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Full-Text Articles in Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

The Incomprehensible God Who Wants To Reveal: Exodus 40 And Sirach 24, Gilbert Perez Jun 2026

The Incomprehensible God Who Wants To Reveal: Exodus 40 And Sirach 24, Gilbert Perez

Obsculta

God's transcendence above everything is present in many theological traditions, who recognize and answer in a diverse number of ways the question of how to approach the incomprehensible. Using the Historical Critical Method of exegesis with examples from the works of the recently deceased Walter Brueggemann, two completely different contexts in the Old Testament: Exodus 40 and Sirach 24, are presented to show how scripture itself often responded to the question of how God is made comprehensible.


A Theocentric Approach To The Identity Of The People Of God And Its Impact On The Interpretation Of Revelation 7, 12, And 20:1–6, Paul Burnes May 2026

A Theocentric Approach To The Identity Of The People Of God And Its Impact On The Interpretation Of Revelation 7, 12, And 20:1–6, Paul Burnes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation applies a theocentric definition of the people of God to the interpretation of three pericopes within the book of Revelation: Revelation 7, 12, and 20:1–6 to yield a clearer interpretation than present ethnocentric methods. The identification of the people of God is central to the understanding of many pericopes within Scripture. The reason for the choice of these pericopes is that they present ideal views into the theocentric definition of the people of God.

Theocentricity defines a God-centered relationship. All people have a relationship to God, but only some have a relationship with him. Everyone has a relationship …


The Influence Of Wisdom Literature On The Epistle Of James, Erik Swartzwelder Jul 2025

The Influence Of Wisdom Literature On The Epistle Of James, Erik Swartzwelder

Masters Theses

The epistle of James is considerably unique within the canonical setting of the New Testament. Its distinct nature is at least partially responsible for the polarized nature of its reception. The same characteristics that created the appeal of the epistle of James have also left it susceptible to criticism. Critics of the epistle have targeted its style, content, and lack of gospel message. A proper understanding of the influence of wisdom literature on James and his letter will alleviate many of the critical ideas of James. One does not need to look far to see the evidence of this influence, …


Yielding Fruit: The Relationship Of Love, Unity, And Spiritual Gifts, Douglas Donald Vannostrand Apr 2025

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 …


Biblical Theology For God's People : Perspectives In Theological Interpretation, Benjamin J. Aich Apr 2025

Biblical Theology For God's People : Perspectives In Theological Interpretation, Benjamin J. Aich

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Resonances Of Universalism In Tolkien's Legendarium, Nick Polk Mar 2025

Resonances Of Universalism In Tolkien's Legendarium, Nick Polk

Journal of Tolkien Research

Presented at the inaugural Holy Moot, a survey of a collection of passages from Tolkien's writings that demonstrate having the resonances of patristic universalism is conducted. It is then argued that all Tolkien’s writings be investigated separately in their context, comparing the location of each item under investigation with one another, and explore their connections without syncretizing them into a monolithic construct. To do this, it is argued that a hermeneutical theory rooted in the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead is necessary. Concluding is a connecting of Whitehead's understanding of the expression of language with Tolkien’s own understanding of expression …


Bytes, Banter, And The Bible: An Interdisciplinary Account Of Objective Meaning, Cameron Bonin Jan 2025

Bytes, Banter, And The Bible: An Interdisciplinary Account Of Objective Meaning, Cameron Bonin

Senior Honors Theses

The claim that the Bible has objective meaning is contested in a postmodern world. This claim can be more persuasively defended when it is addressed by insights from multiple disciplines. In particular, the field of computer science is apt to illuminate the concept of meaning through its reflection on the nature of languages and its concern with the accurate transmission of information. By synthesizing insights from the field of computer science, such as that of Claude Shannon, with Nicholas Wolterstorff’s use of speech-act theory, the concept of meaning can be understood more clearly. Consequently, this synthesis assists in answering questions …


Ensuring Careful Interpretation And Application Of The Bible Through The Lens Of The Covenants, James Kenneth Rainwater Dec 2024

Ensuring Careful Interpretation And Application Of The Bible Through The Lens Of The Covenants, James Kenneth Rainwater

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For centuries, believers in Jesus Christ have turned to the Bible to discover His will for their life. For the most part, this discovery has resulted in joy and significance and has benefited the journeys of millions. However, there have been many examples where the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Bible has brought about devastating consequences. Wolves have crept in and used the Bible for their own nefarious purposes. This paper offers a bridge for believers to navigate many of the difficult passages of the Bible and their behavioral application. Specifically, this is achieved through a closer look at how …


The Canonical Significance Of Mindset In Romans 8:5–14 (Φρονέω And Its Cognates): Implications For Biblical Interpretation, Application, And Evangelism, Denise Anne Pass May 2024

The Canonical Significance Of Mindset In Romans 8:5–14 (Φρονέω And Its Cognates): Implications For Biblical Interpretation, Application, And Evangelism, Denise Anne Pass

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The term mindset is common in today’s vernacular, but its significance in the canon has scarcely been explored. Cultures throughout time have viewed mindsets as something that human volition alone can affect. Yet the inability to maintain the mindset God requires of his people has prevented them from faithfully keeping the covenant and rightly interpreting Scripture. Mindsets are habitual or innate mental attitudes that determine how one will interpret life situations and the Word of God, impacting relationships with others and one’s ability to love God and walk in obedience to His Word. Paul’s extensive use of φρονέω echoes back …


Second Isaianic Mirroring Of The Creative Imagination Of Yahweh In Light Of The Philosophical Imagination Of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Rania N. Hendy Jan 2024

Second Isaianic Mirroring Of The Creative Imagination Of Yahweh In Light Of The Philosophical Imagination Of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Rania N. Hendy

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Emulating Jonah : Intertextual Portrayal Of The Disciples In Mark 4:35-8:21, Donghyun Kang Jan 2024

Emulating Jonah : Intertextual Portrayal Of The Disciples In Mark 4:35-8:21, Donghyun Kang

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Meeting The Lord On The Mountain : Cosmic Mountain Imagery And Parousia In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Stephen J. Knisely Jan 2023

Meeting The Lord On The Mountain : Cosmic Mountain Imagery And Parousia In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Stephen J. Knisely

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Caring For The Sufferers Among Us : Job Through The Lens Of Classical Rhetoric And Modern Psychological Trauma Studies, Abbie F. Mantor Jan 2023

Caring For The Sufferers Among Us : Job Through The Lens Of Classical Rhetoric And Modern Psychological Trauma Studies, Abbie F. Mantor

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Of Heroes, Kings, And Emperors : Royal And Heroic Christology In The Apocalypse, John Randolph Wright Jan 2023

Of Heroes, Kings, And Emperors : Royal And Heroic Christology In The Apocalypse, John Randolph Wright

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Acceptance To Expedience: A Comparative Analysis Of Ellen G. White And Arthur G. Daniells Counsel For Race Relations, Jon-Philippe Ruhumuliza Apr 2022

Acceptance To Expedience: A Comparative Analysis Of Ellen G. White And Arthur G. Daniells Counsel For Race Relations, Jon-Philippe Ruhumuliza

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

This article offers a comparative analysis of Ellen G. White’s and Arthur G. Daniells’s positions concerning race relations. Through a careful survey of White’s writings—especially Testimonies to the Church, vol. 9, pp. 199–226 and The Southern Work—I argue that she never supported separationism. I hypothesize that Adventist separationism gained precedence through Daniells’s selective compilation of White’s counsels in his 1906 response to the People’s Church. My findings unpack White’s beliefs in spiritual leadership and ministry. She called for workers able to simultaneously accommodate culture and undermine prejudice internally through the gospel. Her vision necessitated the adjustment of methods on a …


An Exegetical Analysis Of The Johannine Jesus’S Son-Father Relationship In The Fourth Gospel With The Theological Significance And Implications In Contemporary Context, Jing Yih Hsieh Jan 2022

An Exegetical Analysis Of The Johannine Jesus’S Son-Father Relationship In The Fourth Gospel With The Theological Significance And Implications In Contemporary Context, Jing Yih Hsieh

Theses

This exegetical study focuses on the distinctive characteristics of the Johannine Jesus’s unique cognitive perception, his claims of equality with God in the language of oneness in the Son-Father relationship in the Fourth Gospel, and with theological significance and implications in contemporary context.


Why Should God Raise The Dead? : Worldview Foundations And Functions Of Resurrection Belief In Dan 12, 1 Cor 15, And Q Al-Qiyamah 75, Kenneth Ross Harriman Jan 2022

Why Should God Raise The Dead? : Worldview Foundations And Functions Of Resurrection Belief In Dan 12, 1 Cor 15, And Q Al-Qiyamah 75, Kenneth Ross Harriman

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Paul Ricoeur And Biblical Hermeneutics: Narrative, Genre, And Self, Collin Angell Apr 2021

Paul Ricoeur And Biblical Hermeneutics: Narrative, Genre, And Self, Collin Angell

Senior Theses

In short, this thesis seeks to develop a biblical hermeneutic centered on one central axis, based on the philosophy of Paul Ricoeur. That central axis is narrative. The Bible is written in various genres, ranging from prophecy to wisdom to hymn. The goal of this thesis is first to show how a biblical hermeneutic that treats narrative as the central mode of discourse informs a better understanding of the other biblical genres of discourse, and thus of the Bible as a whole. Furthermore, this thesis takes an existentialist direction by taking the narrative-centered biblical hermeneutic and deriving from it a …


A Reexamination Of Deborah As Prophet And Judge, Brandy Scritchfield Jan 2021

A Reexamination Of Deborah As Prophet And Judge, Brandy Scritchfield

CTS Master of Theology (ThM) Theses

This study aims to set aside gender concerns related to Deborah and the interpretation of Judges 4–5 in order to determine if a clearer portrait emerges of Deborah as a prophet, a judge, or both without gender issues obscuring the picture. Chapter 1 provides a representative summary of Deborah’s interpretive history, which establishes how gender has been historically and incorrectly used as the primary interpretive key for understanding Deborah and other key parts of Judg 4–5. Chapter 2 discusses Deborah’s role as a judge and determines the text supports identifying her with this title, and chapter 3 does the same …


The Meaning Of Matheteusate In The Broader Context Of The Gospel Of Matthew, Lindsay D. Arthur Jan 2021

The Meaning Of Matheteusate In The Broader Context Of The Gospel Of Matthew, Lindsay D. Arthur

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Beyond Comparison : A Process For Comparing Israelite And Ancient Near Eastern Literature, Brian Thomas Shockey Jan 2021

Beyond Comparison : A Process For Comparing Israelite And Ancient Near Eastern Literature, Brian Thomas Shockey

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Immitatio Ezechielis : The Irregular Grammar Of Revelation Reconsidered, Garret E. Best Jan 2021

Immitatio Ezechielis : The Irregular Grammar Of Revelation Reconsidered, Garret E. Best

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Structure Of Second Corinthians : Paul's Theology Of Ministry, Kei Hiramatsu Oct 2020

The Structure Of Second Corinthians : Paul's Theology Of Ministry, Kei Hiramatsu

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Is This A Christian Nation?: Virtual Symposium September 25, 2020, Roger Williams University School Of Law Sep 2020

Is This A Christian Nation?: Virtual Symposium September 25, 2020, Roger Williams University School Of Law

School of Law Conferences, Lectures & Events

No abstract provided.


An Abundance Of Good Things : Paul Ricoeur's Cultural Imagination And A Phenomenology Of Deuteronomism, Tad C. Blacketer Apr 2020

An Abundance Of Good Things : Paul Ricoeur's Cultural Imagination And A Phenomenology Of Deuteronomism, Tad C. Blacketer

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Apocalypse And Eschatology In John Ford's The Grapes Of Wrath (1940), Nancy Wright Mar 2020

Apocalypse And Eschatology In John Ford's The Grapes Of Wrath (1940), Nancy Wright

Journal of Religion & Film

John Ford’s The Grapes of Wrath (1940) visualizes conventions of the apocalypse genre to represent not simply a particular historical setting, the Great Depression, but also a vision of history to be interpreted in terms of eschatology. Expressionistic photography transforms the characters’ experiences into enigmatic visions that invite and guide interpretation. A comparison of montage sequences in Ford’s The Grapes of Wrath and Pare Lorentz’s The Plow That Broke The Plains (1936), a Farm Security Administration documentary, clarifies how Ford’s narrative film aligns spectators within and outside the mise-en-scène.


Revisiting The Riddle In Samaria : A Social-Scientific Investigation Of Spirit Reception In Luke-Acts In Historical Perspective, Thomas Lyons Feb 2020

Revisiting The Riddle In Samaria : A Social-Scientific Investigation Of Spirit Reception In Luke-Acts In Historical Perspective, Thomas Lyons

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Windows Into The Unseen The Power Of Metaphor As Revealed By Paul Ricoeur And Moses Maimonides, Claire E. Molk Jan 2020

Windows Into The Unseen The Power Of Metaphor As Revealed By Paul Ricoeur And Moses Maimonides, Claire E. Molk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ambiguous language haunts countless fields of human inquiry. The solution to its confounding nature has repeatedly been to reduce language to its face-value, launching an endless search for the right meaning. This paper aims to examine two thinkers who reveal language to be a more complicated matter. Paul Ricoeur and Moses Maimonides demonstrate the importance of language’s complexity through close examinations of metaphor. While we find different understandings of metaphor, reflecting different metaphysics within each author’s study, both Ricoeur and Maimonides contribute to the notion that language’s complexity is not to be eliminated through literal readings, but engaged to open …


Jesus And The Mosaic Law: Agapic Love As The Foundation And Objective Of Law, Robert F. Cochran ,Jr. Jan 2020

Jesus And The Mosaic Law: Agapic Love As The Foundation And Objective Of Law, Robert F. Cochran ,Jr.

Touro Law Review

No abstract provided.


A Hermeneutic For The Aqedah Test: A Way Beyond Jon Levenson's And Terence Fretheim's Models, Arlyn Sunshine Drew Jan 2020

A Hermeneutic For The Aqedah Test: A Way Beyond Jon Levenson's And Terence Fretheim's Models, Arlyn Sunshine Drew

Dissertations

Problem

The works of Jon Levenson and Terence Fretheim highlight the problem of determining which interpretations of the biblical worlds of meaning around the text are congruent with the text of the Aqedah (also known as the Sacrifice of Isaac, Genesis 22: 1-19) and which should be disclaimed. A hermeneutical model is needed for Abraham's test that provides a text-based paradigm for sound interpretation of the narrative world (in the text), the historical world (behind the text), the theistic world (above the text), the cosmological world (below the text), and the present world (in front of the text).

Method

Four …