Author

Falon Opsahl

Abstract

This thesis argues that God calls the church to approach ecclesial ethics with an eschatological orientation. Jesus' inauguration of the reign of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit places a responsibility on the church to embody God's renewal of creation. This responsibility is carried out fundamentally through transformed relationships that reflect God's reign rather than the corrupted hierarchies of the old order. Five principles outline how an eschatological orientation to ethics can function practically: proclamation of hop, affirmation of unconditional personhood, response to injustice through service, reconciliation for the sake of unity, and exemplification of the new social order. When we apply these principles to male-female relations, the transformed relationships between men and women in the church entail mutual partnership, service, and love.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (MA) -- Religion; Man-woman relationships -- Religious aspects -- Christianity; Eschatology; Ethics -- Religious aspects -- Christianity

Date of Award

2018

School Affiliation

Seaver College

Department/Program

Religion

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Masters

Faculty Advisor

Highfield, Ronald;

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