Thesis (D. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-106).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Regent College, 1994. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-151).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity International University, 2001. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 268-274).

Thesis (doctoral)--Aarhus universitet, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 866-912) and index.

Part of Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, 1934. / Lithoprinted. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Aarhus universitet, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 866-912) and index.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity International University, 2001. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 268-274).

At the turn of the Century, in the rural areas of the deep south, a small group of fundamentalists adopted the practice of confirming their faith by handling venomous snakes. Today the cult has spread to at least twelve different States, despite the fact that since 1947 snake handling has been prohibited by law in all states except one. The cult-members, however, regard the legislation as being a violation of their fundamental right to worship as they please. Fatalities occur, the leaders spend time in prison, but still the cult flourishes, with various congregations quite openly flouting the law. In addition to handling snakes, the cultists also drink poison and handle fire, according to their interpretation of the Bible.

Thesis advisor: Margaret E. Guider / Thesis advisor: Franklin T. Harkins / The call to holiness manifested in the relationship between God and humankind contemporarily expresses the virtue of pietas, often translated as piety. The spiritual depth of this virtue reflects a Franciscan approach to holiness that emphasizes relational obligations epitomized by the Trinitarian relationship. With numerous challenges and difficulties in life, I argue that the steadfast character of holiness animates recent solemnly professed Capuchin friars in their baptismal call to holiness strengthened in their consecration to God. Chapter I provides an entry point to pietas using the theology of St. Bonaventure in the Legenda Maior. I trace the develop of pietas from its ancient roots as a defining virtue for the Roman people of the Empire and its Christian appropriation by Augustine. I then discuss some key features of Bonaventure’s theology that informs his understanding of pietas as a particularly relational virtue consistent with his Franciscan identity. Chapter II begins with a survey of the Franciscan hermeneutical disputes in its history over the Rule of Saint Francis. This contextualizes the discussion of the call to holiness as an invitation for humanity to participate in the Divine nature through Baptism and the grace to share in the relationship (and thus accompanying duties) of God, the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit. The tendency to prioritize such duties has caused hierarchical divisions that respectively seek to advance communal evangelical proclamation while upholding fidelity to the revealed Truth of God. Consecrated life deepens this responsibility, especially with the expectations set by great witnesses that invigorates others to partake in the mission. Chapter III acknowledges the difficulties of communal discernment by offering a case study of an unanticipated moment of reconciliation through pietas between two prominent 20th century friars. This sets a framework to conclude the thesis with theological reflections for recent solemnly professed Capuchin friars to practice the virtue of pietas in the modern western world. / Thesis (STL) — Boston College, 2023. / Submitted to: Boston College. School of Theology and Ministry. / Discipline: Sacred Theology.

Thesis (B.D.)--Western Evangelical Seminary, 1952. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [75]-77).