The vocation of man and the Great Commission: a theological dissertation based on the doctrine of reconciliation in Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics
- Authors: Fourie, Ethne Maud
- Date: 1976
- Subjects: Barth, Karl., 1886-1968 Theology, Doctrinal Great Commission (Bible) Reconciliation -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011870
- Description: The purpose of this thesis is to establish a theological basis for an ecclesiology which takes account of the claim which the Lordship of Jesus Christ asserts over his appointed servants and the appropriate response from the Christian community corporately and from the members of the community individually. The interpretation and application of Christian discipleship by liturgical acts of the community in which the individual members participate and are prepared, trained and nourished for the purpose of equipping them for their corporate and individual task of witness is based on the promise and command of Jesus Christ recorded in Acts 1:8. The theological interpretation of the key concepts of the promise of power in the Holy Spirit and the commission to witness in the world is based on the theology of Karl Barth. Chapter I outlines the immediate context of the doctrine of vocation and the sending of the Christian community and the wider context of the doctrine of reconciliation and its place in the whole of theology. Chapters II and III enlarge on the vocation of man and the sending of the Christian community in the power of the Holy Spirit as the two parts of the doctrine of reconciliation which have particular relevance for our interpretation of the great commission. Chapter IV is devoted to a hypothesis of a special ethic based on Barth's unfinished work and Appendix A to methodological outline. Appendix B considers the practicality of this hypothesis in the light of two contemporary ecumenical interpretations and applications of the great commission. A concluding critique recognises the problems of the hypothesis and the inevitable problems that arise from any attempt to formulate a system or to define in precise categories the unique event of God's free and gracious love poured out and given to us in his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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- Authors: Fourie, Ethne Maud
- Date: 1976
- Subjects: Barth, Karl., 1886-1968 Theology, Doctrinal Great Commission (Bible) Reconciliation -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011870
- Description: The purpose of this thesis is to establish a theological basis for an ecclesiology which takes account of the claim which the Lordship of Jesus Christ asserts over his appointed servants and the appropriate response from the Christian community corporately and from the members of the community individually. The interpretation and application of Christian discipleship by liturgical acts of the community in which the individual members participate and are prepared, trained and nourished for the purpose of equipping them for their corporate and individual task of witness is based on the promise and command of Jesus Christ recorded in Acts 1:8. The theological interpretation of the key concepts of the promise of power in the Holy Spirit and the commission to witness in the world is based on the theology of Karl Barth. Chapter I outlines the immediate context of the doctrine of vocation and the sending of the Christian community and the wider context of the doctrine of reconciliation and its place in the whole of theology. Chapters II and III enlarge on the vocation of man and the sending of the Christian community in the power of the Holy Spirit as the two parts of the doctrine of reconciliation which have particular relevance for our interpretation of the great commission. Chapter IV is devoted to a hypothesis of a special ethic based on Barth's unfinished work and Appendix A to methodological outline. Appendix B considers the practicality of this hypothesis in the light of two contemporary ecumenical interpretations and applications of the great commission. A concluding critique recognises the problems of the hypothesis and the inevitable problems that arise from any attempt to formulate a system or to define in precise categories the unique event of God's free and gracious love poured out and given to us in his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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A holy people: a study in the ecclesiology of Andrew Murray
- Neethling, Johann Christiaan
- Authors: Neethling, Johann Christiaan
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Murray, Andrew, 1828-1917 , Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk , Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika -- History , Nederduitse Gereformeerde Gemeente Worcester , Nederduitse Gereformeerde Gemeente Bloemfontein , Nederduitse Gereformeerde Gemeente Wellington , Theology, Doctrinal -- South Africa -- History , Church history
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1287 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013592
- Description: The thesis seeks to show Andrew Murray's growing understanding of what it meant to be the elect of God in contrast to other prevailing notions. In his confrontation with the Trekker communities, the majority of whom were rigid Calvinists, stressing a divine election based on the notions of biological and cultural identity, Murray found little of the holy behaviour which ought to characterize the people of God. The elect should be seen to be the elect by their fruits. Instead there was divisiveness, discrimination, party spirit and other forms of ungodliness. Faced with the immensity of the task in identifying the true Church and building God's people up in holiness, Murray began to sense the necessity of another 'dimension' within the Church's regular means of grace of preaching, the sacraments, and discipline. The revival of 1860, focussed Murray's attention in a new and vital way on the work of the Holy Spirit in breathing new life into the Church and in empowering believers to live lives pleasing to God. The 'indiscriminate' effects of the Holy Spirit's work convinced Murray that the Gospel and thus the Church was not the possession of the white colonist, Dutch or English, but that the black and brown man had an equal claim on the Gospel and as much right to become a member of Christ's Church. Murray's understanding of the Christian life as continual abiding in Christ by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit meant that the believer came to have the mind of Christ and to partake of His holiness. This holiness evidenced itself in the believer having Christ's concern for the lost. Mission, therefore, became this supreme end of the Church. The struggle with the forces of liberalism raised the new issue that unbelievers could no longer be simply 'heathen blacks' or English but most of all Dutch. The support of the civil courts of those disciplined by the Church brought the whole problem of ecclesiology to the fore and led Murray to the conclusion of the necessary separation of the Church from the State. Murray's discovery that in various ages, nations and Church traditions there were those with the same passionate desire for God' s holiness, led him into an increasing awareness of the catholicity of the Church. True holiness demanded the love and unity of all God's children. Murray's ecclesiology was a biblically-based one at a time when communities were beginning to be formed by other than biblical notions and principles and by a people who were trying to pack more into the notion of a people of God than Scripture gave warrant for. The emphasis for which Murray stood made for an ecclesiology that simply could not be confined.
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- Authors: Neethling, Johann Christiaan
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Murray, Andrew, 1828-1917 , Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk , Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika -- History , Nederduitse Gereformeerde Gemeente Worcester , Nederduitse Gereformeerde Gemeente Bloemfontein , Nederduitse Gereformeerde Gemeente Wellington , Theology, Doctrinal -- South Africa -- History , Church history
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1287 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013592
- Description: The thesis seeks to show Andrew Murray's growing understanding of what it meant to be the elect of God in contrast to other prevailing notions. In his confrontation with the Trekker communities, the majority of whom were rigid Calvinists, stressing a divine election based on the notions of biological and cultural identity, Murray found little of the holy behaviour which ought to characterize the people of God. The elect should be seen to be the elect by their fruits. Instead there was divisiveness, discrimination, party spirit and other forms of ungodliness. Faced with the immensity of the task in identifying the true Church and building God's people up in holiness, Murray began to sense the necessity of another 'dimension' within the Church's regular means of grace of preaching, the sacraments, and discipline. The revival of 1860, focussed Murray's attention in a new and vital way on the work of the Holy Spirit in breathing new life into the Church and in empowering believers to live lives pleasing to God. The 'indiscriminate' effects of the Holy Spirit's work convinced Murray that the Gospel and thus the Church was not the possession of the white colonist, Dutch or English, but that the black and brown man had an equal claim on the Gospel and as much right to become a member of Christ's Church. Murray's understanding of the Christian life as continual abiding in Christ by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit meant that the believer came to have the mind of Christ and to partake of His holiness. This holiness evidenced itself in the believer having Christ's concern for the lost. Mission, therefore, became this supreme end of the Church. The struggle with the forces of liberalism raised the new issue that unbelievers could no longer be simply 'heathen blacks' or English but most of all Dutch. The support of the civil courts of those disciplined by the Church brought the whole problem of ecclesiology to the fore and led Murray to the conclusion of the necessary separation of the Church from the State. Murray's discovery that in various ages, nations and Church traditions there were those with the same passionate desire for God' s holiness, led him into an increasing awareness of the catholicity of the Church. True holiness demanded the love and unity of all God's children. Murray's ecclesiology was a biblically-based one at a time when communities were beginning to be formed by other than biblical notions and principles and by a people who were trying to pack more into the notion of a people of God than Scripture gave warrant for. The emphasis for which Murray stood made for an ecclesiology that simply could not be confined.
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Doctrines on the universality of sin
- Authors: Van Rensburg, Lee
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Sin , Good and evil , Sin -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014577
- Description: [From chapter 1]. The doctrines on the universality of sin are attempts to give theological explanations for the empirical and historical evidence of the universality of sin. They are attempts to explain why it is that each and every person that enters this world has a bias towards sin ; why such a highly organized, intricate and majestically complex being like man, the crowning glory of the created realm in every case has this weakness we call sin ; why it is that after 6,000 years of the history of mankind the present generation is as plagued with this malfunction as the first; why it is that sooner or later all of us commit sin in one form or another. Indirectly these doctrines also seek to protect God's uniqueness and oneness against the dualism of evil and good and following from this second reason are attempts to explain the presence of sin within the good creation of God. However, these attempts are fraught with difficulties and invariably each explanation that is offered raises other pertinent issues that the Christian thinker does not wish to accept as side effects to his answer. This has resulted in scholars over the ages attempting to modify or reinterpret previous doctrines in order to allow for these issues to be taken into account. There has, therefore, as we shall discover, been much diversity and debate as to the form and contents of these doctrines.
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- Authors: Van Rensburg, Lee
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Sin , Good and evil , Sin -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014577
- Description: [From chapter 1]. The doctrines on the universality of sin are attempts to give theological explanations for the empirical and historical evidence of the universality of sin. They are attempts to explain why it is that each and every person that enters this world has a bias towards sin ; why such a highly organized, intricate and majestically complex being like man, the crowning glory of the created realm in every case has this weakness we call sin ; why it is that after 6,000 years of the history of mankind the present generation is as plagued with this malfunction as the first; why it is that sooner or later all of us commit sin in one form or another. Indirectly these doctrines also seek to protect God's uniqueness and oneness against the dualism of evil and good and following from this second reason are attempts to explain the presence of sin within the good creation of God. However, these attempts are fraught with difficulties and invariably each explanation that is offered raises other pertinent issues that the Christian thinker does not wish to accept as side effects to his answer. This has resulted in scholars over the ages attempting to modify or reinterpret previous doctrines in order to allow for these issues to be taken into account. There has, therefore, as we shall discover, been much diversity and debate as to the form and contents of these doctrines.
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"Holy baptism" : a reconsideration of the doctrine of holy baptism in the light of recent research
- Authors: Moore, Robert Humphrey
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Baptism in the Holy Spirit , Holy Spirit -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1239 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007686 , Baptism in the Holy Spirit , Holy Spirit -- Biblical teaching
- Description: Conclusion: This study has helped us to perceive the significance of Christian Baptism as it arose from its antecedents, and yet differed decisively from them in meaning and significance. We have seen how Baptism grew from the New Testament situation into the life of the Early Church. We have considered the sacramental nature of Baptism, that here, while the Community is visibly active, in this holy sacrament, God is the doer of what is done. It is by Him, whose Grace is seen in Jesus Christ, that we are brought to new life within the Community of His Covenant and what He can do for adults, He can do for infants as well. However, it is good for us to remember that His presence is also for our judgement, and that there therefore remains upon us as individuals and as Community the requirement of faith and faithfulness. We have seen how it is that the Holy Spirit is given in Baptism, and we believe it is through His indwelling presence and power that we are able to come into the Family of God and enjoy that fellowship with Him, which is salvation. We have also seen that, despite many centuries of thought and study, no final doctrinal definition of Baptism is yet achieved, and that the Churches are still giving this serious attention.
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- Authors: Moore, Robert Humphrey
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Baptism in the Holy Spirit , Holy Spirit -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1239 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007686 , Baptism in the Holy Spirit , Holy Spirit -- Biblical teaching
- Description: Conclusion: This study has helped us to perceive the significance of Christian Baptism as it arose from its antecedents, and yet differed decisively from them in meaning and significance. We have seen how Baptism grew from the New Testament situation into the life of the Early Church. We have considered the sacramental nature of Baptism, that here, while the Community is visibly active, in this holy sacrament, God is the doer of what is done. It is by Him, whose Grace is seen in Jesus Christ, that we are brought to new life within the Community of His Covenant and what He can do for adults, He can do for infants as well. However, it is good for us to remember that His presence is also for our judgement, and that there therefore remains upon us as individuals and as Community the requirement of faith and faithfulness. We have seen how it is that the Holy Spirit is given in Baptism, and we believe it is through His indwelling presence and power that we are able to come into the Family of God and enjoy that fellowship with Him, which is salvation. We have also seen that, despite many centuries of thought and study, no final doctrinal definition of Baptism is yet achieved, and that the Churches are still giving this serious attention.
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John Wesley's means of evangelism
- Authors: Gribble, James
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Wesley, John, 1703-1791 Evangelistic work Methodist Church -- Doctrines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012096
- Description: This essay is an attempt to evaluate the methods of evangelism used by John Wesley during the course of his long ministry in the eighteenth century. Wesley's methods are important, since by their use he exercised a remarkable influence upon the religious and social life of eighteenth-century England. They have a continuing importance, too, for a Church that wants to carry out her Lord's "Great Commission" effectively. In the history of the Church Wesley stands in the front rank of those who have significantly carried forward the mission of the Church. Therefore we do well to pause and learn what we can from his example and experience. Intro., p. 1.
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- Authors: Gribble, James
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Wesley, John, 1703-1791 Evangelistic work Methodist Church -- Doctrines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012096
- Description: This essay is an attempt to evaluate the methods of evangelism used by John Wesley during the course of his long ministry in the eighteenth century. Wesley's methods are important, since by their use he exercised a remarkable influence upon the religious and social life of eighteenth-century England. They have a continuing importance, too, for a Church that wants to carry out her Lord's "Great Commission" effectively. In the history of the Church Wesley stands in the front rank of those who have significantly carried forward the mission of the Church. Therefore we do well to pause and learn what we can from his example and experience. Intro., p. 1.
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Martin Luther's attack on monasticism
- Authors: Enslin, Donovan Bryan
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546 -- Influence Luther, Martin, 1483-1546 -- Criticism and interpretation Monastic and religious life -- History Monasticism and religious order Monasteries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1251 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011766
- Description: No comprehensive study of Luther's attitude towards monasticism is available in English. Most of the English works on Luther devote only a few pages or part of a chapter to this aspect of his life. Two reasons account for the cursory treatment. First, concern with the great themes of Luther's theology has led (Protestants at least) to concentrate on the theological aspects of his critique monasticism as a denial of the free grace of God, and as involving a mistaken view of perfection. Pelikan has commented: "Valid though this concentration on the theological aspects of Luther's polemic against monasticism is, it may obscure the bearing of that polemic upon the structures of the church." Moreover, a concern for theology 'pure and simple': (if such is possible) has led to a tendency to arrive at Luther's view of monasticism by a process of deduction from his great theme of justification by grace through faith alone, so that many of the niceties of his position, and especially the gentleness of his approach, have been obscured. Second, the cursory treatment is possible because there is a real sense in which the arguments Luther adduced in his major work on monasticism - though comprehensive and systematic - were by no means original. Yet, The Judgement of Martin Luther on Monastic Vows was the most decisive critique of monasticism ever presented. Summary, p. 2-3.
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- Authors: Enslin, Donovan Bryan
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546 -- Influence Luther, Martin, 1483-1546 -- Criticism and interpretation Monastic and religious life -- History Monasticism and religious order Monasteries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1251 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011766
- Description: No comprehensive study of Luther's attitude towards monasticism is available in English. Most of the English works on Luther devote only a few pages or part of a chapter to this aspect of his life. Two reasons account for the cursory treatment. First, concern with the great themes of Luther's theology has led (Protestants at least) to concentrate on the theological aspects of his critique monasticism as a denial of the free grace of God, and as involving a mistaken view of perfection. Pelikan has commented: "Valid though this concentration on the theological aspects of Luther's polemic against monasticism is, it may obscure the bearing of that polemic upon the structures of the church." Moreover, a concern for theology 'pure and simple': (if such is possible) has led to a tendency to arrive at Luther's view of monasticism by a process of deduction from his great theme of justification by grace through faith alone, so that many of the niceties of his position, and especially the gentleness of his approach, have been obscured. Second, the cursory treatment is possible because there is a real sense in which the arguments Luther adduced in his major work on monasticism - though comprehensive and systematic - were by no means original. Yet, The Judgement of Martin Luther on Monastic Vows was the most decisive critique of monasticism ever presented. Summary, p. 2-3.
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St. Columba's Presbyterian Church, Parkview
- Authors: Paterson, J F
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: St. Columba's Presbyterian Church, South Africa , Presbyterian church buildings -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1264 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013006
- Description: The early years of St. Columba's. Parkview is situated to the north of Johannesburg, below the Westcliff Ridge, about four miles from the city centre ... by 1920 it was the centre of the rapidly developing northern areas of Johannesburg. One man who was aware of its growth was the minister of Clifton Presbyterian Church, Rev. James Gray. A man of vision and determination, he had been responsible for establishing the first Presbyterian Church in the Transvaal, at Barberton, and now his enthusiasm for Church extension work was directed towards Parkview. In August, 1920, two months after his induction to the charge at Clifton, he reported to his Session that: "The growing suburb of Parkview had no Church to see to the spiritual needs of the people there and in the districts around". He drew to their attention the fact that the Transvaal Consolidated Lands Investment Co. were offering building sites in the area, with loans, so that if the residents of the area were in favour, and were prepared to help obtain the necessary funds, then the time was ripe for establishing a new Church. The vision was swiftly followed by action. Intro., p. 1.
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- Authors: Paterson, J F
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: St. Columba's Presbyterian Church, South Africa , Presbyterian church buildings -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1264 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013006
- Description: The early years of St. Columba's. Parkview is situated to the north of Johannesburg, below the Westcliff Ridge, about four miles from the city centre ... by 1920 it was the centre of the rapidly developing northern areas of Johannesburg. One man who was aware of its growth was the minister of Clifton Presbyterian Church, Rev. James Gray. A man of vision and determination, he had been responsible for establishing the first Presbyterian Church in the Transvaal, at Barberton, and now his enthusiasm for Church extension work was directed towards Parkview. In August, 1920, two months after his induction to the charge at Clifton, he reported to his Session that: "The growing suburb of Parkview had no Church to see to the spiritual needs of the people there and in the districts around". He drew to their attention the fact that the Transvaal Consolidated Lands Investment Co. were offering building sites in the area, with loans, so that if the residents of the area were in favour, and were prepared to help obtain the necessary funds, then the time was ripe for establishing a new Church. The vision was swiftly followed by action. Intro., p. 1.
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The doctrine of the holy spirit in pentecostalism and neo-pentecostalism, with special reference to the work of Frederick Dale Bruner
- Authors: Higgs, Michael John
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Bruner, Frederick Dale Pentecostalism Holy Spirit -- Biblical teaching Baptism in the Holy Spirit
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1259 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012269
- Description: The problem of 'authority' is of paramount importance in determining the theological stance of any religious movement and not least is this the case where the movement is labelled 'fundamentalist' both by its protagonists and its antagonists. Intro. p. 1.
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- Authors: Higgs, Michael John
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Bruner, Frederick Dale Pentecostalism Holy Spirit -- Biblical teaching Baptism in the Holy Spirit
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1259 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012269
- Description: The problem of 'authority' is of paramount importance in determining the theological stance of any religious movement and not least is this the case where the movement is labelled 'fundamentalist' both by its protagonists and its antagonists. Intro. p. 1.
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Christo-centric reconciliation : being a dissertation considering reconciliation with particular reference to; the baptism of Jesus, the temptations of Jesus, the title of Son of Man as used by Jesus, and the Pauline texts which refer to reconciliation
- Authors: Jeannot, Hugues Donald
- Date: 1973
- Subjects: Reconciliation -- Biblical teaching , Jesus Christ -- Temptation , Baptism -- Biblical teaching , Son of Man -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1278 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013397
- Description: [From Introduction]. "God, ... through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." "Among all churches throughout the world there is a growing conviction that God's great reconciliation in Jesus Christ is still the answer desperately needed by modern man." The United Presbyterian Church U.S.A.'s Confession of 1967 made "reconciliation the all-embracing category for describing God's work and man's response, including especially his response in social and political action".
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- Authors: Jeannot, Hugues Donald
- Date: 1973
- Subjects: Reconciliation -- Biblical teaching , Jesus Christ -- Temptation , Baptism -- Biblical teaching , Son of Man -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1278 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013397
- Description: [From Introduction]. "God, ... through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." "Among all churches throughout the world there is a growing conviction that God's great reconciliation in Jesus Christ is still the answer desperately needed by modern man." The United Presbyterian Church U.S.A.'s Confession of 1967 made "reconciliation the all-embracing category for describing God's work and man's response, including especially his response in social and political action".
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Prayer in the Old Testament
- Authors: Russell, Douglas Godfrey
- Date: 1972
- Subjects: Bible -- Prayers , Worship in the Bible , Prayer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013100
- Description: As "Prayer in the Old Testament" is a very wide subject, I have restricted myself to outlines on certain themes. In a sense the whole Bible can be described as "prayer" since it is a dialogue of man with God, and God with man. Obviously the word with which to attempt any definition of prayer is the Hithpa'el verb (?)and its noun (?). It describes speech with God. As the Hebrew poetic device of parallelism offers us synonyms to (?) we examine those words with much the same general definition. There are other words which the Hebrew concordance reveals as being translated as "prayer", or as describing prayer. Most of these words are the ordinary words for speech. The words for prayer, in general, describe speech before God. With this wide definition Chapter Two groups the various kinds of speech before God, and attempts to describe each. Prayer is seen as dialogue, as asking, and as praise and thanksgiving. Prayer, however, does not exist in a vacuum. It cannot be separated from the people who pray and the God who makes prayer possible. Personalities of prayer give prayer meaning, purpose and dynamic. Looking at their prayers in context enables us to grasp a little more fully the role of prayer in life itself. As God provides the framework of prayer we must also look at that framework. He determines what kind of prayers are acceptable. He gives direction and power to the words of prayer. Without God, prayer is either magic or meaningless words. In the final chapter I try to tie up some of the loose ends. Prayer is not just an isolated and individual thing it exists within the cult and the community. Certain disciplines accompany it.
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- Authors: Russell, Douglas Godfrey
- Date: 1972
- Subjects: Bible -- Prayers , Worship in the Bible , Prayer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013100
- Description: As "Prayer in the Old Testament" is a very wide subject, I have restricted myself to outlines on certain themes. In a sense the whole Bible can be described as "prayer" since it is a dialogue of man with God, and God with man. Obviously the word with which to attempt any definition of prayer is the Hithpa'el verb (?)and its noun (?). It describes speech with God. As the Hebrew poetic device of parallelism offers us synonyms to (?) we examine those words with much the same general definition. There are other words which the Hebrew concordance reveals as being translated as "prayer", or as describing prayer. Most of these words are the ordinary words for speech. The words for prayer, in general, describe speech before God. With this wide definition Chapter Two groups the various kinds of speech before God, and attempts to describe each. Prayer is seen as dialogue, as asking, and as praise and thanksgiving. Prayer, however, does not exist in a vacuum. It cannot be separated from the people who pray and the God who makes prayer possible. Personalities of prayer give prayer meaning, purpose and dynamic. Looking at their prayers in context enables us to grasp a little more fully the role of prayer in life itself. As God provides the framework of prayer we must also look at that framework. He determines what kind of prayers are acceptable. He gives direction and power to the words of prayer. Without God, prayer is either magic or meaningless words. In the final chapter I try to tie up some of the loose ends. Prayer is not just an isolated and individual thing it exists within the cult and the community. Certain disciplines accompany it.
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The contribution of F. D. Maurice to the nineteenth century discussion of the atonement in Britain
- Authors: Richardson, Robert Neville
- Date: 1971
- Subjects: Maurice, Frederick Denison, 1805-1872 Atonement -- History of doctrines -- 19th century Atonement -- Great Britain -- 19th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1235 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007485
- Description: From Introduction: Frederick Denison Maurice is generally remembered in connection with the rise of Christian Socialism. That his activities in this Movement were the most important aspect of his career is doubtful. ... Maurice's fundamental theological principles were: first, the idea of unity - unity in the Godhead, "Unity in Trinity", and unity among men in the human family; secondly, the Fatherhood of God - a Fatherhood which had at its heart the principle of sacrificial love. The events of Maurice's life proved to be fertile ground for the growth of these convictions. It was these convictions which shaped his whole understanding of the Atonement. Davies (3) points out that, in his teaching on the Atonement, Maurice turned away from the Western and Augustinian insistence that the basis of man's relationship to God was the Fall, and held, with the theolo Gians of the Eastern Church, that Christ's redemption of man is best understood as a restoration of man's relationship to God in Creation.
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- Authors: Richardson, Robert Neville
- Date: 1971
- Subjects: Maurice, Frederick Denison, 1805-1872 Atonement -- History of doctrines -- 19th century Atonement -- Great Britain -- 19th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1235 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007485
- Description: From Introduction: Frederick Denison Maurice is generally remembered in connection with the rise of Christian Socialism. That his activities in this Movement were the most important aspect of his career is doubtful. ... Maurice's fundamental theological principles were: first, the idea of unity - unity in the Godhead, "Unity in Trinity", and unity among men in the human family; secondly, the Fatherhood of God - a Fatherhood which had at its heart the principle of sacrificial love. The events of Maurice's life proved to be fertile ground for the growth of these convictions. It was these convictions which shaped his whole understanding of the Atonement. Davies (3) points out that, in his teaching on the Atonement, Maurice turned away from the Western and Augustinian insistence that the basis of man's relationship to God was the Fall, and held, with the theolo Gians of the Eastern Church, that Christ's redemption of man is best understood as a restoration of man's relationship to God in Creation.
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The contribution of F.D. Maurice to the Christian Socialist Movement of 1848-1954
- Authors: Steel, Ronald Luke
- Date: 1971
- Subjects: Maurice, Frederick Denison, 1805-1872 , Christian Socialist Movement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013270
- Description: Maurice was a man who solicited both keen support and bitter opposition, both during his life time and after. It is only within the last twenty or thirty years that his true worth has begun to be recognised and appreciated. The aim of the thesis is to show that his contribution to the Christian Socialist Movement was an invaluable one. Chapter two describes the working-class conditions and their causes during the first half of the nineteenth century, as well as the role the Church played in social improvement. Chapter three deals with Chartism and the European Revolutions of 1848, and the effect of the Revolutions on Chartism. Chapter four gives an account of the man F.D. Maurice, as well as some of his thoughts and aims. Chapter five is a detailed account of Maurice's contribution to Christian Socialism, showing that he was not the 'practical' leader, and emphasising the importance of his theological beliefs in governing what to do. Intro. p. 1.
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- Authors: Steel, Ronald Luke
- Date: 1971
- Subjects: Maurice, Frederick Denison, 1805-1872 , Christian Socialist Movement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013270
- Description: Maurice was a man who solicited both keen support and bitter opposition, both during his life time and after. It is only within the last twenty or thirty years that his true worth has begun to be recognised and appreciated. The aim of the thesis is to show that his contribution to the Christian Socialist Movement was an invaluable one. Chapter two describes the working-class conditions and their causes during the first half of the nineteenth century, as well as the role the Church played in social improvement. Chapter three deals with Chartism and the European Revolutions of 1848, and the effect of the Revolutions on Chartism. Chapter four gives an account of the man F.D. Maurice, as well as some of his thoughts and aims. Chapter five is a detailed account of Maurice's contribution to Christian Socialism, showing that he was not the 'practical' leader, and emphasising the importance of his theological beliefs in governing what to do. Intro. p. 1.
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The origins, growth and development of the Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa
- Authors: Van der Spuy, Daniel
- Date: 1971
- Subjects: Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007287
- Description: From Preface: "The function of the historian is neither to love the past nor to emancipate himself from the past, but to master and understand it as the key to understanding the present." (E.H. Carr, What is history?, 1964 p.26.) The existence of an independent Bantu Presbyterian Church (B.P.C.) has raised many questions and problems which could only be probed by tracing its history. It is fascinating that even with the passing of so many years the issues at stake are still in the forefront. Perhaps in understanding the past one may better understand the present, but only one with acute vision will know the "right solution". The "Presbyterian mission" has been one of many in South Africa and has been present for over 150 years, yet I found little, as far as published work is concerned, which deals comprehensively with the various bodies comprising this mission. Nor is it clear, even in Presbyterian circles, what its history and policy has been, or meant, in the life of this country. Unfortunately, material is not always readily available, (which I found to my dismay), and both time and expense is involved in collecting such. I have consequently had to rely on scanty information as well as the dry-as-dust, uninformative blue books of the B.P.C.and P.C.S.A., which may indicate trends but very little by way of individual thought. With some spadework done by a few, it is an ardent hope that more will be done to uncover the past to knit the Presbyterian tradition together, that it may take its place amongst other histories, not in any partisan manner, but only to contribute to a healthy ecumenical climate where the worth of each tradition is acknowledged and used to increase the spirit of closer co-operation. The question of Presbyterian Union has long been present. My hope is that this thesis may clarify and encourage.
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- Authors: Van der Spuy, Daniel
- Date: 1971
- Subjects: Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007287
- Description: From Preface: "The function of the historian is neither to love the past nor to emancipate himself from the past, but to master and understand it as the key to understanding the present." (E.H. Carr, What is history?, 1964 p.26.) The existence of an independent Bantu Presbyterian Church (B.P.C.) has raised many questions and problems which could only be probed by tracing its history. It is fascinating that even with the passing of so many years the issues at stake are still in the forefront. Perhaps in understanding the past one may better understand the present, but only one with acute vision will know the "right solution". The "Presbyterian mission" has been one of many in South Africa and has been present for over 150 years, yet I found little, as far as published work is concerned, which deals comprehensively with the various bodies comprising this mission. Nor is it clear, even in Presbyterian circles, what its history and policy has been, or meant, in the life of this country. Unfortunately, material is not always readily available, (which I found to my dismay), and both time and expense is involved in collecting such. I have consequently had to rely on scanty information as well as the dry-as-dust, uninformative blue books of the B.P.C.and P.C.S.A., which may indicate trends but very little by way of individual thought. With some spadework done by a few, it is an ardent hope that more will be done to uncover the past to knit the Presbyterian tradition together, that it may take its place amongst other histories, not in any partisan manner, but only to contribute to a healthy ecumenical climate where the worth of each tradition is acknowledged and used to increase the spirit of closer co-operation. The question of Presbyterian Union has long been present. My hope is that this thesis may clarify and encourage.
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A consideration of the relations between Church and industry
- Authors: Hulley, L D
- Date: 1968
- Subjects: Industries -- Religious aspects , Church and industry , Christian life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015396
- Description: [From Chapter 1]. The first point I wish to make, in fact it can be considered the primary one in this essay for what is to follow is a response to it, is that theology must be responding theology. This is a theology which takes the world seriously and responds to it in a Christian way. This is the approach we find in the New Testament: particularly in the Epistles, concrete problems and behaviour in the lives of his converts to which St. Paul responded prompted the didactic sections of his epistles. J. G. Davies supports this view in Planning for Mission "There are ... two primary realities'' he says "with which the congregation must be concerned: The Gospel of God and the world to which it is sent. 'Authentic theology' emerges out of the dialogue between the Gospel and the world." This is what Tillich calls the method of correlation. First we make an analysis of our situation and then try to relate the Christian message to the problems within it. While this compels us to rethink and reformulate many traditional Christian views, nothing "can change the substance of ... the ... answer, because this is the logos of being, manifest in Jesus as the Christ." This does not say that "we have all the answers" (in fact it will become clear that we do not), but it does express our conviction that the Christian Gospel has to do with life in all its aspects.
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- Authors: Hulley, L D
- Date: 1968
- Subjects: Industries -- Religious aspects , Church and industry , Christian life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015396
- Description: [From Chapter 1]. The first point I wish to make, in fact it can be considered the primary one in this essay for what is to follow is a response to it, is that theology must be responding theology. This is a theology which takes the world seriously and responds to it in a Christian way. This is the approach we find in the New Testament: particularly in the Epistles, concrete problems and behaviour in the lives of his converts to which St. Paul responded prompted the didactic sections of his epistles. J. G. Davies supports this view in Planning for Mission "There are ... two primary realities'' he says "with which the congregation must be concerned: The Gospel of God and the world to which it is sent. 'Authentic theology' emerges out of the dialogue between the Gospel and the world." This is what Tillich calls the method of correlation. First we make an analysis of our situation and then try to relate the Christian message to the problems within it. While this compels us to rethink and reformulate many traditional Christian views, nothing "can change the substance of ... the ... answer, because this is the logos of being, manifest in Jesus as the Christ." This does not say that "we have all the answers" (in fact it will become clear that we do not), but it does express our conviction that the Christian Gospel has to do with life in all its aspects.
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An evaluaton of the subjective element in atonement doctrine
- Authors: Perkins, Edwin Alfred
- Date: 1967
- Subjects: Atonement , Subjectivity -- Religious aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1266 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013025
- Description: The Church has never formulated an official doctrine of the atonement. Unlike the Trinitarian and Christological doctrines, the atonement was never a major issue in the early ecumenical councils. This central mystery of the faith, which speaks of the restoring of the relationship between God and man through Jesus Christ, has resisted every attempt at 'a formulation or statement in a nutshell'. Tillich has suggested that the Church's refusal to state the doctrine in definite dogmatic terms, is the instinctive recognition of the indefiniteness which is introduced by the human element. This element means that the doctrine has a subjective as well as an objective element. Since in his view the subjective element depends on the incalculable reaction of men to God's provision of a Saviour the formulation of the doctrine must remain uncertain. While we will agree with Tillich that the atonement has an objective as well as a subjective side, we cannot agree that the failure to formulate a doctrine has only to do with the uncertainty implied by the will of men. Intro. p, 1.
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- Authors: Perkins, Edwin Alfred
- Date: 1967
- Subjects: Atonement , Subjectivity -- Religious aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1266 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013025
- Description: The Church has never formulated an official doctrine of the atonement. Unlike the Trinitarian and Christological doctrines, the atonement was never a major issue in the early ecumenical councils. This central mystery of the faith, which speaks of the restoring of the relationship between God and man through Jesus Christ, has resisted every attempt at 'a formulation or statement in a nutshell'. Tillich has suggested that the Church's refusal to state the doctrine in definite dogmatic terms, is the instinctive recognition of the indefiniteness which is introduced by the human element. This element means that the doctrine has a subjective as well as an objective element. Since in his view the subjective element depends on the incalculable reaction of men to God's provision of a Saviour the formulation of the doctrine must remain uncertain. While we will agree with Tillich that the atonement has an objective as well as a subjective side, we cannot agree that the failure to formulate a doctrine has only to do with the uncertainty implied by the will of men. Intro. p, 1.
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Confirmation : an analysis and assessment
- Authors: Maker, Derek Alan
- Date: 1967
- Subjects: Confirmation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1262 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012797 , Confirmation
- Description: Intelligently to discuss Christian initiatory rites we must begin with Baptism. In recent years many scholars have attempted a critical re-assessment of baptism based upon a renewed exegetical study of the New Testament. This chapter is written in the light of that work. Most theologians are agreed upon the cardinal importance of baptism. Calvin is generally representative in saying, "Baptism is a sign of initiation, by which we are admitted into the society of the Church, in order that, being incorporated into Christ we may be numbered among the children of God". Wheeler Robinson, a Baptist theologian, asserts that, "Baptism is the door of entrance to the Church". Intro. p. 1.
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- Authors: Maker, Derek Alan
- Date: 1967
- Subjects: Confirmation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1262 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012797 , Confirmation
- Description: Intelligently to discuss Christian initiatory rites we must begin with Baptism. In recent years many scholars have attempted a critical re-assessment of baptism based upon a renewed exegetical study of the New Testament. This chapter is written in the light of that work. Most theologians are agreed upon the cardinal importance of baptism. Calvin is generally representative in saying, "Baptism is a sign of initiation, by which we are admitted into the society of the Church, in order that, being incorporated into Christ we may be numbered among the children of God". Wheeler Robinson, a Baptist theologian, asserts that, "Baptism is the door of entrance to the Church". Intro. p. 1.
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The exodus theme in the Old and New Testament
- Authors: Sheriffs, Deryck C T
- Date: 1967
- Subjects: Bible , Exodus, The -- History of doctrines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1274 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013180
- Description: The best starting point for an examination of the theme and theology of the Exodus in the Old Testament is the Psalter, for here is recorded the living faith of Israel over a long period. The compilation of the Psalter from its earliest poems to its latest additions and final editing spans several centuries. It is a collection of collections, revised and edited more than once. Most scholars today agree that its material ranges in date from pre-exilic to late post-exilic, there being a swing away from an extravagant preference for a Maccabean dating of many Psalms. The Exodus theme to be found in the Psalter thus falls within a broad historical sweep. In the Psalter, individual and communal expressions of faith both have their place. Personal Psalms lay bare the human heart with the gamut of its emotions from despair to deep joy and praise. Psalms which were used corporately draw together the worshiping community in a way which reveals the unity of Israel, the nation, to be founded upon their relationship to Yahweh. Into the fabric of individual and national life, the thread of the Exodus faith was woven. Our task is to follow this thread, and discover the pattern which it weaves against its background. In the analysis which follows, each of the five Books of the Psalter will be examined in turn, the important passages being dealt with first, then the oblique references to the Exodus, and, lastly, those which may be described as conjectural. There are some nine Psalms which deal directly with the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings ... Chap. 1, p. 1.
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- Authors: Sheriffs, Deryck C T
- Date: 1967
- Subjects: Bible , Exodus, The -- History of doctrines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1274 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013180
- Description: The best starting point for an examination of the theme and theology of the Exodus in the Old Testament is the Psalter, for here is recorded the living faith of Israel over a long period. The compilation of the Psalter from its earliest poems to its latest additions and final editing spans several centuries. It is a collection of collections, revised and edited more than once. Most scholars today agree that its material ranges in date from pre-exilic to late post-exilic, there being a swing away from an extravagant preference for a Maccabean dating of many Psalms. The Exodus theme to be found in the Psalter thus falls within a broad historical sweep. In the Psalter, individual and communal expressions of faith both have their place. Personal Psalms lay bare the human heart with the gamut of its emotions from despair to deep joy and praise. Psalms which were used corporately draw together the worshiping community in a way which reveals the unity of Israel, the nation, to be founded upon their relationship to Yahweh. Into the fabric of individual and national life, the thread of the Exodus faith was woven. Our task is to follow this thread, and discover the pattern which it weaves against its background. In the analysis which follows, each of the five Books of the Psalter will be examined in turn, the important passages being dealt with first, then the oblique references to the Exodus, and, lastly, those which may be described as conjectural. There are some nine Psalms which deal directly with the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings ... Chap. 1, p. 1.
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The priesthood of all believers : a re-statement
- Authors: Borman, John
- Date: 1966
- Subjects: Priesthood, Universal , Christian life , Church renewal , Ministry and Christian union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1286 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013515
- Description: From Preface: In this age of ecumenical discussion it has becone necessary for all Christian communions to examine afresh their traditional beliefs. This has frequently led to restatement and reformulation of such traditional beliefs. It has also driven us back to seek new light from the Biblical sources. It seemed that such a re-examination of the traditional doctrine of the priesthood of all believers was necessary so that those who claim to hold it know what they hold, and so that those who do not may know what it is that their fellow-Christians believe, and why. This was the first reason for this study.
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- Authors: Borman, John
- Date: 1966
- Subjects: Priesthood, Universal , Christian life , Church renewal , Ministry and Christian union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1286 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013515
- Description: From Preface: In this age of ecumenical discussion it has becone necessary for all Christian communions to examine afresh their traditional beliefs. This has frequently led to restatement and reformulation of such traditional beliefs. It has also driven us back to seek new light from the Biblical sources. It seemed that such a re-examination of the traditional doctrine of the priesthood of all believers was necessary so that those who claim to hold it know what they hold, and so that those who do not may know what it is that their fellow-Christians believe, and why. This was the first reason for this study.
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A study of ΔIAQHKH
- Authors: Bird, Ian Keith
- Date: 1965
- Subjects: Covenant theology , Covenants -- Religious aspects -- Judaism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013510
- Description: From Preface: The Church has been divided from its very earliest days, when Christians of Jewish origin found it hard to accept that uncircumcised Gentiles might be Christians too. (See Acts 15, Galatians 2, etc.) It has since then known division into East and West, into Roman Catholic and Protestant, and into the hundreds and even thousands of denominations and sects which we know today, not to speak of the schisms between 'modernism' and 'fundamentalism', between Calvinism and Arminianism, and between 'High' and 'Low' churchmanship. We are, however, being reminded more and more by the Ecumenical Movement that the Church of Christ is ONE. Jesus said: "On this rock I will build my Church" (not churches) - Matt. 16:18.
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- Authors: Bird, Ian Keith
- Date: 1965
- Subjects: Covenant theology , Covenants -- Religious aspects -- Judaism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013510
- Description: From Preface: The Church has been divided from its very earliest days, when Christians of Jewish origin found it hard to accept that uncircumcised Gentiles might be Christians too. (See Acts 15, Galatians 2, etc.) It has since then known division into East and West, into Roman Catholic and Protestant, and into the hundreds and even thousands of denominations and sects which we know today, not to speak of the schisms between 'modernism' and 'fundamentalism', between Calvinism and Arminianism, and between 'High' and 'Low' churchmanship. We are, however, being reminded more and more by the Ecumenical Movement that the Church of Christ is ONE. Jesus said: "On this rock I will build my Church" (not churches) - Matt. 16:18.
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An attempt to assess the part played by Puritan unrest in the causes of the English civil war
- Authors: Dowie, Donald Ian
- Date: 1965
- Subjects: England -- Church history -- 17th century Puritans -- England Great Britain -- History -- Puritan revolution, 1642-1660 Great Britain -- History -- Civil War, 1642-1649
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1248 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011414
- Description: The problem which confronts us at the outset, is the problem which has been facing historians for the past three hundred years: What were the causes of the English Civil War? What matters were responsible for the decisive split between Crown & Parliament into two distinct parties, and which ultimately led to civil war? Many theories and interpretations have been given. In this chapter, we will find that there are three major interpretations. The first is that it was a religious struggle - and so the Civil War became known as the 'Puritan Revolution'. The second is that it was a purely political conflict between the Crown and its Ministers, on the one hand, and the House of Commons, which had by then become the 'mirror' of the Puritan element in the country, on the other. And the third is that it was a class, or economic, war. Contemporary historians tended to regard it as a twofold struggle - a conflict over religion on the one hand, and the constitution on the other. It was they who coined the phrase 'Puritan Revolution'. This interpretation, however, has subsequently been challenged, in the light of the detailed research which has been conducted - especially in the field of economic history. And so the Civil War has been interpreted in terms of a social and economic conflict - it is said to be a class war. The social and economic factors have tended to become emphasized while the religious have been pushed into the background - often excluded altogether. It is my intention in this thesis, therefore, to assert once again the very real part played by religious matters in the origins of the English Civil War. Intro., p. 1.
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- Authors: Dowie, Donald Ian
- Date: 1965
- Subjects: England -- Church history -- 17th century Puritans -- England Great Britain -- History -- Puritan revolution, 1642-1660 Great Britain -- History -- Civil War, 1642-1649
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1248 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011414
- Description: The problem which confronts us at the outset, is the problem which has been facing historians for the past three hundred years: What were the causes of the English Civil War? What matters were responsible for the decisive split between Crown & Parliament into two distinct parties, and which ultimately led to civil war? Many theories and interpretations have been given. In this chapter, we will find that there are three major interpretations. The first is that it was a religious struggle - and so the Civil War became known as the 'Puritan Revolution'. The second is that it was a purely political conflict between the Crown and its Ministers, on the one hand, and the House of Commons, which had by then become the 'mirror' of the Puritan element in the country, on the other. And the third is that it was a class, or economic, war. Contemporary historians tended to regard it as a twofold struggle - a conflict over religion on the one hand, and the constitution on the other. It was they who coined the phrase 'Puritan Revolution'. This interpretation, however, has subsequently been challenged, in the light of the detailed research which has been conducted - especially in the field of economic history. And so the Civil War has been interpreted in terms of a social and economic conflict - it is said to be a class war. The social and economic factors have tended to become emphasized while the religious have been pushed into the background - often excluded altogether. It is my intention in this thesis, therefore, to assert once again the very real part played by religious matters in the origins of the English Civil War. Intro., p. 1.
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