Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Faith and prayer'

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation is an attempt to show the centrality of prayer in the Christian life, in faith and obedience, according to Karl Barth. It is argued that the Christian life was not the focus of Barth’s theology. The focus of his theology was the divine reality upon which the Christian life is grounded and in which it continually finds its own reality. In its correspondence to and dependence upon God’s reality, God’s Word and work, the Christian life is for Barth both faith and obedience, and at the core of faith and obedience, it is prayer. The inseparable relationship between faith, obedience and prayer, is not due to the nature of humanity, the Christian, or even the Christian life as such, but due to the divine reality which gives faith, obedience and prayer its reality. Faith and obedience are inseparably related. Both are equally impossible for humanity by its own power and capacity. It is only by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, that humanity is justified and sanctified, thus turning its unbelief into faith and its disobedience into obedience. The unity of faith and obedience lies therein that they both form part of the one event of the reconciliation between God and humanity, which is accomplished in Jesus Christ. Both form part of the Self-revelation of this reconciliation by God’s Word. The reconciliation between God and humanity, revealed by the Word of God, does not depend on faith and obedience, but is effective by its own power and grace, which brings both faith and obedience simultaneously into existence. The reality of faith and obedience is a hidden reality, a divine reality, an eschatological reality, which is not externally observable, but can only be believed in faith, to which we are moving in obedience, and which we ask for in prayer. Faith and prayer are also inseparably related. Faith, knowledge of God, is a personal response to God’s gracious and miraculous Self-revelation, which humanity cannot produce by its own power. And therefore faith is to pray. Faith is always praying, for God’s Self-revelation never becomes the possession of the believer, but is always given anew, thus necessitating faith to always ask anew for God’s Self-revelation. Faith knows God in personal response, knows God in asking always anew, and therefore knows God in prayer. Faith only has knowledge of God by talking to God, by responding in prayer to God’s prior Self-revelation to faith, and by asking for God to reveal God-self always anew. Obedience and prayer are also inseparably related. Both obedience and prayer exist in the freedom of being bound unconditionally to God’s action and Word. Freedom is not freedom from obligation, but the freedom of living within the claim of God’s lordship over our lives. The freedom of obedience is the freedom to act in reaction to the action of God. It is the liberation from pondering over different possibilities, and the freedom for living in the one and only path laid before it, the path of obedience. The freedom of prayer is the freedom to respond in correspondence to the Word of God, by which it is addressed and claimed. It is the liberation from all other voices and claims, and the freedom to give witness to the one and only voice which claims its life in totality. Faith, prayer and obedience are inseparably related. All three form part of the one Christian life lived under the Lord, who is Lord over the whole of creation, and who is Lord over the whole of the Christian life. In faith, obedience and prayer the Christian lives in correspondence to God’s lordship over the world, the church and the individual. Becoming a Christian, means believing in Jesus Christ. It means continually looking away from oneself, to Jesus Christ, who justifies humanity despite its unbelief, despite its pride, despite its faith in itself. Faith discards trust in itself, and trusts Jesus Christ completely. Being a Christian, means obeying Jesus Christ. It means to surrender to Jesus Christ as the only Lord whom one is to obey in life and in death. As Jesus Christ sanctifies disobedient and slothful humanity, obedience is the freedom to rise and follow Jesus. Acting as a Christian, means praying with Jesus Christ. It means to ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, in the power and presence of Jesus Christ, in the grace and lordship of Jesus Christ, that we will be able to believe what we cannot believe by our own power, and that we will be able to obey what we cannot obey by our own power.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie proefskrif is ‘n poging om aan te dui dat gebed in die hart staan van die Christelike lewe, in beide geloof en gehoorsaamheid, volgens die teologie van Karl Barth. In hierdie studie word aangevoer dat die Christelike lewe nie die fokus van Barth se teologie was nie. Die fokus van sy teologie was die Goddelike werklikheid waarop die Christelike lewe gegrond is en vanwaar dit voortdurend ‘n eie werklikheid ontvang. In ooreenstemming met en in afhanklikheid van God se werklikheid, God se Woord en werk, is die Christelike lewe volgens Barth gelyktydig geloof en gehoorsaamheid, en in die kern van geloof en gehoorsaamheid, staan gebed. Die onskeibare verhouding tussen geloof, gehoorsaamheid en gebed, is nie vanweë die aard van die mens, die Christen, of selfs die Christelike lewe in sigself nie, maar vanweë die Goddelike realiteit wat aan geloof, gehoorsaamheid en gebed hul werklikheid skenk. Geloof en gehoorsaamheid staan in ‘n onskeibare verband tot mekaar. Beide is ewe onmoontlik vir mense in hul eie krag and vermoë. Dit is net deur die genade van God in Jesus Christus, deur die krag van die Heilige Gees, dat die mensdom geregverdig en geheilig word, waardeur ongeloof in geloof, en ongehoorsaamheid in gehoorsaamheid verander word. Die eenheid van geloof en gehoorsaamheid lê daarin dat beide deel uitmaak van die een gebeurtenis van versoening tussen God en mens, wat in Jesus Christus plaasvind. Beide maak deel uit van die Self-openbaring van hierdie versoening deur God se Woord. Die versoening tussen God en mens, wat die Woord van God openbaar, is nie afhanklik van geloof en gehoorsaamheid nie, maar is effektief in eie krag, deur genade, en dit bring beide geloof en gehoorsaamheid tot stand. Die werklikheid van geloof en gehoorsaamheid is ‘n verborge werklikheid, ‘n Goddelike werklikheid, ‘n eskatologiese werklikheid, wat nie van buite waarneembaar is nie, maar wat slegs in geloof geglo kan word, waarnatoe ons beweeg in gehoorsaamheid, en waarvoor ons vra in gebed. Geloof en gebed staan ook in ‘n onskeibare verband tot mekaar. Geloof, kennis van God, is ‘n persoonlike antwoord op God se genadige en wonderbaarlike Self-openbaring, wat die mens nie in eie krag kan skep nie. En daarom is geloof om te bid. Geloof bid voortdurend, want God se Self-openbaring raak nooit die besitting van die gelowige nie, maar word altyd opnuut gegee, wat dit noodsaaklik maak vir geloof om altyd opnuut te vra vir God se Self-openbaring. Geloof ken God deur ‘n persoonlike antwoord, deur altyd opnuut te vra, en daarom ken geloof vir God in gebed. Geloof het slegs kennis van God deur met God te praat, deur in gebed te antwoord op Gods voorafgaande Self-openbaring aan geloof, en deur vir God te vra om Godself altyd opnuut te openbaar. Gehoorsaamheid en gebed staan ook in ‘n onskeibare verband tot mekaar. Beide gehoorsaamheid en gebed bestaan in die vryheid om onvoorwaardelik gebonde te wees aan God se Woord en werk. Vryheid is nie vryheid van verpligtinge nie, maar die vryheid om te leef binne die aanspraak van God se heerskappy oor ons lewens. Die vryheid van gehoorsaamheid is die vryheid om aktief op te tree in reaksie op die aksie van God. Dit is om bevry te word van bepeinsing oor verskillende moontlikhede, en die vryheid om te leef vir die een en enigste pad wat voor sigself lê, die pad van gehoorsaamheid. Die vryheid van gebed is die vryheid om te antwoord in ooreenstemming met die Woord van God, waardeur die mens aangespreek word en in beslag geneem word. Dit is die bevryding van alle ander stemme en aansprake, en die vryheid om te getuig van die een en enigste stem wat die lewe in totaliteit in beslag neem. Geloof, gehoorsaamheid en gebed is in ‘n onskeibare verband tot mekaar. Al drie maak deel uit van die een Christelike lewe wat geleef word onder die Heer, wat Heer is oor die hele skepping en ook oor die Christelike lewe. In geloof, gehoorsaamheid en gebed leef die Christen in ooreenstemming met God se heerskappy oor die wêreld, die kerk en die individu. Om ‘n Christen te word, beteken om te glo. Dit beteken om voortdurend weg te kyk van sigself, na Jesus Christus, wat die mensdom regverdig ten spyte van hul ongeloof, ten spyte van hul trots, ten spyte van hul geloof in hulself. Geloof vertrou nie op sigself nie, maar vertrou Jesus Christus volledig. Om ‘n Christen te wees, beteken om Jesus Christus te gehoorsaam. Dit beteken om sigself oor te gee aan Jesus Christus as die enigste Heer wat gehoorsaam moet word in lewe en in sterwe. Jesus Christus heilig die ongehoorsame en trae mensdom, wat aan die mens die vryheid gee om op te staan en Jesus te volg in gehoorsaamheid. Om op te tree as ‘n Christen, beteken om te bid saam met Jesus Christus. Dit beteken om in die Naam van Jesus Christus, in die krag en teenwoordigheid van Jesus Christus, in die genade en heerskappy van Jesus Christus, te vra dat ons in staat sal wees om te glo wat ons nie self kan glo nie, en dat ons in staat sal wees om te gehoorsaam wat ons nie self kan gehoorsaam nie.

Applied research project (D. Min.)--School of Theology and Missions, Oral Roberts University, 2003.
Includes abstract and vita. Translated from Korean. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 191-195).

Applied research project (D. Min.)--School of Theology and Missions, Oral Roberts University, 2008.
Includes abstract and vita. Translated from Korean. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 225-233).

Applied research project (D. Min.)--School of Theology and Missions, Oral Roberts University, 2008.
Includes abstract and vita. Translated from Korean. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 199-205).

Applied research project (D. Min.)--School of Theology and Missions, Oral Roberts University, 2003.
Includes abstract and vita. Translated from Korean. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 241-247).

Applied research project (D. Min.)--School of Theology and Missions, Oral Roberts University, 2008.
Includes abstract and vita. Translated from Korean. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 202-208).

Dance consciously or unconsciously can by its very creative process from idea or feeling through to performance work and beyond, form a catalyst for healing. This paper provides a written record of a practical, phenomenological, qualitative, dance and healing research project. The researcher’s ideas coalesce from three schools of thought. They are health sciences, dance art and faith. Body sciences and homeopathic theory inform the practice of exploratory contemporary dance improvisation. Wholistic and ethical methods of research practice are applied to the study of a range of dance and health concerns
Master of Arts (Hons) (Contemporary Arts)

Test anxiety is problem that affects college students. Explanatory mixed methods research was completed with the objective of understanding the interrelationship of prayer and test anxiety as well as the potential therapeutic effects of Christian prayer on test anxiety. It was hypothesized that Christian prayer would have significant effects on the reduction of physiological test anxiety biomarkers of salivary cortisol (SC), salivary alpha amylase (SAA), and heart rate (HR). The framework of the cognitive attentional theory (CAT) of test anxiety was used as a lens to gain insight into the phenomena of test anxiety and the use of prayer as a hypothesized alleviating agent. Undergraduates among four different majors of study from a university in the Northwest United States were volunteer participants in the study. Forty-eight participants were put into three 20-minute experimental groups to determine if a relationship existed between concentrated Christian prayer and test anxiety. The experimental groups were: Focused Christian Prayer, Guided Meditation, and Study Guide. In order to further understand the relationship of prayer and test anxiety, students were also grouped and analyzed by their scores on the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS) and their value of prayer in their lives. The mean age of the sample was 20.02 yrs old. SC and SAA were measured with Assay kits ordered from Salimetrics Company, and HR was measured using Gurin Santamedical SM-110 finger pulse oximeters. Two focus groups were conducted to help explain the quantitative data gathered. Results from the quantitative research did not clearly show that prayer is more effective than meditation or a study guide to alleviate biomarkers of test anxiety. Quantitative results did suggest that students who valued prayer higher in their lives experienced less biomarkers of test anxiety. Nine qualitative themes from the two focus groups emerged to help shed light on the findings of the quantitative data. The unique interrelationship of prayer and test anxiety is discussed. More studies on the phenomena of prayer and test anxiety are supported.

More than 1.6 million US military personnel have deployed during the past 10 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, also known as Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), respectively. As a result of the protracted combat operations in two fronts, many military personnel have suffered traumatic experiences from seeing people die, coming close to death, or having killed people. Even for those who have not encountered direct combat, long deployments (commonly 12 months, but some experienced 15 months) and multiple deployments (often more than two), have caused many to suffer from combat stress. Hence, American military has focused much effort and spent lots of money on addressing the result of combat stress induced psychological injury known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD, and the treatment thereof. However, research shows that only about 20% of combat veterans suffer from actual PTSD. In fact, most combat veterans probably suffer more from stressors of being in a combat deployment, with what is being referred to as 'combat stress injury', 'moral injury', or 'soul injury'. Furthermore, other research shows that growth (in various aspects of one's life) is possible; a greater percentage of people with various traumatic experiences report this potential to grow as a result of the traumata. Research shows that spirituality/religious faith helps people grow from traumatic experiences, and can lead to what is referred as Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). The central theological question of the thesis is: What is it about religious faith that helps people to eventually grow from trauma? The qualitative research conducted for this thesis indicates that the key element to PTG is actually community, more specifically, the community of faith, more than the individual's faith. The essential theological inquiry is how ecclesiology is embodied in the military chaplaincy context.

Doctor of Philosophy
Department of History
Robert D. Linder
George Müller of Bristol (1805-1898) was widely celebrated in the nineteenth century as the founder of the Ashley Down Orphan Homes in Bristol, England. He was a German immigrant to Great Britain who was at the vanguard of evangelical philanthropic care of children. The object of his charitable work, orphans, influenced the establishment of Christian orphanages in Great Britain, North America, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. However, what brought Müller widespread public acclaim was his assertion that he supported his orphan homes solely by relying on faith and prayer. According to Müller, he prayed to God for the material needs of the orphans and he believed, in faith, that those needs were supplied by God, without resort to direct solicitation, through donations given to him. He employed his method as a means to strengthen the faith of his fellow Christians and published an ongoing chronicle of his answered prayers that served as evidence. Müller’s method of financial support brought him to the forefront of public debate in the nineteenth century about the efficacy of prayer and the supernatural claims of Christianity. His use of prayer to provide for the orphans made his name a “household word the world round.” This dissertation is a study of Müller’s influence on evangelicals that analyzes Müller’s enduring legacy as a hero of the faith among evangelicals around the world. For evangelicals Müller was an exemplary Christian—a Protestant saint—who embodied a simple but pure form of biblical piety. To explore his influence from the nineteenth century through the twentieth century, this study, as a social biography, investigates how evangelicals remember individuals and how that memory, in this case Müller, influenced the practice of prayer in evangelical piety. The dissertation affirms a link between evangelicals and eighteenth-century German Pietism, while also showing that evangelicals used publications to celebrate and to informally canonize individuals esteemed for their piety. The dissertation, ultimately, is concerned with how evangelicals identified heroes of the faith and why these heroes were and are widely used as models for edification and for emulation in everyday life.

Background: Person-centred, re-engineered primary health care (PHC) is a national and global priority. Faith-based health care is a significant provider of PHC in Sub- Saharan Africa but there is very limited published data on the reasons for patient choice of faith-based health care, particularly in South Africa. Aim: The objective of this study was to determine and explore the reasons for patients' choice of a faith-based primary care clinic over their local public sector primary care clinic. The secondary objective was to determine to what extent demography influences reasons for patient choice. Setting: The study was conducted at Jubilee Health Centre (JHC) a faith-based primary care clinic attached to Jubilee Community Church in Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.

Geoffrey Hill’s The Orchards of Syon (2002) occupies a contradictory position in twenty-first century poetry in being a major religious work in a post-religious age. Contemporary secular and atheistic insistence on the fundamentally crafted and flawed nature of religious faith has led Hill not to the abandoning of religious vision, but to a theologically disciplined approach to syntax, grammar and etymology. This dissertation examines Hill’s claim to a poetics of agnostic faith that mediate his alienation from a cynical and debased Anglophone contemporaneity. The oxymoronic nature of a faith co-existent with existential loss is the primary focus. The semantic distinction between paradox and poetic oxymoron is examined, and the agonistic and aporetic dimensions of the oxymoron are considered as affording theological significance. Poetic oxymoron as site of both foolish babbling and Pentecostal exuberance is made explicit, as is Hill’s relation to the oxymoronic nature of beatitudinous expression and the Kenotic Hymn. Hill’s reading of and relation to other theologically engaged poets is outlined. Thomas Hardy’s tragic-comic vision, Gerard Manley Hopkins’ restrained rapture in ‘The Windhover’, and T. S. Eliot’s expression of kenotic dissolution in ‘Marina’ are read as precursors to Hill’s revisionary God-language. William Empson’s significant difficulties with aspects of Hopkins’ and Eliot’s poetics is appraised as evidence of an oxymoronic and theological dimension within poetic ambiguity. Hill’s imperative to embody and enact theological vision and responsibility is tested in a reading of The Orchards of Syon. Paul Ricoeur’s perception of the religious significance of atheism is provocation for my own creative practice, as is the performative theology implicit in both Graham Shaw’s hermeneutic approach, and Hill’s visionary philology. Creative process draws on Simone Weil’s notion of decreation, the kenotic paradigm as exemplified in the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the continuing secular vitality of the apostrophic lyric mode.

Dance consciously or unconsciously can by its very creative process from idea or feeling through to performance work and beyond, form a catalyst for healing. This paper provides a written record of a practical, phenomenological, qualitative, dance and healing research project. The researcher’s ideas coalesce from three schools of thought. They are health sciences, dance art and faith. Body sciences and homeopathic theory inform the practice of exploratory contemporary dance improvisation. Wholistic and ethical methods of research practice are applied to the study of a range of dance and health concerns

A qualitative design was used to explore the use of spirituality and prayer by older adults who have chronic illness and reside in a rural community. Thirteen individuals responded to a flyer soliciting participation in a study of the use of spirituality as part of health care. Participants were at least 60 years of age, had at least one chronic illness and resided in North Central Florida. Twelve participants then responded to six open-ended questions based on an adaption of an instrument used by Dr. Shevon Harvey in her doctoral dissertation. The data was analyzed to identify themes and answer four research questions. The four research questions were 1) how do older adults living with chronic illness describe spirituality? 2) how do older adults use spirituality while living with chronic illness? 3) how can health care providers assist older individuals with chronic illness to meet their spiritual needs?, and 4) do patients feel that their spiritual needs are being addressed during their outpatient health care? The interview responses demonstrated that several different practices, including prayer and scripture readings as well as adherence to medication, diet, and exercise recommendations were used as coping mechanisms by study participants. The majority of participants want their health care providers to address spirituality and/or refer them to spiritual advisors for counseling. The study showed that some participants stated that their spiritual needs were met, but there were some who did not want spirituality addressed in the outpatient setting.; Four themes were identified, which suggest that 1) spiritual practices were frequently used coping measure for these individual with chronic illness, 2) health care providers are supportive of their patients' spirituality, 3) participants with chronic illness consider adherence to medication, diet, and exercise a coping measure, and 4) participants with chronic illness want their health care providers to recognize their spiritual needs. The findings indicated that individuals who self identify as individuals from whom spiritual life is important and who have chronic illnesses and have spiritual needs that can be addressed in the outpatient setting. The findings also demonstrated use of non spiritual coping measures and the importance of health care provider's acceptance of spirituality in this specific population. Recommendations for further research are made.
ID: 029808782; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (D.N.P.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 68-70).
D.N.P.
Doctorate
Nursing
Nursing Practice

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The objective of this work is making a critical analysis of the Divine Office of Communities, which is a proposal for the Liturgy of the Hours inculturated. The Divine Office of Communities, for over two decades of existence, has been a reference to communal prayer, which unites the richness of the ancient tradition of prayer of the Hours of the Church and the faith experiences of ecclesial communities, in dialogue with popular piety. The background motivation of this work is the realization of the need for a deeper critical analysis of the Divine Office of Communities. Specifying: the first part, offers an overview of the Divine Office of Communities, remembers its history, presents briefly the Hours of Office, its structure and elements, gestures and symbolic actions, music, ministries in the celebration of the craft and elements of inculturation found therein. The second part, which is the body of work consists of two phases: the description of instrumental analysis and application of this instrumental. The third part is devoted to the practice of the Divine Office of the Communities, their celebratory practice: some reports are presented to communities, groups and many people who celebrate this Office in the community or pray in private. We conclude that, truly, the Divine Office of Communities is a valuable proposal for Liturgy of the Hours inculturated and deserve to be approved by CNBB and recognized by the Apostolic See, as an alternative book Liturgy of the Hours for the people
O objetivo do presente trabalho é fazer a análise crítica do Ofício Divino das Comunidades, que é uma proposta de Liturgia das Horas inculturada. A primeira publicação deste livro litúrgico brasileiro data de 1988, e o mesmo já se encontra em sua décima quarta edição (2007). O Ofício Divino das Comunidades, ao longo de mais de duas décadas de existência, vem sendo uma referência de oração comunitária, que une as riquezas da antiga tradição da Oração das Horas da Igreja e as experiências de fé das comunidades eclesiais, em diálogo com a piedade popular. Este Ofício devolveu ao povo simples a possibilidade de celebrar no ritmo das horas, como o era nos primeiros séculos. A motivação de fundo desta tese foi a constatação da necessidade de uma análise crítica mais profunda do Ofício Divino das Comunidades. Maria da Penha Carpanedo, que pertence à equipe que elaborou este Ofício, e se dedicou, desde o início, e continua se dedicando à divulgação do mesmo, se ocupou de seu estudo, em sua dissertação de Mestrado intitulada: Ofício Divino das Comunidades, Liturgia das Horas inculturada (2002). No presente trabalho, analisa-se criticamente este Ofício, levando também em consideração a sua prática celebrativa. Especificando: na primeira parte, oferece-se uma visão de conjunto do Ofício Divino das Comunidades: recorda-se a sua história, apresenta-se brevemente as Horas deste Ofício, sua estrutura e elementos, seus gestos e ações simbólicas, a música, os ministérios na celebração do Ofício e os elementos de inculturação que nele se encontram. A segunda parte, que é o corpo do trabalho, compõe-se de dois momentos: a descrição do instrumental de análise e a aplicação deste instrumental. O referencial teórico do primeiro momento é a tradição da Liturgia das Horas, a sua história ao longo dos séculos. No segundo momento, aplica-se o instrumental de análise ao Ofício Divino das Comunidades; confronta-se, compara-se a sua estrutura e os seus elementos com a tradição da Liturgia das Horas. A terceira parte do trabalho é dedicada à práxis do Ofício Divino das Comunidades, à sua prática celebrativa: são apresentados alguns relatos de comunidades, grupos diversos e pessoas que celebram este Ofício em comunidade ou o rezam em particular. Conclui-se que, verdadeiramente, o Ofício Divino das Comunidades é uma proposta valiosa de Liturgia das Horas inculturada, merecendo ser aprovado pela CNBB e reconhecido pela Sé Apostólica, como livro alternativo de Liturgia das Horas para o povo

This dissertation considers the possibility that, flowing from his broader theological framework and historical background, John Calvin’s eucharistic theology ‘re-invents’ a doctrine where the ‘substance’ (meaning) of the elements becomes the body and blood of Christ, and the believer who receives them is drawn, through understanding, into participation in Christ. The study begins with the historical setting and the second chapter sketches Calvin’s life. Chapter 3 considers epistemology and the impact of classical rhetoric on Calvin’s approach to knowledge. The following chapter considers Calvin’s understanding of our relationship with the Father, and of Christ as Mediator and as means of salvation. Chapter 5 considers the work of the Spirit in nurturing faith, a ‘higher knowledge’, through preparing us for knowledge of Christ and mediating our understanding of and participation in him. In this manner the Spirit acts as an instrument of revelation to enable us to participate in Christ. Chapters 6 and 7 move to consider Calvin’s writing on the Sacraments, their nature as sign and seals of the promise made in Christ, their substance and their role in our participation in Christ and, in the light of the duplex gratia, as gateways to participation. In Chapter 8 Calvin’s teaching is examined in terms of his opposition to the doctrine of transubstantiation, and his understanding of substance is considered. The possibility that Calvin ‘re-invents’ the doctrine is proposed. This is not to suggest that there is a conscious copying of the doctrine, but that through the process of forming his doctrine, using an alternate philosophical framework, Calvin’s understanding bears significant similarities to the doctrine he so deeply opposed. His key opposition to transubstantiation can then be seen to be to the materialist interpretations that impede the ability of the believer to lift his attention beyond the physical elements to the divine offer they represent. The study concludes by briefly considering the significance of Calvin’s ‘reinvention’ for contemporary understandings.

Im interested in the topic of praying machine, because I want to analyze aspects of photography and its functions. It's known, that the reality is manipulated by photography. Bud we can also say, that the relationship between reality and photography is neutral in fact, that the manipulation is made by our interpretation of photography. The change of the reality can be realized just in the dialog between photography and reality. Can it be, that the mechanization change into the will? Does it prays praying mill or the buddhistic monk, who rotates the mill? When he believes into it, is it enough? Or is it enough if believes who watch the monk with his mill? ... The computers from he place A are "praying" the prayers from the place B. With Tomáš Javůrek we collaborated with Vladimír Veselý and Radek Lát to create the Game for re-articulation our reality on the base of the revision of our faith.

Jonathan Edwards has been described as the "theologian of the will," the "theologian of the heart," and the "theologian of revival." This dissertation seeks to prove that Edwards should rightly be called the "theologian of prayer." Chapter 1 defines the parameters of this study and argues for the importance of Edwards's contribution to this area of practical theology. Chapter 2 examines the nature of God the Father, asking and answering three questions regarding prayer: Who is God? Does God answer prayer? and, What about unanswered prayer? Chapters 3, 5, and 7 examine Edwards's life and consider the role prayer played during three stressful times: his first pastorate, the First Great Awakening, and his dismissal from the church in Northampton. Chapter 4 considers the role of Christ in prayer. The answer to two questions provides the outline for Edwards's Christology: Who is Jesus? and, What is Jesus doing? Chapter 6 addresses the person and work of the Holy Spirit as it applies to prayer. Again, three questions drive the study: Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? and, What does the Holy Spirit have to do with prayer? Chapter 8 looks at the nature of man and the role of faith in prayer. The questions that undergird this chapter are: What did man have in the creation? What did man lose in the Fall? and, What can man have again in the recreation? Chapter 9 summarizes Edwards's arguments and provides a brief exhortation to application. This dissertation contends that Edwards believed that an accurate theology of prayer requires a right understanding of God and man, of the Trinity and man's needs, of divine grace and human faith. Ultimately, Edwards's theology of prayer begins and ends with God. In all of his Trinitarian glory, God is the source and the summa of all grace. In saving fallen men through faith, he resumes communion with them that they might glorify and enjoy him forever, that they might seek him and savor him.
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A dynamic interpretation of the Prayer of St. Benedict provides a methodology for understanding and explicating Christian faith consistent with enduring elements in the theological tradition and meaningful to the contemporary milieu. Within the overarching structure of the Prayer as a meta-paradigm, are three subsidiary paradigms that describe characteristics of approaches to faith. The structure, content, and intention of the Prayer reveal these to be experiential, critical, and transcendental. Wisdom is asserted as integrating and orienting the discussion, which is a constructed on a Personalist foundation and is a postcritical reflection on faith. Faith is grounded in the affirmations and assumptions of faith, discerned in the enfolding appeals, and the supplications, a basis for an expository discourse on the dimensions of faith.
Systematic Theology & Theological Ethics
M. Th. (Systematic Theology)

A. B. Simpson
Charles Spurgeon
Andrew Murray
Oswald Chambers
George Muller
Hudson Taylor
John MacMillan
A. W. Tozer
Kenneth Hagin
Kenneth Copeland
Frederick K. C. Price
E. M. Bounds
Amy Carmichael
Phoebe Palmer
This thesis is a study of nineteenth and twentieth century faith theology and praxis, seeking to determine a balanced, healthy faith that is both sound in theology and effective in practice. Part 1 presents a history and sources of Faith Teaching and Practices. It first looks historicalty at the roots of later faith teaching and practice by presenting a sampling of teachings on faith from early church fathers, reformers, mystics, and Pietists. These form the foundation for the movements of faith in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries--the classic faith teaching, followed by the modern faith movement and leaders. Part 2 deals with the foundational issues of faith teaching and practice: the relationship of faith to the supernatural, the concept of the inheritance of the believer and the practice of claiming the promises of God, the nature of faith, and the authority of the believer and its inferences for faith praxis. Part 3 investigates seven major theological issues of faith teaching and practice: faith as a law and force, the object and source of faith, the relationship of faith and the will of God, distinguishing between a logos and a rhema word of God, the concepts of revelation and sense knowledge, the doctrine of healing in the atonement, the question of evidence of the baptism in lhe Holy Spirit. Part 4 examines major practical issues of faith teaching and practice about which controversy swirls: positive mental attitude and positive confession; issues of discernment in acting upon impressions, voices, revelations, and "words from the Lord;" questions of failh regarding sickness and healing, death, doctors and medicine; the relationships between sickness, suffering, healing, and sanctification; and prosperity. Part 5 reflects upon these issues and comes to final conclusions regarding: the role of hermeneutics in determining failh theology and praxis, how to handle unanswered prayers and apparent failures of faith, the seeming paradox and tension between claiming one's inheritance and dying to self, a summary of practical conclusions for exercise of healthy faith, and final conclusions and recommendations on developing a sound theology and practice of faith for the twenty-fist century.
Practical Theology
D.Th. (Practical Theology)

The thesis will present in the first part the biography and catechetical bibliography of the German catechetics Klemens Tilmann (1904-1984). In the second part I present detail of the Czech edition Tilmann's publications. I will focus mainly on topics presented on the content of his interpretations, experiences and recommendations. In the third part of this work will be done the comparison Tilmann's approaches with the actual church documents about catechesis and at the conclusion will be featured in works whose message is still relevant.

This thesis is a study of nineteenth and twentieth century faith theology and praxis, seeking to determine a balanced, healthy faith that is both sound in theology and effective in practice, Part 1 presents a history and sources of Faith Teaching and Practices. It first looks historically at the roots of later faith teaching and practice by presenting a sampling of teachings on faith from early church fathers, reformers, mystics, and Pietists. These form the foundation for the movements of faith in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries-the classic faith teaching, followed by the modern faith movement and leaders. Part 2 deals with the foundational issues of faith teaching and practice: the relationship of faith to the supernatural, the concept of the inheritance of the believer and the practice of claiming the promises of God, the nature of faith, and the authority of the believer and its inferences for faith praxis. Part 3 investigates seven major theological issues of faith teaching and practice: faith as a law and force, the object and source of faith, the relationship of faith and the will of God, distinguishing between a logos and a rhema word of God, the concepts of revelation and sense knowledge, the doctrine of healing in the atonement, the question of evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Part 4 examines major practical issues of faith teaching and practice about which controversy swirls: positive mental attitude and positive confession; issues of discernment in acting upon impressions, voices, revelations, and "words from the Lord;" questions of faith regarding sickness and healing, death, doctors and medicine; the relationships between sickness, suffering, healing, and sanctification; and prosperity. Part 5 reflects upon these issues and comes to final conclusions regarding: the role of hermeneutics in determining faith theology and praxis, how to handle unanswered prayers and apparent failures of faith, the seeming paradox and tension between claiming one's inheritance and dying to self, a summary of practical conclusions for exercise of healthy faith, and final conclusions and recommendations on developing a sound theology and practice of faith for the twenty-first century.
Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology
D.Th. (Practical Theology)

This dissertation examines the spiritual growth of individuals: what growth is; why growth is necessary; and how it can be nurtured. An individual's spiritual growth needs to happen in relationship with others, so that Christ's commandments to love God and neighbour are fulfilled. Thus the dynamics, goals and effects of community life are examined. Spiritual growth and community raises implications for the Christian Church. These are examined, in particular the need for transformed leadership and models of ministry, transforming communities that will enable the church to fulfil its mission to the world.
Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
M.Th. (Christian Spirituality)

The topic of this study is: The logic of faith: prayer as the link between rationality and experience in a study of Karl Rahner and John Calvin. The term ‘logic of faith’ refers to the correct way of reasoning about faith. Why do a study about the theology of Rahner? Firstly because Rahner is known as the theologian who emphasises a unity between theology and spirituality. In exploring Rahner’s theology, the question that does arise is: is Rahner a philosopher or a theologian? Rahner endeavours to question the logic of theology. In his philosophical, theological and spiritual works one discovers the ‘heart’ of modern man. Rahner connects the logic of faith with the everyday experience of man. This experience is his point of departure in presenting the case for Christianity. In relation to this, Rahner sees prayer as a common human experience and the key in discovering the unity between rationality and experience. Prayer implies experiencing God in ordinary everyday life. Through prayer the lost unity between God and man is restored. Although Rahner’s definition of experience may be vague and therefore subject to criticism, he gives a positive interpretation of the concept of experience in the sense of acceptance of the ‘self’. To him, the logic of faith is closely related to the acceptance of the ‘self’. Rahner’s view give rise to the following question: Does the truth of a theological statement present itself in experience or in faith only? This question is also put to the reformed tradition of which Calvin is a representative. Both Rahner and Calvin stress the unity between theology and spirituality. Knowing God and understanding man are inseparable concepts. Yet we a find an emphasis in Calvin’s theology, that we do not see in Rahner’s theology. Calvin accepts, unconditionally, the revelation of God in Jesus Christ as the source of faith. True understanding of human nature is dependant on God’s revelation in Scripture. To Calvin, the logic of faith goes against common human experience and rationality. We ask the question about the logic of faith; prayer directs us to the source of the answer: the Word of God. This is the truth that the reformers rediscovered. The logic of faith implies a living relationship with Jesus Christ through His Word and Spirit and prayer is the main exercise of this relationship. In this sense prayer is the Urakt of Christian ethics, the first step in becoming a disciple. This we see in Calvin’s exegesis of the Lord’s Prayer. The logic of faith and therefore faith itself become mysticism without God’s revelation through Scripture. This study concludes that prayer is a neglected theme in the reformed tradition. Rahner and Calvin give us a new appreciation for the logic of faith and prayer as an integral part thereof.
Thesis (DD (Dogmatics and Christian Ethics))--University of Pretoria, 2007.
Dogmatics and Christian Ethics
unrestricted

This dissertation focuses on the return and revitalization of traditional Christian themes in contemporary postmodern novels. It offers an examination of how these themes materialize in novels written by writers who are not explicitly religious, or in novels which do not have an overtly religious focus. Some contemporary novels generate a privileged space in which the return of the religious can take place. The sacred is back, not just as a re-enchantment, but manifests itself in fundamentally new and productive ways (Ward, 2001:xv). The first matter under consideration is the fact that the co-existence of belief and unbelief is apparent in all the novels under discussion. As such, the reader as active participant in the novel is bound to be affected by these mutually inter-dependent and inextricably inter-connected sides of a coin. The themes of providence, sacrifice and the miraculous become evident in John Irving‟s A prayer for Owen Meany while the themes of sin, guilt and redemption feature in Ian McEwan‟s Atonement. Secondly, the study compares two novels that deal with the same supernatural phenomena, namely visions, faith healing and stigmata. Jodi Picoult is a non-believer and is the author of Keeping Faith, while Ron Hansen is a devout Catholic who wrote Mariëtte in ecstasy. These works, on the one hand, create a space for supernatural phenomena even though fiction cannot prove the reality of their existence. Postmodern people seem to have a definite longing for the miraculous and these novels seem to satisfy that yearning. On the other hand, both novels portray disbelief in the miraculous while subtly allowing room for characters or readers in a liminal space between belief and disbelief. The theories of Jean François Lyotard and specifically his notion of “incredulity towards metanarratives” provide a framework to explore this matter. Lyotard proposes “petit recits” or many small stories instead of the grand narratives. He contends that there is no objective knowledge and that narrative and scientific knowledge are subject to legitimization. The Christian story therefore needs no scientific basis as justification, which means that it is being newly considered after the mistrust created during the Enlightenment period. Gianteresio Vattimo‟s ideas on the role of religion in contemporary life and the possible convergences of postmodernity and the Christian faith also come into play. He advocates weak thought as opposed to strong thought and sees caritas (charity or neighbourly love) as essential. This concept of weak thought allows for plurality and tolerance. Vattimo sees Christ‟s kenosis (self-emptying) as essentially linked to a secularization in which humankind needs to retrace the path to the original Biblical message of love. Emphasis is on a non-doctrinal, anti-dogmatic spirituality and this manifests in the novels discussed. This study employs diverse reader-response theories to gauge the reaction of the reader to texts containing Biblical themes and supernatural phenomena. Stanley Fish‟s interpretive communities and Wolfgang Iser‟s implied reader are helpful and Michael Edwards‟s pattern of sin, the fall and redemption is of particular interest to this dissertation. Edwards believes that most novels, whether written by religious or non-religious writers, follow this pattern. Readers find themselves either on the side of the believing or unbelieving camp in the novels discussed. However, many readers may hover in the liminal space between belief and unbelief. Interpretation depends on many factors that constitute the world view of the reader, hence the plurality of interpretations.
MA (English), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

INTRINSIC RELIGIOSITY PRACTICE Psychological aspects of intrinsic religiosity of Catholic women - mothers of small children. Key words: Intrinsic religiosity, Prayer, Spirituality of an Everyday Life, Motherhood, Catholic Faith, Identity, Narrative Analysis Secularisation of the current post-modern Europe represents a collapse of Christianity in the sense of an integrating power of the society; however, it does not mean extinction of Christianity as such. The largest European church has been responding to the changes in the post-modern society by moving the emphasis from Catholicism (institutionally - as a doctrine attitude of the church) to Catholicity (openness and universal attitude of the church). Despite this inner movement, the Roman Catholic Church is losing numbers of their members and frequently it does not satisfactorily address, among the competition in the 'religious market', agnostics or even the 'searching' ones. From another point of view, however, it is obvious that for many people it still remains a 'home' in which they develop their faith as an individual expression of existential needs. The symbolic universe of the traditional Catholic religion provides these people with factual as well as symbolic tools to develop spirituality. Significant changes in religiousness and...

The letter to the Colossians was written because of a false or heretic doctrine that threatened the absolute reign of Christ and the fullness of his redemptive action; it claimed the necessity of the inclusion of other redemptive practices such as asceticism and participation in ceremonial rites; robbing the believer of his/her freedom in Christ by lessening the fullness of his victory (Col 2:23). In stark contrast to this, Paul accentuates the absolute uniqueness of Christ (Col 1:12-20); assuring the congregation of the fact that they have died with Christ (Col 2:20), and have been resurrected with Him (Col 3:1). With these indicatives, he calls on the believers in Colossi to live new lives of triumph (Col 2:20-4:6). Excepting the introductory paragraph (Col 1:1-12) and the conclusion (Col 4:7-18), the letter is divided into three parts – Colossians 1:13 to 2:5; 2:6-23; and 3:1 to 4:2. The letter can also be divided into a movement in two parts; an indicative or fundamental part, and an imperative or exhortative part. But this division should not become too much of a focus as Paul's Christological declarations are also found in the exhortative part of the letter (Col 3:1-4:6), and ethical imperatives can be identified in the indicative/instructive part of the letter. In the introductory paragraph, the author expresses thanks to God for the faith of the Colossians; and prays that they may do the will of God, whilst growing in faith and the strength to persevere. The author also calls on the congregation to join him in his expression of thanksgiving, as it is God who has enabled them to become heirs of the light and life of his Kingdom. Accordingly, the first part of the letter tells the tale of their coming to faith – through Christ they were ripped from the darkness and placed under His reign. In the Christological confession that follows the precedence of the Son is described – He is the one who has restored peace and has brought about reconciliation between God and man. It is through Christ that the mysteries of God have been revealed; therefore true knowledge of life is to be found only in Christ. This serves as an exhortation for believers to stand firm in their faith, and in this way avoid being misguided by false doctrines. In the second part, believers are requested to live in close connection with Christ, as they died and were resurrected with Him. This identity in Christ should be the decisive factor in their lives, causing them to live a new life with Christ. In the third part, practical examples are given for when living connected to Christ; summed up with the exhortation to say and to do everything in the name of Jesus Christ. Thus, a logical progression can be identified in the letter; beginning with the reality of the Colossians faith and identity in Christ; and leading into a life lived in accordance with this connection to Christ; accentuating the interconnectedness of Christology and ethics.
Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
New Testament Studies
unrestricted

The purpose of this dissertation is to inquire into the application of the Speech act theory in the field of theology. First, philosophical part introduces distinctive topics of language-philosophy found in Wittgenstein, Austin and Searle. The main focus of this summary lies on Searle`s categorization of speech acts. If we approach Searle`s categorization from the perspective of Wittgenstein`s philosophy, we could understand his categorization in functional and not ontological terms and therefore we find a certain liberty to modify Searle`s categorization with regard to analysed phenomenon. In the beginning of the theological part we analyse the limits of the application of the speech act theory in the case of the confession of faith. Consequently we construct categorization of the speech acts of faith discourse based on its communicative and transformative dimensions. Afterwards we focus on one of the main types of faith discourse, namely the petitionary prayer. During analysis of the petitionary prayer in the Old and New Testament we gradually introduce considerable insights of theologians who applied Austin`s and Searle`s concepts in their work. These are followed up by our own observations. Second section of the theological part of the dissertation is concerned with the application of speech act theory in exegesis of particular texts, namely those passages in Mark`s gospel which speak about Jesus as the Son of God. Speech act theory evidently could not serve to settle exegetical disagreements by always locating the precise illocutionary point of every speech act, however it proves itself as a good tool for conceptual orientation and its application brings valuable insights.

The human trait of entitlement, although currently very topical, has only recently come under serious scrutiny by behavioural psychologists (Campbell, Bonacci, Shelton, Exline & Bushman 2004:30). This study examines the modifying effects of these psychological elements on the spiritual aspects of disease and healing. Other modifiers are the personal spiritual beliefs or dogmas of the clergy within the paradigm of a particular denomination, and the beliefs and expectations of the adherents. Two Christian denominations were chosen for the study: The Methodist Church of Southern Africa, in particular the home church of the writer, The Bedfordview Methodist Church, and Afmin, an organisation that trains and equips students, mainly African, for Christian ministry. Structured face to face interviews were conducted with pastors and church leaders, interviews with medical professionals were conducted and a wide ranging review of relevant literature undertaken. It was found that while the trait of entitlement was a constant in human nature, there were modifying factors. These included the personal beliefs of pastors and youth leaders, often founded on personal experience instead of denominational dogma. The influence of Pentecostal / Charismatic teaching was very evident. It was also found that the church, in a drive to become increasingly relevant to current norms and social trends, tended to have a rather confused understanding of biblical healing and the role of God in disease and suffering. While the inevitability of death, suffering and disease cannot be denied, the role of the church is complex and controversial. Unrealistic expectations, based on teaching that encourages a sense of entitlement can lead to great challenges regarding faith in both the clergy and adherents.
Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology
D. Th. (Christian Spirituality)

This thesis is focused on upbringing the Christian children in the preschool age to prayer. We will recall the essence of the Christian faith and the way faith of a child awakens and develops, along with the progression of its ideas about God. With the help of the psychology of religion we will try to discuss the mental development of a child according to P. Říčan, M. Vágnerová, followed by E. H. Erikson's theory and we will consider "the stages of faith" of a child by J. W. Fowler. Then we will focus on the child's images and experiences with God in the context of prayer, as it is presented by some authors, such as K. Tilmann, S. Cavalletto and Ch. Ponsard. In the next part we will deal with upbringing a child to prayer. There we will mention the key concepts, which are prayer, the Christian faith, as a well as parish, family and catholic kindergarten as the preferred places of education of children to the prayer. In the final part, we will try to outline practical recommendations for upbringing children to the prayer. Keywords prayer, catechesis, faith, child education, family, parish, personality development Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)