Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

Sabbath-Keeping Practices And Factors Related To These Practices Among Seventh-Day Adventists In 51 Countries, May-Ellen Netten Colon

Dissertations

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine Sabbath-keeping practices and factors related to these practices among Seventh-day Adventists on an international level.

Method. The Sabbath Observance Exploratory Survey (SOES) was administered to a convenience sample of 3,221 Seventh-day Adventists in 51 countries representing five geographical areas. The SOES was designed to measure beliefs about Sabbath-keeping, practices, motivations, and attitudes. Factor Analysis produced 13 factors based on 99 SOES items.

Results. Approximately 60%-90% of Adventists agreed to SOES belief statements of biblical Sabbath-keeping principles. Between 8%-84% reported being "usually" or "always" involved in spiritually nurturing practices (e.g., …

Paul's Use Of Canonical And Noncanonical Wisdom Literature In Romans And The Corinthian Letters, Tadashi Ino

Dissertations

Problem . Although Paul's use of wisdom literature has been widely acknowledged, the relationship between the apostle and wisdom literature has not been thoroughly investigated. Scholars have tended to deal mainly with the function of wisdom traditions in general in Paul's argument. Furthermore, no one has compared his use of canonical and noncanonical wisdom literature. This present study sought to determine the nature of Paul's use of wisdom literature by comparing his use of canonical wisdom books (Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes) with his use of noncanonical ones (Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon) in Romans, and 1 and 2 Corinthians. …

Why Religious People Believe What They Shouldn't: Explaining Theological Incorrectness In South Asia And America, D. Jason Slone

Dissertations

Cross-cultural descriptions of religious thought and behavior in South Asia and America show that people commonly hold ideas and perform actions that seem to be not only conceptually incoherent but also “theologically incorrect” by the standards of their own traditions. For example. South Asian Theravada Buddhists are taught that the historical Buddha is unavailable because he attained enlightenment and achieved parinirvana (“complete extinction”) and yet conceptually and ritually represent him as if he is present and available for petition. Similarly, American Protestants represent the Christian God as having absolute divine sovereignty and yet reveal confidence in an inner locus of …

The Historical Background, Interconnected Development And Integration Of The Doctrines Of The Sanctuary, The Sabbath, And Ellen G. White's Role In Sabbatarian Adventism From 1844 To 1849, Merlin D. Burt

Dissertations

The topic . The doctrines of the sanctuary and the Sabbath, along with Ellen White's prophetic role, progressively evolved and integrated during the five years following the October 1844 Millerite time expectation and were the fundamental elements in the formation of the Sabbatarian Adventist movement and ultimately the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The purpose . The purpose of the study was to situate the interconnected development of the sanctuary, the Sabbath, and Ellen White's prophetic ministry within the ferment of Adventist ideas and events, show the immediate theological climate, and give a connected progression of Bridegroom (or Shut Door) Adventism and …

Paul's Apparent Reversal Of Concern For The Weak Brother In L Corinthians 10:29b-30: An Examination Of The Text In Light Of Greco-Roman Rhetoric, Moses Oladele Taiwo

Dissertations

Problem . In 1 Cor 8:1-10:29a, Paul has been consistently on the side of the brother in 8:11 whose conscience is weak to eat food offered to idols. But, in 10:29b-30, he seems to reverse himself, here suggesting that one should be able to eat anything, regardless of its provenance or the effect such eating may have on others. Or, what should be made of the two questions asked in the text that appear neither fitted to the context nor directly answered by what precedes and follows in the discussion of εἰδωλόθυτα in 8:1-11:17?

Approach . Scholars have employed various …

The Banquet Type-Scene In The Parables Of Jesus, Fazadudin Hosein

Dissertations

Biblical narratives abound in ancient literary and oral conventions. One such convention is the type-scene. The study of the type-scene originated in 1933 with Walter Arend who studied compositional recurrent patterns and variations in the epics of Homer. Later, the study was developed by Robert Alter inhis treatment of biblical narratives. The type-scene was a narratorial device used by ancient orators and writers in which traditional elements of repetitive compositional patterns were told and retold ininnovative ways to an audience, raising their expectation and sometimes causing surprise. Conventional elements that make up the type-scene were catchwords, motifs, characters, and themes. …

The Evolving Face Of God As Creator: Early Ninteenth-Century Traditionalist And Accommodationist Theological Responses In British Religious Thought To Paleonatural Evil In The Fossil Record, Thane Hutcherson Ury

Dissertations

The Topic

From the early Reformation through the early 1800s, Gen 1-11 was consensually understood as providing a perspicacious, historical account of how God brought the world into being. Tenets of belief included six literal 24-hour days of creation and a catastrophic global Flood, and most often the conviction that Gen 1:31 implies that no evil of any type existed prior to the Fall. New geological interpretations in the early nineteenth century, however, pointed toward an earth history that seemed anything but very good, instead suggesting a harsh concatenation of deep-time prelapsarian pain, struggle, destruction of the weak, predation, diseases, …

Tradition As A Viable Option For Protestant Theology : The Vincentian Method Of Thomas C. Oden, Kwabena Donkor

Dissertations

This dissertation analyzes Thomas Oden's theological method in order to understand its structural elements, and thereby, to facilitate a clearer comprehension of his commitment to the classic Christian tradition in the context of the increasing contemporary emphasis on postmodernism in Protestant theology. Given Oden's affirmation of the Christian tradition and his simultaneous commitment to postmodern sensitivities, the dissertation strives to examine how Oden is able to harmonize what essentially appears to be a dialectical situation. Thus, although the emphasis on tradition in Oden raises the perennial issue of Scripture versus Tradition, the postmodern question raises the issue beyond the usual …

Creation In Isaiah, Wann M. Fanwar

Dissertations

This study investigates the role of creation thought in Isaiah in order to determine its relationship to Isaiah's concept of God as creator, especially as it pertains to his salvific work for and through Israel. This investigation is carried out in three steps. First, Isaiah's use of creation language, which involves specific explicit creation terms and implicit references (metaphors), is investigated. Second, selected creation texts, namely, 4:2-6; 43:1-7; 44:24-45:25; and 65:17-25, are exegeted. Third, Isaiah's creation thought is studied in relationship to other significant concepts in the book, such as salvation theology and redemption history, and God's salvific intention for …

The Magisterium And Theologians In The Writings Of Avery Robert Dulles, Darius W. Jankiewicz

Dissertations

This study explores Avery Robert Dulles's views regarding the nature of doctrinal authority in the Roman Catholic Church, and particularly the relationship between the hierarchical magisterium and theologians, with special focus on the apparent disparity between his early post-Vatican II views and his recent views.

To attain this goal, Dulles's convictions were considered in the context of his doctrine of the Church, and, whenever relevant, from the perspective of his overall theological system, without neglecting the presuppositions undergirding his ideas and the methodologies used to support them. To highlight contrasting positions, three periods are studied consecutively: the earliest writings, i.e., …

The Issue Of Antitrinitarianism In The Fifteenth-Century Novgorod-Moscow Movement: Analysis And Evaluation, Oleg Zhigankov

Dissertations

This study attempts to examine the trinitarian beliefs of the fifteenth-century Novgorod-Moscow movement, analyzing both their own writings and the polemical writings of those who considered their teaching antitrinitarian.

The main objective of the present research is to contribute to the restoration of the authentic theological identity of this movement. Chapter 1 defines the problem, which has already been raised by some nineteenth-century scholars who have pointed out that the allegedly antitrinitarian character of the Subbotniks' movement must be open for further discussion. It also shows that no systematic research on Subbotniks' theology has ever been produced.

The second chapter …

Gustavo Gutierrez's Understanding Of The Kingdom Of God In The Light Of The Second Vatican Council, Victor Figueroa-Villarreal

Dissertations

The proclamation of the Kingdom of God has been reformulated in every age and interpreted accordingly with regard to time and place. Traditionally within Roman Catholicism the Kingdom of God was identified with the church. This view produced a triumphalist attitude within the Roman Catholic Church. The Second Vatican Council brought a new attitude of openness toward the modern world, and with it the council opened the door for Roman Catholic liberation theologians to look for new ways to find what they regarded as the just solutions to the problems of Latin America.

The purpose of this research is to …

The Church As An Agent Of Reconciliation In The Thought Of Desmond Tutu, Trust J. Ndlovu

Dissertations

South Africa was both the first and last bastion of extended European colonial rule in Sub-Saharan Africa. Due to the extensive interaction between the Black and White races over time, who were distinguished by divergent philosophies of life, friction developed between these two major ethnic blocs, as well as the other peoples that came as labor for the Whites or have arisen as a result of miscegenation between the Blacks and the Whites. Archbishop Desmond Tutu holds that racial tension is neither good for South Africa nor even Christian, and insists that it should be eliminated, giving way to reconciliation. …

The Textual Relation Of The Peshitta Of Ezekiel 1-12 To Mt And To The Ancient Versions (Tg-J And Lxx), Joaquim Azevedo

Dissertations

Problem . The dilemma of the Syriac version is its mysterious provenance and the direct relationship it may have to the other versions (particularly G [Septuagint] and C^J [Targum Jonathan]). Thus some scholars have automatically discarded or ignored the Peshitta version as a useful tool (as a textual witness) for the study of the Hebrew text. The knowledge of textual problems, in this case the relationship of S [Peshitta Version] to the ancient versions, is of extreme importance in the analysis and study of the Hebrew Bible. The awareness of G [Septuagint], C^J [Targum Jonathan], and M [Masoretic …

Demon Possession And Exorcism In The Context Of Divine Providence In Luke-Acts, Charles Badu Yeboah

Dissertations

The dissertation examines the nature and function of demon possession and exorcism within the context of divine providence in Luke-Acts. Chap. 1, after defining the subject and purpose of the study, lays out the dissertation's methodology, constraints and relevance. Chap. 2 provides a survey of the state of scholarship on demonology in the New Testament. Chap. 3 discusses the backgrounds against which Luke's account of demonic possession and exorcism have been understood by prior scholarship. Chap.4 and 5 are devoted to the exegetical analysis of the demonic stories in Luke-Acts. Chap 4 examines stories of Jesus' encounter with the demoniacs …

The Cultic Motif In Space And Time In The Book Of Daniel, Winfried Vogel

Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to study spatio-temporal elements that contribute to a cultic motif in the book of Daniel and to ascertain the impact of that motif on the theology of the book.

Chapter 1 investigates the following references and allusions to cult in the realm of space: mountain, sanctuary, temple, throne, and city. All of the texts where these references and allusions occur are examined by linguistic, literary, and contextual analyses, taking into account biblical and non-biblical traditions.

Chapter 2 investigates the following references and allusions to cult in the realm of time: time of theevening offering, …

The Three Parts Of Babylon : Teaching A Historicist Interpretation Of The Leopardlike, Lamblike And Scarlet Beasts (Rev 13 And 16:19 As Reflected In Rev 17) Based Upon The Douglas Waterhouse Construct, William C. Taggart

Dissertations

Problem. In the field of religious education, a need exists for a broad teaching strategy through which the biblical three parts of Babylon (Rev 16:19) and the visual imagery of apocalyptic Babylon (Rev 13 and 17) might be taught effectively within the historicist tradition. This study was designed to present a teaching strategy based upon the historicist apocalyptic three-part construct developed principally by Douglas Waterhouse.

The Theoretical Organizing Principle of Geographic Relationships. The concept that helped guide and bring together this study was the understanding that Rev 17 is based on personification which were well known in the …

The Role Of The Holy Spirit In Biblical Interpretation: A Study In The Writings Of James I. Packer, Samuel Koranteng-Pipim

Dissertations

Evangelical scholars have forcefully articulated their views on the Holy Spirit's supernatural work in producing an inspired and authoritative Bible. Yet, comparatively little attention has been given to the Spirit's role in biblical interpretation. Two vital questions are prompted by this apparent indifference to the Spirit's work in interpretation: (1) Should the Evangelical doctrine of Scripture be rested on the deistic concept that the Holy Spirit, having inspired the Bible, departed and left the church alone to wrestle with the problems of interpretation? (2) If one admits that the Holy Spirit plays a part in the interpretative process, what is …

Analysis And Evaluation Of Vladimir Lossky's Doctrine Of Theosis, Eugene Zaitsev

Dissertations

This dissertation analyzes and evaluates the doctrine of theosis as it is presented in the work of Vladimir Lossky, one of the leading contemporary spokesmen for Orthodox theology. Two main questions set up the purpose of the study: Is Lossky's soteriological position biblical, and is Lossky's understanding of theosis in agreement with the tradition he belongs to.

The method of study is historical-analytical. First, the development of the idea of theosis is traced in the Greek Fathers, in the Byzantine tradition (mainly Gregory Palamas), and in Lossky's immediate antecedents in the Russian religious tradition. This historical background identifies two major …

Power In Religious Organizations: A Study Of Principals' Perspectives As Seen In Three Religious High Schools In Michigan, Patrick L. Allen

Dissertations

Problem. Power is a phenomenon that is known to almost everyone, and is evident in any relationship that involves at least two individuals. Despite its inescapability, not many individuals are aware of its nature and characteristics and how it displays itself, especially in the organizational setting. This study focused on how power displays itself in religious organizations, and described particular activities that occur in the context of three religious schools in Michigan.

Method. To accomplish the purpose of the study the literature on power was reviewed to identify the existing theories. This documentary approach was combined with case studies to …

The Michael Figure In The Book Of Daniel, Lewis O. Anderson

Dissertations

Problem. In the book of Daniel, The Michael figure, although mentioned only three times, occupies a prominent position in history and at the eschaton as the heavenly guardian prince of Israel. The Michael problem, although complex, may be understood as basically twofold: Who is Michael? What is Michael's function?

In the first question, a basic issue is whether Michael is a prominent angel, or a divine, messianic being. Another issue in this same question is the extent to which Michael is to be identified with other OT beings, within or outside the book of Daniel, such as the Son of …

The Use And Abuse Of Authority: An Investigation Of The Ἐξουσία Passages In Revelation, Laszlo I. Hangyas

Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to carry outa linguistic, structural, and exegetical investigation of the term ἐξουσία as it occurs in the Greek text of the Apocalypse.

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the pertinent literature dealing with ἐξουσία. The review follows a chronological order to demonstrate a trend in the development of ἐξουσία studies. Earlier works put more emphasis on the meaning of power or authority, whereas recent studies point to liberty and right as the primary meaning of ἐξουσία. The current tendency emphasizes philosophical and socio-ethical aspects without due consideration of the etymology of the term.

Chapter …

The Gospel And Ignatius Of Antioch, Charles Thomas Brown

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Study Of The Sabbath Theologies Of A.H. Lewis And J.N. Andrews, Siegfried H. Roeske

Dissertations

Problem. Although Seventh Day Baptists and Seventh-day Adventists share a common heritage in the Sabbath doctrine, it has been recognized that significant differences in the Sabbath theologies of the denominations are distinguishable. However, literature that substantiates the nature of the differences in theology has not been researched and compared. The purpose of this study was primarily to investigate and compare differences in the theology of the two denominations as seen in the writings of representative theologians Seventh Day Baptist A. H. Lewis and Seventh-Adventist J. N. Andrews, and secondarily to consider how the differences may have affected the vitality of …

A Critical Study Of Carl F. H. Henry's Portrayal Of The Human Role In Revelation And Inspiration, Boxter Kharbteng

Dissertations

This dissertation investigated Carl F. H. Henry's portrayal of the human role in his doctrines of revelation and inspiration. The study queried whether his depiction of that role in revelation is harmonious or consistent with the one given in inspiration. This question arises from a consideration of Henry's own formulation of his doctrines of revelation, inspiration, and man. The thesis of this dissertation is that inasmuch as man has the innate ability to receive, understand, and impart revelation without divine help, he should likewise be expected to exercise that ability at the level of inspiration without detailed or comprehensive superintendence …

The Colton Celebration Congregation: A Case Study In American Adventist Worship Renewal 1986-1991, Viviane Haenni

Dissertations

This study investigates the experience of Celebration Center (Colton, California), its milieu, and its impact on the North American Seventh-day Adventist Church through what has been perceived as the celebration movement and controversy, while addressing underlying historical, sociological, and philosophical/theological question.

The principal findings of the study reveal that Celebration Center has uniquely attempted to explore a more multilayered approach to church life and worship within White Anglo Adventism. The celebration experience has ventured into breaking up some old Adventist expectations through its congregational trend; its emphasis on love, acceptance, and forgiveness; its different church organization and more holistic worship; …

Resurrection In Daniel 12 And Its Contribution To The Theology Of The Book Of Daniel, Artur A. Stele

Dissertations

This study attempted to investigate the resurrection passages of Dan 12. The main concern was to discover the nature, scope, timing, and purpose of the resurrection in Dan 12:2 and 12:13, to establish the relationship between these two passages, and to determine the contribution of the resurrection of Dan 12 to the theology of the book of Daniel.

Chapter 1 offers a review of literature that presents the different and often conflicting opinions regarding the kind, extent, timing, and function of the resurrection in Dan 12.

Chapter 2 provides an exegetical study of the two resurrection passages in Dan 12 …

Development Of The Concept Of Salvation In Seventh-Day Adventist Children And Adolescents 7 To 18 Years Of Age Who Attend Public Schools, Bradley S. Booth

Dissertations

Problem. This study sought to explore how the concept of salvation and assurance of salvation develop in Seventh-day Adventist children and adolescents who have been educated only in public schools.

Method. Using a developmental, cross-sectional design, semi-clinical interviews were conducted with 91 subjects 7 to 18 years of age. Subjects also completed a demographic information survey and drawings. Parents were also interviewed. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results. Three of the eight sub-concepts of salvation were age-related in their development (the impact of sin on one's relationship to God, baptism, and being saved). The most growth in understanding of …

Spiritual Nurture In The Local Seventh-Day Adventist Congregation Through The Spiritual Gifts Of Prophecy And Shepherding, Francy Duran

Dissertations

The purpose. The purpose of this research was to analyze the church as a nurturing entity, and the spiritual gifts that enable the church to develop a ministry of spiritual nurture.

Method. This study followed the documentary methodology. The Scripture data, in both Old and New Testaments, regarding the purpose of the church and the gifts of prophecy and shepherding were analyzed indepth. Secondary sources, including books, journal articles, and research reports, were used where applicable.

Conclusion. The church was called to accomplish a specific ministry. This ministry is much more than the Gospel proclamation that leads to conversion and …

The Image Of God As The Foundation Of A Right To Health Care: A Comparison Of Selected Papal And U.S. Texts, 1979-1993, Timothy L. Doherty

Dissertations

No abstract provided.