Boyce Digital Repository (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)
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Training Affiliate Churches and Institutions of the Dominican Republic Baptist Convention to Participate in Global Missions
Get PDFThis ministry project was designed for the Dominican Republic Baptist Convention (CBD) to increase the global missions knowledge of their affiliates in global missions. This project develops a Great Commission Initiative Curriculum for the CBD to provide affiliate churches and institutions with a comprehensive theology of missions and a practical plan for missions engagement. Chapter 1 explains the project’s context, rationale, purpose, goals, and methodology. Chapter 2 demonstrates the biblical and theological foundation of global missions through the exegesis of Genesis 1:26–28, Isaiah 49:6, Ephesians 1:3–14 and Matthew 28:18–20. Chapter 3 shows that while global missions experienced a historic shift in the modern era, both the history of missions and a proper understanding of missions theory and practice support the necessity of a prioritistic missions methodology. Chapter 4 details the development and implementation of the ministry project. Chapter 5 evaluates the ministry project’s results and areas that could be improved for future implementation. In sum, this project provides CBD members with a comprehensive theology of missions and a practical plan for global missions engagement
A Comparative Study of Yoga’s Most Foundational Scriptures and Relevant Biblical Passages
Get PDFThis dissertation is an analysis of yoga’s most foundational scriptures: the Patanjali Yoga Sūtras (PYS) and the Bhagavad Gītā (BG) in their original Sanskrit. My thesis is that these yogic scriptures contradict sound, biblical teaching. The significance of this thesis is that, insofar as a yoga practice adheres to its own scriptures, that practice is impermissible for Christians. The existing literature asserting yoga’s impermissibility for Christians lacks original-language analysis of yoga’s scriptures, the primary sources in question. Therefore, my dissertation provides much-needed, primary-source substantiation for the assertion that yoga contradicts Christianity. The argument I advance throughout the dissertation runs as follows: (1) PYS and BG are yoga’s most foundational scriptures, and (2) these scriptures contradict the Bible, (3) therefore, yoga’s most foundational scriptures contradict the Bible, so yoga practices adhering to these scriptures are consequently impermissible for Christians.
In chapter 1, I establish that PYS and BG are the most foundational scriptural bases for yoga and are therefore the appropriate primary sources for determining what yoga says on matters germane to a comparison with Christianity. In chapter 2, I examine the existing literature on yoga’s permissibility for Christians, showing that, while several voices have asserted that yoga contradicts Christianity, none have demonstrated where and how yoga’s scriptures contradict the Bible. In chapter 3, I analyze certain thematically arranged portions of PYS in their original Sanskrit and then show how the scripture’s teachings contradict the relevant biblical texts. In chapter 4, I use the same process for comparing BG with the Bible. In chapter 5, I summarize the ten key theological and soteriological points at which these two yogic scriptures contradict the Bible. In chapter 6, I explain that, because yogic scripture contradicts the Bible, Christians should not participate in scripturally genuine yoga practices—those that adhere to yoga’s primary sources. Finally, I offer practical guidance for assessing the genuineness and permissibility of individual yoga practices case by case while giving due consideration to the issue of cultural appropriation
De Impassibilitate Et Satisfactione: An Examination of the Methodological Implications of Trinitarian Classical Theism for the Doctrine of the Atonement
Get PDFTwo trends are taking place in evangelical theology. First, the last decade has borne witness to a renaissance of Trinitarian theology. Books have proliferated regarding social and classical Trinitarianism with a marked push in favor of what is becoming known as Trinitarian classical theism. Second, evangelical works on the doctrine of the atonement have shifted away from penal substitution as the central metaphor of the atonement. Both of these trends warrant an examination of the implications for Trinitarian classical theism with regard to penal substitutionary atonement. Both of these doctrines were held by our Reformed Protestant forebears, and this dissertation draws on this tradition by retrieving the theology of Francis Turretin.
In short, this dissertation argues that divine impassibility, which functions as an entailment of the complex of doctrines in Trinitarian classical theism (aseity, simplicity, purus actus, immutability, eternality, and the like), is consistent with God’s making satisfaction for sins. I demonstrate the location of impassibility within the framework of Trinitarian classical theism and explain how one reasons from theological commitments and Scripture to the doctrine of the atonement. In this way, I show how impassibility arises from the theological context of Trinitarian classical theism, and then I articulate the necessary apparatus for understanding penal substitutionary atonement in light of divine impassibility.
I advance this thesis by examining current proposals regarding the doctrine of the atonement that are specifically theological, which means they are focused on the implications of theology proper for the doctrine of the atonement (chap. 2). Then, I move into my discussion of Francis Turretin’s theology. I begin by looking at how Turretin moves from Scripture to theological concepts with a focus on his understanding of reason, metaphysics, and natural theology (chap. 3). From these methodological considerations, I move into Turretin’s framing of the nature of God, and I demonstrate that impassibility arises as an entailment of Turretin’s understanding of the divine nature (chap. 4). Then, I detail Turretin’s account of the Trinity and the incarnation, with a focus on their consistency with impassibility, as well as the necessary implications to set up the discussion of Turretin’s framing of the atonement (chap. 5). Finally, I enumerate Turretin’s doctrine of penal satisfaction through Christ’s substitutionary work (chap. 6), and then I bring Turretin’s doctrine into the contemporary conversation (chap. 7)
Training Pre-Married Couples at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Fairfax, Virginia, With Biblical Marriage Principles
Get PDFThis project seeks to train pre-married couples at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Fairfax, Virginia, with biblical marriage principles. Chapter 1 presents the history and ministry context of St. Mark’s and the goals of this project. Chapter 2 exegetes four passages of Scripture (Gen 2:18–24; Matt 19:6–9; Eph 5:22–33; 1 Cor 7:2– 5) to demonstrate God’s design and purposes for marriage. Chapter 3 provides an abundance of practical resources and support that highlight the power, effectiveness, and godliness of biblical marriage principles. Chapter 4 describes the project itself, recounting the content and teaching methodology of the specific course curriculum. Chapter 5 evaluates the efficacy of the project based on the completion of the specified goals. Ultimately, this project seeks to glorify God by helping couples learn principles that are God-honoring, edifying, and purposeful through God’s design for and gift of marriage
Equipping Women at Charlottesville Community Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, for Biblical Leadership in the Local Church Within the Framework of Complementarity
Get PDFThe purpose of this project is to equip women at Charlottesville Community Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, for biblical leadership in the local church within the framework of complementarity. Chapter 1 introduces the evaluation and overall understanding of biblical womanhood amid a culture of evangelical feminism. Chapter 2 provides the biblical and theological basis for women being adequately trained and equipped within the local church on biblical womanhood. Foundational to this understanding are a few key passages: Genesis 1–3, 1 Timothy 2:9–15, Titus 2:1, 3–5. Together, these passages provide the mandate to study and practice sound doctrine while providing biblical boundaries and permissible activities for women leading in the church. Chapter 3 addresses the impact of theological liberalism on women as it relates to the local church and the influence of theologically trained women throughout the history of the local church. Chapter 4 details the development and implementation of a biblical womanhood curriculum to be regularly offered at CCC. Chapter 5 concludes with an overall evaluation of the project, and suggestions for improvement and further development
Increasing Understanding and Sharing of the Gospel Among Collegians at Arkansas State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry
Get PDFThis project was designed to equip students involved in the Arkansas State University (ASU) Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) to better understand the gospel and share their faith. This equipping process involved assessing the level of understanding of the gospel and current evangelism habits. Using a newly developed curriculum, participants were challenged intellectually, spiritually, and practically. Chapter 1 introduces the BCM ministry context, the rationale, purpose, goals, research methodology, definitions, delimitations, and limitations of the project. Chapter 2 explores the biblical and theological implications of the gospel as found in several passages of Matthew by arguing that the gospel is the realized hope of Israel in Jesus the Messiah, the hopeful invitation for every man to be made right with God through Jesus the Savior, and the partially realized hope of God’s eternal reign with his covenant people in Jesus the bridegroom. Chapter 3 delves into the theoretical and practical characteristics of personal evangelism by considering evangelism as spiritual discipline, exploring effective communication of the gospel as well as contextualization of the gospel particularly among Generation Z. Chapter 4 details the project including data, surveys, and curriculum. Chapter 5 evaluates the project with suggestions for improvement and further development
Digital Media Use and the Christian Formation of College Students: A Case Study
Get PDFDigital and social media have become incorporated into daily life as access to the internet has increased. Every invention has the possibility of positive and negative effects and influences. As educators seek to disciple their students, it is essential to consider how technology is forming the next generation. This research explores the relationship between digital media use and the Christian formation of college students at Cedarville University.
Chapter 1 introduces the prevalence of digital media, social media, and cell phone use in America. Chapter 2 explores the current research and literature concerning college students, digital media use, and Christian formation. Chapter 3 outlines the design of the three-part quantitative survey. Chapter 4 presents the research findings. Chapter 5 interprets the results and suggests future research studies. Technology is presented as a gift from God that should be stewarded for the advancement of the kingdom and the good of the believer
A Distinguished Blessing of Grace: Abraham Booth’s Doctrine of Sanctification in Confessional Context
Get PDFThis dissertation focuses on the life and thought of the eighteenth-century Particular Baptist pastor-theologian Abraham Booth (1734–1806) and offers the first dedicated study of Booth’s doctrine of sanctification and its undergirding confessional context. It argues that Booth seems to have consciously followed the English Reformed tradition in four critical areas related to sanctification: (1) his understanding of the necessity and ground of sanctification; (2) his understanding of the nature and process of sanctification; (3) his understanding of the moral law’s instrumental role in sanctification; and (4) his emphasis on the necessity of good works as the external fruit or evidence of sanctification. In each of these areas, Booth’s arguments were characterized by intentional unoriginality. Nevertheless, his writings on sanctification were characterized by careful biblical exegesis and intensive theological inquiry, and they made a meaningful contribution to the Particular Baptist response to Antinomianism.
The dissertation begins with a general introduction that includes an overview and structure of the thesis outlined. Chapter 2 then offers a brief introduction to Booth’s life thought and his significance in church history. Chapter 3 turns to a key area of historical-theological background, namely, the rise and development of doctrinal Antinomianism in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Chapter 4 provides a broad survey of how the English Reformed tradition formulated its doctrine of sanctification in response to the challenges of Antinomianism.
Chapters 5–8 are arranged systematically, and they cover each area of Booth’s doctrine of sanctification outlined in the thesis. These chapters give detailed attention to the development of Booth’s thought over time and to areas of continuity and discontinuity between himself and the confessional tradition outlined in chapter 4. A concluding chapter will consider the ongoing legacy of Booth’s theological contribution and offer some suggestions for further research. Ultimately, the aim of this dissertation is to contribute to a deeper understanding of Abraham Booth’s life and thought in its historical context and shed light on his importance as one of the most prolific theologians of the Particular Baptist tradition. Likewise, it seeks to contribute to a growing scholarly interest in the doctrine of sanctification as it developed within the Reformed tradition and especially in Particular Baptist thought
Counseling in the Spirit of Christ: Union With Christ and the Pneumatology of Biblical Counseling
Get PDFBiblical counseling happens in union with Christ by the Spirit as believers speak the truth of God in the love of God to the people of God so that they may become more and more mature in Christ. A pneumatology of biblical counseling, therefore, must explicate more than the role of the Spirit in the counseling room; it must understand the task of biblical counseling itself in the broader context of the trinitarian missions, especially the work of the Spirit that unites believers to Christ, terminating and perfecting salvation in them. This dissertation demonstrates that a pneumatology of biblical counseling that is attentive to the doctrine of union with Christ appropriately contextualizes the ministry of biblical counselors within the mission of the Holy Spirit as he empowers them to speak the truth in love by participation in Christ. Biblical counseling happens by virtue and as a result of that blessed union of believers with Christ by the Spirit.
Following the introduction in chapter 1, the argument of this project develops in four major acts. In the first act, chapter 2 surveys the literature by relevant authors from different phases of the biblical counseling movement (BCM) as well as confessional statements from various biblical counseling organizations, identifying how they view the relation between biblical counseling and the Holy Spirit and paying particular attention to mentions to the doctrine of union with Christ. In the second act, chapter 3 presents the trinitarian foundation for the doctrine of union with Christ, allowing the pneumatological discussion of this project to happen in the appropriate context of theology proper. In the third act, chapters 4 and 5 develop the theme of Christian cognitive and affective participation in Christ: biblical counseling as “participatory conversations” requires the truth and love that come from Christ by the Spirit to help counselees respond well in their contexts of struggle or crisis. Chapter 4 establishes the association of the Holy Spirit with truth and the mind of Christ, while chapter 5 argues for the close association between the Spirit and love. In the fourth and final act, chapter 6 outlines some theological implications of this project’s argument for biblical counseling practice in the context of the church. Particularly, chapter 6 considers the ecclesiological, methodological, and devotional impact on biblical counseling from having a greater awareness of union with Christ by the Spirit. Chapter 7 concludes the work. In the end, it becomes clear that there is no biblical counseling without union with Christ by the Spirit
Equipping Fathers at First Baptist Church in Lenoir City, Tennessee, to Disciple Their Children
Get PDFThis project was designed to equip fathers at First Baptist Church Lenoir City, to disciple their children. The project involved giving each father a pre-test survey to assess the current knowledge of the biblical role fathers have in discipling their children. A six-week curriculum was developed and followed by a post-test survey to determine the increase in knowledge and practice of fathers discipling their children. A strategic plan was developed to encourage the longevity of the project.
Chapter 1 introduces the ministry context of First Baptist Church Lenoir City, as well as the rationale, purpose, goals, and methodologies of the project. Chapter 2 provides the biblical and theological foundations for equipping fathers to disciple their children. These foundational Scriptures are Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Psalm 78:1-8, and Ephesians 6:4. Chapter 3 addresses the role fathers have in discipling their children. Chapter 4 details the curriculum development and administration of the pre- and post-surveys given to each father. Chapter 5 provides an overall evaluation of the project