This study demonstrates, by the application of a selection of social science models on a selection of gospel passages, the usefulness of those models for better understanding the teachings of the Jesus movement on wealth and poverty and what Jesus hoped to achieve by these teachings. It shows that sociological models are generally useful for approaching the gospels because they facilitate understanding by formulating new questions about ancient material and highlighting perhaps previously unnoticed themes or concerns. It further offers the opinion that the Virtuoso Religion model is the most useful for doing this and as such will be the most useful for providing an understanding of what Jesus envisioned for the future of society in anticipation of the imminent Kingdom. The model supports Jesus’ preaching on wealth and day-to-day expressions of those opinions as methods by which he might influence the attitudes of others, especially the rich and powerful, adjusting their focus from love of wealth to love for God and neighbour.

M.A. / We live in a world, that is basically spiritually and morally bankrupt. The tidal wave of crime and thorny issues like aids and abortion, are only some of the consequences of this moral decay. Even the Church has not been able to avoid this decay and the very high divorce rate amongst Christians is proof of this moral regression. Pastoral counsellors are often stunned and amazed by the immorality that oftentimes occurs in Christian circles. Is there an answer? The ethical guidelines as found in the Sermon on the Mount, offers a solution. Can ethical guidelines, pronounced 2000 years ago, offer any solutions in this post-modern century? Are these not outdated norms, applicable in an ancient milieu, offering no solution for today? Can it still have any hermeneutical value? These are the questions addressed in this research. The ethical guidelines, as offered by the Sermon on the Mount, can be approached in two different ways. It can be viewed as an outdated ancient principle, with no normative value in a post-modern century, or as a guideline that withstood the test of time and still counts as the will of God, for every believer in his ethos. To maintain standards at the centre of God’s will, is an exalted ideal for every believer that earnestly views his Christianity. The ethical guidelines in the Sermon on the Mount, puts the standards of God in a practical manner, but in such a way that it brings every Christian to the realisation of his incapacity, to live it in practice. The result of this study has shown that the living of the Sermon on the Mount (especially the figurative language components contained in it) in a Christian ethos, is not a utopian dream, but relevant guidelines, that with the assistance of the residing Holy Spirit, can be lived as normative ethical principles in a Christian ethos.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Dallas Theological Seminary, 2003. / Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [77]-89).

Thesis (M.A.)--Denver Seminary, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 223-238).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2002. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-187).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Sydney, 2009. / A thesis submitted to the University of Western Sydney, College of Arts, School of Humanities and Languages, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Wheaton College Graduate School, 2002. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 73).

In the context of the contemporary rebirth of interest in contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition, many people, e.g., Laurence Freeman (1995), Eileen O'Hea (1990), Bede Griffiths (1991), have begun to examine the writings of John Main. / This thesis presents John Main's understanding of Christian Meditation, in particular, his recovery from the Desert monks of the 4th century, of the practice of 'pure prayer' (silent meditation using a prayer word or mantra). Main recovered the use of a mantra as a way of meditation within the tradition of the Christian church. / The thesis also discusses some aspects of the Christian life and themes which are relevant to his teaching and finally, articulates some implications for contemporary religious/spirituality education. Comparisons are made between Main's pedagogical approach and that of several other contemporary Christian educators.

Thesis (M.T.S.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 1987. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 75-76).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Dallas Theological Seminary, 2006. / Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-91).