This thesis developes computer modelling techniques, and their use in the investigation of biochemical systems, principally the photosynthetic Calvin cycle. A set of metabolic modelling software tools, "Scampi", constructed as part of this project is presented. A unique feature of Scampi is that it allows the user to make a particular model the subject of arbitrary algorithms. This provides a much greater flexibility than is available with other metabolic modelling software, and is necessary for work on models of (or approaching) realistic complexity. A detailed model of the Calvin cycle is introduced. It differs from previously published models of this system in that all reactions are assigned explicit rate equations (no equilibrium assumptions are made), and it includes the degradation, as well as the synthesis, of starch. The model is later extended to include aspects of the thioredoxin system, and oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. Much of the observed behaviour is consistent with experimental observation. In particular, Metabolic Control Analysis of the model shows that control of assimilation flux is likely to be shared between two enzymes, rubisco and sedoheptulose bisphosphotase (SBPase), and can readily be transferred between them. This appears to offer an explanation of experimental evidence, obtained by genetic manipulation, that both of these enzymes can exert high control over assimilation. A further finding is that the output fluxes from the cycle (to starch and the cytosol), show markedly different patterns of control from assimilation, and from each other. An novel observation in behaviour of the Calvin cycle model is that, under certain circumstances, particularly at low light levels, the model has two steady-states and can be induced to switch between them. Although this exact behaviour has not been described experimentally, published results show charecteristics suggesting the potential is there in vivo. An explanation of all the observed behaviour is proposed, based upon the topology of the model. If this is correct then it may be concluded that the qualitative behaviour observed in the model is to be expected in vivo, although the quantitative detail may vary considerably.

This thesis examines John Calvin's concept of the Kingdom of God. There are four basic terms for this concept: regnum Dei, regnum Christi, regnum caelorum and regnum caeleste. All of these terms are more or less interchangeable. With the Christian church Calvin recognizes that one aspect of the Kingdom of God is its transcendent, heavenly, eternal dimension. This is the unique meaning of regnum caeleste. Yet most of Calvin's discourse on the Kingdom refers to the presence of God's Kingdom or rule on earth. The term regnum can mean either kingdom or reign. Regnum Dei therefore refers to God's reign or his Kingdom, or in many cases both aspects together. There are two dimensions to his reign: the general rule over the world and the special redemptive rule through his Word and Spirit. In the broader sense, the regnum Dei is basically equivalent to God's providence. The special, redemptive dimension of God's reign is the Kingdom of Christ or the regnum Christi. The regnum Christi is the rule of Christ from the time of his ascension up to the time of the Last Judgement, at which time Christ will hand back the reign to the Father. The product of Christ's reign is the church, which is Christ's Kingdom. Calvin uses the concept of the regnum Christi to interpret some important prophetic passages in the Old Testament. Many Old Testament prophecies are seen by Calvin to point forward to the New Testament age when Christ will rule. There is also an individual dimension to the Kingdom of God in Calvin's theology. The Kingdom of God is often the life of sanctification which is found in the individual believer. But collectively, as we have seen, the Kingdom of God on earth often refers to the church. Although Calvin urges princes and rulers to submit to the rule of Christ, it is perhaps inconsistent when he does not include 'lq Christian political institutions in his concept of the Kingdom of God. Thus in respect to the city of Geneva, over which he exerted so much influence, Calvin sees the church in that city as a part of Christ's Kingdom, but the city as a whole is not considered to be Christ's Kingdom.

Texte remanié de: Ph. D. thesis--Glasgow, 2004. / Bibliogr. p. 197-222.

Texte remanié de: Diss.--Louisville, Kentucky--Southern Baptist theological seminary, 1999. / Bibliogr. p. 157-173. Index.

Zugl.: Apeldoorn, Univ., Diss., 2009

Thesis (Th. M.)--Calvin Theological Seminary, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 92-98).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Calvin Theological Seminary, 2002. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-110).

This thesis aims to define John Calvin's understanding of the relationship between the pastoral and doctoral offices in the Church. The method of inquiry is guided by the proposition that his thinking on this matter is conditioned bythe Patristic and Medieval traditions. Hence, Part One attempts to survey the development of the teaching office in the pre-Reformation Church, giving particular attention to the way in which certain writers deal with this question. Part Two examines the Reformer's doctrine of orders. It is maintained, in opposition to the traditional view of a fourfold division, that Calvin (in line with Patristic andMedieval thinking) consistently taught a threefold division of ecclesiastical orders whereby the doctor ecclesiae is not regarded as holding a separate ordo in the Church's government, but simply a specific function (i.e. "office") withinthe pastoral order. Part Three delineates what; for Calvin, this doctoral function entailed. Again we find the Reformer following his medieval predecessors in strictly identifying the doctor ecclesiae with the doctor theologiae (i.e. scriptural interpretation) and not the university doctorate in general (i.e."all branches of knowledge") as so often supposed. The final section is concerned with demonstrating that even though the Reformer regarded pastors and doctors as comprising only one ordo, he still saw an important difference in their respective teaching ministries in terms of aim, method and authority, as attested to by the distinction he makes between "preaching" the Word and "teaching" the Word.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Calvin Theological Seminary, 1986. / Bibliography: leaves 192-197.

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1989. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-174).