D. Nathan Phinney

Bio: D. Nathan Phinney is an academic researcher from Malone University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Biblical studies & Old Testament. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 37 citations.

Bound for the Kingdom: The Land Promise in God's Redemptive Plan

Abstract: BOUND FOR THE KINGDOM: THE LAND PROMISE IN GOD’S REDEMPTIVE PLAN Oren Rhea Martin, Ph.D. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2013 Chair: Dr. Bruce A. Ware Chapter 1 introduces the thesis, states the purpose, and defines the dissertation’s specific goals. Attention is then given to a summary of research before a closing section presents the methodology that is used: a historical-exegetical, epochal, and canonical-eschatological approach to biblical interpretation and theological formulation. Chapter 2 provides the biblical-theological framework from which a theology of land can be canonically understood. More specifically, the framework for understanding the place, or land, of God’s people is the kingdom. God’s kingdom commences in Eden, and after the fall of mankind into sin God’s kingdom will come through his divinely-initiated covenants with his people. In the end, God will once again create a place—a new heaven and a new earth—for his people through the fulfillment of his covenant promises in Christ, who wins the new creation and reigns in his kingdom forever. Working out of this framework, the next two chapters trace the theme of land as it progressively unfolds across the canon. To begin, chapter 3 connects the promise of land to Abraham to the preceding events in Genesis 1-11. Then, the promise of land within the Abrahamic covenant is evaluated, which is followed by partial fulfillments through Israel’s history under leaders such as Joshua, David, and Solomon. However, each stage of fulfillment is not final, for every fulfillment is followed by covenant failure. Instead, each fulfillment and failure anticipates something greater, which the canonical prophets proclaim. What begins in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New. Chapter 4, then, demonstrates the inaugurated fulfillment of the kingdom with the coming of Christ and his work. That is, the blessings of the land come now to those who are united to Christ by faith and they await their future, final fulfillment in the new creation. Thus, the fulfillment of the land in the New Testament is inaugurated but not yet consummated. Finally, chapter 5 summarizes and concludes the overall argument of this dissertation. The argument is then evaluated in light of the two dominant theological systems today, namely, dispensationalism and covenant theology. VITA Oren Rhea Martin EDUCATIONAL Diploma, J. Frank Dobie High School, Houston, Texas, 1993 B. A., University of Houston, 2000 M. Div., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2007 MINISTERIAL College Minister, Central Baptist Church, College Station, Texas, 20012004 Pastor, Clifton Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky, 2010ACADEMIC Instructor of Theology, Boyce College, 2012Teaching and Research Fellow, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2005ORGANIZATIONAL Evangelical Theological Society

Welcoming Africa’s children – Theological and ministry perspectives

Abstract: The purpose of this book is to combine perspectives of scholars from Africa on Child Theology from a variety of theological sub-disciplines to provide some theological and ministerial perspectives on this topic. The book disseminates original research and new developments in this study field, especially as relevant to the African context. In the process it addresses also the global need to hear voices from Africa in this academic field. It aims to convey the importance of considering Africa’s children in theologising. The different chapters represent diverse methodologies, but the central and common focus is to approach the subject from the viewpoint of Africa’s children. The individual authors’ varied theological sub-disciplinary dispositions contribute to the unique and distinct character of the book. Almost all chapters are theoretical orientated with less empirical but more qualitative research, although some of the chapters refer to empirical research that the authors have performed in the past. Most of the academic literature in the field of Child Theologies is from American or British-European origin. The African context is fairly absent in this discourse, although it is the youngest continent and presents unique and relevant challenges. This book was written by theological scholars from Africa, focussing on Africa’s children. It addresses not only theoretical challenges in this field but also provides theological perspectives for ministry with children and for important social change. Written from a variety of theological sub-disciplines, the book is aimed at scholars across theological sub-disciplines, especially those theological scholars interested in the intersections between theology, childhood studies and African cultural or social themes. It addresses themes and provides insights that are also relevant for specialist leaders and professionals in this field. No part of the book was plagiarised from another publication or published elsewhere.

The relationality of the Holy One of Israel in the book of Isaiah

Abstract: The Relationality of the Holy One of Israel in the Book of Isaiah This dissertation explores the ways that “the Holy One of Israel” is used in the book of Isaiah to depict Yahweh, the powerful and unapproachable God, in his personal relationship with Israel. It investigates the actions and character of Yahweh as the Holy One of Israel and the nature and purpose of Yahweh’s holiness as reflected in the Holy One of Israel’s treatment of Israel. It considers how Yahweh seeks to manifest his holiness in the midst of rebellion through righteous actions. In particular, it examines how the Holy One of Israel rebukes, redeems, and restores Israel, despite her rebellious disposition and actions. This research affirms that Israel’s relationship with the Holy One is not contrived, but comes out of a genuine experience, as evidenced by Yahweh’s desire to empower Israel to live righteously. When God and his people act righteously, the Holy One has manifested his holiness. This thesis demonstrates that the Holy One of Israel is a relational God who has the spiritual and sanctifying power to transform unrighteous people to live righteously. Therefore, the prophet Isaiah calls Israel to return to the Holy One of Israel who, though he rebukes his people, does so in order to restore them, and transform them into “oaks of righteousness” (Isa 61:3). Thus the Isaianic use of the special epithet reminds Israel of the immanence of Yahweh who belongs to Israel, and it connotes: “the Holy One of Israel, the powerful righteous redeemer is with you.” DISSERTATION APPROVAL SHEET This dissertation, entitled The Relationality of the Holy One of Israel in the Book of Isaiah written by Tony Tung-Kan Chen and submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy has been read and approved by the undersigned members of the Faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary ________________________________ Dr. John N. Oswalt, Mentor ________________________________ Dr. Bill T. Arnold, Reader ________________________________ Dr. Michael D. Matlock, Examiner

Preaching the Book of Exodus: Developing Servants, Missionaries and Worshippers

Abstract: PREACHING THE BOOK OF EXODUS: DEVELOPING SERVANTS, MISSIONARIES AND WORSHIPPERS Brent Lawrence Dunbar, D.Min. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2017 Faculty Supervisor: Dr. T. J. Betts The primary purpose of this project was to provide eight examples of biblicaltheological sermon manuscripts on key texts from the Old Testament book of Exodus. The opening chapter of the project includes (1) a brief discussion of the nature, purpose, and necessity of biblical theology; (2) a description of how the discipline of biblical theology can be applied to the book of Exodus; (3) a demonstration of familiarity with literature on the book of Exodus; and (4) overviews of the texts chosen for the sermon manuscripts. Chapters 2 through 9 are the sermon manuscripts, which demonstrate employment of the discipline of biblical theology. Chapter 10 is a brief epilogue recapping the focus and aims of the project.

The construction of exodus identity in the texts of ancient Israel : a social identity approach

Abstract: In response to the scarcity of biblical scholarship analysing the function of the Hebrew Bible?s exodus stories as persuasive communication, this dissertation investigates how these mnemonically dense stories were capable of creating and maintaining a long-term collective identity for ancient Israel. A narrative approach is selected in keeping with this intent, and the primary exodus story (Exod 1:1?15:21) and the 18 retold exodus stories found in the Hebrew Bible are identified as the focus of research. Since the tools used for analysing the narratives of non-fictional peoples need not be limited to those used for analysing literary fiction, a methodological tool?based on the principles of the social identity approach (SIA)?is developed and outlined to assist in exposing identity construction at a rhetorical level. Using the SIA heuristic tool, rhetorical formulations of identity?cognitive, evaluative, emotional, behavioural and temporal?like those occurring in face-to-face relationships, are identified in the exodus stories. These formulations make certain identity claims upon their hearers. A shared experience of oppression and deliverance is represented as the significant feature defining group membership in Israel. The literary portrayal of nine of the eighteen retold exodus stories in a setting just after the death of the adult exodus generation, asserts the importance of the appropriation of the story by a purportedly new generation. Likewise, exodus narratives with a literary setting in every major socio-cultural transition in Israel?s larger story portray Israel?s rehearsal of and participation in exodus as central and essential to her ongoing collective identity. Possible social identities offered to Israel include the temporal expansion of this ingroup based on the retelling and reappropriation of exodus and the ?othering? of Israel based on non-compliance. Pre-exodus narratives are noted to have been shaped so as to include the patriarchs in ?the people whom God brought out of Egypt.? Plurivocal retold exodus stories also reflects the recasting of narratives to fit identities so that, anachronistically, post-exodus members may also be included in ?the people whom God brought out of Egypt.? This points to the revision and reuse of exodus narratives rather than to their unilinear development. Apart from any speculation on the historical motives of their producers, the identity-forming potential of exodus narratives characterized by the well-established, recognizable language of social identity is identified. The newly developed heuristic tool used in this analysis is its most significant contribution. It makes visible the nascent social identity language and concepts implicitly noted by prior scholarship, places them within the larger validating theoretical framework of the SIA and systematically identifies the specific persuasive elements and integrating qualities of exodus narratives.