Thesis (Th. M.)--Covenant Theological Seminary, 1993. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 151-160).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Dallas Theological Seminary, 1984. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [47]-49).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Dallas Theological Seminary, 1984. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [47]-49).

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity International University, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-147).

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity International University, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-147).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Covenant Theological Seminary, 1993. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-133).

Thesis (M.A.)--David Lipscomb College. Graduate Program in Bible Studies, 1985. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-81).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Dallas Theological Seminary, 1989. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [102-106]).

This study enters into the dialog within Christian theology between annihilationism and traditionalism on the nature of eternal punishment. The positions and issues within the topic will be examined theologically and analyzed doctrinally. In my first chapter I will summarize the views and arguments in the debate, establish operating definitions, address preliminary issues, and provide some historical context. I will establish a thesis agenda with dual aspects: negatively, to examine and critique annihilationism on theological grounds, and positively to offer arguments for a modified traditionalism. Chapters two, three, and four primarily serve the negative purpose. Chapter two critically considers annihilationism on exegetical and hermeneutical issues, concluding that the view is inferior to traditionalism. Chapter three examines annihilationism for consistency with other areas of Christian theology, concluding that the view generates major theological problems in Christology. Chapter four considers both annihilationism and traditionalism regarding the disproportionality problem of hell, concluding that annihilationism and two types of traditionalism can resolve the problem but of these three only one sort of traditionalism can do so whilst also satisfying other important theological criteria. Regarding the negative aspect of the thesis, I conclude that the severe theological problems in annihilationism constitute sufficient reason to reject the view. In chapter five I accomplish the positive aspect of this thesis, offering six criteria of success for any view of eternal punishment. I then provide detailed argumentation for a modified traditionalism called reconciliationism, concluding it best meets these criteria and is the most theologically and exegetically satisfying view on offer. In the concluding chapter I state this thesis' contributions, suggest several areas for further research, and offer some implications for pastoral theology. I finally conclude that annihilationism has seemingly insurmountable theological problems, but a modified traditionalism can succeed as a doctrine of hell.

Evidence is cited in this paper which suggests religion is gaining in influence on American life. Although interest in religiosity is increasing, mental health research into the area is meager. As psychological researchers grow cognizant of the impact of social systems on the individual, it becomes important to examine the impact of religion and religious belief on the emotional health of the individual. The literature also suggests that attitudes toward death and the individual's perception of power/helplessness, which are elements closely associated with religious belief, are also important factors in determining one's state of psychological well-being. This study is an attempt to look more closely at the role of religion, attitudes toward death, and perception of power/helplessness in a psychiatric population as compared to a nonpsychiatric population. The major variable under consideration, religious orientation, was measured with the Intrinsic-Extrinsic Religious Orientation Inventory which measures the nature of one's involvement with religion. The individual with an intrinsic orientation toward religion is believed to exhibit a healthier adjustment than the individual with an extrinsic orientation toward religion. It was hypothesized that healthier religious adjustment would be related to lower death anxiety, as measured by the Death Anxiety Scale, and lower locus of control scores, as measured by the Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. Further, it was assumed that whether or not one's religious belief system includes a belief in punishment after death would exert some influence on death anxiety. The information obtained in this study suggests that the most important factor of concern to psychiatric patients in the area of religious orientation and death anxiety is belief in punishment after death and its relationship to locus of control. Death anxiety was greatest in psychiatric patients who believed in punishment after death. Overall subjects who believed in punishment after death tended to exhibit higher external locus of control scores. Implications of these findings are discussed.