Scholar's Corner
Being a scholar at heart (and now in profession), this page is dedicated to all the marvelous things I have had the privilege of learning over the years. Below are links to and descriptions of my fascinating research papers from a wide variety of seminary classes. Just click on the appropriate title to read a paper. You never know what you will learn (and for free!).
I was assigned this passage in a Greek Exegesis class and wondered what I could find of value in the passage of the bleeding woman. Little did I know that while writing it I would also begin to suffer from an undiagnosed and untreatable malady and need the healing hands of Jesus. Her faith has served as a challenge to me ever since.
This is a truly fascinating paper about the four titles of Jesus that Luke introduces in chapter 9 and uses again in a powerfully ironic way in the passion narrative. See for yourself all the parallels between chs. 8-10 and 22-23!
I was assigned to exegete this passage and I groaned - a passage on slaves?? What kind of insight can come from that?! Well, I was roundly surprised, and you will be too! (duh! EVERY scripture is useful!) This is an exegetical paper, so it's a bit technical and includes a lot of Greek words, but it's still worth the read!
My first seminary paper and one of my first (and not last!) experiences of having my pre-paper assumptions challenged and changed by my research. This is a passage that has always interested me in a book that is my favorite--a masterpiece of brilliant rhetoric, glimmering promises, strong exhortations, and lavish worship.
An exegetical paper for a Greek Exegesis II class on 1 Peter. This in-depth study of the theology of 1:3-12 proved to be both a refreshment to my spirit and a challenge to my rather rusty Greek skills! (Warning: lots of Greek!)
Revelation was my least favorite book in the Bible because I was so jaded by current speculative end-time arguments. Then I discovered the incredible power and beauty of this book when it is stripped of the paradigms we've forced upon it. This paper, though written when I was very ill, was a joy to write, and it captures the true message of Revelation: a call for persevering faithfulness to Christ!
This is a truly fascinating paper about the four titles of Jesus that Luke introduces in chapter 9 and uses again in a powerfully ironic way in the passion narrative. See for yourself all the parallels between chs. 8-10 and 22-23!
I was assigned to exegete this passage and I groaned - a passage on slaves?? What kind of insight can come from that?! Well, I was roundly surprised, and you will be too! (duh! EVERY scripture is useful!) This is an exegetical paper, so it's a bit technical and includes a lot of Greek words, but it's still worth the read!
My first seminary paper and one of my first (and not last!) experiences of having my pre-paper assumptions challenged and changed by my research. This is a passage that has always interested me in a book that is my favorite--a masterpiece of brilliant rhetoric, glimmering promises, strong exhortations, and lavish worship.
An exegetical paper for a Greek Exegesis II class on 1 Peter. This in-depth study of the theology of 1:3-12 proved to be both a refreshment to my spirit and a challenge to my rather rusty Greek skills! (Warning: lots of Greek!)
Revelation was my least favorite book in the Bible because I was so jaded by current speculative end-time arguments. Then I discovered the incredible power and beauty of this book when it is stripped of the paradigms we've forced upon it. This paper, though written when I was very ill, was a joy to write, and it captures the true message of Revelation: a call for persevering faithfulness to Christ!
I have always struggled with the seemingly barbaric and lenient Mosaic laws dealing with crimes against women, so I decided to compare them with similar ANE laws (like that of Hammurabi) to test William Webb's theory of a "redemptive movement" from the pagan culture to the Mosaic laws to the new covenant under Jesus. I did gain a new appreciation for the Mosaic laws in comparison to the surrounding cultures, but I am disatisfied with the way my paper turned out - I leaned dangerously toward standing in judgment of the scriptures. (I was also very ill at the time and just had to hand it in without polishing!)
Isaiah was my fav OT book before I took the class, but now it totally rocks my world. This was a fun paper to write, as I explored "kingship" in Isaiah, and how he portrays Yahweh as the ultimate and perfect Suzerein-King, Warrior-King, and Righteous King in contrast to those pathetic humans who claim these titles but fall miserably short. Hail, Yahweh!
I read 3,000 pages of second temple (between the OT and NT) literature - a fascinating period that should be mandatory reading for anyone wishing to understand the NT context. I was curious how the ideological and theological leap was made from animal sacrifices alone being acceptable for human atonement to the easy acceptance of the vicarious nature of Jesus' human sacrifice. Read this to find out how!
Isaiah was my fav OT book before I took the class, but now it totally rocks my world. This was a fun paper to write, as I explored "kingship" in Isaiah, and how he portrays Yahweh as the ultimate and perfect Suzerein-King, Warrior-King, and Righteous King in contrast to those pathetic humans who claim these titles but fall miserably short. Hail, Yahweh!
I read 3,000 pages of second temple (between the OT and NT) literature - a fascinating period that should be mandatory reading for anyone wishing to understand the NT context. I was curious how the ideological and theological leap was made from animal sacrifices alone being acceptable for human atonement to the easy acceptance of the vicarious nature of Jesus' human sacrifice. Read this to find out how!
Biblical / Exegetical Papers: New Testament
Biblical / Exegetical Papers: Old Testament
Historical Theology Papers
Up to this date, this is the most earth-shaking paper I have ever researched. After years of wrenching suffering from the hiddennes of the God I love and serve, I have found a pilgrim partner in a man who lived 500 years ago - Martin Luther. His reasons for experiencing God as hidden is both a balm and a challenge that I have not found elsewhere among theologians, mystics or counselors. I wanted to do my thesis on him but it didn't fit my program! Please read this paper - if just for the sake of those saints who, of no sin of their own, are suffering under the mysterious silence of God.
John Wesley believed that a Christian could receive instant sanctification by faith just as justification is received, though how and when it is received is up to God. When this doctrine was influenced by American revivalism (especially by Finney), it was believed to be instantly available to anyone who chooses to surender in faith. The Anglican Keswick Convention in England made a few more modifications, some good, some bad, but its teachings of total surrender to Christ for holy living made an enormous impact in early 20th century missions, devotional literature, and hymns, and bore fruit in ways we never see now in our self-absorbed Christian culture.
My final seminary paper! In my Patristic Fathers course I was most interested in the post-apostolic age (c. 90-150 A.D.) as it forms the bridge between the New Testament period and established Christianity. I was also interested in how their understanding of salvation and post-baptismal sin affected their practice of discipline within the church. It is enlightening and, I think, informative to the once-saved-always-saved vs. salvation-can-be-rejected debate.
John Wesley believed that a Christian could receive instant sanctification by faith just as justification is received, though how and when it is received is up to God. When this doctrine was influenced by American revivalism (especially by Finney), it was believed to be instantly available to anyone who chooses to surender in faith. The Anglican Keswick Convention in England made a few more modifications, some good, some bad, but its teachings of total surrender to Christ for holy living made an enormous impact in early 20th century missions, devotional literature, and hymns, and bore fruit in ways we never see now in our self-absorbed Christian culture.
My final seminary paper! In my Patristic Fathers course I was most interested in the post-apostolic age (c. 90-150 A.D.) as it forms the bridge between the New Testament period and established Christianity. I was also interested in how their understanding of salvation and post-baptismal sin affected their practice of discipline within the church. It is enlightening and, I think, informative to the once-saved-always-saved vs. salvation-can-be-rejected debate.
Miscellaneous Papers
This paper was an assignment for my Pauline Epistles course and was written after months (and years) of research, thought, and prayer. It is certainly relevant for my career choice! The specifics of my position are not solidified, and have even changed a bit since writing this paper. I hope it does, as I pray God will mold my thinking to where it needs to be. Until then, here is my present position on this tortuous topic.
(Yeah, I know - dumb title. But you get desperate around deadlines. :) This is one of the hardest papers I've had to write. I personally love Captivating as it uses my language to convey a powerful message. Putting that fondness aside to critique their use of scripture was very difficult, and the Eldredges didn't do a very good job. I still feel most messages in it are theologically sound, but they used the wrong passages for support.
This paper was the result of my college internship of intense research and a summer trip to Ghana with Wycliffe Bible Translators. It is an incredibly powerful tool for missions that is growing rapidly. Because of my passion for ethnic musical instruments I even checked into ethnodoxology (its missionary branch) as a career, but decided academics were more where my interests and giftings lay. It still excites me, though, and I hope it interests you too! (For more info, check out the next page!)
(Yeah, I know - dumb title. But you get desperate around deadlines. :) This is one of the hardest papers I've had to write. I personally love Captivating as it uses my language to convey a powerful message. Putting that fondness aside to critique their use of scripture was very difficult, and the Eldredges didn't do a very good job. I still feel most messages in it are theologically sound, but they used the wrong passages for support.
This paper was the result of my college internship of intense research and a summer trip to Ghana with Wycliffe Bible Translators. It is an incredibly powerful tool for missions that is growing rapidly. Because of my passion for ethnic musical instruments I even checked into ethnodoxology (its missionary branch) as a career, but decided academics were more where my interests and giftings lay. It still excites me, though, and I hope it interests you too! (For more info, check out the next page!)
For security purposes I won't post my CV here, but if you would like to view it, just send me an email by clicking on the link below. I am seeking teaching opportunities at Bible Colleges (modular, adjunct, associate), anytime, anywhere. Teaching the Bible is where my passions, my gifts, and my training all come together to further the Kingdom of God - I LOVE to teach! If you know of any such opportunities, please pass them along!
Copyright © 2011 Laura Welker. All Rights Reserved.
