Zugl.: Rom, Pontificia Univ. Gregoriana, Diss., 2009

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2004. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iv, 227 p. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 219-227).

We are living in post-modern time that was preceded by the pre-modern and modern time. All the negative happenings and unfulfilled promises of the modern period gave rise to the post-modern period. This present post-modern period is characterized by a disillusionment with all the harmony, truths and prosperity promised, that didn’t materialize during the modern era. Also the post-modernist challenges the church with its claim on absolute truths. Even so, the missionary task of the church hasn’t changed. However, the church is increasingly under pressure to be relevant and effective in a post-modern world where the church is only one generation away from extinction (Gibbs & Coffey 2001:10-11). From this perspective Averly Dulles’ operational models as presented by different church traditions are evaluated in terms of there effectiveness in our post-modern world. These operational models are researched and explained as an avenue to move people beyond their own limitations and to open conversation between people with different outlooks (Dulles 1987:12). To increase the saving capacity according to God’s salvation plan, a Biblical perspective to missions was added to each of Dulles six models. They include: the visible power structures and functions of the church must recognize the sovereignty of God in saving people; the church as mystical communion must use relationships to reach out to the lost; the church as sacrament must become an event; herald dimension must capture people’s attention; the servant approach must be taken to people’s hurts, needs and interests; disciples must become doers of the word. God’s saving plan works in the post-modern period with the focus on the postmodernist as a person. The post-modernist is drawn away from modern activities and dimensions towards a religion of experience. The model that is introduced is the Pentecostal model where the self-revelation of God is prominent. / Prof. JA Du Rand

This disertation is mapping the main aspects of fundamental theology in the writings of the important American theologian, Cardinal Avery Dulles S.J. These are: Revelation, Faith and Church. The chapter about Cardinal's life story and writings as well as exposition of theological method in general focused on the Cardinal's own method in theology precedes the treatise of mentioned fundamental theology aspects. The method in question is the one of symbolic realism, which works with fundamental theology topics due to the model typologies (models of revelation, models of faith, and models of the church). Given theme of each typology is introduced as a theme of fundamental theology, later the detailed analysis is done and at the end the Dulles's own solution of the particular problem is presented. All mentioned themes prove some mutual relationships which together create the "inner dynamics of Christian life", which has its enjambments also in the whole history of salvation.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Texas Christian University, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 258-262). Also available online.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2002. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references. Available electronically via Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Texas Christian University, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 258-262).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Texas Christian University, 2006. / Title from dissertation title page (viewed Jan. 5, 2007). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Religious Studies)--S.M.U. / Title from PDF title page (viewed July 12, 2007). Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 66-11, Section: A, page: 4067. Adviser: William J. Abraham. Includes bibliographical references.

This study examines the ways early leaders can influence the process of institutionalization in public organizations. Using Schein's (1983, 1991) model of cultural creation and embedding as a heuristic device, secondary historical sources detailing the creation and development of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the careers of three significant leaders are used to understand the institutionalizing effects of those leaders, how they created those effects, and what happened to those effects over time. The case studies of William Donovan and Allen Dulles at CIA and J. Edgar Hoover at the FBI, provide evidence that these early leaders explicitly and implicitly used several of the cultural creation and embedding mechanisms identified by Schein to entrench their beliefs and predispositions into their organizations. These ensconced attitudes and tendencies seemingly played significant roles in the institutionalization of beliefs, rules, and roles that have developed, persisted, and affected the historical evolution of both CIA and the FBI. / Ph. D.