The Life and Miracles of Fisher Alumna Katie Kreutter, 2009

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. I still find it difficult to believe that I am writing this submission for Verbum as a Fisher alumnus, and that soon a full semester will have passed since I was enrolled as a full-time student. Looking back on my time at Fisher, I fondly recall courses and professors that positively impacted the quality of my educational experience, as well as clubs and students that similarly supported my social experience. While I do not consider myself to have any sage advice to offer current students, I will say that in my opinion it is beneficial to become involved on campus and truly enjoy being a student because, as in any other area of life, this time is fleeting and tends to pass by much more quickly than anticipated. While regrets are fairly inevitable, they can be prevented to some extent with a conscious effort. For those who may be approaching graduation and concerned about the current job market, I will also say that, based on personal experience, there may be more opportunities available than one might think

A Reflection on Psalm 31

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. The Book of Psalms encompasses a variety of themes and perspectives that reflect as well as transcend historical and cultural contexts. These writings are categorized by scholars with multiple labels, ranging from Psalms of Lament to Psalms of Praise. One such category, similar in some ways to Psalms of Lament, are Penitential Psalms. With its appeal to repentance and forgiveness, Psalm 31 falls under this category

The Davidic and Sinaitic Covenants

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. Although the books contained in the Old Testament are extensive and diverse, it remains difficult to argue that the covenants created between God and Moses and God and David are central pieces upon which the subsequent writings in their entirety are based. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church defines the term covenant as ―[a] bond entered into voluntarily by two parties by which each pledges himself to do something for the other. 1 This basic definition did not derive theological connotations until it was utilized by Old Testament writers to signify a commitment between Yahweh and the Israelites whom God chose as God‘s people.2 In the book of Exodus, God initiates a covenant with Moses that is repeatedly violated by the newly formed nation of Israel. The covenant evolves during the time of David when God reaffirms God‘s commitment to the people of Israel despite their rebellious nature. These two covenants and their implications will be discussed in greater detail during the remainder of this work

Baptism

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. As a conveyor of God’s grace, baptism holds a significant role within Christianity and has been regarded as a sacrament by essentially every Christian tradition throughout history as a result. This reality is striking in light of Christian history, which has consistently demonstrated that contention and debate often surrounds central Church doctrine rather than unified agreement, the latter of which is far more challenging to obtain. Even though baptism is upheld as tantamount to the Christian faith and tradition, a variety of primary sources from the Reformation Era indicate that the role and specified definition of baptism varied substantially amongst Roman Catholicism and the various Christian sects that developed there from. In fact, some Christian traditions, like the Anabaptist, separated from the mainstream Church with baptism occupying the central position of the dispute. This work will examine baptism from the perspectives of Roman Catholicism, as well as Magisterial Reform and Protestant traditions ranging from Lutheran, Calvinist, and Methodist to the Radical Reformation with the Anabaptist movement, while considering the differentiation between infant and adult baptism in the process. It will also consider the impact and implications of these ancient positions on 21st century ministry amongst pastors and congregants alike within both individual church bodies and the Church collective while examining the sustaining relevancy of baptism, which remains a central component of the life of the Church today

A Consideration of the Apocryphon of James

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. After reading the Apocryphon of James, also known as the Gospel of James, I am intrigued by the way that the text seems to contain both significant parallels and unique dissimilarities to the canonical gospels found in the New Testament. Although there is not a scholarly consensus in regards to an explanation for these apparent contradictions within the document, the historical background surrounding the written account seems to offer some indication of the original author’s motivations and intentions in writing it

The Patristic and Medieval Church

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. While there are certain standards such as the Rule of Faith that ensure the preservation of the authority and authenticity of Scripture, there were many conditions during the early formation of Scripture that impacted its interpretation and consideration. As with any significant theological or philosophical work, there were many varying interpretations of Scripture introduced by key figures of the time period, and several of these influential schools of thought will be considered in this work. In particular, the Antiochene and Alexandrian methods of biblical interpretation, the Vincentian canon, and teachings introduced both by early church fathers and heretical leaders will be presented. In addition, a discussion of the various reasons why interpretation is unavoidable when considering Scripture will also be conveyed, as it appears in the following section

Theology of Stewardship

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. Introduction As a fundamental directive within Scripture, the biblical call for human beings to serve as good stewards of the earth has been considered through various lenses for centuries. On a daily basis, Christians and non-believers alike engage with decision-making in regards to consuming food and resources, both natural and human-made. These decisions affect their own quality of life in addition to the well-being of other people and creatures across the globe as well as the condition of the planet itself. Varying interpretations of Genesis 1:28 have led to an attitude towards consumption that varies from conscientious to exploitive, especially in westernized culture and society

The Devil\u27s Specter: Spectral Evidence and the Salem Witchcraft Crisis

This presentation will explore the use of spectral evidence in witchcraft prosecutions in both England and colonial New England. More specifically, examining the role that spectral evidence played in the Salem Witchcraft Crisis

Response to The Gospel of Mary

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. After reading the recovered excerpts from the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, I was intrigued by several of the statements and ideas that the text presents. Even with my limited knowledge of New Testament writings, I still recognized significant discrepancies between the person and teachings of Jesus portrayed in this Gnostic gospel and the figure of Jesus described in the traditional canonical gospels