Theses
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Item A Critical Evaluation of Bruce Little’sCreation-Order Theodicy(South African Theological Seminary) Johnson, ConnieThis thesis explores the development and implementation of a strategy to achieve a biblical and effective operative theology at Damascus Baptist Church, with a particular focus on Jesus’ use of the Son of Man motif. The study investigates how this Christological title, central to Jesus' self-identity and mission, can inform and transform the theological framework and practice within the church context. The research begins by examining the biblical foundations of the Son of Man motif, tracing its roots in the Old Testament and its fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels. It analyzes the theological implications of Jesus' use of this title, considering its eschatological, messianic, and incarnational dimensions. The study then transitions to a practical theological approach, assessing the current theological practices at Damascus Baptist Church. Through qualitative methods, including interviews and participant observations, the research identifies the existing theological gaps and challenges faced by the congregation. Based on these findings, the thesis proposes a comprehensive strategy that integrates the Son of Man motif into the church’s teaching, worship, and community life. This strategy emphasizes the importance of a Christ-centered theology that is both biblically grounded and contextually relevant, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission among the congregation. The proposed strategy includes specific steps for theological education, discipleship programs, and liturgical reforms, designed to enhance the church’s spiritual vitality and mission effectiveness. By aligning the church’s operative theology with the biblical witness to Jesus as the Son of Man, this thesis aims to contribute to the broader field of practical theology and offer a model for other churches seeking to deepen their theological foundations and ministry impact.Item A Critical Theological Examination of Little’s Creation-Order Theodicy’s Soteriology in Light of the Coexistence of Gratuitous Evil with the Benevolence and Sovereignty of God(South African Theological Seminary) Johnson, ConnieThe task of theodicy is the ongoing effort to rationalize the coexistence of God, with all his attributes, and evil. This research examines Little’s Creation-Order Theodicy, identifying inherent weaknesses in the theodicy, and proposing revisions to eliminate the weaknesses. The resultant revised Creation-Order Theodicy provides for the salvation of all who would be saved and upholds the benevolence and sovereignty of God, while affirming the coexistence of gratuitous evil. This research employs an integrative theology methodology, drawing from multiple fields to construct a holistic resolution. Beginning with an examination of Little’s Creation-Order Theodicy and then to both historical and contemporary theodical theories, comparisons and contrasts are made to extract, or formulate, biblically and theologically sound doctrine. The contributory elements of both historical and contemporary theodical doctrine, in both original and revised formulations, are introduced back into the dialectic circle, effecting the revision of Little’s original Creation-Order Theodicy. Having theologically and systematically formulated revisions to the Creation Order Theodicy, the revisions are evaluated against theories of significant monotheistic theodicists and Little’s original Creation-Order Theodicy to determine if the revised theodicy better addresses soteriology in light of the coexistence of gratuitous evil with the benevolence and sovereignty of God. The resultant revised Creation-Order Theodicy provides sound biblical, theological and logical solutions to the weaknesses found in Little’s original Creation-Order Theodicy. Lastly, the contribution of the revised Creation-Order Theodicy to theology is examined and suggestions for further research are recommended.