This thesis examines Charles Hartshorne's critique of classical theism, as it relates to the subject of divine power. My specific aim is to evaluate whether Hartshorne's critique applies to Thomas Aquinas' concept of divine power. Chapter One undertakes an exposition of Thomas' conception of the power of God and its implications for the human power of free choice. Chapter Two explores Hartshorne's critique of the classical concept of God, focusing on the negative implications he draws from the classical concept of omnipotence. In Chapter Three, I apply Hartshorne's critique of classical theism to Thomas' concept of divine power, in order to judge whether Hartshorne has an accurate understanding of the classical position and whether his critique reveals serious problems in Thomas' concept of divine power. My evaluation centres around Hartshorne's objections to Thomas' claim that God possesses purely actual power, and his insistence that God's omnipotence, as construed by Thomas, robs human beings of the power of free choice. Chapter Three also compares the similarities and differences between their approaches to the knowledge of God as determined by their basic metaphysical principles and their use of analogy. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

The primary purpose of this thesis was to discover whether two classical modes of persuasion, which Paul used in the letter to the Galatians, are really useful tools for effective preaching. This study consists of seven chapters. The introductory chapter provided a problem posing and formulation of the study, a clear study goal and hypothesis and delimitation and definition, and indicated the methodology to be used to accomplish this thesis. In chapter two, a historical review of classical rhetoric was presented. A brief history of classical rhetoric and the relationship between rhetoric and preaching as communication were explained to serve as general background to classical rhetoric and the relationship between rhetoric and preaching. In chapter three, some basic concepts of classical rhetorical theories for this thesis were considered to explain how these terms are used and related in this thesis. Chapter four was devoted to two parts. First is an investigation of Paul in an attempt to determine whether he used classical rhetorics. Galatians is a strong echo of Paul’s actual oral preaching so that the level of Paul’s rhetorical awareness and the nature and characteristics of his letter can be grasped. Second is an examination of the rhetorical situation in which the original communication was accomplished. To understand the kinds of rhetoric, and Paul’s main purpose in Galatians, the particular historical situation and rhetorical problems have to be understood, as well as the literary structure of Galatians, the purpose of Galatians and Paul’s intent in the letter as a whole. In chapter five, the modes of persuasion (ethos, and pathos) in Galatians were analysed. This chapter showed the reader how Paul used and developed Aristotles’ two modes of persuasion in his preaching to persuade audiences effectively to actions. In chapter six, the implications for effective preaching was discussed in terms of the twin modes of persuasion in Galatians. This study set the important strategies for effective contemporary preaching. Chapter seven presented and an overview and sermon outline of the four elements of persuasion for effective preaching and contributions to persuasive preaching for the effective preacher. In the final chapter, a summary of the contents was presented in the Conclusion, which arrived at a concrete argument in terms of which the hypothesis presented in the Introduction can be tested. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

Doctor Theologiae - DTh / This doctoral thesis comprises a critical comparison of the theme of concursus, the way in which God and humanity interact, in the Pentecostal-Charismatic and Process-Relational traditions. The comparison is literature-based; similarities and differences in the theological literature of each tradition are compared in order to determine the extent of compatibilities and incompatibilities. The hypothesis is that similarities in the literature sufficiently leverage differences. The first chapter includes a statement of the problem, namely that the global expansion of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements necessitates interaction with more academically and philosophically oriented theological traditions such as Process- Relational theology. The second chapter comprises an historical survey of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements, including key dogmas and practices. Chapter three comprises an historical survey of Process-Relational theology, including its philosophical, metaphysical, and scientific orientations. Seminal Process- Relational theists such as Whitehead, Hartshorne, and Cobb are surveyed. Chapter four consists of a broad historical survey of the theological theme of concursus, including the notions of causation, free will, and determinism in both philosophy and theology. Further, the fourth chapter includesa broad historical survey of pneumatology, which is framed as the basis for a comparison of concursus. Chapters five and six comprise surveys of concursus in the Pentecostal- Charismatic and Process-Relational traditions respectively. Chapter seven entails an extensive analysis of differences and synthesis of similarities between the Pentecostal-Charismatic and Process-Relational notions of concursus. Four differences and four similarities are identified. Differences and similarities are ranked and compared for compatibility. Ultimately, the research question is answered affirmatively and conditionally: yes, according to the literature of both traditions, similarities sufficiently leverage differences, but socio-linguistic barriers may obstruct meaningful mutual transformation. Chapter eight concludes with a brief exploration of ecclesial and social implications.

This doctoral thesis comprises a critical comparison of the theme of concursus, the way in which God and humanity interact, in the Pentecostal-Charismatic and Process-Relational traditions. The comparison is literature-based / similarities and differences in the theological literature of each tradition are compared in order to determine the extent of compatibilities and incompatibilities. The hypothesis is that similarities in the literature sufficiently leverage differences. The first chapter includes a statement of the problem, namely that the global expansion of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements necessitates interaction with more academically and philosophically oriented theological traditions such as Process- Relational theology. The second chapter comprises an historical survey of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements, including key dogmas and practices. Chapter three comprises an historical survey of Process-Relational theology, including its philosophical, metaphysical, and scientific orientations. Seminal Process- Relational theists such as Whitehead, Hartshorne, and Cobb are surveyed. Chapter four consists of a broad historical survey of the theological theme of concursus, including the notions of causation, free will, and determinism in both philosophy and theology. Further, the fourth chapter includes a broad historical survey of pneumatology, which is framed as the basis for a comparison of concursus. Chapters five and six comprise surveys of concursus in the Pentecostal- Charismatic and Process-Relational traditions respectively. Chapter seven entails an extensive analysis of differences and synthesis of similarities between the Pentecostal-Charismatic and Process-Relational notions of concursus. Four differences and four similarities are identified. Differences and similarities are ranked and compared for compatibility...

This doctoral thesis comprises a critical comparison of the theme of concursus, the way in which God and humanity interact, in the Pentecostal-Charismatic and Process-Relational traditions. The comparison is literature-based / similarities and differences in the theological literature of each tradition are compared in order to determine the extent of compatibilities and incompatibilities. The hypothesis is that similarities in the literature sufficiently leverage differences. The first chapter includes a statement of the problem, namely that the global expansion of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements necessitates interaction with more academically and philosophically oriented theological traditions such as Process- Relational theology. The second chapter comprises an historical survey of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements, including key dogmas and practices. Chapter three comprises an historical survey of Process-Relational theology, including its philosophical, metaphysical, and scientific orientations. Seminal Process- Relational theists such as Whitehead, Hartshorne, and Cobb are surveyed. Chapter four consists of a broad historical survey of the theological theme of concursus, including the notions of causation, free will, and determinism in both philosophy and theology. Further, the fourth chapter includes a broad historical survey of pneumatology, which is framed as the basis for a comparison of concursus. Chapters five and six comprise surveys of concursus in the Pentecostal- Charismatic and Process-Relational traditions respectively. Chapter seven entails an extensive analysis of differences and synthesis of similarities between the Pentecostal-Charismatic and Process-Relational notions of concursus. Four differences and four similarities are identified. Differences and similarities are ranked and compared for compatibility...

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / This doctoral thesis comprises a critical comparison of the theme of concursus, the way in which God and humanity interact, in the Pentecostal-Charismatic and Process-Relational traditions. The comparison is literature-based; similarities and differences in the theological literature of each tradition are compared in order to determine the extent of compatibilities and incompatibilities. The hypothesis is that similarities in the literature sufficiently leverage differences. The first chapter includes a statement of the problem, namely that the global expansion of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements necessitates interaction with more academically and philosophically oriented theological traditions such as Process- Relational theology. The second chapter comprises an historical survey of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements, including key dogmas and practices. Chapter three comprises an historical survey of Process-Relational theology, including its philosophical, metaphysical, and scientific orientations. Seminal Process- Relational theists such as Whitehead, Hartshorne, and Cobb are surveyed. Chapter four consists of a broad historical survey of the theological theme of concursus, including the notions of causation, free will, and determinism in both philosophy and theology. Further, the fourth chapter includes a broad historical survey of pneumatology, which is framed as the basis for a comparison of concursus. Chapters five and six comprise surveys of concursus in the Pentecostal- Charismatic and Process-Relational traditions respectively. Chapter seven entails an extensive analysis of differences and synthesis of similarities between the Pentecostal-Charismatic and Process-Relational notions of concursus. Four differences and four similarities are identified. Differences and similarities are ranked and compared for compatibility. Ultimately, the research question is answered affirmatively and conditionally: yes, according to the literature of both traditions, similarities sufficiently leverage differences, but socio-linguistic barriers may obstruct meaningful mutual transformation. Chapter eight concludes with a brief exploration of ecclesial and social implications. / South Africa