Through a biblical and exegetical study of the Father’s roles and works, this dissertation argues that, among the persons of the Godhead, Father is the initiator of all divine activity. This does not mean that God the Son or God the Holy Spirit are inferior nor does it mean that they do not equally and fully possess the divine nature in some sort of functional tri-theism. On the contrary, Scripture repeatedly affirms that there is one and only one God; that God exists eternally in three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and that these persons are equally divine in essence and attributes. Furthermore, the initiating role of the Father is consistent with inseparable operations. Again, Scripture teaches that there are real distinctions, without ultimate separation, in regard to how the three persons of the Trinity operate. Thus, what this thesis demonstrates is that within the undivided work of the Triune God, the distinct appropriation of the Father is to be the initiator.

In this study the apparent conflicts between the concept of nature and the concept of God, and the relationship between the concept of God and the concept of world provide the basis for analysing how Gordon D. Kaufman reformulates the concept of God. For Kaufman the concepts of world and nature are religiously relevant insofar as they call for a theology for our contemporary life centred in this world rather than in some metaphysical beyond. This study examines how Kaufman articulates a concept of God that is not necessarily bound by the traditions of a particular religion, but also whether he offers a concept of God for the so-called 'secular' modern world. / Chapter one examines how Kaufman conceives of the difference between world and nature. Chapter two relates the analysis of these concepts to the concept of God as well as Kaufman's treatment of revelation in light of his attempts to reconstruct the concept of God. Chapter three considers some of Kaufman's recent suggestions for reformulating the concept of God that take into account the relativist and historicist perspectives.

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This dissertation examines the Christian doctrine of divine providence and its implications for the laws of nature and problem of induction before contrasting secular and Islamic approaches to these same topics. Chapter 1 introduces the topic of a Christian account of scientific law by citing recent developments in an old understanding of a false dichotomy between religion and science. Chapter 2 discusses several ways the Christian doctrine of divine providence can be positively explained. Chapter 3 highlights theologians, apologists, and scientists in history who have understood the doctrine of divine providence as a basis for science. Chapter 4 focuses on the character of the laws of nature. Chapter 5 discusses the history of the problem of induction, including potential solutions. Chapter 6 acknowledges that even though the doctrine of divine providence, laws of nature, induction, and hence science appear best suited to a Christian worldview, some further issues, such as miracles and competing monotheistic models remain. Chapter 7 concludes the dissertation. This chapter summarizes the arguments made throughout the dissertation.

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Thesis (Ph. L.)--Catholic University of America, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 71-75).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 2005. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 181-186).

Thesis (Ph. L.)--Catholic University of America, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 71-75).

Thesis (M. Div.)--Trinity International University, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-117).

Thesis (M. Div.)--Trinity International University, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-117).