Thesis (D. Min.)--Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 242-256)

Project (D. Min.)--Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, 1986. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 339-346).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Boston University, 2001. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-132).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Western Seminary, Portland, OR, 2001. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 295-301).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 2003. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 239-241).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 2002. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 283-291).

<p> Attachment theory has been applied in examining an individual's relationship with God through various research studies. Few research studies, however, have examined a romantic couples' relationship with God and each other as part of a family system. The purpose of this constructivist grounded theory study was to develop a deeper understanding of the relational system of married couples and God. I interviewed nine marital couples from multiple Christian denominations that reported having a strong relationship with each other and a strong relationship with God together. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using constructivist grounded theory techniques presented by Charmaz (2006). I analyzed emergent categories of behaviors, emotions, and cognitions to construct a theory and model of marital couples and their shared relationship with God. I compared and contrasted the results and theory to existing literature on attachment theory as well as theology on kinship covenant to demonstrate a shared attachment to God that reflects a covenant attachment system. Finally, I discuss clinical, pastoral and future research implications. </p>

This study examines the question of whether the faith-estranged could be guided from their natural state of estrangement from God and resultant wounded ness since the Fall as well as subsequent wounds inflicted on earth due to traumatic events, by way of counseling and prayer into experiencing God's salvation in Christ. The section on basis theory has shown that a Biblical-pastoral anthropology is the foundation of Biblical pastorate. Man's estranged and wounded condition since the Fall and the resultant secondary wounding and suffering at the hand of fellow man on earth,presents the pastorate with a unique opportunity regarding the facilitation of and guiding towards both a spiritual and emotional healing process. This pastoral intervention addresses both primary and secondary wounded ness within the faith-estranged. The work of the Holy Spirit, confession of sin and guilt, prayer, forgiveness and faith, form part of the pastoral counseling process pointing towards salvation, healing and restored intimate communion with God. The meta-theoretical section brought to light the fact that the traumatized person is dealt not only a physical, cognitive and/or emotional wound but in fact also a spiritual wound by these events. A strong correlation was discovered between the healing of the body and the healing of the mind or spirit - in this regard forgiveness of the abuser, the self and of God (by implication a confession of personal rebellion) seemed to playa central role. It was also confirmed that an important link exists between, on the one hand, success in the therapeutic process with the wounded person, and on the other hand, the creation of a secure therapeutic environment, healthy relational structures as well as evoking hope in the heart of the counselee. The empirical section has proved to be of extreme importance regarding the distinctive role of the counselor in demonstrating God's closeness in Christ and His sharing in the pain of the counselee. The counselee does have an active role in this process of healing by accepting ownership of his future life choices and rational decisions. Perspectives derived from the sections of both basis theory and meta-theory has ultimately led to the formulation of a suitable practice theoretical model called Theo-phospromissio therapy. This model demonstrates the path along which there can be a pastoral engagement with the faith-estranged towards accepting God's redemption through Christ's finished work on the Cross. Furthermore, this model opens up a distinctive eschatological perspective on the final purpose of man's life on earth as it gives meaning to life here and now amidst seemingly unending life-crises and trauma, given the eternal hope it promises in God as the only secure anchor. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010

This study examines the question of whether the faith-estranged could be guided from their natural state of estrangement from God and resultant wounded ness since the Fall as well as subsequent wounds inflicted on earth due to traumatic events, by way of counseling and prayer into experiencing God's salvation in Christ. The section on basis theory has shown that a Biblical-pastoral anthropology is the foundation of Biblical pastorate. Man's estranged and wounded condition since the Fall and the resultant secondary wounding and suffering at the hand of fellow man on earth,presents the pastorate with a unique opportunity regarding the facilitation of and guiding towards both a spiritual and emotional healing process. This pastoral intervention addresses both primary and secondary wounded ness within the faith-estranged. The work of the Holy Spirit, confession of sin and guilt, prayer, forgiveness and faith, form part of the pastoral counseling process pointing towards salvation, healing and restored intimate communion with God. The meta-theoretical section brought to light the fact that the traumatized person is dealt not only a physical, cognitive and/or emotional wound but in fact also a spiritual wound by these events. A strong correlation was discovered between the healing of the body and the healing of the mind or spirit - in this regard forgiveness of the abuser, the self and of God (by implication a confession of personal rebellion) seemed to playa central role. It was also confirmed that an important link exists between, on the one hand, success in the therapeutic process with the wounded person, and on the other hand, the creation of a secure therapeutic environment, healthy relational structures as well as evoking hope in the heart of the counselee. The empirical section has proved to be of extreme importance regarding the distinctive role of the counselor in demonstrating God's closeness in Christ and His sharing in the pain of the counselee. The counselee does have an active role in this process of healing by accepting ownership of his future life choices and rational decisions. Perspectives derived from the sections of both basis theory and meta-theory has ultimately led to the formulation of a suitable practice theoretical model called Theo-phospromissio therapy. This model demonstrates the path along which there can be a pastoral engagement with the faith-estranged towards accepting God's redemption through Christ's finished work on the Cross. Furthermore, this model opens up a distinctive eschatological perspective on the final purpose of man's life on earth as it gives meaning to life here and now amidst seemingly unending life-crises and trauma, given the eternal hope it promises in God as the only secure anchor. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010

Thesis (D. Min.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1989. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 417-424) and index.