The Formula of Concord in Light of the Overwhelming Arminianism of American Christianity 1
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An Examination of Personal Salvation in the Theology of North American Evangelicalism: on the Road to a Theology of Social Justice
Wilfrid Laurier University Scholars Commons @ Laurier Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive) 1980 An Examination of Personal Salvation in the Theology of North American Evangelicalism: On the Road to a Theology of Social Justice Robert F.J. Gmeindl Wilfrid Laurier University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd Part of the Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Gmeindl, Robert F.J., "An Examination of Personal Salvation in the Theology of North American Evangelicalism: On the Road to a Theology of Social Justice" (1980). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 1421. https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/1421 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Commons @ Laurier. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive) by an authorized administrator of Scholars Commons @ Laurier. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT AN EXAMINATION OF PERSONAL SALVATION IN THE THEOLOGY OF NORTH AMERICAN EVANGELICALISM: ON THE ROAD TO A THEOLOGY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE by Robert F.J. Gmeindl The question under consideration is the effect of the belief in personal salvation on the theology of North American Evangelicalism, for the purpose of developing a theology of social justice. This study is a preliminary investigation of the history of Evangelical individualism and the potential influence that individualism might have on Evangelical theology. Certain trends toward isolation and separation, as well as a tendency to neglect what I have called systemic evil, are examined to see how they may result from the Evangelical stress on individualism. -
Biblical Trinity Doctrine and Christology Translation of L
Ludwig Neidhart: Biblical Trinity Doctrine and Christology translation of L. Neidhart, Biblische Trinitätslehre und Christologie, published on http://catholic-church.org/ao/ps/Trinitaet.html, 2017, translated by the author, published online on http://catholic-church.org/ao/ps/downloads/TrinityChristology.pdf, 2017, © Dr. Ludwig Neidhart, Hannover 1990 (original German Version), © Dr. Ludwig Neidhart, Augsburg 2017 (extended German Version and English translation, both issued on September 15, 2017) Contents: 1. Unity in Essence and Personal Distinction between Father and Son.......................................................3 2. The Unity in Essence between the Father and the Son: Ten Biblical Arguments...................................8 3. The Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost...................................................................................................................18 4. The Triune God...........................................................................................................................................21 5. Trinity and Incarnation..............................................................................................................................29 6. Development of the Doctrine of Trinity and Incarnation.......................................................................31 7. Summary and Graphic Presentation of the Concepts of Trinity and Incarnation...............................48 8. Discussion: Is the Son subordinated to the Father?................................................................................50 -
Truth and Toleration in Early Modern Thought
King’s Research Portal Link to publication record in King's Research Portal Citation for published version (APA): Antognazza, M. R. (2019). Truth and Toleration in Early Modern Thought. In I. Hunter, & R. Whatmore (Eds.), Philosophy, Rights and Natural Law Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Citing this paper Please note that where the full-text provided on King's Research Portal is the Author Accepted Manuscript or Post-Print version this may differ from the final Published version. If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version for pagination, volume/issue, and date of publication details. And where the final published version is provided on the Research Portal, if citing you are again advised to check the publisher's website for any subsequent corrections. General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the Research Portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognize and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. •Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the Research Portal for the purpose of private study or research. •You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain •You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the Research Portal Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact [email protected] providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. -
95 Baptism and Incorporation Into the Body of Christ, the Church: A
Baptism and Incorporation into the Body of Christ, the Church: A Lutheran Reflection TIMOTHY J. WENGERT* In 2010, at the Lutheran World Federation’s (LWF) Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany, the churches of the LWF asked the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) for forgiveness over the way in which their Lutheran ancestors had treated the Mennonites’ Anabaptist forebears. This “one, small step” bore fruit almost immediately with the establishment of a trilateral dialogue with Mennonites and Roman Catholics, who had earlier concluded similar talks between the MWC and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) over responsibility for persecution. Though not quite the same as landing on the moon, the results of those trilateral meetings mark an important step forward in Christian rapprochement and indicate where important theological work still needs to be done. As a member of the original LWF/MWC conversations and the follow-up committee for the LWF, I am pleased to offer some reflections on this new report. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS In a rather unassuming sentence in the preface of the report, we read: “It should be noted that a trilateral dialogue is rare.” Readers should highlight this sentence precisely because it represents a pioneering way forward in ecumenical conversations. Multilateral conversations often are stymied over the sheer breadth of theological and practical differences; bilateral dialogues may help individual churches but are not guaranteed to have broader significance. To be sure, there are exceptions, such as the multilateral production of Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry from the international Commission on Faith and Order or the much wider impact of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification initially made between Lutherans and Roman Catholics. -
Total Depravity
TULIP: A FREE GRACE PERSPECTIVE PART 1: TOTAL DEPRAVITY ANTHONY B. BADGER Associate Professor of Bible and Theology Grace Evangelical School of Theology Lancaster, Pennsylvania I. INTRODUCTION The evolution of doctrine due to continued hybridization has pro- duced a myriad of theological persuasions. The only way to purify our- selves from the possible defects of such “theological genetics” is, first, to recognize that we have them and then, as much as possible, to set them aside and disassociate ourselves from the systems which have come to dominate our thinking. In other words, we should simply strive for truth and an objective understanding of biblical teaching. This series of articles is intended to do just that. We will carefully consider the truth claims of both Calvinists and Arminians and arrive at some conclusions that may not suit either.1 Our purpose here is not to defend a system, but to understand the truth. The conflicting “isms” in this study (Calvinism and Arminianism) are often considered “sacred cows” and, as a result, seem to be solidified and in need of defense. They have become impediments in the search for truth and “barriers to learn- ing.” Perhaps the emphatic dogmatism and defense of the paradoxical views of Calvinism and Arminianism have impeded the theological search for truth much more than we realize. Bauman reflects, I doubt that theology, as God sees it, entails unresolvable paradox. That is another way of saying that any theology that sees it [paradox] or includes it is mistaken. If God does not see theological endeavor as innately or irremediably paradoxical, 1 For this reason the author declines to be called a Calvinist, a moderate Calvinist, an Arminian, an Augustinian, a Thomist, a Pelagian, or a Semi- Pelagian. -
APPETIZER – Loving God with Our Minds DINE in – Because Jesus
THREE DANGERS… 1. You may widen your hypocrisy gap. Galatians 5:6; James 1:22-25 2. You may get bogged down in the paralysis of analysis. John 5:39-40 WEEK 1: PROLEGOMENA & GOSPELOLOGY: Loving God with all our Minds 3. You may fall in love with a system instead of your Saviour. WEEK 2: CHRISTOLOGY & BIBLIOLOGY – The Word of God, in Print and in Person WEEK 3: THEOLOGY PROPER/PATEROLOGY – The Person and Work of God John 3:8; 1 Corinthians 4:20 WEEK 4: ANTHROPOLOGY & HARMARTIOLOGY – Humanity and Sin WEEK 5: SOTERIOLOGY – Salvation Achieved and Received WEEK 6: ZOEOLOGY – The Christian Life (with Special Guest) THREE TIPS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE… WEEK 7: PNEUMATOLOGY – The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit WEEK 8: ECCLESIOLOGY – The Identity and Practice of the Church 1. Look for the ONE THING that connects with you. WEEK 9: MISSIOLOGY – The Mission of the Church 2. Imagine how you will LIVE what you learn. WEEK 10: ESCHATOLOGY – Last Things 3. Do your homework – review, discuss, apply. APPETIZER – Loving God With Our Minds Mark 12:28-34; Romans 12:2 “THEOLOGY” = Theos (God) + Logos (Word) DINE IN – Because Jesus Is Lord THEOLOGY = Faith Seeking Understanding (Augustine & Anselm) Romans 10:9; 2 Corinthians 4:5 vs APOLOGETICS = Offering evidence for the faith we have Because Jesus is Lord (CHRISTOLOGY/GOSPELOLOGY)… THEOLOGY IS A LOT LIKE DOING A PUZZLE… • God is Love (THEOLOGY PROPER/PATEROLOGY) • SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY = the picture of the puzzle • The Bible is Precious (BIBLIOLOGY) • BIBLICAL THEOLOGY = the pieces of the puzzle • We Are Priceless -
Calvinism Vs Wesleyan Arminianism
The Comparison of Calvinism and Wesleyan Arminianism by Carl L. Possehl Membership Class Resource B.S., Upper Iowa University, 1968 M.C.M., Olivet Nazarene University, 1991 Pastor, Plantation Wesleyan Church 10/95 Edition When we start to investigate the difference between Calvinism and Wesleyan Arminianism, the question must be asked: "For Whom Did Christ Die?" Many Christians answer the question with these Scriptures: (Failing, 1978, pp.1-3) JOH 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV) We believe that "whoever" means "any person, and ...that any person can believe, by the assisting Spirit of God." (Failing, 1978, pp.1-3) 1Timothy 2:3-4 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, (4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (NIV) 2PE 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV) REV 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (NIV) (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. -
Foundations of Discipleship
FOUNDATIONS FOR DISCIPLESHIP Systematic Theology Course Dr. William E. Bell INTRODUCTION This comprehensive course on the Doctrines of the Scriptures represents a complete study necessary for building a secure Biblical foundation into your life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The Foundations For Discipleship Course consists of nine volumes, each of which is subdivided into twelve 45-minute audio units. Each unit is accompanied and supplemented by a downloadable study guide. Listen carefully to each audio message, and follow along in the printed material. Make notes on your printed study guide as needed, to help you grasp and retain the material. This will become your own personal notebook and can be used in training others. When needed, replay sections that you did not grasp the first time. It may be that the information is entirely new to you and needs to be run past you again, or perhaps you find that your mind wandered a bit. The great advantage of digital material over a live lecture is this flexibility of time, place and replay capabilities. The normal pace is one unit per week with the entire course taking two years to complete. The pace may be accelerated cautiously if you desire, but should be kept modest enough so not to hinder comprehension. Ideally, the course would be done in a small-group setting where each participant works through a specific unit on a given weekend. The Bible study group would then meet during the week to listen to that weeks audio unit again together accompanied by a time of sharing notes, discussion and prayer together. -
Jesus and Salvation: an Essay in Interpretation
Theological Studies 55 (1994) JESUS AND SALVATION: AN ESSAY IN INTERPRETATION ROGER HAIGHT, S.J. Weston School of Theology HE CONCEPT of salvation is central to Christianity. From a historical T perspective, the experience of Jesus as savior is the basis from which the Christian movement sprang. This religion arose and contin ues to exist because people experience Jesus as a bringer of God's salvation. Christology in its narrow sense of defining the status of Jesus before God and human beings depends upon soteriology. Yet despite this centrality and importance, the Church has never formu lated a conciliar definition of salvation nor provided a universally ac cepted conception. This is not necessarily something negative, but it still leaves us with a pluralism in the domain of the theology of sal vation, the meaning of which remains open and fluid. Salvation is also elusive: like time, every Christian knows its meaning until asked to explain it. Because of its centrality, the problems that surround the concept of salvation are rendered more grave. Many of the traditional expres sions of how Jesus saves are expressed in myths that no longer com municate to educated Christians; some are even offensive. Some of the traditional theological "explanations" of salvation through Christ do no better. Often treatments of salvation are largely devoted to rehears ing traditional theories or presenting models or types which seem to inject some order into the disarray.1 But one cannot assume that these 1 Perhaps the most famous study of the typologies is Gustav Aulen's Christus Victor: An Historical Study of the Three Types of the Idea of Atonement, trans. -
In Defense of the Development of Augustine's Doctrine of Grace By
In Defense of the Development of Augustine’s Doctrine of Grace by Laban Omondi Agisa Submitted to the faculty of the School of Theology of the University of the South in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Sacred Theology January 2020 Sewanee, Tennessee Approved ____________________________ _______________ Adviser Date ____________________________ _______________ Second Adviser Date 2 DECLARATION I declare that this is my original work and has not been presented in any other institution for consideration of any certification. This work has been complemented by sources duly acknowledged and cited using Chicago Manual Style. Signature Date 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT My study of theology was initiated in 2009 by the then Provost of St. Stephens Cathedral, Nairobi, the late Ven. Canon John Ndung’u who was a great encouragement to me. This was further made possible through my bishop the Rt. Rev. Joel Waweru and the Rev. Geoffrey Okapisi who were sources of inspiration. My studies at Carlile College (Church Army Africa) and St. Paul’s University laid a strong theological foundation and I appreciate among others the influence of the Rev. Dr. John Kiboi who introduced me to Philosophy, Systematic Theology, Ethics, and African Christian Theology that eventually became the foundation for my studies at the University of the South. I also appreciate the encouragement of my lecturers Mrs. Tabitha Waweru and Dr. Scholarstica Githinji during my Study of Education at Kenya Technical Trainers College and at Daystar University respectively. My interest in this topic came as a result of many sittings with two professors at the University of the South, Dr. -
The Nature of Atonement in the Theology of Jacobus Arminius
JETS 53/4 (December 2010) 773–85 THE NATURE OF ATONEMENT IN THE THEOLOGY OF JACOBUS ARMINIUS j. matthew pinson* Jacobus Arminius is one of the best known and least studied theologians in the history of Christianity. His writings have been neglected by Calvinists and Arminians alike. Calvinists have disliked him because of his opposition to scholastic predestinarian theology. Most Arminians have neglected him because what little they have read of him reminds them more of Calvinism than they like. Arminius scholar Carl Bangs is correct when he says that most modern treatments of Arminius assume a definition of Arminianism that does not come from Arminius. Bangs states that most interpreters of Arminianism begin with a preconception of what Arminius should be expected to say, then look in his published works, and do not find exactly what they are looking for. They show impatience and disappointment with his Calvinism, and shift the inquiry into some later period when Arminianism turns out to be what they are looking for—a non-Calvinistic, synergistic, and perhaps semi-Pelagian system.1 This is the approach many scholars have taken toward Arminius regard- ing his doctrine of atonement. For example, the Calvinist scholar Robert L. Reymond has said that the Arminian theory of atonement is the governmental theory, which “denies that Christ’s death was intended to pay the penalty for sin.” He claims that the governmental theory’s “germinal teachings are in Arminius.”2 Similarly, well-known Wesleyan-Arminian scholar James K. Grider states: “A spillover from Calvinism into Arminianism has occurred in recent decades. -
Aspects of Arminian Soteriology in Methodist-Lutheran Ecumenical Dialogues in 20Th and 21St Century
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Helsingin yliopiston digitaalinen arkisto ASPECTS OF ARMINIAN SOTERIOLOGY IN METHODIST-LUTHERAN ECUMENICAL DIALOGUES IN 20TH AND 21ST CENTURY Mikko Satama Master’s Thesis University of Helsinki Faculty of Theology Department of Systematic Theology Ecumenical Studies 18th January 2009 HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO − HELSINGFORS UNIVERSITET Tiedekunta/Osasto − Fakultet/Sektion Laitos − Institution Teologinen tiedekunta Systemaattisen teologian laitos Tekijä − Författare Mikko Satama Työn nimi − Arbetets title Aspects of Arminian Soteriology in Methodist-Lutheran Ecumenical Dialogues in 20th and 21st Century Oppiaine − Läroämne Ekumeniikka Työn laji − Arbetets art Aika − Datum Sivumäärä − Sidoantal Pro Gradu -tutkielma 18.1.2009 94 Tiivistelmä − Referat The aim of this thesis is to analyse the key ecumenical dialogues between Methodists and Lutherans from the perspective of Arminian soteriology and Methodist theology in general. The primary research question is defined as: “To what extent do the dialogues under analysis relate to Arminian soteriology?” By seeking an answer to this question, new knowledge is sought on the current soteriological position of the Methodist-Lutheran dialogues, the contemporary Methodist theology and the commonalities between the Lutheran and Arminian understanding of soteriology. This way the soteriological picture of the Methodist-Lutheran discussions is clarified. The dialogues under analysis were selected on the basis of versatility. Firstly, the sole world organisation level dialogue was chosen: The Church – Community of Grace. Additionally, the document World Methodist Council and the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification is analysed as a supporting document. Secondly, a document concerning the discussions between two main-line churches in the United States of America was selected: Confessing Our Faith Together.