Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

The Historical-Critical Method- Dividing Wall Between Moderates And Conservatives In The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Controversy, Jose Fuliga

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

There are, without question, theological and non-theological differences between the Moderates and Conservatives which are not directly related to the former's use of historical criticism. The role politics has played in the controversy cannot be denied. The differences regarding the practice of unionism, ecumenism, close communion, church polity, and even Synodical policies toward foreign missions have been controverted issues. But the focus of this study will be confined to verifying whether the use of historical criticism is indeed the dividing wall, between Moderates and Conservatives. This research shall furthermore probe if the Moderates' hermeneutical presupposition -- the Law-Gospel reductionism restrains …

An Evaluation Of The Position Of The Missouri Synod On The Antichrist, Richard Hillenbrand

Master of Divinity Thesis

In this study, then, we will concentrate on three main witnesses: that of the Scriptures, that of sixteenth century Lutherans (with special emphasis on Luther), and that of the Missouri Synod. Each will be dealt with thoroughly in separate sections. The stance taken will be presented, and also the historical circumstances that brought about that stance at that particular time. Stances and the reasons for them will be compared and, finally, the practical implications of differing stances will be discussed.

The Doctrine And History Of Worship In The Reformed Presbyterian Church Of North America, John Delivuk

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

As the smaller, conservative Presbyterian churches have moved towards merger, one doctrinal problem has emerged. It is the position of the Reformed Presbyterian (Covenanter) Church of North America (RPC) on worship. The Reformed Presbyterian Church holds to the traditional Reformed positions of a capella singing and the exclusive use of the Psalms for singing in worship. This thesis was written to explain Reformed Presbyterian worship. The questions that it attempts to answer are: What is the historical basis for Reformed Presbyterian worship? What is the doctrinal basis for Reformed Presbyterian worship? What, if any, have been the changes in Reformed …

Selections Translated From The Loci Theoiogici By Johann Gerhard, Charles Paulson

Master of Divinity Thesis

An article in the December 14, 1981 issue of the Reporter begins: “Lutheran theologians do a good job of emphasizing salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, yet lay people do not seem to grasp the divine compulsion to follow faith with works." This may be true today, but it is no fault of John Gerhard and the other 'orthodox' Lutheran theologians. This paper has originated from a desire to learn more about the connection between faith and works, and whether Lutheran theology gives this connection proper treatment. Because the age of orthodoxy has formed the basis of so much …

Prolegomena To The Study Of Hegel's Philosophy Of Religion, Alan Borcherding

Master of Divinity Thesis

This introduction is designed to aid a person with the desire to study the Hegelian philosophy of religion; it is not itself an introduction to his philosophy of religion (this ought to be obvious from the relative length of the early chapters and the relative brevity of the last two chapter0. It is hoped that three particular enemies of the reader in Hegel's philosophy can be overcome in this paper: the tracing of origins, the identification of main principles, and the vast literature.

The Mediation Of The Spirit Through The Word: A Critical Analysis Of The Theology Of Theodore Jungkuntz In The Light Of The Lutheran Confessions, Timothy Maschke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

A critical analysis of any theology can be presumptuous at worst; unnecessary at best. This study was undertaken a number of years ago as the writer struggled to determine the critical area where the charismatic movement touches Lutheran theology most sensitively. To start with a premise that the Lutheran charismatic movement is heretical (as a few writers have assumed) did not seem scholarly or fair. To impose Lutheran terminology on charismatic and nee-Pentecostal concepts seemed equally unsound. After observing the growing pains of the Lutheran charismatic movement, the writer became aware that a study of one area--the mediation of the …

The Predestinarian Controversy And Its Effects On The Missouri Synod's Attempts Toward Lutheran Unity, John Wohlrabe

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper will attempt to set forth important facts involved in the Predestinarian Controversy and then analyze its effects on the Missouri Synod’s attempts toward Lutheran unity. One must realize that it is very difficult to set forth a totally unbiased account and analysis. Yeti have sincerely tried to give an honest presentation while holding true to my own convictions.

Augustana Vii And The Unity Of The Church Major Interpretive Accents In Nineteenth And Twentieth Century American Lutheranism, Mark Wangerin

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the intent of this thesis to examine the meaning of the Seventh Article of the Augsburg Confession on the basis of the article itself, its Scriptural and creedal antecedents, and its context within the corpus of the Lutheran Confessions. The interpretation of this article by key theologians of the period of Lutheran Orthodoxy as well as by nineteenth century American Lutherans will then be presented. Finally, the clashing and sometimes bitter debate regarding the interpretation of this article in the twentieth century will be fully presented both from the viewpoint of official church documents am from the pen …

The Cosmic Christ Of Colossians, Victor Raj

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study was undertaken as an attempt to evaluate and possibly correct some recent interpretations of Christ's person and work. Much of theology today has left the impression that Christianity is just another agency of good will to fight against social, political and eco­ nomic injustice in the world. Accordingly, the motive behind much of contemporary theological discussions has been to challenge the church to join in what is often called the "humanization" of man.

It is our position that Christology occupies the pivotal position in any facet of Christian theology. In fact, it performs normative functions for the rest …

Predestination: A Comparative Analysis Of The Theology Of A. W. Pink In Relation To The Westminster Confession Of Faith, Richard Belcher

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The subject matter of this dissertation concerns the doctrine of predestination in the theology of Arthur W. Pink. The study will include a comparison of his view to the Westminster Confession of Faith. Several areas of preliminary consideration must be presented before the primary subject can be approached.

A Lutheran Confessional Critique Of The Understanding And Function Of The Believer’S Union With Christ In The Theolcgy Of Watchman Nee, Dennis Paul Schiefelbein

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this thesis, therefore, is to construct systematically Nee's understanding of the believer's union with Christ, and then outline the function he ascribes to this union in Christian sanctification. Then after identifying specific focal points on which Nee's theological system depends, I will bring an extensive study of the Lutheran Confessions to bear on these issues. In terms of a question, has Nee developed a theology which may be acceptable to Confessional Lutheranism? Our study will begin with a brief historical section on Nee.

Billy Graham’S Theology Of Conversion In The Light Of The Lutheran Confessions, Wilhelm Stoll

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The broad aim of the author was therefore to prepare a comprehensive summary of Graham's theology of conversion and to offer a comparative and critical analysis of it in the light of the Lutheran Confessions. The aim was not to deal specifically with the obvious question of the sacraments and their serious omission from his theology. In any case, the study was to be based only on Graham's own published writings, and they hardly refer to the sacraments. The more specific goal within the broader context that had to be considered was to discover and come to grips with the …

An Examination Of The Lutheran Doctrine Of Conversion, George Volkert

Master of Divinity Thesis

Having summarized the doctrine of conversion and its relation to the various articles of faith, it becomes incumbent upon us in a paper of the scope of this one to focus our attention on one aspect of this vast topic with the present prominence of "decision theology,” popularized by such as Billy Graham and asserted in many evangelism programs, notably Dr. James Kennedy's Evangelism Explosion, one particular aspect of Lutheran teaching stands out as deserving our special attention. That point on which we wish to concentrate is Luther's understanding of man as pure passive (purely passive) or mere passive(merely passive) …

The Preservation And Restoration Of Creation With A Special Reference To Romans 8:18-23, Robert Neff

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The topic dealt with in this dissertation is "The Preservation and Restoration of Creation." In dealing with this topic there is "A Special Reference to Rom. 8:18-23" since this passage, if any, is the "sedes doctrinae" of such a topic. To deal with this passage of Scripture in connection with the "Restoration of Creation" is not at all exotic or peripheral to the Gospel message. R. C. H. Lenski sees the teaching of this pericope as "the final result of justification by faith as it is depicted by Paul. This is the great consolation section ofRomans."1If the human body is …

The Reformation In Norway: A Historical-Bibliographical Survey, Jack Preus

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this study is to explore a few of the many questions that could be raised concerning the advent of the Reformation to Norway. When did the Lutheran Church of Norway begin? How did it come into being? Where did it begin? Where did it flourish first? How did Norway become a truly “Lutheran" country? Who were the heros or the antiheros of the Reformation in Norway? Where can one go to find out more about the Church of Norway? This study attempts to answer some of these questions.

Luther's Attitude Toward Religious Toleration In Light Of His Two Kingdom Doctrine, Richard Elseroad

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of the treatise is not simply to list the inconsistencies or contradictions that may exist in Luther's attitudes toward religious toleration (though at times it will become important to come to grips with these variances). No, the real challenge and goal is to uncover Luther’s rationale, if possible, which determines his relations with those he opposes. In other words, it is the attempt to find that consistency or loyalty to principle that will clarify the all too apparent inconsistencies.

A Beauty Walk A Systematic Compendof Navajo Theology, Walter Snyder

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The doctrine of god will itself be the subject of five chapters. These five chapters will treat the subjects of: The First God; The Former Gods; The Latter Gods; The Present Gods; and, Demonology. There was a serious question whether the last two chapters should come under the doctrine of god or not. The first thought was that they should be under the separate categories of angelology and demonology since they both dealt with spirits. However, in both instances these are spirits that are worshipped. Therefore, the final decision was that they should properly go under the doctrine of god. …

The Immortality Of The Soul Versus The Resurrection Of The Dead, John Sattler

Master of Divinity Thesis

When preparing a presentation on 'death' for a confirmation class, I could find only weak Scriptural proof texts supporting the "traditional" view of death as "separation of body and soul:" Only a few passages spoke of the two nature sin man; namely, body and soul. None spoke in terms of an immortality in man or mentioned a "separation."

The evidence to be cited below will attempt to reveal the problems that are associated with this widely accepted concept of the fate of a Christian at death as it relates to the issue of the immortality of the soul. Several misconceptions …

The Wauwatosa Theology: J.P. Koehler, His Exegetical Methodology And The Prote'stant Conference, Charles Werth

Master of Divinity Thesis

Given the limited secondary resources available on the Wauwatosa Theology, this paper intends to provide a brief summary of issues involved in the activity and fall of the Wauwatosa Theology. The aim of the paper is to provide an alternative viewpoint to Leigh Jordahl's Master's Thesis entitled “The Wauwatosa Theology" and the summary of the same found in the Introduction to The History of the Wisconsin Synod by John Philip Koehler.

Christology And The Cleansing Of The Temple: Integrating Biblical And Dogmatic Theology, Gerhard Bode

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

Although extremism4 is to be avoided, both Christology "from above" and "from below" can make a valuable contribution to the overall study of the doctrine of Christ. A biblical, historical approach to the study of Christ is vital. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the integration of dogmatic and biblical theology, specifically demonstrating how the findings of biblical theology can be implemented by dogmatic theology to enhance the understanding of the person and work of Christ.

Contemporary Doctrines Of The Lord's Supper Believed, Taught And Confessed By Selected Religious Bodies Of The United States Of America, With Special Emphasis Upon The Doctrines Of The Real Presence And The Consecration, David Last

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper has attempted to present the doctrines of 'the Real Presence and the consecration in various religious bodies on these United States; especially among Lutherans. It has hopefully raised some eyebrows, driven us back to Scripture and the Confessions, and caused us to think through our position once again. It has presented the understanding of the Sacrament and the Real Presence for Luther and for the Confessions of our beloved Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Scripture And Tradtiion At The Council Of Trent: Martin Chemntiz Against The Romanists, Douglas Balzer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The present paper is both an exposition of Chemnitz' teaching concerning Scripture and Tradition and an appreciation of a great man of God, who so loved and served his Lord and Savior by heeding His voice in Scripture. But it is also an exposition of Chemnitz' teaching concerning Scripture and Tradition within a particular historical setting, specifically the occasion of the Council of Trent, against whose canons and decrees Chemnitz sets forth the clear teachings of Scripture. It is within this context especially that this paper deals.

Biblical Principles For Ministering In The Church: A Study Of The Priesthood Of All Believers, The Gifts Of Grace, And The Ministry, With Special Attention To Their Mutual Relationship, Magnus Sorhus

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is not the intention of this paper to discuss the life and function of the church in all its aspects, but to concentrate on three areas, namely the priesthood of all believers, the gifts of grace, and the ministry. Each area will be discussed separately as to their nature, functions, and their relationship. It is intended · that the paper will be concluded with a summary of the findings and conclusions.

The Doctrine Of The Church In The Writings Of Dr. C. F. W. Walther, John Martin Drickamer

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The doctrine of the church has been a matter of theological controversy for the Missouri Synod through much of its history. The difficulties predate the origin of the Synod itself, and they continue in different forms into the last quarter of the twentieth century. In terms of both theological statement and practical application, no individual was more important for the Missouri Synod during its first third of a century of existence than C. F. W. Walther. As eminent an historian as Sydney E. Ahlstrom has even said that Walther was "probably the most influential figure in nineteenth-century Lutheranism in America. …

The Doctrine Of Sanctification As Portrayed In Spener's Pia Desideria In Light Of The Lutheran Confessions, Francis Monseth

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The writer believes there is a need for a fresh study of the doctrine of sanctification. In the area of Christian ethics, a variety of views have found earnest adherents. Though various approaches have been advocated, three main categories are seen by the writer to be able to encompass the present spectrum: antinomianism, legalism, and truly biblical Christian living. The latter is given expression in the Lutheran Confessions. It is marked by pronounced emphasis upon the inseparability of justification and sanctification. Indeed, as A. T. Mollegen has expressed it, the whole of Protestantism in its historic confessions has derived its …

The Law Of Life: God's Alternative To Abortion, Randall Shields

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Medical and legal aspects of the problem inevitably arise in a study of this nature; however, the paper has a primary theological orientation which the contents of its five chapters will develop. In the first chapter we will survey the contemporary scene in order to clarify and to better understand what is involved with abortion practices, and how prevalent the humanistic mindset has become among those who endorse such practices. The second chapter will examine in some detail the Biblical data relative to the Law of Life, with special attention devoted to the Fifth Commandment as the life commandment.

The Congregation's Right To Choose Its Pastor, C F W Walther, Fred Kramer, Wilbert Rosin

Ebooks

The image of the pastor or religious leader, his authority, function and role, is currently a lively topic for discussion, as church groups merge and emerge, as clergy are robed and disrobed, as town and gown and church and state issues erupt and disrupt the peace of the church and the parish. Therefore this translation of Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther's essay, Das Gemeindewahlrecht, delineating the voting rights of the congregation, appears at an appropriate time. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has not been

A Lutheran View Of Vactican Ii On Liturgy And Scripture, Raymond Mueller

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The fact that the Second Vatican Council has brought vast change into the Roman Catholic Church is obvious. But was the sum of these changes beneficial for its own members and sufficient to remove the walls erected between Rome and historic Lutheranism back in the 16th Century? What, actually, is the direction in which the Roman Church is now headed after Vatican II? This study is an attempt to find answers to these questions.

The Message Of Salvation: A Comparative Study Of The Theology Of Karl Rahner And Of The Lutheran Confessions On The Relationship Of Faith And Unbelief To The Word Of God, Thomas Manteufel

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The problem proposed for investigation in this study is the same as that raised in the last clause: Is the theory of anonymous Christianity compatible with the Lutheran Confessions? A negative answer would seem to be indicated by the statement in the Confessions that all who are outside the Christian Church:

••• remain in eternal wrath and damnation, for they do not have the Lord Christ, and, besides, they are not illuminated and blessed by the gifts of the Holy Spirit (LC, 2:66).

It is necessary, however, to inquire carefully whether this statement and others related to it in the …

Key 73: A Case Study In The Doctrine Of Church Fellowship, Curtis Peterson

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study is presented with the hope that it can help establish confessional Lutheran evangelistic and missiological practice on the bedrock of sound, Biblical and Confessional doctrine. The specific theological concern of this presentation is the doctrine of church fellowship. Key 73 is an excellent place to begin such a study because it is especially in evangelism and mission practice that the pressure to unite without prior doctrinal agreement is the greatest. "Conservatives” are particularly vulnerable to these temptations, because of their zeal for reaching the lost with the Gospel. Those who believe that there is salvation in no other …