History of Christianity Commons^™

Jakob Matthias Buehler: Conservative Missionary And Theologian, Eldon R. Stohs

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of the paper is not so much to sketch a history, as to see whether the difficulties Rev. Buehler encountered were a result of his liberalism or conservatism.

The Story Of "Lehre Und Wehre.", William F. Arndt

Concordia Theological Monthly

Having in 1947 observed the centennial of our dear Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, we can in 1955 recall that 100 years have elapsed since Lehre und Wehre, our first theological journal, was called into being. As all students of American Lutheran church history know, Lehre und Wehre was not the first paper or journal published by our church. That honor goes to Der Lutheraner, which C. F. W. Walther, supported by several other pastors in Missouri and Illinois and by his congregation, founded in 1844. If anything required faith and courage, it was the issuing of this biweekly, because for its …

The Religious Peace Of Augsburg, Theodore Hoyer

Concordia Theological Monthly

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Religious Peace of Augsburg, an event regarded so highly and of such importance in the history of the Lutheran Reformation that the 100th, 200th, and 300th anniversaries were celebrated throughout the Lutheran Church in the respective years. Our fathers have regarded it as a special intervention of God to save the Reformation from total collapse. In an article sketching the history of this Diet of Augsburg one of the early leaders of the Missouri Synod. F. C. D. Wyneken, calls the adoption of this peace treaty "the end of the Reformation, when, …

A History Of The Lutheran Church In New Zealand From 1843-1950, Clemens I. Koch

Bachelor of Divinity

It is the aim of this thesis to present simply the facts connected with the historica1 development of the work of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand. This presentation will enable the matter of methods to be more fully considered and with a greater degree of accuracy. In the present work we shall endeavor to give merely historical facts without entering into subjective judgments as to the methods and procedure adopted.

The Rise Of Fraternal Organizations In The United States In The Second Half Of The Nineteenth Century, Frederick William Dodge

Bachelor of Divinity

Many Lutherans have written on the subject of fraternal organizations. Their interest has usually been the doctrine of the lodge as opposed to the doctrine of the Church. It is hoped that this study may be a start toward our task of “rounding out" our understanding of fraternal organizations. I trust that the Commission on Fraternal Organizations of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod will find it possible to continue studies in this direction.

The Spanish Erasmian Movement Of The Sixteenth Century, Hector Lazos

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this thesis is to familiarize the readers, at least in part, with the Spanish Erasmian movement of the sixteenth century. Lutheran historical research has given much attention and study to the historical events of the sixteenth century. But when Lutheran historians study one of the movements of that century, they are prone to connect it with the German Lutheran Reformation. This might be because, as Lutherans, they are especially interested in seeing the influence that Luther and Lutheranism might have had on the religious conscience of other nations. For this reason the figure of Erasmus has been …

The Historic Difference Of The Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, And Buffalo Synod, And The Union Attempts Of The Nineteen Twenties, Vernold Aurich

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis discusses the union attempts which took place during the Nineteen-twenties. It was during this decade that the four synods tried to unite with one another, for the first time.

Johann Friedrich Buenger, The Founder Of Lutheran Charities, Kenneth R. Molnar

Bachelor of Divinity

The influences in the life of Buenger that stimulated his activities in the eleemosynary field will be treated in this study. For this purpose pertinent material is drawn from C F. W. Walther’s Ehrwuerdigen Pastor Johann Friedrich Buenger, bringing to light particularly the early influences in his life.

Review Of "Bad Boll" Conferences, Paul M. Bretscher

Concordia Theological Monthly

"Building Theological Bridges" is the appropriate subtitle of the sainted Professor Fred. E. Mayer's The Story of Bad Boll. In this booklet, which is a lasting memorial to Dr. Mayer's synthetic and sympathetic mind, the author summarized the three theological conferences conducted by our Synod at Bad Boll, Wűrttemberg, Germany, in the summer of 1948. The readiness of officials of our Synod to "build theological bridges" connecting our Church with European Lutheran Churches was so favorably received by the participants in the first Bad Boll venture that in the opinion of our officials these conferences needed to be continued.

The Life And Labors Of Eduard Raimund Baierlein, Walter P. Schoenfuhs

Bachelor of Divinity

One cannot properly appreciate Baierlein's contributions unless one understands what has been accomplished before the missionary’s arrival. Thus, besides sketching his biography, the thesis will also discuss the early Christian missions among the Chippewa Indians in Michigan and the missionary activities in India before Baierlein's arrival. Particular emphasis will be devoted to Lutheran mission work in these countries.

A History Of Missouri Synod Work In Japan, Arthur Strege

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The present thesis is entitled: “A History of Missouri Synod Work in Japan." It gives a brief history of the work done by members of the Missouri Synod in Japan itself from September, 1948, to January, 1953. In order that this thesis might give a more complete picture, Chapter II will be devoted to an overview of the past activities of the Missouri Synod which led to the opening of the field in Japan in 1948. For a more detailed picture of those activities, the reader would do well to consult the B.D. thesis mentioned above.

This overview will be …

The Significance Of Luther's Hermeneutics For The Protestant Reformation, Raymond P. Surburg

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Protestant Reformation, called by Roman Catholics the Protestant Revolt, is generally conceded to have been one of the most significant movements in the last two thousand years of world history. Historians who have treated the Reformation have interpreted it from at least four distinct points of view: the religious-political, the rationalist, the liberal-romantic, and the economic-evolutionary. A current scholar, Rosenstock-Huessy, lists the Protestant Reformation as the first of four political revolutions occurring between 1517 and 1918.

A History Of Missouri Synod Work Among The Japanese, Arthur H. Strege

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis gives a brief history of work done by members of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod among people of Japanese ancestry living in various places throughout the world. A complete title of the material covered in this thesis should probably read: "A History of Work Done by Pastors, Missionaries, Chaplains, Teachers, and Laymen of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod among People of Japanese Ancestry in the United States till 1952, and among Japanese People in China till 1950 and in Japan till September, 1948." Since the Rev. William J. Danker, first resident missionary of the Missouri Synod in Japan, arrived in …

The Rise And Fall Of The Schmalkaldic League: The Treaty Of Passau, 1552, Theo. Hoyer

Concordia Theological Monthly

There are several reasons that suggest the truce of Passau as a subject for special consideration at the present time. One is, of course, the date. Since 1883 we have followed up the great outstanding events in Reformation history by church-wide celebrations, beginning with Luther's birth and ending, in 1946, with Luther's death. But several events following Luther's death were to be of immense importance to the Lutheran Church; one of them is the Schmalkaldic War, ending in the truce of Passau, 1552, and the Religious Peace of Augsburg. 1555. - Another reason: We have seen a veritable flood of …

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.

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.

Lutheran Sidelights In English History, E. G. Pearce

Concordia Theological Monthly

When Lutheran pastors from all over Great Britain met recently for their Third Annual Conference at Wistow Manor in England, it brought to mind certain facts in seventeenth century English history which are of interest to Lutherans. The seventeenth century was the end of a period of transition from the absolutism, civil and religious, of medieval Roman Catholic England to the constitutional monarchy and religious toleration of modern Protestant Britain. It was the era of the Stuart kings with their reactionary leanings toward Romanism as the form most likely to maintain absolute monarchy. It was the century of that strange …

Evangelical Christianity In America And Its Significance For Evangelical Christianity In Germany, Fritz Hahn

Concordia Theological Monthly

The first impressions on a German visitor are disturbing and confusing, because he is here confronted by a tremendous multiplicity of churches and sects. The many divisions in Protestantism are due in part to the various historical backgrounds and to the diversity of languages formerly used in their church services. Furthermore, the tendency toward individualism and independence, particularly strong among the pioneers, was an important factor in producing many separate church bodies. That human interests, bigotry, and pharisaism contributed toward the formation of sects is not to be denied. American evangelical Christianity is in no sense of the word homogeneous.

Augustana Ii: Of Original Sin, Martin H. Franzmann

Concordia Theological Monthly

The very position of the article on original sin in the Augsburg Confession indicates the importance that the doctrine of original sin had for the consciousness of the Reformation. "We turn from God to man; here the peculiarity of the Lutheran Confession confronts us: we cannot speak of God without thinking also of ourselves. God and our ‘I’ belong intimately together." "Over against life as it should be there is life as it ought not to be." And so when the Augsburg Confession speaks of man, it speaks of sin, or better, of sinners, for it speaks personally and concretely …

Biography Of Pastor Ernst Moritz Buerger (1806-1841) With Special Emphasis On His Decision To Leave Perry County, Missouri, Ernst Albert Wolfram Jr

Bachelor of Divinity

Biography of Pastor Ernst Moritz Buerger (1806-1841) with Special Emphasis on his Decision to Leave Perry County, Missouri

The Reformation Of Cranmer With Special Reference To Its Doctrine And The Influence Upon It, George S. Robbert

Bachelor of Divinity

At the time of Cranmer's youth end early schooling England was Catholic. At the time of his death, it was Protestant. How did this change take place and what were the motivating forces in this change? The opportunity for the break from Rome was given when Henry VIII sought a divorce from Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Bolyen. Cranmer's part in the proceedings of the divorce brought him into the public eye and to a large extent made possible the Reformation of Cranmer. After the break with Rome Cranmer, who was easily influenced by his companions, maintained …

History Of Protestant Missions In Nigeria, Arthur W. Machinske

Bachelor of Divinity

When studying the history of missions in a certain country, it is necessary that a study be made of that country. Without any knowledge of the land, its peoples, and its history the story of missions is not made complete, for these three things are so closely interwoven with missions that they cannot be separated.

Lund, W. Arndt

Concordia Theological Monthly

During the first week of July all eyes were focused on the little town of Lund, Sweden, entertaining the World Convention of Lutherans. It is a town that is entitled to honorable mention in its own rights. Pleasantly situated in the maritime plain of southwestern Sweden and twenty miles distant from the port of Malmoe, it is the seat of one of the two Swedish universities and can justly claim to be an important center of scholarship and learning.

The Melanchthonian Blight, Richard Craemerer

Concordia Theological Monthly

Luther's Reformation was a movement of truly spiritual vitality. He restored to light some of the most powerful impulses of the Christian religion - salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the royal priesthood of all believers, the divinity of the Christian calling. Somewhere around 1525, however, this vitality seems to wane. The German princes begin to dominate in the Lutheran movement, and they retain most of the pagan characteristics of their contemporaries. Theologians expend their best efforts in many decades of acrimonious controversy. The German people lag behind their neighbors in cultural and political progress, almost succumb to …

The Attitude Toward The Confessions Among The Lutherans In The United States From 1800 To 1867, Paul Frederick Maassel

Bachelor of Divinity

In the past few years, there have been many discussions concerning Lutheran union. Very often the backgrounds play an important part in understanding some of the problems in connection with Lutheran union. In this paper no attempt is made to connect the past with the present, as space is limited. An attempt is made to show some of the causes for the attitude toward the Confessions of the Lutheran Church which prevailed between 1800 and 1867.

The Critical Evaluation Of The Influence Of William Sihler In The Development Of The Missouri Synod, Lewis William Spitz

Bachelor of Divinity

A critical evaluation of the influence of a man Like Dr. Sihler upon an active church body presents special d1fficulties. Of the three is essential processes in the art of producing history: the gathering of data, the criticism of data, and the presentation of facts in a readable form, the second in the present instance is particularly difficult for one standing within a certain tradition.

The Life And Work Of Georg Ernest Christian Ferdinand Sievers, August Suelflow

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the purpose of this paper to find out by what process or development the Missouri Synod began to do its work among people of other tongues. When one pages through the old issues of the Lutheraner or Synodal Berichte, he certainly is not swept away by the wave of enthusiasm that the members of Synod expressed in favor of doing mission work.

The Slavonic Luther, Andrew Wantula

Concordia Theological Monthly

Where the largest and mightiest Polish River, the Vistula, rises, lies a small country known as Cieszyn Silesia (Teschen Silesia). After the last World War two Slavonic sister nations, Poland and Czechoslovakia, shared this land between them. To a large extent the river Olza formed a natural boundary between these two nations, and the old capital, the city of Cieszyn, was divided between them. From 1290 until 1653 this country was an independent dukedom. The rulers were the Dukes of Sieszyn of the Royal House of the Piasts. After the death of the last duchess of Sieszyn, Elizabeth Lucretia, who …