History of Christianity Commons^™

What God Has Joined Together: The One Threefold Purpose Of Marriage, David Frayne Shudy

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Modern married couples and marriage-minded individuals are often left awash in a sea of confusion aimlessly groping about for a purpose for their marriage, with disastrous societal results. Whereas long-standing Christian tradition has taught a unified threefold marital purpose of three equal elements—procreation, mutual help, and remedy for sin—Enlightenment thinkers and their ideological descendants have introduced a hierarchical marriage teleology with a self-chosen purpose (usually companionship) at the top in order to correct for an alleged countervailing overemphasis on procreation in premodern marital teleology.

This thesis will challenge the claim of a relative deficiency in the companionate aspect of premodern …

Contemplative Vision: Visual Language In The Sermons Of Johannes Tauler, Joshua P. Reifsteck

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Reifsteck, Joshua P. “Contemplative Vision: Visual Language in the Sermons of Johannes Tauler.” STM Thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2022. 91 pp.

Johannes Tauler conceives of thought, contemplation, and mystical experience in visual ways, and this conception manifests in visual language and metaphor throughout Tauler’s preaching corpus. This visual language is influenced heavily by Neoplatonic conceptions of contemplation and the One, and by an interior-exterior tension within Tauler’s anthropology which is especially significant for his portrayal of the senses. This thesis focuses especially upon a group of Middle High German words related to the verb schoͮwen. These words are technical terms, …

Straining Forward To What Lies Ahead: Models Of Patristic Contemplation, Joshua Vanderhyde

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Vanderhyde, Joshua S. “Straining Forward to What Lies Ahead: Models of Patristic Contemplation.” Thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2022. 111 pp.

As secularization sharpens the contrast between Christian belief and western culture, many Christians are looking for ways to take a more active and intentional approach to the struggle to be conformed to Christ. The Church Fathers offer a unified theory of Christian spirituality, grounded and structured by the concept of contemplation—a theory of perception widely held in the ancient world and integral to diverse systems of thought, including Neoplatonism. In this thesis, the concept of contemplation is elucidated as a theory …

The Source And Application Of Thomas Müntzer's Theology Of Divination In His Marginal Notes On Tertullian, Roger Drinnon

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Drinnon, Roger A. “The Source and Application of Thomas Müntzer’s Theology of Divinization in His Marginal Notes on Tertullian.” Thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2021. 101 pp.

Traditional Lutheran and Marxist interpretations of Thomas Müntzer inadequately account for Müntzer’s theology and practice. The doctrine of the order of creation tied Müntzer’s theology and practice together. According to the order of creation, the goal of the material world was to return to God at the end of time. Müntzer’s writings on the order of creation stated the doctrine was the central tenet of Christianity. By returning to God, Müntzer believed the creation would …

Falling Far From The Tree? God's Rejection Of Cain Outside The Garden Of Eden (Genesis 4:1-16), Mark Remington Squire

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Squire, Mark R. “Falling Far from the Tree?: God’s Rejection of Cain Outside the Garden of Eden.” S.T.M. Thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2018. 105 pp.

This thesis offers a review of the history of interpretation of the account of Gen 4:1–16. Specifically, the focus of this thesis regards the question of why God favored Abel and his sacrifice and not Cain and his sacrifice. The paper provides an original translation of Gen 4:1–16, as well as translation notes. The historical interpretations of the answer to the question of why God favored Abel over Cain are grouped into three broad categories: Cain’s …

A Survey Of Christian Missions In China And The Chinese Term Controversy, Christopher Vossler

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Vossler, Christopher, P. “A Survey of Christian Missions in China.” S.T.M. thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2018. 121 pp.

This thesis surveys the history of Christian mission work in China from the (legendary) mission of the Apostle Thomas up to the present day, including the upheavals resulting from the Communist Revolution. The lens through which this history is presented is the Chinese Term Controversy, a centuries-long conflict regarding the proper translation of the term “God” in the Chinese language. Every major missionary effort in China wrestled with this question to some extent, and many found themselves torn apart due to their different …

Extra Nos But Not Extraneous: Augustine’S De Natura Et Gratia And Contemporary Receptions Of Augustine, Thomas Pietsch

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Pietsch, Thomas, D. “Extra Nos but not Extraneous: Augustine’s De Natura et Gratia and Contemporary Receptions of Augustine.” STM thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 116 pp.

The relationship of nature to grace has become one of significant importance for contemporary theology. Following the turbulent debates surrounding Henri de Lubac in the twentieth century, theologians associated with Radical Orthodoxy have revived the importance of the relationship in more recent years. Whether acknowledged or not, all discussions of nature and grace owe much to Augustine, who was the first person to present a systematic discussion of the matter in his 415 anti-Pelagian treatise, …

Bonhoeffer And His Answer To The Enduring Problem, Joel Durrwachter

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In light of the relatively recent critiques of Christ and Culture, I would like to examine another text by a rough contemporary of Niebuhr's: Bonhoeffer's Discipleship. In the book, Bonhoeffer is dealing with similar themes and problems as Niebuhr wrestled with years later, yet Bonhoeffer has an entirely different interpretation and outcome than Niebuhr. Why is this the case? What was occurring in Bonhoeffer's social context and what influenced him that contributed to his argument? To help answer this question I will focus upon three areas that recent criticisms of Christ and Culture have highlighted: (1) the definition of culture, …

Anthropology And The Doctrine Of Sin In The Theology Of Reinhold Niebuhr, Hiroyuki Kanamori

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Understanding the theology of Reinhold Niebuhr is a great challenge, because all components of his theology are intricately interrelated with each other. It is therefore not proper to describe only his anthropology and doctrine of sin, the primary focus of this study, without also mentioning other matters related to it.

The Life And Work Of Paul Otto Manz As Church Musician Within The Context Of American Lutheranism In The Twentieth Century, Michael Henrichs

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The goal of this thesis is to examine historically the life and work of Paul Manz within the context of American Lutheranism in the twentieth century. Special attention will be given to Manz's emergence from a childhood within the structures and piety of the German Lutheran community in industrial America. The impact made on his professional development by the broadening influences of education, music and European study will be assessed. This study will especially seek to understand apparent changes in Manz's ecclesiastical vision, the effects of denominational conflict, and the growing spirit of ecumenism which Manz has demonstrated over the …

Historiography Of The Lutheran Confessions In America, 1830-1930, Charles Arand

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In order to demonstrate the degree of impact that the attitudes of Lutherans toward their confessional writings had on the church of the nineteenth century, three distinct aspects of the scholarly writings will be examined. First, the attitude toward the subscription and application of the Confessions within the church will be examined. This will include both private writings and official church declarations. Secondly, the histories of the Confessions written by Lutherans necessarily focused on specific aspects to the exclusion of other elements. In that selectivity and interpretation is conveyed a particular attitude and value. Finally, the emphases and the ways …

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 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 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 …

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.

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 …

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"

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.

Significant Interpretations Of Developing Structures Of The Ministry-1880-1970, Roland A. Frantz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

A historical study of the Church's ministry soon discloses a great deal of variety in the ministerial office. As Niebuhr and Williams remind us in their historical survey of the Protestant ministry, while there are a number of aspects of ministry that are agreed upon and shared in the various historic churches, there are also divergent interpretations regarding the nature and essence of the ministerial office.

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?

The Development Of Pentecostalism Out Of Revivalism In America: A Reaction Against The Established Churches, Paul F. Hutchinson

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Because the writer has been personally involved with neo-Pentecostals in the charismatic movement, this thesis was undertaken in an attempt to understand that movement in terms of its history. Such history cannot yet be written. At the same time, traditional Pentecostalism has had a strong influence on the charismatic movement. Apart from the fact that the charismatic movement is much less institutionalized than the older Pentecostalism, there is no essential normative difference between the two. A thorough understanding of the latter contributes material to an understanding of the former.

The Motive For The Christian Life According To The Epistle Of James, Paul H. Dorn

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study of the epistle of James arose out of a pastoral concern that members of the Christian community live their Christian discipleship. James is marked by its vigorous concern for Christians living a godly life; at the same time it raises a problem. The problem is that there is no motive immediately evident with which James encourages its readers to godly living--certainly nothing as evident as "by the mercies of God" (Rom. 12:1) or "if God so loved us" (1 John 4:11). The purpose of this study is to discover what the epistle's motive for Christian living is.

The Understanding Of The Polity Regarding Ordination In The Lutheran Church In America, The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod, And The American Lutheran Church, George C. Weinman

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The scope of this study is to identify the positions or the three major Lutheran synods in America regarding their understanding of ordination. They are the Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, and The American Lutheran Church. An important part of the study is an assessment of the positions held by the antecedent synods that merged to form the present. synodical alignments.

Apostolicity As A Church Response To Gnosticism In Irenaeus, Gook Han Bai

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis is based on the praise that both Irenaeus and the Gnostics regarded Christian teachings and practices as Apostolic tradition. Irenaeus regarded Christian teachings and practices as Apostolic tradition, and, accordingly, appealed to the authority or the Apostles in defending the Christian faith. Apostolic tradition, for Irenaeus, must be guaranteed and safeguarded by the unbroken historical. succession from one generation to the next. Irenaeus laid much emphasis on the importance of the Apostles in Christian teachings and practices. However, the Apostles without successors are practically meaningless to him. The concept of being "in the church" also played an important …