Doctorate Theses

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13057/6

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 177

1 Corinthians 1-4: A Rhetorical and Social Analysis and its Evaluation from a Korean-Confucian Christian Context
(2009-05-08) Kwon, Oh-Young
This thesis investigates 1 Corinthians 1-4 and argues that a divisive culture of rhetorical and patronal elitism lies behind the schisms identified by Paul. Further, that this culture was influenced by Greco-Roman wisdom literature. Pauline critique of Roman wisdom traditions shapes a critical reflection on similar dynamics amongst 21st Century Korean Christians.
A model for the development of catechetical practices within the life of Camberwell Baptist Church
(2008-10) Menzies, Andrew
The goal of this project was to develop, test and benchmark through a praxis- theory-praxis model, four catechetical practices within the life of local nodes of Camberwell Baptist Church. These practices were created so that the church could develop ways of intentional formation of the whole person in order that, as a body, it would mature towards a greater and more effective missional transformation. Through an examination of Camberwell Baptist Church’s particular context, both church and local community, this project examines how adult Christian education has been attempted previously. The results of the study then lead to analysis of the effects of modernity, theological reflection, and context. Each must be considered in the development of appropriate models for catechesis. This project also specifically considers the roles of geography, pedagogy, and praxis for modern catechetical methods. This project develops a basic theological and theoretical framework for the nature of mission and the church’s participation in it. The framework centers around creation, Christology, Trinity and ecclesiology, especially in light of current understandings of the missio Dei. Most importantly, it gives place to the nature of transition within an established church through models of innovation and change. The project documents how two specific local nodes were successfully created for the purpose of catechetical formation of the participants. Formation was attempted through four catechetical practices being employed in local geographic localities within the life of the nodes. These included: regular table fellowship and breaking of bread, deep listening, hospitality to the stranger, and discernment. The participants found these practices very hard to follow because they required applied behaviour rather than abstract discussion. This research found the node that was most willing to participate initially ended up disbanding while the node that started most cautiously ended up as the sign of greatest hope for future catechesis at Camberwell Baptist Church.
A new body and a new voice: hybrid structure and practice in an evolving form of secular public engagement for the Anglican Church of Australia
(2019) Wilson, Richard
While the Anglican Church has a limited influence on contemporary public policy formation, this research demonstrated that a small number of church organisations have established deep public engagement with the economics, finance and business sector. These organisations exhibit working practices and processes and alternative organisational structures and cultures that are fundamental to successful public engagement.
A Pastoral Theological Approach to Restorative Practices in the Australian Catholic School Context
(2019) Cotter, Christopher James
Restorative practices are a suite of interventions designed to improve social discipline and grow social capital through participatory learning and decision making. Participants involved in restorative conferences often report a powerful sense of transformation leading them to responses of surprise and wonder. The philosophy and strategies of restorative practices are used by Catholic schools in Australia and contribute to supporting the Church’s evangelising mission. The pastoral theological approach to restorative practices is an interpretation of a restorative conference through the eyes of the resurrected Christ. As such the restorative conference is an inclusive ritual in which participants undergo the transformation of shame and victimhood through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. This is an experience of the resurrection; it transforms individuals, relationships and communities. It is hope for the world.
A Rereading of Tract 90
(2010) Curnow, Kelvin F.
The Oxford Movement (1833-1845) presented the most comprehensive nineteenth-century Anglican programme of systematic theology on the nature of the Church. The impetus for the formation of the Movement lay in the decision by the Whig Government to pass the Irish Church Act (1833). Its intention was to reorganise the Anglican dioceses in Ireland, effectively reducing their number to twelve. This action shattered the unity between the civil and ecclesiastical, the notion of a balanced relationship between the Church and State which had existed from Elizabethan times. That relationship was built around the central principle that to be an Englishman was to also be a member of the Church of England. Underlying this notion was that the secular and divine served each other and the nation as one. It had been assumed that one would not do harm to the other. The apologist Richard Hooker (1554-1600) enunciated this concept in his work, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity: "… there is not any man of the Church of England but the same man is not also a member of the commonwealth; nor any man a member of the commonwealth, which is not also of the Church of England". To some, the Irish Church Act appeared to break the nexus between the Church and the State which caused a crisis in the Church of England. The Church had long enjoyed the protection of Parliament and was considered to be in a privileged position. The events of 1833 effectively caused some in the Church to question the provenance of its authority, one which had for so long been assured by Governments, both Whig and Tory. The question was addressed in a sermon preached by John Keble (1792-1866) to the Judges of the Assize at St. Maryřs, Oxford, on 14 July, 1833. Keble noted in the Advertisement to the first edition of Sermons Academical and Occasional that the government was treating the established Church "… as one sect among many…" The comfortable balance between Church and State, a doctrine espoused by Hooker, had effectively been replaced with the doctrine of Erastianism. Keble proclaimed the Church could no longer look to the State for sanction but would find its authority in 'Apostolical Authority'.
A Study of the Trinitarian Theology of Catherine Mowry LaCugna with Particular Reference to Her Understanding of God as Transcendent
(2017-02) Campbell, Margaret
Catherine LaCugna expresses concern, in her 1991 book God for Us, that the doctrine of the Trinity has become irrelevant to Christian life through undue speculation on the intra-divine relations. Her critics suggest that she strays perilously close to pantheism. In this thesis, LaCugna’s understanding of the triune God’s transcendence is evaluated adopting five approaches: a survey of her writings on theological language; an exploration of divine freedom and pantheism in dialogue with four figures discussed by or associated with LaCugna – Plotinus, Eriugena, Bonaventure and Aquinas; a study of her use of a Neo-platonic ‘model of emanation and return’ and of the ‘walking God’ metaphor; critical engagement with contemporary theologians including Colin Gunton and Thomas Weinandy; and applying to some of LaCugna’s claims Kathryn Tanner’s rule for talk about God as radically transcendent. It is argued that LaCugna’s practical approach to trinitarian doctrine upholds the Christian understanding of divine transcendence.
A Theological Ritual Analysis of the Practical Order, Ritual Function, and Theological Purpose of the Daily Divine Service according to the Priestly Tradition in the Pentateuch
(2014-01-06) Macina, Robert
This study investigates the priestly tradition in the Pentateuch to determine the sequence in which the rites of the daily service were performed, how they functioned in relation to each other, and what God intended to accomplish through each rite as well as the whole service. The first chapter, which spells out the scope of the thesis, is followed by a reconstruction of the order of the service in chapter two. The third chapter examines the institution, agents, acts, materials, times, locations, and the theological purpose of each part of the service. The final chapter draws conclusions about the purpose of the entire service, through which the LORD purifies, sanctifies, accepts, and blesses his people as he dwells in their midst. The thesis concludes that the priestly tradition in the Pentateuch presupposes an order in which each ritual act contributes to the purpose of the whole daily divine service.
Adults with intellectual disability and their spirituality: Voices to be heard by faith communities and the disability services sector in Victoria, Australia
(2019) Calder, Andy
This social action research, the first of its kind in Australia, sought the opinions and experiences of adults with intellectual disability. What do they say is important? Using interpretive hermeneutical phenomenology (IHP) and participatory action research (PAR), the researcher collaborated with the self-advocacy group Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALiD Inc.). VALiD recruited 14 people for interviews, and as an additional layer of research, an expert group reflected on and reacted to the findings. Analysis of the interviews revealed two superordinate themes that expressed the spirituality of respondents: (i) further friendship connections with others, and (ii) further friendship connections with God. In response both VALiD and the Faith Communities Council of Victoria Inc. developed policy Statements highlighting the importance of spirituality for people with disabilities. Two actions are recommended: A response of friendship by faith communities; and Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to recognise people’s spirituality.
All the Rage: A Practical theological study of how local congregations can care for people who experience a tension between faith and habitual patterns of anger
(2024-02) 'Peck, Albert R.'
We live in communities where the impact of anger is often experienced. This truism is even more complicated within a local church setting, where anger has traditionally been maligned and silenced. One of the subtle impacts of this view is the silencing of those within local churches who struggle with habitual patterns with anger. They are often marginalised and judged as people of whom to be wary and avoid. It is therefore important that a practical theological study on how local congregations can care for people who experience a tension within their faith and their anger be undertaken. This thesis explores the lives of nine participants from local churches who struggle with habitual patterns with anger, and who volunteered to be involved in a practical theological, qualitative research project. This led to a study on the emotion of anger and its possessive nature, that was then tested through the lens of three selected biblical texts that involve anger.
An Examination of Emerging-Missional Ecclesiological Conceptions: Missional Ecclesiology and the Ecclesiologies of Miroslav Volf, Joseph Ratzinger and John Zizioulas
(2009-08-01) Hill, Graham
This thesis explores the research question, ‘What are the similarities and differences between the ecclesiological conceptions of the western Emerging-Missional Church Movement (EMCM) and the core ecclesiologies of the theologians presented in Miroslav Volf’s After Our Likeness, being Volf, Ratzinger and Zizioulas, and how might dialogue between all these parties enrich and inform ecclesiology?’ The two primary and consequent research objectives, therefore, are detailed here. (1) To critically analyse and describe the primary (explicit and less obvious) ecclesiological perspectives of thirty-seven of the most influential EMCM authors, examining works published between 1995 and 2008. (2) To build on Volf’s After Our Likeness, by putting the ecclesiologies therein into a critical conversation with the EMCM, which demonstrates their similarities, differences, and opportunities for enriching dialogue. The research methodology is qualitative, involving Content Analysis, the manual comparing and contrasting of primary sources, and the use of the textual analysis software QSR Nvivo. It involved the examination of thirty-seven EMCM documents published between 1995 and 2008, the analysis of the ecclesiological works of Volf, Ratzinger and Zizioulas, and the comparison of these sources in order to form conclusions. The thesis involves four parts. Part 1, which is titled Introduction and Methodology,includes the introduction, rationale, description of the research methodology, and justification for the choice of the particular EMCM authors and of Volf, Ratzinger and Zizioulas in this study. Part 2, which is titled Critical Survey 1, provides an examination of the chosen EMCM texts, and an analytical survey and evaluation of both the obvious and the more subtle ecclesiological views of the EMCM. The insights of Stanley Grenz,David Bosch and Paul Hiebert are occasionally added to this analysis, not because they are explicit ‘members’ of the EMCM, but because of their significant influence on the EMCM texts. Part 3, titled Critical Survey 2, briefly summarizes the core perspectives of Volf,Ratzinger and Zizioulas, not to put them into critical dialogue with each other, or even to critically analyse their perspectives, but to establish their convictions for the purpose of an ecclesiological dialogue with the EMCM. Such a critical survey leads the thesis toward further critical lines of reasoning, comparison and conclusions. Part 4, which is titled Toward Dialogical Ecclesiologies for a Missional Context,examines the similarities and differences between the ecclesiologies of the EMCM and that of Volf, Ratzinger and Zizioulas, how such dialogue enriches all the parties concerned, and suggests how dialogue deepens and benefits missional ecclesiology as it is taking shape in western culture. It presents the thesis findings and conclusions. This thesis concludes that while the ecclesiological perspectives of Volf, Ratzinger and Zizioulas enrich those of the EMCM, the emerging-missional ecclesiology of the EMCM contribute significantly to the development of a meaningful missional ecclesiology for contemporary western culture. EMCM ecclesiological perspectives on the missionary nature of the church, and on the core expressions of this missionary nature in local faith communities, are significant for other ecclesiological traditions and for the western church in an increasingly missional context. Furthermore, a thorough analysis of EMCM ecclesiology is important for the formation of an adequate missional ecclesiology for contemporary western culture.
An Exploration of Practical Reconciliation
(2010) Power, Maria E.
The project takes specific interest in: a) the marginalized status of Australian peoples of Indigenous descent b) reconciliation and c) Practical Theology as a discipline respectfully committed to particularity of context and open to multidisciplinary dialogue for creation of healing, life-enhancing, transformative and liberating responses. The Indigenous Affairs policy of the Howard Federal Government known as ‘practical reconciliation’ is the critical partner in this project’s endeavour. It is analysed using the theological method of James and Evelyn Whitehead. Emphasizing a gradually unfolding form of cross-cultural exchange used by an Indigenous group whose members identify themselves as Anangu, the content of the chapters seek to enter dimensions of multi-layered, complex, intercultural realities. Chapters I-III attend to the Whiteheads’ conversation partners of culture, tradition and experience to provide a springboard for correlation in Chapter IV followed by a set of recommendations. The work is a resource for potential fieldworkers and their managers.
Analogy, Being, and Time: Hart, Jenson and the Question of Impassibility
(2016-12) Andrew, Matthew
This thesis explores whether the doctrine of impassibility is necessary to give a satisfactory account of God’s relationship to the world’s violence. Using the tools of systematic and analytic theology, I engage with David Bentley Hart, Robert Jenson, and Emmanuel Levinas to demonstrate the viability of a qualified passibility.
"And I Will Remember My Covenant With Abraham": The Holiness School in Genesis
(2012-05-03) Warner, Megan
Israel Knohl’s proposal of a Holiness School working later than the author of the Priestly material has opened up new horizons for understanding the redaction history of the Pentateuch. The implications of Knohl’s proposal have been explored in relation to some Pentateuchal books, but in the case of Genesis there has been a reticence to recognise HS editing. The thesis explores the interpretational possibilities raised by Knohl’s proposal, especially as developed in the work of Christophe Nihan and Jeffrey Stackert, by means of a case study of three interpolative texts in non-P narrative in Genesis. The three texts, Gen 18:17-19, 22:15-18 and 26:3b-5, have been identified by David M Carr as additional, late, related and “semi-Deuteronomistic.” The case study tests the hypothesis that the three texts were composed and placed in their current contexts by a member or members of the HS, or by a later redactor working within the tradition of the HS.
Anticipation in the Thought of Wolfhart Pannenberg
(2010) McClean, John A.
This thesis presents an interpretation and assessment of the thought of Wolfhart Pannenberg by studying the role of anticipation. A review of critical appraisals of Pannenberg’s work, and his own descriptions of his approach to theology lead to the identification of major questions for understanding and assessing Pannenberg’s theological project, especially the relationship between theology and philosophy. The discussion also shows that Pannenberg’s work can be examined for internal coherence and for coherence with the claims of other fields of study. In an initial exposition of Pannenberg’s use of anticipation it is shown that in the discussion of revelation the concept of anticipation enables him to understand revelation as God’s self-revelation in which the content and form of revelation are identified with God’s essence and also hold that God’s existence remains debatable. An examination of Pannenberg’s philosophical milieu concludes that the atheism associated with the “end of metaphysics” is the primary philosophical challenge for Pannenberg. He responds to this challenge in the context of the “relational turn” which means that he takes the demand for a historicist hermeneutic with full seriousness, while refusing to abandon metaphysical claims. It is shown that in order to achieve this, Pannenberg offers a metaphysical proposal in which reality can be understood in relation to the true Infinite only as the true Infinite is understood as the triune God and that this understanding requires an account of reality which appeals to Christian eschatology and views reality as developing to a completion which is granted to it from eternity. In this proposal anticipation plays a key role. The assessment of Pannenberg’s thought examines three areas of doctrine. In christology, the concept of anticipation allows Pannenberg to present an account of the unity and distinction of the Son and the Father constituted in the historical, human life of Jesus. In doing so, Pannenberg differs from classical christology by identifying Jesus’ humanity, not the Logos, as the acting subject in the incarnation. While this allows him to emphasise the humanity of Christ, it also introduces potentially problematic elements into his christology. It is argued that the affect of these problematic elements can be seen in Pannenberg’s doctrine of reconciliation in which Christ’s death is actualised as reconciling and, therefore, expiatory, in the work of the Spirit as sinners are included in that death. It appears that Pannenberg’s anticipatory christology restricts the expression he can give to God’s gracious action in the work of Christ while a Chalcedonian account of the hypostatic unity is able to present this more satisfactorily. In the doctrine of God anticipation allows Pannenberg to relate the multiplicity of temporal reality to God’s eternity so closely that he can understand the immanent Trinity as constituted by God’s actions in the economy of reconciliation. On this basis he can argue that all reality is already, in anticipation, bound in ‘unity in distinction’ in the love of God. It is argued that this position means that the theme of God’s wrath creates an ambivalence in Pannenberg’s thought. As a final step in assessing Pannenberg’s use of anticipation his presentation of the ‘now-not yet’ tension in terms of ‘anticipation–actualisation’ is contrasted to the New Testament ‘achievement-consummation’ schema. The conclusion of the thesis summarises the insights that have been gained into Pannenberg’s thought and his use of anticipation. It outlines the achievements of his project that have been highlighted and the critical questions that have been raised.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A Phenomenological and Theological Study
(2012-05) Simanullang, Gonti
Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) is one of the ecclesial movements recognised in the Catholic Church. Central to CCR (and every branch of Pentecostal Christianity) is a range of experiences commonly denoted as ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’. Since the emergence of these movements in the mid-1960s it has become common to meet Catholics who claim to have received such an experience, so remarkable for them that it significantly and deeply renewed their lives and faith. In Indonesia, CCR has raised questions among non-CCR Catholics, particularly regarding ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’, being ‘slain’ or ‘resting’ in the Spirit, and praying in tongues. This study explores, articulates and analyses the meaning of this experience from the perspective of those within Persekutuan Doa Keluarga Katolik Indonesia (PDKKI), that is, the Indonesian Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. In so doing, it engages this phenomenon from a Roman Catholic theological perspective. The research question for this study is thus: what is the phenomenological and theological meaning of ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’? A twofold method is employed: within the Whiteheads’ threefold framework for theological reflection – attending, asserting, and pastoral response –Moustakas’ phenomenology is used to analyse interviews with ten volunteer members of PDKKI. The thesis concludes that the essence or meaning of the experience of ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’ for the participants is an affirmation or a connectedness with the reality of God. It argues that Catholics understand the significance of the experience differently from Pentecostals, though the range of opinion regarding ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’ presents itself as bewildering. Catholic Bishops’ Conferences and theologians have suggested a range of other terms to clarify pastoral practice, in particular recognising its non-sacramental and sacramental dimensions. This study uncovered a number of dimensions of ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’: biblical / theological and experiential / phenomenological, along with sacramental, non-sacramental, pre-sacramental and at-sacramental senses. The phenomenological meaning of the experience for the participants was a connectedness with the reality of God. The theological meaning was the reception of the Holy Spirit that could occur before, during, or after sacramental initiation. This conclusion leads to a number of pastoral recommendations for the Indonesian Catholic context. Further research involving those who have exercised the role of praying over someone seeking the experience is also recommended.
CANCER STORYTELLING: Revealing prayer and well-being
(2015-02) Brown, Gregory
This thesis found that storytellers, who shared their own cancer experience to help a listener, also found healing through the narrative process. Further, this qualitative study established a strong congruence between the spirituality, prayer and well-being within the 160 cancer patients studied. The thesis also indicated that oncology professionals who practiced active listening facilitated better and more effective communication with their patients.
Challenging history and telling herstory: an interdisciplinary exploration of the intersection of claims for equality and women’s lived experiences of officership in The Salvation Army in Australia.
(2023) Faragher, Christine
The Salvation Army began with a seemingly clear commitment to the equality of women and men in ministry, however, this narrative is contradicted by women’s lived experience of officership. A significant gap exists between the ideal and the real. This thesis explores the contours of the gap, revealing its historical, theological, cultural, and practical origins. Utilising a feminist hermeneutic of suspicion, it challenges the dominant historical narrative regarding Catherine Mumford-Booth and her written defences of women’s preaching and ministry roles. In doing so, it recovers a more grounded and life-giving image of this important historical figure. Its empirical work also allows the voices of contemporary Australian women officers to be heard, revealing the ways in which gendered inequality has been manifested and experienced in their ministry lives. It suggests theological resources for moving towards reimagined gender relations within the movement and the closure of the gap.
Changing Faith: The Experience and Resolution of Disruptive Episodes in the Faith of Christian Emerging Adults.
(2020-03) Lewis, Rowan
This thesis examines the ways in which emerging adults experience and seek to resolve significant faith-based transitions. Developmental Systems Theory is utilised to revise existing understandings of faith and its development in order to illuminate the dynamics of faith transitions and the manner in which they are influenced the emerging adult’s primary relationships, communities of origin as well as religious and cultural institutions.
Children in the Natural World: A Theological Reflection upon Encouncter and Wonder
(2012-05-03) Mallaby, Richard
Many children in urban environments spend considerable time indoors raising concern about physical and spiritual wellbeing. However, children engaged in gardening and play in nature, often experience wonder in response to beauty and encountering the Spirit of God in the other. Many find a sense of place and belonging, recognise natural rhythms, discover the origin of food and the diverse interconnections and interdependence within the web of life. This experience has parallels with Job’s encounter of the wild, chaotic beauty of the natural world when YHWH speaks from the whirlwind. Drawing on the experience of ten community groups, this project explores theological themes that might enrich the church’s ministry with children. Pivoting around the theme of wonder, contemporary Incarnational and Trinitarian process theology is used to discuss Participation in God and panentheism as relevant working models of God. Other themes include broken relationship with the Earth, place in the land, Sabbath, hospitality and hope.
The Christ Who Embraces: An Orthodox Theology of Margins in India
(2020) Joseph, Jacob
This thesis develops a Christological response to Orthodox Christian mission in the context of caste dynamics among St/ Thomas/Syrian Orthodox Christians in India. In the context of Dalit social and theological concerns, it intends to offer a casteless Orthodox theology of mission that envisions a reconciling mission through a miaphysite Christological embrace or kiss of peace.

Browse

Browsing Doctorate Theses by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options