Marriage of God, Mission of God: A Missiological Paradigm based on the Church as the Bride of Christ Bearing Seed and Producing Fruit
Date of Award
8-1-2008
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Practical Theology
First Advisor
Arthur Just
Abstract
This research was conducted to discover if a universal missiological paradigm has been, or can be developed from the entire biblical canon, as it is embedded in creation, in which, all of life displays the natural instinct to reproduce by "seeding-seed, and fruit- producing-fruit." Genesis 1: 11 contains the mandate to all creation and is applied as the cultural mandate to mankind in Genesis 1:28 with the first Adam. Genesis 1:28 is restated and re-interpreted by Christ, the Last Adam in the New Creation Covenant to the Church in Matthew 28:16-20. Thus, the Church, as Christ's bride, in union and communion with Him, as "seed-bearer" of the Word and "fruit-producer to the world, becomes the New Eve and life-giver to all creation in a sacramental/liturgical existence. Thus, the paradigm, "Marriage-Seed, Mission, Fruit" (M-S-M-F) and the motivation for dynamic missiological response.
The research focused primarily on modem missiological material from Christianity (Evangelical, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran) as well as the body of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Research also included the ecumenical Creeds and Lutheran Confessions.
Recommended Citation
Leach, Jr.; Leroy H., "Marriage of God, Mission of God: A Missiological Paradigm based on the Church as the Bride of Christ Bearing Seed and Producing Fruit" (2008). Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation. 17.
https://scholar.csl.edu/phd/17
Comments
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