Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

Complementarianism: A Biblical View Of Women In Ministry, Christopher L. Coleman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Women in ministry is a controversial subject in modern culture. The question surrounding women’s roles in the church remains a point of much debate and intense discussion. While those who subscribe to an egalitarian view believe that women can occupy any role in the church that men can, those who subscribe to a complementarian view believe that women are limited in their function in the church and, therefore, cannot occupy the same roles as men. This project analyzes the role of women throughout the Old and New Testaments from both the complementarian and egalitarian perspectives. It also conducts an exegetical …

The Nuptial Metaphor From Genesis To Revelation: An Examination Of Yahweh’S Divine Romance With Israel And Mankind In Scripture, Clement Chen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study demonstrates that the nuptial metaphor is not merely a marginally interesting literary motif but deeply embedded in the meta-narrative of the text of the Bible and hermeneutically significant in providing an interpretive thematic framework for rightly reading the Scriptures. In other words, this study is a literary and thematic biblical theological study, utilizing historical, biblical, grammatical, and canonical theological approaches to the entire biblical text, of the nuptial metaphor found throughout Scripture as a thematic framework that is hermeneutically significant. Contemporary studies of the nuptial metaphor that recognize and value the nuptial metaphor of God marrying His people …

Concepts And Sources Of Authority In Early Christianity, Carter Dean Yancey

Masters Theses

The concept of authority, though seemingly clear in everyday discourse, is in fact a multifaceted and elusive subject upon closer examination. This paper seeks to untangle the intricacies of authority in order to better understand and discuss biblical and early Christian positions regarding the matter. The study begins by surveying the philosophical literature on authority to establish a clear and robust vocabulary for discussing the topic. Differentiating between the various concepts and paradigms of authority helps avoid the pitfalls of vague or inconsistent usage that have hindered the historical, philosophical, and theological debates on the matter.

Central to this thesis …

The Messages Of James To The Rich: Warnings Rather Than Exclusions, Joseph Daniel Peters

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

James frequently references or alludes to the poor and the rich throughout his epistle (1:9–11; 2:1–10, 14–20; 4:13–17; 5:1–6). Even though most scholars throughout church history have accepted that the poor are Christians among the churches James is writing to, it has been debated on whether he is presenting the rich as Christians or as outsiders. If the wealthy are outsiders to the churches, then his messages about them would serve to encourage the recipients by assuring them that their rich oppressors will be punished, which would also discourage any imitation of their oppressive practices. However, if the wealthy are …

Biblical Metanarrative Discipleship For Women: A Paradigm For Women In The Church That Impacts Christlike Growth Through The Influence Of Biblical Literacy, Patricia Cihak

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This DMIN research project seeks to resolve the problem of the lack of a biblically literate small group discipleship strategy to assist adult women in their spiritual journey of Christlikeness at Eastlake Church in Moneta, Virginia. Discipleship for women is assumed through the event, and program-driven ministry opportunities for women; however, the void of an intentional disciple-making strategy generates recipients rather than replicators. The gap between the discipleship that Jesus demonstrated and how it is observed among women today underscores the need for contemporary discourse on this issue. Current research reveals that biblical illiteracy is rising, and church attendance is …

Gen Mz Discipleship: Training A Generation To Live In The Postmodern Age, Christian E. Kolthoff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The church exodus of Gen MZ is one of the most significant issues affecting the health of churches in the West. Recent research has indicated that many in Gen MZ have left the church not for lack of knowledge but because of a lack of understanding of the why. It has also indicated that Gen MZ has not been trained to respond to why they are holding on to the hope of the Gospel. So, when presented with opposing views, they struggle to maintain their faith in today’s postmodern society. It is an age in which a war on ideas …

Leadership Training And Development For The Purpose Of Biblical Literacy In The Christian Fellowship Church Membership, Bancroft Augustus Battick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem at Christian Fellowship Church in Anguilla is the high rate of biblical illiteracy due to the lack of trained leaders to preach and teach the Word effectively. The purpose of this action research project is to train and develop five leaders to preach and teach the Word effectively. If leaders are trained and developed to preach and teach the Word effectively, the biblical literacy of the CFC membership will increase. The goal of this leadership training is to create a cadre of leaders who will be qualified to preach and teach the Word. During the action research, the …

Developing Divine Love Into Christoform Obedience: Understanding And Applying The Theological Framework Of Divine Love In A Measurable Growth Praxis, Jayson Pengra Derowitsch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze the growth outcomes of participants from a curriculum intervention on divine love with the goal of Christoform obedience. The point of the curriculum was to define divine love properly by using synthesized vantage points derived from precedent literature. These vantage points were developed into a four-step praxis of transformation in divine love. This praxis was the capstone of the curriculum. Three methods of data retrieval were used throughout the intervention process to target intellectual concept improvement, self-assessment improvement, and praxis improvement. As a result of the data, it was determined that fifty …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Individuals Who Participated In Pastoral Counseling And Discipleship Within The Assemblies Of God In Washington State, Jonathan J. Burger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of individuals who participated in pastoral counseling and discipleship within the Assemblies of God in Washington State. The first focus of this study was to describe congregants’ experiences with pastoral counseling in Assemblies of God churches in the state of Washington. Secondly, this study sought to understand and uncover any themes, trends, or influences that emerged from participants' experiences within pastoral counseling and discipleship. Four themes emerged from this study: Theme One: There is Power in Relationships, Theme Two: Pastoral Counseling is Foundational to Healing and Growth, Theme Three: The Impact of …

Using Technology Responsibly To Align Church Ministry With God's Plan, Sandra Rolon-Rodriguez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The proliferation of digital technologies, including live-streaming services, online community platforms, and virtual events, is revolutionizing the operational dynamics of church ministries. Churches of all sizes are embracing these changes to expand their influence, engage with members in new ways, and enhance the impact of digital technology on their ministry. Implementing digital transformation has led to innovative approaches in worship services, outreach programs, and community engagement, enabling churches to meet the evolving needs of their congregation and the broader community.

This dissertation-in-praxis explores the broader biblical and theological significance to gain a deeper understanding and demonstrate the practical application of …

“What Is Good For The Children Of Man To Do”: Ecclesiastes And The Covenant Instruction, Elaine A. Higgins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The epilogue of Ecclesiastes may be considered an addition by a redactor in an attempt ensure theological orthodoxy to a writing which is often thought to have little in common with the remainder of Scripture. However, this research proposes that the concluding statements of Ecclesiastes cohere with the overarching message of the book and are based on connections to the covenant instruction in Genesis and Deuteronomy. Moreover, the concluding statement is consistent with the New Testament epistle of James. Thus, human beings should conduct their lives in reverent fear of the covenant making God who has given his people the …

Christian Nationalism: Comparing Sociological Critiques To Christian Political Theologies, Daniel Christopher Samms

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The definition of Christian Nationalism which attempts to link White Nationalism to Christian appeals to God as the basis for justice is not reflective of any prominent, contemporary version of Christian political theology. This is demonstrated through an analysis of the prominent definition of Christian Nationalism used by sociologists such as Samuel L. Perry, Andrew L. Whitehead, and Joshua B. Grubbs as well as an analysis of three prominent Christian approaches to Christian Nationalism and their respective approaches to the basis for civil law in the public square.

Developing Effective Discipleship Tools For Disciple-Makers In The Digital Age, John Isaac Brandt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Doctor of Ministry portfolio explores the development and implementation of digital tools to equip and empower disciple-makers in the local church context. Rooted in the ministry of First Baptist Church of Hempstead, Texas, where I have served as Senior Pastor for over a decade, this project addresses the challenge of cultivating a culture of biblical discipleship in a small-to-mid-sized church setting. The portfolio is structured around four integrated Micro-Projects: the launch of The Rudimental Discipleship Podcast, the creation of a YouTube channel, the development of a discipleship-focused blog, and the construction of a comprehensive website (www.rudimentaldiscipleship.com). Each of these …

A Message To A Wayward King: The Unified Reading Of Proverbs Chapters 30 And 31, Lucinda Shelton Lyons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although Proverbs 30 and 31 often bear the label of being appendices to the book of Proverbs, and at first glance, reveal very distinct genres, this study aims to demonstrate a purposeful editorial coherence uniting the two oracles, conveying a significant message to the king. That united message reveals itself through a personal confession, numerical sayings, intimate advice from a mother to her son, and through an acrostic of the Woman of Valor. The two prophetic messengers, Agur and the Queen Mother, two elite voices within the Jerusalem palace-temple complex, strongly support the king. However, they see him as a …

The Icarian Dilemma: The Battle Of Faith Versus Identity Addressed With Scenic Design, Allistar G. Barrett

Senior Honors Theses

American Christians and the LGBTQ+ community have long been in a cultural war with one another. However, queer Christians – individuals who are both LGBTQ+ and Christian – have rarely found solace in either community, instead being shunned and ostracized for their beliefs and identities. Using the transformative art of theatre to address cultural divides, a theatrical scenic design was developed for Joe Calarco’s Shakespeare’s R & J, a retelling of the traditional Romeo and Juliet script through the lives of four Catholic school girls. This design uses the Greek mythology of Icarus, Catholic culture, the original Romeo and Juliet, …

A Sacramental Model For Digital Ecclesiology: Theological Retrieval For A Mediated Church, Caleb J. Atha

Senior Honors Theses

The widespread proliferation of digital technologies has opened the door to new ecclesiological questions and challenges for the Christian denominations that have integrated these technologies into their community life and liturgical practices. American evangelicalism is proposed to be especially susceptible to the aforementioned challenges due to its ecclesiological emphases and general posture towards digital media. Using Marshall McLuhan’s seminal insights in media theory, this work argues that the role of digital media in the church shows a significant congruence with Christian sacramental theology. The concept of the digital church is analyzed through McLuhan’s tetrad framework and its weaknesses are highlighted. …

Religious Scrupulosity: The Law And The Gospel, Robert J. Chester

Senior Honors Theses

The clear distinction of the law and gospel for the salvation and justification of an individual, highly affects the minds, beliefs, and lives of those who suffer from religious scrupulosity. Religious scrupulosity is known as obsessional fears of thinking or behaving immorally against one’s religious beliefs. Religious scrupulosity affects many in the church, and is a form of obsessive/compulsive thought that can form due to improper emphasis of gospel truth. The way the church preaches and emphasizes certain points of the gospel can change the perception and understanding of many people in the world. The evident distinction between law and …

Fearfully And Wonderfully Made, Addressing The Lack Of Special Needs Leadership At Fusion Church In Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Christina Martinez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Problem this student seeks to address is that Fusion Church in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, lacks special needs leadership services.

The world views special needs individuals as a burden, but God views them as anointed sons and daughters. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus tells his disciples to let the children come to him and not to hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. This serves as a reminder that he wants every one of his followers to come to him with the hearts of children. Special needs children and adults have hearts filled with …

The Convergence Point Project: Assessing A Cultural Apologetics Curriculum For Today’S Believer, David L. Eadie Sr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research project designed, developed, and implemented a comprehensive program focused on communicating the gospel through the lens of Cultural Apologetics. This initiative’s core objective was to equip participants with the vital knowledge and practical skills necessary for effectively engaging with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds while articulating the gospel message in a meaningful way. A total of twenty-one volunteers participated in the project. They were provided a pre-questionnaire before starting, which assessed their initial understanding of Cultural Apologetics and their confidence in engaging across cultural divides. Upon finishing the program, the same individuals completed a post-questionnaire to evaluate …

A Qualitative Study Of Social Constructivism: Why Modern-Day Christians Lack The Fundamental Knowledge Of God, Samuel Singleton Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this grounded theory study is to explore why some modern-day Christians lack the fundamental knowledge of the God they serve. The research uses the term “Christian foundational nescience” to describe why some modern-day Christians lack the fundamental knowledge of the God they serve. The theory guiding this study is grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1965), as it will enable the researcher, through the collection and analysis of data, to discover or construct a theory or theories as to why some modern-day Christians lack the fundamental knowledge of God. Believers should know God created everything; everything made was …

Implementation Of Discipleship Tools For Parents Of Neurodivergent Children At Crosspointe Christian Church, Nathaniel J. King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a rapidly growing number of individuals in the United States being given neurodivergent diagnoses. With this rapid rise, the church must carefully consider how to spiritually disciple these individuals. This action research project sought to refine existing spiritual development tools at Crosspointe Christian Church in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, to integrate families with special needs intentionally. Eight parents of neurodivergent children at the church participated in assessments, action steps, surveys, interviews, and a group discussion. Through this process, additional discipleship tools were tested and found to be moderately helpful in aiding parents in the spiritual growth of their …

Paul’S Christological Hermeneutics Of The Psalter In The Book Of Romans, Finny Samuel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the pivotal role of the Psalter in shaping Paul’s theological articulation of justification by faith in the Epistle to the Romans. The central argument asserts that Paul’s Christological hermeneutic of the Psalter serves as a foundational framework for the forensic and legal language employed in his presentation of justification by faith in Romans. The study systematically explores Paul’s theological interpretation of direct quotations from the Psalter in Romans, illuminating the forensic dimensions integral to his argumentation. Through rigorous exegetical analysis of these quotations, it is demonstrated that Paul consistently interprets these texts through the lens of Christ’s …

Illuminating The Damascus Road Journey In Modern Times - Traveling The Road To Servanthood, Lilian Parico Cavaleri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Servanthood focuses on serving and prioritizing others’ needs. Research shows that servanthood is associated with higher levels of employee engagement, job satisfaction, and performance, leading to improved individual spiritual well-being and team performance. Research also shows an upward trend within the last four years of companies sponsoring faith-based employee resource groups. However, there has been limited research on a servanthood model for a faith-based employee resource group in a global secular company. This Doctor of Ministry action research project conducted a groundbreaking case study and successfully developed a Bible-based servanthood model called the Seven Paths along the Road to Servanthood …

Spiritual Disciplines And Christian Formative Education: Tools To Jump-Start Spiritual Formation And Eliminate Stagnation, Darrick J. Willis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The researcher aims to uncover the fundamental causes of spiritual stagnation, particularly the tendency to over-rely on established traditions, and to assess the detrimental effects of this phenomenon on the life and activities of the church. Spiritual formation is the process through which Christians are transformed into the likeness of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Intentionality and growth are paramount for believers, as neglecting these elements can lead to spiritual stagnation. Contemporary literature emphasizes that spiritual formative education is central to fostering intentionality. The correlation between increased knowledge and a heightened desire to learn is crucial; both …

Perfect Love: Intertextual And Conceptual Commonalities Concerning Agape In 1 Corinthians 13:8–13 And 1 John 4:12–18, Christopher David Cochran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation will examine Paul and John’s mutual focus on agape and teleios. The premise is that in 1 Corinthians 13:10, “perfect” is not used by Paul in an eschatological sense, but to communicate the message of “perfect love” John also references (1 John 2:3–6; 4:12–18). Jesus’s teaching recorded in Matthew 5:43–48 will be considered regarding how it might provide a basis for understanding Paul and John’s thoughts concerning agape. Also, the use of teleios by Aristotle and תָּמִים by the Qumran community will be contemplated, in addition to how the Hebrew word תָּמִים might have influenced Jesus’s teaching and …

Empowering Kansas City Veterans Administration Chaplains: A Spiritual Leadership Toolkit For Nursing Staff Support, Leonard Gicheru

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This doctoral research project addresses the critical issue of burnout among nursing staff at the Kansas City Veterans Administration (KCVA). Burnout is often worsened by a lack of spiritual support, thereby negatively impacting both the well-being of nurses and the quality of patient care. This project study aims to mitigate these challenges by implementing a spiritual leadership resource toolkit, tailored to equip KCVA chaplains with creative strategies to provide spiritual care for nurses.

Based on Spiritual Leadership Theory and guided by biblical principles, this project explores how structured spiritual direction can improve the resilience and emotional well-being of nursing staff. …

Addressing Subjective Reasoning Through Renewed Pathways: Church Discipline, Anthony F. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Skyline Baptist Church adopts a subjective approach to the removal of members through its church discipline process. This means that decisions regarding church discipline and the removal of members are not strictly governed by objective doctrine or biblical alignment but are instead influenced by individual circumstances and the specific context of outside influence. This project seeks to establish objective measures grounded in scriptural understanding, promoting biblical alignment and mutual accountability within the congregation. The existing research provides valuable insights that contribute to the broader Christian mission; it aims to cultivate a more united and devoted commitment that reflects the teachings …

Yielding Fruit: The Relationship Of Love, Unity, And Spiritual Gifts, Douglas Donald Vannostrand

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the interconnectedness of love, unity, and spiritual gifts within the Christian church, primarily through an analysis of Paul's letters in Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians. It argues that these principles are essential for the church to fulfill its divine purpose. The study examines how love serves as the foundation for unity and the effective use of spiritual gifts, contributing to the community's edification and reflecting the nature of the Trinity. The research employs exegetical analysis, historical context, and practical application to demonstrate how these principles can address contemporary challenges in the church, fostering spiritual growth and reflecting God's …

The Resurrection According To Luke: The Meaning And Significance Of Pneumatology In Luke’S Resurrection Theology, Ryan R. Jacobs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The aim of this study, then, is to demonstrate the meaning and significance of Pneumatology in Luke’s resurrection theology based on the following: a) Luke’s “it is written” qualifier of the third-day resurrection, and his description of the Spirit’s activity upon the virgin Mary in his birth narrative, connect Luke with the Spirit’s activity in the creation narrative and nascent resurrection themes in Scripture; b) Luke’s use of the three-fold identity for the son of God (Jesus, Christ, and Lord) and the centrality of Peter’s Pentecost sermon for Luke wherein the resurrection confirmed this identity and enabled Jesus to pour …

Ontological Overtones Of Participatory Soteriology In Romans 8:1-17, Derek E. Wilder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The burgeoning scholarly interest in the concepts of deification and Paul’s “in Christ” participatory soteriology necessitates a deeper exploration of their interrelation with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of the increase in recent scholarship, the connection between participation in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit remains underexplored. This study examines the relationship between deification, Pauline participatory soteriology, and pneumatology through an exegetical analysis of Romans 8:1–17. This exegetical framework posits that the believer’s union with Christ initiates a profound ontological metamorphosis, actualized through the Holy Spirit’s immanent indwelling and transcendent relational dynamic. The pneumatological dimension of …