History of Christianity Commons^™

The Study Of The Bible In The Middle Ages, E George Krause

Bachelor of Divinity

There is quite a difference of opinion as to the extent of the Middle Ages. We will take the middle ground and roughly limit this era to the years between 500 A. D. and 1500 A. D. This procedure is to be preferred above others which begin or end an era with a certain person or event, because an era is not ushered in overnight, but is rather a gradual and often barely perceptible process. There will be a few instances in the course of this thesis where material extending a number of years either way beyond the above chronological …

The Life And Career Of Gustav Seyffarth, Theodore A. Schulze Jr

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis is an effort to gather some of the pertinent facts about the life of Gustav Seyffarth and to present his teachings in the fields of Egyptology, Biblical chronology, and the various other areas in which he worked.

The Russian Eastern Church And Protestantism, Herbert Haljabold

Concordia Theological Monthly

The contacts between the Lutheran and the Eastern Church reach back to Luther. Benz points out that the Symbolical Books in several instances support their demand for a reformation of doctrine and cultus by an appeal to the authorities of the Greek Church during the first five centuries. He shows that during the dispute at Leipzig, Luther appealed to the Greek Church to corroborate his thesis that the supremacy of the Papacy was not recognized in the Old Church, but was developed after the age of Constantine and in opposition to the Eastern Church.

President Louis J. Sieck, D. D., Richard R. Caemmerer

Concordia Theological Monthly

The late president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., has gone to his heavenly rest. Therewith he joins the ranks of the theologians of the Church whom it remembers with honor. Throughout his life it seemed as though Doctor Sieck was not destined for the role of theologian in the professional sense of the term. After an assistantship of one year to the late President of the Missouri Synod, Dr. F. Pfotenhauer, at Hamburg, Minn., Louis J. Sieck became assistant pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in St. Louis, beginning in 1905, and pastor after 1914. A large and active congregation …

Tribute To Dr. William Arndt, Faculty Concordia Seminary

Concordia Theological Monthly

Tribute to Dr. William Arndt

Chalcedon After Fifteen Centuries, Jaroslav Pelikan

Concordia Theological Monthly

This year marks the fifteen hundredth anniversary of one of the most important councils of the ancient Church, the Council of Chalcedon in 451. Chalcedon is generally regarded as the conclusion of almost a century and a half of theological discussion centering in the doctrine of the person of Christ. This discussion came to a focus at the first four ecumenical councils-Nicaea in 325, Constantinople in 381, Ephesus in 431, and Chalcedon in 451. Out of these four councils and the theological work that went into them there emerged the dogmas of the Trinity and of the person of Christ …

Background For The Peasants' Revolt Of 1524, W. Theophil Janzow

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Peasants' Revolt of 1524 and its causes have been the subject of widespread controversy ever since the days of the revolt itself. Accusations against Dr. Martin Luther as the prime mover of the revolt have been prevalent especially in the literature of those who were otherwise displeased, yes, angered, by Luther's success as a religious reformer. But even historians whom one would judge to be unprejudiced by training or religious bias have pictured the Peasants' Revolt of 1524 as the natural result of Luther's sermons and books.

Martin Luther The Formative Years, Erwin A. Gerken

Bachelor of Divinity

As one thinks of this great Reformer, this man of God, theologian, Bible translator, catechist, hymnist, bold champion of the freedom of the conscience, founder of the Lutheran Church, leader of the Reformation which carried Christendom back to the Bible - one hesitates to attempt to write a thesis on his formative years. Yet it is so arresting and inspiring, that in joy, yet with all humility, I shall attempt in the following pages to describe this man and trace his development in thought and life which led to the posting of the Ninety-five Theses on October 31, 1517.

The Date Of The Exodus, Enno Theodore Claus

Bachelor of Divinity

In determining the date of the exodus, one finds little direct evidence outside the Bible record. Egypt was indeed constantly in contact with Palestine from the time of Joseph (or even of Abraham) until the fugitives from the Babylonian conquest sought refuge there, and one might have hoped to find some reference to Jewish history in the Egyptian records. It is natural that the Bible scholar look for some reference to the exodus in particular. For the Exodus was one of the foremost events that took place in the history of the Israe1ites. All through the Old Testament, constant reference …

The Life And Work Of Ezra, Paul A. Vojtko

Bachelor of Divinity

Ezra was one of the great men of Jewish history. It has been said, and rightly so, that with Ezra, one stands at the cradle of Judaism. In Jewish tradition he figures as a second Moses. He wielded a tremendous influence upon the Jewish nation, the effects of which are felt to this very day. He set an indelible mark upon succeeding ages. He was largely responsible for the course Judaism took after the exilic period. Through his untiring efforts the law which was originally given by Moses, but much since that time had been neglected, was restored to the …

Hispanidad, Wilfred C. Langefeld

Bachelor of Divinity

It is the purpose of this consideration of Hispanided to trace: (1) the background of Spanish history which made it possible for a philosophy such as Hispanided to gain a foothold; (2) the philosophy of the Falangist which was expressed in Hispanided; (3) the relationship of Hispanided with the Roman Catholic Church; (4) the purpose and goal of Hispanided; (5) Hispanided in action; and (6) the results and reactions to Hispanided.

Luther's Doctrine Of Justification According To The Holl-Walther Controversy, Robert Hoeferkamp

Bachelor of Divinity

In the following chapters the course of this controversy will be traced, an investigation of certain critical quotations From Luther will be carried out, and some definite conclusions as to the chief arena of disagreement will be reached. In order to achieve the proper historical perspective, we shall trace in this first chapter the doctrine of justification in the· sixteenth century as set forth by Luther, Melanchthon, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Osiander, and the Formula of Concord.

A Critical Study Of The Evidence Pertaining To Certain Disputed Sites In Palestine, Erich Kiehl

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In the following chapters, we will draw on the observations and findings of these four periods to help to determine the validity or doubtfulness of the various identifications of the sites in question: Bethsaida, Mount of Beattitudes, Cana, Bethany beyond the Jordan, Emmaus, and the Calvary-Tomb area. Special reference will be made to the traditions, on which archaeologists later draw for information. We shall see that, however important traditions may be, it is dangerous to over-emphasize their importance. The occasion will present itself to cite a number of instances of this fact.

Church And Church History In The Confessions, Jaroslav Pelikan

Concordia Theological Monthly

The current revival of interest in the doctrine of the Church has far-reaching significance for many areas of theological study. Without an adequate appreciation of the nature of the Church much of Christian doctrine cannot attain full articulation. For example, there has always been a close connection between the doctrine of the Church and the doctrine of the means of grace, as Article V of the Augsburg Confession shows. The study of the Old Testament as the record of God's dealings with His people, of the New Testament as the account of God's establishment of His new people, of liturgy …

The Origin And Early Development Of Puritanism, V Ralph Weinhold

Bachelor of Divinity

Much has been written of the history of English Puritanism. This brief examination of the subject purposes no new contribution. It seeks merely to draw together the main events of that phase of English history and to discuss some of the issues involved.

The first problem is one of definition. One scholar has suggested that Puritanism has as many definitions as it has students, with a like distribution of trustworthiness. Therefore, before attempting to define it ourselves we do well to consider the definitions offered by recognized scholars of the movement.

The Lotthers: Forgotten Printers Of The Reformation, W. G. Tillmanns

Concordia Theological Monthly

The name Lotther is so similar to that of our Reformer that it must arouse the curiosity of the reader when he finds this name recorded in Luther's correspondence. Yet most Luther biographies do not even mention this name, and those that do pass it over lightly. Thus the family which has rendered outstanding service to the cause of the Reformation is today all but forgotten.

The Authorship Of St. John's Gospel, Hugo Odeberg

Concordia Theological Monthly

Some New Testament books contain clear statements as to who wrote them. Oftentimes the author's name is mentioned at the beginning of the book. This is natural when it is an Epistle, for it is usual to specify in a letter both by whom it is written, and to whom it is sent. Most New Testament Epistles begin with the name of the sender and also mention the name or names of those to whom the Letter is addressed. The Epistle to the Galatians, for instance, opens with the author's name: "Paul, an Apostle ... to the churches of Galatia." …

The Public Ministry In The Apostolic Age, H. G. Brueggemann

Concordia Theological Monthly

In the hope of resolving the points of disagreement relating to the doctrine of the call, the ministry, and the Church, which for a number of years threatened the unity of the constituent bodies of the Synodical Conference, the convention in 1946 appointed an Interim Committee. In 1948 this committee of eight men submitted its findings to the Synodical Conference in a majority and a minority report.

A Short History Of The Lutheran Church In Great Britain, E. George Pearce

Concordia Theological Monthly

“Lutheran” is a word that many English people find hard to pronounce because it is so seldom used in this country. In few countries of Western Europe is the Lutheran Church as little known as it is in Great Britain. When recently an inquiry was made at the B. B. C. in London regarding the possibility of a Lutheran religious broadcast, the surprising reply was given: "It is the policy of the B. B. C. to broadcast only the services of those churches which are in the mainstream of the Christian tradition." How strange that the largest of all Protestant …

Theodore Conrad Graebner, 1876-1950, Paul M. Bretscher

Concordia Theological Monthly

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, the editors of the MONTHLY herewith pay tribute to Professor Theodore Graebner, D. D., esteemed teacher, colleague, and friend, whom the lord of the Church summoned to Himself on Tuesday, November 14. We are sorrowful that through his passing our Church lost within less than twelve months the fourth of its most representative leaders. Yet we also rejoice at the thought that Dr. Graebner has now, after a life of untiring service dedicated to the Head of the Church, entered the rest of the children of God. We praise God for all the mercies He …

De Ministerio Ecclesiastico, Augustana V, F. E. Mayer

Concordia Theological Monthly

There is room for differences of opinion where the doctrine of the means of grace may be best discussed in a textbook on dogmatics, whether under the Prolegomena, under the Prophetic Office of Christ, in the article on the Church, or as a separate locus. But it is essential that the indissoluble connection between the doctrines of justification and the means of grace be preserved. The order established by the Augustana must be maintained, for grace and faith are correlative terms. Article IV presents justification by faith, and Article V very properly continues: "That we may obtain this faith [described …

Lutheran Theology As Reflected In The Life And Works Of J. S. Bach, Walter E. Buszin

Concordia Theological Monthly

It is interesting indeed to note that much of the Bach literature published in recent years has made special mention of the profound Lutheran character of Bach's life and work.

Professor W. G. Polack, Litt. D., 1890--1950, Paul M. Bretscher

Concordia Theological Monthly

In the passing of Professor W. G. Polack on June 5 of this year, Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, and our entire Synod lost one of its ablest Christian leaders. The lord had endowed Dr. Polack with a variety of gifts. He had given him a discerning mind, a courageous heart, an evangelical outlook, a facile pen, an intense love for the Church, and an unflagging zeal to promote the cause of his Savior. Fastidious in appearance, calm and suave in speech, considerate of the opinions of others, aware of his own sins and inadequacies, yet wholly committed to the …

An Evaluation Of The Rsv Translation Of St. Paul’S Letters To The Thessalonians, James Lowell Dishop

Bachelor of Divinity

The question which the writer has undertaken to answer in this thesis is this: How does the Revised Standard Version of the letters of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians compare with the Authorized Version or sixteen-hundred eleven, commonly called the King James Version, as an English translation suitable for public and private use by the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod?

The Shekinah Concept In The Biblical Era, Horace D. Hummel

Bachelor of Divinity

In brief, the problem, common to the Old Testament, as to all other religious and to all except atheistic philosophies, is that of God’s transcendence vs. His immanence. If God is the Creator, the Absolute, the Prime Mover, what contact, if any, can He have with the created, sensible universe? If the pantheistic solution of identifying creator and creation is rejected, some degree of divine transcendence must be predicated. If He is transcendent, how will he reveal Himself to mankind? Through intermediaries, or by self-revelation; and, if the latter, by theophany or incarnation?

The History Of The Lutheran Church -Missouri Synod In Guatemala Until June, 1949, Clarence T. Kuehn

Bachelor of Divinity

In the present history of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in Guatemala up to June, 1949, the author will attempt to set forth clearly the incidents which led to the calling of the first missionary to Guatemala, and the history of his first twenty-two months in the field, with an account of the help he received from student vicars from Concordia Seminary.

Luther And Calvin On The State And Heretics, Henry W. Reimann Jr

Bachelor of Divinity

In history it is equally important to trace the background of any person, event, or movement. The revelations of the scholarship devoted to the study of the young Luther are evidences of this. The problem of this paper also has a background. That background is the Middle Ages. Both Luther and Calvin were to some extent products of the Middle Ages.

The Defensor Pacis Of Marsilius Of Padua And Its Relation To The Reformation, August Bernthal

Bachelor of Divinity

Any event in history that is linked in either a small or large way to the Reformation demands investigation. In examining the causes and the background of the Protestant uprising in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries; historians usually make mention of the Defensor Pacis written by Marsilius of Padua in 1624. Some make much of it. Others ignore it. Yet the Defensor Pacis, directed as it is against Pope John XXII, remains the most daring and the most independent ecclesiastic-politica1 work of the entire medieval period. Whether this document in any way influences the Reformation this thesis will endeavor to …

The Origin And History Of Indulgences Up To The Time Of The German Reformation With Emphasis On Luther's Attitude Toward Them, Orval M. Oswald

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis is being written with the hope of giving a clear and accurate account of the origin and development of the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Indulgence up to the time of the German Reformation, with particular emphasis on the effect it had on the people and Luther’s reasons for opposing it. Entire volumes have been written on the history of indulgences alone, and countless pages on their relationship to Luther' and the Reformation. It is an impossibility to consider all the material written on this subject in a thesis of this sort, but the author feels that he …

The Religious History Of Eastern Pennsylvania During The Colonial Period, Milford C. Brelje

Bachelor of Divinity

The thesis proposes to give a survey of the religious history of eastern Pennsylvania during the colonial period. The scope of the subject presents a difficulty in its very Broadness. Extended perusal of the vast material relating to the subject has shown the writer that he must be satisfied to present at best only an overview.