Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

The Ecclesiological Function Of A Critic: Exploring The Ecclesiological Contributions Of Søren Kierkegaard In His ‘Attack’ On “Christendom”, Anthony Mako

Seminary Masters Theses

Traditionally, Søren Kierkegaard has not been associated with the field of ecclesiology. Some simply do not see any ecclesiological merits to Kierkegaard’s perspective, while others, who perhaps acknowledge Kierkegaard’s connection to ecclesiology, view it as having a negating function. Additionally, growing disenfranchisement with the church has caused a renewed interest in Kierkegaard’s ‘attack’; however, this renewed interest often fails to account for the context into which Kierkegaard wrote. This paper will explore Kierkegaard’s ‘attack’ on “Christendom” in context. It also engages the perspectives of Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who show ecclesial implications for Kierkegaard’s ‘attack’ in both agreement and …

Against The Stream, How Karl Barth Reframed Church-State Relations (Chapter 3 Of Keine Gewalt! No Violence!), Roger J. Newell

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

Excerpt: "Defenders of the Barmen Declaration's apolitical tone remind us that it was never intended to establish a program of political protest, that Karl Barth and the others were pastors not politicians; that the goal was to reassert the integrity of the gospel in the face of the attempted subversion by the German Christians. On the one hand, the soundness of this interpretation is self-evident. And yet it should surprise no one that an apolitical strategy would have little political impact on the German state. It is also true that Barth's views on church and state relations changed after Barmen; …

Study Guide For Skeel’S "True Paradox: How Christianity Makes Sense Of Our Complex World", Kerry Irish

Faculty Publications - Department of History and Politics

From the introduction: "Skeel prefers to defend the Christian faith by examining how it explains the truth of human existence more fully than any other system. The result is not a thorough defeat of materialism or materialists. It is rather a gentle apologia that hopefully provides non-Christians cause for interest in Christianity, and Christians a deeper sense of the value and truth of their faith.

This study guide is divided into five parts, each corresponding to a chapter of the book. The book may be easily read one chapter per week for a Sunday School class or Christian book study." …

Moody's "Radical Theology And Emerging Christianity: Deconstruction, Materialism, And Religious Practices" (Book Review), Craig Rosenbeck

The Christian Librarian

A review of Moody, K. S. (2016). Radical theology and emerging Christianity: Deconstruction, materialism, and religious practices. New York: Routledge. 285 pp. $119.95. ISBN 9781315603506

Regele's "Science, Scripture, And Same-Sex Love" (Book Review), James Sauer

The Christian Librarian

A review of Regele, M. B. (2014). Science, scripture, and same-sex love. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press. 278 pp. $22.00. ISBN 9781426798290

Kapic And Jones' "The Ashgate Research Companion To John Owen’S Theology" (Book Review), Jeremy W. Labosier

The Christian Librarian

A review of Kapic, K. M., & Jones, M. (Eds.). (2012). The Ashgate Research Companion to John Owen’s Theology. Burlington, VT: Ashgate. 352 pp. $49.95. ISBN 9781409484295

Crisp And Sanders' "Locating Atonement: Explorations In Constructive Dogmatics" (Book Review), Greg Rosauer

The Christian Librarian

A review of Crisp, O., & Sanders, F. (Eds.). (2015). Locating atonement: Explorations in constructive dogmatics. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. 256 pp. $26.99. ISBN 9780310521167

Strivens' "Philip Doddridge And The Shaping Of Evangelical Dissent" (Book Review), Paul Hartog

The Christian Librarian

A review of Strivens, R. (2016). Philip Doddridge and the shaping of evangelical dissent. Ashgate studies in evangelicalism. New York: Routledge. 201 pp. $87.96. ISBN 9781472440754

Keener's "Spirit Hermeneutics: Reading Scripture In The Light Of Pentecost" (Book Review), Dale R. Jensen

The Christian Librarian

A review of Keener, C. S. (2016). Spirit hermeneutics: Reading scripture in the light of Pentecost. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans. 522 pp. ISBN 9780802874399

Macgregor's "Luis De Molina: The Life And Theology Of The Founder Of Middle Knowledge" (Book Review), Steve Emerson

The Christian Librarian

A review of MacGregor, K. R. (2015). Luis de Molina: The life and theology of the founder of middle knowledge. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. 288 pp. $27.99. ISBN 9780310516972

Bavinck's "The Riddle Of Life" (Book Review), James L. Sauer

The Christian Librarian

A review of Bavinck, J. H. (2016). The riddle of life (B. Hielma, Trans.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 102 pp. $20.00. ISBN 9780802873330

Study Guide For C. S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity", Kerry Irish

Faculty Publications - Department of History and Politics

Dr. Kerry Irish’s study guide for C. S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity is unique in that it begins with an introduction that explains how Mere Christianity came into being, and also how Lewis became a Christian.

The guide consists of six discussions. It is suitable for use by book groups or Sunday schools as well as individual study. It is compatible with any edition of Mere Christianity, as it follows book and chapter designations rather than page numbers.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Baptism As Beginning In Christ, And Becoming Like Christ, Eric E. Peterson

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation involves applied research, relying on the foundation of sacramental
theology, to answer the question, "What is the sign that has the power to help people
embrace not only a sacred self-identity, but to live holy, meaningful, and abundant
lives in a largely broken and sacrilegious world?" Beginning with a review of the major
and various assumptions people have historically adhered to in the pursuit of a good
life, the dissertation proceeds to argue for the superiority of a sacramental
perspective. Employing a semiotics of baptism, chapter two provides a critical analysis
of the opposing forces of "cultural baptism" …

Keel And Schroer's " Creation; Biblical Theologies In The Context Of The Ancient Near East" (Book Review), Paul B. Drake

The Christian Librarian

A review of Keel, O., & Schroer, S. (2015). Creation; Biblical theologies in the context of the ancient Near East (Peter T. Daniels, Trans.). Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 244 pp. $44.99. ISBN 9781575060934

Joeckel's "The C. S. Lewis Phenomenon: Christianity And The Public Sphere" (Book Review), Mark Hanson

The Christian Librarian

A review of Joeckel, S. (2013). The C. S. Lewis phenomenon: Christianity and the public sphere. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press. 427 pp. $30.00. ISBN 978881464375

Akala's "The Son-Father Relationship And Christological Symbolism In The Gospel Of John" (Book Review), John E. Palmer

The Christian Librarian

A review of Akala, A. J. (2014). The Son-Father relationship and Christological symbolism in the Gospel of John. NY: Bloombury T&T Clark. 248 pp. $112.00 (Hardback); $39.95 (Paperback). ISBN 9780567374141

Fox's "A Way To God: Thomas Merton’S Creation Spirituality" (Book Review), Kathleen F. Kempa

The Christian Librarian

A review of Fox, M. (2016). A way to God: Thomas Merton’s creation spirituality. Novato, CA: New World Library. 308 pp. $18.95. ISBN 9781608684205

Lost Prophets: Tertullian, Eusebius, Epiphanius, And Early Montanism, Brice Andrew Larson

Seminary Masters Theses

ABSTRACT The dearth of reliable primary source material on the New Prophecy has led to a proliferation of interpretations of the character of the movement. However, a careful examination of the New Prophecy’s preserved sayings, the writings of Tertullian, and the movement’s earliest critics preserved by Eusebius and Epiphanius reveal a movement steeped in the Christian tradition that came into conflict with other Christians because of their willingness to pay ministers and their passive understanding of the charisma of prophecy.

The Dual Textual History Of The Song Of Hana In The Ethiopic Manuscript Traditions, Brian Christopher Jeanseau

Seminary Masters Theses

In Ethiopia, the Song of Hana has been transmitted in two types of manuscripts—biblical manuscripts and Psalters. This thesis compares the textual histories of this song within both manuscript types and shows that these are actually two separate traditions, not one tradition as previously assumed. Chapter one starts with descriptions of what these two manuscript types are and what the Song of Hana is. In chapter two, we briefly discuss some background issues—the scholarly efforts that have taken place in the Ethiopic Old Testament so far and the history of the Judeo-­‐Christian religion in Ethiopia which has shaped these two …

Irenaeus Of Lyons: A Defense Of Recapitulation, Mathew Thomas Hollen

Seminary Masters Theses

Abstract This work sets out to explain the atonement theory of Irenaeus of Lyons. Irenaeus’ atonement theology is often described simply as “Christus Victor” but I argue that is simply a narrow sliver of the wider atonement theory of recapitulation. In this thesis I systematically try to expound what it is Irenaeus believed and why he believed it. In the first chapter I explain the problem at hand and a short biography of the bishop. In the second chapter I seek to summarize the Gnostic school of Valentinianism, which is the key opponent against Irenaeus writes in his best-known work …

Study Guide For Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "Life Together", Kerry Irish

Faculty Publications - Department of History and Politics

"The study begins with a short essay on Bonhoeffer’s life that explains the context of his work, especially Life Together. The study guide is organized in five parts, easily read in weekly installments. There is also a short conclusion."

Beyond Homoiousios And Homoousios: Exploring North American Indigenous Concepts Of The Shalom Community Of God (Chapter 2 Of The Trinity Among The Nations), Randy S. Woodley

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

The fourth-century battle over the interpretation of a single developed trinitarian theology laid the groundwork for numerous binary trajectories, with some resulting in Christian imperialism. Western Christianity's early preoccupation with divine ontology, coupled with the military might of the Christian empire and the West's inability to hold the mystery of God in tension, has beleaguered Christians and other monotheists for centuries. An Indigenous understanding of the divine shalom community may offer different choices that are perhaps closer to the constructed understandings of Trinity held by early followers of the Christ. In their various perceptions, early Jewish Christians recognized and acknowledged …

Comparison Of The Use Of Gendered Language In Discourse On Christian Theology And Psychology, Chloe Ackerman

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The English language has historically reflected the sexist principles of Western culture. Common examples include the use of sexist pronouns and nouns such as policeman, businessman, or servicemen to represent men and women. Research in the last 50 years revealed the detrimental effects of sexist language, and the English language was accordingly altered. However, sexist language is still used colloquially and in settings such as Christian theology. This study explored differences in the use of gender language between the discourse on Christian theology and psychology, and tested a method of promoting inclusive gender language in Christian discourse. One hundred thirty-nine …

Crossroads Of Mind And Heart: Incorporating Intellectual Tenacity Into An Information Literacy Program, Janet Hauck

The Christian Librarian

The article discusses the incorporation of the concept of “intellectual tenacity” into an information literacy component of several theology courses at a Christian university. The librarian collaborated with four different Theology Department professors to design a successful research experience for the students, centered on the research assignment in each course. First, research skills were taught by the librarian, then preliminary bibliography assessment was done by the professors, and finally, students followed through on recommendations for intellectually tenacious research and completed their assignments.

Accessible Spiritual Practices Through Classic Forms Of Prayer, Clyde Vernon Hartline

Doctor of Ministry

But Jesus often withdrew to the lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

When God-followers feel distant and disconnected, they often describe their experience as a “lonely place.” The feeling of being distanced from God is exacerbated by a lack of knowledge on how to resolve the distance. Retreats and resources might help one reconnect with God; however, the means for connection is often housed in the deep recesses of books or is hidden in the teachings of spiritual sages far away on desert retreats. Simple classic prayer practices remain largely unknown in evangelical circles as a result of inaccessibility, unfamiliarity, …

Using Storytelling (Including Image, Metaphor And Narrative) In Cross-Generational, Cross-Cultural Twenty-First Century Evangelism, Rick D. Mckinney

Doctor of Ministry

Generational and cultural diversity within twenty-first century society has created great challenges to both professional clergy and laypersons in communicating the gospel. In addition, a postmodern, post-Christian culture has created a hostile environment for those sharing the message of Christ using the formulaic, propositional evangelism methods of the Twentieth century. Section One of this dissertation will elaborate on the problem. Section Two discusses why these methods, written primarily for a period of time when Judeo-Christian absolutes and regard for the sacred were staples in society, are increasingly ineffective. As the church struggles with a steady decline in its membership, the …

Toward An Ecotheological Anthropology, Peter Garcia

Seminary Masters Theses

The image of God has carried with it a special designation for humanity within the panoply of life on earth. This project attempts to reorient and expand theological anthropology to include the ecological dimension in Christian perspective to cultivate an understanding of the ecological self. This project will place traditional interpretations of what it means to be human into conversation with twentieth-century ecological philosophies and Native American spirituality in order to broaden the Christian imagination for understanding ourselves within creation. Vine Deloria’s analyses of Western temporal thinking and spatial thinking demonstrated by Native worldviews provides perspective for necessary theological shifts …

Trinitarian Theorizing And Mystery As A Way Forward: A Critical Examination Of The Forms Of Trinitarian Hypothesizing, Why They Fail, And Why Mystery Is A Way Forward, Matthew J. Conniry

Seminary Masters Theses

Scholarship reveals that there are at least two primary ways of handling the issue incumbent within Trinitarian theorizing. Most theologians resolve the issue by addressing the inconsistencies, finding various ways to make important distinctions to eliminate apparent contradictions. This is no doubt the most popular route. Among these are social Trinitarians and Latin Trinitarians. A rough distinction can be made here, wherein social Trinitarians start with the Threeness of God and reason from that stance that God is one by an inexorable and eternal loving relationship. Oppositely, Latin Trinitarians start with God as one and reason how God can possibly …

Maximus The Confessor And A Deeper Actualization Of The Apostolic Dimensions Of Pentecostal Movements, Steve Overman

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

Excerpt: "...I propose to explore one expression of this more ancient and eastern tradition, as found in the cosmic vision of Maximus the Confessor. After a brief sketch of his life and times and his relationship to the larger orthodox tradition I will attempt to lay out some of the chief features of both his theological and cosmological framework and his ascetic way of practice in community. I will conclude by suggesting that both this framework and way of practice can indeed help resource healing of humankind’s relationship with one another and the other realms of the creation and that …

Review Of Paul Buckley, The Essential Elias Hicks, T. Vail Palmer

Quaker Religious Thought

No abstract provided.