History of Christianity Commons^™

Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608): Theologian, Mystic, Hymn Writer, Polemicist, And Missiologist: A Biobibliographical Survey, Arthur Carl Piepkorn

Concordia Theological Monthly

During Philipp Nicolai's lifetime the company of ministers in the city of Zurich referred to him as "this miserable person who goes thrashing around and biting like another wild boar, altogether without reason or Christian modesty." Others of his foes called him a lunatic who ought to be chained to a wall, and could not resist the temptation of twisting his surname Nicolai into "Nicolaitan." His admirers, on the other hand, saw in him "a second Chrysostom."

Tribute To John W. Behnken: Ministry In The Acceptable Time, Alfred O. Fuerbringer

Concordia Theological Monthly

In our worship this morning two lines of thought converge. In the first place, it's the beginning of a new academic quarter, the last of this year. That raises questions: How are we doing? Are we reasonably close to schedule? Are we able for another three months to take the mounting pressures and to finish our courses? If we are concerned about the long-range and not just about today or tomorrow, next week or next May, what about our ministry?

Relations Between The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod And The Evangelical Lutheran Church Of Australia 1846-1965, John Koch

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The problem investigated is that of relations between The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Australia. The study was directed to the discovery of the extent and content of these relations. On the basis of this research an attempt was made to draw conclusions concerning the nature of the relationship between the two synods.

Thomas More And The Wittenberg Lutherans, Carl S. Meyer

Concordia Theological Monthly

A man for all seasons" was also a polemicist, although this is not generally noted. Some of Thomas More's biographers, writers about the relationships between Henry VIII and Martin Luther, one biographer of Luther, and a few scholars about the 16th century,. have told in some detail the story about the relations between More and Luther. Only Sister Gertrude Donnelly investigated these relations comprehensively. One can learn something about some aspects of these relations from secondary sources, although the accounts may be distorted. Sometimes reference is made to the polemic More wrote against Bugenhagen. No writer seems to have noticed, …

Laurentius Valla (1407-1457): Renaissance Critic And Biblical Theologian, Marvin W. Anderson

Concordia Theological Monthly

When Laurentius Valla penned those words, he was writing the fuse scientific treatise on Latin grammar since John Duns Scotus. Leonardo Bruni died in the same year Valla’s treatise appeared. The year 1444 marks the return of Renaissance scholars to a philological analysis of classical texts. This method, which Valla soon applied to Biblical study, revolutionized medieval Biblical scholarship in the century before Trent. Valla's purpose was to revitalize Catholic faith. Protestants and Catholics still owe their fresh awareness of Scripture to the labors of Valla.

The Posting Of Luther’S Theses - Legend Or Fact?, Franz Lau

Concordia Theological Monthly

Less than 10 years ago a discussion began over the posting of Luther's Ninety-five Theses, some doubting that it actually took place on the traditional day of October 31, 1517, some going so far as to contend that the posting never happened and is only a legend. Ten years ago, in the summer of 1957 at the Lutheran World Federation Meeting in Minneapolis, I was one of those who saw a young Sunday school teacher, impersonating Luther, on a float in a parade vigorously nail a copy of the Ninety-five Theses on a stage door depicting the one of Wittenberg. …

Some Animadversions On Early Church Government, E. G. Weltin

Concordia Theological Monthly

Throughout the entire history of the Western church, two poles of episcopal government, the primatial and the collegial, have struggled to find some sort of equilibrium. At one time, as during the 15th century conciliar movement, the pendulum swung far in the collegial direction; at another, as in the 19th-century Vatican council, wide in the primatial. Vatican II seems to have been concerned with prospects of confining the pendulum's movement in the future to a more restricted arc.

Portent And Providence- An Investigation Of The Puritan Habit Of Deciphering The Will Of God In The Natural And The Preternatural With Special Reference To "The Scarlet Letter" By Nathaniel Hawthorne, Milton Sernett

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper has something to do with both Puritan history and Nathaniel Hawthorne. As originally conceived it was entitled The Puritan Prolapsis: A Study in the Conception and Collapse of the "Holy Commonwealth," with Special Reference to the Interpretation of Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was to have been an attempt to isolate the basis, both experiential and theological, for the "Holy Commonwealth" and to determine what undermined the colony, especially as to the tension between the individual and the society in New England. However, after a good deal of research, it was found that such a problem would force a consideration …

The Early Success And Gradual Decline Of Lutheranism In England, 1520-1600, Basil Hall

Concordia Theological Monthly

This calendar was an unofficial enterprise intended to oppose the names of "Protestant saints" to those of "Popish saints" in the traditional calendars in Elizabethan use, and it cannot be taken to mean that a deep or ready sympathy existed for Lutheran doctrine and religious practices at that time. In fact it would be difficult to find an Elizabethan writer approving of Lutheran teachings and methods of worship and advocating them apart from those subjects which had become common to Protestantism, including justification by faith.

Approved Workman: In Memoriam John Theodore Mueller, Martin H. Franzmann

Concordia Theological Monthly

God uses the men with whom we live and work to write things into our lives; He works their message into the stuff of our biographies. Not all men qualify as pens of the Ready Writer; not all have hearts that indite a goodly matter. These fill our pages with the futile tracery of their flattery, the evanescent lines of amusement, the easy curves of casual camaraderie, or the acid etchings of their spite. But there are those who are good and honest pens in the Almighty Hand, and God says notable things to us through them. He uses men …

Via Propria And Via Mystica In The Theology Of Jean Le Charlier De Gerson, David Schmiel

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

What is proposed then, is to concentrate upon the development of: Gerson during his university period without referring to the work of his later years. The division is natural. Until 1408 Gerson was occupied primarily with his work as Chancellor of the University of Paris. Toward the end of this period and especially after 1408, he was drawn more and more into churchly-political affairs, and his concern was no longer only the reform of the University but also the resolution of the schism. It was before 1408, and especially during the years 1402-1408, that he produced many of his great …

The Study Of The Real Presence In The Ante-Nicene Fatherswith Some Lutheran Comparisons, Paul Pahl

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

A study of the nature of the eucharistic presence of .Christ in the writings of the early Fathers would therefore seem to have considerable practical value and should also help in forming a sound opinion and conclusions about the nature of this evidence.

In the present study it is also intended to examine Luther's views on the matter under discussion especially where they impinge on viewpoints and ideas set forth in the writings of the Fathers under consideration. Wherever possible reference will also be made to the Lutheran Confessions.

It is intended to examine and evaluate the patristic evidence up …

1 Corinthians 15_3b-5: Primitive Christian Proclamation, Jerome Schoel

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Therefore, for matters of limitation, it shall be the purpose of this paper to examine one specific text in the Pauline corpus in which Paul himself cites something he had received. In 1 Corinthians 15:3b-5 Paul describes the gospel which the Corinthians came to believe and by which they were saved. Does this passage tell us anything about Paul's relationship with the apostles in Jerusalem? What does it tell us of the chief emphases in the gospel Paul had received?

The Historical Deveopment Of The Postcommunion Collects For The Sundays And Some Feast Days Of The Church Year, Leo La Fontaine

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study surveys the historical development of the post-communion collects according to the Sundays and some feast days of the Church year.

The Theology Of Paul Henkel In Relation To His Envirornment, Stanley Padgett

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to make the main member of the Henkel family better known, especially in the area of his theology. The man upon whom this study will concentrate, therefore, is Paul Henkel, the father of a family of Lutheran ministers.

The Church And State In Calvin, Bong Rin Ro

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The relationship between church and state has been a problem for many centuries and still is today. Coming from the Reformed background, the writer was first interested in Calvin's view on church and state in connection with Luther's view on the same subject encountered in the Luther Studies Course. The writer soon found differences of opinion among historians as to how Calvin considered the church in relation with the state. Further research led to the understanding that there are two main problems involved in this study: the separation between church and state and the interpretation of Calvin's democratic ideals.

A Study Of Applications Used In The Sermons Of The Concordia Pulpit Of The Years 1955-1964, Erwin Kolb

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The reason for the interest in undertaking a study in homiletics has two sources, which are, however, intimately related. The first source of interest grows out of a concern for the church and the second out of practical work as a pastor in that church. The first grows out of charges that the church is irrelevant, that its message and program are suited only to the stained glass shelter of its buildings, and the second from a desire to preach and teach a Gospel message which is relevant, timely, and effective. A further explanation of these two sources of interest, …

Aspects Of Change In The Postapostolic Church, Carl Volz

Concordia Theological Monthly

A question sometimes posed by aides of dogmatic development within the church is this, “Would St. Peter have understood the technical Christological terms employed by the Nicene Creed or the Chalcedonian Formula?" Assuming that the answer is no, the questioner proceeds to insist that the development of dogma therefore represents a change, if not a deterioration of the pristine Gospel. Adolph von Harnack's well-known "fall of the church" theory is based on the assumption of a radical discontinuity between the kerygma of the Beatitudes and the dogma of later centuries. Somewhere and somehow, to use Chesterton's phrase, "the puppy became …

The Dead Sea Scrolls, Alfred Von Rohr Sauer

Concordia Theological Monthly

Quite apart from the contents of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the history of their discovery and the account of what has happened to them in the meantime has proved to be a subject as fascinating as some of our bestselling books of fiction. The Qumran scrolls are to the 20th century what Tischendorfs discovery of the Codex Sinaiticus was to the 19th (Kraeling). Albright. called the scrolls "the greatest manuscript discovery of modem times." For Edmund Wilson the scrolls are "the most valuable manuscript find since the Renaissance."

The Canonist "Panormitanus" And The Problem Of Scriptural Authority, Hermann Schessler

Concordia Theological Monthly

The ecumenical discussions of recent years have made it apparent that one of the major issues-if not the major issue- between Roman Catholics and Protestants is still the problem of Scriptural authority. In the dialog with Roman Catholics we are confronted with what appears to be a dilemma. Roman Catholics will ask this question: How is it possible to preserve the purity and plenitude of revelation and even the very authority of the Scriptures without the magisterial authority of the church?

Tertullian And The Early Christian View Of Tradition, Robert L. Wilken

Concordia Theological Monthly

The term tradition enters the Christian vocabulary in apostolic times. From earliest days it has ranked in importance with such words as grace, hope, love, justification, redemption, salvation, Scripture. Already in the writings of Paul it occurs at key points and reveals a great deal about how Paul conceived of the Christian faith, its origin and transmission.

Vatican Council Ii Addresses Protestantism, Carl S. Meyer

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Second Vatican Council made no overt bid to all Christians to return to Rome. It did not condemn those outside the Roman Church. Instead, the Council spoke kindly to those who are not under the jurisdiction of the Pope. The pronouncements of the Council about nonRoman-Catholics are earnest and deserve serious attention. Although they are not addressed directly to Protestantism, they speak about Protestantism and in that sense they may be regarded as being addressed also to Protestants.

Scripture, Tradition, And Authority In The Life Of The Early Church, Herbert T. Mayer

Concordia Theological Monthly

Among the many theological topics being discussed in the church today, none is potentially more helpful - and more complex- than the related topics of Scripture, tradition, and authority. What role does each of these basic concepts play in the work in the parish? In the ecumenical movement? How do they relate to each other?

The Eclipse Of Lutheranism In 17th-Century Czechoslovakia, Marianka Sasha Fousek

Concordia Theological Monthly

This article is concerned with the fate of Lutheranism in "Czechoslovakia" in the 17th century. I am using the somewhat anachronistic name "Czechoslovakia" for this area as a convenient symbol for both the Czech lands, that is, the crown lands of Bohemia, and the Slovak territory under Hungary. The Czech lands, often referred to also as the crown lands of St. Wenceslas, included Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, and Lusatia. Slovakia on the other hand belonged to the Hungarian crown of St. Stephen ever since the Magyar invasion of the Danube valley in the 11th century. Thus in spite of the close …

An Analysis Of The History Of The Protestant Conference From 1927 - 1932, Luther Albrecht

Master of Divinity Thesis

If one were to ask a sample number of active Lutherans today, I feel that most of them would not be able to answer the question, "What is the Protestant Conference?" While discussing what the Protestant Conference is, other questions would also be raised such as: What did the Conference discuss in early meetings? Where did they meet? What type of organization, if any, did they strive to have? What insights into their theology can we gain? Who were some of the men that wrote and contributed to Protestant scholarship and theology? And many more questions could be raised.

This …

The German-Russians: Their Heritage And Their Role In The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, Vernon Schindler

Master of Divinity Thesis

If it were necessary to state a reason for this paper at this time, the reader's attention is directed to the following facts; first of all, the United States Census for 1930reported a total of 303,532 German-Russians in the population of the United States. Secondly, numerous Lutheran congregations within this country, including the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, have a membership which is solidly. Of German-Russian extraction. Thirdly, these people have drifted away from the Lutheran church, in many cases, because they were not understood.

The German-Russians and their descendants are with us to stay. They and their descendants now number more …

The Braunschweig Theses On The Teaching And Mission Of The Church, Paul M. Bretscher (Translator)`

Concordia Theological Monthly

In an accelerating tempo, theologically and doctrinally false teachings are infiltrating the life and proclamation of the These teachings claim that since they derive from a so-called "existential interpretation" of Biblical passages, they are the only way in which the proclamation of the Gospel can be made relevant and do justice to man's current understanding of the present world.

Christianity And Nichiren In Japan, Donald Neiswender

Concordia Theological Monthly

There is a force building up in Japan which has a most threatening aspect, no matter whether one views it from East or West, from the base of the church or the base of communism. The throbbing nationalism of this force is antithetical both to the unity needed among free nations and to the enforced internationalism of communism. And since this force is preeminently a religious force, it must appear terribly anachronistic to a believing and practicing communist who believes that man is outgrowing his need of religion. It is also a heart-breaking phenomenon to behold from the viewpoint of …

Lutheranism In The Philippines 1952-1966, Herbert Kretzmann

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this research is to outline the history of the work done by missionaries of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in the Philippines. The study is made in the context of the Christian faith. The writer believes that the God of history led the Lutheran Church to the Philippines. He gives credit for the results attained to God's activity through the Word and Sacraments and the dedicated lives of His people. It is the hope of the writer to present an objective study which can be used to make plans for future Lutheran work in the Philippines with the …

Ideas Of History In The Epistle Of Barnabas, Harold Rast

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In considering the epistle of Barnabas, this thesis will look for the interpretation of the meaning of historical facts rather than for the facts themselves, that is, it will analyze the epistle of Barnabas in terms of Barnabas’ understanding of Geschichte. To consider the epistle in terms of Historie would produce at best meager results. Barnabas is no technical historian with an interest in facts. Something like Tacitus' formal presentation of Roman history from Tiberius to Domitian stands far afield from his purpose. Rather, Barnabas is interested in the meaning or inner side of the historical process. Coming within his …