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This is a thesis about a pivotal transition in the development of Western Civilization. The seed of Christianity that would eventually grow to dominate all religions of the West was sewn during a fertile time of Hellenism, in which many Greco-Roman citizens were seeking a new spiritual depth. This led to the extreme popularity of cults and mystery-religions that focused on esoteric, personal and experiential knowledge of the divine. The study will examine one of these major cults in particular, namely that of Dionysus, in order to paint a clearer picture of how the Christian faith formed in coexistence with this cult. One cannot overlook Judaism, and it is often believed that Christianity is almost solely indebted to the Jewish tradition. Furthermore, the belief is held by many, that the Christian rituals practiced in antiquity were either clearly unique or rooted in Jewish ritual. This has unfortunately led to a trend in New Testament study that generally overlooks the vital importance and influence of the pagan religions during the Hellenistic-Roman age. In fact, some of the beliefs and practices of these mystery cults (which also happen to pre-date Christianity) were so close to those of the early church that Justin Martyr could find no other explanation except that they were inspired by demons. This leaves most modern readers wanting, and demands further examination. Due to their Dionysian tendencies, the study will be dedicated to Pauline Churches in particular and the spirituality associated with them. Paul, an ecstatic mystic himself, presents a Christian vision that seems to synthesize concepts from both contemporary mystery cults and Judaism. This thesis is committed to creating a deeper understanding of the Hellenized cultural milieu that the Christian movement came out of.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-103).

Christianity in America is in decline. Millennials are leaving the evangelical churches of their youth in droves, but they aren’t leaving the idea of God or spirituality. Statistics show that the theology of the fundamentalist/conservative evangelical church is contributing to this exodus of Millennials, particularly when it comes to issues of environment, sexuality, and violence. This thesis explores the roots of fundamentalist theology—particularly their understanding of what the Bible is, and how it is to be understood—and how this theology is practically worked out in their approach to the three issues mentioned above. Finally, I offer an alternative framework for understanding what the Bible is, and how it could be applied in a way that takes the text seriously, is faithful to the Christian tradition, and offers a way forward that is more inclusive. While this thesis does not answer every question that might be raised about all these issues (and more than these), it does offer a helpful, workable framework and approach to the Bible and culture that must be taken into account by anyone wishing to use the text in an exclusionary manner.

Originally presented as the author's Thesis (M.A.--Xianggang Zhong wen da xue, 1989) entitled: Wan Qing Zhongguo Jidu tu dui zong jiao xin yang yu wen hua huan jing di diao shi, 1860-1911 = The adaptation of faith and culture in China. / T.p. verso: Chinese Study Series 2, Cultural accommodation and Chinese Christians, 1860-1911 / Ying Fuk-tsang. Includes bibliographical references (p. [199]-209).

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity International University, 2006. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-155).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Calvin Theological Seminary, 1990. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-117).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references.

Issued in part as inaugural dissertation, Bonn.