Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

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

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.

Existential Reasons For Belief In God: A Defense Of Desires And Emotions For Faith (Book Review), Mark Mcleod-Harrison

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

Review of Clifford Williams, Existential Reasons for Belief in God: A Defense of Desires and Emotions for Faith, Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0830838998

"The Harmony Way:" Integrating Indigenous Values Within Native North American Theology And Mission, Randy Woodley

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

Given that Western models of mission have failed among Native Americans and that colonial practices have devastated native communities, this research sought a better way of pursuing Christian mission among Native Americans by asking two questions: (1) Do Native Americans have a generally shared set of values that could guide the construction of new models for mission in North American Native communities, and, if so, to what degree are these values shared among Native American communities? and, (2). What resources (particularly values) are available within the Native American communities themselves for developing appropriate models of mission and could such resources …

Whither Quaker Theology In The 21st Century? A Response To David Johns And Paul Anderson, Stephen W. Angell

Quaker Religious Thought

No abstract provided.

Noticing The Duck: The Art Of Asking Spiritual Questions, Marykate Morse

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

No abstract provided.

Introduction To Part 1: Aspects Of Historicity In John 1-4 (In John, Jesus, And History, Vol.2), Paul N. Anderson

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

"Distinctive features of the Johannine presentation of the beginning of Jesus' ministry raise questions-- both for and against-- aspects of historicity in John 1-4."

Aspects Of Historicity In John 5-12: A Response (From John, Jesus And History, Vol. 2), Paul N. Anderson

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

In responding to the eight essays in Part 2 of this volume, I am impressed at the variety of approaches to aspects of historicity in the Gospel of John.

Relational Atonement: Covenant Renewal As A Wesleyan Integrating Motif, R. Larry Shelton

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

No abstract provided.

Defining Legalism, Kent Yinger

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

"No one wants to be labeled a legalist. It is resoundingly negative and is used in polemics solely of others, never of oneself. The accused, of course, reject the label. To give just one example from many, Seventh-day Adventists are often said to be extreme legalists, because of their views of the Sabbath, dietary regulations, advocacy of tithing, and prohibition of drinking and smoking. Denying that they are legalistic, they insist that out of thankfulness to Christ, by whose grace they have been saved through faith, they obey his will as the Scriptures reveal it.3 Further instances of this strongly …

Wealth And Discipleship In Affluent America, Jeffrey T. Lincicome

Doctor of Ministry

The question addressed by this dissertation may be stated as follows: How do wealth and affluence affect individual and communal Christian discipleship? In response, we propose that while wealth and affluence provide some discipleship opportunities, there are many more dangers and risks to Christian discipleship connected to wealth and affluence. To be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in the midst of affluence, people must be aware of its dangers, and have a church home committed to wrestling with the challenges together. In Chapter 1, the ministry challenge is described through the narrative account of church members and a description of …

Aspects Of Interfluentiality Between John And The Synoptics: John 18-19 As A Case Study, Paul N. Anderson

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

The focus of the present essay is thus to pose a series of theses regarding the interfluential character of the JohnSynoptic relationships and to assess the degree to which each of those particular relationships is confirmed or disconfirmed by the material in the Johannine Passion Narrative. Implications will then follow at the conclusion of the essay.

"Gotta Serve Somebody": The Challenge Of Christian Scholarship, Paul Otto

Faculty Publications - Department of History and Politics

No abstract provided.

Psychological Implications Of The Doctrine Of Christian Perfection With Special Reference To John Wesley's View, Irv Brendlinger, Eric E. Mueller

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

The doctrine of Christian Perfection is viewed by some as a wonderful and liberating doctrine, but by others it is seen as producing false expectations and guilt. John Wesley, the first major theologian to develop a theology of Christian Perfection, encountered misunderstandings and problems with this doctrine. He wrote and preached to correct the misunderstandings. Unfortunately, misunderstandings persist and sometimes have psychological effects on individuals. This article explores common understandings, beliefs, and experiences regarding Christian Perfection among evangelical Christians from the holiness tradition. The material was gathered by means of interviews that were recorded. The interviews were then studied by …

One Response After Another, Paul N. Anderson

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

No abstract provided.

A Historical Analysis Of Howard Thurman's Theology Of Brotherly Love, Robert L. Marshall

Seminary Masters Theses

No abstract provided.