Thesis (D. Min.)--Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-127).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Dallas Theological Seminary, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [64]-68).

The theology of Eberhard Jüngel endeavours to rethink the being of God and how humanity comes by knowledge of God from the crucifixion of Christ. By focusing on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, Jüngel proposes that a theology of the cross should be the basis of human knowledge of God as all can be said about the Trinity and christology must be said from the cross. As Jüngel holds that the humanity of Christ is the example and basis for humanity, the cross is also the source of information for Jüngel’s theological anthropology. This thesis seeks to determine whether Jüngel’s focus on the cross as the source of all theological knowledge results in a limited view of God, of Christ, and of humanity. In order to do this, the thesis looks at the history and context of Jüngel himself and why he is interested in basing a theology on the cross. The thesis also looks at the history of critical engagement with Jüngel, and the conclusions that those works have come to. The history of the theology of the cross is explored, from its provenance in Luther through to its rise during and after the Second World War. After detailing the history of the cross Jüngel’s own particular formulation is explicated, alongside Moltmann and Sölle who were the main exponents of a theology of the cross in Germany. Having done so, the effects of Jüngel’s theology of the cross on christology, the doctrine of God, and on anthropology are detailed, and it is argued that Jüngel’s theology of the cross restricts the activity of the person of Christ and that this restriction contradicts his emphasis on the perichoretic union of the Trinity, as well as restricting human action to a creative passivity. However, the thesis also explores the positive sides of Jüngel’s theology of the cross. Jüngel’s theology of the cross is the most theologically and philosophically rigorous of his time, and a theology of the cross is still needed as a normative control in theological thought. Furthermore, the thesis examines how Jüngel’s account of love can be used to advance his theology and repair some of the damage that the limits of his theology of the cross cause.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / nÃo hà / Esta pesquisa analisa a videoinstalaÃÃo âTrindadeâ, reconhecendo nela aspectos relacionados à composiÃÃo trinitÃria de seus elementos conceituais (trÃades teÃricas, categorizaÃÃo, mÃtodo dialÃtico, teologia trinitÃria) e materiais (equipamentos, modos de geraÃÃo da imagem, fenÃmenos Ãticos e de produÃÃo de cores sintÃticas), alÃm de se estabelecer paralelos da imagem por ela gerada Ãquela produzida pela ferramenta do espelho. / This research analyzes the videoinstallation âTrindadeâ, recognizing in it the aspects of trinitarian composition of their conceptual elements (triads theoretical categorization, dialectical method, trinitarian theology) and materials (equipment, methods of image generation, optical phenomena and the production of synthetic color), and establish parallels between the image generated by it and the image produced by the tool of the mirror.

I have an interest in transposing elements of sound, time, and motion into other forms. The thesis exhibition, small Trinity, presents my efforts to capture the essence of an explosion as a sculpture. The resulting objects provide viewers with the chance to examine an explosion in a stilled state, but also to consider the enormous powers we humans wield. Comprising the exhibition are three series: Exploded Vases (2014-15), Cast Explosions (2015) and small Trinity (2016). In each, an experimental methodology is applied to tracing, capturing and then casting the shape of small explosions in a manner that is raw and un-manipulated. For the title series, small Trinity (2016), I set a goal of casting an explosion 1/1,000,000th of the power of the first atomic bomb, Trinity (1945). Through a series of successively larger explosions and casts, the goal was achieved and presented as a series of aluminium, concrete and resin sculptures.

This thesis presents Thomas F. Torrance's Trinitarian soteriology, and as such seeks to combine the two most common but often separately treated doctrines in his theological cogitation: Trinity and soteriology. It argues that in a circular manner, Torrance's Trinitarian theology is explicitly soteriological and his soteriology is explicitly Trinitarian. This is because he (1) follows Barth's proposal that God's Being is inseparable from his Act, and vice versa, and (2) consistently employs his comprehensive theological rule that the Trinity is 'the ground and grammar of theology.' As such, this thesis also argues that not only is Torrance's soteriology Trinitarian, but that his soteriology could only be presented, understood and appreciated as Trinitarian. Non-trinitarian or implicitly Trinitarian readings of his soteriology cannot but fail to do justice to Torrance's theological consistency and genius. Furthermore, this thesis argues that Torrance's Trinitarian soteriology is consistent with his scientific and evangelical theology. On the one hand, Torrance's soteriological formulation follows scientific principles because he understands both the arche and telos of human salvation in strict accordance with the Being, Persons and Work of the Triune God. This is referred in the thesis as Torrance's kataphysic soteriology. On the other hand, Torrance's soteriological formulation follows an evangelical procedure grounded in the evangelical content of revelation. Because the content of God's Self-revelation is the Triune God reconciling the world to himself, Torrance understands that the Three Persons are actively involved in the salvific economy in strict accordance with their hypostases as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The evangelical procedure and sketch that Torrance employs is derived from 2 Corinthians 13:14, 'the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.' For Torrance, the ultimate telos of human salvation is participation in the very Life and Love of the Triune God. This may be referred to as humanity's perichoretic participation in the Communion of Love that God is. Humanity's sharing in the Triune Communion, however, is a mediated participation, encapsulated in the Athanasian aphorism 'from the Father through the Son in the Spirit and in the Spirit through the Son to the Father.' All three Persons of the Triune God fulfil distinct salvific agencies in accordance to their hypostases, but their distinct agencies have a united source and goal: the mediation of reconciliation with the Triune God. It is also argued that our participation in the Triune Communion is a human participation, or that we relate with the Triune God as humanized humans rather than as metamorphosized divine beings.

Practical theology brings the resources of theology into collaborative relationship with other disciplines in an equitable manner. This study analyses the collaborative relationship between theology and psychology in the delivery of mental health care at the Pastoral Counseling Center at Trinity Church, Boston, Massachusetts. Specifically, this study investigates: (1) if and how theology collaborates with psychology; (2) if and how theology and psychology function as equitable partners; and (3) the effect, if any, of their collaboration on the clinicians and/or on the mental health care itself. Psychological literature sheds light on the collaboration between theology and psychology. Literature from the field of practical theology gmdes the assessment of theology’s role in that collaboration. Finally, a theological term, “sanctification,” receives in-depth analysis for its facilitative role in the collaboration between theology and psychology. A qualitative research design structures this project. Interviews with twenty one clinicians associated with the Pastoral Counseling Center at Trinity Church provide the primary source of data. On the basis of that data, the study concludes that the discipline of theology can collaborate with psychology and maintain its role as an equitable partner. In addition, the study demonstrates that this collaboration engenders positive effects in the lives of the clinicians, and on the quality of mental health care the Center provides. A process of “sanctification” facilitates collaboration between theology and psychology. This process is formative in the development of the Center’s community and transformative in the lives of the clinicians and for the mental health care delivered under the Center’s auspices. The study also suggests areas suitable for future research, including: (1) the importance of community in the formation and transformation of the clinicians engaged in delivering mental health care; (b) the development of training protocols for clinicians engaged in collaborative mental health care; and (c) investigation of the role and effect of sanctification on collaborative mental health and those who deliver it.

Thesis advisor: Khaled Anatolios / Within the context of his controversy with Eunomius of Cyzicus, Gregory of Nyssa articulated a distinctly pro-Nicene conception of the perfection of God. Gregory identified divine perfection with the philanthropic goodness that is manifested in the economic activity of God and that is witnessed most vividly in the saving incarnation and death of Jesus Christ. Yet, while this particular understanding of divine perfection served Gregory’s defense of Nicene trinitarian theology, its influence was not limited to that element of his theology alone. To the contrary, Gregory’s pro-Nicene conception of the nature of divine perfection finds a perfect corollary in his discussion of the nature of human perfection. Thus, in his anthropological writings, Gregory interprets humanity as a living and active mirror of the characteristic goodness and love of divine power. Similarly, in his ascetical literature, he suggests that the goal of the Christian life is the attainment of godlikeness through participation in divine perfection, and that the form which this participation takes is an imitation of the virtues of Jesus Christ. And in his writings on the spiritual ascent of the soul, Gregory identifies the summit of the virtuous life as active participation in the philanthropic goodness of God. Christian virtue, therefore, is nothing other than imitation of and participation in the perfection of the one whom Gregory calls “the God of the gospel,” the God of Nicaea, the God made known in the person of Jesus Christ. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2020. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Theology.

Thesis advisor: Dominic Doyle / I argue for a performative reading of the Summa theologiae in relation to Thomas Aquinas’s coordination of the trinitarian processions with the trinitarian image and the process of teaching and learning. Specifically, I argue that the Summa is skillfully arranged in order to initiate the student into the graced process of conceiving words about the Triune God that burst forth into love—the very processions by which we are ad imaginem Dei and become more like God. Learning to speak truly and love rightly prepares students to preach about God within their culture, just as Thomas’s own efforts to preach the trinitarian mystery indicate. My argument takes into account Thomas’s life as a Dominican preacher and teacher in thirteenth-century Europe as well as his theology of the mixed life of contemplation and action. With respect to the latter, Thomas maintained that the Dominican must draw in contemplation what he will pour out later on in preaching (contemplata aliis tradere). Thomas wrote the Summa theologiae with this pastoral orientation in mind. In light of this historical context, I argue that the Summa is a performative text and transformative encounter with sacra doctrina written to prepare Dominican students to hand on the fruits of their contemplation. This interpretation of the Summa theologiae and Thomas’s trinitarian theology enriches standard contemporary interpretations of the psychological analogy. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2017. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Theology.

This study conducts watershed analysis using biological and geo-spatial techniques. Incorporating landscape features with biological attributes has been shown to be an effective method of monitoring environmental quality within watersheds. In situ biomonitoring using the Asiatic Clam, Corbicula fluminea, habitat suitability, and water quality data were evaluated for their potential to describe ecological conditions in agricultural and urban areas within the Upper Trinity River watershed. These data were analyzed with GIS to identify effects of land use on ecological conditions. C. fluminea downstream of point source effluents was effective detecting in-stream toxicity. Ambient toxicity appears to have improved in the Trinity, although urban influences limit aspects of aquatic life. No association between habitat quality and land use was identified.