Date
4-2017
Department
School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Chair
Edward L Smither
Keywords
Apostles' CreedChurch Father, Church History, Creeds, Nicene Creed, Theology
Disciplines
Christianity | Other Religion | Practical Theology | Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Recommended Citation
Moore, Mark, "Early Creedal Formulations & Theological Discourse: Toward a Systematic Understanding of Theology Via the Creedal Process" (2017). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 1431.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/1431
Abstract
Theology is a grand conversation, a dialogue of past and present voices. It is an open and free dialogue yet it is also guided by clear identity markers. This study examines the function of early creedal formulations as essential identity markers in theological discourse with the goal of constructing an approach to systematic theology that mirrors the creedal process. This approach, which is called the Essential Identity Markers model or simply EIM, first identifies and articulates the essential identity markers of a given theological category, and by doing so defines the proper parameters for theological discourse while allowing such discourse to develop and expand within the articulated identity markers. The EIM model developed in this study will better help new generations engage in the grand and unfolding conversation of theology while also affirming the great tradition passed down through previous affirmations of the church.
Included in
Christianity Commons, Other Religion Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
