DOCSLIB.ORG

Winter 2006 Winter 2006 • Chancellor’S Message

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Winter 2006 Winter 2006 • Chancellor’S Message Winter 2006 Winter 2006 • www.rts.edu Chancellor’s Message Orlando area, it was a rare move among accredited seminaries. When RTS-Orlando held its first classes in 1989, our sovereign Lord was obviously blessing this effort to bring theological training to the students. The relevance of this model has been con- firmed with the establishment of the residential campus in Charlotte in the 1990s, followed by branch campuses in Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; Boca Raton, Fla., and, Lord willing, additional cities to come. This vision — making theologi- cal education available, accessible and On the Cover: The development of the Orlando and Charlotte campuses in the late 1980s and through the 1990s flexible — has also led to the develop- was overseen by Luder Whitlock (far left), RTS president at ment of the Virtual Campus (distance the time. Faculty members he helped recruit during that education), which will be covered in the period included Will Norton (upper right) and Douglas Kelly (right, below Norton). third issue in the RTS 40th anniversary RQ series. Today more than ever, potential Lyn Perez, Editor in Chief seminarians are finding it increas- Paul Schwarz, Managing Editor ingly difficult to uproot themselves and Bill Henderson Design, Graphic Design their families from their communities, Jolene Burgdorf and Sherry Lanier, churches and ministries to move across Editorial Assistants the country to attend seminary. The Stephanie Hartley, Production Assistant Dr. Robert C. Cannada Jr. establishment of the Orlando and Char- Reformed Quarterly promotes RTS through lotte campuses were the beginning of articles designed to edify its readers through rom the day RTS opened its a trend in which RTS has purposed to solid biblical instruction, and through reports doors in 1966, its leaders have establish a variety of means of prepar- that focus primarily on the national and global been guided by a passion for ing students according to their unique impact of RTS students, faculty and alumni. making biblically sound theo- circumstances. Our goal is that readers will become partners Flogical education available to as many A motto RTS adopted in the 1980s, with RTS through prayer, financial giving, future ministers in the body of Christ “Standing Firm but Not Standing Still,” educational experience and student referral, as God would enable. In the first of our reflects this mindset. In everything we as well as providing placement opportunities. three-issue RQ series on the history of do we stand firm on the inerrancy of RTS, part of our ongoing celebration of God’s Word and the Westminster Con- RTS’ 40th anniversary, we addressed fession of Faith. However, we will not The material in this magazine is copyrighted. how the founding of the seminary was stand still as we seek new ways to spread For reprint permission, please call (407) 366-9493 or a significant event in the life of the these truths broadly through educating e-mail [email protected]. church in the Southeast. The found- increasing numbers of future pastors All Scripture references are from the ers of RTS took considerable personal and other church leaders in their pres- English Standard Version except where noted. risks in taking steps of faith to build a ent setting. The apostle Paul spoke of Visit RQ online at www.rts.edu/quarterly. seminary campus nearly from scratch, becoming “all things to all people, so humanly speaking. This current issue that by all means I might save some” Reformed Theological Seminary focuses on how that vision grew from a (1 Corinthians 9:22). RTS’ approach to Atlanta • Boca Raton • Charlotte • Jackson • regionally recognized seminary into a seminary education seeks to capture Orlando • Virtual • Washington, D.C. national and international institution. some of the essence of that principle of 1-800-543-2703 • [email protected] • www.rts.edu Our former president, Luder Whit- service to the glory of God.. lock, left a successful legacy in expand- As we move into, Lord willing, anoth- INSIDE THIS ISSUE ing our programs and making theo- er 40 years of ministry, we look forward logical education more accessible to as to seeing what other creative ideas He EXPANDING BORDERS: THE GROWTH OF RTS 4 many people as possible. In the 1980s, will provide us as we distribute theolog- DO WE NEED AN when he and the RTS Board of Trustees ical education to those who are called to INFALLIBLE BIBLE? by Luder Whitlock 12 began planning the establishment of a ministry. This RQ celebrates the imple- TULLIAN TCHIVIDIJIAN: second full residential campus in the mentation of just some of those ideas. ◆ CONTINUING THE LEGACY 16 DAVID AND BARRETT JORDAN: 2 REFORMED THeologIcal SEMINARY 40TH ANNIVERSARY LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON 20 » Dr. Stephen W. Brown, professor of » Dr. Simon J. Kistemaker, professor of PUBLICATIONS preaching and practical theology, will preach at New Testament emeritus, will travel to Jakarta » Dr. Richard Belcher, professor of Old Willow Creek Church, Winter Springs, Fla., Dec. 3 and Malang, Indonesia, in Jan. 2007 to teach 1 Testament, authored a new book, The Messiah and and 10 and Feb. 4, 2007. He will preach at a pastor’s Corinthians. the Psalms (Christian Focus), which was released in forum in Miami on Feb. 16-17, 007, and at Kendall November/December. Presbyterian Church in Miami on Feb. 18, 2007. On » Dr. Derek Thomas, John E. Richards profes- March 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2007, he will preach at sor of systematic theology, traveled to Houston in » Dr. John D. Currid, Carl W. McMurray Perimeter Church in Duluth, Ga. Sept. to speak at the Ligonier Conference on the “The professor of Old Testament, has written two books Ransom Theory of the Atonement.” He also traveled released in November. They are Calvin and the Biblical » Dr. Charles E. Hill, professor of New to Toronto to speak at a conference for Sola Scriptura Languages (Christian Focus), and Commentary on Testament, spoke at the Christian Study Center Ministries on “Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature” Deuteronomy, part of the Evangelical Press Study in Gainesville, Fla., Oct. 23, 30, and Nov. 13, on and “The Role of the Holy Spirit in Interpretation.” Commentary series. He has been appointed associate “(Un)Natural Selection: How the Church Ended up editor of Old Testament backgrounds and archaeology with Four – and Only Four – Gospels.” » Dr. Bruce K. Waltke, professor of Old for the upcoming ESV Study Bible by Crossway Books. Testament, traveled to Medford, Ore., Nov. 3-5 to teach a seminar on the Psalms at Cornerstone Church. » Dr. W. Andrew Hoffecker, professor of He taught Nov. 26 at the Institute for Biblical Studies church history, wrote Building A Christian Worldview, in Washington, D.C. which was recently translated into Indonesian. HONORS » Dr. Simon J. Kistemaker, professor of » Dr. John M. Frame has been appointed New Testament emeritus, authored two new books: to the J. D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology ANNOUNCEMENTS The Miracles: Exploring the Mystery of Jesus’ Divine and Philosophy. He gave his inaugural lecture, Works (Baker Publishing Group), released in August; “Antithesis and the Doctrine of Scripture,” Nov. » Robert Bridges has been named executive and Memoirs: A Life of Service (TEC Publications), 29 at RTS-Orlando. director of the RTS Foundation. He has over 25 years released in September. The Complete New Testament of professional experience in gift and estate planning. Commentary has been translated into Portuguese, » Dr. Mark D. Futato, academic dean He may be contacted at [email protected]. published by Editora Cultura Crista and released in at RTS-Orlando, has been appointed to the August. Robert L. Maclellan Chair of Old Testament. His » Polly Stone has been named director of inaugural lecture, “Structure and Meaning: The institutional planning and assessment. She may be » Dr. Derek Thomas, John E. Richards professor Messages of Jonah,” will be at 10 a.m. on Feb. contacted at [email protected]. of systematic theology, had two articles published 7, 2007 in the Katherine B. Pamplin Chapel. on the Reformation 21 Web site: “Remembering » Introducing RTS on iTunes U Shostakovich” and “How Long, O Lord? Blues Psalms.” » Dr. Frank James III, president of RTS- The RTS Virtual Campus has worked with Apple Orlando, has been appointed by Florida Gov. Computer Company to develop a new platform for » Dr. Bruce K. Waltke, professor of Old Jeb Bush to a three-year term on the Florida delivering course materials to RTS students. This Testament, released his commentary on Micah Commission for Independent Education. platform, iTunes U, allows students 24/7 access to (Eerdmans) this fall. Theology of the Old Testament: A password-protected materials including audio lec- Canonical and Thematic Approach (Zondervan) will be » Dr. John W. P. Oliver has been tures, video role plays, syllabi and other items. Also, available in February 2007. appointed to the Robert Strong Chair of iTunes U allows friends of RTS free access to special Homiletics and Practical Theology. His inau- on-campus events including seminars, conferences, gural address, “Charge to the Student Body: chapel sessions and more. To experience RTS on TRAVEL Biblical Preaching” was given Aug. 29. iTunes U, visit itunes.rts.edu and click on “Click here to launch RTS on iTunes U.” To access RTS on iTunes RTS All-Korean Alumni Conference » Dr. Miles V. Van Pelt, assistant profes- U you will need to have iTunes already installed on In celebration of RTS’ 40th anniversary, Dr. Ric sor of Old Testament, was inducted into the your computer. The program may be downloaded by Cannada, chancellor, traveled to Pusan, Academic Hall of Honor at the C. P. Haggard visiting www.apple.com/itunes. South Korea, for the All-Korean Alumni Conference School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University on Oct.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tabalujan, Benny Simon (2020) Improving Church Governance: Lessons from Governance Failures in Different Church Polities
    Tabalujan, Benny Simon (2020) Improving church governance: Lessons from governance failures in different church polities. MTh(R) thesis. https://theses.gla.ac.uk/81403/ Copyright and moral rights for this work are retained by the author A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge This work cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the author The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given Enlighten: Theses https://theses.gla.ac.uk/ [email protected] Improving Church Governance Lessons from Governance Failures in Different Church Polities by Benny Simon TABALUJAN A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Theology (University of Glasgow) Edinburgh Theological Seminary 10 December 2019 © Benny Tabalujan, 2019 i Abstract This thesis focuses on the question as to whether using a particular church polity raises the likelihood of governance failure. Using the case study research method, I examine six case studies of church governance failures reported in the past two decades in the English media of mainly Western jurisdictions. The six case studies involve churches in the United States, Australia, Honduras, and Singapore. Three of the case studies involve sexual matters while another three involve financial matters. For each type of misconduct or alleged misconduct, one case study is chosen involving a church with congregational polity, presbyteral polity, and episcopal polity, respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Chinese Protestant Christianity Today Daniel H. Bays
    Chinese Protestant Christianity Today Daniel H. Bays ABSTRACT Protestant Christianity has been a prominent part of the general religious resurgence in China in the past two decades. In many ways it is the most striking example of that resurgence. Along with Roman Catholics, as of the 1950s Chinese Protestants carried the heavy historical liability of association with Western domi- nation or imperialism in China, yet they have not only overcome that inheritance but have achieved remarkable growth. Popular media and human rights organizations in the West, as well as various Christian groups, publish a wide variety of information and commentary on Chinese Protestants. This article first traces the gradual extension of interest in Chinese Protestants from Christian circles to the scholarly world during the last two decades, and then discusses salient characteristics of the Protestant movement today. These include its size and rate of growth, the role of Church–state relations, the continuing foreign legacy in some parts of the Church, the strong flavour of popular religion which suffuses Protestantism today, the discourse of Chinese intellectuals on Christianity, and Protestantism in the context of the rapid economic changes occurring in China, concluding with a perspective from world Christianity. Protestant Christianity has been a prominent part of the general religious resurgence in China in the past two decades. Today, on any given Sunday there are almost certainly more Protestants in church in China than in all of Europe.1 One recent thoughtful scholarly assessment characterizes Protestantism as “flourishing” though also “fractured” (organizationally) and “fragile” (due to limits on the social and cultural role of the Church).2 And popular media and human rights organizations in the West, as well as various Christian groups, publish a wide variety of information and commentary on Chinese Protestants.
    [Show full text]
  • Dietrich Bonhoeffer Confessing Christ in Nazi Germany Table of Contents
    Revisiting the Manhattan Declaration n The Minister’s Toolbox Spring 2011 Dietrich Bonhoeffer Confessing Christ in Nazi Germany Table of Contents FROM THE DEAN EDITORIAL TEAM A Tale of Two Declarations Dean Timothy George 2 HISTORY Director of External Relations Tal Prince (M.Div. ’01) A Spoke in the Wheel Confessing Christ in Nazi Germany Editor 4 Betsy Childs CULTURE Costly Grace and Christian Designer Witness Jesse Palmer 12 TheVeryIdea.com Revisiting the Manhattan Declaration Photography Sheri Herum Chase Kuhn MINISTRY Rebecca Long Caroline Summers The Minister’s Toolbox 16 Why Ministers Buy Books For details on the cover image, please see page 4. COMMUNITY Beeson was created using Adobe InDesign CS4, Adobe PhotoShop CS4, CorelDraw X4, Beeson Portrait Microsoft Word 2007, and Bitstream typefaces Paula Davis Modern 20 and AlineaSans.AlineaSerif. 20 ...at this critical moment in our life together, we Community News Revisiting the Manhattan Declaration find it important to stand together in a common struggle, to practice what I Beeson Alumni once called “an ecumenism of the trenches.” Beeson Divinity School Carolyn McKinstry Tells Her Story Samford University 800 Lakeshore Drive Dean Timothy George Birmingham, AL 35229 MINISTRY (205) 726-2991 www.beesondivinity.com Every Person a Pastor ©2011-2012 Beeson Divinity School 28 eeson is affiliated with the National Association of Evangelicals and is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States Band Canada. Samford University is an Equal Opportunity Institution that complies with applicable law prohibiting discrimination in its educational and employment ROW 1; A Tale of Two Declarations 2; A Spoke in the Wheel 4; policies and does not unlawfully discriminate on the Costly Grace and Christian Witness 12; ROW 2;The Minister’s Toolbox 16; basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national or ethnic origin.
    [Show full text]
  • One Way Love Cover Transmit.Indd 1 7/31/13 2:33 PM Bestselling Author Tullian Tchividjian Is Convinced “Tullian Captures the Wonder of Grace and Offers It to Us All
    BESTSELLING AUTHOR TULLIAN TCHIVIDJIAN IS CONVINCED “Tullian captures the wonder of grace and offers it to us all. OUR WORLD NEEDS A FRESH ENCOUNTER WITH GRACE I urge you to read this book!” Max Lucado, pastor and bestselling author “Tullian, my grandson, has a deep understanding of the Gospel, and his unique ability to communicate its timeless truths with compassion and insight have already had a profound impact. May God use this book to expand your understanding of what Jesus Christ has already done for you.” Billy Graham, evangelist and author of The Reason for My Hope “In the pressure-cooker world of professional sports that I live in, where it’s tempting to locate my value in how I perform, Tullian’s book comes as a relieving breath of fresh air.” Tony Romo, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys “My friend Tullian is a man on fire. He has one thing to say: Jesus came to set you free. This book will make you laugh and cry. But most importantly, it wonderfully points you to the only man and message that can lighten your load and bring you the rest you’ve been searching for your whole life.” Rick Warren, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Purpose Driven Life and pastor of Saddleback Church “I could not stop reading this book. I could not stop thinking about this book. I could not stop returning to this book. It’s like getting your life on a one-way street to everything you ever hoped for.” Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of One Thousand Gifts TULLIAN TCHIVIDJIAN is the senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a lecturer at Knox Theological Seminary; the founder of LIBERATE; and a grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham.
    [Show full text]
  • III: the Three Main Branches of Christianity Today
    Nick Strobel’s notes on “The Soul of Christianity” by Huston Smith III: The Three Main Branches of Christianity Today In this last chapter of The Soul of Christianity, Huston Smith looks at the three main branches of Christianity: Roman Catholicism (focused on the Vatican in Rome and dominant in Poland, central & southern Europe, Ireland, and South America), Eastern Orthodoxy (major influence in Greece, Slavic countries, and Russia), and Protestantism (dominant in northern Europe, England, Scotland, and North America). In the year 313 the Christian church became legally recognized under Constantine I. In the year 380, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. In 1054, the first great division occurred between the groups that would become the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East and the Roman Catholic Church in the West. Then in the 16th century the Protestant Reformation brought the next great division. Protestantism followed 4 strands: Baptist, Lutheran, Calvinists, and Anglican which themselves have subdivided many times. Now over 900 denominations! Roman Catholicism Smith looks at the Church as teaching authority and as sacramental agent. Authority The communion of God and man through the history of humanity reaches its apex in Mary, who incorporated in her self the history of her people through God’s grace. She freely assented to God’s plan by her assent to become the mother of God. Though God is the ultimate “authority”, part of God’s loving plan, part of God’s total generosity, is setting human freedom at the center of the work of redemption. Mary’s “yes” to God, her obedience to God, makes her the first and greatest disciple, with an authority transcending all other authority in the Church.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Evangelical Support For, and Opposition to Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election
    Portland State University PDXScholar Dissertations and Theses Dissertations and Theses 9-1-2020 Understanding Evangelical Support for, and Opposition to Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election Joseph Thomas Zichterman Portland State University Follow this and additional works at: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds Part of the Political Science Commons Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Zichterman, Joseph Thomas, "Understanding Evangelical Support for, and Opposition to Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election" (2020). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 5570. https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.7444 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of PDXScholar. Please contact us if we can make this document more accessible: [email protected]. Understanding Evangelical Support for, and Opposition to Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election by Joseph Thomas Zichterman A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Political Science Thesis Committee: Richard Clucas, Chair Jack Miller Kim Williams Portland State University 2020 Abstract This thesis addressed the conundrum that 81 percent of evangelicals supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, despite the fact that his character and comportment commonly did not exemplify the values and ideals that they professed. This was particularly perplexing to many outside (and within) evangelical circles, because as leaders of America’s “Moral Majority” for almost four decades, prior to Trump’s campaign, evangelicals had insisted that only candidates who set a high standard for personal integrity and civic decency, were qualified to serve as president.
    [Show full text]
  • CV—J. Kameron Carter, Indiana University
    1 CV—J. Kameron Carter, Indiana University J. Kameron Carter, PhD [email protected] [email protected] ACADEMIC BACKGROUND: 2001 Ph.D.: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; Religious Studies 1996–1997 Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology, Dallas, TX 1995 Th.M.: Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX 1990 B.S.: Temple University, Philadelphia., PA; Mathematics ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS: Aug. 2018 – Present Professor of Religious Studies Indiana University, Bloomington 2016 – 2018 Associate Professor Theology, English, Africana Studies Duke University, The Divinity School, the Graduate Faculty of Religion, and the English Department 2008 – 2016 Associate Professor Theology & Black Church Studies Duke University, The Divinity School & the Graduate Faculty of Religion 2001–2007 Assistant Professor Theology & Black Church Studies Duke University, The Divinity School & the Graduate Faculty of Religion FELLOWSHIPS/AWARDS: 2015 – 16 National Humanities Center Project: Dark Church: A Poetics of Black Assembly 2 CV—J. Kameron Carter, Indiana University 2015 – 16 Henry Luce III Fellowship Project: Dark Church: A Poetics of Black Assembly 2015 Franklin Humanities Institute, Book Manuscript Workshop Award Project: God’s Property: Blackness and the Problem of Sovereignty Summer 2012 Duke University Internal Candidate for NEH Summer Research Grant Project: “Interrogating Belief: Richard Wright and the Modern Religious Imagination” 2006–07 National Humanities Center, Fellow Project: “Du Bois, Religion, and the Black Intellectual Imagination” PUBLICATIONS: COMPLETED BOOKS: Race: A Theological Account (Oxford UP, 2008) BOOKS CONTRACTED OR IN-PROGRESS: The Religion of Whiteness: On U. S. Political Theology (under contract with Yale University Press; manuscript delivery March 2020) Black Rapture: A Poetics of the Sacred (two chapters out for review with Duke University Press for a book contract) EDITED PUBLICATIONS AND BOOK SERIES: “Charles H.
    [Show full text]
  • Billy Graham Last Letter
    Billy Graham Last Letter Flynn is antinomian and stabilized veloce as misapplied Wilfred cross-question skywards and inks waxily. Sallow Prescott still weights: wheeziest and monophthongal Dov muscle quite cylindrically but medaled her birthwort self-confidently. Is Ransell writhed or epinastic when Latinised some stunts wimbles unthriftily? Such national convention heaping praise the united states, billy graham he has given to be published on We are sorry but this video is not available in your country or region. Capitol rotunda in charlotte zip codes: billy graham last letter. Meeting him was instrumental in my dedication to sharing the Gospel some years later as I gave my life to CHRIST and began my work for HIM as a lay speaker for JESUS. Graham made his decision. Reverand graham asked for billy graham and giving his cronies on stage on the father would hold another scandal, his son got back to billy graham last letter. Graham attended by billy graham last letter was a song sheets, with them so much as yourself and what seemed tired, out of religious leader. Graham never saw himself a crusade held in conversational english and last in color postcard of god uses have a crusade, billy graham last letter. The younger Graham said he did his best to avoid Beltway politics. There was unmistakable: billy graham last letter to last judgment, but no one to a letter with the moment we ask trump, how to franklin graham drew back his unit. Facebook monday morning will widen divides in english, billy graham last letter. Billy graham was the last breath on earth to leverage the movement and perspective from billy graham last letter to become available upon these things that gay rights.
    [Show full text]
  • How Christian Leaders Interact with the Twitter by Zachary Horner — 59
    How Christian Leaders Interact with the Twitter by Zachary Horner — 59 How Christian Leaders Interact with the Twitter Zachary Horner* Print/Online Journalism Elon University Abstract This paper explores the relationship between Christian leaders and Twitter. Twitter’s founding resulted in an outburst in the use of the social media platform. Christian leaders quickly caught on, and today they use Twitter for a number of different purposes, seeking first and foremost to challenge and inspire their follow- ers. Through the study of 30 different leaders’ tweets, as well as different blog posts, articles and interviews outlining different approaches to Twitter and other social media, the study concluded that pastors were most concerned with getting across the basic message of Christianity while adapting their methods to include the new medium of Twitter. I. Introduction Since its launch in 2006, Twitter has been a leader in the Internet socialization of the world, greatly fulfilling its mission: “To give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly, without barriers.” With 500 million Tweets sent per day by 241 million monthly active users, it has penetrated modern society to a degree once known only by MySpace and Facebook.1 Christian pastors, to a degree, are no different. And some of them get more interaction on Twitter than pop star Justin Bieber. In June 2012, Amy O’Leary published a story in The New York Times titled “Christian Leaders Are Powerhouses on Twitter,” writing about how influential pastors and Christian speakers such as Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen and Max Lucado were generating more reactions on Twitter than Bieber.
    [Show full text]
  • “Cult” in the US and the PRC: Witness Lee and the Local
    What is in a Name? A Comparison of Being Branded a Religious “Cult” in the U.S. and the PRC: Witness Lee and the Local Churches By Teresa Zimmerman-Liu Ph.D. candidate Department of Sociology University of California, San Diego and Teresa Wright Chair and Professor Department of Political Science California State University, Long Beach Prepared for delivery at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Western Political Science Association Seattle, WA, April 17-19, 2014 *Please do not cite or quote without the author’s permission 0 What is in a Name? A Comparison of Being Branded a Religious “Cult” in the U.S. and the PRC: Witness Lee and the Local Churches This paper focuses on the conflict surrounding a controversial religious group— known by its members as the “Local Churches,” but called by its critics the “Shouters”—that has been situated in and has moved between China and the United States. The paper examines how the categorization of the Local Churches has been shaped by the different social and political systems found in these two countries. It finds that in China, such categorization has occurred from the top- down, wherein the central government has played a key role in defining which religious groups are aberrant by placing them on a list of “evil religious cults.” In the United States, in contrast, religious group categorization has emanated from the bottom-up, as social groups and lobbyists have worked to shape public opinion, and to influence the way in which courts and legislative bodies regulate religions. In addition, this case study provides insight into the relationship between globalization and religious development, by delineating how a major world religion was contextualized to a local, foreign culture after the religion was introduced through globalization, and by examining the position of the indigenized form of the religion after it was translated back to a culture where the original form of the religion was dominant.
    [Show full text]
  • The State of Evangelicalism Denominations Growing? by Ed Stetzer President of Lifeway Research
    SIGNS of EVANGELICAL LIFE A Pessimist’s Optimism about the Movement’s Future 3 A CHURCH PLANTING GENERATION 6 National Association of Evangelicals Spring 2013 How are evangelical The State of Evangelicalism denominations growing? By Ed Stetzer President of LifeWay Research DOUG FAGERSTROM ecent concern has been raised about the decline of evangelicalism in the face of Senior Vice President of Converge Worldwide the rise of the Nones — those who report “none” or “none of the above” when Converge churches are boldly sharing the gospel asked their religion. The headlines have proclaimed that Christianity is dying, and inviting people to say “Yes” to Jesus. Scores of and some evangelical Christians are joining in the “sky is falling” chants. Yet, churches are experiencing evangelistic growth and baptisms at record numbers. This movement when it comes to evangelicalism, no serious researcher believes it is collapsing. has been fueled by both our new church starts and RFacts are our friends and we need a few here. existing church models that demonstrate serious But, there is decline — in self-identified gospel proclamation. Protestants, primarily in mainline churches. Many who once identified themselves as BILL HOSSLER nominal mainline Protestants now identify President of the Missionary Church as nothing. The nominals have become the Overseas ministry has always been important to the Missionary Church, but in the last 10 years nones. God has brought us in contact with strong national As such, we see that Christianity isn’t leaders in several countries who have a heart for dying — cultural Christianity is. Actually, making disciples. Through our discipleship networks worldwide, we have seen an incredible increase in I see vibrant churches across the country the individual conversions and church plants.
    [Show full text]
  • Racism in Southeast Texas Churches: a Plan for Reconciliation and Healing Among Its Church Community
    Liberty University School of Divinity Doctor of Ministry Thesis Project Racism In Southeast Texas Churches: A Plan For Reconciliation And Healing Among Its Church Community Submitted to The Faculty of the Rawlings School of Divinity in Candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Ministry BY William James Carter, The 1st Lynchburg, Virginia October 2019 Copyright © 2019 by William James Carter, I All Rights Reserved ii Thesis Project Approval Sheet ________________________ Dr. Micheal S. Pardue Instructional Mentor _________________________ Dr. Justin A. Smith Reader iii ABSTRACT A cursory look at many churches in the United States will show many local Churches are segregated by ethnicity and people groups. When this is done, it gives the appearance that the Church is broken because certain groups choose not to celebrate with others of different ethnicities. The problem is that there is a considerable reality to the appearance. With that, it is the intent of this project to examine the reasons for the divide. In order to determine the reasons, a survey will be provided, and classes taught examining the reasons for the divides. Additionally, this project will seek to understand some history of racism as it pertains to the church. This understanding will come from academic research to include the founding of denominations with obvious racial divides Some might suggest that local bodies should be representative of the communities in which they sit. Unfortunately, most are not. The ultimate goal of this project is to allow church leaders and lay-members the opportunity for honest introspection as to the reasoning for separation because of ethnicity.
    [Show full text]