Thesis (D.Phil.(Systematic Theology)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 243-260)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 367-407).

Thesis (M.C.S.)--Regent College, Vancouver, BC, 2007. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 134-140).

Thesis (D. Miss.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1993. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 126-132).

In this narrative study, I explored the creative process of songwriting from learners’ perspectives. Much literature regarding the creative process in songwriting is taken from the perspective of the instructor. In this study I have focused primarily on how the participants experienced songwriting from their perspective. I examined whether the participants’ backgrounds impacted their perceptions of songwriting, whether participants valued songwriting, whether meanings emerged from the songwriting process, and what strategies emerged through the process. Qualitative methods were used in gathering data, which included interviews, journals, conversations, observation field notes, e-mails, and songwriting artifacts. The data were coded through a cyclical series of transcription and analysis and slowly a research story began to emerge (Saldaña, 2009). The seven participants were worship and music majors at a southern Christian University in an undergraduate songwriting survey class. Through narrative I endeavored to restory their songwriting experiences based on the themes that emerged through the codifying process. Narrative analysis revealed that participants constructed meaning through the process of songwriting. The backgrounds of the participants helped in shaping the subjects of their songs often involving hardships. Participants storied the tension between the initial stage of songwriting and the revisions to follow. Songwriting became a narrative expression of their experience of spiritual awakening. Through reflection during the songwriting process they found greater connection with God. In the process the participants constructed their songs using tone painting to shape their melodies to express their lyrics and metaphors to enliven their lyrics. Participants made use of various recording devices to capture initial ideas before they forgot them, and noted a preference for working with pen and paper in the songwriting process. Where much of previous research focused on songwriting approaches and methods of instruction, this study found that participants enjoyed the meaning making aspects of songwriting and the spiritual connection with God that it brought them.

This thesis examines the way several evangelical Christian universities (and evangelicalism more broadly) speak about and conceive of sexuality and gender in order to consider implications for their students. It argues that these universities consider nonheterosexual, non-cisgendered identities to be incompatibile with Christian identity and, consequently, grounds for denial of subjectivity. It analyzes the language of student handbooks and the universities’ rhetorical self-positionings and stagings necessary to maintain authority while engaging and exploring the lived experiences of several queeridentifying alumni—each of whom express feelings of “dehumanization” and cognitive dissonance. Finally, it considers how those subjected to messages of incompatible identities reconcile claiming both Christian and queer identities simultaneously. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Trinity Western University has come under fire for its Community Covenant which defines marriage as between one man and one woman. A look at Trinity's previous codes of conduct show an institution resisting the tides of secularization. While this document has been in existence only since 2009, Trinity has had a Christian-informed code of conduct since its early years. When looking at these documents—five in total—from one iteration to the next,what we see on the surface is a school that has, over time, increased its demands on the behaviour of its staff and students by requiring greater restraint on everything from sexual behaviour to the kind of entertainment in which they engage. What appears to be happening is that TWU, as an institution, is becoming more conservative while the rest of North America becomes more secular and more liberal. However, an examination of student newspapers and handbooks, as well as interviews with past and present students, faculty and staff reveals a much more complex relationship to a rapidly changing world. These latter sources shows that how individuals within the institution respond to secularization are not always aligned with the evangelical Christian goals of the school.This then begs the question: are TWU’s formal guidelines evidence of an institution that has, at times, been both insular and unaware of changes not only within the outside world, but among its own people? Or instead, do these documents reflect an astute awareness of changing societal norms? In other words, is the evolution of this document a direct response to secularization and an attempt to hold on to conservative Christian values? In this thesis, I argue that the latter is true. / Graduate / 2021-08-12

<p> Many factors shape the identity of the Evangelical church, some to its benefit, and others to its detriment. This thesis examines the relationship between materialism and Christianity through the framework of Jane Jacobs' work on the existence of two incompatible systems in public and communal life, the commerce and guardian systems. The principles of materialism and Christocentric ecclesiology are shown to belong to these different systems. Joining the missional discussion, this project therefore seeks to correct the influence of materialism on the church's identity by calling the church to a more Christocentric identity. Particular attention is paid to what a materialistic identity and a Christocentric ecclesiology mean for evangelism, church growth, and leadership. Following that discussion, the importance of three theological principles-transformation, incarnation, and service of others-are outlined.</p> / Thesis / Master of Divinity (M.Div)

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