Essay File: Recent submissions
Now showing items 3921-3940 of 4187
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The Use of Law and Gospel in Motivation for Christian Living
(1974)In this 1974 essay, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker explores how Lutheran educators can rightly apply Law and Gospel to motivate Christian living. He emphasizes the critical distinction between Law, which reveals sin and God’s ... -
The Mechanics of Member Visitation
(0000)Zarling presents a practical program and advice for member visitations. -
The Unloosing of Satan: an Essay on the Occult
(1981)In this 1981 essay, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker examines the rise of occult practices as evidence of Satan’s “little season” foretold in Revelation 20. He distinguishes between “occult” (hidden supernatural phenomena) and “cult” ... -
The Blessings of Fellowship
(1997)Philip E. Zarling’s essay outlines a practical framework for implementing a member visitation program within a congregation, emphasizing the spiritual value of personal contact and pastoral care. Using the acronym R.U.S.H. ... -
The Third Use of the Law
(1967)Prof. Becker writes about his growing fear of antinomianism making inroads among the Lutheran church. He sets this discussion in the background of Luther’s antinomian disputes with John Agricola before laying out some basic ... -
The Teacher's Approach to the Doctrine of Confession
(0000)In this essay, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker explores how Lutheran educators should approach the doctrine of confession and absolution in the classroom. He clarifies the Lutheran distinction from Roman Catholic penance, emphasizing ... -
The State of the Soul After Death
(1957)The great beyond is something about which we know precious little. The Lord in his wisdom has let many questions remain unanswered. When some try to answer those questions from reason trouble begins. Philosophers and ... -
The State of the Church in Respect to the Doctrine of Scripture
(0000)In this impassioned paper, Prof. Siegbert W. Becker defends the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture against rising skepticism within Lutheran circles. He critiques modern theological trends that question biblical ... -
The Role of Religion in a Lutheran High School in a Changing World
(1964)In this 1964 address, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker defends the central role of religion in Lutheran secondary education amid growing secularism and skepticism. He argues that religion must permeate not only the curriculum but ... -
The Place of Reason in Lutheran Theology
(0000)In this lecture, Siegbert W. Becker explores the nuanced role of reason in Lutheran theology, contrasting it with modern theological trends that either idolize or reject rational thought. While Lutheranism warns against ... -
The Occult
(0000)In this comprehensive five-part lecture series, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker examines the resurgence of occult practices in modern society from a biblical and pastoral perspective. He explores divination, magic and witchcraft, ... -
The Lord's Supper: Consecration and Moment
(1979)In this doctrinal essay, Siegbert W. Becker addresses the theological controversy surrounding the consecration and moment of the Real Presence in the Lord’s Supper. Emphasizing the primacy of Scripture over tradition or ... -
The Historical Development of Luther's Concept of Authority
(0000)This essay traces Martin Luther’s evolving view of religious authority, emphasizing his ultimate reliance on Scripture as the sole norm for Christian doctrine. Initially influenced by Occamism, which nominally upheld ... -
The Historical Critical Method of Bible Interpretation
(0000)Siegbert W. Becker critically examines the historical-critical method of biblical interpretation, arguing that it undermines the authority, inerrancy, and divine inspiration of Scripture. He contrasts this method with the ... -
The Epistemology of Soren Kierkegaard
(0000)In The Epistemology of Soren Kierkegaard, Siegbert W. Becker explores Kierkegaard’s philosophical and theological approach to religious knowledge, emphasizing his rejection of rationalism and embrace of paradox. Becker ... -
The Doctrine of the Word of God
(1966)In The Doctrine of the Word of God, Siegbert W. Becker defends the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture against modern theological trends, particularly neo-orthodoxy and liberalism. Delivered in 1966, the essay ... -
The Doctrine of the Resurrection of Jesus in the Writings of the Fathers of the Early Centuries of the Church
(0000)In The Doctrine of the Resurrection of Jesus in the Writings of the Fathers of the Early Centuries of the Church, Siegbert W. Becker surveys how early Christian writers treated the resurrection of Christ. He contrasts the ... -
The Doctrine of Confession and Its Application in the Work of a Christian Teacher
(1979)In The Doctrine of Confession and its Application in the Work of a Christian Teacher, Siegbert W. Becker explores the theological foundations and practical implications of confession and absolution, especially within ... -
The Doctrine of Confession and Absolution
(0000)In The Doctrine of Confession and Absolution, Siegbert W. Becker explores the theological and pastoral dimensions of the fifth chief part of Luther’s Small Catechism. He traces its historical development, clarifies the ... -
Understanding Alcoholism and Helping the Alcoholic
(1976)James C. Berger’s 1976 paper, presented to the Metro North Pastoral Conference, explores the complex nature of alcoholism from theological, psychological, and medical perspectives. Berger affirms that alcoholism is both a ...