Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

Review Of Pentecostal Hermeneutics In The Late Modern World: Essays On The Condition Of Our Interpretation. By L. William Oliverio, Jr., Rick Wadholm, Jr.

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Review of Pentecostal Hermeneutics in the Late Modern World: Essays on the Condition of Our Interpretation. By L. William Oliverio, Jr. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2022. 252 pp.

Review Of Deliver Us From Evil. By John Swinton., Robert D. Mcbain

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Review of Deliver Us from Evil. By John Swinton. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2022. 130 pp.

Review Of A Seminary Dean’S Experiment With Servant Leadership: Stories And Lessons From My Journey Through Ivy League To Whole Person Education. By Thomson K. Mathew., Wonsuk Ma

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Review of A Seminary Dean’s Experiment with Servant Leadership: Stories and Lessons from My Journey through Ivy League to Whole Person Education. By Thomson K. Mathew. Kottayam, Kerala, India: GoodNews Books, 2021. 233 pp.

Review Of Indigenous Theology And The Western Worldview. By Randy S. Woodley., David Osei-Nimoh

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

A review of Indigenous Theology and the Western Worldview. By Randy S. Woodley.

Review Of Towards A Pentecostal Theology Of Praxis: A Case Study. By John Mark Robeck, Rebekah Bled

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

A review of Towards A Pentecostal Theology of Praxis: A Case Study. By John Mark Robeck. Lanham, MD: Fortress Academic, 2021. 174 pp.

A Bibliography On Oral Roberts And Oral Roberts University: A Supplement, Robert D. Mcbain

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

A bibliography of works by Oral Roberts and studies of Oral Roberts University.

Oral Roberts University’S Judaic-Christian Studies Program: A Reflection On Its History And Significance, Pamela L. Idriss

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Oral Roberts University’s (ORU) Graduate School of Theology and Missions offered the Judaic-Christian Studies Concentration (JCSC) of Master of Theology in Biblical Literature between the fall of 2007 and the spring of 2020. Under the supervision of Brad H. Young, the program flourished with academic excellence and distinct practical applications. Students learned to comprehend the teachings of Jesus in their Second-Temple Jewish context and to recognize the Jewish roots of Christianity. The program employed the comparative/associative methodology for exegetical work and utilized the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and primary Jewish sources, such as the Rabbinic literature and the Dead …

Oral Roberts University Doctor Of Ministry Program: Historical Beginnings And The Emergent Future, Celine Butler

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program approaches forty-two years as a leader in the Spirit-empowered community. The approach of the DMin program from its inception in 1981 was to develop a Spirit-centered approach to impact the world as the only Spirit-empowered university. Since it began in 1982 with eleven students, the program has seen more than 430 graduates from 150 nations and all fifty of the United States have crossed the commencement platform. In addition, the Korean Language Doctor of Ministry Program, operating from 1992–2012, resulted in 136 graduates. More recently, the establishment of the Oral Roberts University (ORU) PhD …

The Rise Of The Phoenix: The Re-Emergence Of The Oral Roberts University Graduate School Of Theology In 1975, James Shelton, James A Hewett

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The re-emergence of the Graduate School of Theology after its closure in 1969 provides testimony to the bold vision of Oral Roberts of ecumenical higher education in the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit. Undeterred by the closure of the first Graduate School of Theology, Roberts’ launch of the second seminary in 1976 under James Buskirk showed a continued emphasis on educating and empowering the whole body of Christ.

The First Oru Seminary: An Experiment Of Unity Without Uniformity, Daniel D. Isgrigg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article explores the history of Oral Roberts University’s first Graduate School of Theology (1965–1969), the first seminary in the Pentecostal tradition. It will explore the story of the founding faculty that pioneered the first seminary and their contributions to scholarship and the shaping of ORU. It highlights the conflicts and challenges they went through that resulted in the closing of the seminary in 1969. It concludes with a recognition of the contributions of this group of faculty that continue to bear fruit today.

The History Of Graduate Theological Education At Oral Roberts University, Larry Hart, Bill Buker

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article traces the history of graduate theological education at Oral Roberts University from its initial inception in 1963 up until 2018 when a significant transition occurred. Special attention is given to the rebirth of the seminary in 1976 under the leadership of Jimmy Buskirk and the following seasons of its evolution under subsequent deans. From a seminary approved by the United Methodist Church to train candidates for ministry in that denomination to one reflecting a primarily Pentecostal ethos to its current role of serving the Spirit-empowered Movement, the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry (GSTM) has maintained ecumenical diversity …

Into Every Person’S World: The Oru Bible Institute Program, Sam Barsoum, Paul King

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article describes the history, development, mission, and impact of the ORU Bible Institute program over its thirty-year history. Different phases of the program are presented: beginnings of the program, curriculum development, and program expansion; features of the program; global impact through international development; times of crisis, re-evaluation, and recovery; adjustments, stabilization, and growth to the present; and the long-term impact of the ORU Bible Institute program

A Review Article Of Jonathan Root, Oral Roberts And The Rise Of The Prosperity Gospel, Daniel D. Isgrigg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This review article discusses the new biography of Oral Roberts by Jonathan Root. It situates the book in the field of recent Oral Roberts studies and discusses its contributions to the life of this well-known twentieth-century religious figure. It also critically assesses the assumptions of the book related to its framing of Oral Roberts as contributing to the “rise of the prosperity gospel.”

Oral Roberts And Billy Graham: A Friendship That Influenced The Christian World, John Paul Thompson

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Editorial: Theology, Shaping The Soul Of The Faith Community, Wonsuk Ma

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

An editorial by Wonsuk Ma introducing the special issue on the ORU College of Theology and Ministry.

Editor's Note, Jeffrey S. Lamp

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Spiritus 8.2 (Fall 2023), Spiritus@Oru.Edu

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, Spiritus 8.2 (Fall 2023), Spiritus@Oru.Edu

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

A special issue on the history of ORU College of Theology and Ministry.

Exploring Theological Themes Of Bridehood In Revelation 19:6-9: An Analysis Of The Marriage Supper Of The Lamb, Riley F. Kempker

College of Theology and Ministry Dissertations, Projects, & Theses

Most people see Revelation as a book shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. As well, the various interpretations offered only add to the confusion of the book. Yet, John uses clear images and themes in his Apocalypse, on which most people can agree. The account of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:6-9 offers an open window into John’s theology of the Bride of Christ. This thesis seeks to understand John’s theological implications that arise from the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

This thesis began in chapter 1 with a statement of the problem in understanding John’s theological implications …

Redeeming Theodicy In Job: Moving From A Classical To A Christological Framework, Jaime L. Riddle

College of Theology and Ministry Dissertations, Projects, & Theses

This thesis analyzes existing interpretations of theodicy in the book of Job, in order to suggest an alternative approach informed by the nature and mission of Christ. Much of biblical scholarship in Job has focused on a classical approach to theodicy or, in recent years, deconstructed anti-theodicy. This thesis offers an alternative approach that focuses on the Christological overtones in Job and a modern synthesis of Old and New Testament theodicy.

Chapter 1 introduces the problem of theodicy in Job, and a taxonomy of lenses traditionally used to examine Old Testament theodicy. Chapter 2 analyzes classical perspectives of Job derived …

Review Of Intergenerational Missiology: An African Pentecostal-Charismatic Perspective, Vincent Anohene Appiah

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Review Of Genesis: A Pentecostal Commentary, Michael Blythe

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Review Of Los Profetas: The Prophetic Role Of Hispanic Churches In America, Hanna Larracas

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Review Of The Spirit Of God In The Torah: A Pentecostal Exploration. By Steffen G. Schumacher, Lora Angeline E. Timenia

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Abiding In The Vine: A Relational Model Of Spiritual Formation, Bill Buker

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

In recognizing the significance of final conversations, the information Jesus shares in his Farewell Discourse (John 13–17) is considered especially important. During this conversation, in describing the new relationship he envisioned with his disciples following the events of his passion, he employs a vine and its branches as an analogy. Three core concepts seem critical to understanding this comparison—abiding in the vine, bearing fruit, and pruning. These concepts are explored within the context of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse and defined relationally in connection with the new commandment he had just introduced. This new command to love each other as he had …

Songs As Theologizing: Annamma Mammen’S (1911–2002) Contribution In Shaping The Kerala Pentecostal Imagination, Allan Varghese Meloottu

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

In Indian Pentecostal theological and missiological literature, the role of Kerala Pentecostals is well documented. However, the pioneering voices that are highlighted are of men, sidelining women’s voices and contributions that shaped the grassroots Kerala Pentecostal imagination. The preacher-songwriter Annamma Mammen (1911–2002) is one such voice that impacted early Kerala Pentecostal growth. Therefore, this article, in addition to bringing forth the sidelined story of Annamma Mammen, emphasizes Mammen’s role as a songwriter and analyzes one of her early songs to highlight how her theology encapsulates early Kerala Pentecostal theological emphases (eschatological imagination, scriptural importance, contextual primacy, and Jesus-centeredness). Although Mammen’s …

Pentecostal Socio-Political Engagement And The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jonathan Cantarero

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The coronavirus pandemic has raised important questions regarding the correct balance between religious freedom and public health. These questions have become increasingly difficult to address given the diverse reactions within the church to government-imposed restrictions on religious freedom such as limitations on public gatherings in places of worship. Nowhere has this diversity been more prevalent than within Pentecostalism. This article discusses the religious response to the pandemic in the United States within the Pentecostal Movement as gleaned through three sources: public statements, legal action, and other public activity. I suggest that Pentecostalism’s diversity in this area is consistent with its …

On Making “Universal Human Rights” Universal: The Intelligibility Of Human Rights In Jacques Maritain’S Natural Law Theory, Jeremy M. Wallace

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article examines the thought and influence of Jacques Maritain, specifically his application of Traditional Natural Law (TNL) theory to the vexing challenge of what makes universal human rights universal. The author shows how TNL satisfies the preconditions for the “universality factor” needed for making human rights truly universal where rival theories such as legal positivism, New Natural Law, and Empirical Natural Law fall short.

Then Peter Stood Up: A Dialogical Narrative Analysis Of Peter’S Preparation For Spokesperson At Pentecost, Rebekah Bled

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Dialogical Narrative Analysis (DNA) asks, in brief, what work a story does in the context in which it is told and on the teller of the story itself. In applying DNA to Peter, this article assumes the premise that Peter’s meaning-making, or construction of the dialogical self in dynamic relationship with Jesus, positioned him to be the spokesperson who narrated the events of Pentecost. Therefore, this article seeks to understand how Jesus’ naming and accompanying statement to Peter that “on this rock I will build my church” and the unfolding narrative of Peter’s discipleship uniquely prepare Peter for this role. …

What Does “Spiritual Anointing” Have To Do With Ministry To The Poor?, William L. Lyons

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The Bible employs various tactics to draw readers’ attention to its message. When something new is about to happen, the clearest, direct track is sometimes preferable: “I [the LORD] am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?” (Isa 43:19; emphasis mine). Similarly, in Jeremiah: “The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jer 31:31; emphasis mine). Another method employed by biblical writers repeats carefully chosen words to garner attention: “‘The LORD has done great things …