In the gaze of God : aspects of the spiritual significance of Rublev's holy trinity
- Authors: Snyman, Desiree
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Prayer , Spirituality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1302 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016261
- Description: An icon is more than an image. It is a "sacramental form of presence" that makes present that which it signifies (Evdokimov 1976: 167). To come before an icon is to come before the presence of God. To gaze at an icon is to pray. Rublev's Holy Trinity icon (see frontispiece) is a theology in colour. Inspired by the story in Genesis 18, the icon depicts the three hypostases of the Trinity sitting around an altar with a chalice placed on top. The Biblical story is an account of the genuine hospitality that Abraham and Sarah shared with three pilgrims. This theme of hospitality is expressed by the three hypostases in the icon who invite the cosmos to share in their love-life. This research project investigates aspects of the spiritual significance that Rublev's icon has on our Christian living. To this end, an interpretation of the icon is offered in chapter two. Chapter three focuses on the relationship among the three hypostases in the icon. This chapter reflects on the meaning that trinitarian pericheresis could have on our spiritual living in the way we develop our relationships and the type of church and socio-political structures we adopt and support. The research project also explores the meaning that Rublev's icon could have for Methodists. The resource that Wesleyan spirituality offers to those who seek a deepened spirituality is the doctrine of Christian perfection. Perfection, in the Wesleyan model, is sought through the means of grace, nurtured through Christian koinonia and evidenced in social transformation. Christian perfection is discussed with reference to Rublev's icon in chapter four. Chapter five summarises aspects of the spirituality of the icon, postulates some implications that the icon has and unravels key issues arising out of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Snyman, Desiree
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Prayer , Spirituality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1302 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016261
- Description: An icon is more than an image. It is a "sacramental form of presence" that makes present that which it signifies (Evdokimov 1976: 167). To come before an icon is to come before the presence of God. To gaze at an icon is to pray. Rublev's Holy Trinity icon (see frontispiece) is a theology in colour. Inspired by the story in Genesis 18, the icon depicts the three hypostases of the Trinity sitting around an altar with a chalice placed on top. The Biblical story is an account of the genuine hospitality that Abraham and Sarah shared with three pilgrims. This theme of hospitality is expressed by the three hypostases in the icon who invite the cosmos to share in their love-life. This research project investigates aspects of the spiritual significance that Rublev's icon has on our Christian living. To this end, an interpretation of the icon is offered in chapter two. Chapter three focuses on the relationship among the three hypostases in the icon. This chapter reflects on the meaning that trinitarian pericheresis could have on our spiritual living in the way we develop our relationships and the type of church and socio-political structures we adopt and support. The research project also explores the meaning that Rublev's icon could have for Methodists. The resource that Wesleyan spirituality offers to those who seek a deepened spirituality is the doctrine of Christian perfection. Perfection, in the Wesleyan model, is sought through the means of grace, nurtured through Christian koinonia and evidenced in social transformation. Christian perfection is discussed with reference to Rublev's icon in chapter four. Chapter five summarises aspects of the spirituality of the icon, postulates some implications that the icon has and unravels key issues arising out of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
Law, reason and religion : a study of selected aspects of the relationship between law and Christian theology
- Authors: Rowe, Michael C
- Date: 1964
- Subjects: Law (Theology) , Law and gospel , Faith and reason
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013099
- Description: One cannot say what meaning the theologian ordinarily gives to 'law' as a secular term, no doubt he would claim to give it a 'plain, unambiguous meaning ' such as a rule of conduct imposed by society and enforced by sanctions'. Perhaps this will do for ordinary purposes, but there are some who tend to import an emotive meaning into the term. They understand the term 'law' in a perjorative sense as being mechanical and and coercive, requiring only literal obedience and therefore opposed to faith which is personal, free, and a response not of obedience but of love. It does not seem to occur to them. that the average person freely accepts law as binding, or that sometimes there may be no sanction for not observing a rule of law, or that law is not static but dynamic, constantly changing. Chap. 1, p. 4.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1964
- Authors: Rowe, Michael C
- Date: 1964
- Subjects: Law (Theology) , Law and gospel , Faith and reason
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013099
- Description: One cannot say what meaning the theologian ordinarily gives to 'law' as a secular term, no doubt he would claim to give it a 'plain, unambiguous meaning ' such as a rule of conduct imposed by society and enforced by sanctions'. Perhaps this will do for ordinary purposes, but there are some who tend to import an emotive meaning into the term. They understand the term 'law' in a perjorative sense as being mechanical and and coercive, requiring only literal obedience and therefore opposed to faith which is personal, free, and a response not of obedience but of love. It does not seem to occur to them. that the average person freely accepts law as binding, or that sometimes there may be no sanction for not observing a rule of law, or that law is not static but dynamic, constantly changing. Chap. 1, p. 4.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1964
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1972
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1972
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
The anatomy of human misery and its therapy : a study of miracles and healing in the life of our Lord and in the early church, until the Council of Nicaea
- Authors: Hawkridge, John Bernard
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Jesus Christ -- Miracles , Spiritual healing -- Psychological aspects , Healing in the Bible , Church history
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1257 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012229 , Jesus Christ -- Miracles , Spiritual healing -- Psychological aspects , Healing in the Bible , Church history
- Description: This thesis seeks to show that miracles and healing are inseparable from the Messianic task of Jesus Christ; and that in so far as He commissioned His Church to continue that Messianic task, it is reasonable to expect that miracles and healing would continue. The early history of the Church is examined for evidence confirming this expectation, and a question is asked of the contemporary Church.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1959
- Authors: Hawkridge, John Bernard
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Jesus Christ -- Miracles , Spiritual healing -- Psychological aspects , Healing in the Bible , Church history
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1257 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012229 , Jesus Christ -- Miracles , Spiritual healing -- Psychological aspects , Healing in the Bible , Church history
- Description: This thesis seeks to show that miracles and healing are inseparable from the Messianic task of Jesus Christ; and that in so far as He commissioned His Church to continue that Messianic task, it is reasonable to expect that miracles and healing would continue. The early history of the Church is examined for evidence confirming this expectation, and a question is asked of the contemporary Church.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1959
The atonement : a brief discussion
- Authors: Hay, Thomas Alexander
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Atonement , Satisfaction for sin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012233 , Atonement , Satisfaction for sin
- Description: This first section endeavours briefly to set out the problem, seeing it ln its proper context against the need it fulfils and its historical setting. It attempts to show something of the nature of sin and the need which sin creates; and asks the question Why Atonement? This question can only be answered by an appreciation of the meaning and power of sinfulness. Atonement is necessarily from God's side, and it is costly to God. An important factor in this section is the attempt to see the wholeness of Christ's work; to set the atonement in its true context within the life of Christ. An attempt is made to relate the atonement to the incarnation, The Word made flesh and dwelling among us; to the resurrection, which is not to be misunderstood as a mere evidential appendage to the cross, but to be seen as an essential factor in the salvation of men; and also to the ascension, to the problem of time and eternity, in that while Christ's work was once-for-all, it is nevertheless continued - it was in history, but is not bound within history. When this conception of the unity of Christ's work is grasped then we can turn to a consideration of the cross, always regarded by Faith as the very centre of the atonement. A brief survey is made of the Biblical teaching concerning salvation and the cross; and the centrality of the cross is interpreted sacrificially. Summary, p. x-xi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1958
- Authors: Hay, Thomas Alexander
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Atonement , Satisfaction for sin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012233 , Atonement , Satisfaction for sin
- Description: This first section endeavours briefly to set out the problem, seeing it ln its proper context against the need it fulfils and its historical setting. It attempts to show something of the nature of sin and the need which sin creates; and asks the question Why Atonement? This question can only be answered by an appreciation of the meaning and power of sinfulness. Atonement is necessarily from God's side, and it is costly to God. An important factor in this section is the attempt to see the wholeness of Christ's work; to set the atonement in its true context within the life of Christ. An attempt is made to relate the atonement to the incarnation, The Word made flesh and dwelling among us; to the resurrection, which is not to be misunderstood as a mere evidential appendage to the cross, but to be seen as an essential factor in the salvation of men; and also to the ascension, to the problem of time and eternity, in that while Christ's work was once-for-all, it is nevertheless continued - it was in history, but is not bound within history. When this conception of the unity of Christ's work is grasped then we can turn to a consideration of the cross, always regarded by Faith as the very centre of the atonement. A brief survey is made of the Biblical teaching concerning salvation and the cross; and the centrality of the cross is interpreted sacrificially. Summary, p. x-xi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1958
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1971
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1971
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1971
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1971
The cost of discipleship and the reward of righteousness
- Authors: Samson, Robert McNeil
- Date: 1960
- Subjects: Jesus Christ -- Teachings , Christian life -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1272 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013158
- Description: CHAPTER ONE. In the Old Testament we meet with the problem of suffering and reward, and the attempts made to resolve it. It becomes the one great problem after the time of the Exile. Most commentators are agreed that it grew to hold that place in relation to the increase of importance of the individual in Hebrew thinking. While certain aspects of the problem are presented in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Psalm 73, the most important contributions are made by the Deuteronomist and the poet who wrote the Book of Job. The Deuteronomist theory presents the belief that there is a rigid correspondence between the sins of the individual and his suffering. The reply in Job makes it clear that this is not so. Job himself passes through the desperate situation of feeling deserted by God to a certain faith that whatever happens to him, God is faithful. CHAPTER TWO. Jesus' teaching on "discipleship". Basically Jesus's teaching centres around Mark 8 : 34, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me". The cost of discipleship from this point of view means, then, that even as Jesus Himself bears the cross for the salvation of the world, so the disciple is called upon to bear that cross in association with his Lord. Jesus offers the reward of both a present foretaste and a future consummation of eternal life, as the disciple shares in His resurrection. St. Paul's teaching of "Life in Christ". The central teaching of Paul is found in Romans 6 : 11, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." The cost of discipleship is death, the death of self- will. It means being crucified with Christ. The reward of the righteous man is both a present and future participation in the risen life of Christ. CHAPTER THREE The need of man. Because man is a sinner, being estranged from God in whose image he was created, he stands in need of being reconciled to God. This he cannot do himself because, to his sin, he is not able to make the full sacrifice of his self-will. "Man requires to be put right with God because as a matter of fact he is not right." The Christ. Only in the person of the God-man is God able to effect man's resolution. Jesus, the Christ, who alone of all men did not participate in the sinfulness of man, is this God-man, realising in Himself the fact that salvation can only be wrought by one who is both God and man. The necessity of the Cross. The death of the Christ is seen to be necessary both from the side of man and from that of God. It was essential that the Christ should give His life for man; everything for His purpose of salvation turns on the will to die. He must give himself to reconcile man to God. The sacrifice of the Cross. Seen in the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, what is important about the sacrifice of the Christ is that on the cross He offered up His life for man. The sacrifice of the Christ is both in the category of divine revelation and that of human response. It is the love of God in its utter self-offering making a way whereby the sinner might be reconciled to Him. The use of the Ransom Theory of the atonement is regarded as inadequate for expressing this cost. Basically it is a costly sacrifice because it is the self-offering of the Son of God upon the cross. CHAPTER FOUR The New Testament picture. A closer analysis is made of the New Testament teaching of discipleship, where it is seen that it is required of men that he should make, like the Christ, the costly sacrifice of himself. Soren Kierkegaard. This existential thinker felt the need of awakening men to a full recognition of the costliness of life. Despair. Man, due to his state of sinfulness is in despair, for "sin can be defined as despair at not willing to be oneself or not willing to be oneself before God." It is necessary to make the leap of faith to pass from this despair. The Three Stages. These are the aesthetical, ethical and religious stages. The individual must enter the last by making the leap of faith out of his despair; and this leap means the costly commitment of the self to the Christ. "Purify your hearts." In this book, Kierkegaard analyses man's double-mindedness. He comes to two conclusions. "If anybody would will the Good truly, then he must with knowledge of himself be ready to renounce all double-mindedness. If anybody would will the Good truly, then he must be ready to do all for the Good, and suffer for for the Good." His teaching on the cost of discipleship could be summed up thus : "The negating of one's finite self, or the negating of one's finitude means for him nothing less than the conscious sacrifice of all that is finite." Paul Tillich. Tillich deals with the ultimate problem of being and non-being, and in the "Courage to be" he develops the reactions of the individual when he is faced with the possibility of his non-being. The individual can either lose himself in his world by the courage to be as a part, or lose his world in himself by the courage to be as himself. These two forms of courage are transcended by the courage to accept acceptance, which is the ultimate courage to be, in which the individual accepts the fact that though he is sinful, yet God accepts him. This courage is the outcome of faith, which is found in an encounter with the New Being, in which the self is lost in the Christ, being found also in the Christ. The disciple surrenders himself that he may be made more truly himself. CHAPTER FIVE In this chapter an attempt is made to analyse the reward of righteousness. This reward is firstly seen to be the outcome of the life of discipleship and not its motive. Basically it is found in the new quality of life which is called eternal life. It is a reward both in the future and in the present. In the future it is the fullness of life in communion, peace and joy in the presence of God. In the present it is a foretaste of that life which is to come, a present possession in the midst of finitude of communion, peace and joy with God. Ultimately this means participation in the resurrection of the Christ. CHAPTER SIX We can conclude from this thesis, then, that Jesus the Christ is the prototype of the Christian. Discipleship is costly because it means participation in His utter self-offering of Himself; and the righteous man, who is the one who by faith commits himself to and in the Christ, is rewarded with the new quality of eternal life. The death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ are the criteria of the cost of discipleship and the reward of the righteous man.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1960
- Authors: Samson, Robert McNeil
- Date: 1960
- Subjects: Jesus Christ -- Teachings , Christian life -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1272 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013158
- Description: CHAPTER ONE. In the Old Testament we meet with the problem of suffering and reward, and the attempts made to resolve it. It becomes the one great problem after the time of the Exile. Most commentators are agreed that it grew to hold that place in relation to the increase of importance of the individual in Hebrew thinking. While certain aspects of the problem are presented in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Psalm 73, the most important contributions are made by the Deuteronomist and the poet who wrote the Book of Job. The Deuteronomist theory presents the belief that there is a rigid correspondence between the sins of the individual and his suffering. The reply in Job makes it clear that this is not so. Job himself passes through the desperate situation of feeling deserted by God to a certain faith that whatever happens to him, God is faithful. CHAPTER TWO. Jesus' teaching on "discipleship". Basically Jesus's teaching centres around Mark 8 : 34, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me". The cost of discipleship from this point of view means, then, that even as Jesus Himself bears the cross for the salvation of the world, so the disciple is called upon to bear that cross in association with his Lord. Jesus offers the reward of both a present foretaste and a future consummation of eternal life, as the disciple shares in His resurrection. St. Paul's teaching of "Life in Christ". The central teaching of Paul is found in Romans 6 : 11, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." The cost of discipleship is death, the death of self- will. It means being crucified with Christ. The reward of the righteous man is both a present and future participation in the risen life of Christ. CHAPTER THREE The need of man. Because man is a sinner, being estranged from God in whose image he was created, he stands in need of being reconciled to God. This he cannot do himself because, to his sin, he is not able to make the full sacrifice of his self-will. "Man requires to be put right with God because as a matter of fact he is not right." The Christ. Only in the person of the God-man is God able to effect man's resolution. Jesus, the Christ, who alone of all men did not participate in the sinfulness of man, is this God-man, realising in Himself the fact that salvation can only be wrought by one who is both God and man. The necessity of the Cross. The death of the Christ is seen to be necessary both from the side of man and from that of God. It was essential that the Christ should give His life for man; everything for His purpose of salvation turns on the will to die. He must give himself to reconcile man to God. The sacrifice of the Cross. Seen in the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, what is important about the sacrifice of the Christ is that on the cross He offered up His life for man. The sacrifice of the Christ is both in the category of divine revelation and that of human response. It is the love of God in its utter self-offering making a way whereby the sinner might be reconciled to Him. The use of the Ransom Theory of the atonement is regarded as inadequate for expressing this cost. Basically it is a costly sacrifice because it is the self-offering of the Son of God upon the cross. CHAPTER FOUR The New Testament picture. A closer analysis is made of the New Testament teaching of discipleship, where it is seen that it is required of men that he should make, like the Christ, the costly sacrifice of himself. Soren Kierkegaard. This existential thinker felt the need of awakening men to a full recognition of the costliness of life. Despair. Man, due to his state of sinfulness is in despair, for "sin can be defined as despair at not willing to be oneself or not willing to be oneself before God." It is necessary to make the leap of faith to pass from this despair. The Three Stages. These are the aesthetical, ethical and religious stages. The individual must enter the last by making the leap of faith out of his despair; and this leap means the costly commitment of the self to the Christ. "Purify your hearts." In this book, Kierkegaard analyses man's double-mindedness. He comes to two conclusions. "If anybody would will the Good truly, then he must with knowledge of himself be ready to renounce all double-mindedness. If anybody would will the Good truly, then he must be ready to do all for the Good, and suffer for for the Good." His teaching on the cost of discipleship could be summed up thus : "The negating of one's finite self, or the negating of one's finitude means for him nothing less than the conscious sacrifice of all that is finite." Paul Tillich. Tillich deals with the ultimate problem of being and non-being, and in the "Courage to be" he develops the reactions of the individual when he is faced with the possibility of his non-being. The individual can either lose himself in his world by the courage to be as a part, or lose his world in himself by the courage to be as himself. These two forms of courage are transcended by the courage to accept acceptance, which is the ultimate courage to be, in which the individual accepts the fact that though he is sinful, yet God accepts him. This courage is the outcome of faith, which is found in an encounter with the New Being, in which the self is lost in the Christ, being found also in the Christ. The disciple surrenders himself that he may be made more truly himself. CHAPTER FIVE In this chapter an attempt is made to analyse the reward of righteousness. This reward is firstly seen to be the outcome of the life of discipleship and not its motive. Basically it is found in the new quality of life which is called eternal life. It is a reward both in the future and in the present. In the future it is the fullness of life in communion, peace and joy in the presence of God. In the present it is a foretaste of that life which is to come, a present possession in the midst of finitude of communion, peace and joy with God. Ultimately this means participation in the resurrection of the Christ. CHAPTER SIX We can conclude from this thesis, then, that Jesus the Christ is the prototype of the Christian. Discipleship is costly because it means participation in His utter self-offering of Himself; and the righteous man, who is the one who by faith commits himself to and in the Christ, is rewarded with the new quality of eternal life. The death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ are the criteria of the cost of discipleship and the reward of the righteous man.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1960
The determination of God's action in history with special reference to Herbert Butterfield
- Authors: Fourie, Stephen
- Date: 1981
- Subjects: Butterfield, Herbert, 1900-1979 Christianity -- Philosophy -- History God -- History of doctrines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1242 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009438
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
- Authors: Fourie, Stephen
- Date: 1981
- Subjects: Butterfield, Herbert, 1900-1979 Christianity -- Philosophy -- History God -- History of doctrines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1242 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009438
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
The doctrine of election in the theology of John Calvin, with special reference to the Reformed confessions of faith
- Authors: Elias, James Reginald
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564 , Calvinism , Election (Theology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1277 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013319
- Description: From the preface: This Thesis is an attempt to emphasise the importance and prominence of the doctrine of election for the Christian Faith through studying its formulation in the writings of' John Calvin, one of the finest systematic theologians of the Church.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1962
- Authors: Elias, James Reginald
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564 , Calvinism , Election (Theology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1277 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013319
- Description: From the preface: This Thesis is an attempt to emphasise the importance and prominence of the doctrine of election for the Christian Faith through studying its formulation in the writings of' John Calvin, one of the finest systematic theologians of the Church.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1962
The doctrine of the dominical sacraments in St. Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin and the early Scottish reformers
- Authors: Moore, Michael
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274 , Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564 , Sacraments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012877
- Description: The subject of the sacraments was chosen for this thesis because it was believed that the sacraments should be fully understood and should be placed at the centre of the work and worship of the Church, if the Church is to fulfil its role as the body of Christ in the world today. From studying the work of the reformers it became obvious that the word and the sacraments do not hold the place in the reformed Churches which they were intended to by Calvin and the early Scottish reformers. Pref., p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1958
- Authors: Moore, Michael
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274 , Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564 , Sacraments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012877
- Description: The subject of the sacraments was chosen for this thesis because it was believed that the sacraments should be fully understood and should be placed at the centre of the work and worship of the Church, if the Church is to fulfil its role as the body of Christ in the world today. From studying the work of the reformers it became obvious that the word and the sacraments do not hold the place in the reformed Churches which they were intended to by Calvin and the early Scottish reformers. Pref., p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1958
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
The early history of Blythswood Missionary Institution
- Authors: Rodger, Alastair
- Date: 1977
- Subjects: Blythswood Missionary Institution -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1269 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013075
- Description: The Mfengu, or Fingos, of the Transkei were a mixed group of refugees. Originally driven from Natal during the Mfecane, they moved into the Transkei and then the Ciskei. In the 1860's some were allowed by the Cape government to settle in an area in the Western Transkei which it had recently seized. The majority of those who moved were opposed to mission work and education. When therefore the government agent for Fingoland, Captain Blyth, and a Free Church of Scotland missionary, Richard Ross, gained the support of a few headmen for an educational Institution in the Transkei, and approached Dr James Stewart of Lovedale to found such an Institution on the lines of Lovedale, they had very slender support. Mfengu subscribe £10.00 towards the cost. Stewart agreed on condition the support for this somewhat startling and, to some, unpalatable request was gained mainly because it was known that the government intended introducing a hut tax which would be far more onerous than the levy which, it was estimated, would be required to find the sum Stewart was asking. Blyth was able to use the agreement to a voluntary levy for an institution to persuade the government to postpone the tax. The Institution was built on a larger scale than had been planned, for the Mfengu made two subscriptions, each larger than the total requested, and Stewart raised money in Scotland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1977
- Authors: Rodger, Alastair
- Date: 1977
- Subjects: Blythswood Missionary Institution -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1269 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013075
- Description: The Mfengu, or Fingos, of the Transkei were a mixed group of refugees. Originally driven from Natal during the Mfecane, they moved into the Transkei and then the Ciskei. In the 1860's some were allowed by the Cape government to settle in an area in the Western Transkei which it had recently seized. The majority of those who moved were opposed to mission work and education. When therefore the government agent for Fingoland, Captain Blyth, and a Free Church of Scotland missionary, Richard Ross, gained the support of a few headmen for an educational Institution in the Transkei, and approached Dr James Stewart of Lovedale to found such an Institution on the lines of Lovedale, they had very slender support. Mfengu subscribe £10.00 towards the cost. Stewart agreed on condition the support for this somewhat startling and, to some, unpalatable request was gained mainly because it was known that the government intended introducing a hut tax which would be far more onerous than the levy which, it was estimated, would be required to find the sum Stewart was asking. Blyth was able to use the agreement to a voluntary levy for an institution to persuade the government to postpone the tax. The Institution was built on a larger scale than had been planned, for the Mfengu made two subscriptions, each larger than the total requested, and Stewart raised money in Scotland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1977
The eucharist in St John's Gospel : an examination of the extent to which it is justifiable to see allusions to the eucharist in St John's Gospel
- Authors: Verryn, Paul
- Date: 1979
- Subjects: Bible -- John -- Commentaries Lord's Supper
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007273
- Description: This thesis shows that the incarnation of Jesus Christ is an ever present reality for St. John. Christ's abiding presence is known to those who are committed to him because he is their Saviour and Lord. This presence is especially real when his disciples, the believers, the Church gather for worship. In the eucharist, which is an act of worship, the meaning and purpose of the incarnation becomes apparent for St. Paul. By showing that aspects of John's understanding of the incarnation co-incide with the early Church's doctrine of eucharist (as portrayed by St. Paul) the conclusion is reached that we have eucharistic allusions in the gospel of John. Furthermore, John presents Jesus in contrast to the Old Covenant. Jesus supersedes the Old Covenant and establishes the new covenant of love. Just as the Old Covenant was celebrated in the Passover, so the eucharist re-enacts the new covenant. By alluding to the old sacrament, John shows how the eucharist fulfils the true meaning of Passover. After a brief examination of existing methodologies, I present the working hypothesis for this dissertation as outlined above. In a fairly detailed exegesis of Jn 6 (with digressions to other relevant passages in John) which is divided into three sections (In 6:1-21 6:22-48, 6:49-71), I have tried to show that John sees the eucharist as a celebration which emphasises the community of the church, which re-enacts God's great demonstration of love (typified especially in the death of Jesus) and which foreshadows that great heavenly banquet, when, all will be gathered to him. I reach the conclusion therefore that we are justified in finding allusions in the eucharist in the gospel of John.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1979
- Authors: Verryn, Paul
- Date: 1979
- Subjects: Bible -- John -- Commentaries Lord's Supper
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007273
- Description: This thesis shows that the incarnation of Jesus Christ is an ever present reality for St. John. Christ's abiding presence is known to those who are committed to him because he is their Saviour and Lord. This presence is especially real when his disciples, the believers, the Church gather for worship. In the eucharist, which is an act of worship, the meaning and purpose of the incarnation becomes apparent for St. Paul. By showing that aspects of John's understanding of the incarnation co-incide with the early Church's doctrine of eucharist (as portrayed by St. Paul) the conclusion is reached that we have eucharistic allusions in the gospel of John. Furthermore, John presents Jesus in contrast to the Old Covenant. Jesus supersedes the Old Covenant and establishes the new covenant of love. Just as the Old Covenant was celebrated in the Passover, so the eucharist re-enacts the new covenant. By alluding to the old sacrament, John shows how the eucharist fulfils the true meaning of Passover. After a brief examination of existing methodologies, I present the working hypothesis for this dissertation as outlined above. In a fairly detailed exegesis of Jn 6 (with digressions to other relevant passages in John) which is divided into three sections (In 6:1-21 6:22-48, 6:49-71), I have tried to show that John sees the eucharist as a celebration which emphasises the community of the church, which re-enacts God's great demonstration of love (typified especially in the death of Jesus) and which foreshadows that great heavenly banquet, when, all will be gathered to him. I reach the conclusion therefore that we are justified in finding allusions in the eucharist in the gospel of John.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1979
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1967
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1967
The fact and meaning of the resurrection : a study in emphases
- Authors: Bill, Jean-Francois
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Jesus Christ -- Resurrection , Resurrection -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014595
- Description: INTRODUCTION. The fact of the Risen Christ is the focal point which gives meaning to the Christian faith as a whole. Modern thought, while not denying the Resurrection, tends to confine it to its doctrinal or credal significance. In contrast, the early Christians were conscious of the presence of the Risen Lord and consequently the Resurrection was a fact of living experience. As mere history it loses its moral significance; as mere faith it becomes vague belief in deathlessness, and undermines the reality of the Atonement. The Resurrection is both fact and faith.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1959
- Authors: Bill, Jean-Francois
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Jesus Christ -- Resurrection , Resurrection -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014595
- Description: INTRODUCTION. The fact of the Risen Christ is the focal point which gives meaning to the Christian faith as a whole. Modern thought, while not denying the Resurrection, tends to confine it to its doctrinal or credal significance. In contrast, the early Christians were conscious of the presence of the Risen Lord and consequently the Resurrection was a fact of living experience. As mere history it loses its moral significance; as mere faith it becomes vague belief in deathlessness, and undermines the reality of the Atonement. The Resurrection is both fact and faith.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1959
The holy spirit in the theology of St. Luke
- Authors: Paterson, Torquil
- Date: 1977
- Subjects: Bible. Luke -- Criticism, interpretation, etc. , Holy Spirit -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013007
- Description: The essay consists of five main chapters with an introduction and conclusion. This defines the limits of the essay and explains the methodology employed. These chapters are examined particularly with reference to the Spirit as the agent of fulfillment of the old, and the inaugurator of the new. 'The main text examined is Lk. 1.35. The Spirit is shown to be also used in a skillful linking and differentiation of John the Baptist and Jesus. Through a fairly detailed synoptic comparison, the peculiarly Lukan emphasis is brought to light. The Baptism is linked with 1.35 and the Transfiguration. Again both the Baptism and Temptation are shown to be seen in the light of the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. All the lines of fulfilment join together in the Spirit's descent on Jesus. The immediate result of this is the testing of his Messiahship, and Proclamation in the synagogue of Nazareth. This proclamation is coupled with the Luken rejection motif. The Spirit is seen to be especially involved in Jesus' ministries of exorcism and healing, but also in his preaching and teaching. The position of Lk 4.18-19 is seen to be of great importance. The main problem is the lack of specific reference to the Spirit. This is resolved in similar fashion to the question of the Messianic Secret. The relation of the apostles to the spirit is also discussed, since this is relevant to the ministry of the Church. Firstly the relation between the Transfiguration and Ascension is examined. This points to the fundamental centrality of the Ascension in Luke's theology. Pentecost is then seen as the fulfilling of the Ascension in the Church. Secondly, as a minor theme, the resurrection appearances are looked into and the similarities with Johannine thought are noted. This raises the question of the historicity of the Lukan schematization. In the examination of Pentecost itself the problem of the quotation from Joel and also the relation of Pentecost to the founding of the Church and the Gentile mission are raised. The Spirit is revealed to be active in two main areas : (1) the mission of the Church in evangelization - this is especialy seen in the areas of preaching, miracles and the life of the Church ; (2) the establishing and justification of the Gentile mission - this overriding concern is shown to obscure the other functions of the Spirit especially in the realm of Baptism and the Christian life of the individual. Thus Luke's historical sense is seen to be coupled with a theological desire to justify and bolster the Gentile mission. This draws out the various conclusions within the essay. The question of 'salvation-history' is raised and a solution found in terms of Luke's use of the Spirit. In broad outline the schema of Conzelmann is accepted. The Lukan eschatology is mentioned in an attempt to find a solution to questions raised by the comparison of Luke with Paul and John. This comparison is only meant to place the main conclusions of the essay within the context of the wider New Testament.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1977
- Authors: Paterson, Torquil
- Date: 1977
- Subjects: Bible. Luke -- Criticism, interpretation, etc. , Holy Spirit -- Biblical teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013007
- Description: The essay consists of five main chapters with an introduction and conclusion. This defines the limits of the essay and explains the methodology employed. These chapters are examined particularly with reference to the Spirit as the agent of fulfillment of the old, and the inaugurator of the new. 'The main text examined is Lk. 1.35. The Spirit is shown to be also used in a skillful linking and differentiation of John the Baptist and Jesus. Through a fairly detailed synoptic comparison, the peculiarly Lukan emphasis is brought to light. The Baptism is linked with 1.35 and the Transfiguration. Again both the Baptism and Temptation are shown to be seen in the light of the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. All the lines of fulfilment join together in the Spirit's descent on Jesus. The immediate result of this is the testing of his Messiahship, and Proclamation in the synagogue of Nazareth. This proclamation is coupled with the Luken rejection motif. The Spirit is seen to be especially involved in Jesus' ministries of exorcism and healing, but also in his preaching and teaching. The position of Lk 4.18-19 is seen to be of great importance. The main problem is the lack of specific reference to the Spirit. This is resolved in similar fashion to the question of the Messianic Secret. The relation of the apostles to the spirit is also discussed, since this is relevant to the ministry of the Church. Firstly the relation between the Transfiguration and Ascension is examined. This points to the fundamental centrality of the Ascension in Luke's theology. Pentecost is then seen as the fulfilling of the Ascension in the Church. Secondly, as a minor theme, the resurrection appearances are looked into and the similarities with Johannine thought are noted. This raises the question of the historicity of the Lukan schematization. In the examination of Pentecost itself the problem of the quotation from Joel and also the relation of Pentecost to the founding of the Church and the Gentile mission are raised. The Spirit is revealed to be active in two main areas : (1) the mission of the Church in evangelization - this is especialy seen in the areas of preaching, miracles and the life of the Church ; (2) the establishing and justification of the Gentile mission - this overriding concern is shown to obscure the other functions of the Spirit especially in the realm of Baptism and the Christian life of the individual. Thus Luke's historical sense is seen to be coupled with a theological desire to justify and bolster the Gentile mission. This draws out the various conclusions within the essay. The question of 'salvation-history' is raised and a solution found in terms of Luke's use of the Spirit. In broad outline the schema of Conzelmann is accepted. The Lukan eschatology is mentioned in an attempt to find a solution to questions raised by the comparison of Luke with Paul and John. This comparison is only meant to place the main conclusions of the essay within the context of the wider New Testament.
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- Date Issued: 1977