VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The concept of divine persons in St. Gregory of Nyssa's works

Chapter One deals with the status quaestionis and the methodology, as well as the fact a notion of person did not exist in antiquity prior to the Cappadocian Fathers. Chapter Two considers some philosophical concepts which contributed to a pre-history of the concept of person: individuals and relations in Aristotle, individuals in Stoicism, the individual as a collection of properties in Platonism, and the Plotinian will of the One. I contend that Gregory probably used these concepts to shape his own concept of person. Besides philosophical sources, however, he used extensively the Bible and the writings of his Christian predecessors. In Chapters Three to Five I analyze the most relevant works in which Gregory deals with divine persons. Here is a summary of the concept of divine persons emerging from these writings. First, to refer to a person in general, Gregory uses Greek terms such as: hypostasis, prosōpon , perigraphousa (or perigraphē), merikē ousia, idikē ousia and even atomon. Second, to distinguish a divine person from the nature which that person owns in common with two other persons, he uses the analogy of the individual and the universal. Also, to distinguish between nature and persons, Gregory believes that, unlike nature, persons are enumerable entities. Third, to establish the identity of each divine person and why each is unique, Gregory adapts for Christian usage the Platonic view of an individual as a unique collection of properties. Fourth, to express the particularizing notes of each divine person, Gregory also speaks of causal relations: the Father is the cause, the Son is from the cause or directly from the first, and the Spirit is from the cause (i.e. from the Father) through that which is directly from the first (i.e. through the Son). Under the influence of Aristotle's category of relation, Gregory underscores that the three divine persons are relational entities. Fifth, relations in Gregory's theology mean more than mere ontological causality. They are manifested in the perfect communion existing among the three divine persons. This communion allows for both the distinction of each person and the perfect unity among them. It is communion that makes the three collections of properties persons. Last but not least Gregory conceives of God as a willing subject who always chooses the good and wishes to be what he is. The ontological view of the will of God betrays a Plotinian influence.
The marz§-ea¦.h in the prophetic literature, an examination of the references and possible allusions in light of the extra-biblical evidence

The word marzēah occurs in epigraphic and literary contexts from a variety of locations in the ancient Near East encompassing a period of three thousand years. These references indicate the marzēah played an important social, political and economic role in the ancient semitic world. It is surprising, therefore, that the word only occurs twice in the Bible, at Amos 6:7 and Jer 16:5. As a result, in recent years scholars have claimed a number of texts, mostly within the prophetic literature, allude to the marzēah without using the word itself. This is done on different grounds in each case, which begs the question whether there are fundamental elements of the marzēah that should be present before such texts can be considered allusions to the marzēah. This study addresses that methodological issue by examining all of the extra-biblical marzēah references in order to identify features consistently present throughout themarzēah 's history. There are three constitutive features of a marzēah : (1) drinking, (2) by members of the upper class, (3) in a religious context. With these as the necessary criteria for a marzēah , the two prophetic references to a marzēah are examined, as well as ten possible allusions. The end result is that the marzēah in the prophetic literature encompasses more than the word itself, although not as extensively as some have suggested. At the same time, the allusions in particular now have a more certain foundation that was previously the case.
The role of Scripture in the development of new church traditions, a case study of two Kenyan African independent churches

Scholars have long observed that vernacular translations of Scripture play an important role in the African Independent Church movement, with David Barrett's monumental Schism and Renewal providing one of the earliest discussions on the subject. Building on Barrett's work, this thesis examines the nature of this 'important' role of Scripture. Specifically, it is contended that Scripture plays a unique role in independency by providing schismatic groups with the authority by which to constitute a new church. The author develops this argument by comparing and contrasting Scripture's function across two types of Kenyan Independent churches: the Ethiopian African Brotherhood Church and the Zionist African Church of the Holy Spirit. Despite the marked differences between them, Scripture played a similar role in both churches by providing them with the authority for secession and for later ecclesial developments.
On the Christian nature of theology today, translation and annotation of Franz Overbeck, Ueber die Christlichkeit unserer heutigen Theologie

The purpose of this project is twofold: first, to present what may be the first full English translation of a much-quoted, controversial German work; and second, to bring together in one place enough background material to present a reasonably coherent picture of why Overbeck was saying what he was, when he was. There are many references in theological and historical works—certainly by English-speakers, but notably by Germans as well—to the tortuous turns of phrase employed by Overbeck. He himself alludes to his style and to the customary claim of his readers that he is incomprehensible. There is little doubt that Overbeck's difficult and long-winded expression has been largely responsible for his not being translated before now. In this translation I have tried to avoid crude paraphrasing, being aware of the argument held by readers and students of foreign languages that one should be as pure as possible in rendering the original, both in tone and in meaning, and the result has been choppy at times. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Right relationship, a proposed structure for understanding ethical questions arising from liver transplantation

The thesis deals with a general theory of ethics, virtue ethics, as applied to the health care delivery service. It then examines a specific area in health care, that of transplantation of organs, and focuses in on the specifics of liver transplantation. It investigates how questions of value and human meaning come into play in the particular ethical issue of just selection criteria in cases of scarce resources. As a method of evaluating this ethical issue, the thesis develops a theory of charity-based justice from a Roman Catholic perspective that is founded on respect for the dignity of each human person. The ethical models of social worth and utility, which are popular in bioethical discussion today, are unsatisfactory and why a theory of charity-based justice offers a superior model.
Attending to the other, feminist critiques of theological method in a postmodern era

Contemporary theology has arrived at a critical moment. Marginalized voices are being heeded more than ever before and are calling for a radical shift in theological method. The liberal, modern paradigm which has largely governed theological method in this century has tended to support the status quo at the expense of the marginalized. Characteristics of this paradigm which have been deemed problematic include the assumptions that impartial interpretations can be achieved through objective analysis, that accurate and complete representations of our own reality or that of others can be made, and that a universal essence or truth lies beneath all texts and theories. From the many alternative theological methods which address the inadequacy of this liberal, modern approach and attempt to include the full diversity of voices, I will consider four feminist approaches: Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza's critical modern, Mary McClintock Fulkerson's poststructural, Kwok Pui-lan's postcolonial and Kathryn Tanner's postliberal. My critical examination of each of these positions will uncover similarities and differences amongst them. I will then suggest aspects of each of their theological methods which might contribute to the development of a feminist theological method that more adequately addresses issues of diversity and marginalization within Protestant churches. In order to determine these elements, I will contrast their theological methods with the liberal, modern approach which The United Church of Canada has taken to address questions of unity amidst diversity and the inclusion of marginalized people. I will focus upon the theological methods used in particular sexuality documents of the United Church which deal with issues of gender and sexual orientation. My examination will consider the adequacy of the liberal, modern approach used in these documents, and explore the alternative possibilities presented by these four feminists. To conclude this thesis. I will suggest elements of a feminist theological method that seriously consider the use of scripture and Christian tradition while addressing issues of marginalization and diversity for Protestant churches in a postmodern era.
Creating God in our image, a case study of anthropomorphic language in Rabbinic literature

From the earliest known religions there has been a difficulty in describing God with human language and anthropomorphic representations have been in existence. For the Rabbis' midrashim the problem was less one of whether God has a body, but what kind of body it should be described as being, and what character and personality of God is portrayed. It became clear that there is a difference between anthropomorphic conceptions and anthropomorphic expressions—the use of the latter does not prove the belief in the former. Since very few words exist that refer exclusively to God (such as bara' for the act of creating), human images and characteristics were needed to describe the ‘incomparable’ God, and demonstrate his immanence. The model of the human king, especially through the common literary form of the King-mashal, became standard in rabbinic literature, effectively creating God in their own image.
Openness and fidelity, Thomas Merton's dialogue with D. T. Suzuki, and self-transcendence

This dissertation demonstrates that a Christian can remain faithful to his or her doctrinal heritage, even to a normative christology/soteriology, and yet genuinely open to and able to learn from non-Christians about the human quest for truth. This integration of openness and fidelity involves no self-contradiction and no compromise of doctrinal orthodoxy because both openness to the other and fidelity to the Apostolic Kerygma are fruits of one's fidelity to one's self at best. The integration of openness and fidelity is thus explained as the fruit of authentic subjectivity. In this regard, this work provides a resource for the present discussions concerning interreligious dialogue and theological models of world religions that assists Christians in resolving an apparent dialectical tension that obtains between Christian orthodoxy and openness to the wisdom of non-Christian religions.
The Meditations of René Descartes and the legitimation of the project of mechanism

Far from standing on their own as the pinnacle and essence of Descartes' thought, The Meditations must be seen more closely interconnected with the developments of his science and with the need to justify this science before the Church. The metaphysics as worked out in The Meditations can no longer be assumed to be logically prior to the physics. Rather, their content can plausibly be seen to arise out of a subsequent necessity which faced Descartes to justify his mechanist science by means of a metaphysics that would be acceptible to the Church. The thesis, therefore, will provide an account of Descartes' science and an account of why that science might not be welcome in the eyes of the Church. These will be the key interpretive tools used in understanding The Meditations rather than a history of medieval metaphysics. Descartes himself was worried that people were spending too much time analysing The Meditations and not enough time on the important matters of science. The present thesis will attempt to be true to Descartes' primary interest in its interpretation of The Meditations. It will do so by asking three questions: What was Descartes' science? Why did it need legitimation? and How do The Meditations serve this purpose? (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Resurrection and discipleship, implications in the christological thought of Jon Sobrino

This thesis examines Jon Sobrino's understanding of the resurrection of Jesus, and the implications this brings to our understanding of the mission of the church. It studies Sobrino's understanding that the resurrection of Jesus is a crucial moment in which God can be perceived as active effecting God's reign here on earth. The resurrection tells us something about Jesus' life-commitment for the poor, and it calls us to follow him in the manner in which he lived committed to the most vulnerable of our society. Because the one resurrected was the one who was crucified, the resurrection also discloses God in a new light. Moreover, the resurrection is also a prolepsis, an anticipation for the realization of God's intent of liberation for the poor and oppressed. The church, conceived as the community of the resurrected, announces and mediates this reality of the resurrection among the poor through a commitment for justice and equality. The birth and constant growth of a “church of the poor,” and the presence of faith in Latin America despite its context of suffering and poverty, permits us by way of analogy, to understand the resurrection of Jesus, and sets new parameters for the mission of the church.
Voluntary associations and community formation, Paul's Macedonian Christian communities in context

This dissertation attempts to determine how one can best understand the social matrix of the early Christian communities at Thessalonica and Philippi by examining both the internal rhetoric of 1 Thessalonians and Philippians and the external context of each city, both the Macedonian context and, more broadly, the Greco-Roman milieu. Each of these Christian communities is placed within the larger framework of group formation in antiquity. A number of models of community formation are described and evaluated as analogues for the Macedonian Christian communities: households, synagogues, philosophical schools, the ancient mysteries, and voluntary associations. Since the voluntary associations are judged to be the most appropriate for understanding the Macedonian Christian communities, a number objections raised against this model are addressed and a survey of the Macedonian voluntary associations is provided (the relevant inscriptions are collected in Appendix I). Finally, a comparative analysis of Paul's letters to the Macedonian Christians and the community practices and language of the voluntary associations is undertaken. Setting the language and structure of the Macedonian Christian communities beside that of the associations brings about a number of new understandings and nuances to the letters written to these communities. We are able to see that both of the Macedonian Christian communities reflect features and language typical of voluntary associations. We begin by arguing that the Thessalonians were most analogous to an all male, professional association while the Philippians were most analogous to a gender-inclusive religious association. We then illustrate Paul's language in 1 Thessalonians and Philippians by reference to the typicalities of association language. In so doing, we see that many of the community features of both the Thessalonian and the Philippian Christian communities find ready analogies in the voluntary associations. Overall, this helped us to understand better, and often in new ways, both Paul and his practices, and the practices and structure of the groups to which he writes.
Der Friede im lukanischen Doppelwerk vor dem Hintergrund per Pax Romana

Luke reflects more on peace than the other Gospel writers. The structure of the Gospel and certain themes in Acts demonstrate that the concept of peace is of great importance to him. Since his concept of peace shows connections to the Greco-Roman idea of peace and to the political as well as socioeconomic dimensions of the Pax Romana, his work raises the following questions: In what ways has Luke actually integrated the Greco-Roman peace themes into his concept of peace and what purpose does this kind of interpretation serve? What does Luke want to accomplish by having social peace as the main component of the kingdom of God through which the socioeconomic reality of the Pax Romana is challenged? How does Jesus' peace programme relate to the political dimension of the Pax Romana? What goals does Luke pursue by presenting Jesus as the peacemaker, saviour and king and at the same time referring respectfully to the political aspects of the Pax Romana and commending its justice system? What purpose does the background of Pax Romana, against which Luke is interpreting the salvation history, serve for his readers? For what kind of readers could this background be especially meaningful? (1) The message for the private sphere—the church: the peace that Jesus initiated is for Luke realized in the church and therefore he encourages his Christian readers to put into practice the visions of the kingdom of God. The result of this peace is social justice and equality for the poor, which guarantees unity within their community and within their immediate surroundings. (2) The message for the public sphere—society and politics: with the political themes Luke wants to demonstrate to the public that Christians have no objections to the Roman order. On the contrary, they not only obey the Roman law, but because of their teachings and values even make an important contribution towards the preservation of the political peace and therefore they deserve respect and recognition. The public nature of his work serves yet another purpose: Luke wants to present to those who are interested in Christianity, those who are educated and share certain privileges, that the Christian faith is on the same intellectual level as the contemporary philosophical schools, as has been demonstrated in connection to the Greco-Roman ideas of peace. So for Luke the Christian message of peace is to be presented to the world and not meant to be hidden in a corner (Acts 26,26). (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
A feminist retrieval of Aquinas' principle of the common good

This dissertation explores the relationship between hermeneutics and ethics when a liberationist hermeneutic is employed. It draws on the insights of David Tracy, that without a process of mutually critical correlation classic texts become useless as a source of insight and guidance. In this dissertation a feminist hermeneutic is developed and applied to the principle of the common good in Aquinas' major writings. In Chapter One a feminist hermeneutic is developed drawing on the work of Sandra Schneiders (textual hermeneutics), Rosemary Radford Ruether (retrieval of doctrinal and ethical principles) and Martha Nussbaum whose work on human functioning capabilities shapes the understanding of the human person (anthropology) used in this dissertation. Chapter Two examines the principle of the common good in Aquinas' writings in the larger context of his conception of the good and the human good. The relationship between the individual good and the good of the community is explored as well as the effects Aquinas' conception of the virtue of justice has for understanding the common good. In Chapter Three the hermeneutical method developed in Chapter One is used as a lens through which the elements of the common good discussed in Chapter Two are critically examined and retrieved. Chapter Four presents a social issue through which to view the functioning of the retrieved principle of the common good. The issue that is explored is the availability of and access to health care by women in the United States. The issue is refined further to focus on the fact that African American women have a lower incidence of but a much higher mortality rate from breast cancer. While not offering a conclusion about this situation (medical researchers are pursuing this question), this chapter highlights the fact that the retrieved principle of the common good causes different questions to be asked in order to determine whether the common good of the community is authentically being pursued.
The text of Matthew's Gospel in the writings of Basil of Caesarea

The dissertation is a text-critical study of Matthew's Gospel as found in the writings of Basil of Caesarea (c. 330–379 C.E.). Its threefold aim is to (1) display Basil's text of the First Gospel, (2) identify its textual character, and (3) investigate the textual trends of the early Byzantine text-type. Chapter 1 examines how aspects of Basil's life, such as the supervision of ascetics settlements, the involvement in theological debates, and the social situation of mid-fourth century Cappadocia influenced his use of the Bible. Chapter 2 explains the method used to display Basil's text of Matthew. Chapter 3 provides the complete text of every citation, adaptation, and significant allusion to Matthew's Gospel in all genuine writings of Basil. This text is obtained from critical editions and specific manuscripts. A critical apparatus displays the result of collating these quotations with a sample of witnesses representing the major text-types. A quantitative analysis and a comprehensive profile analysis (Chapter 4) indicate that Basil's text of Matthew is in greater agreement with witnesses belonging to the Byzantine text-type than with any other text-type. Chapter 5 analyses Basil's way of quoting Matthew's Gospel, surveys various hypotheses regarding the origin of the Byzantine text type, and investigates the textual trends of this text type in Matthew. An examination of ninety-nine distinctive, exclusive and primary Byzantine variant readings found in Basil's writings shows the overall editorial character of this text type in Matthew. Typically, the Byzantine readings examined in this study tend to be stylistic improvements, clarifications of difficult readings and harmonizations with comparable readings found in other gospels or in Matthew. Three appendices are provided, which list: (1) uncertain quotations of Matthew's Gospel, (2) quotations of Matthew found in the dubious treatise de Baptismo, and (3) occurrences where it is suggested that Basil's witness could be cited in the apparatus of the Greek New Testament of Nestle-Aland and United Bible Societies.