Thesis (M.A.)--Miami University, Dept. of English, 2006. / Title from first page of PDF document.

This thesis is dedicated to the study of the existence of homogeneous Einstein metrics on the total space of homogeneous fibrations such that the fibers are totally geodesic manifolds. We obtain the Ricci curvature of an invariant metric with totally geodesic fibers and some necessary conditions for the existence of Einstein metrics with totally geodesic fibers in terms of Casimir operators. Some particular cases are studied, for instance, for normal base or fiber, symmetric fiber, Einstein base or fiber, for which the Einstein equations are manageable. We investigate the existence of such Einstein metrics for invariant bisymmetric fibrations of maximal rank, i.e., when both the base and the fiber are symmetric spaces and the base is an isotropy irreducible space of maximal rank. We find this way new Einstein metrics. For such spaces we describe explicitly the isotropy representation in terms subsets of roots and compute the eigenvalues of the Casimir operators of the fiber along the horizontal direction. Results for compact simply connected 4-symmetric spaces of maximal rank follow from this. Also, new invariant Einstein metrics are found on Kowalski n-symmetric spaces.

Drawing from observation, autoethnography, ethnographic research and audio-taped interviews, this thesis explores the complicated and emotionally charged relationship between homosexuality and Christianity. The current culture war being waged in the media between the Religious Right and members of the LGBT community often results in the isolation and rejection of those who would define themselves as gay Christians. This thesis explores the role of the Bible as it informs and catalyzes this war and other foundational beliefs used as weapons in this rhetorical conflict. Additionally, this thesis analyzes the current battle between the church and the social movement for change in light of the historical battles fought over similar movements. The rhetoric of Christianity, specifically Fundamentalist rhetoric, has been emphatically defended and then dramatically changed in every such battle. Is this a possible resolution for today’s current battle? The thesis explores the historical basis and current application of rhetorical effects on this conflict through the author’s insight as a veteran of both worlds, interviews with major players in the battle such as Randy Thomas and Kristin Tremba of Exodus International and interviews with people who step on the battlefield everyday as pastors, congregants or observers in the fight. With each interview or rhetorical analysis, the viability of dialogue between these two groups is questioned and investigated.