Doctoral Degrees (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology) by Author "Campbell, Sheldon"

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    Calvinistic baptists in Jamaica? : a historical-theological study of the relationship between the theology and work of five pioneering missionaries in Jamaica
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-03-04) Campbell, Sheldon; Muller, Retief; Forster, Dion Angus; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept of Systematical Theology and Ecclesiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines the theology and work of five Baptist missionaries (George Liele, John Rowe, William Knibb, Thomas Burchell, and James M. Phillippo) who came to Jamaica during the 18th and 19th century. It purports that there has not been any previous collective study of Calvinistic Baptist missions from 1782 to 1879 in Jamaica. Furthermore, it argues that these men’s theology was largely influenced by Calvinistic theology, which they affirmed and that this in part was responsible for the resilience they had despite the many challenges and trials they had in Jamaica. To test the validity of his claim, the author examines each of the five men’s lives, including their birth, family of origin, education, teachings, speeches, publications, work, character and death. Additionally, he discusses the origin, history, and theology of Calvinistic Baptists to examine how widespread it was during the late eighteenth and late nineteenth century to demonstrate the likelihood that all five men held to this view. He also analyses if they affirmed God’s sovereignty and providence through Arminian, Calvinist, General Baptist and Particular Baptist confessions to locate where they were theologically. This analysis seeks to ascertain whether their views were more in keeping with Calvinism to deduce if they were Particular Baptists or not. Thus, he surveys if they affirmed God’s providence in salvation through Arminian, Calvinist, General Baptist and Particular Baptist confessions and the acronym TULIP (total depravity, unlimited election, limited atonement, irresistible grace and the perseverance of the saints) for each of the four confessions. The reason for this approach is that the Calvinistic doctrines which are usually more emphasised or distinguishable in the lives of believers would be in terms of how they view God’s sovereignty, providence and God’s providence in salvation (namely through the acronym TULIP). The author also highlights the positive impact that these five Baptist missionaries made in missions, education, health care, social and economic development and character development too, and partially attributes it to their Calvinistic convictions. Finally, he argues that learning Church History has many advantages. For instance, it can help Christians to avoid mistakes in the past (such as being suspicious of Calvinism). Also, it can assist in informing denominations which unintentionally excluded important areas of their history regarding their origins and the reasons why they did what they did in the past and how that knowledge may benefit them going forward.