142,821 research outputs found
Christ Absent and Present: A Study in Pauline Christology
No full textThe aim of this thesis is to contribute to the study of Pauline Christology by examining how Paul conceives of the exalted Christ. In particular it considers the exalted Christ through the lens of his absence and presence. The fact that the exalted Christ can be simultaneously present (e.g. Rom 8:10) and absent (e.g. Rom 8:34) points to the complexity in Paul’s conceptuality. The main argument of this thesis is that if the absence of Christ is carefully delineated then the seeming paradox concerning the presence and absence of Christ actually disappears.
Given that New Testament studies have generally not considered the exalted Christ through this lens, in chapter one we do not present a history of research but provide an entry point to our thesis by examining how two of the 20th Century’s most significant Pauline scholars, Albert Schweitzer and Ernst Käsemann, conceived of the exalted Christ. These two Pauline interpreters are particularly relevant given that they view the exalted Christ in such sharply distinct ways and so help orientate us to the theological issues that are crucial to understanding the nature of the exalted Christ.
In chapter two, we consider a number of texts where Paul expresses the reality of the absence of Christ from the world. We examine a number of passages which indicate that the absence of Christ is a bodily absence since, for Paul, the exalted Christ remains a human being with a discrete, located, human body. Because Christ retains a discrete and distinguishable human body, he is not universally located.
In chapters three and four we turn to investigate three of the most significant modes of the presence of Christ and, in particular, consider how these relate to his bodily absence. In chapter three we consider his epiphanic presence and his dynamic presence. The former is seen in an extended section in 2 Corinthians (2:14-4:12) where Paul repeatedly employs epiphanic language and imagery. The dynamic mode of Christ’s presence is seen in texts where Paul portrays Christ as the agent of his own presence.
Finally, in chapter four we consider the bodily presence of Christ. Here Paul employs the concept of the body to suggest Christ’s intense presence with his people whether individually, corporately or in the Lord’s Supper. This use of body imagery to express the presence of Christ would seem to call into question our suggestion that the absence of Christ might be understood in bodily terms. However, throughout this chapter we see that the bodily presence of Christ is a mediated presence and not an absolute, unqualified presence
The Christian ministry : case studies of preachers of the Churches of Christ in Bicol, Philippines
No full textThis thesis examines the challenges faced by the ministers of religion in Churches of Christ (Restoration Movement) in Bicol, Philippines. The goal is to do theology from below, not from above, as pastoral ministry must come from the experience of those who practice it, not from textbooks. The pastoral perspectives of the dilemmas that the ministers raise are heard, observed, documented, and then reflected upon. To do this, case studies of four preachers are used and the mga problema that they present are explored with them.
As a result, first, I introduce some of those challenges which are perplexing on the ground level and which appear to be under-researched in serious theological circles, especially in an Asian context. Second, I hope that these case studies can be used to stimulate reflection in ministerial and spiritual formation. Third, I document some of the theology and methodology of the Churches of Christ, particularly as practiced in the Philippines.
Chapter 1 explores the dichotomy between the perceived satisfaction in the pastoral ministry with the crisis of role and identity. In particular, issues such as forced exits and stress are presented while baptism and preaching are scrutinized. Chapter 2 centres on the conundrums experienced in planting a new church and being the lone planter. Chapter 3 examines three challenges–the task of ministering in a home congregation, the issue of accreditation in ministerial training, and how the minister can be a success and grow the church. Never far from the thoughts and actions of any of the Bicolano ministers is the problema of poverty, so Chapter 4 considers some of the Filipino, personal, and spiritual complexities of poverty, delineates a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration in any effort to overcome this malady and concludes with a particular reference to ministry
Calvin United Church of Christ Confirmation Class, 1956
No full textA photograph of the 1956 confirmation class of Calvin United Church of Christ with Reverend Zsiros.Svt0?c?°!i h Ff a^is» J- "?andi» L. Gary," M." Edwards. 2nd Row J." Pandi," H." McPeek,
ttev." Zsiros," D." Snyaer," D." Szymanski.
The claim of humanity in Christ : salvation and sanctification in the theology of T.F. and J.B. Torrance
No full textThis thesis critically engages with the Torrances’ claim that all of humanity is in Christ. It explores how God has claimed humanity in salvation and the claim that He has placed upon humanity in sanctification. It argues that this claim upon humanity is not a cumbersome one, for God’s radically objective act of salvation is the basis for the subjective outworking of the Christian life. As we freely participate by the Spirit in the incarnate Son’s filial relationship with the Father, we grow into the ontological reality of who we are in Christ.
Part One critically examines how the salvation wrought for us by the triune God of grace is filial, ontological and objective. It challenges soteriologies that have an overarching federal or external framework which lead to people being thrown back upon their own subjective endeavours to gain salvation. Part Two extends the implications of the Torrances’ soteriology to the outworking of our sanctification. It roots sanctification objectively with
justification in Christ, challenging the belief that, having been justified by God, it is now our part to work out our own sanctification; Affirming humanity’s new eschatological orientation in the risen humanity of Christ, it argues for confidence in the nature of our humanity and in the outworking of sanctification. Thus it challenges external paradigms that can only offer a poor perspective on humanity and demand our own ineffectual efforts. It presents the outworking of sanctification in dynamic, relational terms, rather than static, moralistic terms, as the free gift of participating by the Spirit in the Son’s
intimate communion with the Father
Calvin United Church of Christ Confirmation Class, 1969
No full textA photograph of the 1969 confirmation class of Calvin United Church of Christ with Pastor Andrew E. Harto.Bottom Row: D. Tomsic, J. Wysong, K. Sudai, J. V/aryu, J. Feyes, 3D. Tomsic
2nd Row: Pastor Harto, k. Dusza, G. Zaeff, M. St. George, D. Prater, C. Berto
Calvin United Church of Christ Confirmation Class, 1968
No full textA photograph of the 1968 confirmation class of Calvin United Church of Christ with Pastor Andrew E. Harto.Bottom Row: L. Novak, L." Humbarger, A. Szabo, 3. Meszaros, A. Gall,
2nd Row: P# Percel, Pastor Harto, R. Meateller, D. Hal
Calvin United Church of Christ Confirmation Class, 1958
No full textA photograph of the 1958 confirmation class of Calvin United Church of Christ with Reverend Zsiros.Bottom Row: T. Doktor, 3. Arvay, J. Nagy, J. Podor, J. Lakatos F Szymanskl
2nd Row: V. Byurko, D. Benyo, M. Pigott, M. Petrilla, C. oecivl, 3. Fejea.
3rd. Row: D. Donnal, L. Welch, Liane Kertesz, Rev. Zsiros, M. Toth 111,
N. Molnar, E. Wargo, R. Matyok.
Calvin United Church of Christ Confirmation Class, 1965
No full textA photograph of the 1965 confirmation class of Calvin United Church of Christ with Pastor Andrew E. Harto.1965
Bottom Row: M. Meier, L. Bertok, J. Taylor, 3. Hall, D. Andris, C. Molnar,
P. Visi, C. Gyurico; 2nd Row: G. Nagy, G. Meszaros, B. Novak, Pastor Harto,
L. Wyaon, 3. Budai, D. Wyaon
Calvin United Church of Christ Confirmation Class, 1966
No full textA photograph of the 1966 confirmation class of Calvin United Church of Christ with Pastor Andrew E. Harto.w
Bottom Row: L. Demeter, R. King, D. Waryu, 3. 3t. George, R. Dusza,
2nd Row: W. 3udai, Pastor Harto, M. Kereke
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