Honors Theses

Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Philosophy and Religion

First Advisor

Sarah Moses

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This thesis explores the topic of spiritual warfare and compares the views of Southern Baptist and Charismatic Christians. For this thesis, the definition of spiritual warfare I am using is a cosmic and metaphysical struggle between God and His adversaries. What similarities and differences are present on this topic have implications for the ecumenical movement. These two denominations have been chosen for study due to their different historical backgrounds. VvTiile the Southern Baptist Convention emerged in the Civil War South in White churches, the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement emerged amongst and was led by African Americans. The methodologies I implemented for my research include research in textual material gathered from seminaries and minister interviews. I have interviewed seven ministers to gain a ministerial perspective on the topic. Through my research, this thesis demonstrates that both denominations view spiritual warfare through similar theological lenses. Two historically diverse denominations hold several common theological traits such as divine incarnation, the Doctrine of the Trinity, salvation, and divine pro\ idence. My findings have led to the conclusion that while differences were present between these two denominations, other shared beliefs unite them as Christians. By extension, though there are a diverse Christian traditions, there are underlying theological traits among these traditions so they can all be classified as Christian.

Accessibility Status

Searchable text

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.