Thesis (D. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1998. / Includes prospectus. Abstract. This is an electronic reproduction of TREN, #049-0283. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-105).

Thesis (D. Min.)--New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 1999. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-81).

Thesis (D. Min.)--New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-149).

Thesis (M.A. in Mass Communication)--University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-91).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Abilene Christian University, 2006. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-122).

In dominant seventeenth-century thinking women's bodies, minds, and spirits were not only inferior to men's, but also more prone to evil. This study explores the ways in which the women writers attempted to redefine these assumptions. Through an analysis organised along various spiritual transformations the writers claim to go through, the study presents an insight into seventeenth-century women's construction and redefinition of femininity. The symbolic process of women's spiritual transfiguration results in them identifying with the metaphorical figure of Zion and in positioning women as godly agents of God, whereas male writers' transformations eventuate in their being effeminized and being turned into 'Crooked Agents' of God. Therefore, the study shows how the potentials inherent in the biblical figure of Zion were used in establishing a connection with God and in forming female and male authorial identity. The thesis draws on the understudied voices of women such as the anonymous Eliza, Elizabeth Major, An Collins or Gertrude More, and is contextualized by male-authored texts, some of them considered as canonical and popular in contemporary literature.

Current scientific knowledge of the ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is limited, thus impeding appropriate management decisions. Ringtails in Zion National Park, Utah, are rarely seen, but are involved in increasing occurrences of negative interactions with park visitors and employees such as food theft and denning in buildings, interactions which are harmful to both parties. To manage this conflict, an update to the general knowledge about the status of the population is required as the only previous study on ringtails in this area was conducted in the 1960s. Using noninvasive techniques provides dependable large-scale population information. I used two noninvasive detection methods in combination to establish a robust occupancy estimate of the ringtail population in Zion National Park. Ringtails were detected in 2 of 3 focus areas in the park, but at low densities. This study included the development of a novel method to individually identify ringtails by their footprints. I used the Interactive Individual Identification System (I3S) software to determine if individuals could be identified using the pattern formed by papillae and ridges of the footpad. Ringtails’ footpad prints consistently resulted in a unique pattern recognizable by simple visual analysis and a computer-aided analysis of the prints in a database; however more research is needed for the applicability using field data. Ringtail densities were highest in the areas of greatest human activity. The proximity to humans may be impacting ringtail diet and consequently their health. I collected scat in areas of high and low human use to quantify the change in diet resulting from food acquired around human establishments. Ringtails living in areas of high human activity exhibited a change in diet, including the presence of human trash such as foil and plastic; this has implications for ringtail health and human safety. Ringtails acquiring food from human sources may increase their activities around buildings and areas with high human activity, resulting in an increased chance of direct and indirect human-ringtail interactions. Active management of human activities and regular building maintenance is required in the future to decrease negative consequences of ringtail use and presence in areas of high human activity.

This thesis contains an analysis of the concept of Zion as reflected in the songs sung by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The following definitional areas within Zion concept are considered:1. Zion: A personal spiritual condition.2. Zion: A perfect society.3. Zion: Various geographical locations.4. Events included in the concept of Zion.Each of the above areas is analyzed first, from a historical and doctrinal viewpoint and finally, as to how it is reflected in the songs of the Mormons.

This thesis addresses the archaeological question of the relationship between city planning and belief systems. It examines the extent to which the city plan of Nauvoo, Illinois, was influenced by the four precepts of Zion as outlined by Joseph Smith, the first President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These precepts are considered as unity, order, economic equality, and leadership. The City of Zion plan as developed by Joseph Smith was the basis for many cities, including Nauvoo. The Zion plan is examined to determine the influences of the four precepts of Zion on city planning. Specifically, issues of city layout and organization, private property, care of the poor, economic strategies, and leadership are considered. The city of St. Louis is examined using the same criteria. Finally, a comparison of the three city plans reveals the connection between Nauvoo's city plan and its belief system.

This study aims to identify common barriers to the missional growth of local congregations. In addition, the research will provide a resource for evaluating effectiveness across diverse areas of ministry and propose implications for presiding elders in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church to support thriving local churches. There is not a single sector of society that has not been impacted by the global pandemic, including the local church. The disruption of COVID-19 has inspired many to reevaluate purposes and practices. Whereas evaluation of congregations may not have been approached in a systematized manner before, there is a need to do so now more than ever. The researcher employs Allan Roxburgh’s 5-stage Missional Change Model in conversation with Walter Fluker’s model of Ethical Leadership.