History of Christianity Commons^™

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 …

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 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?

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 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.

Adolf Stőcker: A Christian Socialist Advocate Of The "Free Folk Church.", Ronald L. Massanari

Concordia Theological Monthly

The author discusses the importance of Adolf Stoecker’s understanding of the Gospel in sociopolitical terms as it affected the "free folk church" movement in 19th-century Germany.

Readers will note but perhaps not agree with Stőcker's design for the church's social ministry. Students of 19th-century Germany will remember with distaste Stőcker's and-Semitism.

History And Dogma In Christology, Walter R. Bouman

Concordia Theological Monthly

Careful examination of a recent convention resolution of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (Resolution 2-16, “To Affirm Historicity of New Testament," Denver 1969) provides a basis for the author's discussion of the way in which church bodies can best prepare doctrinal statements and of the proper role of historical investigation and dogmatic formulations in the process of framing the church's Christological confession.

A Study Of Matthew 3:13-17 -- The Baptism Of Jesus, Werner Boos

Bachelor of Divinity

The fact that Jesus came to John the Baptist in order to be baptized by him fascinates and puzzles many Christians. The event evokes many significant questions: What was the exact nature of the baptism administered by John the Baptist? Why did Jesus submit himself to such a baptism? What significance did the baptismal event hold for Jesus' subsequent ministry? What did it mean to the evangelists and to their original audiences? How did it influence the Christian sacrament of baptism? These and similar questions prompt the present study--a study which takes as its exegetical point of departure the most …

The Rediscovery Of Judaism: A Re-Examination Of The Conciliar Statement On The Jews, John M. Oesterreicher

Selected Works of John M. Oesterreicher

This booklet contains the paper that opened a Convocation of scholars at Seton Hall University from October 25-28, 1970, for the fifth anniversary of the promulgation of the Conciliar Statement on the bond of the Church to the Jewish people. The Convocation stood under the joint sponsorship of the Institute of Judaeo-Christian Studies and The American Jewish Committee.

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 …

Erasmus The Exegete, Marvin Anderson

Concordia Theological Monthly

Erasmus appears everywhere in the theological controversies of the 16th century. Discovery in 1506 of his beloved Lorenzo Valla's New Testament Notes encouraged Erasmus to continue the task of editing, annotating, and paraphrasing the New Testament. Whatever can be said about Erasmus, his dedication to this task has earned the gratitude of generations of Christians. His latest encomium is Erasmus of Christendom. An analysis of Erasmus’ devotion to New Testament study adds depth and breadth to the philosophy of Christ. Heirs of the 16th century should ponder the life work of Erasmus in this 500th anniversary of his birth. In …

Were The Reformers Mission-Minded?., Thomas Coates

Concordia Theological Monthly

The subject "The Reformation and Missions" might well suggest a very short paper indeed. Both theologically and practically, the Reformation period is notable chiefly for its lack of missionary emphasis.

Various Muslim Interpretations Of The Curcifixion Of Jesus In The Qur'an, Rodney Otto

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper is a beginning attempt to understand the Qur'anic teaching on the crucifixion of Jesus. Since the Qur'an is the basis of all Islamic thought, it is the primary emphasis of the study. This was done through the books of S. Zwemer, J. Robson, and G. Parrinder as well as M. Pickthall's translation of the Qur’an itself. From this base some attempt has been made to understand the traditions which have grown around the Qur’an. Because the Ahmadiyyah movement is so vocal in its opposition to the crucifixion, it is treated as an illustration of present day Muslim thought …

Division And Reunion In The Presbyterian Church In Korea 1959-1968, Bong Rin Ro

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study is basically a historical investigation based on sources from both Korea and America. Since the controversial matter in the thesis can be problematical, the writer attempted to select source materials which give a fair representation of both opposing factions. Most of the primary sources in Korean were brought either directly from Korea or made available from Presbyterian missionaries in America who worked in Korea. A brother of the writer, a Presbyterian minister and a seminary student were also instrumental in Korea collecting necessary materials such as the minutes of the General Assembly meetings, official statements of various church …

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."

Notes On The Attitude Of The Christian Toward Education, William Mardell Lynch

William Mardell Lynch Papers

William Mardell Lynch's notes on an address delivered by Dr. John Stevens who was serving as the Assistant President at Abilene Christian College. The address was titled The Attitude of the Christian Toward Education and was delivered at Eastern New Mexico University on 28 March 1968.

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.

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, …

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.

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."

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.

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 …

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 …

St. Bernard Of Clairvaux And Martin Luther On Monasticism, James Pragman

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Actually, the study of the relationship between Luther and Bernard is an investigation into the Catholic Luther, a study of Luther's medieval theological heritage. Although Luther reformed the church and reoriented its theology, he retained an appreciation for those Christian theologians and churchmen who had preceded him and were transmitting to him the faith once delivered to the saints. In the investigation of one or more aspects of the relationship between Luther and Bernard, one confronts an interesting illustration of Luther's appreciation of the medieval Catholic tradition. The serious student of Luther must recognize that Luther basically approached the history …

Mammon For Moravian Missions, William J. Danker

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Christian world mission has preached the Gospel and established churches. It has healed the sick and opened hospitals. It has taught those who sought education in the schools it conducted. But it has often shrunk back from structuring a forthright ministry to men's economic needs.

Some Contemporary Premillennial Views Of The Rapture, Kenneth E. Gooden

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Luther's View Of Man In His Early German Writings, Heinz Bluhm

Concordia Theological Monthly

When Luther's first essay, Die Sieben puszpsalm, appeared in the spring of 1517, it met with instantaneous success. The reception accorded the German works of the next few years was similarly, even increasingly, enthusiastic. Martin Luther was, from his initial literary venture, easily the most widely read and influential writer in the German language in the second decade of the 16th century, from 1517 on to be exact if we ignore a brief but profound preface to his important first edition of the Theologia Germanica of the year before.

The Voice Of Augustana Vii On The Church, Frederick B. Mayer, Herbert T. Mayer (Translator)

Concordia Theological Monthly

In Europe as well as in the U.S. A. the question concerning the nature of the church is as much alive as the question concerning the nature of the Gospel Fundamentally one's ideas about the church are determined by one's position toward the Gospel. In the United States the Reformed theologians are concerning themselves with the question of the church from two points of view: the theological and the practical. As to the theological aspect of the question, the Reformed bodies offer a variety of answers, among which three stand out.

The Second Vatican Council, George A. Lindbeck

Concordia Theological Monthly

On October 11 the Second Vatican Council will begin its first two-month session. A second session will follow in the spring, and possibly a third and a fourth. Everyone agrees on the importance of this assembly but on little else. In the words of one French Roman Catholic journal, "Opinion is divided between smug optimism and bitter, if not acid, pessimism, or at least skepticism."