Abstract This paper analyzes the various facets of biblical counseling in relation to the modern integration of psychology within a religious construct. The paper points out that, in many cases, there is evidence that the Bible provides moral and ethical foundations that can work with the various aspects of psychological counseling methods. It looks at how, by analyzing some of the biblical counseling terms found within this field, one can provide the psychological aspects of non-religious counseling that correlate with these Bible's analogies and moral lessons. In essence, the paper demonstrates how biblical counseling can work in tandem with modern psychological theories, since they work within the moral and ethical integration of societal values in modern times.
From the Paper "The Biblical counseling term "Frovnhma" is a central aspect to Biblical counseling theory, especially though the innovations for religious counseling brought forth by Lawrence Crabb. Although Crabb does not portray a uniquely differential perspective for theologically based counseling, he invariably has designed in accordance with Freud's ideas about the unconscious. For Crabb, the Frovnhma is essentially the mind in relation to how God perceives the human will or way of thought. In many ways, there is a decidedly similar aspect of Crabb's theory that correlates with Sigmund Freud's theory of the "unconscious"--a term used for the deeper part of the mind that absorbs all thoughts and experiences."
Abstract This paper explains that hermeneutics, both a science and an art, exists for the purpose in propagating interpretation. The author points out that the study of sensus plenior is a foray into the more artistic side of biblical interpretation, firmly grounded in the foundation of literal interpretation of the text. The paper relates that sensus plenior is a theological proposition stating that there is more to some texts than the author's initially understood there to be; therefore, certain interpreters have been divinely inspired to "see" new meanings in the text that are accurate and merely previously overlooked. The author states that sensus plenior is inextricably linked with the single and dual theories of biblical authorship. The paper concludes that sensus plenior allows for Old Testament passages to be reinterpreted in light of New Testament revelation and then checked against all other available passages on the matter.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Dual Authorship
In Favor
Opposition
Single Authorship
In Favor
Opposition
Sensus Plenior
Introduction
Definition
Evidence
Warnings
Conclusion
From the Paper "In his writings, Peter claims that the biblical authors were moved by the Holy Spirit. Paul made similar claims when he stated that the Scriptures were God breathed. "Hence the Bible claims that Spirit-moved writers uttered God-breathed writings." This hypostatic union attempts to explain the partnership of the divine and human author. A comparison can be made to the Council of Chalcedon's theory to explain the divinity and humanity of Christ. The Council decreed that it is necessary to emphasize the divinity of Christ as well as the humanity of Christ."
Tags: interpretation, proposition, revelation, variation, daniel
An examination of "The Cult of the Dead in Judah: Interpreting the Material Remains" by Elizabeth M. Bloch-Smith which claims that an ancient cult of the dead existed during biblical times.
Abstract "The Cult of the Dead in Judah: Interpreting the Material Remains" by Elizabeth M. Bloch-Smith is a discussion of the author's evidence of the aforementioned cult through biblical and archaeological records. The paper discusses Bloch-Smith's premise that the biblical and archaeology records corroborate each other and therefore provide proof of a cult of the dead. This report reviews the findings of Bloch-Smith's article, conclusions of the article, a critique of the findings and a response to the article's findings.
From the Paper "The author begins by looking at archeological burial sites to support the cult of the dead. She looks primarily at Judahite burial types in the Iron Age. Bloch-Smith attempts to show that the Judah cult had a distinctive burial practice separate from surrounding cultures. The primary Judah burial types were bench tomb and cave. In a bench tomb configuration, benches lined the walls of the tomb. The bodies were laid on the waist-high benches. A repository was also part of the tomb to accommodate new bodies. The cave configuration required the body to be placed in the center of the cave along with artifacts associated with the individual. If additional bodies were placed in the cave, then the bodies would be repositioned along the cave walls. Regardless of the configuration, similar artifacts are found in both. These artifacts included food, ceramic containers, jewelry, tools, personal items and more. The format used to bury the Judahite people appears to remain unchanged throughout the Iron Age."
Abstract This paper examines the revelations the film "Dark City" which provides a look into the social order and the relationship between free will and the idea of "fate". The paper describes the film's relevant scenes, the characters relationships and philosophical ideas.
From the Paper "The film "Dark City" is a science fiction, detective, film-noir-esque movie that was introduced in the mid-nineties. The plot for the film is about a group of aliens who have abducted enough humans to populate a human experiment in which the parameters are human memories and emotions. On surface the film takes a position about the conflict between fate and free will. In Dark City, a deeper reading calls to attention an interpretation that examines the presence of false gods in society and their manipulation and speaks to what the role of being God should be."
Abstract The author of this paper has dedicated his life to his Christian beliefs and now wishes to enroll in graduate studies to further his religious studies. The paper is intended as an admission essay for his enrollment at Philadelphia Biblical Universities.
From the Paper "At the Last Supper, Jesus Christ took the Bread, broke it and gave it to the disciples. Then he took the wine and gave it to his disciples. Jesus foretold the death of his physical self and the spilling of his blood for our salvation. With these two actions, Christ established a mandate for Christian Living. He called us all to give of our selves, just as he gave of himself?even if it meant breaking ourselves. For a long time I have had the feeling that my salvation, my life's fulfillment and my joy were somehow associated with the pursuit of spreading Christianity and sharing the wonders of my own Christian experience with those around me. If this is what Christ called ?breaking of one's body,? then my body is available to be broken. But to do God's work to the fullest of my abilities, my education needs to be completed. That is why I wish to enroll for graduate studies at the Philadelphia Biblical Universities."
Abstract Explores the lives and religious philosophies of the Old Testament prophets Micah, Isaiah, Amos and Hosea related to their Biblical and historical lives. There methods of prophecy and messages preached are compared and contrasted with reference to the time period in which they lived.
From the Paper "Usually referred to as the minor prophets, Micah, Isaiah, Amos and Hosea were Biblical realists who never forgot for an instant about the faithless and dangerous world in which they lived and worked. Unlike those sometimes called "heathens," these four prophets, whose words of wisdom can be found in their various books in the Old Testament, lived their entire lives in a tightly-knit social culture and were constantly focused upon the thoughts and behaviors of the common people that existed around them. The religious gifts which God (Jehovah) had given them and their personal relationship with Him could be understood as endowments that must be given back to the people of their times and to the world of practical affairs, being the ordinary happenings of human experience as they occurred in the social setting. But most importantly, these four minor prophets were highly concerned about spending their individual lives with God who had given life to themselves and their families which in essence greatly affected the social atmosphere of all involved."
Abstract This paper explains that the Biblical people of Israel were different from the other tribes around them. The author points out that rather than believing in many gods, they believed in one; and rather than believing that deities had certain spheres of influence, they believed that their Lord could tackle any problem they faced. The paper stresses that the difficulty for the Israelites was learning to balance the belief that God was on their side with the humility needed to maintain that position of favor.
From the Paper "The People of Israel were different than the other tribes around them. Rather than believing in many gods they believed in one."
Tags: old, testament, faith, humility, subservience, to, god, sovereigny
Abstract This paper looks at the extinction of the dinosaurs and assesses the validity of the arguments put forward by creationists in favor of a biblical explanation for their demise. In particular, the paper discusses whether or not it is plausible to believe that the extinction of the great beasts was occasioned by the flood of the story of Noah's Ark. The paper looks at the biblical time-frame and explores whether or not dinosaurs and humans could possibly have existed contemporaneously. Finally, the paper looks at the plausibility of a great Ark existing and at whether the biblical flood could have ever taken place. The paper concludes that there is just enough evidence available for it to be unwise to dismiss the biblical explanation for the demise of the dinosaurs.
From the Paper "For one thing, critics of the Ark thesis state that supporters of its existence - such as John Woodmorappe - fail to consider how some creatures ostensibly not on the life-saving vessel (terrestrial snails, to cite one example) could have survived the relentless deluge. Further, critics charge that animals and other living beings which managed to survive the Flood could not possibly have been cared for adequately in any Ark - no matter how big. For instance, those who favor an evolutionary explanation for the earth's past (which necessarily means dismissing biblical accounts of why some creatures persisted into the modern age while others died out) point to the apparent logical improbability of being able to house, feed and sustain thousands of different species in a cramped, confined area; as far the critics are concerned, the example of modern industrial farming simply does not suffice as an explanation for how such an enormous task could have been undertaken (Morton, para.4-5)."
Abstract This paper attempts to delineate and describe both the biblical and the historical nature of the biblical figure, Jezebel. In addition, an attempt is made to show that modern scholarship and opinion indicates a certain discontinuity between the biblical and historical interpretations of this character. These and other interpretations of the character and reality of Jezebel are examined in the paper.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Biblical and Historical Jezebel
Differing Interpretations and Views
From the Paper "In this light, the marriage of Ahab and Jezebel is seen as politically and socially expedient form an historical point of view. However, the central accusation against Jezebel in the Biblical context is that she was responsible for turning Ahab away from the true God of the Jews. She brought with her the Phoenician gods and the worship of Baal and succeeded in convincing Ahab to allow temples of Baal in Israel. This has enormous and serious implications in a Biblical context."
Tags: appellation ahab marriage pawn, alien culture
Abstract This paper explores the topic of biblical hope from the perspective of an Evangelical Christian and shows what it means. Further this paper examines what the Bible has to say about hope and contrasts biblical hope with worldly hope. The paper further examines a case of someone without hope and finally examines a personal view of hope.
Paper Outline:
Statement of Thesis
Introduction
Worldly Hope
Biblical Hope
The Evangelical Christian and Hope
Hope for Now
Hope for the Future
Lost Hope: (Study on Depression)
Personal Perspective
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Worldly hope can be defined then as a belief that something good may happen in terms of something that is physical and touchable. Examples of worldly hope are hope held that one may receive a raise or promotion or hope held that one might own a larger car or a larger home in the future. Worldly hope and Biblical hope are two very different things and on two very different levels. Worldly hope is a hope that resides purely in the here and now and in the physical world. Biblical hope is hope held by those who believe that God is ever aware of his children and their welfare."
Abstract This paper evaluates Gregory A. Boyd's book "God of the Possible: A Biblical Introduction to the Open View of God," which presents open theism as an alternative to classical theism. The writer analyzes Boyd's approach, his biblical interpretation, the core beliefs of which he writes and their practical implications. The writer concludes that Boyd successfully achieves his prescribed purpose for writing and presents a 'much more livable theology'.
Outline:
Abstract
Boyd's Project
Biblical Interpretation
The Beliefs of Open Theism
Practical Advantages of Open Theism
Conclusion
From the Paper "Boyd contends that there are many problems inherent in the classical view of God's foreknowledge and thus seeks to present a more biblically sound and more practically relevant standpoint on the issue of God's foreknowledge. He desires to present this in a way that is widely accessible to all as he contends that "this issue is too important and too practically significant to be limited to academic circles." Consequently he concedes that particular aspects of the open theism perspective have been deliberately overlooked in order to achieve his overarching goal of informing and motivating the intended audience in the most effective manner possible."
Abstract Compares the Mesopotamian flood stories of Gilgamesh and Atrahasis to the Biblical account of the flood found in Genesis. By comparing these three texts, the paper demonstrates that although they share similar events, the Biblical account establishes an entirely different rationale for the occurrence of the flood, and uses the story to define characteristics of the Israelite God that are not present in the earlier Mesopotamian texts.
From the Paper "The Biblical flood story contained in Genesis and the Mesopotamian flood stories of Gilgamesh and Atrahasis contain similar themes, language, events, and details that would lead one to believe that the text produced later chronologically, the Biblical account, draws on the earlier Mesopotamian accounts, or the Biblical narrative and the Mesopotamian stories both draw on a document produced at an even earlier date. The differences in the details of these stories, however, make the interpretation of them significantly different for the societies from which they are drawn."
Abstract This paper investigates the battle of Jericho to see what scientific evidence relates to the battle, how the battle affected the lives of the Israelites, the historical setting, and the theological and spiritual meaning of the battle both then and now. Evidence from recent years shows that Joshua and his army could have conquered this city just as it is told in the Bible.
From the paper:
"The battle of Jericho, as told in Joshua 5:13 ? 6:27, is a story that has captured the interest of biblical scholars, scientists, and even Sunday school classrooms with its mystery and intrigue. It is the story of how the weak were able to overtake the strong through a supernatural force, Yahweh, the Lord of Israel. There are many facets of this story that can be explored. We will look at the scientific evidence of the story's truth, as well as biblical and moral concepts that can be derived from it. We will also discuss the time period the Israelites were living in during the battle, and how the passage relates to events occurring at that time in the Bible."
Abstract This paper takes up the idea of loss of imagination, a popular idea of romantic poetry, that is the central theme of the poem, "Dejection: An Ode." The author compares this poem to the biblical story,
"The Fall" in order to show that there is a "point of no return" that is associated with the biblical example and that this must also be assumed in Coleridge's comparison to a loss of imagination.
From the Paper "Consider for a moment the absence of all imagination. Of course, such an act is impossible. The very fascination of such an idea prompts the human mind to initiate its most creative powers. Nonetheless, Coleridge presents a hope-tinged lament to the notion of a loss of imagination in
"Dejection: An Ode." The demise of "genial spirits" in response to Wordsworth is depicted as permanent, and readers are offered no hopes of the visionary consolation through memory found in "Intimations Ode Instead, the speaker's "grief without a pang, void, dark, and drear" is irreversible and comes from deep within. The only expectation from which he may draw solace is that his "Lady" who is "pure of heart" may "evermore rejoice".
