History And Development Of Religious Education In Ontario Schools, John Douglas Schweyer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The present thesis is concerned with the history and development of religious education in Ontario schools, but it attempts to interpret the Ontario system for a readership which primarily knows the system and lives within the cultural and national context of the United States. A glossary is therefore included to explain certain terms which may be unfamiliar to the reader. A comparison of similarities and differences between the Ontario program for religious education and that prevalent in other jurisdictions is provided throughout the discussion. Chapter I presents an overview of the historical situation in Ontario concerning religious education and outlines …

The Palatinate And The Reformation, William H. Bartels

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

A study of the Thirty Years War itself is beyond the scope of this study, but the history of the Reformation in the Palatinate in the sixteenth century does in part set the stage for the events of that conflict.

The New Testament Period, Terence Y. Mullins

Concordia Theological Monthly

If we are to approach the New Testament as part of the action of God in history, then we are committed to studying it by examining the situation at the start of the New Testament period, observing the changes and change agents (including the writing of the New Testament itself) which a historian may identify as operating during the New Testament period, and then describing the situation as it existed at the end of the New Testament period. To do this we need some way of marking off the beginning and the end of the New Testament period.

The Political Function Of Luther's Doctrina, James R. Preus

Concordia Theological Monthly

Theology is implicitly political; Luther’s career as theologian demonstrates this principle clearly. By attacking the papacy's doctrine, Luther attacked the framework of society in 16th-century Europe. The doctrine of faith had explosive political implications, and Luther found himself increasingly forced to place limits on the political conclusions drawn from his work by his followers, chiefly through his construction of the two-kingdoms teaching.

The History Of The Attitudes Within The Missouri Synod Toward Life Insurance, James W. Albers

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This dissertation had several objectives. The chief objective was simply to describe the history of attitudes within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod toward life insurance. There has been an oral tradition within the Missouri Synod which states that although the Synod had once opposed life insurance it no longer did so because life insurance has changed. The first objective, therefore, has been to try to determine the validity of that oral tradition.

Attitudes In The Early Church Affecting Petrine Primacy, Gilbert Franke

Master of Divinity Thesis

This study is an investigation of the attitudes expressed by the early church toward St. Peter. While most attempts to understand the origin of Rome's claim to authority based on Petrine primacy have dealt with attitudes expressed in documents, the approach here is to examine the evidence found in various types of artistic expression. It is hoped that the attitudes toward St. Peter which affected and may have caused the unique association between himself and Rome are clarified. It is important to note in this respect that this study deals with the development of attitudes actually held in the early …

The Concept Of Morphosis In The Writings Of Gregory Of Nyssa, Constantine John Andrews

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

We too have chosen Gregory of Nyssa as the subject for this thesis, in order to trace the concept of Greek paideia as morphosis in his writings. But what about Gregory himself? How much and to what degree was he influenced by earlier writers, Christian and non-Christian? Was Gregory, as some of his contemporaries claimed, interpolating a foreign philosophy into the Bible? Was Jaeger, who devoted most of his later efforts to Gregorian studies, justified in concluding in Humanistische Reden und Vortrage, that Gregory of Nyssa was completely dependent on Plato?